Trips and Deals

Who doesn't love good deals? I don't remember a time in my childhood when coupon codes were popular. However, now they are all over the place and everyone I know is always trying to get coupon codes - whether to use online or in-store.

I can recall recently I was trying to purchase some clothes from an online shop and I was in a hurry to grab some discount before the sale ended. Luckily I managed to secure the deal for my little girl's clothes as well as some cheap summer clothes.

Another one I am trying to keep my eye on are for travel promotions! I am looking for a good holiday for my family and friends to go on this coming school holidays. I prefer a beach getaway, however if a mountain adventure comes up surely I will consider. While on that note, I am also keeping my eye open for restaurant specials we could visit while on holiday. After all a trip with 17 people would be expensive - me and my mummy friends are surely excited about the mention of a cheap holiday break.

Just before we go on our trip I have to make a mental reminder to bring our car to the shop! Hubby has been on my back asking me to take our car for timing belt repair - or something like that! As much as I am good on researching I can never really ask my brain to remember details about the car. Repairs, model, make, etc all just sound like a big jumble of words in my mind. Well, I guess that's what husbands are for! If only I can get away from bringing the car to the shop!

Now back to surfing the internet for specials - I wish I could allot some time each week to just search for ways to cut expenses and save on items or experiences that we would normally spend on anyway. They are selling some Entertainment books for charity (with coupons for savings) at church last week. Maybe I should look into getting that for our group? That way when we go out each of the family could just use their own book of coupons! Ideally we find special deals that will coincide will all our plans - hotel, activities, restaurants, meals, etc. That would be wishful thinking! I can start with looking for travel agent rates that I have access to. I can always pass my savings to the other guys!

B's Closet : Huggalugs

Aren't these the cutest??! I would love to buy a few of these leg warmers for B. Now that it's winter I am sure these cute Huggalugs would be perfect! Shopping for the little girl is fun, and there are so many sweet and cute things out there!

A pair of these ruffles cost about A$16.50, I do hope that they have small ones to fit my little Bee.

Now, I would just have to choose which one suits her best. One pair should be enough. They do grow too quick, you know!

Huggalugs was created by Sydneysider Elizar Mytka sometime in 2006. Now, the popular baby thing is available worldwide.

(Two photos from www.freshphotographybysonnet.com/)

Jewelry Box : Birthstone Rings to buy

My birthstone is Amethyst, and I would love to purchase a new ring with this stone. (Otherwise this cute Moonstone ring would be fine just the same!).

I've bought one Amber ring before when I went to Sweden, but somewhere along the way I lost it.

Anyway, there are a number of online shops such as Exotic India Art that sell affordable rings which I may consider buying for my upcoming birthday. I still just need to choose which one I like best! The ones I like aren't that expensive (averaging USD60) so I might as hubby to buy me one too!

My Closet : Sweet dreams attire

It's the jolly season of Christmas, and down under, this means summer (warm nights!). What better gift to buy for a friend, or perhaps something I may actually want! Would be a floral night wear! It is made of 100% pure cotton, stretch flannel. Costs about $25 from Cute Pajamas. It's the season for sweet nighty attire!

Living Space : It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I'm beginning to get into the Christmas spirit this weekend, and wanting to buy a few ornaments online or maybe drop by the Christmas Warehouse outlet in Alexandria (NSW).

I have put up a few decors at home, and it really livens up the house with Christmas momentos and all that. I am wanting to get a nice Nativity scene, and also like a traditional Christmas Village scene. The price ranges depending on the size of the ornament, but it can go anywhere from AUD 30 and up.

Living Room : Manstad Sofa Bed

Finally a sofa bed for our place! The dark beige colour is the one for me. With that chaise I can laze around in all day, watching my favorited movies on dvd. I can't wait to have this beauty stock delivered to my abode. At AUD 1199 this is quite a good deal. Sofa bed, storage space, lounge-chaise all in one. Ikea can come up with such a great bargain.

Living Room : Soho 12 Piece Package

Moving to a new place is always exciting! It's a chance to decorate once again, a chance to shop for nicer furniture pieces. At the moment, I am eyeing this Soho 12 Piece Living Package from Fantastic Furniture. It is a bit above my budget for now, but this is the better option compared to taking the Polo 13 Piece Package which is a grand less than the Soho. The Polo package's couch is not so much my type. And the Soho's package just looks so much nicer with it's hues and pieces. I am into the Low Cube Bookcase as well.

If I had my way I would go for some piece from Freedom, but then again I'd save that drooling for some other time.

My Closet : Baby Pink for the Melbourne Cup

Melbourne cup on tuesday, and I am needing a great dress for work. We're celebrating and we should come in our Races pretty dresses, hats and all. I just wish I could wear something like this pink lovely dress. I love the black ribbon belt that spices up the outfit. I am sure a sweet black or light pink headpiece would match this gorgeous one.

This baby Pink pleated races dress by Party would definitely make my week. If only I could convince myself to buy it. It costs $161.70 which is not heaps expensive, but with the financial crisis, it is really wise not to spend unnecessarily. Oh, I can dream right!

My Gifts : Precious Moments Elephant Figurine

I've got about a few godchildren to think of with Christmastime nearing. I know one of them (well, the mum that is) collects anything and everything Elephant. This pretty Precious Moments Elephant figurine (from the Hamilton Collection) would be quite the perfect gift. It is USD19.95 and is handcrafted, and handpainted with nice detail! I actually wouldn't mind getting one for myself to put in my new shelf at home!

Gadget and Stuff : Pink Food Spork

In elementary school I used to take lunch with me from home, and sometimes in a large container. Now, once in a while I still do take lunch from home, to work. Seeing this cool piece, a Pink Spork, I would not have to think about carrying a separate spoon and fork. This would do! This interesting piece, Light My Fire’s Spork costs AUD 4. It actually is more than a spork as you can see on the side of the fork it’s got a bit of a knife! How brilliant is that?! It is made in heat resistant plastic that would not warp in boiling water. Although this invention is mainly intended for camping, I am sure I wouldn’t mind having one in my lunch pack.

Gadget and Stuff : Samsung TV Series 8

It's not only cars or mobile phones that have their series number. Television do too. And this entry is about my Samsung Series 8.

I had a wish list with a particular television set listed, and I got it one day. I may have satisfied this telly shop hunger for now. Until I am ready to purchase or dream of another one. Meanwhile, my picture perfect Samsung series 8 will do. It gives me great colour enhanced images, with up to 100Hz Auto motion plus that is ultra clear reel. It is a modest 32" baby from the shop Bing Lee. It is just right for my current place in terms of size, cost, capability. It costed a bit over $1000. Surely one item worth the wait, from my then wish list.

My Chocolate : Max Brenner Chocolate Powder

Every piece of me loves chocolate. I do prefer milk chocolate over white or dark, but on any day I would just want to have a bit of something chocolatey sweet. This Max Brenner Chocolate Powder would be the best sprinkle to my hot chocolate during the winter months, and the best sprinkle to my cold chocolate drink during the summer months. I know I am a chocoholic at heart and I cannot deny, I am wanting to purchase this Max Brenner powder costing AUD 16.50. It will not last that long in my household I know, but at least I know I've loved every powder grain of it! It comes in Milk, Dark or White Chocolate. What is your pick? I know what's mine!

My Closet : Pleated Red by Charlie Brown

Dinner on a saturday night at a posh restaurant or perhaps a luxurious city hotel. Wearing this pretty gorgeous thing (aka red dress). I am sure I'd manage well not to get into trouble when I pair this outfit with my crystal sweet smile. I am sure I would get everything I want in my dreams. This Red pleated dress by Charlie Brown would be the first thing I'd buy in my dreams. It only costs $199.00 and in my fantasy world that is nothing. OoOhLaLa!

Satin trimmed, lightweight clothing. But what really draws me to this dress... Have a look at the back, and you will know.

My Bag : Alice McCall Oversize Black

OoohLaLa! My knees are weak for this lovely black oversized bag!

Nevermind the posture! I will just make sure I don't carry this bag too long on my shoulder (if I manage to get hold of one!!). AUD 499 for this ah-love-ly bag will surely make me happy!

I have a funny feeling Alice McCall created this bag for me (oh yeah, wishful thinking!).

The sweet shiny black texture of this darling can swoon me off my feet. Simple. No extra embellishment whatsoever. Just me and it, walking down the street. Oh dream on!

My Vanity Kit : Acqua di Gio

Our scent is always part of our day. When I have on a sexy fragance, I feel sexy all day.

I guess, being a woman means I am sensitive to scents, aromas, fragrances, whatever one refers to that second to skin smell. There are certain scents that trigger memories in our brain.

Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio does that to me. It makes me remember sunny and carefree days of my youth. For some reason. Light floral fragance blends well with my skin. Takes me to this wonderland of a place near the blue ocean, wind drifting, soothing mellow sounds, crisp air, light and sweet.

It does not hurt to maybe imagine this guy on the poster inches away from me.

I think I know (one of the gifts) what to ask my boyfriend for Christmas!

My Closet : White Grecian Evening Dress

A girl can never have too much white dresses. This White Mesh Maxi Dress by Monica, is one for keeps (if I can get it!). Plain yet elegant. I am sure the long pleats would do my body type a good fit. The slit in front and back adds glamour to the already sexy number. Such a classic piece and one would only need a really nice set of earrings and bracelet and it is ready to go.

This nice dress costs $356.90 but is very well worth the bucks should one be able to afford. I know I would need to save up a few weeks if I wanted this one in my closet!

My Vanity Kit : Lash Blast Mascara

Isn't it that every time a girl gets excited over make up, they can't wait to try on immediately?! Well, that's always the case for me. I am wanting to buy this new LashBlast Cover Girl mascara. It is meant to be waterproof that adds more volume to lashes. I have got quite a long pair (?) of lashes, which are as straight as can be. It's good I have recently bought a new pair of curl lashes. I still have my dark very black mascara, but I am still wanting this magic wand from Cover Girl. Easy breezy Cover Girl. Hehe. Oh and what a funky looking product, colour and chunkiness is my style.

Living Space : Oh Christmas Tree

A bit still early, but I am dreaming of a nice and real Christmas tree this year (Wishful Thinking). I know it may not be possible due to logistics, space, budget, etcetera. But I wish Santa could send me a real tree this year! Or, next year, or the year after. Whatever! For as long as I experience a real one, once in my life, I should be happy! I am imagining how fun it would be to visit the farm where they sell real Christmas Trees! Picking that one tree that would stand out among the rest. However, with the sweltering heat of an Australian Christmas, it will never be a white Christmas! Oh well!

Jewelry Box : What's in your Heart Pendant

Everyone's got a phase obsessed with a particular jewelry piece. Mine, at one time was all about pendants. I am currently crushing on this What's in your Heart Pendant. It is sort of like make your own pendant, like those Tiffany bracelets that you can add charms to, or even those lovely Pandora ones! I just love how you can put in any charm you want, provided your loved one's name is not that long to squeeze in all the cute charms! I've seen that the rates are from about USD44 to USD98! I should ask my boyfriend for this one for Christmas!