Shopping Confessions Issue 8 - March 2018

SHOPPING CONFESSIONS Issue 9 March 2018

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SHOE ALERT ALIAS MAE AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ONLINE SHOPPING CENTRE IS NOW OPEN IT’S EASTER – TIME TO INDULGE IN SOME CHOCOLATE

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. contents

BEAUTY & STYLE

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MENS

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TRIED & TESTED

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LABEL CRUSH

SC LOVES

HOME

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CLEVER DUX

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IT’S EASTER

8 FOOT WALLS

BIG NEWS

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AUSSIE MEGA MALL

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH THIS MONTH #obsessed #fashion #shoes @hushpuppiesau

#pineapple #KFC #summer

#bags #shoplocal #simple

. editors letter

Dear Mikey, please forgive me for I have shopped again...

Hi Shopping Tribe. Do you feel like you have blinked, and the months have just flashed by? I do.

Lets get social QUEEN SHOPPER @SHOPCONFESSIONS SHOPPING CONFESSIONS @SHOPPINGCONFESSIONS DUCHESS OF DESIGN @KNOWTHEROSE

Can you believe it’s March? Bye Bye Summer, that makes me a bit sad, but we are lucky enough here in Sydney that it is still warm for the next couple of months.

Good thing is it’s Easter, no rules for eating chocolate. I found some AMAZING chocolate perfect for the occasion.

Something exciting happened to me since we last spoke; I have become the Global Ambassador for Aussie Mega Mall.

AMM is a great platform for Aussie retailers and a great platform for shoppers. So, you’ll be hearing me yelling from the roof tops about this a lot.

Something for parents, how Aussie Entrepreneurs have come up with a simple system to keep your kids safe while at school.

Maui has been off sick with a torn ligament in her knee, she’s recovering well but no pooch report this month.

Have a great month and don’t forget to share your purchases with me. I love seeing what you all buy.

Happy Shopping Kath x *prices and availability correct as at 20th Feb 2018*

. mens

THIS ONE IS FOR THE GUYS. AUSTRALIAN RETAILER TEAMM8 HAS GOT YOUR BACK.

COOL UNDERWEAR, ACTIVE WEAR & SWIMWEAR. UNDERWEAR FROM $29

BOARD SHORTS FROM $84

ACTIVEWEAR FROM $39

www.teamm8.com

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. home

8 Foot walls I’m always on the lookout for new fresh art, something that fits in with our Island style home and that a little unique.

On my wish list is a piece from artist Desmond Sweeney from 8footwalls & Co. Hint to hubby, my birthday is coming up.

Desmond’s work ticks all the boxes; beautiful landscapes, has a vintage feel and staring at them takes me to another place, a happy place.

These pieces are hand painted on bamboo matchstick blinds. They have n old school feel and would look perfect on any wall. I’m thinking maybe as a feature behind our bed.

Each unique piece has a name and a story and transports you to somewhere magical.

PRICES START FROM $690 www.8footwalls.com

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THE WORLD’S THINNEST CONVERTIBLE LAPTOP ASUS ZenBook Flip UX370 is one of the world’s thinnest and lightest convertible laptops, designed for anywhere and everywhere.

It combines elegant sophistication with the convenience and versatility of a 360°-flippable display. This ultra-thin, ultra-light convertible is a stylish laptop, a handy tablet — or anything in between.

Its Intel® Core i7 processor lets you sail through everyday computing tasks with ease. And it supports a stylus, so it’s your perfect partner for Windows 10!

www.asus.com.au

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. tried & tested

TRIED & TESTED MAUI MOISTURE One of the things about my job is that I get invited to some great events. I don’t go to everything otherwise I’d never get any work done but when the invite for Maui Moisture came across my desk, it was a yes. It was for a hair care product and I’m always looking for a good one and to be honest how could I not when the product is called Maui.

My hair is curly and frizzy, and I still haven’t found a product to control the frizz (not properly anyway), especially in summer, I’m in the water nearly every day so need something to tame this mop.

I attended the Maui Moisture event, and all sounded good, product is all natural; shea nuts, coconuts, minerals from the sea and aloe. No chemicals at all. All the right things were said.

We were given a gift bag filled with products

to try. That weekend I tried the Curl Quench & Coconut Oil for thick curly hair. It feels great, smells amazing, hair looks good wet but the real test is when my hair dries.

Hallelujah a cream that finally works. I still had curl but a nice curl, no frizz.

This event was months ago, and I’ve used all the product they gifted us, and I am buying more from Priceline.

A bonus, it’s affordable.

The Maui Moisture Collection consists of 5 different groups; something for all hair types.

- Nourish & Moisture & Coconut milk - Heal & Hydrate & Shea butter - Strength & Anti breakage & Agave Nectar - Curl Quench & Coconut oil - Thicken & restore & bamboo fibres

ALL THE PRODUCTS ARE $19.99 EA AND AVAILABLE AT WWW.PRICELINE.COM.AU

I swear by this

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WIN

1 OF 3 PACKS FROM

We have teamed up with our friends at Maui Moisture and are giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 packs.

Look for this pic on our Instagram page @shoppingconfessions to enter 9

. label crush

Shoe Alert ALIAS MAE

Have I been hiding under a rock?

How is it that I have never come across Alias Mae? Seriously, where have I been.

It’s not like they are online only, they are stocked in approx. 150 stores across Australia, New Zealand and the US. Maybe it’s because I have always bought super high heels and it’s only been of late that I’m moving more towards flats, and block heels.

Boy, does Alias Mae have a great range of both. So many added to my wish list.

Every single product goes through research and design stages to ensure the shoe is not only attractive but comfortable too.

Comfort is a priority for me without compromising on style. Especially when you are running around all day from one meeting to the next.

Just loving all the styles and for leather shoes very reasonably priced. Free shipping in Australia on orders over $99.

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1. Niche black $169.95 2. Vassi white $189.95 3. Betty red $249.95 4. Ahara white $249.95

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SHOP ALIAS MAE HERE www.aliasmae.com.au

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. product love

IT’S EASTER TIME TO INDULGE IN SOME CHOCOLATE We know there are religious reasons to celebrate Easter, but I can’t go pass the one time of year that you can eat chocolate and I mean ridiculous amounts of chocolate and not be judged.

Chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Who’s with me?

I’ve been road tasting a few and here are some of my top picks.

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

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1. CHOCOLATE EASTER TOOLS $24.95

8. 562G CADBURY FAMILY ASSORTMENT JAR

Delicious pure milk chocolate. Perfect for the handy

$18Those who like the pick of the bunch will relish

man who cant live without his tool set. Quirky and fun.

the new Cadbury Family Assortment Jar filled with

Made from beligium Chocolate.

favourites including Cadbury Dairy Milk Easter Eggs and

www.chocogram.com.au

mini solid Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramello and Crunchie Easter Eggs. Avail from Supermarkets

2. EASTER BLOCK $6.95 Made from Belgian Chocolate and covered in freckles. Yes Why have carrots when

9. 93G CADBURY DAIRY MILK HUMPTY EXPRESS

you can have chocolate. www.freckleberry.com.au

TRAIN $6 Sure to ignite imaginations, Humpty Dumpty is a train conductor in the new Cadbury Dairy

3. FERRERO EGGS HAZELNUT

Milk Humpty Express Train which features a Humpty

– RRP $5.49 A crisp milk chocolate-covered specialty

Dumpty Egg and four colourful Cadbury Dairy Milk

with smooth hazelnut filling. Ferrero Eggs come with

Easter Eggs in interactive train-shaped packaging. Avail

10 individually wrapped and sealed eggs for your

from Supermarkets

enjoyment. Available in – Coles, IGA, Big W, Kmart and Target

10. 340G CADBURY DAIRY MILK DELUXE EASTER EGG $20 Whether it’s a teacher, neighbour, friend or

4. FERRERO EGGS COCOA – $5.49

parent, chocolate fans will adore the new 340g Cadbury

A crisp dark and milk chocolate-covered specialty

Dairy Milk Deluxe Easter Egg filled with delicious

with smooth cocoa filling. Ferrero Eggs come with

chocolate coated almonds. Avail from Supermarkets

10 individually wrapped and sealed eggs for your enjoyment. Available in – Coles, IGA, Big W, Kmart and

11. 130G CADBURY DAIRY MILK SALTED CARAMEL

Target

SHAREPACK Featuring mini Easter Eggs with a smooth flowing salted caramel centre and covered

5. GRAND FERRERO ROCHER 125G

with Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, the new indulgent

– RRP $9.99 Celebrate Easter with a twist on the

130g Cadbury Dairy Milk Salted Caramel Sharepackwill

classic. A delicious milk chocolate and hazelnut shell,

have everyone reaching for more $4.69 Avail from

with two Ferrero Rocher inside. A grand surprise to be

Supermarkets

savoured and shared. Available at – WW, IGA, Big W, Kmart and Target.

12. SALTED CARAMEL 12 PIECES GIFT BOX $30

6. COCO WABBIT COTTONTAIL $6.95

Milk chocolate ganache swirled with caramel and a

Kids of all ages will go nuts over Coco Wabbit. www.

dash of salt www.carpekoko.com

freckleberry.com.au 13. CHOCOLATE ENCHANTED 6 PACK EGG 7. CHOCOLATIER THICK HATCHED MILK CHOCOLATE

SELECTION $11.50 www.candybarsydney.com.au

EGG WITH GOLDEN ROUGH $9.99 www. candybarsydney.com.au

14. MRS EASTER EGG $27.50 $11.50 This fun quirky chocolate egg will make anyone smile. Made with

8. 562G CADBURY FAMILY

Belgian Chocolate.www.chocogram.com.au

ASSORTMENT JAR $18 Those who like the pick of the bunch will relish the new

15. Ambrosia Mix 12 pieces gift box $48 Textures,

Cadbury Family Assortment Jar filled with favourites

tastes and feelings you’ve never experienced before.

including Cadbury Dairy Milk Easter Eggs and mini solid

Flavours include Maldon Gold, Saffron Sting, Lemon

Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramello and Crunchie Easter

Zing, Blood Orange Spice, Mary Framboise and

Eggs. Avail from Supermarkets

mandarin Confit. www.carpekoko.com

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. news

Australia’s Largest ONLINE SHOPPING CENTRE IS OPEN

Before I tell you about this amazing new platform I need to tell you a little story.

A couple of weeks ago I received an email with the heading ‘Australia’s Largest Online Shopping Centre’. Of course, I dropped everything and read it. I checked out the website and was so impressed I started dialling the contact number to organise an interview for the mag; you guys needed to know about it.

After a lengthy conversation a conference call was organised between myself and the 2 Founders; Neil & Darryl.

As you know when I get excited about something my enthusiasm is hard to hide. This obviously could be heard through the phone. A platform for Aussie businesses only, being able to shop Aussie only is a no brainer. As a retailer you can be on the first page of your category for FREE, love this for small businesses. It’s what Australia needed.

Neil & Darryl then proceeded to tell me that they had stalked me on google and watched a few of my TV appearances and asked if I would be their Global Ambassador. My jaw dropped and here I was thinking this was going to be an interview.

After a couple more talks I said YES. I am so excited and honoured to be a part of Aussie Mega Mall.

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CHECK IT OUT HERE www.aussiemegamall.com

THIS IS THE PRESS RELEASE THAT GOT MY ATTENTION.

Have a read and let me know what you think.

Does it get you as excited as it got me?

With more than 30,000 stores being showcased, the Aussie Mega Mall boasts the largest shopping centre in Australia. “Being online and showcasing 100% Australian online stores makes us the biggest in Australia,” says CEO and Founder Mr. Darryl Reeves.

“The Aussie Mega Mall has been created as a fight back against the huge number of foreign stores coming into Australia and buying their way to the top of search engines,” said Mr. Reeves.

He continued to say, “In a growing number of categories of retail, it is now getting difficult to get an Australian retailer on the first or second page of search engines. We aim to stop this because it’s detrimental to Australian businesses and unfavourable for Australian people!”

Australian online shopping is showing no signs of slowing down. The NAB Online Retail Sales Index for November 2017 reported that Australians spent an estimated $24 billion on online retail over a 12-month period to November 2017.

The idea of an online shopping centre is not a new one but being first to perfect it has been Aussie Mega Mall’s master-stroke. The Aussie Mega Mall showcases Australian only online stores.

Additionally, the site is 100% touch interactive with absolutely no typing required, which is perfect for hand-held devices. Every store can be found on page one of the aisle of a shopper’s choosing and they look and work like an app.

It is fast, simple, convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

With more than 7,000,000 Australian shoppers

and growing, the Aussie Mega Mall enables shoppers to browse hundreds of aisles and thousands of stores with no need for time consuming searches, frustrating dead-ends or even fumbling with keypads or keyboards!

“Every online Australian store from large corporations to the small at home store can be showcased 100% free whilst knowing they will be on page 1. The only qualification is that you must be an Australian online store,” said Mr. Reeves.

When asked about drop-shipping stores owned

by Australians with stock and processing done overseas, Mr. Reeves was quick to respond, “drop-shipping could well be the death-knell for many Australian online stores if we do not unite and collectively showcase. Drop-shipping is doing to Australian online stores what the large grocery chains have done to the small corner shops”.

Rich with features, the Aussie Mega Mall lets the shopper shop by preferred payment method, if you want to shop using your American Express card then touch the Amex logo and only stores that accept Amex are shown. Currently the Aussie Mega Mall supports 8 payment methods.

Most notable is the feature that every online store has their own digital business card that lets the shopper share with friends and family giving a real boost for exposure to Aussie online stores.

Additionally, the shopper can create their own mini mall inside the Mega Mall showcasing all their favourite stores.

The Aussie Mega Mall is a true all-Australian online shopping centre with no foreign stores.

Combine this with the fact that it has found the formula to make online shopping easy, fun and as easy as touching an app. This is the go-toplace to shop online.

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. kids

Our mission is to ensure that no parent ever has to experience the preventable hospitalisation or death of their child due to Asthma, Allergies, Anaphylaxis, Epilepsy or Diabetes.

Brothers Courtney & Jarrad Dober have spent the past few years growing CleverDux. The CleverDux ‘See & Save’ system is to help stop preventable deaths and hospitalisation of children with asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis and epilepsy.

The very simple yet clever wristband system allows staff at schools and childcare centres to spot these conditions in children.

The brothers conducted research in five schools which showed 97 per cent of teachers could confidently identify student’s conditions when they wore the wristbands, as opposed to only one in 10 when they didn’t.

If your school doesn’t have the ‘See & Save’ system you can purchase directly from $8

www.cleverdux.com

The research also indicated the See & Save system could save five minutes in emergency response time (down from 11 minutes to six minutes) – which could mean the difference between life and death in some serious situations.

Our mission is to ensure that no parent ever has to experience the preventable hospitalisation or death of their child due to Asthma, Allergies, Anaphylaxis, Epilepsy or Diabetes. The ‘See & Save’ system aims to provide the global standard, in which anyone can deliver the safest environment for a child to grow, learn and play.

By encouraging the use of the ‘See & Save’ system in our schools, it gives the ability to teachers to immediately identify, monitor and treat a student’s medical condition from day one.

We need to have these wristbands compulsory in every school.

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Lets Get Social Queen Shopper kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Duchess of Design www.knowtherose.com

Content Marketing Strategies kara@themediahut.com.au

For advertising, to be featured or competitions enquiries@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Pooch Report maui@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Collaboration’s kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Address PO Box 136, Newport Beach NSW 2106 Ph: 61 2 9974 3000

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