b is for benefit cosmetics

I was first introduced to benefit while living in England (and, in fact, wore it when I got married).  Since that time, it has become one of my firm favourites - I pretty much love everything of theirs that I've ever bought, and am particularly fond of their tinted moisturiser, posie tint, mascaras and boxes o' powder (am currently using sugarbomb, which is fab - once it's finally finished, I plan on trying out the bella bamba). The fact that their packaging is divine is just a bonus.
 
http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

Upon returning to Australia, I decided there was no way on earth I could justify paying the ridiculously inflated prices charged here, and took myself off to their website.  To my delight, I discovered they posted internationally, and that is how I've purchased my benefit beauties ever since.  Of course, it is handy that I can pop into Myer to check out any new products, as well as test out lip gloss colours etc., that I'm interested in before I commit to buy.

If you spend over US$115, postage is free, although it does take rather a long time to get here, as appears to be the case for pretty much all post between the US and Australia.  Given the current strength of the Australian dollar, it also makes it even better value when compared to prices charged here.  As already mentioned in the Peter's of Kensington post, they have a newsletter subscription, which lets you know of upcoming sales, new products, freebies and so forth (for instance, I lashed out and bought a new mascara - no pun intended - that won't be released here until some time next month, and got a bonus tote bag valued at $30 free).  Every order comes prettily packaged with a few free samples and a shiny catalogue thrown in for good measure. 

Having shopped from this site regularly for at least four years, I can highly recommend it (and, of course, do!).  Just make sure you don't need anything urgently, as it can take a good three or four weeks to get to you (and, truth be told, sometimes it's even longer than that..).  Enjoy! 

p is for peter's of kensington

While my husband is busily assembling yet another set of shelves from Ikea (from past experience it's best to either let him do it alone or drink a lot ahead of time in anticipation which, unsurprisingly, can lead to other problems...), I thought I'd pop in a post about this most fabulous site:

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/Home/

My mum was the one who got me onto it (can you see where my love of all things shopping originated from??) and, having used it a few times now, I can safely say it is absolutely fabulous.  They have a wide range of wonderful, shiny things, from kitchen appliances to beauty products to my favourite enviro-bags, at great prices (quite handy that they have the recommended retail price compared to their price).  Delivery is reasonable (and, I think, weight- and/or size-dependent), dispatch is prompt and packaging is lots of potato peanuts to ensure nothing breaks en route.  Mum assures me that you can dissolve the peanuts in the sink, but I just popped them in the bin...

As with all good sites, they have a newsletter subscription that lets you know of upcoming sales, what's currently being promoted and so forth.  Definitely a good way to spend a rainy afternoon (not to mention the fund that is apparently supposed to accompany such days).