Texture Pastes and Free Birthday Present

Left: Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday
Right: Ranger texture paste sample pack

On 08 April 2016, Simon Says Stamp send me an automated e-mail that contains a code of my free birthday gift if I purchase from Simon Says Stamp store which expires by end of April 2016. The free birthday gift is a Simon Says Stamp exclusive stamp Birthday Celebration as below.

Simon Says Stamp Birthday Celebration

During the same time, there is a 20% Ranger sale which valid until 10 April 2016. In view that I been wanting to get a jar of Ranger texture paste, I saw the opportunity to shoot two (2) birds with one stone! However, on 09 April 2016 when I tried to order and apply the birthday and the 20% Ranger sale code, only one coupon code is allowed! :( I e-mail Simon Says Stamp to ask if I can order two (2) separate orders using the birthday code and Ranger code coupons but shipping fees charged for one time only. However, to my disappointment, the answer is no. :(

Ranger texture paste sample pack

On 15 April 2016, Simon Says Stamp send me another automated e-mail to remind me on my birthday gift. Since the 20% Ranger sale has past, I tried to to compare the price point of the product versus the shipping fees from other online stores are offering. During the hopping, I discovered actually there is a three-in-one pack of Ranger texture paste which I believe it was released earlier this year. The three-in-one pack (or sample pack) come with texture paste in opaque matte, transparent matte and transparent gloss in 1 oz jar (the bigger jar is 3.9 oz). I find this sample pack is more suitable to me because:

• it is in smaller jar which serve the purpose I may not use it as often
• the price is cheaper
• more variety of pastes

After much comparison, finally I find it is a wise choice that I go ahead to buy the Ranger texture paste sample pack from Simon Says Stamp. Although the product price and shipping fees are not as comparative to other online store, I get to have my free birthday gift - a plus point to remember.

Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday

I ordered on 29 April 2016, a few days before the birthday code coupon expire but when I enter the birthday code coupon, the stamp applied to my cart is not Simon Says Stamp Birthday Celebration! It is Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday (please refer photo above)! I am not sure why there is a change in the free birthday gift or perhaps Simon Says Stamp Birthday Celebration is out of stock. Actually, I really fond on Simon Says Stamp Birthday Celebration because of the elephant and balloon. Well, since it is a free birthday gift, I just take whatever it is as it is free after all. :P

Actual Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday

On 03 May 2016, Simon Says Stamp e-mailed me to inform my order was shipped on 02 May 2016 and leave me with a tracking number. After a week plus, finally, the package arrived safely on my hands! I am anxious if the free birthday gift is actually Simon Says Stamp Birthday Celebration or Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday. I know it is Simon Says Stamp Magical Birthday as it was what being carted into my cart and indeed it is.

The only additional tool I need to get now is the palette knife which I think I can use something similar to it as I am doubt if I am going to use the texture paste as often. I also need to re-visit Jennifer McGuire Ink blog on her techniques using texture paste so that I can apply some of the techniques! Yay!

More Goodies from Papertrey Ink (PTI)

Upper left:
Papertrey Ink (PTI) Watercooler Talk
Bottom left:
Papertrey Ink (PTI) Memory Clips Die
Right:
Papertrey Ink (PTI) Moments Inked: Basic Pages Die

The annual event of Papertrey Ink (PTI) I been anxiously waiting for is finally here! On 15 February 2016, I received PTI newsletter announcing their 9th anniversary and to celebrate their anniversary, like previous year, they are offering special 9th anniversary discount. All the orders placed between 10PM ET on 15 February 2016 through 11:59PM ET on 16 February 2016 will automatically receive 9% off the entire order. There is no minimum order but the discount exclude gift bags and gift certificates. Not even coupon code is needed.

PTI 9th anniversary discount newsletter

To be frank, as per my PTI account records, I only bought once a year from PTI when they have this anniversary discount. Only once in 2013, I bought outside their anniversary discount day. That year was my first time purchase with PTI.

Actually, I am still not over on the last incident of import GST. However, since PTI products only sold exclusively on their website and no any online sellers carry their products, I have no choice but to buy from their website directly. I did did some research if there is an alternative ways for me to get the item from oversea cheaper, I mean in term of shipping cost. I come across vPost, a service by Singapore Post. The concept looks interesting and appealing and perhaps I can try it someday. I even ask my relative that live in Singapore if the package they received from oversea will be imposed with import GST. My relative reverts that as far as she knows and encounter before, none. In the end, I decided to give a last try and stick to USPS First Class Package as shipping method.

Papertrey Ink (PTI) Moments Inked: Basic Pages Die

For the longest time, I wanted to get the Moments Inked: Basic Pages Die as I have some great ideas to use the dies to make some notebooks which are great as gifts or daily use. However, it is out of stock during the sale period. But I subscribed to the 'Notify Me When Product Available' so that when Moments Inked: Basic Pages Die is available, I can plan my budget to buy this dies. Due to that, I have no choice but to go for second option which is the Moments Inked: Divided Die. At least I still can make use of the full page and tall scalloped dies for my ideas. Perhaps when the Moments Inked: Basic Pages Die is re-stocked, I will purchase it even there is no sales period.

Papertrey Ink (PTI) Watercooler Talk - Front

Second item goes into my cart is of course the Watercooler Talk stamp set! I really like this stamp set when I first saw it in the introduction post and even want it more in my collection after its full reveal. The sentiments are just great for someone promotion, change role and newcomer who happens in working environment. I especially like the 'Administrative Professionals Day' sentiment as I make cards for my fellow administrative colleagues on this day as a gesture of appreciation for all the assistance they provided to me. 'From all of us' is also a sentiment I need as I did not have this sentiment in my collection. Sometimes I do make cards or projects for many people sign or pen down a message.

Papertrey Ink (PTI) Watercooler Talk - Back

Finally, I squeeze in another small dies, Memory Clips Die as I like to make some cute bookmarks out of it. There is a matching stamp set, Clip Tips that coordinate with the Memory Clips Die but due to my budget is at its limits (thanks for my in-laws Chinese New Year angpau), I did not include the matching stamp set. Furthermore, the sentiments in the matching stamp set do not really suit my needs.

Papertrey Ink (PTI) Memory Clips Die

I make my order and payment on 16 February 2016, Malaysia time to quickly secure my order items. I select USPS First Class Package as shipping method which costs me USD$24.25, more than half of my total items price. I know that PTI stamp set come with the clear plastic case in which PTI will most probably ship my items in a box. Due to that, I leave a message to PTI saying that if the stamp set have the clear plastic case, I want it to be removed because I want to have a flat package and indicate do not use box. I also inform PTI that I am fine using bubble envelope to ship my items. I even ask PTI to contact me if they want to clarify my message. This is to ensure that my package will not or have less chances be taxed with import GST.

I did not login to PTI account to check the status of my order or shipping details until 28 February 2016 because I know the volume of orders PTI generated due to the 9th anniversary is huge and it will takes longer to fulfill the shipment. When I key in the tracking number to check the package delivery status, it shows that it was delivered on 27 February 2016 and in transit to Malaysia.

Finally, today, the package arrived but in a box! Thanks for my dearly hubby for getting home in time after having lunch with me. If not, he have to go to the post office to collect the package later and I have to wait at least a day to receive my PTI goodies. Well, I must say that the message I leave for PTI is being ignored as I can see the message in my invoice but still I receive my items in a box.

Nevertheless, I am glad that this package did not get taxed with import GST. ~phew~ Hopefully I can start to make some cards and projects soon with these PTI goodies soon especially cards for Administrative Professionals Day for my fellow administrative colleagues!

My Favorite Things (MFT) Goodies that are Taxable with Custom Duty Tax (Import GST) :(

Top from left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) Scallops Stencil
My Favorite Things (MFT) Graduated Hexagons Stencil
My Favorite Things (MFT) Red Delicious Die-namics
Bottom from left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) Lollipop Additions - Birthday Stamp
My Favorite Things (MFT) Grand Greetings Stamp

This post suppose to be a happy and exciting post since I received My Favorite Things (MFT) goodies and I am suppose to brag about it. However, I am afraid that I need to alert you ahead that this is going to be a sad and dissatisfaction post. Why? Keeping reading and you will know why and hopefully you do not make the same mistakes or able to find alternative solutions.

On 13 November 2015, I received MFT newsletter saying that they will be having annual MFT Retirement Sale with incredibly diverse collection of more than 300 Die-namics, stamps and stencils, all offered at a 50% savings! Seeing that message, I quickly click to MFT website and navigate my way to the 'Sale' category as there is where the 50% discounted items are!

From left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) Lollipop Additions - Birthday Stamp
My Favorite Things (MFT) Grand Greetings Stamp

There really lots of items on this retiring sale including one of my wishlist stamp set, the Lollipop Additions - Birthday. Without much thinking, I just add this stamp set to the cart because:

1. this stamp set is retiring as announced by MFT in the newsletter. Thus, this is the best time to buy this stamp set or it would be hard to find in the market later
2. I need this stamp set because few months ago, I bought the Die-namics Lollipop Treat without the matching stamp set due to limited budget
3. I am thinking to make a small gift to distribute to my son's classmates during his birthday (crossing fingers that it can happen next year since his this year birthday is in two (2) days time, 22 November)
4. There are appreciation sentiments in this stamp set other than birthday sentiments which is great as giving lollipop as appreciation gift would be a good idea! :P

Well, since I already have one (1) items in my cart, how could I stop just having one when there is this 50% retirement sale going on? The very good reason I gave to myself is as per reason #1 above. So, I just proceed to scan through the potential items page-by-page. After a through search, I finalize the items in my cart by weighing the item usefulness, usage frequency and flexibility or transform ability (means other than being use as it is, can the item be used as it not suppose to be).

I chosen another stamp set which is a sentiment only stamp set. I seldom buy sentiment only stamp sets as I do not think it is worth the money. But this particular sentiment stamp set, Grand Greetings is great as it has some design and style. I also realize that I been lacking on huge sentiment stamp sets which sometimes I struggle when making clean and simple (CAS) cards. So, this Grand Greetings is just perfect as it has the sentiment I use often.

My Favorite Things (MFT) Red Delicious Die-namics

Then, I choose a Die-namics, the Red Delicious as it is good for making Teacher's Day cards. Other than that, since its stem and leaves are separate individual dies, perhaps it can be used to be match with other dies. Finally, I added another two (2) stencils into my cart.

The total order cost less than USD$30 which is just worth it as I really got the items I want but the shipping is the main, main issue as shipping rates always burn a hole in my pocket. There are few options of shipping methods offered and I always go for the cheapest rate which is USPS First Class Package. However, perhaps due to the weight of the items, the shipping rate for USPS First Class Package and FedEx envelope International Priority is just a few dollar difference! Well, since the difference is not much, of course I choose FedEx envelope International Priority as it is more faster arrival and there is tracking number. I must admit that this is where is mistake is.

I paid my order directly using my credit card this time as my RHB bank account where I usually top up my PayPal balance is out of money. Usually I will deposit cash into the bank account and top up my PayPal balance the next day. However, I do not want to wait this time as MFT has announced in the newsletter that these retiring items are at its limited supply. I do not want to risk this order as I encounter numerously previously that the items I really want is out of stock after I deposit the money to top up my PayPal balance. In the end, I end up abandoning my previous cart as the most wanted item is out of stock.

This annual MFT Retirement Sale really popular as after three (3) days of my payment, I receive an e-mail from MFT notifying that they are still working hard to ship the orders generate from this annual MFT Retirement Sale. Later the same day, MFT notify me that my items has been shipped.

Since I am using FedEx services to ship my items, it took about four (4) days for the package to reach my house. However, when I was contacted by FedEx delivery guy to ensure that I am at home, this is where the shocking news hit me! I was told by him that I need to pay RM37.90 for the custom duty tax or he would not release the package to me. What the heck?! The FedEx delivery guy called me again when he reached my apartment compound and ask me to go down to the lobby instead as he could not come in (the lobby is only accessible using access card). I ask my dear hubby to pick up the package instead. When he comes up again, I re-confirm with him if really have to pay the RM37.90 custom duty tax and he says he did or I would not get my package. Hearing that, all my excitement about receiving the goodies just vanished.....

From left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) Graduated Hexagons Stencil
My Favorite Things (MFT) Scallops Stencil

With the package and the RM37.90 custom duty tax payment made, there is receipt and bunch of paper documents. I check the receipt and those documents wanting to know why I am being charged for the custom duty tax as I never encounter this before ever since I start buying from oversea online years ago. I am really not satisfy being charged more as I made quite an expensive payment on shipping fees!

The first document is a custom duty tax advice where it is an invoice issued by FedEx that the package is being imposed with import GST (Goods and Service Tax) at RM32.90 and 'Free Commercial Zone' charges at RM5.00. The second document is a receipt from Royal Malaysian Customs (Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia) whereby it imposed the import GST of RM32.90. The next three (3) pages of third document are declaration documents from MFT.

The last document is how the get the amount of import GST of RM32.90. It written that my items cost USD$28.98 which is correct and exchanged to Ringgit Malaysia at exchange rate 4.3287 which is equal to RM125.45. The next line is the one makes me scratching my head which is the freight charges of RM421.59. I suppose the freight is the shipping charges which I paid at USD$21.06 to MFT. I just do not understand why the freight charges should be imposed with import GST! Even they want to impose charges on the freight charges, it should be USD$21.06 as declared by MFT in the earlier third document exchanged at 4.3287 which will be RM91.16. But they straight away put as RM421.59 which really makes no sense! Then, the third line is insurance at RM1.25. All together totaled at RM548.29 and imposed with import GST at 6% is equal to RM32.90. If the freight charges were to charge at RM91.16, I only need to pay RM13.07 import GST in total! Now, I am paying RM19.83 more! Also, I am not sure why I am being charged RM5.00 as 'Free Commercial Zone' charges. I cannot find this RM5.00 charges anywhere in the documents except the custom duty tax advice issued by FedEx.

The moral of this time are:

1. never ship with other big and popular commercial logistic providers as listed by the vendors you want to buy from
2. just because the shipping rate is a few dollar difference between the usual shipping method, USPS First Class Package and the more expensive shipping method, FedEx envelope International Priority, do not be greedy

I think it will took me some times to consider buying from oversea again after this incident. I am just so not in mood on my new goodies this time.....

Free All-Occasion Stencil and Stamp Set with Papercraft Essentials Issue 120

Papercraft Essentials issue 120 cover

I just love the free All-occasion stencil and stamp set that come with Papercraft Essentials issue 120! 

That dandelion flower is just so beautiful and I just love it when I lay my eyes on it! Apart from that, those music notes, both in the stencil and stamp set are just perfect for some cards that calling for the use of music notes!

Papercraft Essentials issue 120 freebies - All-occasion stencil and stamp set

I also like the 'Happy Birthday' sentiment in stencil form which I can use it with some of the new techniques I been seeing and learning 'virtually' for stencil.

Other than the inspirations/ideas and instructions inside the magazine on how to use the stencilr and stamp, at the back of free stencil and stamp packaging, there also a suggestion lists on what techniques you can try with the stencil and stamp.

I hope I can just just can get them inky at soonest!

Lawn Fawn Retired Stamp Set - Lunar Lights

Lawn Fawn Lunar Lights

On 23 March 2015, I received a shocking and surprised newsletter from Lawn Fawn saying that they will retire some of their older clear stamp sets to make room for their growing collection. It is sad to get these kind of information but unavoidable. There are total of seventeen (17) stamp sets that are going to be retired and Lawn Fawn is offering 25% discount on these stamp sets on their online shop.

Sample of retiring Lawn Fawn stamp sets

One of the retire stamp set, Lunar Lights has been on my wishlist for quite sometime now. However, whenever I has a chance to purchase some stamp sets or crafty stuffs, I make priority for the stamp sets or stuffs I want to use. Thus, the Lunar Lights stamp set get lesser priority. But not now after getting Lawn Fawn retire stamp sets newsletter.

Although Lawn Fawn is offering 25% discount on these stamp sets on their online shop, I still search around other online craft stores if there is any cheaper. If I order from Lawn Fawn online shop, I need to pay total of USD$24.75 (stamp set after discount at USD$11.25 plus shipping USD$13.50). However during these times, there are less promotion or sales around which makes it harder for me to get a good bargain price.

After few days of searching, finally my efforts paid off when I come across scrappincowgirl eBay shop. Although the stamp set price is at USD$12.50, the shipping is charged at USD$7.66 which makes the total of USD$20.16. This is the lowest price I come across. Without further ado, I ordered the item straight away and make the payment on the 31 March 2015.

And today, the item arrived as my birthday present! Yes, today is my birthday and this can be considered a self gift. :P I hope i can use the stamp set in making next year Lunar Chinese New Year cards. Crossing my fingers.

Free Design-a-Flower with Papercraft Essentials Issue 117

Papercraft Essentials issue 117 cover

Papercraft Essentials is having a free Design-a-Flower embossing folder and stamp set on its issue 117.

Since I do not have much flower related stamp sets, this freebies really caught my eyes and heart. The sentiments in this set are wonderful as well and great for many occasions! The embossing folder is a bonus as it is a border embossing folder which I do not have such in my collection currently.

Papercraft Essentials issue 117 freebies -  Design-a-Flower embossing folder and stamp set

Although the magazine is cost at RM39.90 which is a bit expensive, the value of the freebies just make it worth. Furthermore, there is inspirations/ideas and instructions on how to make sure of the free Design-a-Flower embossing folder and stamp set inside the magazine. Not to mention things I can learn from the magazine.

At the back of the embossing folder and stamp packaging, there are some simple instructions and guides on how to use the stamps inside the set by designing different  and varieties flowers designs.

More Papertrey Ink (PTI) Goodies

On 16 February 2015 (Malaysia time), I received Papertrey Ink (PTI) newsletter on their 8th anniversary festivities. First of all and the one I loved and excited about is the special 8th anniversary discount where all the orders placed between 10PM EST on 15 February 2015 through 9:59PM EST on 16 February 2015 will automatically receive 8% off the entire order. There is no order minimum and/or no other requirements.

If you are Papertrey Ink (PTI) fans, you will know that Papertrey Ink (PTI) does not offer any sales or discount for the whole year. However, Papertrey Ink (PTI) is using rewards points system where after an accumulated points, the points can be exchanged into currency value to offset the order price. So far, I have only purchased from Papertrey Ink (PTI) twice and used the point once, from my first order to offset some of my order price. Thus, this 8th anniversary discount of 8% really amazing.

Drips & Dribbles stamp set - Front

After a number of selection and re-selection (due to budget constraints), finally, I decided to have one clear stamp set and a dies. That Drips & Dribbles stamp set has been on my wishlist ever since I laid my eyes on it. Those unexpected splatters are just so charming messy images and so characteristic. It would be perfect match to My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Perk Up Stamp Set, My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Coffee Cup Die-namics and Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte Stamp Set which I purchased sometimes ago.

Drips & Dribbles stamp set - Back

Tag Sale #11 dies

As for the Tag Sale #11 dies, I just love having various tag dies. But for this Tag Sale #11 dies, it is a bit special as it comes with a strap dies which can be used for other things and also I love the layering frame with stitching details. The dies also have this opening cut which allow the tag to have an opening like a door. The value paid for it is just so worth it.

Since the time frame for the 8th anniversary discount is limited, I quickly finalize my order and made my payment. After two (2) weeks plus, these items arrived at my house in a box. Again, as described in my previous post, it is because of their stamp packaging which come in a plastic box inside of a flat plastic.

Drips & Dribbles stamp set and printed thank you card wrapped in white crepe paper

The clear stamp box packaging is wrapped in a white crepe paper while the dies in an exclusive Papertrey Ink (PTI) envelope for dies. The rest of the empty spaces in the box are filled with bubble packs.

Papertrey Ink (PTI) printed thank you card

Papertrey Ink (PTI) also included a printed thank you card.

I hope I get my chance to play with these goodies soon!

New Hero Arts (Basic Grey) Clear Stamp

Hero Arts Basic Grey Konnichiwa Lantern clear stamp

Is been a while since my first ever purchase at Emma's Paperie. However, I never disconnected with Emma's Paperie as I have subscribed to Emma's Paperie newsletter. Now and then, I received Emma's Paperie newsletter but seldom purchase from Emma's Paperie due to the shipping charges is not immediately known. However, on 28 January 2015, there is a 'Winter Blues Sale' which offer 15% discount on all regular priced items. Thus, I went over to have a peek.

There is nothing much I could find on the regular priced items. So, I wander to the 'Clearance Sale' section and browse the items page-by-page for few days until I found Hero Arts Basic Grey Konnichiwa Lantern clear stamp. The price is only at USD$7.50 which is already the half price of its regular price of USD$15! I quickly add this item to the cart as I been searching for images that are suitable to be used for Lunar Chinese New Year.

Hero Arts Basic Grey Konnichiwa Lantern clear stamp - back of the packaging

When I checkout on 01 February 2015, there is a 15% discount code applied! Well, every bit of saving is great for me and I am overly excited and surprised on the additional discount. The next day, Emma's Paperie reverted with the shipping options and after confirmation of my shipping method, I paid for it. Few hours later, I received the shipping notification.

The item is nicely wrapped with pink crepe paper and free gift 

After good ten (10) days travelling, the item finally arrived today! I really like how Emma's Paperie package the item to make it more personal which I believe is their marketing strategy. My item, the stamp set is nicely wrapped with a pink crepe paper complete with ribbon tied! It looks like a present and it feel so personal. On the package ribbon, there is a small resealed plastic tied to it which contains two (2) set of ribbons in it. I suppose this is the little free gift Emma's Paperie included for their customers. On my invoice, there is handwriting of 'Thank You!' in pink ink. There is an extra hard cardboard inserted into the envelope which I suppose to protect the stamp set. On the Customs Declaration form, there are both 'Fragile' and 'Do Not Bend' stamping in red ink which really make me feel that Emma's Paperie really take care of their customers.

Close-up: The free ribbons

Although the stamp set is meant for Japanese culture (Konnichiwa is Japanese language means 'Good day'), the Chinese culture is almost the same as Japanese. Thus, this stamp set is really good for Lunar Chinese New Year especially those lanterns. Hopefully, I am able to make use of this stamp set soon especially for some Lunar Chinese New Year cards!

New Lawn Fawn, My Favorite Things and Taylored Expressions Stamps and Dies + Unexpected Something Extra

Items bought from Butterfly Reflections Ink
Top row from left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Perk Up Stamp Set
My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Coffee Cup Die-namics
Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte Stamp Set
Bottom row from left to right:
Lawn Fawn Milk and Cookies Stamp Set
Lawn Fawn Milk and Cookies Lawn Cuts
Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte Lawn Cuts

I had a shopping spree during the Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions! There are so many shops and stamp companies offering discounts and promotion during these period. Thus, I quickly grab these chances to save, replenish and also fulfill some of my long list of wishlist.

Jennifer McGuire has a one-stop-sale-post on 26 November 2014 that listed down all these fun shopping and discount codes. She lists down lot of shops and stamp companies that having these Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. One of the shops caught my eyes as I never heard it before, Butterfly Reflections Ink which offer 30% off entire shop. The discount is attractive but I am not sure what kind of shop it is - one-stop-shop or a stamp company.

From left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Perk Up Stamp Set
Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte Stamp Set
Lawn Fawn Milk and Cookies Stamp Set

Well, to find out, I just click on the link that Jennifer supplies. It is an one-stop-shop like Simon Says Stamp. Although Butterfly Reflections Ink products might not be as many as Simon Says Stamp, most of the stamp brands that I been keeping eyes on are sold in this shop! Its price also is slightly cheaper than the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and with that 30% discount off the entire shop, it is a good discount and saving for me! The best thing is that shipping fees is at flat rate of USD10 for First Class with orders consisting of stamps, dies and stencils only! This is just fabulous as these three (3) things are the many things I always buy!

From left to right:
My Favorite Things (MFT) LLD Coffee Cup Die-namics
Lawn Fawn Milk and Cookies Lawn Cuts
Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte Lawn Cuts

I quickly browse through the Lawn Fawn section as I have two (2) sets of stamps that I been dying to have for months, the Milk and Cookies and Love You a Latte and their matching Lawn Cuts. They are in stocks and without much consideration, I just click 'Add to Cart'. Since I got my Lawn Fawn wishlist fulfilled, I browse through other brands and ended up with more things on the cart. Like usual, I did not immediately paid for the items as there are so many shops and stamp companies offering discounts and promotions. I need to weight out my best options.

Item I bought from Taylored Expressions (TE)
Taylored Expressions (TE) Luggage Tags Dies

Then, I wander to Taylored Expressions (TE) website as they are also having Black Friday Sale with 30% off everything in stock for 24 hours only that begin on 27 November 2014! I been eyeing some of TE's products for some times now. However, due their pricing (because their stamp is not clear stamp but pre-trimmed red rubber stamps mounted on cling foam) and not many retailers carry their products, it is quite hard for me to get their products. But this time, I am not going to miss out this Black Friday Sale of their's. Although Butterfly Reflections Ink do carry TE products, the stamp sets and dies I want are not in their store. As I browse through TE products, I just keep adding the items I want onto the cart without thinking. That is one way of my online shopping style and by the end, I will just re-think again on the items on my cart and delete whatever is not necessary.

Then, I wander to other shops and do the same style of online shopping. In the end, after calculating the total amount I need to pay and the currency exchange rate, I am way out of budget! The amount is so huge that it scared me and without much though, I discard the 'not-so-must-have-items' from various stores and re-calculate. However, the amount is still way out of my budget. Then, I discard again until three (3) stores left, Butterfly Reflections Ink, TE and Simon Says Stamp which already caused me a hole-in-my-bank-account.

I ended up buying the most from Butterfly Reflections Ink because of the variety of stamps and dies I can get with great discount (I saved more than USD20!) and most importantly, cheap shipping fees! For TE, I ended up buying one (1) dies only as I put most of my dollar to Butterfly Reflections Ink and Simon Says Stamp. I made all my payment on the same day, 29 November 2014 (Malaysia local time). I got Butterfly Reflections Ink shipping notification on 02 December 2014 but the date on the package is 29 November 2014 instead. The next day, TE sent in their shipping notification and the date on the package was 02 December 2014. Anyhow, the most important is that the packages arrived safely to my hands and thanks to my dearly husband for picking them up at the post office early in the morning today.

I am so glad that Jennifer introduces Butterfly Reflections Ink and I definitely will come back when there is a sale on as their shipping fees is just so irresistible. :P Actually my this time shipping is costing more than USD10 as stated on the package which is USD10.94. On the invoice, Vanessa, owner of  Butterfly Reflections Ink has also noted this. Beside the slashing on the shipping, she also written some thank you note in the same purple ink and have a mark beside the items I bought which I believe is checklist mark on the invoice.

Taylored Expressions (TE) Thanks Dies

Oh, yes! I almost forgotten about one (1) unexpected item that I got from TE. It is the 'Thanks' dies as shown above. It is stated that TE gave it away as a token of appreciation for the customer's support! It was stapled on the invoice on the right upper corner. Same as Butterfly Reflections Ink, TE also had hand written thank you note in blue ink and checklist mark on the invoice. How nice of TE to include the 'Thanks' dies  and it is really useful for me as I been thinking to get one but now, it seem there is no need. I even can save up that budget for another thing! I am just happy and glad!

Now, off to play with my new toys and hopefully I manage to make a luggage tag for my best friend as Christmas present.