SAVE SAVE SAVE

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Thursday, March 24, 2011



I found this hilarious Mug Shot Mug on zazzle today. A mug... with a mug shot... A "Mug" Mug!!! Waahaha!! For some reason I find that extremely amusing. A great way to start the day. Staring into the face of a rather frightening crime boss gangster dude.  Still, I don't think I'll get over the idea of having a "Mug" Mug.  I think it would make the coffee taste even better...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Melvita have created a beautiful range of certified organic floral water containing all natural ingredients sourced from organic farms.  These organic cosmetics are perfect for those who want to move away from chemical-based cosmetics and skin care and support organic farming in the process.

The floral waters are distilled from dried or fresh plants to preserve the unique aromatherapy benefits and healing properties of each plant.  French women have used floral waters as part of their skincare for hundreds of years.  Perhaps it's time we caught up!

The most popular in the Melvita floral waters range is the Eau florale de Rose (Rose Floral Water)

Rose Floral Water

This delicate floral water can be used for skincare or aromatherapy purposes.  The floral water is distilled from rosa damascena petals, known for their astringent and anti-aging properties.

Other floral waters include chamomile for dry skin, lavender for normal/combination skin and cornflower to calm irritated skin and pamper the under-eye area.

If you are thinking of making the switch to organic skin care products, you will be choosing products that are natural, safe, free of petrochemical derivatives.

Best of all, you will be supporting organic farming, using an all-natural product that is free from pesticides and is readily biodegradable.
I have been wanting to try out Skechers Shape Ups for ages now!  Finally I got my chance in December last year and I haven't taken them off since!  Okay, well I did take them off to sleep.  But apart from that, I wear them when I walk short distances, longer distances, I wear them on the treadmill at the gym - basically whenever I get the chance.

Now to address the claims of XF (Extended Fitness) Skechers Shape Ups:

















Burns more calories - I can definitely confirm that these shoes help to burn more calories.  I have lost around 3kg (6.6lb) since wearing these shoes.  And that includes still eating chocolate, ice creams and croissants!

Tones Muscles/Improves Posture - This is the area where the shoes really come into their own.  How can a shoe tone muscles?  Well, it's all about the posture.  The shoes improve the posture, straightening the back and activating under-used muscle groups.  Muscle groups I never knew I had, in fact!!  Since I've been wearing the Shape Ups, my back is stronger, my calves are thinner and my ankles have become more tapered. 

The shoes simulate walking on soft sand, the bottom of the shoe rolling to create a more natural walking movement.  The shoes are so comfortable that I find myself creating excuses to go for a walk!  My shoes are the XF (Extended fitness) type and they sit at number 1 (lowest intensity) on the burn meter.  Check the burn meter for the intensity that's right for your lifestyle.
    

Burn Meter Ratings
XF (Extended Fitness For Walkers) - Burn Meter #1 (lowest intensity)
XW (Extended Wear - For Working On Your Feet All Day) - Burn Meter #1
AT (All Terrain For Trekking) - Burn Meter #2
SRT (Skechers Radius Trainer For A Higher Intensity Workout) - Burn Meter #3
S2 (Lightweight Design For Super Calorie Burning) - Burn Meter #4 
The Original Shape Ups (To Supercharge Your Workouts) - Burn Meter #4 (highest intensity)






Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sometimes, all you want on your feet are a pair of sandals. In the crazy humid weather we've been having, it's the closest thing to having bare feet! So why not be stylish while you're at it? Havaianas' range of women's sandals is extensive, colourful and fun!

There are so many cute styles to choose from, which makes for a rather tough choice!    I have tried to narrow down my selection and show my fave five picks (in no particular order - that would be just too hard!):


Fave #1:  Fit Style White
This is a classic and classy white pair of sandals, good to go with sarongs, a martini and perhaps a yacht.





Fave #2:  Slim Peacock (Navy/Silver)
The peacock eyes are always watching you. It's kinda spooky but I like it!



Fave #3:  Fit Style Pink
These are bold, fun and colourful.  Gladiator style.  What more do you want?  And the straps are adjustable too!



Fave #4:  Slim Matryoshka
These are too cute for words - the Russian doll motif in pink and dark blue.  Perfect for a sunset rendezvous in Hawaii...   *sigh*



Fave #5: Summer (Navy Blue)
These sandals are made for beach walking, paddling in the surf...  lazing about on the sand... come to think of it, what am I still doing here?  I'm off to the beach!

Monday, March 21, 2011

On the 19th of March, 2011, I catalogued a bunch of files and went shopping.

On the 19th of March, 2011, according to the Salisbury Post, a man named Richard Donald Blanscet was arrested after being chased by the police at high speed. 

His reason for speeding? 

Well....

Dr Phil apparently came on the TV and spoke to him in a high pitched voice, saying that the earth was under attack from aliens.
 


So logically, he got in his car, drove over 120 mph to save his girlfriend.  From the aliens.

Unfortunately the police (who were "in on it" at the time, according to Blanscet) managed to foil his plans and stop him (albeit in a crash) at an intersection.

 

Now....

It may surprise you to hear that drugs were involved.


He had smoked "Mr Nice Guy", a synthetic and reportedly legal blend of "natural/safe" drugs.



I'm guessing this is going to skyrocket sales for Mr Nice Guy or get it banned.

Perhaps they should rename it to "Mr Truth Is Out There Guy"
As the legend goes, L'Occitane discovered the 'immortelle' flower that never fades and created the Divine Collection of anti aging skincare products.

The most popular of the L'Occitane anti aging skincare range is the Divine Cream.  The Divine Cream contains the 'immortelle' flower and myrtle essential oils to create a product that is reported to increase radiance, skin firmness, and skin smoothness.



L'Occitane Divine Cream


Another popular product in the 'immortelle' range is the 'Regard Divin Divine Eyes'.   User reviews on the site report a reduction in under eye bags, a brightening of the under eye area and an overall moisturising effect.  This eye cream uses buckwheat wax to combat under eye puffiness, ash tree extract to counter under-eye circles and rose floral water to soothe the skin.  Only a small amount is needed for each eye so use sparingly!

L'Occitane Divine Eyes


L'Occitane Divine Extract, another popular anti aging skin cream contains vitamin C and parsley extract to improve and even out skin tone, and hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin.

L'Occitane are also giving away two free product samples with every order.  You can choose from perfume, skin care creams, face mask and hand cream samples.

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

I recently discovered a site called BidRivals. It's an e-commerce website featuring 1500 penny / cent auctions per day.

As soon as I saw a Navman GPS system sell for $15.72, I wanted to know more.  The object of the exercise is basically to make BidRivals lose money.  Sound confusing?  It's not really.  Try to pay as little for each item as possible and save as much money as possible on each auction.



The first thing to remember about BidRivals is that you will generally pay a fraction of the retail price. Only a nutter would keep bidding after the price gets to equal or above the RRP.  If you don't want to join an auction you can "BuyNow".  Read the FAQ regarding BuyNow and auctions before bidding so you are well prepared and understand how it all works.

Auctions can be quick.  Some can last as little as one minute.  If you are the last bidder when the timer reaches 00:00, you are the winner.

It works like this: You buy a pack of "bids" before the auctions.  Then bid on the items you want.  Each bid costs 0.67c AUD and raises the price of the item by 0.13c.  Each person is allowed to win 4 items each 24 hours, just in case you go a bit nuts with the excitement and try to buy everything at once! 

You can set up "BidAgent" for each auction, allowing a spending limit and automatic bidding for when you can't attend a live auction. 

Signups at BidRivals can get up to 25 free bids to start the process and new users are eligible to participate in "beginners" auctions for new members only. 


Thursday, January 27, 2011

According to Yahoo Style Trends, 2011 has some interesting INs and OUTs.


So, without further ado, here's what is IN and OUT for the coming year:
 
Vampires - OUT
Well there's a relief. I always thought of vampires as nasty things for slaying with wooden stakes, not as eligible bachelors, but that's just me.  The point is, nobody has got it right since the Buffy TV series.  It had everything, vampires, Hellmouth, nerds, librarians and awkward nerdy and charming exchanges.  It seems that the latest Twilight movies and vampire TV shows in their own heavy handed and lacklustre way have elevated vampires to a desirable status.  The point is, vampires aren't really that attractive.  They don't tan (no beach trips), they drink blood (so dinner is right out of the question), they are always at risk of turning you into one of them, and they get a bit messy when they go out for a bite with their friends.





Communal Tables - OUT
Well yippee with maple syrup on it!!  I could never stand communal tables.  It was always a stupid idea.  I remember having to endure my own birthday party sharing a table with a bunch of noisy eating crusties because the restaurant "doesn't take bookings man, everyone shares the tables".

Well bollocks to that.  If I pay to go to a restaurant, I want a table for one, two or a group.  That is, people that I actually want to share a table with.  People I actually know and like.  The idea of eating food next to complete strangers with questionable table manners is my idea of hell.  I'd rather get take away or cook something myself until the restaurants can get it together to work out that people don't actually want to share a massive bench with strangers.  If I wanted that I'd go to a mess hall.




Austerity Weddings (ie. Kate and Will) - IN
I'm not sure I can count this $40 million "do" as "Austere".  Perhaps the article was being ironic?  Maybe it's more austere than $50 million...  

Anyway, if you as a slightly less royal person, want to get married, why pay a ridiculous amount like $30,000?  Can't you think of better things on which to spend your money?

Option 1:
1 big poncy day, lots of toasters and glassware and a highly pressurised (you HAVE to have a perfect time) holiday.  And leftovers bits from the $500 cake.  A large bottomless hole in your savings account or credit card.

Option 2:
A set of Callaway golf clubs, relaxed holiday, simple registry do.  Money in the bank.  Gee, let me think now...




photo courtesy of kelsey_lovefusionphoto


Ballerina Fashion - a'la "Black Swan" - IN
Pulled back hairdos, tu-tus and lots of makeup.  Hmmm.
Little does he know it, but I think there's a weirdo guy in Fitzroy who hangs around Brunswick street that's about to become extremely fashionable.

If this takes off, the whole of Melbourne will be like going out for a ciggy at College of the Arts or the National Theatre.  I hope that distinctive dancer's walk doesn't take off as well, it kind of looks like Charlie Chaplin on Ritalin.  That is, if Charlie Chaplin got rid of his walking stick, was really thin and wore his hair in a bun. 




SaveSaveSave's IN and OUT for 2011:

IN

Ferrets
Carmen Miranda fruit hats
Protective padding for vague people who text and drive or walk across busy streets
Leaves
Skin
No nail polish and short fingernails
Roses
Salt crystal and lava lamps
Queens of the Stone Age
Rock N' Roll in general



OUT


Stamps
Flat pack furniture
Australian/American/whatever Idol
Highlighter pens
Grass
Holidays in Ibiza
Guy Sebastian
Dance Clubs
Auto Correct
LOL, BFF, OMG



This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tabasco Original Red

I love Tabasco Original Red.  Ever since I could eat hot things (which was very early indeed!) I developed a taste for Tabasco on just about anything.   Recently I have been developing my repertoire to include simple things like toasted cheese sandwiches with Tabasco.   It changes a simple toasted sandwich from okay to simply amazing!  A lot of people think of Tabasco as "hot" and leave it at that.  However Tabasco is so much more than that.  A dash of Tabasco can unlock the flavour in all your favourite foods, bringing out the best so you can get the best out of every single bite.  Tabasco can bring out the best in virtually any dish, the only limit is your imagination!!

Here is a recipe for my famous "Tabasco Omelette"
3 eggs
dried oregano
parsley
grated cheddar cheese
salt
pepper
TABASCO® Original Red

Mix up the ingredients except for the Tabasco and cheese.  Add the cheese on top when the omelette is in the pan, frying.
I usually add the Tabasco just as I am serving the omelette.  It brings out the combination of the eggs and cheese to give it that extra zing.  I highly recommend this omelette recipe.  Add the Tabasco according to your individual tastes.  (I use a lot!!)

But the ideas don't end there.  Many times when I have ordered a pizza I find it doesn't have the right "zing".  Easily fixed!  I get the Tabasco out and after a few shakes the pizza is turned into a masterpiece.    For more pizza ideas, be sure to check out Pizza Perfected. 
For the best food ideas for your next party or gathering, check out the excellent Game-Day Party Menu.
For breakfast and a quick pick me up, I like fried eggs with Tabasco, mushrooms and spinach on toast.  You can't go wrong with this combo!

For a snack, Tabasco can spice up anything toasty, cheesy, even antipasto!!  (I love Tabasco with olives!)

And for the piece de resistance, my "Tabasco Red Virgin Mary":
Tomato or V8 Juice
Tabasco Original Red
Ground black pepper
stick of celery
Combine and serve with the celery stick (the celery stick also double as a stirrer)
But don't just take my word for it.  Try these recipes yourself or come up with your own creations!

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Monday, January 24, 2011


The recent floods in Queensland and Victoria have devastated homes, businesses and lives.  When the waters subside, the damage will still remain and there is much rebuilding to be done.

One way you can help Queenslanders is to donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. This appeal is for financial donations only.


If you wish to donate goods/clothing, go the givit website.


Another way to help is to offer accommodation to those affected by the floods: oz flood help


You can also volunteer to help with the flood recovery in affected areas in QLD.


If you have been affected by the floods in Queensland, you can use this form to apply for flood relief.


You can help in the Victorian floods by registering as a volunteer to help with the emergency cleanup, donate funds or offer accommodation to those affected in Victoria.

The most important aspect of donating is making sure your donations go to the right place and to the right people. If you are unsure of any charity or organisation, you need to check out scamwatch and be informed about who is legitimate and who is not. 





Sunday, January 16, 2011

I have discovered through experience with my own startup sites that choosing server hosting is much more important than we might think. If you just choose the first hosting plan you come across, it may be cheap now, but it may also cost you in the future. Which begs the question - why do I need a dedicated managed server?  The main reason is that with a dedicated server, you will not have to share bandwidth or server space with other sites.

You may be wondering "How could a managed server help me with my website?"
If you run your own internet business or are looking to start up a store or memebership site, you can take advantage of a dedicated server package to add shopping cart software, databases and the like.  It basically leaves you free to add features as your business grows. If you do not pick this option, your website may be limited in the future as new technologies become available and more space is needed.

A dedicated server plan can keep your online business running constantly, leaving no room for downtime. You do not want to be competing for bandwidth against other websites and losing out on traffic and customers as a result. Another welcome feature is the added security, firewalls, monitoring and backup service that come as part of the dedicated server package. You can also opt for unlimited hosting and never worry about bandwidth or disk space again. If you have questions you can discuss custom requirements to suit your business and get the best advice to ascertain which plan is the right choice for your website.


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Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hope it's a great holiday period for all!

I have noticed a lot of people on tv, news and the like repeating "let's not forget what Christmas is about."

By repeating this phrase, it is clear that we have indeed forgotten what Christmas is about and need to be reminded all the time.

The fact that we celebrate the birth and life of an ascetic by buying stuff is a bit beyond me. But then, I run a shopping blog so what do I know...

So we celebrate the birth of Jesus, a non-material man with meagre possessions who wandered the land healing people and performing miracles.

It's not actually about the arrival of a rather obesese, materialistic Coca-Cola manufactured dude in a red suit.

It would be interesting to know the percentages of children who realise that Christmas isn't about getting the new Nintendo Wii so they can gloat to their school friends who didn't receive the latest gadget.

I watched a YouTube video where a kid received a book as a present. His response was "What the heck is this?" It seems that the spirit of Christmas is out of reach for many people.

I hope in some small way, we all find our own peace on earth, whatever it may be.




Wednesday, December 22, 2010

This post brought to you by Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tis the season to be jolly.  And buy a rather large selection of holiday gifts.  The feeling of relief when we have bought the last gift, the final tick off the list and it's time to relax.  Right now I am looking at stocking stuffers from Pier 1.  Plush animals are often a good bet, cuteness being the universal currency of gift giving.

These little fellas are in the  $14-24 range.   Choose from crocs, zebras and owl or even a monkey!

Being a Scorpio, I am also partial to a bit of astrologically targeted gift giving.  According to the "Astrologically friendly gifts" section on the site, Scorpios are one of the most enigmatic signs of the zodiac.  Well I already knew that!  But I think they have me pretty well pegged, as I am quite partial to a bit of ocean-inspired art and I love plush bed stuff!  I can't speak for all Scorpios but I am a fan of all things Conan-Doyle-ish.  That is, large mahogany desks, banker's lamps and of course, a beautiful wooden globe.

This globe is a perfect pressie under $50!

For the perfect Christmas gathering, my must have would have to be this "yoga frog" centrepiece (around $25!

Nothing says Christmas more than a meditating frog!  Add some peace and goodwill to your table with this serene froggy!

To make you feel even more peaceful and benevolent during the holiday season, for every person who "likes" Pier 1 Imports on Facebook, $1 will be donated to Toys for Tots so that Christmas will be a tiny bit merrier for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday, December 07, 2010



Today I tried once more to delve into the world of human shopping. Perhaps it would be quaint, that old world touch, brown paper packages tied up with string, old Mr Gibbons selling candy canes in the hand made sweet shop...

The behemoth of the multi-storey shopping centre loomed above me, taunting me, daring me to go inside...

"We have everything you need here. Join us..."

(say in Dark Lord of the Sith voice)


After 2.7 minutes of being in the shopping centre, the walls were beginning to close in. This place pretty much sucks. There really is no other way of putting it.

So I decided as a home furnishing expedition, I would buy some fabric for some curtains. Simple, yes?

No.


Me (approaching the service desk at a well known and unnamed fabric store)
"Hi, I'm looking for some fabric, it's..."

"The fabric counter is THAT way." The 'customer service' girl points and sulks.

"Ok, thanks."

So I suppose the term "service desk" was some kind of decoy. A fabric shop with a service desk that doesn't help with fabric questions. Perhaps it was the button department.

I found the fabric I needed without any assistance from staff.

Then I took my fabric to the cutting desk.

"I'd like to cut this to approximately the size of a double bed. Do you know how long that would be?"

Cutting desk girl: "About 180cm."

"Okay, and it's how much per metre?"

"18.99"

"Okay, I'll get 2 metres, thanks."

She began to cut, carefully trimming the fabric in a straight line. She kept on cutting, trimming another piece. Hm, perhaps they cut in 1 metre bits, I thought.

"That will be 75.96"

"How much?

"75.96"

"For two metres?"

"Four metres."

"I asked for two metres."

She sighed, then glared at me.

"You said four metres."

"No, really, I asked for two metres."

Still glaring "Oh, and you just stood there and let me cut another piece?" Her aggression was palpable.

My hackles, feckles and any other ekles were well and truly up.
I gathered all my thoughts into one phrase.

....."Excuse me?" Stare....

She backed down a little. "Well, I thought you said four metres."

"No, I said two."

"That will be 37.98"

"Thank you."

Thus endeth the lesson. I will not be doing any more Christmas shopping in shopping centres, as they suck my will to live and make me want to kick in the Christmas decorations. I have decided that the frenetic and rather narky energy of shopping centres is detrimental to my Christmas spirit.

From now on I will be doing all my Christmas shopping on my new favourite online shopping sites.

With any luck I will preserve my remaining cheer in time for Christmas.




Monday, December 06, 2010

Housework can be a pain so I have decided that I need the best possible equipment for each task.  This means that I will not be settling for second best when it comes to hand held vacuum cleaners.

I don't want any ol' fluffy "Tiffany Handy Vac"

I don't want a no-suction, small nozzled, airy fairy piece o' junk.

No, I want the no-messing about, 750 watt super suction bad mother.

The "Piranha"

You don't mess around with a name like Piranha, you know it's going to do the job.

Whatever it takes. 

It is the Clint Eastwood of hand held vacuum cleaners.


"Go Ahead.  Eat My Dust."

(clench teeth)

"Do you feel lucky?  Well do ya?  LINT????!?!?"






Thursday, December 02, 2010

At the gym that I regularly frequent, I was presented with a dilemma.  It was a question of etiquette and considering I never went to finishing school OR carried a book on my head, I don't know the answer.  It goes something like this:

I entered the change rooms, ready to get into my running shoes and trackky gear.  This process usually takes me all of about 3 minutes.  The girl at the desk gave me my locker key - number 6.

When I rounded the corner, I was confronted by a woman.  She was completely stark bollock naked with her arms outstretched, and for some reason, her legs outstretched as well, facing the lockers.

Not only that, but she was spread-eagled in front of a particular locker.

Number 6.

My locker.

I knew she had heard me coming in, a slight tilt of her head acknowledged my presence in her vicinity.

So I hung back, not wanting to approach at this stage. 

I have this pedantic thing about not talking to completely naked strangers.

So I thought "well, maybe she just took off her bathing suit.  I suppose she'll dry off, get dressed and THEN I can ask her to move." 

Wrong!

She stayed where she was.  Swaying slightly, not using a towel and still standing like Leonardo's Vitruvian man.

"Oh crap."  I thought.  "Maybe she's air drying?"

She stayed for what seemed like 15 minutes but was probably more like 7.

Not moving.

Being  naked. 

Not using a towel.

Swaying.

"Maybe she's like that serial killer guy from Silence of the Lambs.  I'm definitely not talking to her until she is at least covered up in a towel or something.

She still didn't move.

"Maybe the Blair Witch is coming and she's been told to stand facing the wall.  Maybe I'm next!!  Aaargh!!"

This line of thought wasn't helping me.

I had meanwhile changed into my gear, sat down on the bench.  Waiting patiently, trying not to look directly at the rather frightening display in front of me. 

Then, something bizarre happened.  Another woman and a kid came in and started talking to Vitruvian naked scary woman.  And she miraculously grew clothes within a minimal space of time.

I chose my moment.

"Excuse me, could I get into number 6 please?"

"Oh, yeah, of course!"  she said, like it had been her intention all along.  She FINALLY capitulated and moved herself away.
 
As she disappeared (thankfully fully clothed) through the door with the other woman and the kid, I noticed something else. She wasn't even using a locker.  She could have gone anywhere.  It's a big place.

So I conclude with my not-so-subtle-plea/order/requirement/mandatory idea:

DEAR-NAKED-AIR-DRYING-SWAYING-WEIRDO-PEOPLE-HAVE-YOU-EVER-A-HEARD-OF-A-TOWEL!?!?!?!?









Wednesday, December 01, 2010

I have been scouring the world of stupid t-shirts looking for the most idiotic, disturbing and whacked out t-shirts of them all.  This is no mean feat.  What constitutes a stupid t-shirt?  There is a fine line between humour and overshare, witty and obvious.  And of course, some t-shirts are just out and out wrong.

You be the judge:
(Warning, slightly non-kid friendly themes... and in no particular order)















1.  "It's My Network"

If you need this t-shirt to advertise that you are surrounded by scantily clad women then you probably aren't.  My advice to those considering buying a t-shirt such as this, firstly think "would James Bond wear this?"  If the answer is no, move along...



















2.  "Ex Masturbator"

For the love of decency, people!  Why are you guys smiling?  Is this a joke?  Please, please take these t-shirts off... the market.
OVERSHARE MUCH!!!!!




3.  "If You Can Read This, The Bitch Fell Off"

Obviously, this is the back of the t-shirt.  Clearly designed for motorbike riders.

I'm afraid that my sides have split from the witty subtlety of it all.  Can you spell lawsuit?


















4.  "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right"

All kinds of creepy.  Please don't wear it around Star Wars fans like me.  The fact that it happened once in the film was disturbing enough.
DUDE-SHE-IS-YOUR-SISTER!!!!  Argh!!



















5.  "I Bought This T-Shirt To Cover Up My Muffin Top"
Um...  OVERSHARE!!!!


















 6.   "Mormons etc. Are All Wrong!!"

It's a free country I suppose. But just because you can wear this t-shirt doesn't mean you actually should.  P.S. If you must wear it, make sure you avoid churches, mosques and remote temples on top of mountains, supermarkets, pubs, trains, planes and automobiles.



















7.  "Stop Looking At My Chest!"

Fine, I will stop looking at your chest, as soon as I stop reading the big writing on your t-shirt that just happens to be located in your chestel region.




















8.  "Don't Bother, I'm Not Drunk Yet."
If you read into the subtext of this, it speaks volumes.





















9.  Jihad
Do not wear to airports.  Or anywhere with jumpy security.  You might find they haven't got a sense of humour.

















10.  Justin Bieber t-shirt