SHOPPING CONFESSIONS Issue 10 April 2018
WHY I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY
ASUS
BAG
obsessed WITH FARRAH + SLOANE
10 OUR TOP
GIFTS FOR
MUM
GENIUS
PHYSIO ONLINE
CONTENTS ON THE COV
STYLE
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FARRAH+S LO
BAG OBSESSED: FARRAH+SLOANE
GIFT GUIDE
KIDS
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OUR TOP 10 GIFTS FOR MUM
MEN
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SELVEDGE GROOMING
LIFESTYLE
HOME
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WHY I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY ASUS
ANE
MY LITTLE TOOTH FAIRY
HEALTH GENIUS: PHYSIO ONLINE
ER:
STYLING A COASTAL INSPIRED BEDROOM
ON THE BACK
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My new fashion accessory that has made working on the go so much easier! #asuszenbook
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I am a little obsessed with this Aussie label. This is a statement bag without the price tag! #scloves
LETS GET SOCIAL! CONTACT KATHY
Planning, planning, planning! I don’t know how I would live without my #asuszenbook
/ EDITORS LETTER
Dear Mikey,
please forgive me, for I have shopped again... Hi Shopping Tribe, Hope you have all had a great month and have snapped up some bargains. We love the pictures of what you have bought, keep sending them through. We might have to start publishing them. We had to say goodbye to Rosie, who was offered a full-time position and we couldn’t be happier for her, she’ll be missed. Welcome to Christy, we can’t wait for you to get to know her, she’s a doll and loves to shop. This month we share with you our latest bag crush, Farrah & Sloane, we know you will fall in love too. We have out Top 10 gifts for Mother’s Day, styling tips from the experts, men’s, kids and my full review on the ASUS, just giving you the heads up I’m obsessed and you know I love everything online, we had a chat to Sam Ward about his new business, Physio online, yep you can have physio online, no excuse now. Maui is still recovering from a torn ligament, she is on the mend and will be back next month. Happy Shopping!
LETS GET SOCIAL QUEEN SHOPPER @SHOPCONFESSIONS @SHOPPINGCONFESSIONS SHOPPING CONFESSIONS
DUCHESS OF DESIGN @DESIGNBYCV
Kath x
*prices and availability correct as at 25th March 2018*
TIME TO FIND OUT WHAT #SCLOVES THIS MONTH!
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www.hushpuppies.com.au 4
“My mum is a breast cancer survivor and I’m so grateful. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.” - Krystal
This Mother’s Day, give your mother the best gift of all.
Every day 50 women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. Make your gift this Mother’s Day a donation to life-saving breast cancer trials research. Because trials save lives.
Your mum will receive this beautiful card which acknowledges your special gift. And together, you’ll be helping all women affected by breast cancer to live better, to live longer and to never die from breast cancer.
Because the gift of life is the best Mother’s Day gift of all.
Donate now at breastcancertrials.org.au or call 1800 423 444. 5
BAG OBSE Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and come across a picture that makes your jaw drop? Well that’s what I did when I came across a pic featuring a bag from Farrah & Sloane. Immediately, I started to follow them and sent them a DM letting them know how much I loved their product and how I’d like to feature them in the magazine. A couple of days later I received a call from Nadine, one of the creatives behind the brand. I remember the call so clearly, we were laughing and chatting like we had known each other for ages. Nadine’s love, passion and enthusiasm for what they create was heard through the phone and infectious; a great combination for success. Nadine & Jane, the 2 creatives wanted to steer away from mainstream and commercial bag designs and wanted to bring something fresh and exciting to the market place and in my opinion, they have nailed it. I am always on the look out for unique & beautiful products and Farrah & Sloane tick all the boxes for me. I’ve had a few events lately and I’m a bit tired of seeing everyone with the same designer bag. Don’t get me wrong, I like them and think they are beautiful, but wouldn’t you rather carry a bag that has a WOW factor and that not everyone else has too? Not only are these bags a head turner, they are practical too. They solve a common problem we all have; how to hold our bag, drink, phone and then that panic look of boy I’m hungry but how am I going to hold that spring roll. Yep we have all been there. Problem solved with Farrah & Sloane’s signature bangle handle in gold, simply wear your bag like a bangle leaving both hands free. These bags really have been designed to impress with function and ease. If you want a bag that looks amazing, fits your essentials, is easy to keep on your hand without being on your hand and looks designer without the price tag you will LOVE Farrah & Sloane. www.farrahandsloane.com
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/ STYLE
ESSED CECILE VELVET AND FRINGE WRISTLET $169
MARGOT MEDIUM FRINGE WRISTLET BURGUNDY ON SALE $129 CALLISTA MACRAME FORTUNE COOKIE BAG LIMITED EDITION $299
MARGOT LONG FRINGE WRISTLET $229
LOLA FRINGE WRISTLET BLUSH $199
PHOEBE WITH DETACHABLE TASSEL ON SALE $129
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OUR TOP
MOTH
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/ GIFT GUIDE
HERS DAY GIFTS
WELCOME TO YOUR OFFICIAL MOTHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE
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Palm Hills Pink oversized scarf
This beautiful oversized scarf/sarong will make mum smile. Made of luxurious cotton/silk in the new artwork print by Libby Watkins called Palm Hills Pink. www.libbywatkins.com
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PRICE: $119
/ GIFT GUIDE
PRICE: $340 (INCLUDES SHIPPING FROM THE UK)
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Merino Sheepskin Monogrammed Striped Slippers These luxurious Merino sheepskin slippers will keep Mum’s footsies warm. These slipper booties are a cosy indulgence for every day. The monogrammed initials are hand painted by Rae Feather’s in-house artist making them very special. www.raefeather.com
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Salt Scent
Mum will love these perfume oils. Each perfume is filled with organic essential oils & in an easy roll on bottle. Perfect size to throw in your handbag. Available in 3 scents: Luxe Bohemia, Goddess Glow and Her Gypsy Heart. www.saltbyhendrix.com
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PRICE: $24.95
/ GIFT GUIDE
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Beauty Sleep We all need our beauty sleep, so why not treat Mum with this delicious Vanilla & Chai Vida Glow powder. Mum won’t only have a peaceful sleep, but it has all these benefits too • • • • • • •
A glowing complexion Reduces the visible signs of ageing Fewer fine lines and dark circles Brighter, less puffy eyes Healthier, fuller hair May help to heal skin conditions Improve skin tone www.vidaglow.com
PRICE: $59.95
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The Primrose Pyjama Set The perfect PJ’s for Mum to lounge around in. Drawing inspiration from men’s tailoring but crafted especially for her. Featuring a cut that balances comfort with a flattering silhouette. Made from their signature White and Pale Pink pinstripe cotton blend. The contrasting White piping, mother of pearl buttons, self-cuff with a single breast pocket detail, adds a sense of understated luxury and femininity. www.wanderluxesleepwear.com
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PRICE: $179
/ GIFT GUIDE
PRICE: $159
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Mila Short Fringe Bag It’s all about the fringing now and this bag makes a statement. The fringing has a lustrous shine and features their signature bangle handle in gold, with a gold zipper and branded zipper pull. This beautiful piece will make Mum Belle of the Ball. Comes in its own dust bag to preserve its beauty. Timeless and affordable. www.farrahandsloane.com
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PRICE: $179.95
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Verified Suede Boots Mum will love these comfy boots for a stylish everyday look, ready to rock this season. With a classic design and additional latex padding built over insole for extra comfort. Heel Height 60mm. www.hushpuppies.com.au
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/ GIFT GUIDE
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Triple 250ml gift set If Mum loves to cook, spoil her with this gift pack. You get to choose any 3, 250ml bottles from the huge collection of infused olive oils, organic olive oils or vinegars. www.grampiansoliveco.com.au
PRICE: $49
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Jamie Top and Rohe Pant
Mum will be looking pretty chic. The fabric is quality and the comfort factor is 10/10. This lifestyle brand makes going from exercise to day-to-day tasks easy. These 2 pieces would be perfect for travel too. www.jasminealexa.com
PANTS: $179.99
TOP: $139.99
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/ GIFT GUIDE
PRICE: $340
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Wandher-lust luggage set Won’t Mum turn heads when she arrives carrying this gorgeous luggage set. I have the beauty case but think I’ll have to buy the soft sided bag to add to my collection. www.journey-co.com
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PHYSIOWARD O At the age of 48 there aren’t many things I wish I’d done differently, but there is one thing, that is I wish I’d listen to my body more; the aches, pains and discomfort. I’d take a Nurofen and rub a bit of Dencorub on and I was good to go, I was just putting a band-aid on the problem not fixing it. Sitting in front of the computer for hours and hours has done me no favours, I ignored all the signs. After neglect I now have 2 bulging discs in my back and neck. I’m managing now but it does restrict me from some things I liked to do, and it could have been prevented with the right treatment. We are forever in front of our computers, TV or mobile devices, that’s life and for me that’s my business. Friends and family would often say I need to see a physio, my response I don’t have time. Looking back on it I never missed a hairdresser’s appointment so why didn’t I make the time for my body? I’m sure it’s a question we all ask ourselves. No excuses anymore thanks to PhysioWard Online, yep that’s right, Physio at your fingertips. Genius. We sat down with Sam Ward (the founder) to find out how it all works but before we get into that, I have to say I just love seeing young Aussies backing themselves and giving it a crack. It makes me so happy and I love helping and supporting in anyway I can.
SAM WARD
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/ HEALTH
ONLINE WAS EXACTLY IS PHYSIOWARD ONLINE? PhysioWard Online is an online physiotherapy practice. We use developments in modern technology to perform physiotherapy consultations via your smartphone or computer. The main difference between our practice and traditional physiotherapy is we do no hands-on treatment. Our physiotherapy appointments can be performed from where and when it best suits you. Whether it is from your home, work or potentially from your holiday destination. Following your initial video consultation with the physiotherapist you will have unlimited access to your therapist for the period we have decided is appropriate for your injury. This will happen via inapp messaging, email and/or video-consultation. This will mean that you can discuss any issues or concerns you may have with your rehabilitation as soon as they arise. You will have a personalised rehabilitation program sent to your computer and smart phone (videos included).
YOU WOULD THINK YOU WOULD NEED TO GO AND VISIT A PHYSIO IN PERSON, HOW CAN YOU DIAGNOSE SOMEONE WITHOUT SEEING THEM, SO HOW DOES THIS WORK? Traditionally, visiting a physiotherapist involves an initial assessment, diagnosis, establishment of a treatment plan and then the under taking of this program. Over the last decade, physiotherapy has transitioned from a manual/machine therapy focus towards structured rehabilitation programs that are performed by the patient under the guidance of their physiotherapist. The ‘touch’ of a physiotherapist is only a very small portion of a physiotherapy assessment and treatment. The key to a successful injury diagnosis is in the patient history taking and observing the patient moving their affected limb. (E.g. What happened? What did you feel? Where is your pain? Etc). It is with this information and combining with the physiotherapist’s anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the body that we can diagnose a patient’s injury. The
‘touch’ element is the final component of a physio consultation and by this time an experienced physiotherapist will have already a clear idea of your injury. Using our webforms, video consultations and in-app messaging we can perform these aspects efficiently.
WHAT MADE YOU COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT? The idea initially came to me whilst playing professional rugby in Italy at the start of 2016. I was faced with the prospect of not being able to continue my physiotherapy career whilst wanting to play professional rugby. I needed something that could provide me with flexibility for both my rugby and physiotherapy career. After researching I saw there was a gap in the market for this style of physiotherapy and the flexibility that it provides for not only the practitioner but mainly people needing physiotherapy treatment. We live in a society where we are faced with increasing professional, social and personal pressures. In our society, time is of the essence. Not to mention living in such a large country like Australia some people are faced with travelling large distances to see a physiotherapist in person. Providing a flexible
SAM HOLDING UP SHUTE SHIELD AFTER GRAND FINAL WIN FOR WARRINGAH RUGBY. PICTURE COURTESY RYAN OSLAND FOR THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. 21
service that allows patients to have a physiotherapy consultation from their work, home or whilst travelling will save time and money.
WHAT TYPE OF INJURIES OR DISABILITIES CAN YOU HELP WITH? We believe we can effectively treat most injuries. In the unlikely circumstance your physiotherapist believes you are not suited to this style of physiotherapy, you will receive a full refund after the initial consultation. If your physiotherapist feels you may need some manual/hands on therapy, they will discuss this with you. Alternatively, if you would like hands on therapy or want to see a physiotherapist in person you can visit the clinic, PhysioWard Sports & Rehab, Brookvale, NSW 2100.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE SAY LIKE ME WHO IS AT A COMPUTER FOR HOURS ON END? Firstly, make sure your work environment is set up correctly. Set reminders to get up and move throughout the day. Lots of injuries can arise from prolonged sitting or standing, be sure to vary your positions. For example: sitting for no longer than 1 hour, stand for no more than 30 minutes at a time. We aren’t built like fridges so are not designed to stay stationary all day long! Finally, you won’t be able to maintain perfect sitting posture for an entire day. Only 15 minutes in fact, so increasing your awareness around when you are in a poor position is the key. www.physiowardonline.com.au
WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR BODIES!
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You can follow Sam on Instagram @physioward_ online for great advice and videos on stretching and strengthening. You must watch the insta stories for the bloopers, hilarious. I did ask Sam if a PhysioWard show reel was on the cards but unfortunately, he said no. Seriously, please listen to your bodies to prevent any long-term damage. There’s no excuse anymore. I wouldn’t wish the pain I suffered on anybody, and it could have been prevented.
/ KIDS
MY LITTLE TOOTH FAIRY One of the things I enjoy about visiting local markets is finding new products to share with you. I found My Little Tooth Fairy at our local Growers Market and instantly fell in love. So cute. These Tooth Fairy pillows are all hand made and come with a Tooth Journal so your little one can record all the details of the loss of each of their baby teeth. This makes a great keepsake to look over for years to come. When a tooth is lost, place it in the back pocket and hang the pillow on the outside of the door. The Tooth Fairy replaces the tooth with a reward. www.mylittletoothfairypillow.com
RO M F E S H OO C N A LAH, C U L U L O A Y LE, T K N I SAM O TW R E H S U PER OA DSTOOL OR A T
EACH TOOTH FAIRY PILLOW COMES GIFT BOXED! $39.95
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SELVEDGE GRO “
About 6 months ago I was sent some Selvedge products and he has been using them ever since”
I can’t personally recommend Selvedge Grooming products but going by the empty containers in our bathroom, I’m guessing Mikey loves them. It all started a couple of years ago when I bought Mikey some skin care products. I can’t remember what brand, but he loved them and has been using products ever since. About 6 months ago I was sent some Selvedge products for him to try and he has been using them ever since. The Cleanse and Shave face wash & the Hydrate & Protect moisturiser are his favorites. I can say on his behalf, he can’t live without them. PRICING STARTS AT $24.95 www.selvedgegrooming.com
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/ MENS
OOMING
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HOW TO COASTAL
DYNAMO RENO COUPLE KYAL AND KARA DEMRICH HAVE SOLD THEIR STUNNING LONG JETTY RENO IN PALM BEACH FOR $1.59 MILLION - A MASSIVE RETURN ON THE $710,000 THAT THE COUPLE HAD PREVIOUSLY SPENT ON THE “ASBESTOS SHACK” EARLIER THIS YEAR, BEFORE TRANSFORMING THE PROPERTY IN AN EXTENSIVE REBUILD. 28
/ HOME
O STYLE THE PERFECT L INSPIRED BEDROOM
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“AS YOU KNOW, AN TROPICAL, I SO, WE ASKED KYAL AND KARA FOR THEIR TOP TIPS FOR NAILING A COASTAL INSPIRED BEDROOM.
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FRESH & NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE When styling a summer-inspired guest bedroom, stick to calming tones that conjure up feelings of relaxing morning walks along the beach. Keep walls fresh and light; in either a shade of white, or for the more adventurous, try a soft shade of apricot or a calming sage. Build upon this colour palette by selecting bed linen in similar shades. When styling within this summery palette, natural materials such as coral, driftwood and palm husks can add personality.
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GET THE BASE RIGHT There is nothing better than enjoying a good night’s sleep. On the flip side, a bad night’s sleep can really throw your day out! You want to ensure that the bedroom is a place to relax and recharge first and foremost, and the right foundation for a restful night’s sleep is a comfortable, supportive mattress like a Sealy Posturepedic. If you’re unsure of where to start when selecting the right mattress, head to www.sealy.com.au for some great tips on choosing a mattress that’s perfect for your needs.
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/ HOME
NYTHING COASTAL OR I’M OBSESSED WITH...”
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LAYERED STYLING The key to an inviting bed is to ensure you layer your bed linen! For the perfectly styled bed, choose light, fresh, neutral colours. You can’t go wrong with linen sheets in shades of white and sand. Again, select a quilt cover in a similar tone and layer with plenty of pillows, cushions and a throw. Don’t be afraid to choose cushions of various textures - which will add interest and prevent your bed looking lackluster.
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ADD A TOUCH OF GREEN A touch of greenery in a bedroom is a must, and especially important to create a coastal vibe. Not only does an indoor plant add that touch of colour and living element to the space, but it can also have health benefits! Recent Australian studies have shown that indoor plants can assist in improving air quality and help to lower stress and negative feelings – exactly what you need when it comes time to relax and unwind.
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DON’T FORGET THE SURROUNDS
Lastly, remember to take a step back and have a look at the room as a whole. Practically, bedsides with storage are a great feature that can also be used to style and add interest. Some light reading, a candle with a fresh scent and a small ceramic dish for keeping jewelry in are all finer details that help to create a room with personality. Look for other opportunities to create a practical space, such as robe hooks and somewhere for clothes storage. You can follow Kyal & Kara @kyalandkara
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MY LOVE
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/ LIFESTYLE
FOR ASUS
LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF TECH I love my job and where I live but working from home can be challenging, especially when most of my clients and business associates are on the other side of Sydney. For those not familiar with Sydney traffic, it can take me 2 hours each way, that’s 4 hours of travel. What I tend to do is work 2-3 days in the city, on those days I will book my whole day up, with back to back appointments. Sometimes there’s last minute cancellations which can’t be helped, so instead of shopping I like to be able to work from a nearby café until my next appointment. That’s why I can’t travel without my laptop. It’s not like I can pop back to the office in a hurry. Packing your bag for the day is like packing for holiday; notebooks, diary, presentations, mobile phone, snacks, water, flat shoes (need these for walking to and from car, can’t walk in heels all day like I use to), laptop and of course makeup bag and wallet. No wonder I have back and shoulder pain by the end of the day. The heaviest of all, yet I can’t
leave home without is my laptop. That was until I was introduced to the ASUS ZenBook Flip S weighing in at only 1.1kg, that’s lighter than my makeup bag. Last year I was at an event for ASUS, the ZenBook got my attention and I started talking to the very knowledgeable staff, my enthusiasm must have shown because they asked if I would like to trial this beauty for a month. In that one-month period not only did I use it for work, but Mike and I were travelling to the Cook Islands, so this was a real test for us because both Mike and I can’t travel without a laptop, not when you work for yourself. Travelling with it was a breeze, so easy to get in and out of my bag at customs, super-fast connection, the only drama was Mike and I were fighting over it, between emails, writing stories, doing finance quotes and Mike editing footage from his GoPro the ZenBook got a workout and handled it without a hitch. My love for ASUS grew and ASUS later asked me to be a partner and with no hesitation I said a big fat YES.
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WHY I CAN’T LIVE WI So, let me tell you about this beautiful piece of tech. I already mentioned it only weighs 1.1kg and it’s only 1.5 times the thickness of the slimmest smartphone on the market. Yes, this is the World’s Thinnest Laptop. It also has a 360-degree hinge; transform from a laptop to a tablet. I believe this is the ultimate 2 in 1 laptop. The ZenBook has a touch screen and comes with an ASUS pen which fully supports Windows Ink; sticky notes, sketchpad and screen sketch. Sticky notes come in handy when working on the go. With the 360 degrees hinge you can use the device in Laptop mode great for work or play. Tablet mode; easy use for when on the go and Tent and Stand mode; perfect for when you are in a confined space like a plane. For me it’s perfect when I’m in bed watching Netflix. This ZenBook is powerful, has fast connectivity, ultra-high res display, nails it for sound, especially when I have video calls and one of the most important things for me is battery life, it has up to 11.5 hours of battery and a fast charge of 60% in just 49 minutes. ASUS have thought of everything. Did you know that Blue Light Causes Eye Fatigue? Research has shown that the blue light can cause fatigue over long periods of time. Don’t worry ZenBook has an eyecare mode which lowers the ‘blue light’ emission of the panel by 30%. They have everything covered. Don’t get me started on the appearance; it’s sexy with it’s spun metal finish in royal blue, gold trimming and logo & subtle backlit keys. It really is all class. It may sound a bit dramatic, but the ASUS ZenBook has been a huge game changer for me. Productivity is up, I’m not carrying around a brick and I can work anywhere anytime, as we all know this is so important and to have a reliable tool is a must. There is so much more and I’m still learning, I’m no tech expert, far from it. I am someone who needs a reliable laptop to allow me to do my job on the go and who doesn’t mind a bit of binge watching. For work and play I can’t recommend the ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX370UA) enough. www.asus.com.au
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LAPTOP MODE
TABLET MODE
TENT & STAND MODE
/ LIFESTYLE
ITHOUT MY ASUS RE, ANYTIME E H W Y N A G WORKIN
TCHING A W Y L S OBVIOU & FRANKIE... GR A C E AUI! POOR M
B R EA K F A S
T & EM A IL S
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LETS GET SOCIAL QUEEN SHOPPER kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au DUCHESS OF DESIGN www.christyvandenberg.com FOR ADVERTISING, TO BE FEATURED OR COMPETITIONS enquiries@shoppingconfessions.com.au POOCH REPORT maui@shoppingconfessions.com.au COLLABORATIONS kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au ADDRESS PO BOX 136, NEWPORT BEACH NSW 2106 PH: 61 9974 3000
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