More from the world of online sales, this time it’s Madaboochoo, a site that was originally set up to shop for racewear but is handy when shopping for clothes and accessories for any sort of event that is even mildly fancy.

You can currently get 40% off all full-priced stock on the site, which is a pretty hefty discount, especially if you’ve been eyeing off one of the gorgeous designer dresses that might set you back a couple of hundred dollars. No special code required - the discount will be automatically deducted at the checkout.

I like this Martini top, which works out to be $81.95 when the discount is applied. It would look cute with skinny jeans and heels.

Madaboochoo also has an exceptional sale section, however prices there are as marked - no extra 40% discount.

By Caroline Warnes

We are giving you the chance to win 1 or 10 double passes to a special preview screening of the new movie “Precious” in this week’s free competition.

“Precious” is the surprise hit of the year in the US and is bound for Oscar glory. In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen (played by Gabourey Sidibe). pregnant with her second child, is invited to enrol in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.

It’s a powerful, moving, triumphant film with a big heart and a lot of hope that has audiences and critics (including Oprah) shouting from the rooftops. It has already broken box-office records in the US and taken out top awards at the Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals. Starring an unknown actress in the lead role, the performances are astounding, the content at times very hard to watch, but ultimately what “Precious” does is fill you with hope and faith in the human spirit.

“Precious” opens in Australia on February 4.

To enter to win a double pass to a “Precious” preview screening, tell us in 25 words or less using the form below about the biggest challenge you’ve ever had to face. The passes are valid for the preview weekend of January 29-31 only. The best answers will win. The competition closes next Thursday.

Competition terms and conditions

This time of year is an absolute goldmine for bargain hunters and I know many people hang out for the Peeptoe Shoes sale.

The best Peeptoe sales are usually in-store only, but this time the sale is both in-store and online, which is great news for anyone outside Sydney, where the company is based.

Lots of styles have been reduced in the sale, plus if you shop by “last chance” in your size you’ll get the real bargains, with some prices starting at around $50.

I don’t hate the Miss St Thomas heels pictured here, which are reduced to $74.70 (down from $249!), however they’re only available in sizes 35, 40 and 41 so you’ll need to get in quick.

Don’t forget that Peeptoe Shoes also has a range of jewellery and accessories, some of which is also reduced.

By Caroline Warnes

The new Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is the latest model in the manufacturer’s Tough range of digital cameras, which are designed to handle just about anything you can throw at them.

If you love the great outdoors and spend a lot of time seeking your thrills outside, then you need a hardy digital camera to take along for the ride. The Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is designed with adventurers in mind - especially if you plan to take your digital camera into the water, snow or anywhere were it might experience a significant shock.

Yes, the camera is waterproof to 3m, will work in conditions as low as negative 10 degrees and can withstand drops of up to 1.5m. This also means it’s an ideal choice for anyone who has kids with a habit of dropping and breaking valuable pieces of electronic equipment.

The camera’s hardiness is its main selling point, with the remaining specifications being nothing too out of the ordinary. It features a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 28-102mm equivalent lens, 12-megapixels of resolution and 3.6x optical zoom. It’s capable of sensitivity up to ISO 1600.

What this adds up to is a very tough camera that produces images that are acceptable without being outstanding. If you’re looking for a camera that isn’t too expensive to take into the great outdoors, the Mju Tough 6010 could be it.

The Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is available in Australia now with a recommended retail price of $399.

Buy a cheap Olympus digital camera on sale in Australia

By Caroline Warnes

If you’re anything like me, you’re planning to batten down the financial hatches during January after spending way more than you bargained for over Christmas.

For me, this means sequestering myself away in my apartment, because lately it seems that I can’t so much as set foot outside without somehow managing to spend money on something ridiculous I don’t really need.

I’ve decided this will be much more achievable for me if I have something to keep me busy inside the house, and I think jigsaw puzzles might be the solution.

I recently helped with a jigsaw puzzle while staying with my sister and actually found myself doing it as soon as I got up in the morning and last thing before bed at night, it was that addictive. Not to mention that it has to be healthier for the mind than 16 hours of Foxtel in a row.

I discovered Jigsaw Paradise where you can buy puzzles online and they have a pretty good selection for both adults and kids of all skill levels. I’m going to order the historic world map pictured here when shipping recommences at the site on Monday.

Plus, during January you can get 15% off all purchases by using the code JANUARY at the checkout - or if you spend over $85, shipping is free.

By Caroline Warnes

And the winners are:

F. Bibby, 4213; M. Lynch, 2830; M. Scurlock, 3844.