I was watching a Betsey Johnson bag on ebay being sold by fabiocum... In fact, I've been watching it for months...
It sold earlier today but then was relisted immediately... You know what I'm going to say now, don't you...
SHILL BIDDER!!!
8 bids on 4 items and 100% bid rate with the seller. Not a major shill bidder but a shill bidder all the same...
Last 30 days
http://completed.shop.ebay.co.uk/fabiocum/m.html?LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1&_rdc=2
They won the following items -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nokia-6303-Classic-Tri-Band-Cell-Phone-/330426824139?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhones&hash=item4ceef935cb#ht_500wt_975
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BETSEY-JOHNSON-AMY-CHAN-NEW-YORK-BAG-/330425834004?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Women_s_Bags&hash=item4ceeea1a14#ht_500wt_975
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-SAMSUNG-GT-E2120-BNIB-SEALED-BOX-/330428143029?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhones&hash=item4cef0d55b5#ht_500wt_975
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Samsung-GT-C3050-SEALED-BOX-NEW-1-DAY-LISTING-/330424264567?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhones&hash=item4ceed22777#ht_500wt_975
The first phone and the Betsey Johnson bag have been relisted
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/fabiocum/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
Another this account bid on -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330418192710#ht_500wt_975
I love shill bidders that are so bad that they keep winning the auctions...
This one is so bad that he even left feedback for his shill account to make it super-easy to find... Clever...
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/subie60
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
No Sleep Til... tomorrow...
This burglary has really freaked me out. Nothing normally scares me... I've been attacked in the street, received death threats, been stalked... I've never lost sleep over that but last night was one of the toughest of my life...
I went to bed at around 11pm. Before I went upstairs, I made sure all the doors and windows were locked and closed the curtains so no one could look in through the window. I picked up my baseball bat on the way up (it lives by the front door normally). I also took Gino up with me. After I got upstairs, I remembered I had left a window open... Me and Gino head back down. Window is locked... Back upstairs...
When I finally got into bed, I started texting Kay for a while then decided to try to sleep... It didn't happen... Gino was exhausted after the long day we'd had and fell asleep on my arm and snored loudly all night. I had to listen super-carefully for burglars...
I got up at 5am when I realised sleep just was not gonna come... I've tried napping on the couch this morning but I can't relax there either.
I've thought about it, though, and the chances of me being burgled are actually really small. We have neighbours who show off their high-value stuff much more than we do. In fact, we don't have much high-value stuff; my money all goes on my education and travelling.
If someone did break in, downstairs they have the choice of my 5 year old desktop computer that I bought in Tesco for £400 and is really not worth the effort of unplugging, my 8 year old DVD player (£40 from Boots), my 14 year old VCR, my TV is new but that only cost £150 from Asda... There is no stereo equipment downstairs. No flashy kitchen stuff... OK my signed photo of Gloria Swanson lives downstairs but your average burglar would not understand its value. I do have a Wii but it is one of the original ones so, although nickable, it's not exactly that attractive to sell on... I sleep with my cell phone in my room and I never have any cash in my purse...
Going upstairs, you have my press photos but, again, no one would understand their value. In my room is my stereo (£200 5 years ago), my DS Lite, 3 MP3 players (only my iPod would be recognised as being of value and that's just a Shuffle), and my Betsey Johnson collection... now that is worth thousands but, again, your average robber would not know this... I have a few autographs that collectors would pay a lot for but then that's literally it. I do have a few pieces of designer jewellery but nothing major. Maybe £1000 max.
However, you walk into my neighbour's house and they have a £1500 TV, £2500 stereo, 3 laptops, iPods, iPhones, etc... Any burglar with sense would look in my window and decide it's not worth the effort...
Doesn't mean I'll be able to sleep tonight, though...
I went to bed at around 11pm. Before I went upstairs, I made sure all the doors and windows were locked and closed the curtains so no one could look in through the window. I picked up my baseball bat on the way up (it lives by the front door normally). I also took Gino up with me. After I got upstairs, I remembered I had left a window open... Me and Gino head back down. Window is locked... Back upstairs...
When I finally got into bed, I started texting Kay for a while then decided to try to sleep... It didn't happen... Gino was exhausted after the long day we'd had and fell asleep on my arm and snored loudly all night. I had to listen super-carefully for burglars...
I got up at 5am when I realised sleep just was not gonna come... I've tried napping on the couch this morning but I can't relax there either.
I've thought about it, though, and the chances of me being burgled are actually really small. We have neighbours who show off their high-value stuff much more than we do. In fact, we don't have much high-value stuff; my money all goes on my education and travelling.
If someone did break in, downstairs they have the choice of my 5 year old desktop computer that I bought in Tesco for £400 and is really not worth the effort of unplugging, my 8 year old DVD player (£40 from Boots), my 14 year old VCR, my TV is new but that only cost £150 from Asda... There is no stereo equipment downstairs. No flashy kitchen stuff... OK my signed photo of Gloria Swanson lives downstairs but your average burglar would not understand its value. I do have a Wii but it is one of the original ones so, although nickable, it's not exactly that attractive to sell on... I sleep with my cell phone in my room and I never have any cash in my purse...
Going upstairs, you have my press photos but, again, no one would understand their value. In my room is my stereo (£200 5 years ago), my DS Lite, 3 MP3 players (only my iPod would be recognised as being of value and that's just a Shuffle), and my Betsey Johnson collection... now that is worth thousands but, again, your average robber would not know this... I have a few autographs that collectors would pay a lot for but then that's literally it. I do have a few pieces of designer jewellery but nothing major. Maybe £1000 max.
However, you walk into my neighbour's house and they have a £1500 TV, £2500 stereo, 3 laptops, iPods, iPhones, etc... Any burglar with sense would look in my window and decide it's not worth the effort...
Doesn't mean I'll be able to sleep tonight, though...
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
What a long, long day...
So today was the barbecue that I had been planning. We decided to change the day because they are expecting rain tomorrow... I have been up since 4am (it's just after 10pm now) so I am rather tired... It was an interesting day, though...
I started making the salads early on as I was following recipes and I struggle a bit with cooking at the best of times...
I started with a quinoa salad from Ann Gentry's Real Food Daily cookbook. I followed this recipe pretty closely. I liked it but no one else would try it because there was fruit in it...
I made a simple American-style potato salad that Kay loved but no one else was keen on. I found the recipe online and it called for quite a bit of dill... I now know I don't like dill...
I also made a Greek barley salad from RFD. I reduced the oil content and I forgot to put the tomatoes in but, again, Kay loved it and I was overwhelmed with the dill...
I was half way through the barley when my phone rang. My nephew casually said they had been burgled last night. My sister is away with her daughters and so it was just my brother-in-law and nephew home. They were asleep upstairs when someone broke in and took what they could... It included my brother-in-law's £600 mountain bike, a laptop, two video cameras (that the kids use to film action videos of them doing sports, etc), an axe, a cashbox containing about fifty quid (from one of my nephew's sporting events), a set of keys to the aforementioned sporting event's storage shed, and (get this!) my crappy old N95 mobile phone that I had given my nephew! It barely worked and was held together with duct tape. It did have £10 credit on it though.
It's really frightened me. When I had Boomer, I was never scared of burglars. I always knew Boomer would protect me. Gino, on the other hand, is very good natured and I am not sure how he would react to a break-in. My sister also lives in the nice end of town whereas I live in an isolated place out in the country.
I'll be sleeping with a baseball bat tonight and double-checking doors and windows are locked before I go to bed. Even Kay was freaking out a little and told me repeatedly to make sure the doors were locked after she left.
I wont stay over at my sister's again.
My nephew caught the bus over to help with the barbecue and my brother-in-law came over later after the police had left. The barbecue was as good as it could be. Other items included Cajun potato wedges, various vegetables, the usual meat for my guests...
Kay and I, of course, had our therapy session and I am now seriously considering going to bed... Maybe...
I started making the salads early on as I was following recipes and I struggle a bit with cooking at the best of times...
I started with a quinoa salad from Ann Gentry's Real Food Daily cookbook. I followed this recipe pretty closely. I liked it but no one else would try it because there was fruit in it...
I made a simple American-style potato salad that Kay loved but no one else was keen on. I found the recipe online and it called for quite a bit of dill... I now know I don't like dill...
I also made a Greek barley salad from RFD. I reduced the oil content and I forgot to put the tomatoes in but, again, Kay loved it and I was overwhelmed with the dill...
I was half way through the barley when my phone rang. My nephew casually said they had been burgled last night. My sister is away with her daughters and so it was just my brother-in-law and nephew home. They were asleep upstairs when someone broke in and took what they could... It included my brother-in-law's £600 mountain bike, a laptop, two video cameras (that the kids use to film action videos of them doing sports, etc), an axe, a cashbox containing about fifty quid (from one of my nephew's sporting events), a set of keys to the aforementioned sporting event's storage shed, and (get this!) my crappy old N95 mobile phone that I had given my nephew! It barely worked and was held together with duct tape. It did have £10 credit on it though.
It's really frightened me. When I had Boomer, I was never scared of burglars. I always knew Boomer would protect me. Gino, on the other hand, is very good natured and I am not sure how he would react to a break-in. My sister also lives in the nice end of town whereas I live in an isolated place out in the country.
I'll be sleeping with a baseball bat tonight and double-checking doors and windows are locked before I go to bed. Even Kay was freaking out a little and told me repeatedly to make sure the doors were locked after she left.
I wont stay over at my sister's again.
My nephew caught the bus over to help with the barbecue and my brother-in-law came over later after the police had left. The barbecue was as good as it could be. Other items included Cajun potato wedges, various vegetables, the usual meat for my guests...
Kay and I, of course, had our therapy session and I am now seriously considering going to bed... Maybe...
Therapy with Kay!
Kay has just gone through a bad break-up so we decided to have a bit of a therapy session to get over it. I'm over my ex but I decided to join her for moral support.
First off, we made a list of 20 things we hate about our exes... We did these independently but there were some similarities...
Kay
1. small penis
2. hairy back
3. spots on back that used to make me scratch
4. crooked teeth
5. smelly breath
6. mummy's boy
7. never put me first
8. ashamed to take me out
9. crap with money/spending
10. smelly cock
11. hairy pubics
12. tiny balls
13. no backbone
14. puts everyone else before me
15. treated me like shit
16. bad skin on his face
17. fat and sweaty
18. ate my food as well as his own
19. gives the sympathy talk to get his own way
20. is completely blind
*****
Mine...
1. small penis
2. hairy back
3. junkie
4. short
5. bad-tasting mouth
6. watched dodgy porn
7. serial cheater
8. avoided confrontation/discussion
9. compulsive liar
10. married
11. abnormally massive nuts
12. thief
13. hit on my mom
14. bigger tits than me
15. liked to have sex with my male friends
16. violent at times
17. liked old women
18. borrowed my underwear without permission
19. wore a toupee
20. compulsive masturbator
*****
Then we wrote our goodbye letters...
Dear Sanj,
I am writing this letter to advise you that you are a tosser, you make me sick. You used me for months and promised me you would stick by me through everything and you never.
As soon as your mum told you to leave me, you did. During our relationship you always put your family and friends before me.
I hate you. You are a prick and a user and I want to tell you that you will be sorry that you lost me and gave me up over them as they hate you anyway.
You are 25 years old and still go on like your mum breast feeds you because you listen to everything she tells you and you do everything she tells you to.
I feel sorry for the girl that will take you on as you have a small cock and are ugly. I don't know what I ever saw in you; I can do so much better and deserve so much better.
I loved you with everything I had but it was your choice to give it all up. I hope to God that you pay for everything you have done by using me and I hope that karma comes back and bites you and your family in the arse.
I am letting you go now. They can have you. I suppose you were never mine in the first place; I was always second best. I hope that you remember and regret all the lies and the promises you made me as you really hurt me.
Anyway I am done with you now and hate you so much.
What goes around comes around, Sanj, and I do not wish any happiness or success in your future.
Bye Sanj,
From Kay
PS From this experience it has made me stronger and I hope I never make a mistake like you again as you are a joke and a mistake.
*****
Then it was my turn...
Dear Phil,
This letter has been a long time coming. You never gave me a chance to tell my side of the story or defend myself against other peoples' accusations. You chose to trust people who were using you over the woman who actually loved you.
I know you were doing a lot of drugs at the time and I hope you are healthy now and thinking of yourself and your kids more..
I wish you no ill will. Just be assured that you made a mistake when you let me go. I hope you eventually find someone to make you as happy as I did until you decided you wanted to be with my best friend.
I have almost cleared the debt you got me into and I plan to travel the world. I want to finish what we started
My anger is gone. Your cruelty made me stronger. I thank you for that..
I hope you are at peace with yourself. I know I am.
Helen
*****
It's amazing what difference 4 years makes... I felt the same anger than Kay is going through at the time of my breakup. You are able to become detached from the pain after a while. I know she will get there.
After this all ended, I got involved with a lovely man but I was never really able to commit to him the way he wanted. He wanted the whole marriage and kids thing but I was unable to trust him enough to do that. It wasn't his fault. Now I know I will never have kids and marriage is very doubtful. I am enjoying being on my own so that I can study and travel as I choose. Things may change in the future but I doubt it.
After writing our letters (on paper) we went into the garden and burned them, along with a photo of Kay's ex. The fire got a little out of control at one point but at least my trees did not catch fire...
Kay and I agreed to post this on my blog so if either of us ever has a weak moment, we can come back to it. We both ended the session laughing and positive to move forward; Kay is moving away next week and I am going to totally immerse myself in my studies.
I hope she finally has the closure she needs.
First off, we made a list of 20 things we hate about our exes... We did these independently but there were some similarities...
Kay
1. small penis
2. hairy back
3. spots on back that used to make me scratch
4. crooked teeth
5. smelly breath
6. mummy's boy
7. never put me first
8. ashamed to take me out
9. crap with money/spending
10. smelly cock
11. hairy pubics
12. tiny balls
13. no backbone
14. puts everyone else before me
15. treated me like shit
16. bad skin on his face
17. fat and sweaty
18. ate my food as well as his own
19. gives the sympathy talk to get his own way
20. is completely blind
*****
Mine...
1. small penis
2. hairy back
3. junkie
4. short
5. bad-tasting mouth
6. watched dodgy porn
7. serial cheater
8. avoided confrontation/discussion
9. compulsive liar
10. married
11. abnormally massive nuts
12. thief
13. hit on my mom
14. bigger tits than me
15. liked to have sex with my male friends
16. violent at times
17. liked old women
18. borrowed my underwear without permission
19. wore a toupee
20. compulsive masturbator
*****
Then we wrote our goodbye letters...
Dear Sanj,
I am writing this letter to advise you that you are a tosser, you make me sick. You used me for months and promised me you would stick by me through everything and you never.
As soon as your mum told you to leave me, you did. During our relationship you always put your family and friends before me.
I hate you. You are a prick and a user and I want to tell you that you will be sorry that you lost me and gave me up over them as they hate you anyway.
You are 25 years old and still go on like your mum breast feeds you because you listen to everything she tells you and you do everything she tells you to.
I feel sorry for the girl that will take you on as you have a small cock and are ugly. I don't know what I ever saw in you; I can do so much better and deserve so much better.
I loved you with everything I had but it was your choice to give it all up. I hope to God that you pay for everything you have done by using me and I hope that karma comes back and bites you and your family in the arse.
I am letting you go now. They can have you. I suppose you were never mine in the first place; I was always second best. I hope that you remember and regret all the lies and the promises you made me as you really hurt me.
Anyway I am done with you now and hate you so much.
What goes around comes around, Sanj, and I do not wish any happiness or success in your future.
Bye Sanj,
From Kay
PS From this experience it has made me stronger and I hope I never make a mistake like you again as you are a joke and a mistake.
*****
Then it was my turn...
Dear Phil,
This letter has been a long time coming. You never gave me a chance to tell my side of the story or defend myself against other peoples' accusations. You chose to trust people who were using you over the woman who actually loved you.
I know you were doing a lot of drugs at the time and I hope you are healthy now and thinking of yourself and your kids more..
I wish you no ill will. Just be assured that you made a mistake when you let me go. I hope you eventually find someone to make you as happy as I did until you decided you wanted to be with my best friend.
I have almost cleared the debt you got me into and I plan to travel the world. I want to finish what we started
My anger is gone. Your cruelty made me stronger. I thank you for that..
I hope you are at peace with yourself. I know I am.
Helen
*****
It's amazing what difference 4 years makes... I felt the same anger than Kay is going through at the time of my breakup. You are able to become detached from the pain after a while. I know she will get there.
After this all ended, I got involved with a lovely man but I was never really able to commit to him the way he wanted. He wanted the whole marriage and kids thing but I was unable to trust him enough to do that. It wasn't his fault. Now I know I will never have kids and marriage is very doubtful. I am enjoying being on my own so that I can study and travel as I choose. Things may change in the future but I doubt it.
After writing our letters (on paper) we went into the garden and burned them, along with a photo of Kay's ex. The fire got a little out of control at one point but at least my trees did not catch fire...
Kay and I agreed to post this on my blog so if either of us ever has a weak moment, we can come back to it. We both ended the session laughing and positive to move forward; Kay is moving away next week and I am going to totally immerse myself in my studies.
I hope she finally has the closure she needs.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Got the whole week off...
My entire family are heading to Northern England to visit my sister who is not well. I am staying home with the pets. I've had to book a week off work because I work long shifts and I couldn't leave Gino alone for that amount of time.
Trying to decide what to do...
I want to plan out some new walking routes for Gino. People have begun to stop me and ask where Boomer is and it's still upsetting so I would rather go places where people don't know us for a while... I ended up walking along the canal for the first time in about 3 years this morning. We met a few people but no one I actually knew. Gino, of course, loved it because there were loads of ducks all along the route. I used to walk the dogs through the farmland just outside the village but I haven't been that way since I fell and injured my knee. I worry about no one finding me for ages if I'm hurt... I'll drag out an AtoZ and see what I can decide on...
I also want to make a dent in my college work. Term starts a week tomorrow and I am doing three modules this time (only did one last term). I want to finish the first week's work in advance plus have a look at the research topics and see if I can start making notes on them. For one module, I'll be doing a project on what it's like being Sikh in the South Welsh Valleys. Kay said I can interview her for it. Kay wants to write a book about the racism she has had to put up with over the years (mainly to heal old wounds but also hopefully to highlight a massive problem that is still largely ignored) so I said she can use any of my research she wants once my course has finished. I've got other Sikh friends at work who have also said they are happy to contribute to my paper. My other courses are more police oriented so I will fall back on my favourite area - racism in law enforcement agencies. I also applied for the final two modules for the MSc this morning. They start in November.
I really can't make my mind up about the PhD. I obviously want to do it and feel I can contribute positively to my field but where do I study... Do I do distance learning (which I am not a big fan of, really) or do I go back to Swansea (reduced tuition fees for alumni) or try Cardiff or do I head back to LA and not worry about money anymore? I've always wanted to study at USC but there are academics at UCLA who I know would really challenge me and expand my research. I am sure there are people like that at USC too but I have not really looked into it there... I guess I wont have to make the decision until later this year because I would not be starting until late next year anyway. It's constantly at the back on my mind, though.
I've decided to watch all the old DVDs I have bought and not got round to seeing yet. I managed to find the time to watch one Koji Yakusho this afternoon and I have about 10 others of his plus 5 or 6 Susumu Terajima ones. Then there's all the other random ones I picked up over the last year and can't even remember why... I don't know how this will end up as I often plan to work my way through my collection and then just not get round to it. If I at least cover one a day when I would ordinarily be watching crappy daytime TV, that should help.
We are having a barbecue Thursday (subject to weather conditions). It sounds daft but it's my first one... Of course, I have gone to quite a few over the years but I have never organised one myself. I've worked my way through the Real Food Daily cookbook and decided on quinoa salad and Indian barley plus a potato salad and soy bean dish I found online and then the usual stuff - corn on the cob, mushrooms for me, burgers for my guests (because I am yet to convince them that vegan burgers are just as good as meat ones...). Me and Kay are also gonna have a go at various barbecued banana recipes... I doubt I will like them because I don't like cooked bananas but I will at least try them... Kay needs a good talking to about various things so we will make a day of it.
I still have a stack of paperwork to deal with. Will try to finish that early tomorrow. Oh, and then there is that job interview...
Trying to decide what to do...
I want to plan out some new walking routes for Gino. People have begun to stop me and ask where Boomer is and it's still upsetting so I would rather go places where people don't know us for a while... I ended up walking along the canal for the first time in about 3 years this morning. We met a few people but no one I actually knew. Gino, of course, loved it because there were loads of ducks all along the route. I used to walk the dogs through the farmland just outside the village but I haven't been that way since I fell and injured my knee. I worry about no one finding me for ages if I'm hurt... I'll drag out an AtoZ and see what I can decide on...
I also want to make a dent in my college work. Term starts a week tomorrow and I am doing three modules this time (only did one last term). I want to finish the first week's work in advance plus have a look at the research topics and see if I can start making notes on them. For one module, I'll be doing a project on what it's like being Sikh in the South Welsh Valleys. Kay said I can interview her for it. Kay wants to write a book about the racism she has had to put up with over the years (mainly to heal old wounds but also hopefully to highlight a massive problem that is still largely ignored) so I said she can use any of my research she wants once my course has finished. I've got other Sikh friends at work who have also said they are happy to contribute to my paper. My other courses are more police oriented so I will fall back on my favourite area - racism in law enforcement agencies. I also applied for the final two modules for the MSc this morning. They start in November.
I really can't make my mind up about the PhD. I obviously want to do it and feel I can contribute positively to my field but where do I study... Do I do distance learning (which I am not a big fan of, really) or do I go back to Swansea (reduced tuition fees for alumni) or try Cardiff or do I head back to LA and not worry about money anymore? I've always wanted to study at USC but there are academics at UCLA who I know would really challenge me and expand my research. I am sure there are people like that at USC too but I have not really looked into it there... I guess I wont have to make the decision until later this year because I would not be starting until late next year anyway. It's constantly at the back on my mind, though.
I've decided to watch all the old DVDs I have bought and not got round to seeing yet. I managed to find the time to watch one Koji Yakusho this afternoon and I have about 10 others of his plus 5 or 6 Susumu Terajima ones. Then there's all the other random ones I picked up over the last year and can't even remember why... I don't know how this will end up as I often plan to work my way through my collection and then just not get round to it. If I at least cover one a day when I would ordinarily be watching crappy daytime TV, that should help.
We are having a barbecue Thursday (subject to weather conditions). It sounds daft but it's my first one... Of course, I have gone to quite a few over the years but I have never organised one myself. I've worked my way through the Real Food Daily cookbook and decided on quinoa salad and Indian barley plus a potato salad and soy bean dish I found online and then the usual stuff - corn on the cob, mushrooms for me, burgers for my guests (because I am yet to convince them that vegan burgers are just as good as meat ones...). Me and Kay are also gonna have a go at various barbecued banana recipes... I doubt I will like them because I don't like cooked bananas but I will at least try them... Kay needs a good talking to about various things so we will make a day of it.
I still have a stack of paperwork to deal with. Will try to finish that early tomorrow. Oh, and then there is that job interview...
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Let's think positive thoughts!
I wrote myself a post-it note a week ago saying I should write about all the good things in my life right now but it's been tougher than I expected...
I am experiencing one of the worst months of my life. I'm strong, though. I also believe things like this will make me stronger.
So! Positive things...
Gino loves me. I mean stalker kind of love. He's been suffering from separation anxiety since Boomer died, including howling at night. Last couple of nights I've indulged him by letting him sleep in my room. Gino is fully aware of his right to half of my bed... He only stays on the bed for about 10 minutes before finding a corner to curl up in but for those ten minutes, he's climbing all over me and snuffling my head. He woke me up yesterday morning by licking my eyes. He also decided my chest-infection-induced morning breath was sexier than a dead seal and proceeded to roll on me. He's not left my side for two days. Tonight will be fun when I leave him downstairs... I have a feeling I wont get much sleep...
I've lost 9lbs in 3 weeks. Not really trying to lose weight, just get a bit fitter. I've been walking Gino more plus doing step on EA Active on the Wii. I'll see where it goes.
I've been offered a job. It would involve a pay cut but it's better than nothing if I really do end up getting fired. Keeping that one on the back burner.
I ordered a vegan anti-wrinkle cream from Green Spirit yesterday and it arrived this morning. The cream itself is fine but what was really great was the packaging. Recycled, of course, but the box also contained a handmade necklace and a lavender bag (for drawers, etc). It was such a nice gesture and it really touched me.
I've decided who I am voting for in the next election. I'm proud of my decision too.
I joined Facebook... In itself, not a positive thing but... it is so funny! I was on their literally 5 minutes when loads of people from high school started adding me. These are people who barely spoke to me in school and now they are falling over each other to tell me how wonderful I look and how proud they are of my success. I've been asked out by 3 of my former classmates so far (wouldn't go out with any of them but it's still fun). The best thing? I can look down on all the bullying cliques and laugh because they have done NOTHING with their lives.
Another fun thing about Facebook is I can also catch up with people I actually like. One old uni friend has offered me a place to live in LA and I am enjoying the catching up with others.
I'm also using it to stalk Mike Bielecki. I'd still do him... as long as he keeps his mouth shut...
I am experiencing one of the worst months of my life. I'm strong, though. I also believe things like this will make me stronger.
So! Positive things...
Gino loves me. I mean stalker kind of love. He's been suffering from separation anxiety since Boomer died, including howling at night. Last couple of nights I've indulged him by letting him sleep in my room. Gino is fully aware of his right to half of my bed... He only stays on the bed for about 10 minutes before finding a corner to curl up in but for those ten minutes, he's climbing all over me and snuffling my head. He woke me up yesterday morning by licking my eyes. He also decided my chest-infection-induced morning breath was sexier than a dead seal and proceeded to roll on me. He's not left my side for two days. Tonight will be fun when I leave him downstairs... I have a feeling I wont get much sleep...
I've lost 9lbs in 3 weeks. Not really trying to lose weight, just get a bit fitter. I've been walking Gino more plus doing step on EA Active on the Wii. I'll see where it goes.
I've been offered a job. It would involve a pay cut but it's better than nothing if I really do end up getting fired. Keeping that one on the back burner.
I ordered a vegan anti-wrinkle cream from Green Spirit yesterday and it arrived this morning. The cream itself is fine but what was really great was the packaging. Recycled, of course, but the box also contained a handmade necklace and a lavender bag (for drawers, etc). It was such a nice gesture and it really touched me.
I've decided who I am voting for in the next election. I'm proud of my decision too.
I joined Facebook... In itself, not a positive thing but... it is so funny! I was on their literally 5 minutes when loads of people from high school started adding me. These are people who barely spoke to me in school and now they are falling over each other to tell me how wonderful I look and how proud they are of my success. I've been asked out by 3 of my former classmates so far (wouldn't go out with any of them but it's still fun). The best thing? I can look down on all the bullying cliques and laugh because they have done NOTHING with their lives.
Another fun thing about Facebook is I can also catch up with people I actually like. One old uni friend has offered me a place to live in LA and I am enjoying the catching up with others.
I'm also using it to stalk Mike Bielecki. I'd still do him... as long as he keeps his mouth shut...
Sunday, 11 April 2010
The best shill bidder ever...
This one was a classic one. We are going back a few years now but it made me very concerned about the mental state of certain ebay members...
**EDIT** The seller was cwrt40 and the shill account was nicky3402 and it was early 2007 **EDIT**
It started off simply enough... One of my old friends was a bit of an eclectic shopper and decided she wanted a veil and tiara (total foofy wedding stuff) to wear to gigs... She found a seller who had listed those very same items very cheaply and so bid. The starting bid was something like 99p and my friend bid a total of £15 on the two items. The price started to very quickly go up in tiny increments. Soon she was outbid by someone with a low feedback rating. She told me it seemed a bit dodgy so I checked and the bidder had placed 425 bids on 50 items with the seller and, as usual, they had a 100% bid rate. I was not an ebay expert at the time and so I turned to my favourite support source - the moneysavingexpert.com forum - for help. Turns out, someone else had already posted about this seller after being ripped off by them. It was just blatant criminal behaviour.
Anyway, the auctions ended and my friend was not the winner. Within minutes, though, she received second chance offers on the two items. My friend decided to give it 24 hours before committing to anything but then agreed to buy them. This was in the days when sellers did not have to accept Paypal so my friend wrote out a cheque and put it to be posted the following day. In the meantime, ebay did the right thing and suspended the seller. Under guidance from the mse forum, my friend didn't pay.
After the suspension was up, the seller started listing from the same account. My friend left factual negative feedback about the problems she had had with the fraudster and the seller STILL continued to list from that account. Suffice to say, her ebay career ended at that point...
I don't get what sellers think they will gain by shill bidding. If you want a guaranteed price, include a high starting bid or use the reserve price feature. An experienced ebayer can spot a shill bidder a mile off and it stops them from wasting their time with a seller they may otherwise have purchased from.
For example, those two bracelets in the last week... I wanted both. I would have paid a lot for the Disaya bracelet and probably would have bid £30-£40 on the TT one but due to their greed, I decided not to bother and ended up outing them as the con-artists they are. That will hurt business more in the long run because I am always near the top in google searches...
Nevermind.
**EDIT** The seller was cwrt40 and the shill account was nicky3402 and it was early 2007 **EDIT**
It started off simply enough... One of my old friends was a bit of an eclectic shopper and decided she wanted a veil and tiara (total foofy wedding stuff) to wear to gigs... She found a seller who had listed those very same items very cheaply and so bid. The starting bid was something like 99p and my friend bid a total of £15 on the two items. The price started to very quickly go up in tiny increments. Soon she was outbid by someone with a low feedback rating. She told me it seemed a bit dodgy so I checked and the bidder had placed 425 bids on 50 items with the seller and, as usual, they had a 100% bid rate. I was not an ebay expert at the time and so I turned to my favourite support source - the moneysavingexpert.com forum - for help. Turns out, someone else had already posted about this seller after being ripped off by them. It was just blatant criminal behaviour.
Anyway, the auctions ended and my friend was not the winner. Within minutes, though, she received second chance offers on the two items. My friend decided to give it 24 hours before committing to anything but then agreed to buy them. This was in the days when sellers did not have to accept Paypal so my friend wrote out a cheque and put it to be posted the following day. In the meantime, ebay did the right thing and suspended the seller. Under guidance from the mse forum, my friend didn't pay.
After the suspension was up, the seller started listing from the same account. My friend left factual negative feedback about the problems she had had with the fraudster and the seller STILL continued to list from that account. Suffice to say, her ebay career ended at that point...
I don't get what sellers think they will gain by shill bidding. If you want a guaranteed price, include a high starting bid or use the reserve price feature. An experienced ebayer can spot a shill bidder a mile off and it stops them from wasting their time with a seller they may otherwise have purchased from.
For example, those two bracelets in the last week... I wanted both. I would have paid a lot for the Disaya bracelet and probably would have bid £30-£40 on the TT one but due to their greed, I decided not to bother and ended up outing them as the con-artists they are. That will hurt business more in the long run because I am always near the top in google searches...
Nevermind.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
What is with the shill bidders right now???
I collect many things... One of my favourites right now is Tarina Tarantino jewellery. I noticed a pretty bracelet on ebay this evening -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tarina-Tarantino-bracelet-Skull-heart-cross-Photos_W0QQitemZ180490703506QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewellery_Watches_CostumeJewellery_CA?hash=item2a06159292#ht_2804wt_958
I was a little concerned by the very high number of bids that have been placed on the item, though, and seeing as I have had a couple of glasses of birthday wine, decided to investigate...
This account -
http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidderProfile&mode=1&item=180490703506&aid=1***1&eu=ZApXC/KSrDgFy0J8SWOoYMcuedGvymKO&view=NONE&ssPageName=PageBidderProfileViewBids_None_ViewLink
has been used to place 99 bids on 12 items with this seller in the last 30 days. They also have a 100% bid rate (sounding familiar yet?). Add to that 7 bid retractions and you have a big fat shill bidder, my friends.
Last 15 days of ended auctions -
http://completed.shop.ebay.co.uk/mk11-2009/m.html?LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_since=15&_sop=12&_rdc=1&_rdc=2
The following items have been shill bid on -
180487402062, 180487060243, 180485238618, 180484346928, 180484346928 (bid retraction on this one after they outbid the top seller), 180484359105 (same here), 180484317147, 180484313261, 180484387352
This is officially the second most stupid shill bidder I have ever seen. Are they completely retarded? Unfortunately, they have children... I worry... I have reported them to ebay and hopefully ebay will have the sense to ban this daft bint. I also sent my standard email to the seller so we will see if they can string more than a few words together.
So the lesson of the day, kiddies?
DO NOT BID ON ANYTHING FROM MK11-2009 BECAUSE THEY ARE FRAUDSTERS!
***EDIT***
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! The fraudster says she is going to report ME to ebay because SHE has been conning her buyers!!! What a loon.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tarina-Tarantino-bracelet-Skull-heart-cross-Photos_W0QQitemZ180490703506QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Jewellery_Watches_CostumeJewellery_CA?hash=item2a06159292#ht_2804wt_958
I was a little concerned by the very high number of bids that have been placed on the item, though, and seeing as I have had a couple of glasses of birthday wine, decided to investigate...
This account -
http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidderProfile&mode=1&item=180490703506&aid=1***1&eu=ZApXC/KSrDgFy0J8SWOoYMcuedGvymKO&view=NONE&ssPageName=PageBidderProfileViewBids_None_ViewLink
has been used to place 99 bids on 12 items with this seller in the last 30 days. They also have a 100% bid rate (sounding familiar yet?). Add to that 7 bid retractions and you have a big fat shill bidder, my friends.
Last 15 days of ended auctions -
http://completed.shop.ebay.co.uk/mk11-2009/m.html?LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_since=15&_sop=12&_rdc=1&_rdc=2
The following items have been shill bid on -
180487402062, 180487060243, 180485238618, 180484346928, 180484346928 (bid retraction on this one after they outbid the top seller), 180484359105 (same here), 180484317147, 180484313261, 180484387352
This is officially the second most stupid shill bidder I have ever seen. Are they completely retarded? Unfortunately, they have children... I worry... I have reported them to ebay and hopefully ebay will have the sense to ban this daft bint. I also sent my standard email to the seller so we will see if they can string more than a few words together.
So the lesson of the day, kiddies?
DO NOT BID ON ANYTHING FROM MK11-2009 BECAUSE THEY ARE FRAUDSTERS!
***EDIT***
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! The fraudster says she is going to report ME to ebay because SHE has been conning her buyers!!! What a loon.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Gino :)
Poor Gino. He's missing Boomer but he's also making a massive effort to be the main dog in the house now. Gino's always been the one to sit on my lap in front of the TV but Boomer always got more attention.
Gino's such a happy little dog. When I walk him, he wags his tail the whole time and every now and then, he'll stop, look at me, and go all crazy-wiggly with excitement because it's just us.
We took him to meet my sister's kittens yesterday and he was a bit scared of them because they are all claws but I think he and the male will make friends eventually.
He's laying next to me right now with his paw over his eyes. I don't think he's a morning doggy...
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
RIP Boomer :(
My dog, Boomer, died today :(
We took Boomer in in 2005 because he was being badly mistreated and needed somewhere to stay while he was being rehomed. He was an alcoholic and could be quite snappy if he didn't get his own way. He ended up staying with us because no one wanted to take him on.
Boomer was an incredibly intelligent dog but he was becoming more and more unpredictable as he got older. He bit a neighbour in a dog fight (also bit my mother in a fight with my sister's elderly dog). He would growl if he was hurt or even if you said something nice to him sometimes... We couldn't walk past other dogs in the street because he would go crazy. We got various dog trainers in and Boomer would always behave so well and do everything they wanted him to. As soon as the trainers left, he was back to his old ways.
Things got really bad about 3 months ago when my younger dog (who has always adored Boomer) suddenly started attacking him for no reason. It got to the point where the dogs were largely kept in different rooms and had to be muzzled when in each other's company. On Sunday they had a fight in which they both removed their own muzzles and went at it for 25 minutes. Both were badly hurt and we decided something had to be done. The younger dog is such a well-behaved dog that we didn't really want to let him go; we've had him longer and he's always been the family pet whereas Boomer was more like a guard dog. Boomer couldn't be rehomed due to his unpredictable temperament and we couldn't get the collie rescue centre to take him in because he was not viewed as "an urgent case". Therefore, we had to have him put to sleep. The vet came to the house to do it and Boomer - my boy! - growled right to the end, even after a large sedative was administered.
He was such a funny dog. When we first got him, he used to try to run away. Thing is, though, he couldn't cross the road if there was a car coming; he would sit and wait for someone to cross with him. He was always easy to find :)
His favourite past time was laying on the front windowsill and barking at unsuspecting strangers who dared to walk by. He'd also bark at helicopters, heavy rain, the telephone... He'd go out and talk to my neighbour every morning and he would often wrestle with his brother and the cat, Miko. He loved chasing bees until they stung him and then he'd sulk.
He would watch TV for hours on end. He would also hold a ball in one paw because he had opposable thumbs. He was stronger than me when he got hold of something too... My rescued Persian, Ming, adored Boomer because Boomer was so unfriendly with him. Boomer would growl at Ming so Ming would walk right up in his face and stare. The dog would growl louder so the cat would get closer. Numerous times I found Boomer pinned in the corner of the room, quite hysterical because this funny looking animal wouldn't leave him alone. Eventually Boomer grew to respect him and watched out for him while Ming was dying.
I'll miss him.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
HAHAHAHA!!!
Super bad ebayer alert!!
I was bidding on a Disaya bracelet and the seller - Karen161164 decided it would be clever to shill bid against me!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110514923340&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT#ht_500wt_975
I just sent the following email to her -
I didn't know how best to threaten her. I normally say I will go to the police but I frankly cannot be arsed.
They also used the same shill account to win this dress -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/French-Connection-Fast-Bonny-CREAM-Dress-in-Size-14_W0QQitemZ110510947280QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWomen_s_Clothing?hash=item19baf73bd0#ht_500wt_975
and that also got relisted straight afterwards.
It's a bit embarrassing to be BAD at shill bidding. Take a look at the other ended listings and you will see what I mean.
I am awaiting a response...
***EDIT***
Oh it gets better! Seller received my email and immediately cancelled the shill bids. Then seller felt the need to be even more silly (than being bad at shill bidding, of course!) and sent me a nasty email back! She basically said it should be OK to shill bid because the bracelet is worth so much??? Oh dear...
At that point I decided it would be only fair for me to withdraw my bid as I don't like giving money to people who should really not be allowed internet access...
I filed the report with ebay. For your amusement, these are the items than have been shill bid on that I could be bothered to report -
110514923340, 110513732484, 110512875746, 110512562007, 110512522399, 110511629751, 110511626354, 110510947280
Clever... Shill bid on the same item after it was relisted once...
I also sent the seller another polite email explaining exactly WHY shill bidding is illegal. She, of course tried to play ignorant and claimed not to know what shill bidding is.
She also felt the need to send a totally asinine comment about how happy she was that I removed my bid.
This silly girl doesn't know how I work on ebay... I do a low bid to begin with to "mark my territory" as it were... It stakes my claim and reminds me to keep an eye on it (I skip over my watched section). A few hours before the auction ends, I then enter my "real" bid. In this case it was going to be £65 as I really like the bracelet and it would go so well with my Jedrek heels... Seller conned herself out of some cash there...
She's ripped off a lot of people and I know what ebay will do so she is going to be left totally out of pocket. Hopefully she has emptied her Paypal account and deleted her bank details from there because Paypal WILL just take the money that will be owed to these poor people.
***EDIT 2***
OH LMFAO!!! My sides hurt from all the laughing!!! She said she is going to sue me for being derogatory about her!!! She obviously knows nothing. It ain't slander if you have the evidence right there! Hopefully she will pay a lawyer, though, to examine her case because she deserves to be ripped off herself... Also will be funny if she does try to sue after SHE BROKE THE LAW!!!
And I know this is totally common sense but if it wasn't shill bidding, she would not have removed the bids when I drew attention to it...
***EDIT 3***
Oh my... She just called me a psycho in an email. Now THAT can be sued over. Going to see if she keeps sending me abuse. I find it so funny that people do not think before they hit the "send" button...
***EDIT 4***
So I pointed out that her abuse was classed as harassment and she went all coy. I'm leaving it to ebay now. They have enough evidence to lifetime ban her. We'll see if she continues to send me crap. I find it difficult to battle wits with someone who is not even remotely good at forming an argument and just gets abusive. It's boring.
***EDIT 5***
Ebay are as dodgy as this seller. I sent them all the evidence (which is enough to get the seller prosecuted - have already consulted with a lawyer... but that's another story...) and they emailed me back to say there was not enough evidence!!! I know they get higher FVFs if a final sale price is artificially increased but surely ebay are not really supporting fraudulent activity?
I have been spreading my story to every bad ebayer site there is. You know, if karen161164 had not felt the need to be so rude, I would have bought the bracelet and not started this campaign against her. She's obviously not very bright, though. Afterall, who commits fraud and then attacks everyone else for it?
***EDIT 6***
As part of the fraud investigation, I went through karen161164's feedback history and OMG she IS the reason I don't sell on ebay anymore. Out of 449 transactions, She has left 7 neutral feedbacks and 15 negatives. She herself has only received 6 negative feedbacks in her time on ebay but that is because EBAY CHANGED THE FEEDBACK SYSTEM SO SELLERS CAN ONLY LEAVE POSITIVE COMMENTS NOW!!! It's been like that for about 3 years. She is a total feedback abuser. She doesn't bother to pay, bounces cheques, and tries to do fraudulent chargebacks, even when she has signed for an item, all according to her feedback ratings. I would highly recommend EVERYONE TO BLOCK THIS EBAYER!!!
I was bidding on a Disaya bracelet and the seller - Karen161164 decided it would be clever to shill bid against me!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110514923340&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT#ht_500wt_975
I just sent the following email to her -
Hi,
I was interested to see I was outbid on the bracelet fairly quickly after I bid and was even more interested to see the details of the "bidder".
This account has placed 58 bids on 18 of your items in the last 30 days. In fact, 100% of their bidding activity has been with you. Rather suspicious.
Shill bidding is actually illegal -
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/seller-shill-bidding.html
I went through your ended listings and saw that this account always bids an hour or so after someone starts off the bidding on your items.
http://completed.shop.ebay.co.uk/karen161164/m.html?LH_Complete=1&_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1&_rdc=2
The funniest thing is your shill account won this item -
http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=110511626354
and you have relisted it repeatedly since! Hardly subtle.
Either you remove those false bids from this bracelet or I report you to ebay who will force you to repay all of the buyers you have bid against. I will not be conned.
I didn't know how best to threaten her. I normally say I will go to the police but I frankly cannot be arsed.
They also used the same shill account to win this dress -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/French-Connection-Fast-Bonny-CREAM-Dress-in-Size-14_W0QQitemZ110510947280QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWomen_s_Clothing?hash=item19baf73bd0#ht_500wt_975
and that also got relisted straight afterwards.
It's a bit embarrassing to be BAD at shill bidding. Take a look at the other ended listings and you will see what I mean.
I am awaiting a response...
***EDIT***
Oh it gets better! Seller received my email and immediately cancelled the shill bids. Then seller felt the need to be even more silly (than being bad at shill bidding, of course!) and sent me a nasty email back! She basically said it should be OK to shill bid because the bracelet is worth so much??? Oh dear...
At that point I decided it would be only fair for me to withdraw my bid as I don't like giving money to people who should really not be allowed internet access...
I filed the report with ebay. For your amusement, these are the items than have been shill bid on that I could be bothered to report -
110514923340, 110513732484, 110512875746, 110512562007, 110512522399, 110511629751, 110511626354, 110510947280
Clever... Shill bid on the same item after it was relisted once...
I also sent the seller another polite email explaining exactly WHY shill bidding is illegal. She, of course tried to play ignorant and claimed not to know what shill bidding is.
She also felt the need to send a totally asinine comment about how happy she was that I removed my bid.
This silly girl doesn't know how I work on ebay... I do a low bid to begin with to "mark my territory" as it were... It stakes my claim and reminds me to keep an eye on it (I skip over my watched section). A few hours before the auction ends, I then enter my "real" bid. In this case it was going to be £65 as I really like the bracelet and it would go so well with my Jedrek heels... Seller conned herself out of some cash there...
She's ripped off a lot of people and I know what ebay will do so she is going to be left totally out of pocket. Hopefully she has emptied her Paypal account and deleted her bank details from there because Paypal WILL just take the money that will be owed to these poor people.
***EDIT 2***
OH LMFAO!!! My sides hurt from all the laughing!!! She said she is going to sue me for being derogatory about her!!! She obviously knows nothing. It ain't slander if you have the evidence right there! Hopefully she will pay a lawyer, though, to examine her case because she deserves to be ripped off herself... Also will be funny if she does try to sue after SHE BROKE THE LAW!!!
And I know this is totally common sense but if it wasn't shill bidding, she would not have removed the bids when I drew attention to it...
***EDIT 3***
Oh my... She just called me a psycho in an email. Now THAT can be sued over. Going to see if she keeps sending me abuse. I find it so funny that people do not think before they hit the "send" button...
***EDIT 4***
So I pointed out that her abuse was classed as harassment and she went all coy. I'm leaving it to ebay now. They have enough evidence to lifetime ban her. We'll see if she continues to send me crap. I find it difficult to battle wits with someone who is not even remotely good at forming an argument and just gets abusive. It's boring.
***EDIT 5***
Ebay are as dodgy as this seller. I sent them all the evidence (which is enough to get the seller prosecuted - have already consulted with a lawyer... but that's another story...) and they emailed me back to say there was not enough evidence!!! I know they get higher FVFs if a final sale price is artificially increased but surely ebay are not really supporting fraudulent activity?
I have been spreading my story to every bad ebayer site there is. You know, if karen161164 had not felt the need to be so rude, I would have bought the bracelet and not started this campaign against her. She's obviously not very bright, though. Afterall, who commits fraud and then attacks everyone else for it?
***EDIT 6***
As part of the fraud investigation, I went through karen161164's feedback history and OMG she IS the reason I don't sell on ebay anymore. Out of 449 transactions, She has left 7 neutral feedbacks and 15 negatives. She herself has only received 6 negative feedbacks in her time on ebay but that is because EBAY CHANGED THE FEEDBACK SYSTEM SO SELLERS CAN ONLY LEAVE POSITIVE COMMENTS NOW!!! It's been like that for about 3 years. She is a total feedback abuser. She doesn't bother to pay, bounces cheques, and tries to do fraudulent chargebacks, even when she has signed for an item, all according to her feedback ratings. I would highly recommend EVERYONE TO BLOCK THIS EBAYER!!!
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Review: Heaven Sent Day Spa
http://www.theheavensentdayspa.com/
8 Clytha Park Road
Newport
NP20 4PB
01633264430
*****
1. I hate my feet
2. I am a wimp
In the weeks running up to my birthday, I mentioned to my mom that my feet were looking like particularly ugly alligator feet and I really ought to get a pedicure. I also mentioned to my sister that I wanted to try out the Heaven Sent Day Spa that had just opened by her house. I wasn't dropping hints...
So on my birthday, I was presented with a gift voucher for £40 for the Spa from my sister and her family and it was suggested I could take Kay and we could both get a little treatment. Yeah, well, bugger Kay. My feet need extra special attention.
It took a bit of effort to book in to begin with. I wanted to get the Ultimate Pedicure and called last Saturday to book in. I was advised that I would need to speak to the chiropodist to make the appointment as I would need to see her first and then I would transfer to the beauty side. I was told someone would call back on Monday. No one did. If I had not had the voucher, I would have just given up at this point and gone elsewhere. Instead I called again Tuesday and was able to book in for today (Thursday).
The actual place is very nice. The car park leaves a little to be desired - gravel gets into my flip-flops very easily... Nice inside though. I was wondering if I could peel off a few sheets of the wallpaper in reception without being noticed for my upstairs bathroom...
You can see most of my foot issues from the picture - I have hammer toes, thick toenails, slightly webbed toes (gross, I know... my whole family has them), claws instead of little toe nails, very dry skin, scars (from mosquito bites due to my stupid skeeter syndrome), stubby, weird-shaped feet, hard skin on my heels, and arthritic pain from the FMF. Therefore, I force my feet into cute little Betsey Johnson shoes that are most definitely not made for walking because they look pretty. I hate having my feet looked at or touched and I especially don't like having anything done to my toenails. However, this is my issue and I need to deal with it.
First I saw Jacquie, the chiropodist. She masterfully hacked away at my tough old nails (that have broken TWO pairs of clippers in the last year) and she whipped out a blade and sliced off my hard skin. It was pretty disgusting to see what was removed but also rather satisfying. She's very nice and I was not scared at all. The only discomfort was when my leg went dead for a moment but I waved it about and was fine again. The actual treatment was surprisingly painless.
Then I went to have the pedicure side of it. Andrea (the manager) did that and was also very nice. I started off in a foot bath that had something in it that went all frothy. It was great! She filed my nails, did that cuticle thing, and generally tidied them up. Then a salt scrub, a foot mask, and heated booties while I "relaxed" in the massage chair for 15 minutes (it was like getting beaten up by my cute little Chinese guy in Alhambra all over again). Then a long foot massage. It was much more relaxing than usual - the guys in the SGV literally leave us bleeding... Nails painted and done.
I took my own nail polish - the Absolutely Alice from OPI's Alice in Wonderland range. This one is literally brand new and I have it on my hands and seeing as it's such a bitch to remove, figured I might as well have my feet to match. They do have a really good range of OPI but the colours are slightly more subdued than I normally go for (though there was a nice pink I will start scouring ebay for in a minute).
I was offered drinks/magazines, etc. It was a good experience all in all, especially as I was so nervous. I'll go back in a couple of months to have another treatment the same. There are other things I want to try though, like they do those Minx nail thingies that last better than polish and I wouldn't mind getting my eyelashes tinted and permed as I can't wear mascara (not vegan, you see... at least the good stuff isn't). I might see about taking Kay for her birthday. I am sure she would appreciate that.
I went to my sister's after finishing in town and all the little girls were crowding round to admire my feet. I think they were impressed...
8 Clytha Park Road
Newport
NP20 4PB
01633264430
*****
1. I hate my feet
2. I am a wimp
In the weeks running up to my birthday, I mentioned to my mom that my feet were looking like particularly ugly alligator feet and I really ought to get a pedicure. I also mentioned to my sister that I wanted to try out the Heaven Sent Day Spa that had just opened by her house. I wasn't dropping hints...
So on my birthday, I was presented with a gift voucher for £40 for the Spa from my sister and her family and it was suggested I could take Kay and we could both get a little treatment. Yeah, well, bugger Kay. My feet need extra special attention.
It took a bit of effort to book in to begin with. I wanted to get the Ultimate Pedicure and called last Saturday to book in. I was advised that I would need to speak to the chiropodist to make the appointment as I would need to see her first and then I would transfer to the beauty side. I was told someone would call back on Monday. No one did. If I had not had the voucher, I would have just given up at this point and gone elsewhere. Instead I called again Tuesday and was able to book in for today (Thursday).
The actual place is very nice. The car park leaves a little to be desired - gravel gets into my flip-flops very easily... Nice inside though. I was wondering if I could peel off a few sheets of the wallpaper in reception without being noticed for my upstairs bathroom...
You can see most of my foot issues from the picture - I have hammer toes, thick toenails, slightly webbed toes (gross, I know... my whole family has them), claws instead of little toe nails, very dry skin, scars (from mosquito bites due to my stupid skeeter syndrome), stubby, weird-shaped feet, hard skin on my heels, and arthritic pain from the FMF. Therefore, I force my feet into cute little Betsey Johnson shoes that are most definitely not made for walking because they look pretty. I hate having my feet looked at or touched and I especially don't like having anything done to my toenails. However, this is my issue and I need to deal with it.
First I saw Jacquie, the chiropodist. She masterfully hacked away at my tough old nails (that have broken TWO pairs of clippers in the last year) and she whipped out a blade and sliced off my hard skin. It was pretty disgusting to see what was removed but also rather satisfying. She's very nice and I was not scared at all. The only discomfort was when my leg went dead for a moment but I waved it about and was fine again. The actual treatment was surprisingly painless.
Then I went to have the pedicure side of it. Andrea (the manager) did that and was also very nice. I started off in a foot bath that had something in it that went all frothy. It was great! She filed my nails, did that cuticle thing, and generally tidied them up. Then a salt scrub, a foot mask, and heated booties while I "relaxed" in the massage chair for 15 minutes (it was like getting beaten up by my cute little Chinese guy in Alhambra all over again). Then a long foot massage. It was much more relaxing than usual - the guys in the SGV literally leave us bleeding... Nails painted and done.
I took my own nail polish - the Absolutely Alice from OPI's Alice in Wonderland range. This one is literally brand new and I have it on my hands and seeing as it's such a bitch to remove, figured I might as well have my feet to match. They do have a really good range of OPI but the colours are slightly more subdued than I normally go for (though there was a nice pink I will start scouring ebay for in a minute).
I was offered drinks/magazines, etc. It was a good experience all in all, especially as I was so nervous. I'll go back in a couple of months to have another treatment the same. There are other things I want to try though, like they do those Minx nail thingies that last better than polish and I wouldn't mind getting my eyelashes tinted and permed as I can't wear mascara (not vegan, you see... at least the good stuff isn't). I might see about taking Kay for her birthday. I am sure she would appreciate that.
I went to my sister's after finishing in town and all the little girls were crowding round to admire my feet. I think they were impressed...
My favourite vegan things...
I'm not totally negative... Thought I would share my most popular vegan products.
Tisserand Wild Rose and Lemon Leaf hand and nail cream
www.tisserand.com
Pacifica body butter (I like all the scents)
http://www.pacificaperfume.com
Raw Gaia face masks
http://rawgaia.com
Tara Smith shampoo and conditioner
www.tarasmith.com
Original Source shower gel (although admittedly it is not a favourite; it's just cheap and easily available in Tesco... I find it a little too chemically...)
www.originalsource.co.uk
Neals Yard Remedies face wash and moisturiser
http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/search/fast?filter0=vegan&x=0&y=0#
Majik Blanket lip balm
www.majikblankit.co.uk
Urban Decay make-up
http://www.urbandecay.com/vegan.cfm
I may add more to the list when I am next bored...
Tisserand Wild Rose and Lemon Leaf hand and nail cream
www.tisserand.com
Pacifica body butter (I like all the scents)
http://www.pacificaperfume.com
Raw Gaia face masks
http://rawgaia.com
Tara Smith shampoo and conditioner
www.tarasmith.com
Original Source shower gel (although admittedly it is not a favourite; it's just cheap and easily available in Tesco... I find it a little too chemically...)
www.originalsource.co.uk
Neals Yard Remedies face wash and moisturiser
http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/search/fast?filter0=vegan&x=0&y=0#
Majik Blanket lip balm
www.majikblankit.co.uk
Urban Decay make-up
http://www.urbandecay.com/vegan.cfm
I may add more to the list when I am next bored...
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