Category Archives: Consumer

Review: SimCorner – prepaid travel SIM cards

Posted on 26 June 2017 by andyq

Oh, the things I’ve done to get connected to my phone while travelling overseas. Hovering around Starbucks. Lurking outside of airport lounges. And many years ago, to the mortification of my husband, opening up my laptop in the middle of … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Australia, Consumer, NYC, Travel | 2 Comments

Men’s Clothes in NYC: Resale, Consignment, Thrift & Outlet

Posted on 17 May 2017 by andyq

A post on this topic in Paris is my top-viewed blog posting ever… So, an entry about browsing for secondhand and cheap clothes (my natural state of being) in the Big Apple would seem to be in order. But in … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Consumer, NYC, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cologne: He Wood Rocky Mountain by DSquared2

Posted on 5 May 2017 by andyq

I really liked this one, though I have the feeling I was also a sucker for the packaging and marketing. Isn’t it pretty? And being from the West Coast of Canada, the idea of a bit of Rocky Mountains in … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer | Leave a comment

Product review: American Tourister Airforce 1, Expandable hardside suitcase

Posted on 1 March 2017 by andyq

Luggage has been a big part of my life. I’ve done a lot of travelling for work, and even in younger days, schlepping my belongings across the country for university required figuring out the best way to transport them. My … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Consumer, Travel | Tagged | 2 Comments

Notes from the Paris Winter Sales 2015

Posted on 1 February 2015 by andyq

Arriving in Paris in October, I found out that there are only two official sales periods in France a year, closely regulated by the government. Having waited three months for the winter sale start, I was full of anticipation. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Consumer, Paris | Leave a comment

Men’s Clothes in Paris: Resale, Consignment, Thrift & Outlet

Posted on 21 January 2015 by andyq

As a teenager, I always loved thrift shops because of the hidden surprises within, the bargains, and the bargain surprises. So, after developing a taste for nice clothes in Europe (with much coaching from friends who were appalled by my … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Consumer, Paris, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Cologne: Heaven by Chopard

Posted on 4 March 2014 by andyq

I don’t think I ever paid any attention at all to scent until my mid-twenties or later. I had a bunch of allergies, to pollens and dust, and my nose was always a bit congested. I never considered wearing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Consumer | Leave a comment

My New Keepcup: The Reuse Revolution (again)

Posted on 3 December 2013 by andyq

I ordered my new keepcup online and it arrived last week. I had one already, but have decided lately I really want a LARGE coffee and so needed a proper large cup to match. I’m completely amused by Keepcup’s website … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer, Food n' Grog, Stuff, Sydney | Leave a comment

It’s not me, it’s you: Office: Mac 2011 = Crazymaking

Posted on 15 March 2013 by andyq

4 Feb 2013 As an editor, and a mac user, the main tool of my trade is Office: Mac 2011. I wish I had a better tool. Regularly, my documents will suddenly show me a blank dialogue box. Then the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Consumer, Getting Things Done, Stuff | Leave a comment

Meet the Piperoids

Posted on 18 January 2011 by andyq

Not this but last Christmas, the mom of my boyf’s best friend’s husband, who was staying with them at the time, gave us a little Christmas gift. A simple set of rolled paper, marked carefully where you cut them, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer | Leave a comment