THE SHOPPING THREAD :-)

[Nikkit]

I dropped off several bags of unwanted goodies to the Salvos yesterday and just had to go inside and have a look and then just had to buy 2 "new" cookbooks...
I need them like a hole in the head, but who could resist?
The Donna Hay book was $5 (still had the original price tag on it - $45!!)
The Slow Food book was $2

Last of the big spenders here!!

[Frozzie]

Afternoon

Good to know gert....

Hope the rain ends soon... Last day of school tomorrow then this weekend flying the kids up to qld then flying back monday.. Follow free me time lol!!

[judydawn]

Great buys Nikkit - of course you had to have them, very few of us would have walked away at that price.

Hope the kids have a great time with their grandparents Kim and that you enjoy a bit of respite once back home too.

[obbie]

Kids should be fine flying Kim.

[Wonder]

You won't know yourself Kim.

I had to buy a new fountain pen today after learning it's going to cost over $100 to have my current one fixed  it was a gift from DH a number of years ago but this is the second time it's cracked in the same place and it was only worth around $150 to begin with, so really can't bring myself to have it fixed a second time. I bought a good quality functional one which I'll use until I decide what to do.

[Frozzie]

Im sure they would be robyn but this time im flying up and back twice to travel with them.. Not the cheapest option but makes me feel better.. Dont trust alot of ppl when it comes to my kids... Im sure it will get better with time.. See how it all goes as well being up with their grandparents for the first time alone and me adjusting to not having them.. A little bitter sweet at first i think 😁

[droverjess]

Frozzie how exciting, next time they can travel as unaccompanied minors, in the care of the airline, the stewardesses look after them and they have to be signed in by you and collected by your folks.  They'll love it. I did it as a kid, and so did some of the kids I've nannied for.

You will feel funny the first night, like you lost a limb, but then you adjust. How long are they going for? The more you do it the easier it gets.
By the time mine were 10 and 11 they were criss crossing the country by train on their own ( as a pair) and changing trains. This meant reading noticeboards and changing plAtforms at busy stations. Long journeys too. First time was nail biting but they got good at it. sent them away on a school skiing trip when they were even younger at lambing time one year to give me some respite to do sheep and they came back as a team.  That was a long bus journey each end and plane in the middle.
Planes are much easier that way - put them in one end, get them out the other end.
Fostering independence is a vital part of a child's education and skill set, something that nowadays is often overlooked. By the time they were 12 they could travel alone anywhere by train, and this was before the mobile phone age. I don't think I feel any different now while DS is in Canada and he's a grown man!
You will be able to sleep in, watch TV or go to a movie, and just chill. I hope you can make the most of it? Just don't feel guilty, that's the most important thing.
Enjoy xxx

[cookie1]

Good buys Nikkit.
Kim it will be hard at first but they will be fine. I'm sure you will speak to them often.

[Frozzie]

Dj thx .. And cookie

Yes i know i will enjoy the sudden freedom but will worry about them.. They are very much used to travel especially airports etc but not on their own..they have travelled all over the world since thy were babies.. Think will try it next time as its expensive and a bit silly me flying up and back twice but im just a crazy mum who gets a bit of seperation anxiety when her babies are away lol. Im sure they will be fibe.. I have always taught them to be independent just have always been in the background..

Dj i couldnt ever do that.. Kids changing platforms on trains etc.. Just dont trust the nutjobs in our society these days.. I would never forgive myself.. Ds is already asking to walk to school.. Told him its not happening anytime soon lol. He is 7!

[CreamPuff63]

Yay! I won a couple of Women's Weekly cookbooks I think...I don't remember entering the competition, but I must've liked the prizes otherwise I wouldn't enter just for the sake of winning something. Whatever the prize is the curiosity is getting to me already and you can be sure I'll be posting a pic here. *happy dance*

[cookie1]

Congratulations CP.

[gertbysea]

Win win CP!

Gert

[Emme]

Well done CP and welcome home

[CreamPuff63]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad to be back in the fold.
Had a wonderful holiday and whilst I experienced some jet lag today I would do it all again in a flash. Next year Croatia again, and possibly Spain and Portugal.

[Frozzie]

Congrats cp.. Always good to be home:)