Back from a Great Shopping Trip in Singapore

I'm back from a four nights stay in Singapore and it's so good to be back again. I was delighted to spend time with my family and close friends and wished I had a little more time.

As I didn't have wifi or broadband in mom's place, I couldn't go online and it took me a while before I got my microSIM from Singtel. I figured that was the best for me cos it only cost $12 and it lasted for 3 days at unlimited usage. At least with a connection, I can check my emails, do some reading, catch up with friends and even did some online shopping.

This was a real shopping trip for me as I stocked up all my Dr Hauschka skincare for a year and I had a great time picking up some cool stuff from Womb. I can never get enough of these funky and stylish tops and bottoms and I enjoyed the specialized service I received there.

Now that I'm back, it's back to packing and more packing in the next week or so before the movers are here. Time is running out... really.

Online Shopping - So convenient!

What will I do without online shopping, I sometimes wonder. Not that I shop frequently online but there are some things which can only be bought from the US and online shopping makes it possible to buy them.

In the last few years, I have been shopping for kids' apparel online and one of my favourite stores is Dpam.com. They offer free shopping with 100 euros on the bill and the clothing is a good deal when they are on sale. I have also bought vitamins and supplements online and one year, I bought a bottle of body acne wash for hubby. Online shopping tends to offer attractive discounts and you can save much with careful planning.

Perhaps I'll be shopping more online when I move down under and I heard that there are many nice local online stores to start with. Hmm... I think I'll better shift my focus to getting settled down instead of looking at the online stores!

Shopping Online for Work at Home Moms

Shopping on the internet is a popular activity among work at home moms these days. I mean, it's so convenient to shop online and the only thing you need to do is to exercise self restraint!

In the last few months, I have bought a few things on the internet and I'm happy with all my purchases. Except for one cashmere cardigan who got lost in the mail, everything came on time and the lady who sold me the cardigan resend a new one out of good will. Among all the online merchants, my favourite has to be DPM from France who sent the children's clothing within five days from the day I confirmed my order!

We work at home moms are constantly looking for good buys and all kinds of wholesale discounts. Even when it comes to travel planning, we search for the best discounts for our accommodation. I often compare hotel accommodation rates at Search Your Hotel.

If you are new to online shopping, here's a tip. Always search in the web for coupon codes before making any purchases and you will be surprised at how much you can save!

Brief Thoughts on Tropicana City Mall

After being here for 10 years and more, I still dread to visit the post office where the waiting is long and the service is still as inefficient as before. Since I work from home, I only drive out for errands and I avoid visiting post office and banks.

But my woe of posting letters is now solved with a Pos Malaysia now opened in Tropicana city. I had to send something to my dear sister in UK and guess what, at 1pm, I was the only two customers. Not too good for the business but it's good for me :) In the last few months, we have been patronizing the mall on a regular basis due to the convenience and close proximity. We have then since avoid traveling to Bandar Utama due to the bad traffic at the highway. I mean, you don't want to waste more time outside when you are a work at home mom... you just want to quickly get home and get things done!

Chocolate lovers may be happy to know that the Japanese chocolate store, Royce is now opened in Tropicana. You can spot it by the pure white and blue shop interiors. Basically Tropicana city mall is great for serving the basic shoppers' needs. Buy your groceries and household clamps from Carrefour and grab a book at Borders. Go for a manicure at Color Culture or have a Japanese dinner at Sushi Tei. It's a pretty convenient mall to be without having to navigate through the jam and crowd.

Ok I am not paid to promote the mall but just thought I would share it briefly here. So work at home moms, take note of the 'not-so-crowded' post office if you need to pay your bills or mail your parcels.

cool online shopping sites for your convenience

Believe it or not, there are many work at home moms and dads who spend most of their time in front of their laptops and computers. Internet technology makes it easy for home businesses and even ordering office supplies or a bouquet of flowers can be done at the click of the mouse. You don't even need to start your car, drive round the block to find a parking lot and spend hours searching for your stuff. The web provides all sorts of useful resources and information on where to shop for pet insurance, hotel rates, summer dresses, travel luggages, travel accommodation, luxury holiday homes, health supplements... the list goes on. If you are new to online shopping and like to check out some cool shopping sites, here are some recommendations:

felt like being vain

Inspired by Karen Cheng's Doing the Karen Cheng, I started snapping photos when trying out a few items at AllDressedUp. I wouldn't be doing that if there wasn't a store wide 30% discount at The Gardens and since I had my camera with me, I decided to have fun with trying out different outfits... I just felt like being vain :P

luxury timepieces available online

Way back in my younger days, I used to be a Swatch collector and if anyone of you shares this same interest, you will agree that this was one kind of fad that passed away as you mature. The first time I cast my eyes on luxury watches started pretty late when I saw the display of omega watches in the watch store. That was the first time I started desiring for an Omega Speedmaster.

Unlike those days, shoppers can now pick and choose luxury timepieces online - all thanks to the super internet technology. With luxury sites like ViaLuxe, not only are the timepieces well represented in their well shot photos but consumers can find all the relevant info on the timepieces. Some popular brands include Omega, Bell and Ross, Panerai, Chopard and any other luxury brands you can think of. By using the site as a reference point to fine watches, consumers can then purchase their favourite watch from reliable and authorized dealers. You will also read news and articles on what's going on in the luxury timepieces industry on the site.

are you an online shopper?

So glad that my Max Studio orders had been delivered to my US address via Vpost. Vpost Singapore is a postal service that is specially extended to those who want to shop in US sites and you do need to have a mailing address in Singapore to utilize this service. The postal charges are cheaper than what you would need to pay for your US merchant to deliver a package to Singapore. But you probably want to use Vpost if you are planning to shop for few items. Otherwise, the postal charges may not be justifiable.

I'm one person who use the internet for more than 12 hours a day and believe in shopping online and booking my travel accommodation via the internet too. Isn't it great that we can do so much things online these days, including paying bills, banking, buying groceries, ordering flowers, getting car insurance quotes...etc.

Are you an online shopper too?

buy daily living aids online

It's not easy to find a store that stocks a good range of life enhancing products. Usually, you will go to the pharmacy for your personal care products and first aid stuff like band-aids, over the counter medications, dietary supplements and daily living stuff. But online shopping improves the shopping experience and provides a wider variety of choices and saves you the time from driving to the stores.

Do you know you can even buy a Folding Shopping Cart online plus Alzheimer products, diabetic supplies, wound care supplies and maternity care products and lots more? Allegro Medical is a one stop shop to get everything you ever need for someone who needs special or extra care and by shopping online, you don't even need to spend hours hunting for FreeStyle Diabetes Test Strips or a Polar Heart Monitor.

it's Camper again!

While I'm clueless about command prompt language, I'm totally familiar with Camper shoes and its online store! I just got an email from my little 'sister' (i knew her since she was a baby) asking my opinion on a pair of Camper Casi. Whenever we get the chance to sit down for a chat, we won't leave Camper out of our conversation. Looking back, I used to take her shopping when she was an adolescent and now, she's a beautiful teenager whom I seek fashion resources from.

Anyways, I saw these lovely Camper kids in the new Spring Collection - so cute, so cool, so fun... so irresistible! Why can't they make them in adult sizes too?

little reminders

Sometimes, when life takes the toll, we need to be reminded to "Live, Love, Listen, Trust, Read, Laugh, Inspire, Speak, Faith, Dance, Sing."

These little pendant necklaces are great to slow us down so that we do not forget to enjoy and appreciate life. The two sided pendants are designed by Dutch artist, Kiona van Rhee-Wilson and each of them has vintage wallpaper inside, a different image on each side for reversibility- with the 'reminder' on one side. They are sold assorted and they are one-of-a-kind in the sense that no two pendants will have the same two images in them.

Do you need these simple reminders too? If you do, find them at luckyaccessories.com

I like this Camper Twins!

I really like this pair of Camper Twins... check out the complementary colours. Just in case you think they made a mistake in the colours - that's what the Twins is meant to be - not identical yet complementary. But then, I won't be buying another pair of shoes til I don't know when - that's a personal promise made for the next few months. It's still nice to check out the latest spring/summer collection at Camper... I need to rebuke this lust!

ways to shop and save

Does anyone like to shop with discounts? Yes, of course we all do! One of the ways to shop and save is by using coupon codes. I believe alot of you may have already bought things using coupon codes via CouponChief.com. Most of time, you either get a 10% or 20% off or free shipping for your purchases.

One of my favourite stores is One Step Ahead, a great store to shop for your babies or childrens' apparel and clothing. When I was pregnant with Clayton, I loved browsing the store, there were just so many nice things for little tots. Some of the one step ahead coupons includes 15% off $100+. To take advantage of this, just apply Coupon Code: 15SAVONE to order at checkout.

I always find target coupons very useful as the store is always packed with good bargains and fabulous deals. There are several target coupon codes which offer lots of special prices for selected items. Have a look at the current coupon codes including $5 off $50 and free shipping on orders over $50 in shoes. This may be just the right time to shop for your Easter gifts.

papillio, betula, birki's...

I've stopped myself from buying another pair of shoes for this first half of the year, especially after ordering a pair of Camper Twins via Camper online few weeks ago. It was on sale and I found it to hard to say NO to the offer so.... the rest is history :)


this is the Birkis Dorian Valentines Day Black/Silver

But the next pair of sandals to be added to my growing comfy shoes collection would be a pair of Papillio. If you like funky and trendy looking sandals, a pair of Papillio, Birki's or Betula will not go wrong. My first pair of clogs (besides my Crocs) is my Birkis Dorian Valentine's Day (red) and it is one of the best walking shoes I've ever had.

I've tried on Betula and Papillio and they felt great and comfy too but I still haven't found anything that I really want yet. But if anyone is keen on any of these abovementioned styles, one of the best online stores would be footshopping dot com. The online store offers great prices and reasonable delivery charges, and you can even get a 5% discount if you pay by credit card.

more than just a light bulb

Ask a child and he can tell you that a light bulb is used to light up the house and give light. But ask an artistic person and she can tell you that a light bulb is more than just a light giver device. Would you think a, outdoor lighting light bulb can be used as a hanging vase - what a fabulous idea!

This Night Owl light bulb vase is carefully hand painted and emptied out so that it can become a recycled light bulb vase, complete with bare branches, fall leaves and an owl. You can then fill it with water and flowers. Each vase comes with an attached wire loop and a handy, dandy suction cup to attach to the window of your choice. Definitely makes a great ornament for the eco-friendly house.

Crocs Adara: coming soon!

Sheesh... if there is not enough styles from Crocs, then there is this cool addition that is coming soon! This is just one chic summer flip flop that is feminine and stylish. With few colours like the classic black, blac/silver, bronze, chocolate, scarlet and silver/lavender, there is a colour tone for every fashionista. For those who like to know more, here are the facts of the Crocs Adara:

• a funky twist on a traditional flop, gives feet a fresh point of view
• all croslite™ material provides an easy transition from sand to cement
• colorful two-tone combinations
• slender footbed and a slightly elevated heel are constructed specifically for women’s feet
• double cushioned comfort performs all day
• circulation nubs stimulate blood flow
• footbed conforms creating a custom fit

great discovery at zenni optical

I thought I spotted my previous pair of prescription glasses at Zenni Optical and guess what, it is only retailing at $19! When I told DH about the low prices, he found it to believe what I said till he checked out the website for himself.

Though I have never ordered a pair of prescription glasses online, my Great Discovery: www.ZenniOptical.com seems to make it easy and convenient for their customers. You can select your frame colours, lens and other add-ons by using the pull-down menu in each option before placing your order. But first, why don't you check out the wide selection of frames available at low prices?

save on trendy prescription glasses

These days, many people don't just wear prescription glasses for functionality but style and design are both important elements when it comes to choosing a pair of glasses. With so many brands and designs, fixing a pair of glasses is no longer cheap, especially if you pick a high fashion label.

But if you are not brand conscious and just prefer a nice and stylish pair of prescription glasses, here is a Great Discovery: $ 8 Prescription Glasses From Zenni Optical! Before you think that you are getting junk at this price, check the website for yourself. Most of the eye frames are trendy and of nice finish as you are buying straight from the manufacturer. Rimless, plastic, stainless steel, titanium or metal, the selections are attractive and wide for those who are out to save.

good deals from couponchief

In case you think the retailers are giving you a break from your recent Christmas shopping, look out for more attractions and deals this Valentines day! One of the ways to shop and save online is via coupon codes. If you haven't tried shopping with online coupons, then you don't know what you are missing! These savings can be significant if purchases are accumulated, that means you can end up buying more. Here are some good merchants from CouponChief.com:



1) Target is one of my personal favourites and America's second largest retailer. It is affordable, trendy, good mix of styles, brands and trends, reliable quality and friendly. Shopping at Target is like a one-stop shop for everything and every occasion. Shop with Target now and received $5 off every $50 and free shipping for purchases over $50 on women's, men's and kids' clothing, shoes and accessories.



2) eBags is a great stop for anyone who adores bags like I do! There are bags for any occasion - casual, outdoor, adventure, travel, baby, business, digital gadgets, computer, evening... whatever! They even have my favourite brand, Crumpler!

Coupon Chief has a great list of merchants and coupon codes available for your pick. Check it out.

camper having a sale now!

Clayton and myself had a nice day out in the mall on Sunday. I took him to The Gardens at Mid Valley, had lunch and spent some time in Borders. To me, this is better than being in the library!

Whenever I'm in The Gardens, I just have to peek in Camper for a look, to see if there is any new stuff. As always, I will spot something, and this time, it's another cool pair of Twins! I bought Clayton his golf clubs since we've been talking about taking him to golf lessons :) Kinder Golf may seem the best place to go but daddy seems to think he can do a better job.



Actually, if anyone out there is keen to buy Camper in Kuala Lumpur, the shop is having a Chinese New Year sale right now, offering 10 - 50% discount on the shoes! Otherwise, buy online at camper.com which is having a 10-30% sale from now till end february 2008. If you are looking at other shopping ideas, do take a look at Barnes and Noble coupons and other coupons at coupon chief's website.