I’m not really familiar with LouLou shoes, but I’m just about to get more familiar with them.

This is largely thanks to the news that you can get 50% off all stock on the site, including sale items, using the code LASTSALE at the checkout.

If you have a good browse through, you’ll be able to find some real bargains. A case in point: these Vivian heels, which are already marked down from $179 to $49. Apply the discount code and you’ll pick them up for under $25 (plus shipping).

By Caroline Warnes

If you have multiple wireless devices (for example: an iPhone, iPad and notebook computer), chances are it would be easier to have one wireless access point for all devices.

That’s where gadgets like the Vodafone Pocket WiFi step in to make life easier. As the name suggests, this compact little device can be slipped into your pocket and used as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot (it’s rated at a maximum of 7.2Mbps), allowing you to connect all your devices to the mobile web and the same time and share your data usage between them.

As you can imagine, there isn’t a whole lot of room for variation between portable Wi-Fi hotspots. The main differences come in terms of form factor and ease of use. And when it comes to the latter, the Vodafone Pocket WiFi does have one thing going for it over other comparable devices: the inclusion of an LED display, which is something of a rarity amongst its competitors. This allows you to see what’s going on - whether the device is nearly out of battery, strength of signal and other network information. You can even see how many devices are connected to make sure no one else nearby is using your data (you can have up to five connected at once), plus there’s a meter to keep track of your usage during a session.

The Vodafone Pocket WiFi can be bought outright for $119 (with a Vodafone SIM and 1GB of data included), or can be bundled with 8GB of data each month for $44 per month over 12 months.

By Caroline Warnes

I’ve always found that no matter which home hair colouring pack you use, the conditioner enclosed in the box always makes your hair feel fantastic.

In fact, many times I’ve wondered why these conditioners aren’t sold separately for use between colourings.

Well, it appears someone was eavesdropping on my inane internal monologues about hair care, because Clairol has apparently done just that. Clairol Nice ‘n Easy ColourSeal Gloss intensive conditioner can now be purchased at most chemists and supermarkets for the very reasonable price of approximately $6 a tube.

I am absolutely in love with the stuff. I have very dry hair, and while this conditioner hasn’t solved the problem entirely, it does seem to have helped a great deal.

The packaging says each tube contains three applications, but I think you can get more out of it as you don’t need much (unless you’ve got very long, thick hair). You should use this once or twice a week as an intensive treatment - I wouldn’t recommend using it every day (then again, I also wouldn’t recommend washing your hair every day. Full stop).

By Caroline Warnes

As the name and picture may suggest, the LG Candy is aimed squarely at girls who want a cheap and cheerful phone.

And considering the $99 price tag, you shouldn’t expect much more from the LG Candy (also known as the GU285) beyond basic functionality and the pretty pink exterior.

Colourful looks aside, the Candy is a basic slider phone with a few interesting extras, including 3G connectivity (though don’t expect the web browsing experience to stand up to more expensive phones). LG has also included shortcuts to Facebook Mobile and Google search for quick access to those popular services.

Aside from 3G, there isn’t really much else beyond the standard call and text functionality. There’s an average 1.3-megapixel camera plus second camera on the front for video calling. You can also listen to music on the phone - LG has included a pair of Sound Surgeon headphones, which don’t actually offer great sound quality so you may like to pair your own instead (unfortunately there’s no 3.5mm input, but there is an adaptor in the box).

The LG Candy is available in Australia exclusively through Boost Mobile for $99.

Buy cheap LG phone on sale in Australia

By Caroline Warnes

And the winners are:

P. Stott, 5173; I. Elkner, 3068; R. Leitch, 7054; M. Yuen, 3143; D. Robert, 3807.

More goodness from the world of shoes and accessories.

Until Sunday, you can get 25% off all full-priced Nine West items by presenting this voucher in-store.

The offer includes shoes, bags and other accessories, but not shoe care and nail polish. It also can’t be used at the concession stores within David Jones.

If you’re interested, the style pictured here is Elkie, which you’ll be able to buy for $126.75 once the discount is applied.

By Caroline Warnes

There are several types of printers available on the market and it can be confusing to determine which one is best for your needs. Our printer buying guide is here to explain the different types.

Laser printers

Laser is one of the oldest computer printer technologies and is still popular with many segments of the market - laser printers tend to offer fast print speeds and good value-for-money. Most laser printers are black-and-white only, so are best for printing large amounts of text only. Colour laser printers are available but they tend to be very expensive.

Laser printers are best for anyone who wants to print out large amounts of simple text and doesn’t require colour printouts or photos. For example someone working from home could get by with a personal laser printer, while small offices often use workgroup laser printers.

Brother laser printers are some of the best on the Australian market.

Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers are generally the most versatile for home use and produce acceptable results for both text and colour photo prints. On the downside, inkjet printers are slower than laser printers and the colour cartridges can be costly to replace. You can also buy specialist photo inkjet printers.

Inkjet printers are best for general light-to-moderate home usage. Canon Pixma printers are a preferred brand.

Photo printers

As the name suggests, photo printers are required for anyone who prints out a lot of photos from their digital camera - more than what the average inkjet can handle. Photo printers produce prints of near-professional quality and can often be directly connected to the digital camera to start printing.

Some dedicated photo printers use inkjet technology, but the vast majority use a process called dye-sublimation to produce these higher-quality results.

If you’re considering a dedicated photo printer, you should take a look at the HP PhotoSmart range.

Multifunction printers

Multifunction printers are known by nearly as many names as they have uses - you’ll also see them referred to as MFPs, multifunction devices (MFDs) and all-in-ones.

Once again, the name gives it away - all-in-one printer can often print, scan, photocopy and even fax. You can buy either a laser all-in-one or inkjet all-in-one, depending on how you plan to use it.

Because of their comprehensive functionality and cost efficiency, multifunction printers are favoured by people who work from home and can even be suitable for small businesses.

Once again, Brother, Canon and HP all make excellent multifunction printers.

Portable printers

Last but not least, portable printers are compact and designed for people who travel a lot - especially anyone who travels for work. Because these printers are small and light, you will be making sacrifices somewhat in terms of image quality.

Most portable printers are of the basic colour inkjet variety and tend to be expensive when you consider the quality of print on offer.

The Canon Pixma iP2700, as pictured here, is one portable printer you might like to consider.

Buy a cheap printer on sale

Guide originally published November 5, 2009; updated August 26, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

How would you like to be one of the first people in Australia to try Cadbury’s new Bar of Plenty chocolate product line?

Cadbury Bar of Plenty comes in two flavours - Berry Fruit & Vanilla Shortcake; and Roast Hazelnut & Honey Roast Cashews. The premise is matching unconventional flavours with chocolate, and let me tell you now, it definitely works.

If you want to try these new flavours, Cadbury will send the first ten people to post the comment “I love Cadbury chocolate” in the comments below a gift of two 190g Bar of Plenty blocks - one of each of the new flavours.

Make sure you use a real email address to post your comment - it won’t be visible to everyone, but I will be able to use it to pass along to Cadbury to send out your gift (don’t worry, I am very trustworthy with your privacy).

Update: The first 10 people to post the comment “I love Cadbury chocolate” were Ben, Natalie Public, Bec, Camille, Jediknight1001, Urabursv, Bkg, Sheerglamourhairartistry, Richard Hendrawan and Seanus. I’ll pass your details onto Cadbury. Congratulations and enjoy!

By Caroline Warnes

If you’re in the mood for some shopping over the weekend, then make sure you download this voucher for 40% off at Jeanswest.

The offer is valid from tomorrow until Sunday storewide on all stock for both men and women. You can claim your discount by either presenting your membership card in-store (if you’re a member) or downloading the PDF.

You really should join as a member though, because it’s free and you’ll also be able to claim your 40% discount online (the cheaper price will be visible when you’re logged in).

By Caroline Warnes

As mentioned about a million times over the past few years, these days I’m all about the one-piece when it comes to swimwear.

The main purpose of this is to minimse the impact of my beachside wallowing on small children and animals. No one cares to be visually assaulted with a vast expanse of untanned skin when hitting the beach.

So when I was browsing through Zodee this morning, naturally this Miraclesuit Knockouts Camilla one piece jumped out at me: partially because of the name, and partially because of the promise that it can make me “look 10lbs lighter in 10 seconds”.

Of course, miracle swimsuits don’t come cheap, even when on sale (for $188). But if it can shave 5kg off you, then I think it pays for itself.

By Caroline Warnes