Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Massive $250 The Iconic Haul! and how I got it all for free.

I was going to make a post about my LHI bags, but I was having issues with the post and I tried to refresh the page, as I had 'saved' it, only to find that it hadn't actually saved >.<
I'll restart tomorrow, so here's my post about The Iconic instead.

-

So I've been banking with ING Direct since about mid/late June, as they had a "Join before June 30" type deal, I had a few deals actually.

The first was my Savings Maximiser savings account which is 4.35% (I think it's currently 4%, one of the highest btw)
The second was that I get both 5% cash back (normally its 2%) when I use PayWave under $100 (I hate PayWave, but I like cashback :P) and also I don't pay ATM fees, it gets paid back instantly.
I kind of wonder how this bank actually makes money TBH

The third, which is what this blog post is about, is that as long as I deposit $1000 (so basically my wage) per month into my Orange Everyday account I get a $250 The Iconic Gift Voucher.
I sound like a massive ad, but if you like good deals and a good bank that isn't money hungry, this is the bank for you.

There's one deal on atm where if you join I get $75 and so do you:
(Visit https://www.campaigns.ingdirect.com.au/refer/NED697 to find out how you could get $75 with an Orange Everyday account.)
Same thing, deposit $1000 per month by October 10th and we both get $75!
Always read the fine print, as I'm not sure how many people can claim this, still a good bank eitherway.

I don't think the deal for the The Iconic is still going, which is weird because when I got my voucher code in my email on August 19th, I was told to "tell my friends".
Sah confusing.

I do tend to get sneaky and stick to sale items when I get voucher codes, as I like to get more bang for my buck, even though this isn't my money :P
I only went 66c over the $250 limit, and that came out of my PayPal account, so it basically costed me nothing.
I was going to use the $20 that was in my account, but my Bellabox payment came out as I was deciding on my purchases, and I changed my mind on a dress so I ended up sticking to the $250 (with free postage to boot)

My Goodies the day I got them.

I don't have a full length mirror so I can't take selfies, I will try to in the future.
I'm unsure about the white heels, they're not really my style, and I got a pair of black wet look leggings and even though they were high waisted they did not fit at all. I'll see if I can exchange them.
Everything else fit perfect and I'm sah happy!
Love them new clothes feelings.



Let me know how you go!

With love,

Sn00z xx

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

I Have a Facebook Page!


I've recently made a Facebook page for my eBay store, where I can reach more people and provide updates to what's happening, be it new items, updates, or random announcements. :D



Please check out my page here x

Love from,
Sn00z x

Beginners Guide to Postage | For eBay sellers, Buy Swap and Sellers and Newbies in between.

I've been an eBay seller since about 2009, but only being serious about 2012.
I currently mainly sell items I receive from Beauty boxes, GWP, and Goody Bags, some being unwanted colours from Dollar Cosmetic Club (Which so far I'm trying to avoid, so addictive!).
(You can check out my store here ;))

I've recently joined groups for people who want to Buy, Swap or Sell unwanted items from Beauty boxes (Lust Have It, Bellabox and Violet Box have their own pages, as well as others I'm sure), and unwanted cosmetic items in general, so I thought I'd make a blog post giving people tips on how much to charge on postage and how they can save on postage as well.

The first step is obviously the envelope;
It is best to use padded envelopes, as basic thin envelopes can and will tear and items will get damaged or lost.
You know how rough AusPost is with packages.
(A slightly better option is to use bubble wrap and a lot of tape, but that's up to you)

Buying envelopes in bulk saves time and also money.

Outside of the obvious AusPost bags, which the smallest one is $1.05 (each) and the next size up is $1.10 (each), here are a few I've found:

PPS Size 1 Bubble Mailing Bags 2 Boxes of 25




  • From Officeworks
  • Smooth inner layer allows for easy insertion
  • Water resistant for extra protection of the contents
  • Size 1 bubble mailing bags have an internal size of 151 x 229 mm
  • Peel & seal closure means convenient and hygienic sealing of your mail
  • Packed in a dispenser box for easy access
  • 25 mailing bags per box, 2 boxes per pack
  • 50 bags in total
  • For other sizes please check the Officeworks website (The link is in the title)



    Cost: $22.50 for two boxes

    Works out to be: $0.45c per bag.


    Tudor Paper Bubble Mailers 5pk (Big W)





    151mm x 229mm


    From Big W, they're the same size as the ones from Officeworks.
    Cost: $3
    Work out to be: $0.60c per envelope.

    They cost slightly more than the Officeworks ones, but they're good if you only need a few, you're in a hurry or you only have a Big W in your town.


    The other thing to think about is weight and the actual postage itself.


    I generally deal with items under 500g, so it's as simple as, if its thinner than 2cm (for example, an eyeliner), the postage will be that of a large letter: $1.40, aka two basic 70c stamps (cheaper still if you have a concession card and you're entitled to concession stamps which are 60c each)


    And if it's thicker than 2cm (for example, a mascara or a lipstick) but still under 500g, the postage will be $7.20.

    These also relate to shorter items such as lipsticks and eyeshadows, for longer items such as Tanning lotions, or sending a few items, I've only found it to be cheaper to buy in bulk:

    215mm x 280mm
    Clost: $16.52c
    Work out to be: 66c each
    5 packs still work out to be about $1 each.

    Postage price will depend on the weight.

    Now all you have to do is add up your individual costs and away you go :D

    These tips and tricks relate to what I personally sell, and what I've swapped within the groups, for enquiries on larger/heavier items it's always best to go into an AusPost store and they can give you a quote.
    Otherwise, you can check the online Postage Calculator

    If you have any tips and tricks of your own, please feel free to comment them below xx


    NOTE:
    Someone asked about Click and Send.
    I personally don't use it because I actually don't have a printer so it's not applicable to me, but it does save time so you don't have to go to the Post Office if you obviously have a printer at home :P
    If you want to know more you can find more information here.

    *I will point out there is a $1.50c surcharge on my listings, due to the Listing Fee and also the Final Sale Fees eBay charges. (I was losing a fair bit due to this so I need to recoup costs)*


    Love from,
    Sn00z xx

    Wednesday, 21 May 2014

    Collective Haul - Chemist Warehouse, Cotton On, Yoox

    So I went shopping today with the intention of purchasing this gorgeous and incredibly soft Cardigan from Yoox, a clothing store I'm only new to.
    I believe it's only located in Lavington, Yarrawonga and Benella.



    Aand of course I had to get a few more things :P



    First is the cardigan:

    But first, Llama take a selfie
    My eyes look uneven, I have no idea why
    It was $60, and I had been eyeing it off for weeks, I went in today finally getting it, and I freaked out because I thought they had sold out.
    Buy yay! it was hidden on another rack, it's a M/L which luckily is my size.

    It's soo soft :D

    After getting my beloved cardigan, I got a coffee from Maccas (and managed to spill it down my front, my shirt is currently in the wash with a TONNE of Napisan.. sigh), I headed off for main town Albury to do some more shopping :D

    Chemist Warehouse are currently having a half off cosmetics sale, so of course I had to have a look see.
    Anyone else's hand end up like this?

    Elf Eyeshadow from K-Mart

    I managed to stop myself from buying too much, I went to get two Revlon Colorburst Matt Balms but decided against it.

    Oddly enough, the ModelCo Glow Baby Glow set was only $5.99 , down from $19.99, which worries me as to how the brand is going these days haha.

    I mainly got the set for the bronzer, I will be chucking the Lipglosses on eBay, as I already have them and so many in general.
    I bought the Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon, I've been eyeing it for weeks, and also picked up a Rimmel London Kate Moss matte lipstick in 106, it's a beautiful hot pink colour.

    Top: Rimmel 106
    Bottom: Wild Watermelon




    My hands a bit stained from all the swatching from above. Oopsy.

    As shown above I also went to K-Mart as I needed a belt (not pictured), I don't know where I put all of my belts, but my jeans were falling down all day, not a good look.
    While I was there I picked up some new phone screen protectors, the Elf Long Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree, one thing I hate about being in Australia is that they came in at $8 each :(



    With love,

    Rik xx

    Please check out my eBay store!
    Buy any two listings and get a third free (Details in the listing)

    I'm Baaack | BellaBox May 2014

    So I haven't posted since October 2013, due to personal issues (Stress due to Uni/Exams, the break up of my relationship), and mainly laziness, I've mainly stuck to Instagram in the meantime.


    I won't delve too much into why I haven't posted in a while, but I will try to post more as I really do enjoy being in the blogger world :D
    (My last post was about my eBay store, which is now a fully fledged 'store', so please have a look!
    There are more items to be listed, but eBay has a selling limit, so I will make a separate post about those items)

    ---


    First things first, this months BellaBox, which is kicking Lust Have Its bootay!
    I'm expecting my May LHI box in June ;);)

    The Recycling
    Via: Instagram

    1. Appelles Rosemary Body Bar 100g RRP $5.95c - Full Size
    Travel isn't always possible - which is when you should make your own home feel like a luxury hotel! Easy with stunning scented soaps, like this bb fave from Appelles that hydrates skin.

    I could smell this upon opening the box, I LOVE the scent, smells just like the Romy body wash I received in a past box. I also received this same exact soap in my Lust Have It box for this month.
    However I'm not a fan of body bars/soaps, so I will pass this on to my eBay store, once I can list more items :P

    2. Chapstick Lip Conditioner 4.2g RRP $3.99 - Full Size
    Moisturises, soothes and prevents, dry chapped lips, wherever you are! SPF15 high protection sunscreen helps to protect.

    For some reason this smells like my childhood, much like this other lip balm I own that smells like Goosebumps books? I have no idea how that works but definitely a useful thing to receive seeing as it's winter!
    Although I own way too many lip balms...

    3. Timeless Truth Face Mask 30ml RRP $8 - Full Size?
    These Timeless Truth masks are the perfect remedy for travel, replenishing and restoring life back into your skin when you're on the move. With a mask to match every skin need, they are an essential go to product.

    I've received the Caviar Nourishing Mask, this is anti ageing, and I'm only 22 but I guess it's not too early for me to start thinking about my skin :P
    However masks scare me as I can potentially have an allergic reaction to them.
    4. Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner 480ml RRP $34.99 - 60ml Sample Received. ($4.37c)
    Designed to hydrate and replenish hair without stripping it's natural oils. providing added moisture, strength and sheen.

    I've recently cut most of my hair off, and have shaved the sides of my head (I currently have a mohawk :O), so I'm annoyed at receiving a decent sized sample, but in a sachet >.< #deathtosachets.
    I am interested in this product as I use quite a bit of styling product and could use something that wont strip my hair.
    Included in the box was an offer through Wen by Chaz Dean, to receive a 30 Day Deluxe Kit for $29.99, a $10 saving, plus free shipping.
    If I do like this product I will purchase this kit, as I've heard this is a fantastic product, but I am annoyed that if you read the fine print: "By ordering Chaz Dean Wen Regular Deluxe Kit, I understand I am requesting that I receive a fresh new supply of Chaz Dean Wen every 90 days at the current low price of just $49.99 per month plus $12.99 Postage and handling.
    Now, you can cancel this with a phone call, but the fact that this is an automatic thing and not a once off offer, I find this a bit annoying.
    Not just because I have very little hair and wouldn't need a new set for a while, but because I find this a bit sneaky and hate when companies do this (I am a Marketing student but I refuse to be misleading or shady).
    I will review this once I've finished my sample.

    5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel - Clear 7.93g RRP $39 - 2.5ml Sample Received ($12.30)
    This Best-selling formula from the streets of celeb-ville tames unruly brows without leaving them stiff, flaky or sticky. Fortified with rich botanical conditioners and essential oils, it can be worn alone or layered over brow powders or pencils.

    I was excited to receive this! I did look at the sneak picks and was hoping for either this or the Max Factor eyeliners. I have rather thick eyebrows, I call them my John Howards (If you're Australian you'll get it), so this will definitely come in handy once I use up my one from Ardell.
    6./BONUS: Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ - Light 50g RRP $32 - 5g Sample Received ($3.20)
    This doesn't have any information on the card.

    This will be interesting to use, as although it is light I'm worried it may be too dark for me, again received in the dreaded sachet.

    Total Box Value (Includes the Bonus item): $37.80c

    Overall I am happy with the box, I can use most of the items or at least sell them, my only issue, besides the dodgy offer, is my little nitpick with the value of the box, they advertise it as being $60+ when usually its around $40-50, this month being under $40. Even still, I am getting my moneys worth, as it is only $15 per month.

    More recycling
     
    Does this confuse anyone else? Is this a competition?



    If you are interested in joining Bellabox, please click here and check it out :)


    With Love,

    Rik x

    Wednesday, 2 October 2013

    (Mini) ELF Haul!

     
    So this is a rather sad haul, not only is it a relatively small haul, it is also my last from USA Shopping Affair :(

    This means that I will no longer be able to buy from America, that is until I can find another service that will allow me to buy from America (sneaky me!)

    It appears that the company has gone bust, and will no longer operate.
    Boo!

    And just as I get into MAC and want to purchase from MAC America :(

    -
     

    The first two things I got were the new Prism Eyeshadow pallets, which are a cream to powder formulation.
    I got Smoke and Sunset
    Smoke

    
    Sunset

    They feel really nice and are easily blend-able :D

    I also got a 10 pack of the new Make Up Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Clothes.

    I'm obsessed with wipes, and since they were having half off, I thought why not :D

    NOTE: the exfoliating side seems a bit rough, but for USD$1.50 (sale price), I'm not too worried :)
    NOTE: They were insanely good to wipe of the above swatches and just my hands in general :D

    The second last item is the new HD Lifting Concealer in Balancing, which is a light purple colour, meant to conceal the dark circles under the eyes.

     
     

    Lastly I got the ELF Brightening Eye Colour quad in 2007 Drama
    Not too exciting, this was thrown in for free when I referred three email addresses :P
    I'll chuck this in my "to sell" baskets for eBay x


    So that's everything!
    Hope you enjoyed reading my post.

    Also, does anyone know of a reputable website I can use to buy from America online?
    I know it's bad but everything in Australia is ridiculously expensive.
    Even ELF is at least twice as much as America :/

    With love,

    Rik xx

    Bellabox | September 2013

    So this month has been a bit crazy for me!
    Went to imats for the first time (post/haul will be up soon!) and received four beauty boxes this month, I have way too many blogs I need to. Write and haven't found time to write up/post :(

    But without further ado, here is my post for Bellabox for September!

    -

    This month was a jaw dropper! Bellabox seems to kick Lust Have Its bootay most months, and this month was no exception!

    I believe his month was a collaboration with Cleo magazine, which is why we were given a Cleo magazine with our box!
    It also might be why we received the box a little late this month (boo!)

    This month we didn't receive the normal Bellabox outer box, as there was so much stuff only about two of the things were packaged in the actual Bellabox and the rest were in a bubble wrap bag, I guess this was also to accommodate the larger package due to the Cleo magazine.

    For those not familiar with Bellabox, or are thinking of joining, it is a monthly beauty subscription service costing $15 per month, and you normally get 5 deluxe samples of beauty and skincare items, but some months you can get up to 8, and there's usually a surprise full sized item :D

    If you would like to join, you can join here xo

    -

    Anyway, enough talking!
    Let's get into it:
     
     


     
     
    Super exciting pieces of paper!


    Montagne Jeunesse Blemish Mud Mask RRP $3.99 10ml
    We received this brand in Junes box, whichever as also insanely packed!
    I don't mind receiving this again as it's a different mask.
    This is also the only item that isn't full sized :O
    Sample sized received: 5g ~ $2

    Elegant Touch Envy Wraps - Bling Candy Drops RRP $8.99
    I'm so happy I got these! Others got a tie die patterned one, but I'm more likely to wear these ones :D
    I just wish I had more places to wear them :(
    Damn you hospitality.
    Full Sized Received

    Schick Hydro Silk Razor RRP $9.99
    Not sure how I feel about getting this one as I'm one of those weirdos that uses men's razors.
    Women's razors just don't do it as well :/
    Regardless, this seems pretty cool! And I'll be happy to give it a go :D
    Full Sized (1 razor and one cartridge received) received
    Among the usual jargon we usually receive in our boxes, we also got a coupon for 25% off the refill cartridge, which I think is pretty neat :D

    Manicare Glam Kelly Lashes RRP $11.95
    As I mentioned in a previous post, I am actually allergic to most glues and usually only brave lashes when needed, so I'm a bit wary of using these.
    They do however look nice, but I'm not sure what I want to do with these ATM.
    Full Sizes Received.

    Footcare Gel Ball of Foot Cushions RRP $8.99
    These seem oddly named, but definitely needed! Thanks Bellabox :D
    Full sized received.

    Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Brozner Spray RRP $14.95
    This is probably the only thing from the box I won't be using, as I don't really tan and I have a heap of tanning stuff from ModelCo I need to get through if I do happen to tan.
    I will be putting this on my eBay store here.
    Full Sized Received.

    ASAP Pure Mineral Eye Pencil - Brown
    I don't have many brown eyeliners, so this could be a nice change.
    I don't seem a bit hard at first, but does soften up a bit when using.
    It doesn't look brown though, it's more of a charcoal grey.
    Full Sized Received

    Bonus Item: Cleo Magazine RRP $6.95
    I do like getting Cleo every now and then! It's a good read, we did also get an email regarding a special offer on an annual subscription and a free Kora by Miranda Kerr gift set.
    Unfortunately I'm a bit poor ATM so I won't be getting it. :(

    Total Value: $83.82

    So this months box was crazy good value!
    I loved nearly everything in is months box, and look forward to next months!

    -

    Also, I'm selling a heap of make up items on eBay.
    just trying to recuperate some funds after my super fun times in Sydney at IMATS. :P



    With love,

    Rik xx