By Daniella Alpher

We closed our online survey today and want to thank the 152 parents out there who took the time to answer our questions this past week. Two out of three respondents were mothers. We had 83 Americans, 42 Brits and 27 from a variety of other countries all over the world. 

We can’t share our key findings online at this stage, but we can say the following:

1. Parents in the US and UK turn mostly to eBay and Craigslist for second-hand goods. Gumtree and FreeCycle are next after that. Incidentally, our research shows that Craigslist has grown in the past year from 4.4m unique users to 8m uniques. Which is staggering.

2. We had no idea Babycenter was so popular – both in the US and UK.

3. While we received clear assurances of the opportunity in this market segment, there doesn’t seem to be much interest in a swapping ecosystem for second-hand maternity clothes. Toys, clothes, furniture, books – all yes. Maternity clothes – no. Why not…?

A special thanks to the Maida Vale Mums for boosting our participation rate in the UK.

A lot of people who look for apartments or rooms rely on the internet. This is a good way to get informed about the prices in certain areas.

When I came to London, the first thing I used was Gumtree, which is the UK’s biggest website for local classified ads and community site.

Once I found a really stunning apartment for less than 200 Pounds a week with two bedrooms in a really nice area. There were plenty of beautiful pictures and a nice description. When I contacted the landlord, she said she is out of the country at the moments and wasted her time already for people who wanted to see the apartment but then couldn’t afford to rent it. To show her, that we have the money, she wanted me to transfer it to a friend of mine and only send her the receipt.

If I would have done it, I would have been scammed by around 1500 Pounds. Everything looked so honest and the woman always wrote very long and trustworthy emails. I only did not transfer the money because I did not have the full amount in that short period she requested.

After that I informed myself about scams and found a lot of information on the gumtree forum.

There is also a very interesting documentary on the BBC iplayer which explains how these scams work.

The most important rule is- never transfer money over Western Union, when you don’t know the person, and don’t even share the receipt details with a third person. Always view the apartment first before signing any contracts or paying money.

I’ve been pretty ill this last week – might even had had flu but have some antibiotics now so hopefully I’m well on the mend.

No. 8
I had a little play about with make up for Halloween and the outfit will probably include No. 33 too.  I’m scared I look a bit silly but hopefully when I have my dress finished I will feel better about it – I am supposed to look a bit silly right?

No. 29
I have lost 4lbs (as of last Friday) so am on track though the sickness has probably helped.  I am trying to be super good this week to get another pound or two off by this Friday.

No. 45
I tried Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup from Yoko and it was quite the success!  I’m going to attempt my own version this evening hopefully.  Yums.

No. 77
We’re planning to take our niece and nephew to the Zoo just before Christmas to meet Santa.  We’ve never taken them anywhere before or been “in charge” of them so it’s quite exciting!  I will hopefully get our places booked in the next couple of days.  Ho ho ho…

No. 98
I had my second ever smear test on Friday and will hopefully get the results in the next couple of weeks.

No. 99
I sold a blouse, two dresses and pair of unworn shoes (No. 41 and see photo below) on Ebay which I was really pleased about (especially as 2 of the items sold for more than I paid for them!!). I also sold some tickets on Gumtree so I guess they don’t count – I should have putting “losing Gumtree virginity” on my list!)

Gumtree is always something of an adventure.

With the move coming up, I’m trying to clear out as much as possible so we don’t have quite as many things to lift on the actual day. In addition to posting all of my old clothes on ebay*,  I added some furniture to Gumtree because I thought people who live locally would be more likely to see it there. To begin with, S- and I got rid of the three piece suite that was simply too big for the new house and our old fridge – complete with my “I <3 tea” sticker.

The people who bought our settee were actually really nice, but when they came to collect it, the street’s resident drunk appreared at the door, barged into the house and demanded to know what I was selling,

“Just the suite,” said I, “and these people are here to pick it up.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were selling it? I’d have bought it!” she replied, circling the room.

“Well, the add was posted online-”

“I don’t have the internet,” she replied accusingly, as if I should either grant her access to the web somehow, or come knocking on her door to tell her when something new is posted on the internet.

“I’ll give you twenty quid for the table,” she adds.

“Um… no…” The gorgeous Victorian dining table cost over two hundred. I asked her to leave shortly after for fear of things going missing. Whilst dropping off the fridge wasn’t quite so interesting, it did pose a number of unique problems. The lady S- had to deliver it to kept refusing to give her phone number, and when I finally did get one out of her, she didn’t answer it, leaving husband waiting outside of an all girls’ college in his hat and leather coat looking rather shady. Luckily, the woman was online so I managed to get in touch to tell her to go and answer the door, so all was well in the end.

Last night, I added a shelving unit to Gumtree’s lists. I’d purchased said shelves less than a year ago and wrote my ad accordingly, asking for £40 o.n.o. I woke to the following email:

“hello wud u exceptŁ20 for unit cud pick up asap ty” – This is exactly as it appears in my inbox. I replied:

“Hello. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be prepared to go as low as £20. The item is almost brand new and has been treated to help preserve the wood. Thanks for your interest.”

Five minutes later, I received this lovely response:

“hello wud u except Ł20 for unit ty”

I’m willing to accept (or possibly even “except”) that people are unable to spell. My own spelling is not overly fantastic but I think “wud” and “cud “reach beyond the threshold of inability into the realms of txt-spk. The “ty” in lieu of “thank you” supports this hideous theory.

That someone has addressed me in such a way makes me feel dirty – like I am an accessory to the ruin of the English language. In response to this second query, I simply said, “No.” As of yet, there have been no other replies.

* My ebay page is here if anyone is interested… there’s lots of vintage clothes for sale.

Bienvenido al mundo real ¿acaso no es lo que has venido a buscar?  Mi vigésimo día en esta ciudad se merece brindaros una nueva entrada de blog con nuevas sensaciones vividas estas dos últimas semanas.

Haré un esfuerzo por narrarlas de la manera más positiva posible a pesar de que mi cuenta bancaria no gozara de muchas alegrías últimamente. Es cierto que me encuentro más adaptado e integrado, sin renunciar a nuevas roles ni objetivos en esta ciudad.

Me considero afortunado al ya poder disfrutar de mi propia habitación y aun más reseñable; que ha sido el primer sitio que me he dignado a visitar. Desde un primer momento ya me había convencido su anuncio; las fotos, su precio y la zona, por lo que me he acercado a echar un vistazo… Al día siguiente ya era mi casa.

24 Stirling Road, East Ham. London E13 0BJ (UK)

Algunos de vosotros habéis tenido la oportunidad de verla en exclusiva a través de un rápido movimiento de cámara; para aquellos que se quedaron con las ganas decirles que dispongo de wi-fi, cama doble, salón con ordenador de 19″, cocina bien equipada, terracita para fumadores y todo esto en una zona bien comunicada a 20 mins. de la City; compartiendo casa con un irlandés, un asturiano y un lisboeta. Sí, ya sé. Ya podía haber escogido un sitio con alguna chica, pero no se puede tener todo en esta vida. Ahora bien, la cara “B” del asunto; llevo dos semanas y no solo la cosa consiste en pagar 90gbp cada Jueves, sino que también son los 30bgp de la Oyster Card cada Martes; con lo cual ¿Qué me queda? Encontrar trabajo inmediatamente, de ahí el título de esta nueva entrega.

Si no he enviado/entregado durante esta semana más de 50 CVs a lo largo y ancho de Londres que baje Dios y me lo diga. Mi búsqueda durante esta semana la he comenzado en un Pull&Bear de Oxford Street y la he finalizado desde casita buscando por Internet. Una gran parte de las empresas que he visitado, sean cuales sean sus servicios, te piden que te busques la vida a través de sus propias páginas web; Te encontrarás con formularios de 8 páginas preguntándote, entre otras muchas cosas, si has atentado alguna vez contra la sociedad ¿alguien respondería que sí aunque lo hubiera hecho?.

En esta situación de tener que esforzarte por una sonrisa de oreja a oreja y de tienda en tienda cada día y no recibir ni una respuesta ni siquiera equivocada, es bastante frustrante. Sin embargo, en un momento de lucidez, he decidido subir un anuncio personal ofreciendo mis servicios como Diseñador Gráfico en una de las webs más populares en UK (GumTree.com). Cual fue mi sorpresa al día siguiente de recibir una llamada de un tipo proponiéndome una web para una Agencia de Modelos. Cual fue también mi sorpresa al recibir un correo de una chica interesada también en un portafolio personal. En fin, que mi último esfuerzo deseperante por encontrar algo a corto plazo había funcionado! Ahora tocará analizar cada proyecto, demostrar la experiencia como creativo en cada caso y mostrar la máxima seguridad a los clientes potenciales para así llegar a sólidos acuerdos. Incluso ahora veo viable la posibilidad de poder trabajar aquí de lo que realmente siempre más me ha motivado; la publicidad.

Dejando a un margen mi trabajo, deciros que aun hay cosas que se escapan de mi entendimiento. ¿Una mujer de ojos claros y de apariencia caucásica vistiendo con burka? (…) ¿Convencimiento propio?¿Moda? Whatever…

Un gran consejo podría ir dirigido a los españoles que llegan aquí con su camiseta de Torres o Fábregas. Cuidadito con esas prendas en zonas como en las que yo vivo (West Ham), especialmente los días de partido. Pensaba que los hooligans tan sólo eran los que venían a España a emborracharse y a quedarse fuera del estadio. Iluso de mí.

Se me quedan cosas en el tintero; como que mañana me dan el National Insurance Number, como que el Martes será un día algo atípico para mí en estas coordenadas, como que el Miércoles se va a liar parda con el partido del Atlético de Madrid – Chelsea… ¿Respecto a lo de salir por la noche? Cuando haya algo que celebrar, que no será dentro de mucho. En fin, estaremos en contacto.

Un utópico caluroso saludo desde UK para mi familia, amigos y no tan amigos. Os echo de menos tanto o incluso más que a mi VW Golf que está aburrido en el garage.

PD: Mami!! Gracias por ese jamón serrano, el tomate Solís, las sopas Knor, el arroz Gallina Blanca!! Delicious…

Proprio oggi ho messo su tre diversi siti internet (Gumtree, Flatshare e Moveflat) l’ad per affittare la mia stanza quando me ne andrò. Più avanti magari lo metteremo anche nella biblioteca qui vicino. Presumibilmente non risponderà nessuno almeno per il primo mese, dato che solitamente la gente inizia a cercare casa più o meno un mese prima, se non addirittura dopo. Io finché non avrò telefonate o e-mail non starò tranquilla, soprattutto quando inizierà novembre. Sara è molto più fiduciosa di me, probabilmente perché lei è abituata a affittare e cercare case, io invece ho paura di non riuscire a trovare nessuno entro l’1, e poi mi scazzerebbe sia pagare l’affitto di una casa in cui non vivo sia far pagare tutto l’affitto a Sara. In ogni caso, se proprio proprio non troviamo nessuno, Sara non starà qui da sola per pagare quasi £1000 al mese, ma cambierà casa.

Non appena ci saranno news, aggiornerò immediatamente il blog!

We know and fully understand how exasperating it is to find a language tutor, or any tutor. Learning a new language, can be a very fun and interesting process. At the same time, the search for the right tutor can dampen that new-found interest. Learn the tricks of finding the right language tutor and see yourself having fun in learning that new language.

1. Identify your motive
Ask yourself,”Why am I learning a new language”? This could be for a variety of reasons: for use when traveling; for pure interest; for professional & workplace development etc.

2. How much can you spare?
As crude as it may sounds, it is always to have a clear idea of how much you can spare in terms of hiring a language tutor. Establish a budget right before the start of the search, and stick to it.

3. Individual or group
Would you like individual tutoring or learning in a group? Both settings have their pros and cons. In individual tutoring, you get the full attention of your tutor where you will be able to greatly benefit from the lesson. At the same time, learning in a group settings helps you to make new like-minded friends, encouraging greater social interaction in the new language. At the same time, budget is directly related to your preference of individual or group learning as the earlier often costs more.

4. Location
Where would you like your tutoring? At the comfort of your home? In a school? If you’d like home tutoring, it would be good to source for private home tutors; on the other hand, tuition centers providing tutoring classes would be good sources to find that right language class.

5. Tutor qualifications
What kind of qualifications do you expect from your tutor? A masters in English language? A phD in education? True enough, academic qualifications are a good indication of the tutor’s academic ability. However, sad to say, academic abilities does not equate to teaching abilities. At the same time, tutoring rates may skyrocket along with tutor qualifications. Hence, it is always to wise to be be prudent over a tutor’s academic qualifications.

6. Years of experience
The number of years of experience a tutor has is a very good indicator of the tutor’s teaching abilities. At the same time, a tutor who has had many years of tutoring experience shows the tutor’s dedication & commitment in teaching the language.

7. Search
The easiest search would be to browse through the Internet for listings of private tutors. Gumtree would be a good location for you to search and post free listings. However, if you are less internet-savvy, it would be good to enquire at tuition centers. Sydney Tutor Finder provides a one stop solution in searching tutors for you.

8. Communication
Communication between you and your tutor is crucial! It is important to ensure a good level of communication between your tutor and you. This is often affected by the type of nationality and race of your tutor. I’m not trying to be a racist here; all I’m saying is that make sure you are comfortable with how you communicate with your tutor. After all, communication is key in any learning process.

I stuck an ad up on Gumtree offering a laptop I’m not using all that much and within a few hours I had a response.  Easy money!

Daniel Lewis (danielewiss@yahoo.com) wrote me and said: “Thinking about what to have for a special gift to my colleage till i found your item, would Like to know if still available for sale.”

So I wrote back and told Daniel (since we’re on first name terms now) that it was a cracking laptop and so on.  His next response was lengthy and telling.

“Thanks for your returning my mail, As i have mentioned, i will be glad if truly you can be sincere with me, i am getting this item for special gift to my colleage which i need the item to get ther befor the 26th of sept and its should be sent to Walthamtow via Royal Mail International Singed For, Although i’ m suppose to take the item there myself but its will look more special having it direct and cause of my absent in town now, going for a complete project in Paris, you know what that means, i need a well seal packed for it,

More so i like to know the present condition of the item also, i will really appreciate if you can kindly post the item asap, which i will be offering you the sum of £70 for postage and packaging of the items to Walthamstow…

I would be glad and sincerely wish deal together through PayPal Online Auction, cause i believe its safe for both of us and so if you re really interesting in selling out the item to me, kindly get back to me with your Pay Pal Email and your Full Name when registering for the pay pal together with the cost of the item and the postage fee, cause i wouldn’t want any mistake in this transaction.

I await your quick response and don’t forget to send me along your phone # as well.”

Now I was 99% sure this is a scam.  And here are the reasons why.

1. His email address (danielewiss@yahoo.com)

Daniel Lewis is a perfectly acceptable name for anyone (unless you do something stupid like add a “Day” in to the middle).  But it seems a bit strange that you would choose to completely misspell your name in your email address just because daniellewis@ was not available.

2. Grammar and other nonsense

Ever hear of 419 scams?  Well they come from Nigeria and are characterized by rather stilted English.  In Daniel’s message above the use of phrases like “I will be glad if truly you can be sincere with me” and “I would be glad and sincerely wish deal together…” reek of 419ness.

The circumstances that he gives for not being able to do the deal in person (which is the point of Gumtree) are contrived: he’s in Paris and his colleage (sic) is in Walthamstow.  He also seems completely unmoved by the fact that he is giving a gift to his friend that is advertised as second hand.

Then there is the ridiculous offer of paying £70 to ship the item – probably about 3 times what it would cost.  He could buy a new one for what he is willing to pay.  I’m sure if I had priced the laptop at one billion dollars he’d still be offering to wire me the cash.

Finally there is the “deadline” of the 26th of September which I guess means he’d pressure a naive person in to sending the item before the PayPal payment (which he would have no intention of sending, naturally) was made.

Funny thing is my family are from Walthamstow so it would have been quite funny to get the address and then have them turn up there to beat the shit out of whoever was collecting it.

3. Identity theft

He wants my email, my full name and my phone number.  He doesn’t need all this information to complete a PayPal payment.  Never tell anyone anything online unless you are able to beat the shit out of them immediately afterwards.

None of it added up but I needed to dig a little more.  So I went down in to his email and found that he sent it from the IP address 41.219.214.26.  A quick visit to www.ip2location.com revealed…

Uh-huh.

It didn’t end there.  A few minutes later another message came, this time from papapilo10@live.com who was even more direct: “is still available for sale…can you get back to me with your paypal email to make the payment for you now”

Less to go on here but a willingness to pay straight away?  No questions?  No meeting?

I asked IP2Location what was going on…

Use common sense online, work off the assumption that everyone is a thieving cockface and you’ll be just fine.

22/09/09 Edit: The Netherlandic IP above is actually valid and relates to the company themselves who run the website (they forward the mails on behalf of the “buyers”).  I have since had two more spams including one from the Southwest Tennessee Community College – he wanted me to send it to his friend in Nigeria.  Unfortunately he could not collect it himself because he’s on his way to Asia…ahhhh. Cockface.)

This ad is for a pair of Tods patent brown leather loafers in size 37.

As you’d expect from Tods, these shoes are superb quality and will look fantastic with both work wear or with a pair of casual trousers.

The shoes are second hand and in good condition, albeit the leather is ever so slightly cracked on the sides from wear (see photos), but nothing major- but that’s why I’m letting them go for just £20 (plus postage). They are a great pair of shoes that will last for years!

Please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying.

They will come to you in their original Tods box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default (insurance included), but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/55/45789055.html

This ad is for a pair of Sergio Rossi beige suede pointed court shoes with stud strap detail, in size 38.

As you’d expect from Sergio Rossi, these shoes are superb quality and will look fantastic with both formal and casual wardrobes.

The shoes have only been worn on a couple of occasions and are in great condition, but they do have some markings to the suede on the side (which will come out with a suede brush/ shampoo) and on the sole from wear, but nothing major. Please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle, along with their defects, so you can see exactly what you are buying.

I bought these new for over £200, but am letting them go for just £40 (plus postage), which is a real steal!

Annoyingly, the original Sergio Rossi box went missing in our recent house move, but they will come to you wrapped in acid-free tissue paper in their dust bag, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post.

I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default (insurance included), but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/17/45788817.html

This ad is for a pair of Jigsaw brown suede and leather court shoes, with a scallop and eyelet detail, in a size 38.

These will make a really pretty and original addition to your wardrobe and will work very well with both formal and casual outfits- I love them dearly and wouldn’t be selling them but they’re just too high for me!

I’ve only worn them a few times so the shoes are in good condition, albeit with marking to the soles (see photos) and slight wearing inside, nothing major- but please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying. Because of the wear I’m letting them go for just £20 (plus postage).

They will come to you with replacement heel tips, in their original box and carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/64/45788464.html

This ad is for a pair of Jigsaw black suede Mary Jane heel shoes in size 38.

These will be a great addition to your wardrobe and will look pretty with formal wear and really cute with a pair of jeans.

The shoes are used but are in good condition, albeit with marking to the soles and wearing inside from use (see photos), but nothing major- but please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying. Because of the wear to the inside, I’m selling them for the bargain price of £20 (plus postage)- or feel free to make me an offer.

They will come to you in their original box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/05/45788205.html

This ad is for a pair of second hand HOBBs ‘Suzi’ crocodile print court shoes in Venetian Red (85mm heel), in a size 38.

These will be a great addition to your wardrobe and will look equally stunning with formal wear and with jeans.

The shoes have only been lightly worn and are in great condition, albeit with light marking to the soles from use, but nothing major- but please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying. I’m letting them go for £30 (plus postage) or best offer.

They will come to you with replacement heel tips in their original box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/01/45788001.html

This ad is for a pair of Monsoon ‘Audrey’ shoes in caramel satin, in a size 5 (UK)/38 (EU).

The shoes themselves have only been worn once for a wedding and are in great condition, albeit with light marking to the soles from use, but nothing major- but please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying.

I’m letting them go for the bargain price of £15 (plus postage), and they will come to you with replacement heel tips in their original box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post.

I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/75/45787775.html

This ad is for a pair of Jigsaw low heel shoes in antique rose with stitching detail, in a size 38.

These shoes are really pretty and versatile- and will make a great addition to your wardrobe. While sold second-hand, they have hardly been worn and are in good condition, albeit with light marking to the soles from use, but nothing major- but please take the time to look at all the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying. I’m selling them for the bargain price of £30 (plus postage).

They will come to you in their original box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/13/45787613.html

This ad is for a pair of Red Herring violet ballet pumps in size 4.

These pretty little pumps are perfect for day and party wear- and are a steal as I’ve only worn them once- I’m putting them up for sale as they’re just too small for me (NB they’re a small size 4!)

Please take the time to look at the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying. There is light marking to the soles, from use as you’d expect but also slight staining on the sides, which is why I’m letting them go at the bargain price of £8 (plus postage).

They will come to you wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and a pretty organza dust bag, packed in bubble wrap to protect them in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send them by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/93/45787393.html

This ad is for a beautiful handmade blue glass teardrop vase, measuring 25cm by 7cm at its widest point.

The vase has been used, which is why I’m letting it go for the bargain price of £6 (plus postage) but is in very good condition as the photos show. Please take the time to look at the photographs, as these form part of the description so you can see exactly what you are buying.

To make sure you receive your vase in perfect condition, I will carefully wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and protective packaging- and will send it out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment. I’ll use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/80/45787180.html

This ad is for two natural pink Cabibe mussel shells, measuring approximately 10cm in length by 3cm, which I’m selling for £5 (plus postage).

Pink Mussels are one of the beautiful coloured shells that come from the warm, blue waters of the the South Pacific- and the lustrous soft pink shades of these shells would look lovely as decorative items in your home.

To make sure you receive these shells in perfect condition, I will carefully wrap them in tissue paper and protective packaging- and will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment.

I’ll use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay. Equally if you live in London and would prefer to pick it up in person to avoid the postage that’s no problem.

I have other ads for two large abalone shells (measuring 14cm x 12cm and 16cm x 14cm), so if you’d like them all feel free to make me an offer!

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/55/45786755.html

This ad is for a natural abalone shell (or ‘ear shell’) measuring approximately 14cm in length by 12cm- selling for £4 (plus postage).

Abalone shells, which are naturally very strong are mainly found in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere- and with its organic form and beautiful mother of pearl nacre, this shell would look great as a decoration in your home, or as a natural soap dish.

To make sure you receive this shell in perfect condition, I will carefully wrap it in tissue paper and protective packaging- and will send it out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment.

I’ll use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay. Equally if you live in London and would prefer to pick it up in person that’s no problem.

I have other ads for a second abalone shell (measuring 16cm x 14cm) plus two beautiful pink cabibe mussel shells, so if you’d like them all feel free to make me an offer!

Link to my ad on Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/95/45786595.html

This ad is for a natural abalone shell (or ‘ear shell’) measuring approximately 16cm in length by 14cm- selling for £4 (plus postage).

Abalone shells, which are naturally very strong are mainly found in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere- and with its organic form and beautiful mother of pearl nacre, this shell would look great as a decoration in your home, or as a natural soap dish.

To make sure you receive this shell in perfect condition, I will carefully wrap it in tissue paper and protective packaging- and will send it out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment.

I’ll use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay. Equally if you live in London and would prefer to pick it up in person that’s no problem.

I have other ads for a second abalone shell (measuring 14cm x 12cm) plus two beautiful pink cabibe mussel shells, so if you’d like them all feel free to make me an offer!

Link to my ad on Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/37/45786537.html

This ad is for a beautiful natural capiz shell three-tier wind chime, measuring approximately 30cm (diametre) by 60cm.

The wind chime is in perfect condition and has been taken out of its box but never used- it was a moving in present, originally bought at Habitat, but unfortunately we don’t have the space to hang it so we’re passing it on to a new home! It would look fantastic hanging from a high ceiling in your bedroom or living room, or would make a great statement piece if hung over a stairwell. This is a real bargain at £25, selling for a fraction of its original cost.

To make sure you receive it in perfect condition, I will carefully wrap this item in tissue paper and protective packaging (note, as the capiz shells are very delicate I will re-pack the item rather than sending in its original packaging to make sure the item isn’t damaged)- and will send it out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment.

I’ll use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay. Royal Mail are quoting me £7.20 to send this by 1st Class, which is a reflection of the weight of the item- so if you live in London and you’d prefer to collect it then just let me know.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/75/45786375.html

This ad is for a pair of Prada pink and lavender snake sandals in size 38.

I fell for these when I first bought them but only wore them once because they didn’t quite fit me. After much buyer’s remorse, it’s now time for somebody else to love them! They’d make an absolutely beautiful addition to your wardrobe and you’ll be picking up a bargain, as they were on sale for over £200! I’d like to sell them for £70 (plus postage) but am open to offers.

They’re in perfect condition, as you’d expect, with only light markings to the soles from one wear. Please take the time to look at the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying.

They will come to you with replacement heel tips in their original Prada box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/39/45785739.html

This ad is for a pair of brand new Ronit Zilkha black leather butterfly shoes in size 38.

I bought these really original shoes but they didn’t fit me properly so I never wore them- they are still as new in the box. They’d make a really original addition to your wardrobe and you’ll be picking up a bargain, as they were on sale for £139 and I’m selling them for £55 (plus postage)!

Please take the time to look at the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying.

They will come to you in their original Ronit Zilkha box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to my ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/41/45785441.html

This ad is for a pair of second hand Gucci ‘Moka’ brown slip on sandals (coffee colour) with kitten heels in US size 7B or EU 37.

These Guccis are real classics and really versatile- they’ll be a great addition to both your formal and casual wardrobes, for the bargain price of £30 (plus postage).

They are in good condition, albeit with marking to the soles from use, but nothing major. Please take the time to look at the photographs, as these form part of the description and I have tried to show the shoes from every angle so you can see exactly what you are buying.

They will come to you in their original Gucci box, carefully packed in protective packaging to keep them safe in the post. I will send them out within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment and will use Royal Mail first class post as a default, but if you’d prefer me to send it by registered post just let me know when you pay.

Link to the ad in Gumtree:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/31/45784731.html