Squeak Blog

The Small Business Excellence Award honours small businesses that represent the spirit of innovation in applying information technology in their business practices to improve their customer experience.

The Australian National Winner will receive US$25,000 in Dell technology and services and is also eligible for a chance to win the global prize of US$50,000. Plus nine Australian finalists will receive a Dell business laptop with a maximum value of US$1,500 each.

Note: Applications close 3 April 2009 and is open to registered Australian companies who employ 100 or fewer individual employees or individual independent contractor (full or part-time only). Ten National Finalists will be notified by email or phone by June 2009 and announced in July 2009. National Winners will be notified by email or phone by August 2009 and announced publicly in September 2009. Visit www.dell.com.au/sbaward for full 2009 Dell SMB Excellence Award Program Terms and Conditions.

Visit www.dell.com.au/sbaward and complete an application by 4 April 2009

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Do you own a PO mailbox and are looking to renew it? If you do then you may want to enter this competition from Australia Post. Here’s the information we received:

Provide us with your email address* and indicate that you would like to receive product and service information* when you renew your post office box and not only will you receive our quarterly eNewsletter but you will also go in the draw to WIN* one of 30 prepaid Telstra wireless broadband modems ($149 RRP) including $10 worth of credit!

One prize per state/territory region* will be drawn each week from 5 March 2009 to 2 April 2009. For more information, ask the friendly staff at your Australia Post outlet or call 13 13 18.

Special offers available to all boxholders who subscribe to Out of the Box. Make sure you don’t miss out!

*See Terms and Conditions at http://www.australiapost.com.au/outofthebox/ for full details

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Want to earn 10 points for every movie you see? and when you have accumulated 100 points you’ll go FREE? If you do then it’s time to join the Greater Union CiNE Buzz club. When you become a member you’ll get:

• a discounted movie every week
• the chance to buy tickets to the blockbusters 24 hrs BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!
• entry to exclusive competitions
• exclusive member only advance screenings
• and much much more!!!

The full terms and conditions can be found here: greaterunion.com/cinebuzz

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If you’re looking for cheap flights then your first stop will be to visit jetstar. They have recently announcement their “price beat guarantee”:

If you find a published internet airfare on another airline that is lower than the lowest available comparable Jetstar fare on Jetstar.com, call us to book with Jetstar and we will beat the other airline’s fare by 10% (provided we can verify the lower fare when you call to book).

The comparable fare must be for a one way direct flight on the same route at a comparable time.
Another airline’s fare which has less than 20kg checked baggage allowance or excludes checked baggage allowance is comparable to Jetstar’s JetSaver Light fare and a fare which includes at least 20kg checked baggage allowance is comparable to Jetstar’s JetSaver fare.

Source: http://www.Jetstar.com.au

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Purchase any Blackmores product from Coles and enter the draw to win $10,000 of FREE groceries, plus a chance to instantly win a $250 Coles Gift Card everyday.

Simply enter the barcode from any Blackmores product you’ve purchased during the promotional period, along with your details to enter the draw. Promotion ends 8th April 2009. For more information about the promotion, how to enter and full terms and conditions, visit http://www.blackmores.com.au/freegroceries

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Gift Card Promotion

For your chance to win a $1000 Howards Storage World gift card:

• Purchase any product from Howards before 1st March 2009
• Enter your personal details
• Enter the transaction number from the receipt
• Submit your entry online www.hsw.com.au/index.html by 13 March 2009

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I thought for today’s blog I’d share with you a typical day doing research for Squeak and grabbing myself a good bargain.

Last Saturday started off to Auburn with a trip to OFIS. For those of you that don’t know OFIS, it’s a store for stationery and office products – similar to Officeworks. I saw an advertisement which had OFIS closing down soon and offering great deals so I decided to check it out.

They had deals such as 8GB flash drives for $38, Marbig stationary – 20% off, 3M products – 30% off, Willow storage containers – 40% off plus ink cartridges, furniture, computers and printers at discounted prices. I got myself a flash drive, ink cartridge, folders and stationery.

Further along Parramatta Road I stopped off at Victoria’s Basement. While Victoria’s Basement wasn’t having a particular sale, this outlet store has regular discounts available up to 70% off. Well known brands such as Scanpan, Tefal, Jamie Oliver, Circulon, Villeroy and Boch, Wedgwood, Benzer, Royal Doulton, Circleware, Riedel, Pyrex etc. I got some great deals including several pans, a pizza stone, wine glasses and pepper grinder.

Across the road, there was the Nike factory outlet which had 30-40% off the retail price. In addition, I was lucky enough to be there when they had a surprising additional 30% off! I got t-shirts for $10, 3 pairs of socks for $10 and shorts for $10! Bargain!

There are plenty of outlets on Parramatta Road so if you are keen to check out something then head towards Parramatta.

Happy shopping

SqueakGal

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There’s no better time to join NRMA premium car roadside assistance.

This specail limited offer is only available until 5 March 2009, so be quick to start enjoying the great benefits of Premium Care Membership, including:

• Up to $3,000 major breakdown assistance
• Unlimited roadside assistance call-outs
• 50km of free towing
• Taxi coverage of up to $50

$75 Fuel card free for new members, existing members upgrade to premium care and receive a $50 fuel card.

Call NRMA on 1300 795 800 or visit your Local NRMA Office.

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Secure your reserved seat now. From only $20 a game.

The Sydney Swans are offering new memberships with more choice and greater flexibility Pacakages start from $220 (adult bronze). SmartPay monthly installment options available.

Join now – Phone 1300 663 819 or visit www.sydneyswans.com.au/membership

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This week’s hot offer for NRMA members.

Save $10 on tickets plus receive a free programme. Book an ‘A’ Reserve ticket to selected Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday eveinging performances of Guys and Dolls during March and save $10 per ticket. Plus, receive a free souvenir programme. That’s over $3o of value!*

Playing at Capital Theatre, Sydney.

Hurry bookings must be made by 8 March 2009!

To book visit: more4members.com.au/hotoffers or call 1300 799 735 – ‘NRMA OFFER’

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Throughout February and March, Greater Union is offering CINE BUZZ members $8 movie tickets*!

That means you can watch movies like He’s Just Not that into you, Watchmen, Ghost Town, Changeling, Confessions of a Shopaholic, etc. for a fraction of the price!

This bargain price is only available for CINE BUZZ members between February 2 and March 31 2009 and only available by purchasing the tickets online.

Visit greaterunion.com.au for full details.

Please note: This $8 ticket offer is valid online only from February 2 – March 31 2009. $1 booking fee applies per ticket. Customer must be signed in as a CINE BUZZ member to take advantage of the offer. Not valid for GMAX, Gold Class or Silverscreen cinemas. Not valid for 3D, marathon or special event screenings. Not valid with any other offer, voucher or discount. Not valid for purchasing tickets to sessions outside the promotional dates.

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One of our Facebook Squeak Fans sent us this information:

Friends and Family offer. $2.00 choc top with any coke & popcorn combo purchase. Valid until 25.03.2009. Simply print and present the voucher at any hoyts candy bar when you purchase any coke or popcorn combo.

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When you shop at Woolworths today, Friday the 20th of February, the entire days supermarket profit will go to the Country Women’s Association (CWA). This money will be used to support farming communities across Australia still battling the effects of drought, including those in bushfire ravaged Victoria and flood damaged Queensland.

Do your bit to help and feel great.

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Are you planning for the big day? As any bride-to-be knows – shopping for THE wedding dress or even bridesmaid’s dress can be painful.

You can spend a lot of time looking for the right dress and there is no guarantee that you’ll find it so sometimes you have to spend time just looking and dismissing which styles you do or don’t like. It is in these situation that life would be easier if you had a stack of bridal stores in one location so that you don’t have to spend so much time travelling. It also means that you have stores competing for your business so you are more likely to get a great price.

So here are a few bridal stores in one location for you to check out in Parramatta, Sydney. Parramatta has more than bridal shops, it has a huge Westfield with stores to cater for your every need and plenty of other stores outside of Westfield to keep you occupied for a day (or more) of shopping.

Park Avenue Bridal – 83 Macquarie Street Parramatta – http://www.parkavenuebridal.com.au/

Honeymoon Bridal – Shop 1, 478 Church Street, North Parramatta – http://www.honeymoonbridal.com.au/

Brides of Parramatta - 46 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

Mode for Brides - 28 Macquarie Street, Parramatta – http://www.calabrostores.com/

Vision in White - 40 Macquarie Street, Parramatta – http://www.visioninwhite.com.au/ http://www.formalimage.com.au/

Jean Fox National - 21 Argyle Street, Parramatta – http://www.jeanfox.com.au/home.php

Happy bridal shopping.
SqueakGal

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Have you ever bought anything on eBay (www.ebay.com.au)? There are some people that are afraid of buying things on eBay but I’ve bought several things on eBay without any problems and the best thing is that I get great bargains on eBay. It’s also a great place to get ideas for gifts especially if you are looking for unique items or items that are no longer sold.

Here are three tips for successfully buying on eBay. Let me know if you have any other tips.

1.      Look before you buy

Just because the item is online doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to find out exactly what you are buying. Research the item to make sure you get what you want. Ask for pictures or descriptions of the item. Find out what condition it’s in and if you aren’t sure then don’t buy. Contact the seller with any questions before you buy.

Users on eBay have a feedback rating based on transactions that you have made either as a seller or a buyer. Check the seller’s feedback to see if there are any negative comments or issues. This is also a good time to make sure that you check your own feedback rating. Have you been a good buyer?

2.      How much will you be paying?

Understand the bidding system of eBay. It’s based on the maximum bid price you have placed and does not usually include postage and handling. Check to see what the cost is for postage and handling, whether you can pick up the item and calculate whether you still want to purchase the item. Use the ‘watch the item’ feature to keep an eye on the item if you aren’t sure if you want to bid on it.

Sometimes the seller will offer a discount for multiple purchases but to be safe, contact the seller and ask whether they can combine the postage costs if you buy several items. If the items have different auction dates ask if you can pay for the items after the last auction date to see if you have been successful. Good communication is the key and can save you money.

3.      How will you be paying?

Before making your bid ensure that you can comply with the payment requirements. Some sellers require specific requirements such as a Pay Pal account or they may require that you contact the seller with payment within a specified timeframe. If you can’t meet the timeframe (you may be overseas or without internet access) make sure you contact the seller with your explanation. If you can’t pay then don’t bother bidding.

Happy bidding.
SqueakGal

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From this weekend’s Sunday’s Telegraph’s Value Hunter by Lorna Knowles (15 February 2009) – Net a great deal.

The article deals with websites that are offering to help stressed out consumers beat the economic blues. Check these websites out and let us know what you think.

www.dealsdirect.com.au – online department store with a huge range of goods across 25 categories.

www.squeak.com.au – website which allows you to search for the latest sales.

www.whypayfullprice.com.au – coupon website which allows you to download and print out coupons to use in participating stores.

www.getprice.com.au – shopping comparison website which allows customer to search or browse produce prices from more than 350 online retailers.

www.catchoftheday.com.au – one product available for 24 hours at a reduced price

www.offerme.com.au – list the time you want and wait for sellers to make you an offer

www.myshopping.com.au – offers several million products ranging from fashion and jewellery, health and beauty produces

www.topbargains.com.au – bargain sharing website where users can share and recommend bargains

www.dealdump.com.au – useful for browsing for a bargain

www.ozbargain.com.au – helps users obtain discounts, upgrades, freebies or exclusive deals

www.streetsmartshopper.com.au – has massive savings on top brands of white goods, televisions, vacuum cleaners and most major appliances.

Happy bargain shopping.

SqueakGal

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I was sent this information by a friend of mine so I thought I would share it with you all, I’ll definitely be shopping at Coles this Friday:

Coles Media Release:

Coles will donate this Friday’s (13 Feb) profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross.

Customers will also be able to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund at all Coles stores. Donations can be made at all Coles supermarket checkouts from today.

Coles Managing Director Ian McLeod said the bushfire tragedy had touched a number of Coles team members, some of whom have lost loved ones in the fire, and a number who have lost their homes.

“Like everyone in the community, we’ve been shocked by the devastation these fires have wrought, and we extend our deepest sympathies to those who’ve suffered loss in this terrible event,” Mr McLeod said.

Mr McLeod said the size of this Friday’s donation would depend on customer support, but could be several million dollars.

“We hope Australians will help us make this Friday’s donation as substantial as possible.”

Coles has been helping ground level relief agencies over the weekend, providing essentials such as food, water and toiletries, and will continue to provide additional local support as needed.

Further information,
Jim Cooper
Ph: (03) 9829 4354

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Wallets, Belts, Boxers
It’s the safe gift, a boy can never say no to a wallet, belt or a new pair of boxers. You can even get those novelty boxers with an elephant at the frontand make it a fun gift as well as a useful one.

Games – PSP, PS2, PS3#, xBox, Wii etc.
I’m not sure whether you want to go down this option, you might not see your man for a while, but if you are seriously thinking of a gift he’ll enjoy then you can’t go past a good game. Most places are good at recommending games based on what he’s is currently playing or one of his favourite gamegames. As long as you choose a recent release I’m sure he’ll be happy!

Something for the car
If your man is a car fanatic then it would be good to get something for his car. It’s a bit hard only because boys are very particular about their cars. Get something he’is either been looking for or find out from one of his car buddies what he’s been talking about. If all else fails, alternatively try get a gift card from places such as e.g. Repco or Supercheap Auto.

Adventure
Want something different? Is your man an adventure junkie? Then take a look at Freeman X, they offer a wide range of activities anything from a rally circuit ride to out door rock climbing. Best of all you can do it together and we’ll call it a date!

Gadgets
Boys and their toys. Have , do you seen how excited they get when they have a new toy? Check out www.zazz.com.au, www.catchoftheday.com.au, or www.gadgetcentral.com.au for some really cool toys at really good prices!

Sports gear
Guys love their sports – whether it’s playing sports, watching sports or creating their own sport., you should know what sport he follows and hopefully what team he supports. Rebel Sports online store offers a wide range of sporting equipments and offers a wide variety range of team merchandise for all types of sports. Alternatively get him to pick up a sport or upgrade his gear. It’s not only an awesome gift but a great way to show your support and keep him fit.

Hope this helps girls.

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As a valued sponsor of the 2009 Sydney Royal Easter Show 9 – 22 April 2009, Qantas staff will have the opportunity to save 25 per cent off ShowLink tickets for both family and friends. So if you know someone who works at Qantas then make sure you ask them if they can grab you some ShoLink tickets. Offer ends 25 March 2009. For more information on the 2009 Royal Easter Show check out their website  http://www.eastershow.com alternatively, you can call 1300 730 631.

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The Entertainment^TM Book

Now you might wonder why I’d be writing about a book but it’s not just any book.  It’s the book that can save you a lot of money and give you an opportunity to try something different.

The Entertainment^TM Book is a restaurant and activity guide that provides special 25 to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from many of the best restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The best thing about the book is that it allows you to save doing normal things such as eating at well known and not so well known places or going to the movies as well as doing the touristy thing such as visiting the attractions of the city. The Entertainment^TM Book covers a wide variety of places and also allows you to save on your holidays with hotels and car hire.

For more info http://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/home

Entertainment books available for the following cities:

• Adelaide
• Auckland
• Brisbane and South East Queensland
• Canberra
• Christchurch
• Geelong, Surf Coast and Ballarat
• Gold Coast
• Greater Melbourne
• Newcastle, Central Coast and The Hunter
• Parramatta, The Hills, Blue Mountains and Macarthur
• Perth
• Sydney
• Sydney North
• Tasmania
• Waikato and Bay of Plenty
• Wellington

Give the Entertainment Book a go and save!

SqueakGal

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Roses

Flowers are traditional and it might be a common and a cheesy gift but we girls love it! You can’t go wrong and there’s no excuse about having no time to go get them since you can order them online through places like Roses Only.

Perfume

Grab her a nice fragrance and she’ll mention your name every time someone compliments on her sweet smell. The Perfume Empire boasts Australia’s largest range of French and prestige men and women’s fragrances and best of all you can grab it at up to 80% off what you would previously pay at department stores. Check out the Perfume Empire’s online store.

Beauty products & Cosmetics
Trust me boys, when you buy us girls beauty or skin products we love it, so don’t think twice. Just to help you out, we love brands like Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder or L’oreal. Find a great selection and great deals on the StrawberryNET Gifts & Specials page!

Sports gear

Is your girl a fitness junkie? Rebel Sport offers a wide range of sporting equipment and sports clothing, why not buy her some compression gear so she can perform at her peak or get her some more equipment like shoes or a yoga mat, it’s the best way to motivate and show your support and best of all you can purchase them through Rebel’s online store.

Teddy Bears

Another gift idea where you can’t go wrong is Teddy Bears. Just think about it, she’ll hug it at night when you’re not around and she’ll be reminded of you. You can also order them online and get them delivered on the day.

Adventurous

Want something different? Is your girl an adventure junkie? Then take a look at Freeman X, they offer a wide range of activities anything from hot air balloon ride to outdoor rock climbing. Best of all you can do it together and we’ll call it a date!

Digital Photo Frames

This has become really popular in the last few years, it’s definitely a great gift to give if you’re already in a relationship and have a few photos together. You can buy a digital photo frame, load your photos and take it up a notch by playing her favorite song in the background.

Clothes

This one is really hard, but if you get it right it’s like 100 brownie points. Never assume just because you like it that she will, it can be as simple as the size of the button that she might not like or the whole garment. Or just imagine you buy the wrong size? That’s like -200 brownie points. Bring her best friend out to go shopping to choose something nice, worst case you can always blame her best friend

Ugg Boots

Autumn is coming and winter isn’t too far behind. We girls love our Ugg Boots and we’ll wear them all time if we could. Grab a great deal during the off season at Ugg Boots Australia and save up to 60%.

Bookworm

If your girl is a bookworm then can’t go past Amazon for the latest or biggest range of books. If you don’t know what she wants then select one of her favourite books and then let Amazon recommend something for you. Can’t get easier than that can it?

Hope this helps boys!

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We’ve just received news that GNCLiveWell is having an overstock clearance. To view the sale details click here.

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So I’ve previously talked about the GFC – Global Financial Crisis, and it got me thinking about the best ways to get things for ‘free’. Now you are probably wondering what kinds of things you can get for ‘free’ and I don’t mean the five fingered kind of discount. I’m talking of rewards you get from businesses from shopping or completing surveys etc.

Here’s a few that I know of

• Lightspeed Consumer Panel – http://au.lightspeedpanel.com it’s free to register.

Take Surveys And Win Prizes

• Paid Surveys – http://www.paidsurvey.com.au – another website that pays for people to complete surveys.
  

• Fly Buys – www.flybuys.com.au/flybuys/content Free to register.

Earn points shopping at Coles, Kmart, Target, Officeworks, Liquorland and many more and use those point to gain some fabulous rewards.

• Woolworths Everyday Rewards – www.everydayrewards.com.au/edr/wps/portal/rewards. Free to register.

Not only do you get the 4 cents discount for petrol by using your card but by buying your groceries from Woolworths you get the chance to win prizes.

• MyerOne – www.myerone.com.au/myerone/content. Free to register.

As a Member you’ll receive 2 Shopping Credits for every dollar you spend at Myer, and when you’ve earned 2000 Shopping Credits we’ll send you a $20 MYER one Gift Card.

• Qantas Frequent Flyer Program – www.qantas.com.au/fflyer/dyn/program/welcome – Once only $82.50 joining fee.

Earn points flying with Qantas and with over 350 partners including All Seasons, Best Western, Median Serviced Apartments, Novotel, Quality, Crown Plaza, Radisson, Rydges, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, QBE Travel Insurance and many more. Use the points to get rewards from the partners or for a free flight with Qantas.

• Virgin Blue – Velocity Program – http://www.velocityrewards.com.au/content/ – Free to register.

Earn points by flying Virgin Blue and purchasing from its Program Partners including Mantra, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, Vibe Hotels, Medina, Travelodge Hotels, Comfort Inn, Europcar and many more. Use the points to get rewards from the partners or for a free flight with Virgin Blue.

• CineBuzz Movie Club – www.greaterunion.com.au/cinebuzz. Free to register.

See 10 movies and get 1 free. There are also other benefits and exclusive competitions.

There are also websites such as www.rewardspalace.com.au/default.aspx, www.shopfree.com.au/, www.rewardscentral.com.au/Default.aspx and www.freagle.com.au that allow you to gain rewards from going on the internet.

If you know of any others please post a comment and share the rewards!

Happy rewarding.

SqueakGal

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As some of you may know from my previous article Top 10 tips for bargain shopping in Sydney I’m a huge fan of getting great bargains in one location so here’s a quick list of the places where you’ll find a number of shops with good bargains.

Alexandria/Zetland/Roseberry/Redfern/Surry Hills

There are only a few places that are set up to permanently cater for shoppers but the best bit about this area is the one off sales or when the warehouses open up for the weekend. This is when you get great bargains and unique clothes as some places will sell the samples.

The stores that have been set up permanently include Seafolly, Bonds, Events, Puma, Ron Bennet, Reebok, Champion, Marcs, Oxford, Zambelli, Swarosvski and many more.

The places that are open on special days include Uchi, Honey & Beau and Vallen.

You can find out about these sales by driving around and looking for posters advertising the sale, subscribing to mailing lists or checking out on websites such as www.squeak.com.au.

Paddy’s Markets – Market City – www.marketcity.com.au

Great place for souvenirs! The stuff may not be unique but it is definitely cheap and therefore you can buy in bulk.

In relation to clothes and accessories there’s plenty of Australiana gear and then there’s the fashion items that will be at bargain prices.

On top of Paddy’s Markets is Market City and there are plenty of fashion stores which have been set up as the factory outlet. Stores such as Cue, Nautica, Table Eight, Champion, Cotton On, Cotton On Kids, Dotti, Esprit, Events, General Pants, Giordano, Jay Jays, Lonsdale, Ojay, Oxford, Review, Seduce, Supre and YD.

Birkenhead Point – Drummoyne – www.birkenheadpoint.com.au

The best bit of this location is also that it’s near the water and you can spend lunch outdoors in a great location. It’s also close to the city and accessible by bus and there’s plenty of parking. The other great thing about this complex is that there are stores here that aren’t available elsewhere plus you can also do your regular shopping at the same time with Coles, fresh food grocers and butchers nearby.

What you will find:

David Jones Warehouse, Allanah Hill, Cue, Ojay, Diana Ferrari, Angus and Robertson, Pumpkin Patch, In Sport, Tree of Life, Marcs, Spotlight, Table Eight, Oroton, Colorado, Canterbury, Kathmandu, Bonds, Nine West, Harts and many more.

Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) – Homebush – www.dfo.com.au/homebush/

Similar to the DFO’s around Australia, this is the place where the stores will send the discontinued lines and also the stuff that has been around for a while so you know it will be discounted. It can be a bit of hit and miss and it is recommended that you go here often to see what’s new.

What you will find:

Portmans, Cue, Seduce, Pumpkin Patch, Oxford, Ojay, Polo, Jigsaw, Charlie Brown, Sketchers, Oroton, Wanted, Lisa Ho, Politix, Sandler, Sheridan, White Vanilla, Waterford, Nine West, Witchery, Puma, Charcoal, Colorado, Diana Ferrari, Frat House, Brands United, Jag, Peter Alexander, Jay Jays, Misako, Giordano, Rivers, Strandbags, Cotton On, Table Eight, Men’s Avenue, Marcs, Bras n Things, Aquilla, Converse and many more.

Happy shopping!

SqueakGal

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MyCareer Head Hunter is giving you the chance to win $50,000.

Register for the competition and create your own character & virtual store. Then activate a Head Hunter account to be in the draw to win the cash. If you already have a Head Hunter account, make sure it’s set to ‘Active’ and register your details for the competition.

Each day your store will earn money based on the number of employees recruited and store fittings and specialty items purchased. The top 10 money earners at the end will receive a trophy of their character. Employees are hired by inviting family and friends to register and also give you additional entries in the draw.

Get started to WIN $50,000

Visit www.mycareers.com.au for full competition details

Competition closes on the 25/02/2009

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So we all know about the great GFC – also known as the Global Financial Crisis. While some have felt its effect more than others, it’s fair to say that we are all conscious about how much we are spending these days.

The intent to save as much as possible doesn’t help when special occasions like Valentine’s Day come around (14^th of February for those that forget!). Not only are you going to want to make your Valentine feel special but you don’t want to end up in debt doing so!

Now there are plenty of tips that I could write about which detail which shops or items are great gift ideas such as amazing gifts from www.FreemanX.com.au (Cooking classes to Sailing cruises, V8 racing to Skydiving and more), Tiffany and Co (http://au.tiffany.com), Louis Vuitton accessories, flowers from places like www.rosesonly.com.au, www.interflora.com.au and www.flowers.com.au, gadgets from places like www.jbhifi.com.au, www.dse.com.au, www.binglee.com.au, chocolates from places like www.maxbrenner.com.au, www.lindt.com.au, www.guyliancafe.com.au, www.haighschocolates.com.au or dinner at a nice restaurant.

Instead here are five creating ways in which to make your Valentine’s Day memorable without breaking the bank.

1.      Treasure Hunt

Why not make Valentine’s Day about your Valentine’s favourite activities or locations. Leave clues and hints for your Valentine to follow and leave little gifts along the way. They can be handmade or meaningful rather than expensive and your Valentine will remember the journey as much as the gifts themselves.

2.      Your own music CD or collection of pictures on CD

While I’m not suggesting that you infringe any copyright protection out there, how about making a CD of your Valentine’s favourite songs or why not attempt to sing the songs and change the words to fit with your story? To make it that bit more special, why not include a blurb or story about why you choose the song? You can also create a CD of pictures or movies of you and your Valentine. All those pictures you took on your holidays or special occasion will come in handy. Add a few songs in the background and you have one unique and special gift.

3.      Picnic at the beach or park

Instead of taking your Valentine to a fancy restaurant why not head to somewhere special (and free) like a park or beach? Pack some snacks and a bottle of wine (or two), bring some music and a blanket and spend the day with your Valentine. Play games or just enjoy the day out. A special treat is to make your own special dessert such as chocolate dipped strawberries.

4.      Scrapbook – pictures, notes, keepsakes

This does require a bit of effort and a bit of creativity but the end result can be spectacular. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. It can include pictures of your favourite moments with your Valentine or it can include funny stories of your time together. Include postcards of places you’ve been to, movie tickets of films you’ve watched, throw in a poem or two but most of all let the gift come from the heart. If you aren’t the soppy type include some comics or funny mementos of your time together or of the future.

5.      A book of IOUs

Now we know that sometimes we take our Valentine for granted during the year. This gift idea is perfect to let your Valentine know that they are special not just on Valentine’s day but throughout the year. It also means that the cost can be spread throughout the year.

Ideas for the book of IOUs include monthly activities that you and your Valentine will do, your Valentine’s favourite activities (that you are also willing to enjoy) that your Valentine can choose to use at any time, or vouchers detailing the household chores you are willing to do for your Valentine (wash the car, do the dishes). You can be as creative as you want!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

SqueakGal

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