SPENCER STREET OUTLET SHOPPING ....

Three of my passions are scrapbooking, shopping and football and Saturday I managed to do all three .... travelled to Melbourne to watch my mighty (well they weren't that mighty for the first half!)boys in red, white & blue, the reigning premiers (never thought I'd be able to say that in my lifetime!) the Western Bulldogs defeat Brisbane. For those who aren't aware Etihad Stadium is just a few hundred meters from Southern Cross Station (formerly known to us oldies as Spencer Street Station) - at the Bourke Street end of the station is Spencer Street Outlet Shopping and there lies a number of great outlet shops and cafes- what better place to spend an hour or two whilst waiting for the train ... there are plenty of 'husband' seats around too! Kaisercraft is my favourite shop here, I have to clutch my purse and credit card tightly as I could spend an absolute fortune here ...there's an amazing array of both craft and gifts, Tilley's soaps, hand creams, candles and diffusers, which currently are featuring a Violet range - I always have a little try of the tester hand cream as April Violets by Yardley was my late Mummas' signature perfume, I'm sure people must think I'm quite crazy as I walk round sniffing my hands but it gives me a comforting feeling of my Mummas presence, definitely purchasing the hand cream next visit. Each Friday on their Facebook page they have a super special - this week was 5 clear stamps for $10 and had a range around 20 different stamps to chose from .... how could I resist - follow them on Facebook for these specials and other amazing products as they come in store . Among the gift ware I found a wall hanging which I thought was so apt and would fit with my family photos (which are printed on plywood) ... as I stood there deciding whether or not to buy as I'd have to take it to the footy with me the lovely sales assistant came over and I mentioned my dilemma and she offered to keep my shopping behind the counter until after the football - sold!! Not only amazing products at brilliant prices but super sales service too ...now you know why I go back every time I'm in Melbourne.

Kaiserstyle is also now available on-line, a really classy looking stationery range - I'm awaiting an order which was intended for a birthday gift but the question is will I have the strength to give it or will I keep it for myself!! I'll let you know. https://www.kaisercraft.com.au/newsite/products.php?cat=45 Sketchers also have an outlet here with some really good bargains ... Another outlet that offers amazing customer service is Matchbox homewares also offering some great discounted prices. Hairhouse Warehouse have some good discounts on top brand hair products. Lindt chocolate is the latest store to open and I was salivating when I saw they were opening, however I was disappointed as I didn't see a food menu and the block chocolate prices were dearer than at the supermarket. Saturday we finished off our day at Coffee Club with coffee and wedges, which were cooked perfectly.

REJUVINATED, REVAMPED AND RE-INVENTED!

Shopping and surfing the net just hasn't been my number one priority for the past twelve months ....however I'm now back!!! what was more important you may well ask ... suffice to say a huge thank you to the magnificent staff at Peter Macpherson Hospital in Melbourne for their dedication, care and support which is still on-going and although our lives will never be as they were I still have my husband. Hence I'm suggesting actually recommending you contact Peter Mac for a copy of their free booklet PREVENT. DETECT. ACT. Freecall - 1800 111 440 Living in rural Victoria meant we were able to take advantage of the patient accommodation at Peter Mac for the seven weeks of radiation Bill required .... thus I was able to rediscover Melbourne - in particular Queen Victoria Market (and yes the jam donuts still tasted how I remembered from oh so many years ago) Melbourne Central and my favourite 'time out' place THE TEA SALON at Melbourne Emporium https://theteasalon.com.au/ My dear brother-in-law, whom is fondly referred to by the family as Scrooge (for obvious reasons) had been on at me for sometime to compare the deals offered by electricity providers ... sure I said, but did nothing, that is until we had sales reps from two different companies knock on our door offering us a better deal than we were currently getting, so we signed up - remember there is a ten day cooling off period - this gave me time to contact our current supplier and voila - they not only matched the other company but improved it by another 4% on electricity and 5% on gas (and cancelled the contract with the 'new' company) - I'm so happy as I still get my Flybuys points too! Use that 10 day cooling off period to shop around those extra dollars saved soon add up. Late in 2015 I discovered a great new candle range -Handcrafted in Melbourne LIGHT AND GLOW create wood wick soy candles that are lovingly hand poured. They are a family run luxe brand, dedicated to delivering high quality luxury candles. Light & Glo. take extra special care in every step of their candle making. Made from 100% soy wax candles burn longer and cleaner. Light & Glo only use the highest quality grade fragrances to ensure when you light a candle, even a large room can appreciate the amazing scent. I'm over the moon as now Light and Glo have expanded from on-line and markets to opening a store in Melbourne Central As a sinus sufferer I heartily recommend their Sinus blend - I light mine about 60-90 mins before going to bed and have found it a great help with my breathing. Raspberry & Vanilla is my absolute favourite fragrant candle - so many comments about how delicious my home smells https://www.lightandglodesigns.com.au/ Have an amazing day .... I'm off surfing now ... the Net that is

Like most I really love a bargain or to save money .... this week I saved a total of over $60 on my holiday bookings - Hotel Club sent me an email advertising 15% off selected hotels - woo hoo yes it included motels between Brisbane and Melbourne - as a member, not only did I get 15% off but purchase dollars  towards my next booking, and there's more - I get cash back as I'm a member of Lyoness. 

WOW! YOU'RE SURNAME IS SELLINGS .... HOW APPROPRIATE!

Over the years I've lost count of the number of people who have commented on my surname and how appropriate it is ..... 
I am blessed to have two great jobs, especially at my age ...
both of these jobs are related to real estate in a sense .....
For the past few years I've been part-time with the Mater Foundation at their prize homes - this involves  ticket sales and conducting guided tours through
prize apartments and answering questions regarding the home and the Mater hospital ..... sometimes I feel like a real estate agent selling a home as I point out all the features! 
The current prize is a Sky Home/Penthouse in the Promintory at Yungaba, Kangaroo Point valued at over $2million ..... with views of the city, Brisbane
River and Story Bridge. 
This amazing prize home can be viewed Thursday - Sunday each week until 14 December from 10am till 6pm by calling into the Australand Sales Office in Wharf Street Kangaroo Point - free parking available http://www.materprizehome.com.au/







During the weeks we have been working we have shared the sales office with three amazing salespersons from Ray White, Kangaroo Point and have no hesitation in recommending Carmel, Soren and Jimmy to anyone looking for property in the Kangaroo Point area.http://raywhitekangaroopoint.com/


When not working with Mater I'm working from home for a very dear friend who is also a real estate agent .... and I can personally recommend Trish Walls of Harcourts Coastal  http://harcourts.com.au/Offices/191321/Harcourts-Coastal
Trish has been selling real estate on the Gold Coast now for almost a decade and specialises in the Sorrento, Benowa, Ashmore and surrounding areas ....
Trish brings a refreshing brand of energy and enthusiasm to real estate sales. A long history in sales and marketing combined with an early background in welfare, certainly prepared Trish for the rigorous demands of Gold Coast real estate.
With a refined ability to read people and situations and superior negotiation skills she has navigated many sellers and buyers through transactions which can be stressful and emotional. Trish has built an excellent reputation amongst her peers and has a large following of loyal clients, some of whom have sold several properties through Trish.
A “people person” with a reputation for honesty, integrity and old fashioned hard work, you can count on Trish to do whatever it takes to look after your best interests every step of the way. Rely on her knowledge, experience and dedication; she will make your next sale a pleasure!

http://trishwalls.com.au/ 

Robina Town Centre is my favourite place for shopping ....

HAIR KANDI
I started going there just over a year ago, when the salon where I was going upped their prices enormously and the staff kept changing - Hair Kandi had recently opened and had great specials .... for the first few appointments Toni attended my needs and we had started to form a bond, alas the same thing happened - she left for greener pastures or something .... then I had Angie who on my second appointment was off ill, I was a little miffed that no-one bothered to ring and see if I wanted to change my appointment, however being there and knowing that it requires major organisation on my part to re-schedule, I decided to have someone else attend to me - and am I glad I did - Thea is the best hairdresser I've found on the Gold Coast - finally someone who listens to me - a trim is a trim not 2 inches cut off, I'm always told the total price before my hair is touched - no nasty surprise at the register - Thea always takes time to discuss whether the colour needs re-doing or just a root touch up or if my highlights need freshening up .... another nice touch at Hair Kandi is complimentary coffee and chocolate wafer biscuit .... Chris the owner is usually in attendance managing the reception desk and bookings and ensured that I had my next visit booked in - as Christmas is approaching and bookings are essential.  Hair Kandi are also at Logan Hyperdome.
I feel confident in recommending Thea and Hair Kandi Robina phone 5580 642

PREVUE EYEWEAR
I've been a customer there now for the past couple of years ..... they were the only local optometrist I could find which stocked Swissflex.  During that time I've also purchased prescription sunglasses as I found the transition lenses were not strong enough in the strong sunlight when driving.   Customer service is brilliant, Andrew is always happy to make adjustments to ensure perfect comfort.  Bill finally decided it was time he changed his glasses - George Clooney might wear Amani suits but my hubby looks swish in his Amani glasses!   For great professional and personal service we recommend Prevue you can make appointments on line:                           http://www.prevue.com.au/find-your-local-store

PASSIONTREE VELVET
Treated ourselves to the Duchess High Tea at Passiontree Velvet, a new cafe situated just outside David Jones on the lower level.  Rachel was our waitress and is truly an asset to this establishment, her bubbly friendly personality and brilliant smile made our experience even more special.  The food was fresh and abundant, way too much for two people ..... but never fear - no wasted food - we were able to take home what we hadn't eaten - all boxed and in a carry bag.  Passiontree Velvet offers two different High Teas, tasting plates, light lunches, devonshire teas, twenty flavours of Macarons and ..... even the littlies are catered for with a Teddy Bears Picnic .....  for a full menu and to make a booking for High Tea    http://www.passiontreevelvet.com/

CENTRELINK & MEDICARE
Centrelink office at Robina is designed to assist senior citizens .... needing some clarification regarding pensions and work bonuses we called in a few weeks ago to find the waiting time was 2 hours ..... as we had other appointments we didn't wait ... this week Bill went prepared for a long wait, taking his ipad with him ... eventually after an hour wait the girl he saw was unable to assist as she didn't know the answers ..... surely if this office specialises in aged pensions she should be qualified and trained in all aspects of payments ..... we recommend if you need to attend either Centrlink or Medicare you take entertainment, food and drink with you!!!

One of the hottest trends at the moments ..... beautiful decorated nails ......

http://www.fragrancesandcosmetics.com.au/

SWISSFLEX

Sunday night saw me break my Swissflex glasses which I'd had for over 4 years ....  and just 2 months ago we opted out of Extras on our private health insurance!
When I went to contact my optometrist I found that they were no longer there .... so to good old Google I went and found I could get Swissflex from Prevue Optometrists at Robina Town Centre.
As it was 2 years since I last had my eyes tested and hadn't had new glasses for 4 combined with the fact I spend so much of my waking day at the computer ... it seemed like a good time to make an appointment and have my eyes checked.
Making an appointment was easy I did it on line listing my preferences and received a confirmation email back very promptly.
Prevue bulk bill eye examinations so there was no charge and they have up to the minute equipment - Danny who did my examination had an amazing calming presence and is very thorough.  
Due to a slight deterioration of sight in the left eye it was time to get new glasses - and there was no doubting that I'd get another pair of Swissflex - frameless and so light you don't even know your wearing them.  In the past 4 years there has been an increase in shapes and colours - too many choices - I did think I could get one arm red, one white and a blue bridge and be a two eyed Western Bulldog supporter, black was too stark, no didn't want another pair of pink, red looked good, finally settled on matte burgundy.
I also learnt today that every part of Swissflex glasses is replaceable - hence my broken pink ones are now on their way to the Swissflex hospital to be repaired and kept as my 'spares'
Next time you need new glasses check out Swissflex - not a lot of Optometrists stock them so you may need to Google for one near you.

On the Gold Coast - Prevue at Robina Town Centre is the place to go.
 

Thats amaysim! Amaysim discounts

Starting on March 8th through to March to March 29th 2012, Amaysim are offering 15% off all first order mobile broadband - the discount applies to all of their data packs.  Check out the value on the link above.

Amaysim are also offering 25% of your first Amaysim Unlimited purchase - this offer runs through till 31st March 2012 .... you will need the promotion code: UNLIMITED20

Amaysim To Go is offering a bonus $10 credit on your first re-charge - promotion code: AYG10

Deals were nominated in Money Magazine Best of the Best Awards 2012.

SPECIAL OFFER - 3 weeks only

SureAqua  provide a range of water filters that are personal, portable, lite weight and truly unique in the market.  For the next three weeks you can obtain a 20% discount simply by using the following code: save20%today
Although the initial outlay may seem daunting the knowledge that you can have clean fresh chemical free drinking water wherever you travel should negate that.

Everything but the kitchen sink!

I might just need this .... yes I carry so much in my handbag I often suffer from sore shoulders .... there's lipstick, handcream, sunscreen, shopping bags, journal, pens, mints, lucky charms, purse, storecard wallet etc etc.  Changing bags becomes such a chore and I often forget to transfer something from one bag to the other!

Today I have discovered a solution Borne Naked handbag liner ..... available in three sizes ..... can be used in handbags, beachbags, babybags and there's even a male version.

What a great idea for Christmas gifts ....certainly on my wishlist!

Check out the website - www.bornenaked.com - you can purchase on-line or check out the many stores that stock them.

Visit the Facebook page and enter their competition to win one.

Lists ..... I just can't live without them!!!

I can't operate without my lists ..... shopping list, list of jobs to do, list of pages to scrapbook ... so  when a friend sent me this link I thought I'd check it out there are 5 Christmas worksheets that will automatically calculate when you enter your numbers! There are also printable pages/lists for almost anything you can think of .... calendar pages, chores charts, daily planners, subscription lists, shopping lists ....

• Christmas Budget – figure out how much money you need for various expense categories this Holiday Season
• Family Christmas Gift Budget – for the immediate family, keep track of the gift, storage location, budgeted amount and actual spent for each family member
• Christmas Gift Budget - for extended family & friends, keep track of the gift, storage location, budgeted amount, actual spent for each person and your remaining balance
• Grandparent’s Christmas Gift Budget – for the kids, grand-kids & great grand-kids, keep track of the gift, storage location, budgeted amount, actual spent for each person and your remaining balance
• Next Year’s Christmas Budget – calculate your expenses for this year and estimate any additional expenses for next year, get your total and start saving in January for a debt free Holiday in December

http://www.thehouseholdplanner.com/free-printables/

Kirra Kite Festival

The Kirra Kite Festival to be held on November 19 and 20 at Kirra beach ... sounds like a fun weekend for the family ...

The Festival opens on Saturday night from 6pm with food, drinks and music.

Sundays activities commence at 10am and there will be large scale character kites, camel rides, gypsy island music, face painting, street and circus performers, markets, kite surfing and lots of delectable cuisine.

Check out further information at www.kirrakitefestival.com

QSkin Survey

I recently received an invitation to participate in the Q Skin Study .... what is the Q Skin Study you might ask - well its the largest medical research study every conducted in Queensland.  The Q Skin Study needs Queenslanders aged between 40 and 69 years from all backgrounds to take part.  A very large study group is needed to be able to find the rarer causes of skin cancer and to be sure that the findings apply to as many people as possible.

What do you need to do .... just visit www.Qskin.qimr.edu.au and fill in the survey form and two consent forms .... doesn't take long 15-20 mins .... lets all do what we can to prevent and cure melanoma and skin cancer.

In Vogue!

Today was time for some pampering .... so off to Vogue @ Robina I went, I'd had the booking for some months as I had a Deal Me Mothers Day voucher to use and due to the success of this deal I had to wait my turn. 


VOGUE @ ROBINA is a personalised salon which offers up-to-the-minute style & colour expertise as well as comprehensive range of specialized face and body treatments. VOGUE @ ROBINA thrives on giving client's honest one on one professional advice& premium experience using top quality brand products at a reasonable price. Both Katrina (skin care specialist and Diane (hair artistry) are internationally experienced/trained at world class salons and are Vogue @ Robina co-owners. Diane & Katrina's aim is to create surroundings that are welcoming, warm and soothing, but also reflect a creative edge.

Even though this was my first time at the salon I felt as if I was a client of long standing - both Katrina & Diane are friendly, chatty and great fun. I was extremely satisfied with my manicure, pedicure, cut and colour.  

This was the first time I had used a voucher and not been 'hassled' to buy product or have another treatment .... there was absolutely no on-selling.

For me it was a completely relaxing and pampering experience .... yes I'll be going back .... Oh and they do offer a 5% discount for returning customers.

CURVES FOR CURVY GIRLS!

With a family wedding coming up in 12 months I decided its time there was less of me ... so on the recommendation of my daughter I decided to give Curves a try.  Wow ..... what a great time to go along  - one week free trial and for the month of October there's no joining fee.  Had my first session today ... yep I'm still unco-ordinated and I huffed and puffed but I'll be back at 6am Wednesday for my second session.  Definitely recommend you give it a try ....

BARGAIN SHOPPING ..... JUST LOVE IT

Like most women I just love bargain shopping ...... working from home doesn't give me a lot of time to go browsing the shops .... however I've come across some great bargain shopping sites on the internet.   Oz Sales is one of my favourites - they even exchange and refund if clothes don't fit .... brand names at bargain prices up to 80% off RRP at times ..... all you do is sign up and receive an email each day ..... just click the following link

http://www.Ozsale.com.au/registration.aspx?invitedby=grandmapink

Todae - Online Eco Store - Solar Power, LED Lights, Eco Friendly Products, Solar Panels, Bokashi Bins

Todae - Online Eco Store - Solar Power, LED Lights, Eco Friendly Products, Solar Panels, Bokashi Bins

Take a look at some of the great innovative eco friendly products.....a solar power childrens toy car for under $20, pencils, candles, fans, lights....even socks made from bamboo......

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.............

I'm starting to countdown the sleeps 'till my family arrive for Christmas and waiting for the first Saturday in December to put up the tree and decorations......

RV Designs has a great range of Designer Bracelets, starter bracelets both 925 silver and SP, beads and charms, little Princess Packs - starter kits make great stocking fillers or gifts for little girls.... bracelets are reasonably priced and make great gifts for teachers, work colleagues, friends and family.  PRINCESS PARTIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE - yes Parties for the little Princess in your life and her friends and each little girl has a bracelet to take home, a lasting memento of her friends birthday.
For more information and bookings phone Robyn 0404 219 962 or Val 0418 800 797. 

Great range of Christmas Decorations can be found at Everything Christmas.....love the range of 'special' crackers lets face it who is ever happy with the plastic 'junk' found in generic crackers.....some lovely Australian themed ornaments there too......I'm heading off to purchase some very soon so you better get in before me!!

Now those who now me well know my passion is scrapbooking - well its one of them, along with my family and my footy team! At the Labrador school Sunday Market I was blessed to be beside a lovely lady named Tracy with her fantastic range of handmade gifts - great prices too....and voila Tracy has an on-line Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies.  Couldn't wait to get home and check it out and the prices are amazing.....cheaper than many others, I'll be placing an order this week for sure - not only great products but inspirational layouts and instructions ......I just have to find some time to make some tissue flowers ......if you love scrapbooking My 2 Angels is for you www.my2angels.net

Looking for Christmas Cards with style and flair that don't break the bank....well RV Designs have a range of handmade cards, most feature Christmas style photos, not laden with embelishments which add to the postage cost, printed verse and envelope.  Free postage for orders of ten or more cards and they are happy to take orders for a specific design and wording - http://www.oztion.com.au/shop/RV-Designs.aspx

I LOVE TIMESAVERS!!!!

One of my 'pet hates' was socks..... invariably one dissappeared after it went in the washing machine....never to be found again....pegging them out seemed to take ages on cold frosty mornings when the kids were little (yeah, I can remember that far back!) then they had to be matched, folded and put away....even with just two of us and warm climate, I still found socks time consuming....

Eureka!!! recently I came across a new invention....the WIZZPEG, the only time the peg needs to be off a pair of socks is when they are on your feet.....brilliant no more lost socks.....throw them in the machine with the peg on, hang them on the line, bring them in, throw them in the drawer....wonderful.....I was so impressed on how great they are I thought what a help they would be for my daughter, a working Mum with two growing boys and my daughter-in-law who has a hubby, two sons and a daughter all wearing socks....they come in a variety of colours so each family member can have a different colour - of course I have pink!

http://www.wizzpeg.com/

Nutritionals - Live a healthy lifestyle inspired by cultural wisdom

Inspired by traditional alternative medicine practices from the four corners of the globe, and combined with the Nutrimetics Beauty Lab’s expert understanding of the link between nutrition and wellness, NEW Nutrimetics Nutritionals delivers an abundance of vitamins and minerals derived from carefully selected botanical ingredients, and expertly dosed to ensure a healthy you and a healthy lifestyle.

Our NEW Nutritionals Range

RISE & SHINE - Daily Multi-Vitamins & Minerals

HEAD TO TOE - Mega Antioxidant

STRAIGHT UP - Bone & Joint Strength

EQUAL FOOTING - Hormone Balance

BEAUTY BLOOM - Hair, Skin & Nail Supplement


http://www.nutrimetics.com.au/valsellings/wellbeing/nutritionals/