People say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But these days, MY best friend in the non-human category is my bag. It goes everywhere I go and I never leave home without it. My bag not only serves as my holdall but it is also my weapon of choice should the need arises. Recently, I got myself a new best friend. See?

I was initially looking for a professional-looking bag to hold my files and knick knacks but the ones that I came across were either aesthetically challenged (ie awfully ugly) or way out of my budget. When my sister mentioned that she was going shopping in US, I immediately hopped on the bandwagon. So off we went shopping together for my perfect bag. We trawled various sites and after many happy hours of shopping online while MSN-ing, we both found our bags. Happiness all around!

When I bought this Two-pocket Tote, it was US$ 9.99 and I was congratulating myself on finding such a good bargain. But now, my new bag friend costs only US$ 4.99 at Oldnavy.com! I know I should go kick myself now but….

Anyway, I fell in love this bag the minute it was delivered to me. I even got rave reviews from my brother-in-law. This black beauty (not the horse, mind you) is just the perfect size to stuff my files, organiser and even my 14-inch laptop. (16″L x 15″H x 4 1/2″W) As it is made of 100% polyester, it is machine washable. The faux leather details will no doubt make loads of animal lovers go for this bag. Am also happy that it has an interior zip pocket and two exterior zip pockets to hold my smaller items.

My quest for the perfect bag is over. For now that is.

I have sensitive skin and it took me years of trial and error (and not to mention $) to find the right skincare. Recently, my face reacted rather violently to my new environment. My face felt so irritated, itchy and I looked quite a sight with my red eczema-like patches. Even my normal skincare seemed to aggravate my skin.

I was out shopping with a cousin when we stepped into L’Occitane to get her face care. I casually asked the salesperson there if they had anything that may help my face. The kind lady recommended that I try their sensitive skin range, Shea & Organic Cotton. I was not willing to spend so much on something new as I was not sure if it would help with my skin condition. Fortunately, they had Shea & Organic Cotton Discovery Set. Brilliant! The perfect starter set at such an affordable price.

At L’Occitane’s e-store, this set is going for USD 18.00 only and has:-

1.  Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk 1.7 fl.oz.

• This cleansing milk gently cleanses, removes makeup and tones in only one step, protecting skin from irritations

2.  Ultra Comforting Cream 0.17 oz.

• This gentle cream comforts and moisturises even the most Sensitive Skin. Day after day, redness is minimised and skin is more comfortable and resistant to environmental stress.

3.  Ultra Comforting Mask 0.5 oz.

• This richly textured mask becomes smooth during application for comfortable, hydrated and intensely soothed skin. Skin is instantly calmed, texture is softer and redness reduced.

I must say that I was impressed (and I do not get impressed very easily) with the almost immediate results. Soon after I dabbed some Ultra Comforting Cream on my red, irritated face, I felt some relief. My face felt soothed and the angry red patches reduced. Am happy to report that my face was almost back to normal after using it religiously for about 3 days.

I think I can stop searching for the perfect skincare now.

I am into large handbags at the moment. I love big bags as I carry around quite a lot of stuff. I used to laugh at my mum for carrying her big monstrous handbags and teased her that she has her whole kitchen in her bag. Fifteen years down the road and two kids later, I am getting jibes from her for carrying such a huge handbag. In my handbag, I have my wallet, coin pouch, comb, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, lipsticks, lip glosses, face powder, hand lotion, my notebook (to write on kind), a toy car…..no, wait. TWO toy cars! And I wonder why my handbag weighs roughly the weight of a baby elephant.

Back in those days when my mum was lugging her big mummy handbag, she did not have as many choices as me. Yes, I am lucky. These days, we have everything from the ultra exclusive designer bags to cheapie bags that you can get from your neighbourhood night markets. I was just browsing online the other day and saw Coach’s newest range. So. Gorgeous. I wish I could afford to get them ALL. Feast your eyes on Maggie. (Not Maggi Mee, ok?)

Clockwise from the top: Black, Gray, Cinnamon and Saffron

These beauties are US$ 398.00 (MYR 1393.00/ SGD 576.00). Here’s more on Maggie:

• Polished leather
• Inside zip pocket
• Cellphone/multifunction pockets
• Ring to clip an accessory or key fob
• Fabric lining
• Zip-top closure
• 23″ straps with 9″ drop
• 14 1/2 (L) x 13 1/2 (H) x 6 (W)

If you like lightly textured patent leather, you might like to take a look at the patent range. They are also going for US$ 398.00 (MYR 1393.00/ SGD 576.00). See? Very nice!

From left to right: White, Cobalt and Black

Even with shipping charges, am sure you’ll save a few hundreds. Here’s a tip. For even more savings, get your Coach loving sister, mother, grandmother, aunts or friends to consolidate their purchases with you.