Woznow.co.uk - Shop The Sales From The Comfort Of Your Sofa

You may remember a while back I wrote about a great new online shopping mall, Octer.  It's an online portal which allows you to browse and shop your favourite retailers whilst being able to compare and contrast the things you want.

My physical shopping trips usually involve a hefty amount and to-ing and fro-ing the length and breadth of Cardiff's shopping centres which, if you have the time and energy, is a very pleasurable pursuit.

Usually though I've got the Husband and kids in tow and the boys do not do shopping.  In fact Ieuan's idea of pergutory is the Pandora shop (which Caitlin and I love) and he'll flounce out and sit like a grumpy pixie on the floor outside the display window.

You don't need that on a Saturday do you?  So, particularly where Christmas shopping is concerned, I, like many parents have been doing it mostly online.

Now I'm very fond of saving money and whilst most retailers have a 'sale section', wouldn't it be great to be able to compare those sale bargains side by side online too?

Good news.  There is now a new site very similar to Octer which does just that called WozNow (www.woznow.co.uk) and it's updated almost daily with the newest bargains.

WozNow guarantees that all its sale prices are real sale prices and that every product has been previously listed at a higher price on the retailer's website. They are setting themselves apart from "discount retailers" who have never-ending sale prices.

WozNow allows you to search by category (e.g. Women, Men, Kids), department or store and then to drill down further within each of these to find exactly what you're looking for.

You can check size and stock availability without running around from store to store.  (I've lost track of the times we've had to hike from one Clarks Shoe Shop to another in the quest for a particular shoe in the kids' size).

So for example, clicking on jeans gives you the choice of skinny fit, straight leg, wide leg, tailored etc.  Clicking on Shoes & Boots gives you a choice of Casual Flat, Smart Flat, Heels and so on.

Once you have found your item, clicking on the link takes you direct to the retailer's site which happily opens in a new window so that you can not clicking back and forth on your browser back button.

Then you simply check out via the retailer's site in the normal manner.



WozNow is incredibly easy to use, up-to-date and rather addictive.  If there is a downside to it I'd say that it becomes fiddly if you want to use cash back or voucher code sites to save more money.

You would have to make a note of the item and then enter the retailer's site via Topcashback (or whoever) instead.

That said, generally the cash back and voucher offers I have come across are not usually useable on sale stock so this may be a bit of a red herring.

You do have to be quite quick off the mark too as lots of the bargains I had my eye on were already out of stock when I clicked through to the retailer.  Those bargains are vanishing as quickly as the site updates! For that reason, avid shoppers should visit the site often.

I'm afraid I did succumb and bought this fluffy faux fur coat from ASOS.  You can never have too much faux fur, can you?

Barney's Originals Ombre Faux Fur Coat From Asos £58 reduced from £95

I'll be checking back in the lull over Christmas to see what other bargains have appeared.  Just think - no endless queuing for the car park, no overheated shops and no stropping from Ieuan outside Pandora.

Much less "Oh what now!!!" and more "WozNow".

Bliss.

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Office Party Chic

Office Party Chic by lindahobbis featuring caged shoes

Etro caged shoes
£500 - luisaviaroma.com

Aspinal of London chain handle handbag
harrods.com

Kate Spade watch
£155 - katespade.com

Earring jewelry
tattydevine.com

John Lewis rose gold jewellery
johnlewis.com

Elouise Silver Satin Maxi Dress - REISS
reiss.com

Eliza J Fit & flare dress with jersey top and lace skirt Black & Brown...
houseoffraser.co.uk

seastone sparkle cocktail ring - kate spade new york
katespade.co.uk

Tinsel Half Sleeve Shift Dress | M&S
marksandspencer.com

JOANNA HOPE Lace Dress | J D Williams
jdwilliams.co.uk

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Making The Most Of Christmas With Fun Family Festivities

Christmas can be one of the most joyful times of the year. However, it can also be one of the most stressful times. There’s so much pressure to buy the right gifts, cook the perfect meal and be the perfect hostess.

Image credit: Pexels

All of this is hard to live up to, so we go into overdrive and a frenzy of Christmas shopping and preparations. The flipside of this is that some of the magic of the season is lost.

Don’t spend the rest of the run-up and the holiday itself in a state of panic. Stop for a moment, take stock and remember the important things about this time of year.

If you’re still dashing around trying to find gifts, let the internet take some of the strain. Many online shops deliver right up to Christmas Eve. Shops like Who's It For? provide a range of gifts categorised into recipients, to make it even easier. This will free you up to make the most of the festivities before the New Year begins.

1. Visit The Christmas Markets

Take the whole family and visit the Christmas markets. Many large towns host these now, and stallholders from Europe travel miles to sell their wares. You don’t have to buy lots of stuff. It’s enough to soak up the sights, sounds, and wonderful smells. Try a cup of mulled wine, or hot chocolate if you’re driving. Sample some of the European delights.

2. Christmas Films

Make the wrapping a little less dull by watching a Christmas film. Pick up a copy of the Radio Times and take a look at what’s coming up. Or, find some festive films on Netflix.

Image credit: Unsplash

3. Carol Concert

Check your local newspaper listings for carol concerts in your area. It’s a heartwarming event for the whole family and if this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will.

4. Give Something Back

Do you have any neighbours who you suspect may be spending Christmas alone? Make sure you call in and take them a little something. It needn’t be an expensive gift, just something to show you’re thinking of them. If you can, invite them to your home to spend some time with your family. Or, find community events that they can join.

If you have time, offer to volunteer with a local charity. Many of them need extra help at this time of year.

Image credit: Pexels

5. Bake Off

The Christmas Day meal can sometimes be a bit of a frantic affair. There’s so much to do, and everything has to be timed. But prior to this, a little seasonal baking can be fun and is something you can do with the kids. Plus, it provides you with something to offer visitors.

6. Christmas Crafting

When the kids have broken up from school, and you’re at a loss as to what to do with them, try an afternoon of crafting. Take out the glitter, glue, and paints and make some Christmas pictures or decorations. You can find lots of kid-friendly projects online.

In all the hurry and last minute preparations, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas. Recapture some of that childhood wonder and magic by setting time aside for some festive fun.

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My Problem Page - What Was I Asked In Week 50?

This week I'm talking about how often you should text, how to talk about commitment and respecting yourself in a relationship.

If you would like any advice, feel free to message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here's this week's questions.

Q: There's this girl at work who is giving mixed signals, what could this mean?

I've seen the tell-tale signs of flirting in clusters. '’Duchenne'smiles just to see me. Her baseline behaviour changes around me. However, she's already said she wants to focus on her work as she's new to the company. She was quick to say yes to a coffee & give me her number but backtracked afterwards.

A: The trouble with flirting is that it is approval seeking behaviour and does not always indicate romantic interest. 

When we start a new job, we surely do everything we can to fit in and not threaten the existing status quo. 

You do sound very intense and I wonder if she is finding your interest a little too full on since she has only just started the job. 

Yes she did accept a coffee and gave you her number. Sometimes we don’t know how to extricate ourselves from a situation and want to be seen as being nice. 

The fact that she has told you she wants to concentrate on her work is a clear sign that she isn’t really interested - at the moment. 

All you can do is back off a bit, stay friendly, say “hi, how’s it going” and see how she responds. But she will notice if you keep focusing on her body language and staring at her - and that may well put her off completely. 

Give her time to settle into her new role.

Q: Is it possible to like someone so much that you can't stare into their eyes or text them?

A: I think you can be so shy that you can’t stare into their eyes but I’m not so sure about texting.

I can’t think of many occasions when you would actually stare at someone though. Flirting involves lots of sly glances and looking away when eye contact is made. 

Texting is pretty safe, isn’t it? You can risk rejection without having to be present. 

If you are asking whether someone is interested, check their general body language. I think if they like you, they’ll give themselves away and, eventually, do something to strike up a conversation or get to know the object of their affection - you! 

If you really like someone you’ll do anything to stay in their presence. 

It’s also possible of course that they’re not really interested if they avoid contact in all forms. 

Avoiding eye contact and texting aren’t proof of anything I’m afraid.

Q: How do I respect myself in a relationship?

I'm a very giving person. I do have boundary issues and often myself in a situation when I'm being taken for granted. I don't like being alone at all.

A: I sometimes think that “boundary issues” is shorthand for “needy” and whilst there’s no shame in admitting that you need company (as we all do), many people will find this deeply off-putting and react by taking advantage. 

Concentrate on yourself and work out what makes you happy. 

Practise setting boundaries whilst you are on your own - for example, expect please and thank you from people, speak up if you are ignored, don’t let yourself be pushed to the back of the queue. 

Start small and go from there and gradually ease yourself into a relationship. 

Ask yourself often - am I happy? Am I respected? Am I listened to? You don’t have to settle. 

There’s billions of people on the planet so odds are there’s at least one who’s right for you and will treat you as you deserve. 

Just remember though that we teach people how to treat us. It all starts with you - not them.

Q: Are women more attracted to the way a man makes them feel above anything else?

A: In many ways yes, but it works for men too. 

Relationships are a bit like mirrors - what we give out we get back and I think people leave because the way they feel has changed. 

But if you’re saying will a woman be attracted to a man because he charms her, compliments her and generally smooth talks her, I’d say possibly but that’s no guarantee she’ll stick around. 

Shakespeare once referred to compliments as “sweet breath” and that’s about it if there’s no substance to the relationship. 

Rather than rely on the gift of the gab, you need to have faith and confidence in your own attractiveness and just be yourself - without all the hot air.

Q: How many times should I call or text my girlfriend? 

I've always had this problem.  How many times should I call my girlfriend! How many hours (max or min) should be between text or calls?! Or should I always be the first to text or call in a day? Or how much should I expect her to call or text me? In the beginning of relationship or in a committed one!

A: The honest answer is: it depends. 

And if you don’t know the answer then you need to spend more time actually talking to your girlfriend face to face. 

You can’t have a relationship, at least not a meaningful one, via text. 

Some girls will like a daily call or text. Others would think you are a stalker and feel hemmed in.

There are no rules. There’s no magic formula that will make a girl stay with you if you call or text the right number of times. 

The real issue here is whether or not you are brave enough to tell her how you feel and whether you know her well enough to understand how you will get that point across. 

And I’ll bet texting ain’t it.

Q: How do I handle my boyfriend’s hesitation to commit to our relationship?

He is amazing, loving, caring and goes out of his way to make me smile. This sometimes makes me feel guilty, since he does all these things but I can't get past the nagging thought that he can't commit. He does want to but can't because he's from a close-knit community that wouldn't accept me. Help?

A: You don’t say how long you’ve been together so if it’s not long, your boyfriend is probably not ready to commit. 

I think the point about the ‘close knit community’ is a red herring - because if someone really wants to be with you they’ll move heaven and earth to do so. To be honest it sounds like an excuse. 

I’m not sure why you feel guilty because you say he tries to make you smile and is loving and caring. 

Surely that is the behaviour you’d expect in a good relationship? Do you do the same for him? That’s the way you’ll get him to commit. Not by nagging him about it. 

It sounds like you have already discussed this but if it’s really bugging you I’d raise the issue again and say you want to understand where the relationship is going. 

But, be aware that if you put too much pressure on, the answer to that question might be ‘nowhere’.

How would you have responded to these questions? I'd love to know. You can find more advice on my problem page.

Disclaimer: All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

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Let's Get Cosy

Let's Get Cosy by lindahobbis featuring UGG

Sweater
bagheeraboutique.com

Frye over-knee boots
£420 - shopbop.com

UGG boots
£295 - luisaviaroma.com

Radley handbags tote
very.co.uk

Scarve
farfetch.com

Accessorize beanie cap
£26 - accessorize.com

PALE ASH NO. 12 PAINT
designersguild.com

Helen Moore Faux Fur Treacle Huff - Trouva
trouva.com

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Review: Howick Junior Kids Clothes at House of Fraser

Since Caitlin had some new clothes for her birthday in November, Ieuan has been worrying about his 'look'.  Convinced he is the new Derek Zoolander I am under strict instructions to find him something 'cool' to wear and happily House of Fraser has stepped in to help out.

Howick Junior is just one of a number of designer brands at House of Fraser with great clothing for kids.  (You can also find Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein for example).

Ieuan chose the Howick Junior Quilted Pique Polo (now £13 reduced from £22) and the Howick Junior Padded Boys Gilet (now £21 reduced from £35).

I particularly liked the detailing on both garments which are very well made.

Ieuan is tall and can take an age 8-9 or even a 9-10 in some brands but both these were in age 7-8 and fitted him perfectly.

The length of the polo shirt is good too - nothing worse than a top which gets no further than the waistband of the trousers!

The gilet is nicely padded with a bright lining and two pockets to keep hands warm.  It has a zip and studs.  Again, the length is good.

If you're looking for kids' clothes for Christmas you can find some great savings now.  There's free delivery when you spend over £50 or you can order up to 6 pm for free buy and collect next day.

We are lucky as we live just outside Cardiff which has a large House of Fraser store.

In fact I worked there for two years many moons ago but that's another story ......

For more information on the Howick Junior Kids Range go to www. houseoffraser.co.uk.

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7 Ways to Make Your Christmas Budget Go Further With Voucher Codes

Having saving diligently all year using the Skint Dad 52 Week Saving Challenge, it's with mild horror that we are finding our Christmas fund really hasn't gone very far at all.

It's difficult to know how much is enough and then we did not factor in the cost of late Autumn birthdays.  Caitlin is in November, my nieces in December and January and my nephew in December too!

This is without buying anything for the Husband or anything particularly luxurious for Christmas dinner.  I've made the cake this year (thank you Mary Berry) and will be making Jamie's Christmas Pudding next week.

So without going mad, it's time to look at ways to save on our Christmas shopping and voucher codes are a very good way of doing this.

Do you remember to check whether there is a live voucher code every time before you buy online? You should, not least because codes change so quickly and it's easy to miss a great offer.

Caitlin has had some new clothes for her birthday but now Ieuan has announced he wants to look 'cool' so project 'update Mr Ieuan' is in progress.  He did ask me for a tattoo yesterday at which I draw the line and I have explained that sunglasses at the school Christmas party might look a bit odd.

Both Caitlin and Ieuan are growing so fast that their wardrobes need a regular sort through. When they were babies I used to bid for clothing bundles on Ebay but now they are older (and more fashion conscious), I can't get away with it like I could.

So I tend to rely on merchant voucher codes for major high street retailers such as Gap at www.myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk/gap-voucher-codes, making sure I use the link on the vouchercode website to enter the retailer's site.

Here are 7 other ways to maximise your Christmas budget with voucher codes.

* Visit your favourite retailer websites and compile a wish-list of items you would like - that way it's easier to check whether or not they are on sale.

* If possible, make a note of the starting dates of the sales in your diary or Google calendar. There is often plenty of notice.  

* If you don't mind filling up your in-box, signing up to newsletters will often give you advance warning of forthcoming sales.

* Have an up-to-date list of the kids' measurements - height, chest, waist, hip, leg length, shoe size etc.  I can never remember Caitlin and Ieuan's.  Come to that, I'm not entirely sure of the Husband's!

* Keep a list of the size your child takes in each retailer an whether that varies.  For example, Caitlin can be a 9-10 for tops and a 7-8 for bottoms in some stores.

* Make sure you've signed up for any loyalty schemes the retailer offers to make the most of any bonus points.  Generally you can't use any other discount when you use a voucher code but you could always use them later.

* Lots of retailers allow you to specify a safe place for delivery in case you are not at home when the courier or postman arrives.  Make sure you've filled this in and perhaps agree to help out a neighbour on a reciprocal basis.

With a bit of careful research and keeping your eye on those bargains, it's possible to make your Christmas budget go a lot further.

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