Return Of The Random Thoughts

It’s been some time since I last shared some of my random thoughts with you, so here goes...

I’ve been enjoying the indulgence of the variety of little desserts that come under the heading ‘Pot Of Joy’ (current favourite Terry’s Chocolate Orange), but feel that there may have been a mistake with the labelling. I think it should read ‘Pot For Joy’, then they could all be mine!

Whilst out shopping recently, I bought an item that for some reason proceeded to set off the alarms in nearly every store that I subsequently entered. Annoying? Yes. But what was actually quite worrying was that in none of the shops that I visited did anyone check what was causing the problem. I could have been walking out with half their stock for all they knew!

So much for Tesco’s new, permanently low prices. Some of the targeted items that I’d started buying in the store have risen by as much as 40p during recent weeks. Granted, some products are still cheaper than elsewhere, but is this the start of a slippery slope, reverting back to higher prices quite quickly?

Talking of Tesco, I’m thoroughly frustrated with their freezer arrangement in my local store. The items seem to be displayed using some sort of spring-loaded system, meaning that if you select an item that you subsequently want to put back, you can’t fit it in. Even selecting an item in the first place makes you feel like you’re under attack – it’s a worrying experience.

Believe it or not, I’ve only recently discovered wine boxes! I often enjoy a glass of wine with the evening meal, sometimes adding a splash to a dish that I’m cooking, and I like to have a bit in reserve should visitors descend. I previously made sure that I had a bottle or two in stock, but after being given a box of wine as a present I’ve been converted. With boxes containing the equivalent of between three and six bottles of wine and lasting some six weeks after opening (keeping fresh, not magically refilling) they can be a handy, cost-effective buy. I’ve not been tempted to drink more because of the discovery; it’s just nice to know there’s enough to offer round if unexpected guests arrive!

Pointlessly Random Thoughts

Following Friday's post, I'm glad to report that Debenhams Beauty Club finally rallied and managed to update my details. The organisation currently dragging their heels at acknowledging the 'Big Move' are my local (soon to be ex) council. My emails have been resolutely ignored, and an attempt at ringing them resulted in me having to negotiate half a dozen automated menus, before being put into an enormous queue to speak to a general adviser! What was the point of the menus if I'm still lumbered with waiting in the general queue? Needless to say I abandoned my mission and have decided to attack from yet a different angle.

Chocolate cake - now that's not pointless!

I've been colour matched! Now that was a pointless exercise if ever there was one. On a recent shopping trip I was persuaded by the lovely lady in Boots to be assessed for my correct foundation shade. I duly sat on her stool while she cleansed a couple of patches of my face, held her little machine to my skin and read off the result - the shade I've been buying for the last goodness how many years! What's more I was informed that sometimes you don't buy the colour the machine says, as formulas for different types of coverage vary anyway. Right, so what was the point?

I see a bit of a pointless theme emerging here, so I may as well throw another question on the 'What's the point?' theme into the mix: Why does Legoland insist on parking charges when many other theme parks, don't? You can hardly park there to do your weekly shop, so what's the point?

For those of you reading my blog for the first time, I must apologise if I currently sound ridiculously crotchety. Put it down to the stress of my 'Big Move' - at last, something that isn't pointless!

Random Thoughts For May

As I fast track another pile of badly thought-out election leaflets from the door mat to the recycle bin, I can’t help wondering how many politician’s faces are destined to become tomorrow’s packaging materials. Who says politicians don’t do enough to help the environment?

Whilst enjoying a cheese scone at my local Sainsbury’s café, I started pondering the pronunciation of the word ‘scone’. The lady who served me pronounced it as I do, with a long ‘o’ as in ‘bone’. But of course, many people use the shorter ‘o’ version to rhyme with ‘con’. This always puzzles me, as it seems to follow the pattern of words such as ‘cone’, ‘crone’, ‘phone’, ‘tone’, ‘zone’… Well, you get the idea. Mind you, the ‘scone-related’ scenario that really irritates me is that many cafés that offer cream teas serve them with fruited scones, as opposed to the more traditional, plain Devon scones. Sorry, this combination just doesn’t work for me.

It’s very nice of Cadbury’s to emblazon my name across many of their chocolate multipacks. Does having the name ‘Joy’ on them mean they’re all for me? Well, there was no harm in asking.

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March’s Random Thoughts

I hate it when I see someone wearing a garment identical to one that I own and love. If they look awful in it I think, “What? Do I look that bad?” Yet if they look great in it I think, “Damn! They look so much better in it than I do!” Either way I can’t win!

I don't need a grand tea, just some peace!

I’m amazed (and a bit irritated) that when I opt for a quite cup of coffee in a supermarket café, that at times my peace is shattered by some kind of staff meeting. Do they really not have the facilities in a large supermarket to hold their meetings behind closed doors, rather than take up a large area of the customer restaurant? It’s most annoying.

I sometimes wish that supermarket trolleys were fitted with little motors and footplates too, so that we could stand on the plate and ride them round the supermarket like little scooters. It may help to take the strain out a big weekly shop.

Further to my blog post earlier in the month reminiscing about the sweets that I used to enjoy, I realised that I totally forgot to mention floral gums. Do you remember them? Tiny little gums in a small packet with a squirrel on that tasted, well, flowery.

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February’s Random Thoughts

We expect major companies to get everything right in their marketing campaigns, including spelling. I was rather shocked, therefore, to receive a promotional, all singing, all dancing email from Debenhams announcing an offer on “beauty and frangrance”! Really Debenhams, I suggest you learn your spellings for next week and see me.

It’s great that these days, announcements are frequently made on board trains, rather than passengers having to hang out of windows at stations to try and catch an almost unintelligible announcement. But some of the current announcements can be rather bemusing, For example, “You are on carriage twelve of eight” – work that one out!

However, like with anything these announcements can sometimes develop faults. Whilst travelling on a train where some problem was preventing the recorded announcements from being broadcast, the guard had to take over. He obviously was not at all familiar with what he should be doing, or even where he was, as he announced, “We will shortly be arriving at another station – somewhere.” That was clear then!

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January’s Random Thoughts

I’ve been stunned to see that in some shops, knocking as little as 50p off of an item appears to qualify as a sales bargain! Not in my book it doesn’t!

Individuals with an ‘L’ in their surname must be rubbing their hands with glee when they become driving instructors. Don’t they realise how unoriginal it is to have ‘WiLliams’, ‘Lawson’, ‘MiLler’ or whatever emblazoned on their vehicles?

If only supermarket aisles were fitted with traffic lights, one-way systems and ‘no parking’ areas, our lives as shoppers would be so much easier!

A sign on one of the hand driers in the ladies at my local Tesco reads, ‘Sorry, this facility is temporarily out of order’. What I would like to know is what is Tesco’s definition of temporary? The sign has been there since last October!

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New Year Wishes

“Happy New Year, Happy New Year, May we all have a vision now and then, Of a world where every neighbour is a friend”… so said Abba, and as a new year begins, we are all filled with hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

We would all like to see a more peaceful world, with major breakthroughs in treating many terrible diseases and everyone getting their fair share of everything. It would be great if everyone just got along with one another, respecting one another’s ways and beliefs – a live and let live mentality.

Perhaps you’re the type of person who makes New Year resolutions, though personally I’m not. To resolve to diet at the start of the year is always too difficult – it’s the time of year when comfort food is needed, much better to wait until salads are more inviting and you have the incentive of a holiday to get in shape for. The ideal is just to aim for ongoing healthy eating anyway.

To resolve to do anything just because it’s the beginning of another year seems to put too much pressure on your aspirations – just do things gradually, I say.

So what does 2014 have in store? Who really knows? All I can say is that on my blog I will be reviewing products and services, sharing some of my (sometimes cynical) Random Thoughts and generally spouting forth about all things shopping! Hope you’ll join me in my ramblings.

A Happy New Year to you all!

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So That Was 2013

“What have you done, another year over and a new one just begun…” to quote John Lennon. Indeed another year seems to have whizzed by, and now is the time to look back on its highs and lows and think what we would like to do differently, or perhaps more of next year.

Collectively we welcomed the new Pope and the newest addition to the Royal Family, Prince George, and said goodbye to the legend that was Nelson Mandela. Goodbyes were also said to Lady Thatcher amongst much controversy: I may not have loved her politics, but at the end of the day, I held on to the thought that she was a mother too, much missed by her family.

Across the world there was cause for sadness and shocks, as we witnessed some awful human acts and natural disasters that sometimes claimed lives. However, as is often the case in these situations, we must take comfort from the way ordinary people pull together, raising funds and supporting aid charities to help where possible.

On a personal level I celebrated a ‘milestone’ birthday, saw the birth of my first grandchild (a gorgeous little boy), questioned Ofsted and complained at the loss of Hypermobility classes from my local NHS physiotherapy department.

My blog looked at a range of products and services including make-up, cleaning products, toiletries, DS games and supermarket cafés. I looked at the whole issue of supermarkets using meat from sources other than the UK or even the EU, something that I’m still keeping an eye on.

Next year I’ll be reviewing a whole new set of products and services, continuing my ‘Random Thoughts’ and generally offering up my opinion on shopping and consumer issues.

But for now here are some of my winners and losers for 2013:

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs up for: Tesco Clubcard, EDF Complaints Resolutions Manager, Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara, the staff at the Morrisons café Cambourne, Avon Solutions Ageless Bloom Neck and Chest Treatment SPF15, the staff at Travelodge Middlewich, the Tower of London and the Nutmeg clothing range at Morrisons.

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs down for: ‘Which?’ magazine’s subscription department (and the magazine come to that), Aldi, companies that make money from your PPI claim (you can do it for free yourself), Ofsted, people who speak loudly on their phones on public transport and the poor service I received at the Marks and Spencer café at Hempstead Valley.

Who will be in my good and bad books for 2014?

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So That Was December

OK, so I know the month’s not quite over yet, but I’m saving the last day of December for my 2013 Review.

So how was December for you? Was it a month filled with fun and festivity or chaos and endless Christmas shopping? Was it, in fact, a sad time for reflection – I know I always miss loved ones more this time of year (my dad and two of my sisters).

Whatever you may have done, I hope you’ve had some good times and enjoyed some of the festivities on offer, without breaking the bank. You may have read my Christmas On A Budget blog to help keep costs down, and hopefully the bargain drink prices will help you see in the New Year too.

Amongst my other posts this month I’ve told a tale of British Gas engineers, reviewed ‘Which?’ magazine, had some ‘Random Thoughts’ and reviewed eyeliner – a real mixed bag.

Not quite the scene this December

I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas, I especially love seeing all the twinkling lights and watching my (not so small) children opening their presents. The added bonus this year was that my seven-month old grandson was around for all the fun too. However, my heart went out to those who were unable to celebrate a traditional family Christmas due to flooding and/or loss of power.

As we all prepare to see in the New Year, I’ll leave you with a few little thoughts, and hope you’ll keep reading next month, and indeed next year.

Best thing I’ve tasted this month: Tesco Finest Belgian Chocolate Assortment, absolutely delicious! Yummy chocolate containing, amongst other things, whole cherries marzipan and nuts.

Best thing I’ve seen this month: People’s faces as they’ve opened their presents.

This month I’ve been reading: Some slushy, feel-good Christmas books including ‘All I Want For Christmas’ by Amy Silver and ‘Sleigh Bells In The Snow’ by Sarah Morgan.

Stop Press! I've just bought Tesco Finest Italian Sour Cherry Pralines for just £1.25 for a 150g box and they are delicious!

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December’s Random Thoughts

The thing that really annoys me about the shops being full of Christmas cards and wrapping paper at this time of year is that it’s so hard to find a decent birthday card! People do still celebrate birthdays in December, despite what some shops may think.

I love Christmas lights!

Last week I arrived home from a shopping trip, clutching my festive TV (What’s On TV) guide eager to discover the delights of Christmas telly. However, imagine my surprise when I found that the magazine was missing pages 5-38, although it had double of some of the other page numbers. Perhaps even more disconcerting, was that when I returned it my local Tesco to get a replacement, the assistant scrutinised my receipt very carefully to confirm the 90p purchase, checking and double-checking before allowing me to get a new copy! I was hardly operating some big-time con!

My husband often meets me in a local car park after a shopping trip, where I happen to stand waiting for him quite near to a ticket machine. Obviously, my proximity to the machine means that people often ask whether I have change for the meter, but more perversely they seem to ask me random questions too. “What time do the shops close?” “Where’s the best place to buy a loofah?” (Or some such item). “Is there a branch of ‘Mobile Phone Mania’ nearby?” It seems they think I’m there to offer some kind of information service; perhaps I should put a sign above my head saying ‘Shoppers’ Joy Information Here’. Who knows, if you’re a shopper in Kent and have ever asked a rather exhausted, shopping-laden lady for advice, you may have spoken to Shoppers’ Joy?

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So That Was November

It may still technically have been autumn, but the weather in November has, at times, had the definite feel of winter about it and I’ve actually found myself getting into Christmas shopping mode quite early on. As I write this, I have actually bought over half of my gifts, more by accident, admittedly, than by any planning. I just seem to have been spotting goodies whilst out at the shops and grabbing them while I can.

Am actually on target with Christmas shopping!

Also on a Christmas note I have been busy cross-stitching festive cards, and have now accumulated quite an impressive selection to start writing, along with little notes that I like to slip inside.

With the temperature falling I’ve been sure to have a good, warming breakfast each day, and have become rather partial to Tesco Micro Oats, available in ‘original’ and ‘golden syrup’ flavours and a variety box that contains apple and blueberry in addition to these flavours (£1.59 for 9 sachets). I’ve not found a box of just apple and blueberry flavour on its own locally, but according to the internet they are available, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my local Tesco stores will stock them soon.

Although it’s been a busy month for me in many ways, I did actually manage an outing to the Tower of London (read here) which actually made me look a very cool parent when less than a week later, my son settled down to watch the anniversary episode of Dr Who and discovered it was partly filmed at, yes you’ve got it, the Tower of London! What great timing for the outing, be it a total fluke.

No doubt, I’ll be writing a few more festive-based blogs during December, along with my random thoughts, recommendations and musings, but I’ll leave you with these little points to ponder:

Best thing I’ve seen this month: The crown jewels – they’re just one of those things you that just have to see in life, and I finally got round to it!

Best thing I’ve bought this month: The current (dated December) issue of ‘Crafts Beautiful’ magazine, which not only comes with a free felt and decoupage kit, but if you buy it at Tesco, a free copy of the book ‘All I want for Christmas’ by Amy Silver.

The worst thing I’ve had to do this month:  Close down my static caravan and put it into hibernation until the spring. I really miss going there and look forward to spending lots of time at it again next year.

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November’s Random Thoughts

Am I the only shopper that when hearing an announcement in a supermarket to the effect of “Will all department heads now please attend the rumble?” pictures Ant and Dec performing their ‘hit’ song? Perhaps stores should just play “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” over the tannoy to summon staff and put a smile on all of our faces into the bargain.

Speaking of Ant and Dec, I’ve been watching the latest series of ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’, but feel that more than ever the definition of celebrity is somewhat dubious. Contestants really seem to qualify for one of two alternative shows, ‘I’m A Has Been Get Me Out Of Here’ and ‘I’m A Wannabe Get Me Out Of Here’. Still I can’t resist watching the victims, sorry contestants, putting themselves through the whole ordeal.

I’ve checked the calendar multiple times, but it’s still definitely November, so why have so many weekly magazines decided to put their ‘Bumper Christmas Issue’ on the shelves this week?

Oh whoopee! Bisto have brought out a special Christmas gift tin of their gravy granules – bet you’re all hoping for one of those in your stocking!

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So That Was September

Well here we are, well and truly into autumn and the last month has simply flown by. After a short break away from my blog, September saw me return with a few new blog posts that are only just gaining momentum.

My summer was busy with some good fun times included, but towards the end I started to experience a little self-doubt, especially as it’s also a sad time of year for me.

September is the anniversary (three years this year) of the death of my sister who was closest in age to me , with what should have been her birthday also during this month. But on a more positive note, this September also saw the first anniversary of my blog, so I rallied and got writing again.

I also write the copy for websites, brochures and marketing promotions for several companies, and the past month has seen an increase in this kind of work for me, which has been great.

The past month has also seen me launching a bit of a campaign against Ofsted. Despite my son’s school producing well-rounded students with excellent results and good behaviour, and earning comments in its report about some ‘outstanding teaching’ and well-mannered young people, Ofsted, in its wisdom, decided to put the school into special measures.

This was like red rag to a bull for me as I’m a big supporter of the school. In one of my former careers I worked in a few different schools in my area, including some where both results and behaviour were by comparison quite poor, yet their Ofsted reports were good. One school in particular did not correct students for rude behaviour or dropping litter incessantly around the school and some lessons were a bit of a ‘free for all’. After a particular incident with a group of students, I received absolutely no support from the senior management and so decided to leave.

Subsequently I contacted Ofsted but was ignored. You can see, therefore, why I get so annoyed when there are far too many inconsistencies within reports. So now I’m questioning Ofsted further. I’ve written to my local paper, made contact with the local MP and am in the process of communicating with Michael Gove. Am I really the only person who believes it’s high time Ofsted itself came under scrutiny?

So in between writing copy for businesses, letters of complaint and a couple of short stories, I’ve actually managed to write a few blog posts too.

In October you can read how I fared on my shopping quest for leggings, learn how to claim back mis-sold PPIs without paying a fee and catch up with my latest round of 'Random Thoughts'.

Thanks as always for reading.

Joy

September’s Random Thoughts

Why is it that when I select a few garments to take into a changing room when out clothes shopping, (a couple I really like the look of and an OK one that I might as well try), I only ever end up buying the one that I took in as an afterthought or to make up the numbers?

With the summer holidays over, it won’t be long before the shops start displaying all their Christmas goods, no doubt. (In fact a local shop put out some Christmas cards a month or two ago). So I thought I’d get ahead this year and be the first to wish you all a Happy Christmas!

An early Christmas pic just for you

My local Tesco Metro has just had a revamp. I love the new, brighter feel. I love the new more user-friendly fridges. But I hate the narrower aisles, lined with higher shelf units – a trend in many shops now it seems. Why don’t they just go the whole way and turn the shop into a maze? Customers lucky enough to find their way to the centre can be rewarded with the products that they were looking to find!

When it comes to buying jeans it would seem that we are spoilt for choice. There are skinny, straight leg, bootcut, relaxed, loose, comfort, carpenter and boyfriend fit jeans. I’m waiting for ‘actually fit’ jeans, as no matter which style I opt for, there’s always something not quite right about them.

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June’s Random Thoughts

Can anyone explain to me why when searching for Daisy Ironing Water at Tesco.com, the search results showed a selection of 24 seemingly random items ranging from Farley’s Rusks to Jack Daniels Whisky?

Where have all the swings gone? Many children’s playgrounds have had the swings (with the exception of the baby ones) removed, whilst new play areas do not include them in the first place. I know that swings remain popular, as whenever I take my son to a park where they still exist, there is always a queue for them. So what’s the logic? Is it a question of ‘health and safety gone mad’? We used to use swings without limiters on concrete bases, at least now there are safety surfaces and swings seem to be made to only reach a certain height.

I’ve spotted Tango (of the orange fizzy drink fame) shower gel in the shops, but have refrained from trying it as I worry it will turn me orange, like the odd little man that used to pop up on the soft drink ads.

Impossible instruction at my local Tesco, written on the box for the plastic bags at the greengrocery section: ‘Please select one at a time’. Have you actually tried doing that? You're lucky if you end up with a minimum of three in any one go!

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May’s Random Thoughts

Why is it that even if you park in a completely empty car park, you can guarantee that when you return to your vehicle, you’ll find that someone has parked right against your door?

Many of our local bus stops have recently had electronic timetable screens installed, which have now been ‘enhanced’ with spoken messages. These are great for people with poor eyesight (or the rest of us in the sunshine) who can’t read the screens, but I wish the messages were a little less irritating. “The next service is predicted to arrive in two minutes”. Predicted? That’s what they do with horoscopes and look how wrong they are!

I do enjoy the occasional McDonald’s hot apple pie as a treat, and who knows, one day I may even manage to master the art of eating one without losing half of the filling?

Random thoughts are best accompanied by random picture

I wish I could wear a pashmina with style, instead of looking like an overgrown child who has raided the dressing-up box.

Did I miss some new rules about the latest series of The Apprentice? Like contestants need to be even more of a poser, twice as dappy and bear a resemblance to a former contestant. Is it just me, or does Francesca look remarkably like the ill-fated Stella English?

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April’s Random Thoughts

My thoughts may be random at times, but not as random as the assortment of emails that fill my spam box on a daily basis. I’m currently being offered fat-busting pills, youth serum, collagen injections, electronic cigarettes, laser eye surgery, Viagra, debt advice, accident compensation, PPI advice and the chance to become a plumber or electrician! How strange my life would be if I needed all of those!

How much chocolate qualifies as triple choc?

With the British weather becoming increasingly erratic, and not strictly sticking to what we would consider the appropriate seasons, perhaps it’s time that clothes retailers became a bit more flexible with their stock. Strappy T-shirts and thermal gloves side-by-side, why not?

I find it really annoying when I’m out shopping, browsing the shelves and I suddenly hear someone behind me sighing loudly or ‘huffing and puffing’. For goodness sake, if I’m in the way just say, “Excuse me please” and I will move!

I may be a fan of recycling, but not when it comes to TV programmes. I’m fed up with shows that dedicate whole episodes (or even a spin-off series) to showing clips of past programmes, with just a hint of original dialogue thrown in!

If McVities Double Chocolate Digestives contain chocolate digestive biscuit and chocolate chips and chocolate coating, then shouldn’t they be called Triple Chocolate Digestives?

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March’s Random Thoughts

It’s amazing how many of us seem to talk to machines. Cashpoints, self-service tills, and car park pay stations – how often do you talk to (or hear others talk to) any of these? I’m very polite, I usually say ‘thank you’ to them.

Random thoughts - random picture

Have you noticed how many garments that you buy need buttons stitched back on or seams repaired after only a couple of wears? And I’m not just talking about budget brands either.

Why do some people find it necessary to use a jumbo-sized umbrella (large enough to house a small family) whilst walking along a crowded high street, virtually slaying fellow pedestrians in their wake? Smaller umbrellas are available, greatly reducing the risk to the general public.

“One hundred Humphries soft as silk,

Out on the search for your Unigate milk,

Get extra pintas or you’ll be without.

Watch out watch out, watch out, watch out,

There’s a Humphrey about!”

Sorry I have these momentary lapses of nostalgia, this one courtesy of Unigate milk. I feel better for that now.

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February’s Random Thoughts

I’m always bewildered by cafés that offer on their menu a ‘large’ tea for a higher price than one in a smaller cup, when all they do is add a bit of extra hot water. What all places should really offer however, is a pot of tea, much nicer.

Why do I always start reading a magazine from the back and work forwards? I wouldn’t do it with a book, so why with a magazine?

Virgin Media have sent me so much (junk) literature in the past year, I could have wallpapered my whole house with it. I AM NOT a Virgin Media customer; I HAVE NEVER BEEN a Virgin Media Customer and DO NOT INTEND TO BE a Virgin Media customer. Thank you for asking, but can you just leave me in peace now?

Do you remember when we used to get a second postal delivery each day, and even that usually came before midday. Now we only get one delivery a day, and in my case I’m lucky if that arrives much before 3pm! So much for progress.

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January’s Random Thoughts

Easter Eggs! In the shops already! Haven’t we only just done Christmas?

Lovely, but not yet please!

Much as I’m really not a fan of Primark, I do wish other shops would adopt their practice of issuing paper ‘carrier bags’.

If you have a problem remembering a pin number or password, then concentrate on the pattern the number/word makes on the keypad/keyboard. That is often easier than remembering all the individual digits and letters.

What’s happened to the Trattoria Verdi range of pasta, tomato purée etc, which was being stocked by Tesco? The range consisted of some very good products at very reasonable prices, but I can no longer find them. Can we have them back please?

Remember how your mum always warned you about catching those dreaded ‘chills’? “Don’t do this, you’ll catch a chill!” “Don’t do that, you’ll go down with a chill!” The ‘don’t do’ list as I recall included: don’t sit on the cold pavement; don’t go out with your hair damp; don’t drink from a wet cup!!! ??? Surely a cup is wet when it’s got drink in it anyway?

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