By Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman, Editor of Know-it-all passport
I spend a lot of time on my computer so when I found out about BuyClub I was excited. Here was a place where I could try new things, new experiences, at a discount, while sitting at my computer! But would it work? I decided to give it a try before passing judgement.
Here’s how it works - taken from the website, www.buyclub.ch
1. See today's deal: Each day a discount coupon for a great local restaurant, spa, or activity is put on sale. (Today's deal is 40% off your daily pass to Aquaparc - 4.2.2011)
2. Get it : Buy the coupon online, and it will be emailed to you 24 hours after the deal ends.
3. Use group-power: The coupon is activated, and you're charged for it, only if enough people buy it. If not, then you're not charged and no one gets the coupon.
4. Enjoy the discount: Print the coupon, show it at the venue, and enjoy the great place you discovered!
My first trial was a voucher for Fr. 100.- at the Restaurant des Bastions in Geneva for only Fr. 50.-. No catch; it really meant I could order anything off the menu up to Fr. 100.-! Too good to be true. Usually these kind of vouchers require that you take some preselected menu with half portions or are only valid between 03h-04h in the morning, but not this one. I went with my husband 2 weeks ago at 20h on a Friday evening! We made sure to let the restaurant know that we had the BuyClub coupon when we reserved. We were given a good table (naturally, we were concerned they might sit us next to the toilets), and again, we showed the coupon as soon as the menus were brought (you probably have guessed by now that I have had a bad experience in the US). They honestly didn’t care about the coupon at that point.
To make way for their new 2011 stock, Forget Me Not Cards is offering 50% off all its remaining Christmas items as well as many of its non-Phoenix greetings cards for other occasions, during January. The cards can be viewed at the Card Room in Chamby - simply call or email Liz Andrews before (details below).
Customers wishing to receive a copy of the new 2011 Phoenix brochure, should also send an email to Liz, simply saying "YES" and adding their name and address. Cards can be viewed or ordered anytime from her website at www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/lizandrews.
Liz is also inviting customers to host their own Cards & Coffee or Evening. Customers can expect to receive free cards in return for hosting an event. Alternatively, if you live in France, you may like to consider becoming your own Phoenix Trader. It's a simple way to run your own business around the family and other commitments. You can choose how busy you wish to be, and can develop a useful part-time income or a more lucrative full-time business.
For further information on Liz's special offers or on how to become a Phoenix Trader, contact:
Liz Andrews,
Forget Me Not Cards
Rte de Chaulin 74B,
1832 Chamby
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/lizandrews
Tel: + 41 21 964 5091
Mob: + 41 79 376 3079
Do you want to throw a party but are put off by the idea of spending all that time in the kitchen preparing all those little nibbles that everyone loves so much at this time of year?
Well you don’t need to panic. Here are a few ideas for quick and easy apéritifs, with ingredients that have all been sourced from local supermarkets.
The emphasis is on simplicity – none of us want to spend hours creating gourmet dishes at this time of year. So read on… and if you have a few ideas of your own, please send them in to us and we will add them to the list.
Mini pizzas (contributed by Jenny Jeffreys)
Toast nature pour canapés (e.g. Carrefour own brand)
Tube of tomato purée (e.g. Panzani Sauce Tomate from Carrefour)
Mozarella cheese (e.g. Galbani Mozzarella Maxi from Carrefour)
Sliced tin mushrooms (e.g. Carrefour discount Champignons de Paris)
Some pepper and chives to garnish (e.g. Carrefour Herbe aromatique: Ciboulette)
Spread the purée on each slice of bread.
Put a slice of mozarella on each piece.
Add a few sliced mushrooms on top.
Grate some pepper over the top and add a couple of pieces of chopped chive on top.
Just before your guests arrive place them under the grill. Must be served warm.
(n.b. Don’t prepare too early otherwise the bread can go a little soggy!)
As you’re crossing the customs posts with bags of shopping from the New Year sales, be aware that customs officials can be extra vigilant at this time of year.They will often stop your car and ask if you have any merchandise to declare – so be sure you know your rights. The quantities and value of goods that you are allowed to take over the border change each year, so do check the relevant websites to make sure you have the latest facts.
Also be aware that customs officials will check your wallets and purses for old receipts – so if you have been making any large purchases recently, make sure you have the right paperwork with you to support the receipt. You don’t even have to have the goods with you in the car – a receipt is sufficient proof for the customs officials to fine you if you have gone over the limit!
If you are bringing goods back from France into Switzerland, the total value of goods must not exceed Fr. 300.-, or else tax will be applied. However, total value is not the only factor to bear in mind when you cross the border – how you spent the money is equally important. There is a limit on the quantities of certain items that you can bring over, principally food, drink and cigarettes.
Page 611 of Know-it-all passport 2011-2012 summarises the key merchandise affected by these limits – if you want more information, visit the website: http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_privat/essen_trinken/00356/index.html?lang=fr
If, on the other hand, you are crossing from Switzerland to France, different rules apply. Children under 15 may bring goods up to the value of 150 euros over the border (before tax is applied) whilst adults can bring up to 300 euros of goods (if they are travelling by any means other than air or marine transport), and 430 euros (if they are travelling by air or marine transport). The following web page covers the essential points: http://www.douane.gouv.fr/data/file/1636.pdf
Winter's here, and as always the Maison du Lac is transformed with a stylish Scandinavian decor in warm, sophisticated tones. Danish owner and keen decorator Kristine Rasmussen has created a cosy, festive boutique offering stylish, seasonal ideas for your interior. Look out for a host of unusual accessories, a veritable invitation to the delights of hibernation and cocooning: after you have purchased a few essential items at Maison du Lac you will be able to curl up by the fireside with a soft alpaca throw, or watch the snowflakes fall outside your window while sipping a delicious hot chocolate from one of the boutique's mugs, whose captions invite you to "Have tea with me" or sample a rich "latte").
Best of all, you will be able to invite family and friends to a festive meal around a table decked with "reindeer" candleholders and frosted candles. If you are struggling for home decoration and gift ideas this Christmas, this boutique is definitely one to put on your shopping itinerary!
Maison du lac, Rue Saint-Victor 24, 1227 Carouge / Tel. 022 301 8522 / www.maisondulac.ch
