Am I going overboard????

Well, I'd like to say that I'm not really doing it, and for the most part I'm not.  Ironically I'm getting friends from the UK asking for double stuffed oreos and twinkies of all things!  That makes me laugh and I'm happy to do it. 

One problem we are running into is since we are having issues with people wanting to get us wedding presents and not knowing what we can take with us, they want to give us money.  My mother is supporting this, so that we can "go nuts and shop" when we go back to the US for Christmas.  She knows that with exchange rates it can be "cheaper" because the pound is doing so well against the dollar right now.  And this is okay if we come with an empty bag and a half.  So, we have a sort of enforced stocking up.  I hope that helps with your justification some.

no, you aren't going overboard! I've been there. Mainly because I knew I'd be setting up house here immediately so it was way more reasonable to buy linens etc I liked (and on sale) in USD than to scurry around last minute (in an area I had no idea what was going to be available) and find towels etc in GBP. Plus the fact, yeah now I earn pounds and spend pounds, but back then I was spending USD at GBP prices, OUCH,  until my paycheck arrived a month later. Now I just look at prices as GBP=USD (just not at GAP!!!)

I totally agree with Karin... I have my basic standby shops back home, but  here I just cannot walk into a shop yet and throw together an outfit. Those damn big belts, stripes and Minnie Mouse polka dots, be done with already!! 

Those damn big belts, stripes and mini mouse poka dots, be done with already!! 

 

Those damn big belts, stripes and mini mouse poka dots, be done with already!! 

I just picked up that outfit yesterday....I can't believe you have it too! 

I personally don't see why people stock up on things before they get here.  Once you're living here, you'll be earning pounds and spending pounds.  Thinking about how much things cost in dollars will drive you CRAZY!  Plus, in most cases, the exact same products are available here and if not, you can usually find a reasonable substitution. 

I always stocked up because I came on a fiance visa and wasn't going to be earning pounds for a while. Then, I got married in August 2005, didn't get spouse visa until Nov. 2005, and didn't get a job until April 2006!  So, I am sooooo glad I stocked up, because I kept spending dollars.

But now that I've got a full time job, I won't need to stock up anymore 

I think it's a good idea to stock up at first. If you're in my situation, where you donn't earn money for ages (I didn't have a job until I've been in the UK for neary a year), it's a great idea to stock up. But once you have a job, I agree, there's no need to go home and stock up like your favorite things are running out!

Anyway Jen, I see that you're coming over to the Glasgow area really really soon! Good luck with the move and tell me how you get on.

I just picked up that outfit yesterday....I can't believe you have it too! 

well karin, I had hoped you wouldn't find out! you being the UK fashion icon and all 

I don't think that you went overboard. When we go back to the US for a visit this summer, I am going to stock up on alot of stuff. I think that you save money in the long run buying in the US. If your husband says anything to you just have him do the math.  The US dollar is not strong over here and it just makes sense to stock up if you can. Also, shopping is good therapy:)