Winner - first blog giveaway

Congrats to our first blog giveaway winner - Anna!

Enjoy the Burberry gift pack.

What to buy - toys...

With Christmas nearly upon us I thought it would be a good chance to kick off my families global market experiment with an online shop for toys for Christmas. It is common knowledge that books, DVD's, CD's, and electronic games (Wii, Playstation, DS etc games) however I was surprised to find that for the vast majority of toys the prices weren't much cheaper once you factored in shipping. Not sure why I feel disappointed as it is goods news for us in Australia as it indicates that toy prices aren't significantly over priced like make up. I did find a couple of great buys including 400 pieces of loose Lego from eBay for only $28.00 which will cost approx $20.00 to ship, I couldn't even find this sort of 2nd hand Lego here in Australia. The Disney store have great sale items, as does the Discovery Channel shop. Fun Again Games have a fantastic range of board games and a great search function which allows you to be more specific in your hunt for the perfect gift. I also loved E-hobbies for unique and experimental type gifts. Overall I would not buys toys from the USA except for:

• Lego - new and 2nd hand
• books - electronic and paperback
• DVD's
• CD's
• games - electronic and board
• unique inc. scientific, experimental,
• remote control vehicles - cars, planes, boats
• sale items inc. Disney Store

Happy Shopping!

Charmaine

Online Shopping Budget Tips

1. The shopping list principle applies as much for online shopping as it does for in store shopping. Survey your wardrobe and work out what pieces you need for next season. A list will keep you focused and not caught up too much with impulse buying. We do however recommend an emergency fund for those must have finds.

2. If you wouldn't pay full price for an item, think carefully about whether you are buying the item because of the price or because you really like it. A bargain is not a bargain if you don't wear it.

3. Plan ahead for the upcoming season and monitor USA trends as they tend to be ahead of Australia's which means finding trend pieces before they hit our shores. Remember that the US is coming out of summer just as we are going into it, meaning plenty of end of season bargains.

4. Check that you are shopping from the US site and not the Australian site. Many retailers show higher AUD prices for the same item to enable them to factor in fluctuating exchange rates.

5. If you still feel nervous providing your credit card details to overseas retailers then we recommend having a second debit card with minimal credit available. Once you know how much you are planning on spending transfer money to cover your purchases but limits available cash to any would be credit card thieves (also makes you watch how much you are actually spending!)

Any other useful tips please let us know so that we can update our suggestion list.

Happy Shopping

The USA Shopping Affair Team

Our first giveaway

BURBERRY GIVEAWAY

Enter in our first blog giveaway to win Burberry beauty products.

Giveaway includes:

Burberry No.9 Socket Line Brush - is a long-bristled blending brush with a slight point. Made from ultrasoft goat hair, it is used to apply eyeshadow at the tip to create a deeper, but soft, socket line. Used by Burberry Beauty makeup artists to create an effortless smoky eye look.

Burberry No.11 Eye Shaper Brush - is a wide contour brush made from ultrasoft goat hair. It is used for the outer corners of the lid to add depth and enhance the eyes. Used by Burberry Beauty makeup artists to create a contoured eye shape.

No.2 Trench Sheer Eyeshadow - the innovative composition reconciles comfort with long-lasting wear. Light, yet creamy, this performing powder offers optimal adherence.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow our blog via GFC

2. Leave a comment and let us know what articles you would like to see on our blogGiveaway closes at 5.00pm AEST, 30 October 2011 Winner will be announced on our blog 2 November 2011.

Goodluck!

For the times when we just need to fly away

WEIRD & WONDERFUL

Would definately help with afternoon rush hour! Late for haircut, no problems put it into aircraft mode. 'The Transition' is a combined aircraft & motor vehicle, just fold the wings in at the end of the day and park this baby in your garage. At around $280,000 it's not exactly an everyday purchase. My only question is WHY???

http://www.terrafugia.com/index.html

This on the other hand I can totally understand. And at a mere $750,000 for the 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder, personally I think you are getting better value for money.

Happy shopping (and dreaming)!