Book Shopping

I won't call these shopping tips because I think good buys come by to different people differently. It depends all on "being at the right place, at the right time"... if you are trawling the malls, and have the time to do so, that is. But just for kicks, and since I'm quite free (no shows to watch on weekend nights), I have decided to share my online shopping experience for buying books. Note: these are brand new first hand books, I have another method to shop for pre-loved books but not all people like to have secondhand books so I shall skip that topic for now.

 

Aidan is currently into the 'Wimpy Kid' series (finally), after I bought the original set from a spree two years ago. Since then, the collection has grown with three more books which of course, I only got to learn about them after he got into the series. His request for the books and also a storewide 10% discount on Book Depository got me started to look out for them. The kids' dad usually takes care of their play needs (toy shopping comes under his responsibility), the rest of the kids' needs (and wants) come under my charge. Books, needless to say, are something I hardly reject buying unless it's like the day that Amelie wanted a 'Lift-a-flap' book that even the twins were not keen on!

 

Before Borders closed down in Singapore, that's where I do ALL my book shopping. I have an active list which I update with the books I'd like to buy for my family, as gifts, etc. Then once Borders issue their 'Buy 4 or more and get 30% off' coupons, I go down and charge a few hundred bucks at one shot. Maybe it's due to shoppers like me, that they went bankrupt (but hey, at least I don't browse and not buy!).

 

After Borders shut, and with the limited range in the heartland bookshops, I don't get of places to go to. So, I turned online and while I love Amazon.com heaps, it doesn't make sense to ever ship books (unless they are of limited edition or out-of-print) internationally because books are heavy and hence, expensive.

 

This weekend, I did a little test by comparing the regular sites I go to: Amazon, Book Depository, Popular and Books Kinokuniya. Here's 'Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever' and 'Wimpy Kid:The Third Wheel' but do take note that the prices also depend whether the books are 'hardbacks' (hard cover) or 'paperbacks'. This is something I can't tell from the Popular site, but in general, prices are lowest on Amazon (used as my base line) but the aim is to get it to Yours Truly at the lowest cost: (1) without me having to step out of the house, (2)travel more than 2km out from my usual routine, (3) pay extra for shipping/ courier charges to get it to my desk.

 Here are examples from some of the cookbooks (books for ME) I will like to have  - but never bothered to purchase them as I don't have the time to cook nor entertain in peace.

 And... to be fair, I tested the prices based on a favourite author of mine, Jodi Picoult.

 In summary? Always look out for book fairs or sales, but if you do not have the luxury to travel there, shop or browse in bookstores, you can rely on online sites to get you the books you want. Prices can't beat Amazon.com, but Book Depository is a good place to start because it brings the books to you free of charge, although you have to wait for a few weeks. Or else, head to eBay.com and that's where I found Aidan his secondhand 'Cabin Fever' hardcover at $10, and a brand new 'Wimpy Kid: Do-it-yourself' for $6.90.

Lastly, yes, I have heard of eBooks. I am a member of two online bookstores and have downloaded a few eBooks...  so tried and tested and nothing beats the feeling of flipping the pages and bookmarking favourite pages/recipes!eBooks are great for novels, traveling and something that you will keep going back for references (textbooks?) but if I'm home, sitting down, it's a small book I'd like to hold in my hands to read. That's what I call luxury... and something I miss doing. Have fun reading!

I Love Endless!

I found out there is a direct relationship between blogging, reading and working. When the last 2 variables increase in terms of hours put in, the 1st variable - blogging decreases. I had worked like a dog the past month, and I picked up reading after I found a powerful night light.

It's not just about the limited hours in a day. By spending almost 8 hours a day at the computer (remember: I'm only paid for 4 hours each day), I literally wanted to throw up when I see the laptop after work hours. I am even afraid to touch the keyboard. I started on Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and I could not put it down. Plus reading in the air-conditioned room, in my own bed, was much too comfortable. I could even miss watching C.S.I and have not watched TV for the past 2 weeks at least!

Then, last week, my shopping buddy Mich introduced me to Endless.com. Endless to say, blogging was pushed further down the 'to-do' list; plus I didn't have inspiration. Inspiration comes with a clear mind which I didn't have; because I was sleeping late (either work or book) and waking up early (twins still think it is fun to wake up before ungodly 6a.m).

With Endless, I've found a gem, a star, a saviour for an online shopping addict like me! The reasons are ranked below, in terms of importance, to me:

1. It offers FREE international shipping above US$100 (easy to hit. Tip - consolidate orders if you need to but watch the ceiling before you get charged for import taxes) - moreover, it's priority international shipping! I can't tell you how quick yet, my stuff are on its way and the estimated delivery timing is 7 days (not bad! If we were to take a plane back from the US, it takes up almost a day or more).



2. It offers a literally endless range of shoes, bags and accessories. I am not an accessories person, but the bags and shoes are enough for me to gawk at that I need to do it over several nights



3. Shoes come in half sizes and from reviews, most are very accurate. They have shoe experts advising whether the sizes are accurate or you should order half a size up. Lovely!



4. Crocs (staples for my kids and Hubby) are at least 30% cheaper. Limited models but who cares, price point reigns for me!



5. Powered by Amazon.com so no need for new account set ups, worry about security etc. Excellent, and fast check-out!



6. All credit cards accepted.

Pity they can't ship FitFlops out of the US and also they aren't that 'endless' because they don't sell clothings like ASOS.com, or baby essentials like diapers.com or drugstore.com. If they do, it'll be like a major departmental store like Macy's and it's easier to get tempted into buying more than $100 worth of shopping.

I am looking forward to my new pair of ASICS and 2 pair of Crocs for the kids!

Pretty (not!) Shoes?

I thought Fitflops were already over the top - sandals lauded with an element of fitness that can trim your butt as you walk around in them; due to the 'waddleboard' technology.

Then I came across 2 amazing shoe brands and designs - Alegria Shoes by PG Lite & Vibram FiveFingers.

Hideous looking things (to me) although I must say I was intrigued by FiveFingers (above). Saw my sis wearing her blue pair and it looks like a cross between toe socks as well as those diving sandals. I checked out the technology and materials - it's even machine washable; looks comfy but for me, I need to get used to the fact of seeing my toes literally, as I walk. Maybe I'll get a pair when we eventually go for a camping/ caravan/ hiking trip with the kids.

If you like platform shoes, Alegria is definitely the way to go - each shoe model has at least 8 different designs and prints. Love the colours and prints, but not the chunkiness of it.

I'll stick to my Birks and FitFlops for now.

Now there are 8!

Meet the 'First's soft toys of our childrens'.

The yellow elephants and the grey cats are meant for the twins, thank you to TT for the cats and also enlightening me there are cheaper and equally safe soft toys for babies from TY. I had Aidan's and Amelie's toys shipped from the UK and cost me a bomb.

What do they have in common? They only have embroidered eyes and no sewn on hard bits as body parts. They are all machine washable and have short fur. Of course, the obvious point, they all come in pairs (so that 1 can replace another when it comes to washing time).

It's now down to deciding which baby gets the elephants and who gets the cats.

Vintage Blog Shop

I love checking out Blog Shops, because it is an innovative way to sell your wares. Almost free (except your time of posting photos and managing it, plus your internet subscription) and although the hits may be low, I believe most people do this out of passion and of course, if your wares are good, words spread via word of mouth!

I went shopping with my SIL down Haji Lane last Friday. Finally... I get to hit the shops there and I totally enjoyed myself. It is so totally out of Singapore, quaint and the only thing that spoilt it was the stress I had for parking my car illegally - don't want a $25 dress to end up causing me $95 (if I get a ticket of $70 for illegal parking!).

Do check out these 2 links:

Your Mom's Fashion: http://ymomsfashion.blogspot.com/

The Shoplifters: http://the-shoplifters.blogspot.com/

and lastly, the reason why I wanted to visit Haji Lane was because of Soon Lee: http://www.ishopsoonlee.blogspot.com/ but... secret, secret... I have an exact top they were selling which I bought from Bangkok for S$10. They were selling it for $49.90. 1 more (stupid) reason why one should shop in Bangkok!