The Shopping Bags

Perfume, On-line Grocers, Laptop Computers and Mystery Shopper

Why does a bottle of perfume cost so much? The Shopping Bags talk to a perfume expert (did you know there was such a thing?) to find out the secrets of making, choosing and wearing that special scent. They also set up a test to find out if people can tell the difference between the real thing and knockoffs. Armed with a grocery list, Anna and Kristina go shopping – both in the supermarket and online to find out if ordering your groceries over the Internet really delivers. With Anna in the market for some new hardware, The Bags make buying a laptop computer easy to understand. And a lesson in buying big ticket items; the Mystery Shopper learns how important it is to do your homework before you head to the store.

Nail Polish, Energy Bars, Hybrid Cars and Mystery Shopper

The Shopping Bags test out ten different kinds of nail polish to see which brands really hold up to the wear and tear of daily life - we're talking about stuff like dishing washing, gardening and even rock climbing! Energy bars are a popular snack, but how healthy are they really? A nutritionist gives us a few points to chew on before we settle on this snack. And are hybrid cars the way of the future? Anna and Kristina get behind the wheel to test drive this part electric, part gas vehicle. Looking to buy a new vehicle? Our mystery shopper has some lessons on negotiating the deal.

Bras, Sleeping Bags, Organic Food and Mystery Shopper

70% of women wear bras that don't fit properly. The Shopping Bags don't want to make the same mistake. Three brave volunteers learn how to find a bra that fits. Anna and Kristina spend a night in the wild to put both down and synthetic sleeping bags to the test. And organic food: there's no question it's better for the environment. But what about nutrients and taste - the Shopping Bags set up a stall to find out if you can taste the difference. And the mystery shopper tries to get a taste at the grocery store, before she buys.

Digital Cameras, Running Shoes, Wine and Mystery Shopper

Just because the shoe fits doesn't mean it will protect your feet. Whether your feet pronate or suponate, Anna and Kristina learn how to find a running shoe that fits. Digital cameras are fun and easy to use - but how do they compare to 35 millimetre cameras and how much do you need to spend on quality? The Shopping Bags get behind the lens. And deciphering the wine label and the wine list to get a bottle that suits your buget and your taste. And if you order the bottle and don't like the taste? Our mystery shopper tries to send it back.

Sunglasses, Bread, Diamonds and Mystery Shopper

Sunglasses are perhaps the most important accessory you can own. Find out which shades and which lenses will do the best job at protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. The Shopping Bags point out that not all bread is created equal. It all comes down to reading the fine print. And sure, a diamond is a girl's best friends. A groom-to-be learns that shopping for the diamond, not the ring, is a shining example of getting the best value for your money. And the mystery shopper tries to get a better deal by paying cash. Will it work?

MP3 Players, Educational Toys, Toy Marketing and Mystery Shopper

This week, it's all about toys! First, toys for the big kids. MP3 players are all the rage for downloading music from the Internet. The Shopping Bags learn about the different typs of MP3 players and how they work. Also, education toys. Are they really any fun? The bags invite their young friends to test a bunch of toys too see what really piques their interest. And who isn't influenced by marketing these day? Anna and Kristina learn about how toy companies target kids and what parents can do about it. And the mystery shopper has some tips on buying and returning toys.

Mascara, PDAs, Baby Food and Mystery Shopper

How much do you need to spend on a quality mascara and just how different are the formulations from one brand to the next? The Shopping Bags hit the waterslides and a very sweaty yoga class to test four different brands of waterproof mascara. Palm Pilots seem to be the way to get organized these days. Anna and Kristina invite some busy friends to try out various personal digital assistants (PDAs) to determine if plain old pen and paper is a thing of the past. And what's the best food for your baby? A look at the differences between jarred, organic and homemade food for your tots. Are all taxi fares fair? Our mystery shoppers take a ride to test the metre.

Car Tires, Hair Spray, Room Scents and Mystery Shopper

Car tires are an integral part of vehicle safety. Learn when it's time to invest in new tires and how to keep them in tip-top shape. Hair spray is a valuable tool for keeping those fly-aways in place. Anna, Kristina and friends get up to some hair-raising experiements to see which brands hold up best. And sure they smell nice, but do room scents do any more than merely mask the odors? The Shopping Bags investigate the difference between natural and synthetic scents. We all know teens love to shop - but do they get any respect? Our mystery shopper shows how young shoppers can get the treatment they deserve in store.

Lipstick, Golf Clubs, Razors and Mystery Shopper

Lipstick can be the perfect pick-me-up. But how much do you have spend to get the colour and consistency you want? The Shopping Bag stage a kissing booth to find out. Women are hitting the links in record numbers. Learn how to choose the golf clubs to fit your needs. When it comes to razors, there's disposable and non, men's and women's - but which provides the closest shave? Anna, Kristina and friends get shaving and invite an "expert" to a touch test. And ever feel like you're not getting the service you deserve? The mystery shopper has some tips on how to lodge a complaint.