And so the madness begins.....

So it's finally December which means silly season has commenced, today operation christmas shopping in earnest began ; there was just one problem it would appear that half of Kent had the same idea so we all trotted off to Ashford outlet.

We arrived just after it opened, or when we thought it opened - only us Brits can make something like shopping complicated. All of the small shops opened at 11am but the bigger shops opened for browsing at 11.30 but no sales until midday; who came up with that bright idea - obviously some numpty sitting in an office.

We made the wise decision and parked in the overflow car park straight away otherwise we could have wasted  most of the day trying to find a car parking space, but once done we were ready and raring to go. If only everyone else had that mentality, I ended up walking out of one shop because even though the queue was nearly out of the door the person on the till was having a good old chat with one of their friends?!?!?!

I don't know why shopping over here makes me so angry, when it's one of my favourite things to do in Florida; most of the time it's very civilised. I say most of the time, but last week it was Black Friday; this happens the day after thanksgiving and Black Friday gets its name as it is traditionally the day businesses go from in the red to in the black.

This year this American tradition came to the UK which involves retailers offering some amazing discounts; the only thing is this can bring out of the worst in people and there were fights and I think a couple of arrests.  That's not my kind of shopping, although I do love a mooch round the Orlando Premium Outlets looking for a bargain (please note James I said mooch and not dawdle cause you're wasting my precious shopping time). Can't wait to have Emmie Lou keeping me company when we go next year!

People are always surprised that I will happily take time out of the theme parks to go shopping and although I can't believe this is coming out of my mouth considering my Disney addiction but taking a day out whether it's to go shopping or going to a water park  can do a lot for your sanity.

So what are the best bargains to be had, that all depends on what you like - personally my best saving has been on perfume; I don't have expensive taste in perfume but I can tell you it definitely smells nicer knowing you paid approx £8 per bottle instead of £30......just remember your duty free allowance is only £390

I would say its definitely worth doing your research and finding out where and what the best savings are on, I found that Chamilia and Pandora are normally the same price in dollars as they are in pounds ( if a bead is £30 you will normally pay $30; of course there are exceptions but its a good guide)

All this talk of shopping and I've hardly made a dent in my Christmas shopping so I guess I'd best go and make a start as this online lark; its so much more civilised and who cares if I'm in my pyjamas with no make up on

xxxx