SHOPportunities!!!!

Rachael Waggoner's SHOP & ROCK!

2011-08-10T15:38:00.001-07:00

SHOP AND ROCK! Golden, CO at The Buffalo Rose

11 AM to 6PM - COME SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW DYNAMIC WOMEN!

FREE EVENT - Same day as The Golden Arts Festival

Sick of shopping malls and McSalespeople?
SO ARE WE! So we're bringing together COOL local businesses at a HOT local venue where you can have a drink while you shop!

OVER $500 IN DOOR PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY! WIN A $50 VISA CARD!
REGISTER NOW at shopnrockboutique@gmail.com and get a FREE wine, well, or draft... + $5 Burger, fries, and pint!!!

VENDORS WELCOME - contact Rachael Waggoner at shopnrockboutique@gmail.com to get your business featured! Up to 500 people through the door at past events!

Party Plan Divas SWAP & SHOP

2011-08-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

This dynamic group meets LIVE in Lakewood, CO on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Additional groups are forming NOW. Everyone is invited to join to support each other and shop.

Each event features ONE company/theme where the featured hostess will present her goodies to the network to sample and purchase. To become a featured hostess you MUST be a member, and members are required to purchase a minimum of $20 from the featured hostess each month to participate. For non-members, no purchase is required, but if you find something you like you'll be able to take advantage of some great sales and specials at each event.

EVERYONE is welcome to attend and network - no purchase required for non-members.

POT LUCK - bring a dish to share - wine, water, and coffee will be provided.

Lakewood LIVE Party THEMES:
JAN - It Works!
FEB - Arbonne/LockLuster
MAR - Organo Gold
APR - Wild Tree
MAY - Art
JUN - Wine Shop at Home
JUL - Emerald Energy Massage
AUG - Pampered Chef
SEP - 31 Gifts
OCT - Tupperware
NOV - Lia Sophia
DEC NO HOSTESS THIS MONTH - CHRISTMAS PARTY INSTEAD.

RSVP TO ATTEND: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1348367965

To become a Featured Hostess/Member choose "JOIN" at the top of the registration page.

To learn more about The Party Plan Connector and ways to promote your party plan business, visit the website at http://www.partyplanconnector.com

To view other swap groups forming (minimum of 6 exclusive hostesses to launch a group) CLICK HERE!

Just Launched! Party Plan Connector

2010-12-18T09:21:00.001-08:00

Are you - or do you know - a Home Party Professional?

JUST LAUNCHED: an AMAZING site to get YOU noticed and be the one for everyone to go to in your company for a PARTY! This portal is designed to ROCK your business!

Not only will you be able to list yourself as the EXCLUSIVE representative for your company in your state, if you act now you can secure your listing in other states (and countries) too! If you have a downline you can always refer your contacts to someone closer. You will be hard-pressed to find something more reasonably priced than this that will provide this much promotion for you and your company.

And as an added bonus - you can register NOW to join a swap group to lock in your sales for the coming year! Please visit our website for more information about a swap group can guarantee your success.

Be the first and ONLY ONE in your state or province listed for your company! Join a swap group and gain guaranteed orders! Check it out and jump on board today. This is launch week - so grab your spot before someone else does. Only one rep per company per state or province will be accepted. REGISTER NOW! Price goes up January 1, 2011!

http://www.partyplanconnector.com

*~* Refer FIVE Party Plan Professionals and receive a second listing for F|REE! *~*

Do you have - or know of - a non-party plan professional that would like more visibility? All paid members receive a listing in the business directory as a benefit of a professional business membership at Get Connected 365 | The Colorado Connector | 303Network, http://www.getconnected365.com

Mile High on the Cheap

2010-02-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Looking for inexpensive or free things to do in Denver/Boulder? Want to sample the area's restaurants, attractions, hotels and more without breaking the bank? Your guides Claire Walter and Laura Daily show you how to get the best of the best for less...

Mile High on the Cheap

3720 E Saltsage Dr For Sale, Phoenix AZ Real Estate

2009-07-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

THIS ONE IS A 10! ONE BLOCK FROM THE LAKE ON PREMIUM CORNER LOT. TOTAL REMODEL WILL WOW YOU! EXTERIOR HAS BEEN PAINTED & STACKED STONE ADDED. SLATE WALKWAY LEADS YOU TO THE DOUBLE FRONT DOORS. INSIDE THE REMODEL CONTINUES FROM FLOOR TO CEILING. TRAVERTINE THRU-OUT, NEW CARPET IN THE BEDROOMS. CABINETS HAVE BEEN REFINISHED W/GRANITE COUNTERTOPS. RESORT-STYLE BACKYARD W/ LUSH LANDSCAPING, 35K NEW OUTDOOR BBQ & HEATED POOL! LARGE SIDE YARD W/FRUIT TREES & FABULOUS VEGETABLE GARDEN.

3720 E Saltsage Dr For Sale, Phoenix AZ Real Estate

16005 S 10TH PL For Sale, Phoenix AZ Real Estate

2009-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

You have found your new home! This immaculate 4BR 2BA home is light bright. 4th bedroom is a den. Tile flooring, new carpet and an open floor plan will make you want to call this home! Kitchen is open to Family Room with walk-in pantry. Surround sound, high ceilings, upgraded lighting & ceiling fans throughout. Private backyard is entertainers dream with covered patio, misting system, sparkling htd. pool & worry free landscaping.****This home is also for rent for $1550/month****

16005 S 10TH PL For Sale, Phoenix AZ Real Estate

AMC Theatres Summer Movie Camp - $1 Movies All Summer Long!

2009-06-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

ONE DOLLAR movies for charity - all summer long! Wednesdays, 10am.

All admission proceeds* from AMC Summer MovieCamp will benefit Variety – The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute .

AMC Theatres

Got $2,500? Buy a house - MSN Money

2009-06-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Rock-bottom interest rates and an $8,000 tax credit make a home possible for many first-time buyers -- with no trick mortgages or financial gymnastics required.

Got $2,500? Buy a house - MSN Money

Starting a Gift Basket Business

2009-05-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

Creating A Gift Basket Business Can Be One Of The Most Rewarding Careers You'll Ever Choose, But Only If You Do It Right.

Starting a Gift Basket Business

"Make Offer" SALE!

2009-03-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

HUGE SALE - Bring cash, make offer on everything left in the unit! 3625 W Bowles Ave # 14, Littleton - (303) 904-2025 9:00am to 11:00am ONLY, TODAY 03/20/09.

"Make Offer" SALE!

Dollar Tree Haul

2009-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

7 painless moves to save $1,000

2009-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's possible to whittle your budget without suffering. Small savings, month in and month out, can fatten your bank account without cramping your style.

7 painless moves to save $1,000 - MSN Money

Ibanez EP9 Euphoria Steve Vai Model Acoustic Electric - eBay (item 120358971620 end time Jan-09-09 12:45:09 PST)

2009-01-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ibanez EP9 Euphoria Steve Vai Model Acoustic Electric - eBay (item 120358971620 end time Jan-09-09 12:45:09 PST)

Consignment Shopping Pays Off

2008-10-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Is your closet full of clothes you never wear? You can bet there are a lot of people who have a closet or dressers full of clothes they never wear. I did too, until I started consignment shopping.

A clothing consignment store sells your clothes for you and gives you 30 to 50 percent of the selling price. Pretty good deal, considering no one is wearing the clothes that are just collecting dust in your closet.

The first thing I did was go through my closet and dressers and took out all of the clothes I never wore. (This was a hard thing to do considering I had no money and was terrified of not having any clothes to wear.) I took a couple of grocery bags full of clothes to a local consignment store and within a month or two had at least $50 is my hands. I couldn't believe it! Now that I actually had the money in my hands, I didn't feel as badly about giving up my clothes. I spent some of the money on new clothes at the consignment store (for about 1/3 or less of regular retail prices), and went home to find out if I really had gone through all my clothes.

As the seasons changed and I brought out other clothes that were stored away, I found other clothes I had I wouldn't ever wear. I still had some clothes I had worn in high school! I always sold my daughter's outgrown clothes. The money I received for her clothes I usually spent on new (consigned) clothes for her. I also took in her outgrown toys and baby accessories. Some of the money I received I spent on her, and I spent a little on clothes for myself (my wardrobe was starting to fill up with clothes I actually wear!), and the rest was just extra cash! What a deal! None of my hard-earned money (I was a single mother at the time) was going for new clothes anymore! My daughter and I had all the clothes we needed and I had extra cash besides. Of course I had other problems to deal with in my life, but trying to find the money for clothes suddenly dropped off the list! I have found that many people won't ever bother with consigning clothes. Either they aren't willing to part with their clothes for any number of reasons, or they just don't want to take the time to take them to the consignment store.

Many people will give their clothes away to other people or Goodwill before they will make the effort required resell them. I have personally never understood that way of thinking, but you can benefit from those people. When friends and family saw that I was "trading" in used clothes for new clothes, they started giving me clothes to take in! A few, like my mother, started to take her own clothes in, but I found for the most part people would rather give their clothes to me, even when they didn't have extra money to buy new clothes. So I started taking in other people's clothes and profiting from their decisions to clean out their closets.

Then I started shopping at garage sales. Many people practically give unwanted clothes away. You can find very good deals at garage sales, especially if you go right before they close up for the day. You can buy clothes there, either for yourself or your children, or you can buy them solely for the purpose of re-selling them. I only recommend doing this, however, after you have been taking your own clothes in for awhile and find out what types of clothes the consignment store will accept.

The consignment store reserves the right to not accept clothing that do not meet their standards. The store I shop at will donate unwanted clothes to charity for you, if you wish, if they will not accept any of your clothing. You also have the option to take the unwanted clothing back. It has been my experience that they will take most clothes that are freshly washed, folded or hung neatly. They will not accept clothing with unraveling seams or holes. They also will not accept any clothes with any obvious stains. Occasionally they will not accept outdated clothing. But in the 12 years that I have been shopping at consignment stores, the only items they didn't accept were a coat that was at least 20 years old and the color wasn't in style, and clothes that were out of season (you can't sell a winter jacket during the summer).

Usually most of the clothes you take in will sell easily, depending on the size and location of the store. Most stores keep clothes on the rack for 3 months. If the clothes haven't sold in that length of time you can either take them back or they will donate them to charity.

Even though I'm married now, we still have a tight budget and can't afford to spend much on clothes. Even if I had the money I still don't think I would spend a lot of money on new clothes, after everything I have learned. It's just not worth it. You can do this just for the money, some people I know never buy at consignment stores, but they do sell things there occasionally, you can do it just for the clothes, which I did for a long time just out of sheer necessity and it didn't occur to me to try to make a profit, or you can enjoy the benefits of buying low-priced quality clothing and also make a small profit besides! Whatever you choose to do, the experience is well worth the effort. In these times of recycling and trying to conserve the Earth's resources, it only makes sense to "trade" clothing with other people instead of buying new clothing. Almost everyone has clothes they don't wear, for whatever reason, that other people would be thrilled to wear.

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Free Shipping & Free Labels

2008-08-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

NEW from CurentCatalog.com

Fall Style 2008: Boots for Her

2008-08-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

Fall Style 2008: Boots for Her

Fashion Bug - FREE Shipping!

2008-08-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Buy fashionable women's clothing in plus, misses, juniors and girls sizes at Fashion Bug -

Gifts for each occasion:

2008-06-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Gourmet gift basket will be a choice for any occasion since it can easily bring in the joy and pleasure of any occasion. When used as a birthday gift, the basket can be filled with several items that will bring happiness to the birthday person. If it is the birthday of a baby, baby gift can be arranged with toffees and cakes as well as toys in a beautiful manner.

You can get the best bath body gifts from stores to offer your loved ones a relaxing bath. The luxurious spa basket will include everything needed for pampering your beloved. Those who are used to home spa as an aromatherapy will find this expensive gift as a treasure for their body treatment.

Healing those who are suffering usually seems to be a tough task. Sending them a get well message might seem to complicate you with lack of proper ideas. Get well gift baskets can surely help you with gifts for anyone including women. The message of get well with love can be expressed through the get well gifts including apples, fruits or cookies.

When you are going to visit a new born baby, can you ever think of going empty handed without baby gifts? New baby gift is the best choice and you will get baby baskets with a set of specifically picked collection of baby toys. The baby gift basket can be customized with wide choice of toys available in stores. Baby gift from various stores will come as gift basket with various items as per the choice of the customers. While choosing baby gifts, try to make them according to the interest of the kid for whom you are going to present it.

You can choose Christmas gift basket with cakes, candles and trees while making a visit to meet your family on the Christmas day. To express thank you to anyone who gave you support and love during your needed times, it will be preferable to go for Thank you gift. The baskets must be filled with gifts that can leave long lasting impressions in the heart of the person.

For a wedding you can choose exclusive wedding gift. If you are a man who is going to get married, try choosing beautiful red roses just for her. What else can be a better wedding gift to express your love for your woman? If you are the part of a corporate environment, you must look for corporate gift when you want to appreciate someone in your group. The corporate gift basket will include awards or trophies or desktop accessories. Corporate gift can be a leather suitcase or a bag and must fit in the role of those who are giving it and receiving it. You can also present personalized corporate gifts for appreciation or encouragement.

Gourmet and other gift baskets from genye in a basket can be used as Sympathy gift for those who are in the pain of losing pets or who are having mental agony. Holiday gift basket will show how much we care for others and can be made unique and hand crafted using tea, coffee and cakes. How wonderful it will be to send red roses when in gift baskets when your lady is not near you. Mother�s day is a special occasion to express how much your mother means to you.

When it is for individuals, you have to consider the age level of the individual and the sex. When you are so clear about all these, you will be able to buy a gift that fit into the mood of the celebration. There are immense options to buy a gift in the modern days. When internet has brought the world so closer, nothing is impossible here. In the olden days, you had to go all the way down the street to buy a gift and usually you come back empty handed. Now situations have changed a lot.

Paul Anthony is the Founder and President of Genye In A Basket, an online resource for unique gifts and gourmet gift baskets for every occasion. Genye In A Basket�s offers a wide selection of gift baskets from baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, corporate gift baskets and Gourmet gift basket.Please visit the website gift baskets for more related articles and information about gift baskets.

Handmade Baby and Children's hat clearance

2008-05-24T15:05:00.001-07:00

be still & knit, llc is changing business to focus solely on classes and programs! So, I've got dozens of baby and children's items on clearance. May and June are among the most popular months for babies to be born, so stock up on great gifts for all the little ones in your life. More items are being added daily, so stop by often. As with every item from be still & knit, shipping is FREE!

Visit http://www.bestillandknit.com/shopping to see our latest clearance items!

Great Bargains at Thrift Stores and Yard Sales

2008-05-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

by Monica Resinger
http://homemakersjournal.com

I love the thrift stores and yard sales because there is a great variety of items and these items are usually very inexpensive which saves me a lot of money for spending on other items or saving. Here are some examples of great deals that I find.

Books: I love reading and before I discovered the books at the thrift stores, I was a book club member spending a small fortune on books. Then I realized I could find books at the thrift stores for a fraction of the price. This is our local Goodwill's prices for books: hardbacks: $2.99, paperbacks: $1.99, magazines (this includes craft leaflets) .29, children's books .99. There is a great variety and the books are organized into categories. You can also find books at yard sales, but usually there isn't a huge variety. If you are lucky enough to find a book you want at a yard sale, it's a lot cheaper than even the thrift stores!

Coffee mugs: Our local Goodwill charges .50 cents each! What a steal! These are mugs that are in good condition and yes, it's possible to find them without chips. In fact, most of them look like new. Yard sales are usually cheaper yet.

Craft items: I have found brand new or very close to brand new squeeze type dimensional paint and acrylic paint for .25 cents each--another steal! I have also found beads in plastic baggies for .25 cents each. Silk flowers in large plastic baggies I have found for as low as .79 cents and as high as $1.59. There is also a ton of sewing patterns and material--I'm not sure of the prices on these because I'm not a sewer, but I'm sure they are a good bargain. Knitting needles and sometimes crochet needles are another find.

Picture Frames: Picture frames at the Goodwill usually run from .99 to 2.99 depending on how large and what shape the frame is in.

Household decorations: I decided to re-do our living room in a tropical, sea type theme. I had a lot of fun with this project and still am. If you go to the thrift store with a theme in mind such as this, you will find all sorts of stuff! My favorite find was a puzzle someone had put together and framed for $1.99. The puzzle was a picture of underwater life including a turtle and tropical fish. I have found fish tank decorations for around .49 cents and if any of you have bought these brand new, you know they are very expensive. I have found ceramic shells, real shells, ceramic fish, paper mache fish, and more very inexpensive items to decorate my living room. I decorate all rooms of the house including the front and back porch with this method, and if I ever want to change a theme, it's pretty cheap to do it.

Clothes: I can't stand paying $30 for a shirt or a pair of pants. I really can't stand paying $30 for children's shirts, pants or shoes because they grow out of them so quick. Some people may frown on buying used clothes, but I see it as sensible. Most of the clothes found in the thrift stores and yard sales are in very good shape and you can't even tell they are used. My daughter who is twelve enjoys looking for clothes at the Goodwill more than I do. Sometimes when I shop department stores for clothes, I can't find anything I like, but at the thrift stores, there is such a variety that I don't have a problem with this. A few years ago, I paid $9.00 each for pretty, new looking winter coats for my daughter and I.

Baking pans: A few months back, I needed a loaf pan, so searched the Goodwill. Sure enough, I found one that looked brand new for .69 cents!

School supplies: I have found kid's Fiskars scissors for .49 cents and binders for .69-.99 cents. There is also bagged markers, pencils and crayons.

Rubbermaid or Tupperware containers: These are only .19 to .29 cents. It will take some digging to find container and lid matches sometimes, but for the price--dig!

What is needed to find treasures at thrift stores and yard sales is patience and knowing what you want.? I go on a regular, sometimes weekly, basis which allows me to find a great variety of items.

I hope this article has inspired you to go look for great bargains at the thrift stores and yard sales. Another benefit of shopping this way is helping the earth by keeping this stuff out of the landfills.

Monica is the founder Homemaker's Journal E-publications, the growing home of many fun and informative home and garden e-books, tip sheets, articles and more!? http://homemakersjournal.com/

Get a FREE Slowcooker Recipe E-book when you subscribe to Monica's FREE e-zine for homemakers!? To subscribe and receive instructions for picking up your FREE e-book, just send a blank e-mail to:? HomemakersJournal-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Slashing Grocery Bills

2008-05-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Even the thought of spending a lot of time tracking grocery prices from store to store gives me a headache. I know a lot of people who keep detailed notes of every grocery item they regularly purchase and routinely note the price fluctuations at the grocery stores they frequent.

I used to not pay attention to grocery prices much at all. I have never been one to spend excessively, and have always been pretty good about only getting what's on my shopping list (a necessity!), but it took me awhile to realize that I could save some extra money if I started paying a little more attention to grocery price variations.

I recognize the fact that some people need to reduce their monthly bills as much as possible, and how necessary it is for some to spend as little as possible on groceries, especially if you have a lot of mouths to feed. Although we have no money leftover at the end of the month, so to speak, I never tried to drastically reduce our grocery bill until quite by accident I discovered that if I spent less on groceries, I would have more money to spend on other things! That's when I really started to change my ways. You'll find that my approach to being frugal-minded is not as drastic as some, but I consider myself to be a person who saves money when I can, and have made it a personal challenge to not spend money I don't have to. If you follow my advice, you will definitely see a reduction in your grocery bill.

Like I mentioned previously, I have always made a list before going to the grocery store. Every Saturday or Sunday I sit down and figure out what to serve for dinner every night for the next week. This list also includes snack ideas and lunch menus for my daughter. Every Wednesday I glance through the coupons in the local newspaper and make a mental note of what's on sale and where. Remember, just because something's on sale doesn't mean you need it. Stick only to things you would have bought anyway. If I notice chicken, hamburger, or pork chops are on sale, for example, I might alter my menu to include one of these items.

I decide which store to shop at based on my findings in the advertisements. I usually don't go to more than one store unless one store is having a particularly good deal not found anywhere else. The grocery stores in our area are usually pretty competitive with each other; consequently, their sale prices are fairly predictable.

I have never been one to stock up much, due to limited freezer and pantry space, but I recently realized the value of buying a lot of one item on sale. I usually avoid our neighborhood market because it is a small store and often overpriced, but they finally caught on to the idea of having specials to draw people in. One day I noticed they had 5-lb. chubs of lean hamburger on sale for .69 a pound! I couldn't believe it. I initially bought 2 chubs, and then a few days later couldn't resist going back to get 2 more. I divided them into 1 lb. portions (20 lb. altogether!), wrapped them in foil, and stuck them in the freezer. I was psyched. That same weekend I found an unbelievable deal on pork chops and chicken breasts at another grocery store. I bought several packages of those also. I spent probably $40 to $50 on meat that week, but it lasted for months! I was hooked...I knew I had to start stocking up more when I could. It didn't make sense not to. My freezer was packed to overflowing.

Just this last week I was lamenting the .89 per can price of tuna and wishing I had stocked up more than I had. Tonight on my way home from dropping off my daughter at her bible class, I stopped at the neighborhood market to get some pretzels (1 1/2 pounds for $1.29!) and just happened to notice their Starkist tuna was .59 per can with no limit! I couldn't believe my luck and stocked up again. I also bought another bag of pretzels because my husband and daughter are trying to wean themselves from Doritos, which I'm trying to help with in any way I can!

Anyway, you get the idea. You may not see big changes at first, but if you start stocking up here and there, you will see your grocery bills getting lower and lower. You may find you start spending that little bit of extra money somewhere else, but at least you have the choice to decide where you want that money to go. Don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money on groceries--I'm living proof that you don't have to!

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at www.creativehomemaking.com.

What is Mystery Shopping?

2008-04-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Every day I receive emails from folks asking me about mystery shopping. My very first mystery shopping assignment was for Domino’s Pizza. I don’t know their system today, but many years ago, when I was a mystery shopper for them, I would receive one large 2 topping pizza from them each month in return for taking notes and submitting a questionnaire to them about my overall experience.

Many companies rely on mystery shoppers to help them see the shopping experience through the customer’s eyes.

Mystery shoppers are used in fast food restaurants, in electronic stores and in many retail establishments.

As a mystery shopper you will take note of things such as the name tag of the person helping you and whether that person is dressed according to company code. You’ll be asked if the facility was neat and clean. You’ll be asked to time how long you wait to be helped. Each store has a different set of criteria they ask you to take notice of. Many shops do not allow you to have children with you when you shop. You are always told this right up front. Read through the rules thoroughly before accepting the job.

Unfortunately there are many scammers out there who want to scam you out of your money, promising that for a small fee, they will provide you with books or databases of companies that will hire you to be a mystery shopper. Once you pay, the company is gone and you are no closer to being chosen as a mystery shopper than when you began.

I can not say it enough. DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper. The scammers will say they will reimburse you after you complete your first assignment. This is not true. Scammers will say they are trying to sort out the serious from the not serious. Again, this is not true. One more time, DO NOT EVER PAY money to become a mystery shopper.

So where can you start if this appeals to you? One place to start is secretshopper.com . You can apply once you read the introductory information and take the introductory test. Each new store you shop at will require that you pass a test on that store’s criteria to have you shop.

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to earn a few extra dollars each week.

Audrey Okaneko has been marketing online for several years. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited at www.recipe-barn.com

14 Secrets For A Profitable Garage Sale

2008-04-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

If you’re like most people, you have WAY too much junk.

It’s everywhere. Rotting away in your garage, your attic, your basement, your closets; hiding on the side of your house; perhaps even stuffed without fanfare under your bed.

Junk can take many forms: forgotten artifacts of birthdays past, college-day souvenirs, what-the-heck-is-this wedding gifts, half-broken toys, and clothes that will never, ever fit you again.

Now that spring has mercifully arrived, it is time to finally get rid of your junk. And what better way than to hold a garage sale? In theory, it’s the perfect solution – after all, holding a garage sale should allow you to get rid of your junk and make money… at the same time!

Unfortunately, too many garage sales are poorly planned, horribly advertised, and badly run. When all a seller has to show for their trouble at the end of the day is a $28 profit and a sunburn, that’s a terrible waste of a Saturday afternoon.

Below are 14 tips that will help you to have a fun, successful, and profitable garage sale:

1. Clean and repair the items you will be selling, as needed. Pump up old sports balls. Put new batteries in any electronic gadgets. Dust away cobwebs and dirt. The better condition your merchandise is in, the more money you’ll get for it.

2. Flip carefully through the pages of your used books. I once nearly sold a college textbook that I had been using to press an irreplaceable picture of my children.

3. If you have a few individual pieces of a larger set (for instance, one or two plates of china), display them proudly. Dealers and collectors will often pay a nice price for such items.

4. If your vegetable garden or fruit tree is bursting with extra produce, consider selling it at your garage sale (e.g., “3 lemons for a dollar”). This is a great way to get rid of excess fruits and vegetables that you probably wouldn’t have been able to eat anyway.

5. Hang colorful, full-page fliers for your garage sale at your local grocery store, coffee house, gymnasium, laundromat, and community college. And anywhere else close to your home that has a bulletin board.

6. Draw large, thick arrows on your street signs, just below your street address. Make sure these arrows point in the right direction!

7. Once you have taped up your street signs, drive by to make sure they’re easy to read. A sign that looks fine in the light of your kitchen might be hard to read by someone driving in heavy traffic, bad weather, or at night.

8. Have two or three reliable tape measures/yardsticks on hand. People often like to measure furniture or other items to make sure they will fit in a particular space.

9. Check the location and times of other garage sales near your home. Direct customers to those sales after they’re done shopping at yours – and suggest that they tell people about your sale.

10. Price each item individually. This will keep you from having to answer the question, “How much is this thing?” every ten seconds.

11. Decide beforehand who will set the prices – my mother-in-law once sold several of my trinkets for 50 cents each, even though I had priced them myself at $6.

12. Place current advertisements next to some of the used merchandise you’re selling. When somebody sees that the used roller blades you are offering for $30 would cost them $250 new, they’ll feel like they’re getting a bargain.

13. Make sure that your garage is well lit, especially if you are displaying or selling items in your actual garage (as opposed to your driveway or lawn).

14. Keep careful records of all items sold (and money collected) during a multi-family sale. After a successful sale, the last thing you need is bickering – and potential hard feelings – between the families.

About the Author:Jim Gratiot is the author of the booklet "104 Invaluable Secrets to Increasing Your Garage Sale Profits." To learn more – and to gather 90 more useful tips for your garage sale – visit http://www.bestgaragesalesecrets.com.

10 Points To Check Before Buying A Motorcycle

2008-03-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.

Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855motorcycles.com , the premier website to find motorcycles, motorcycle parts, used motorcycles, motorcycle accessories, motorcycles for sale, motorcycle insurance, electric motorcycle and many more.

Secret Tips For Shopping for the Right Wrist Watch for You

2008-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

The earliest of watches were first carried on a chain and worn around a ladies neck, and were also carried in the seam or a waistband of their dress. Conversely, a man would store their watch in the pocket of their waistcoat. Back in those days the women had more options, as they had the ability to wear their watches on rings or as brooches as well.

Present-Day Watches

Nowadays the most likely way to carry a watch is on your wrist. It is convenient, simple, and can show the time in the most efficient manner. Nevertheless, ever since they first appeared wrist watches have progressed a long way, and nowadays a watch stands for so much more than just simply being a time telling device.

For every occasion there is a wristwatch, and due to the fact that they are so readily available in an extensive assortment at reasonable cost, the majority of people will have more than a few of them to match their every need.

Some likely occasions for which the majority of individuals will have a designated wristwatch; a watch for common everyday use (in regards to our occupation), an additional one for formal wear, and a watch for sports for the times that you go to the gymnasium or practice other types of sports such as, for instance, swimming.

Shopping for a Wristwatch

Since the choice is so extensive, the first thing you must realize is for what occasion or event you are buying a watch, and then appropriate the necessary funds you have for it, this will narrow down your choice. It is crucial that you shop around prior to making your selection, particularly if you are thinking about buying an expensive brand-name watch.

You will find that there are numerous designer brands that make beautiful wristwatches, some of which are considered jewelry pieces in and of themselves. When you are intending on buying this kind of watch, you must be mindful of the quality of the actual jewels themselves and not just the primary function of the watch, because it will not be purchased completely for that sole purpose.

Helpful Tip

Wristwatches that are less expensive are typically bought for everyday use, sports, or other rough types of usage you have intentions for such as camping, hiking etc.. In the event that they break down on you the loss will not be as significant and you can quite easily replace it by purchasing another inexpensive watch.

Brands that are well-known will always give you assurance with great guarantees and always a Swiss movement due to the fact that they have the best. Thus, it is not so much the mechanism itself you should concern itself with, but more to the point if the brand as well as the cost that you are going to pay is actually what you are looking for.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of electronics. If you would like to learn more go to http://www.watchesadvisor.com/ and at http://www.watchesadvisor.com/watch-manufacturers/timex-watch/

Five Reasons Why I recommend Dyson Vaccum Cleaner As A Good Buy

2008-03-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

In recent years, Dyson has eaten into market leader Hoover’s share. The main reason for this is that Dyson came into the market on the initiative of its inventor, who actually offered the innovative vacuum cleaner to Hoover.

In fact, he approached all the major manufacturers, and everyone of them turned him down. This could rank as one of the most short-sighted decisions in the history of the vacuum cleaner industry. In fact, a Hoover spokesman once admitted the folly of not accepting Dyson’s product. Had Hoover consented, he said, they wouldn’t have had to face the competition they now do, as the new technology was likely to have then decayed, on a shelf.

That’s when Dyson decided to manufacture and market his product on his own. It took him about five years to get a patent, but there was no looking back after that.

So, how does Dyson’s cleaner do what traditional vacuum cleaners do not? These are the seven reasons I rate Dyson as a cleaner worth buying, over traditional vacuum cleaners:

1. No Clogging:

There’s no clogging of the bag, in a Dyson cleaner, because there is no bag. The bag present on traditional cleaners was dispensed with, after it was found that clogging of the bag reduced suction.

2. Advantage of being bag-less:

The cleaner does not have a bag. That means there’s no bag to empty, from time to time.

3. Good Airflow:

High Velocity Airflow technology insures good airflow and better cleaning, in a Dyson.

4. Quality Filter:

The HEPA filter used on a Dyson cleaner prevents clogging of the filter which traditional machines suffer.

5. Maneuverability:

Vacuum cleaners are no fun when you struggle to move them. The ball in the Dysoin’s vacuum head prevents this problem.

6. Build Quality:

These cleaners are rugged because the manufacturers use ABS and polycarbonate for the casing. (You will find this material in cars, and crash helmets.) Also, you will agree with me when I say that the upright design looks sleek and radical.

7. Innovation:

Above everything else, I credit Dyson for thinking innovatively, for thinking about the buyer, and not just about profits.

Though these cleaners are a bit heavy and some of them have high clearance making it hard to clean under furniture, I recommend Dyson Vaccum Cleaner as the pluses are more than the minuses.

Richard J. Runion is the President of Geostar Publishing & Services LLC. Rich loves net research & blogging. His new blog on Dyson Vaccum Cleaner is fast becoming popular, as it is comprehensive and well-researched. Read his blog at: http://www.dysonvaccumcleanerreview.com

Cell Phones for Children- 4 Options

2008-03-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

There was a time that many parents balked at the idea of buying their child a cell phone. Fortunately, many now see that cell phones are the best way for your busy kids to contact you and for you to keep tabs on them. How do you choose which cell phone to buy them with all of the great options out there?

It is important that you do your research and think about the needs of your child as well as what you want out of the phone. All of the companies claim to have a superior product, but you should do a little digging in order to see beyond the hype. There are several brands to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

Firefly Phones
Kajeet Phones
LG Migo
Leapfrog’s Tic Talk phone.

Firefly Phones

The Firefly cell phone is a great option. It is very simple to use because it actually doesn’t have a camera, MP3 player, or video. This phone doesn’t weigh very much as a direct result of losing those features. This will be a relief for many kids and parents as we are used to having to carry quite a bit for our busy lives.

The Firefly kid’s cell phone has a neat display screen that will show how much battery power is left as well as the signal strength that is available. For those parents who are worried about their children answering from unknown callers, phone number ID is displayed for incoming calls.

Your kids may not care so much about the actually functionality of the phone, but they’ll all want their Firefly mobile phone to look cool. There are some neat color skins that you can purchase for your kids to instantly change the look of their cell phone.

The Firefly kids cell phone is a wonderful option for you if you want to have a lot of control over the phone calls your children make and receive. There is no need to worry that your child will spend hours and hours talking on their phone. Parents can control who can call in. This function offers a great piece of mind.

Despite those great features, there are many people who will not be happy with the Firefly prepaid phone. It is missing many of the “cool” features your children have come to appreciate and enjoy. There is no way to organize the phone or send text messages.

Kajeet Phones

Another phone you may want to consider is from Kajeet phones. This phone is unique in that it was designed by parents and beta tested by kids.

Many parents who’ve tested this phone have been very impressed with all that it offers. It can be very dangerous to just give your child a regular cell phone. With regular phones they can call anyone and receive calls from anyone. Kajeet phones really helps to eliminate this problem.

With this phone you can set whom your kids can call. This is important if you don’t want them wasting away their minutes on calling friends for hours on end. Another neat feature is the ability to set the hours when your children can make phone calls.

There are some children who will try and sneak in calls here and there at school. With Kajeet phones you can allow them to call home and 911, but block all other calls during the school day.

Another great feature is that you can give your children a phone allowance. They may miss the ability to buy ringtones and other “fun” things. With Kajeet phone’s cell phone allowance they will have the ability to buy these things if you want them to. Once they’ve spent their allotment, they cannot spend any more money until you’re ready for them to.

Kajeet phones are neat because they’ve really listened to their target audience and their parents. Even a quick visit to their website show that they really do pay attention to what kids in this day and age need and want.

LG Migo Phone

The LG Migo phone is another option in the world of cell phones for kids. It is a bright green color that will immediately attract children who want a cool looking phone to impress their friends. This phone is geared towards a slightly younger audience, which is something to keep in mind.

The phone has five speed dial buttons that you can program. This is a great option for younger children who are unable to remember phone numbers.

LG Migo also has a Chaperone service that is ideal for parents. The system acts as a kind of GPS device. You set the boundaries that are ok for your child to be in. If they leave that area your phone will be notified with a text message. This is something to keep in mind for safe use of cell phones for children

Leapfrog’s TicTalk Phone

Another entry into the world of cell phones for children is Leapfrog’s Tic Talk phone. The TicTalk phone is probably one of the most unique looking cell phones out there. It looks a bit like a stopwatch and is very durable. This is a good model for parents who are worried that their children will immediately break the phone. Leapfrog’s TicTalk phone should stand up to even the most active of children.

The TicTalk works by scrolling through numbers in a phonebook. There is no dialing involved for the child. This may or may not be easy to get used to, but can actually be quite convenient once they learn the ropes.

Parents set the actual phone up online. This is a great way to add convenience for those who prefer the simplicity of typing online.

Kids will want to scoop Leapfrog’s TicTalk phone up because it has games on it that are pre-installed by Leapfrog. The phone is overall more full featured than some other cell phones for kids that are available today.

How Should I Choose?

There are many different cell phones for children that are on the market today. It is up to you and your child to decide which features are the most valuable to you. Your first priority should be the safe use of cell phones for children. Then, pick the best option for your family.

For more info on technology for children (including where to find great discounts), visit http://BestKidTechnology.wordpress.com and http://BestComputerBuy.wordpress.com.

Jewelry Display Kit $79

2008-03-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!!!
Jewelry Display Kit $79

Perfect for safely transporting jewelry and creating a beautiful display at boutiques, home shows and expos. Kit includes:

1 Zippered Grey & Black Tray Case 9" x 16" (trays included, $26 value)

1 Black Velvet single ring stand ($5 value)

1 Black Velvet double ring stand ($9 value)

1 black velvet bust ($10 value)

3 Ring Insert trays, ea. holds 36 rings ($10 value EACH)

1 Black Velvet 45 pair pierced earring display board ($12 value)

4 Flat black velvet necklace boards ($2 value EACH)

1 Black Velvet bracelet 'tree' (holds 10+, $10 value)

1 Spinning, 4 sided black & clear acrylic earring card rack ($10 value)

1 Black Velvet necklace hook board (holds 15, $4 value)

1 Black table top swivel mirror, minor chips in paint ($10 value)

TOTAL VALUE $134

TAKE ALL $79!

STORE CLOSED! Jewelry Inventory $999.99 TAKES ALL!

2008-03-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!!!
ENTIRE Jewlery Collection - 53+ pieces/sets:

Retail Value $1,939

Sacrifice $999.99!

Includes items by: Jewels By Parklane, Cookie Lee, Lia Sophia, and handmade, stamped sterling silver creations by Santa Fe, NM designers.

Not all items shown, additional photos and list of items available upon request. FR*E*E Shipping for paid in full up front by cash or payapl, OR break into 3 payments (credit card ONLY, buyer pays shipping).

Decorative Country Mirror $35 (CO)

2008-03-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!!!
Decorative Mirror $35

This lovely decorative mirror has working shutters. A beautiful accent either open or closed. Gives the illusion of space in small areas.

Handpainted Floral Accent Table $35

2008-03-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!!!
Hand-painted Accent Table $35

A perfect addition for your hall, entry, or bath. Painted, decorative metal table with adorable floral design.

$3 Stock Up Sale!

2008-03-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

$3.00 STOCK UP SALE!

ENTIRE cosmetics & skin care inventory only $3 PER ITEM! This is an INCREDIBLE savings - lowest minimum value of any product is $6 - many with a value of $45 or more! Take as many items as you want for ONLY $3 per item! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST - does not apply to new orders. MANY ITEMS ALREADY SOLD OUT!!!!

MUST REPLY TO POST for details! Please mention specific brand you may be interested in if possible. coloradoconnector@gmail.com

Liquidating Soy Candle Inventory - $99 Takes ALL.

2008-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Gourmet Soy Candles $99 TAKES ALL!

Clean burning gourmet soy candles are triple scented, long lasting, and soot free! Only a few yummy scents left...

JAR CANDLES
(value $18.95 each):
TWO - 16oz Eucalyptus Jar Candles (excellent for flu season!)

ONE - 16oz Sweet Orange & Chili Pepper

ONE - 16oz Antique Lace & Linen

ONE - 16oz Sweet Fig & Wild Berry

ONE - Liquorice & Grapeseed

NOW $9.50 EACH OR $57 ALL FIVE! (value $113.70!)

VOTIVE CANDLES (value $3.00 each):

12 - Sweet Fig & Wild Berry

12 - Liquorice & Grapeseed

05 - Antique Lace & Linen

NOW $1.50 EACH OR ALL FOR $43.50! (an $87 value!)

EMAIL coloradoconnector@gmail.com

Free & Clear Real Estate System $25 - ONLY ONE!

2008-03-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Free & Clear Real Estate System $25

Includes everything listed, never opened:

Amazing Profits workbook
Free and Clear Real Estate Directory
Free and Clear Properties By Mail workbook
Pennies On The Dollar Tax Lien Edition CD ROM
Pennies On The Dollar Tax Deed Edition CD ROM
Making Money On The Internet resource guide
Free and Clear Making Money on the Internet CD-ROM
Quick Start DVD

Everything you need to start making money TODAY. Purchased for $39.95 (+ tax & ship): only $25 + shipping

PayPal accepted!

EMAIL coloradoconnector@gmail.com

INVENTORY LIQUIDATION - Swiss Botanical Skin Care

2008-03-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

THE WHOLE KIT & CABOODLE, all NEW & unopened - a $781.50 retail value!!!

Consultant price = $547.05, YOURS FOR $349!!!!

Includes:

Nutrimin C -
Body Kit: REactivating Body Serum & REfinish Hydrating Body Lotion, still in lovely gold tote, still in plastic, $87 value

Re9 Night Creme, $79 value

Key West Summer Color Set -
8 Eye Colors (whisked Away, SandCastle, Brighten My Day, Moonlit Night, Bird Of Paradise, Trade Wind, Wade In The Water, Hit The Beach), $12 EACH value

2 LipStick Colors (Island Kiss, Passion Fruit) $16.50 EACH value

2 Lip Gloss (Flamingo Pink, Tropical Punch) $16 EACh value

Intelligence -
1 Body Lotion $19.50 value
2 Herbal Foot Cream $16 EACH value
1 Exfoliating Masque w/Thermal Fusion $32 value

Figure 8 Cellulite Removal Set (Pre-shower Scrub & Contouring Cream)

Herbal Vapor Soak $22 value

Luxurious Almond -
1 Body Velvet Cream, $30 value
1 Body Buff Scrub, $30 value

FYI Collection Kits -
Each includes Body Wash, Body Cream, and .32oz Fragrance Spray, $54 EACH value
1 Firtatious Kit
1 Mysterious Kit
1 Ambitious Kit

Baby
1 Body Shampoo $14 value
2 Lotion $14 EACH value

PayPal (preferred), cash, or credit card - No checks or money orders.

Outside of Colorado - shipping will be added to total. THANK YOU!

(Photos show three view of same items.)

EMAIL INQUIRIES...

Shopping Can Be Fun (1957)

2008-02-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

Refurbished

2008-02-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone likes a great deal. But one type of deal often overlooked by Internet shoppers is the savings you can get on refurbished products. The Internet has made it easy to buy a wide range of reconditioned goods, from refurbished iPods, digital cameras and computers, to reconditioned exercise equipment, sporting gear and kitchen appliances. But what, exactly, does refurbished mean?

Refurbished goods are items that meet the same factory standards as new products, but due to law, cannot be sold as new. They are returned to the manufacturer for a variety of reasons. For instance, it may be an item that was returned by a customer for any reason within the return period, even if the product is in perfect shape, or it could be an item that was used as a store demo or display. It may also be an item that was leased out for a short period or returned because it obtained minor cosmetic flaws, such as scratches or small dents during transit or delivery.

These products which can no longer be sold as new are then returned to the manufacturer, who inspects them and makes any necessary changes to restore them to their original factory specifications. They are tested again to ensure they meet all the specifications and standards of a new product. Then they are offered for sale again as factory refurbished products, and generally they are priced less than the same new product. Refurbished items are also called as "refurbs" for short, or "factory reconditioned," or "remanufactured" products

The advantage in purchasing refurbished products is that these products generally are so well tested before being put up for sale again that they have a very low return rate, which means you can feel confident when buying refurbished goods. In addition, because they can’t be offered as new, these items are usually priced less than their new counterparts, so you’ll save money. And because reconditioned goods are restored to factory conditions, they usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This may be for the same time period as a new product, or may be less, so be sure to read the warranty before making your purchase.

There is no limit to the variety of reconditioned products for sale. You can shop online for refurbished digital cameras, printers, laptop computers and other electronic goods, as well as a range of other reconditioned items such as refurbished paintball guns, exercise equipment, golf clubs, small appliances and much more. The internet has made the availability of these items much easier.

While buying any refurbished product, keep in mind the following points.

1. Learn about refurbs from Internet reviews, media or other sources. This homework is essential to get the best deal as you get to compare prices just as with new products and other manufacturers and dealers. Never settle for anything less than what you are looking for just because you think you’ll save money.

2. Read the warranty. Sometimes factory refurbished products have a shorter warranty period than new products, so check out the warranty period before making the purchase.

3. Check your product upon receipt. Just as you would inspect a new product after you purchase it, be sure to check the reconditioned item also and contact the dealer or manufacturer right away if you notice any problems.

Thousands of people buy refurbished iPods, computers, digital cameras and other factory reconditioned goods every year, and most have no problems. So if you’re looking to save money on a pricey item, check the manufacturer’s website to see if you can find a refurbished model for less. You could end up saving a lot of money.

Happy shopping!

Diane Howard is the author of this article on refurbished ipod. Find more information about refurbished computers here.

Couponing 101: Saving Money Clipping Coupons

2008-02-26T16:35:00.000-08:00

You've probably stood in a checkout line behind someone who has a coupon for every item they've purchased, and it seems like eternity until they are finished. But, they probably saved over 50% to 80% off their grocery bill in that few minutes!

How, you ask?

If you want to try your hand at snipping scissors for savings, first you need the coupons! The best source for coupons is in the Sunday newspapers. The inserts are tucked in the middle with the advertisements.

With the cost of a Sunday paper usually ranging from $1.00 - $1.50, it is a good investment with sometimes hundreds of dollars worth of coupons. And can you believe most people throw them away? Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors to save the inserts for you. Be on the lookout for businesses that subscribe and leave papers around for customers to read (i.e. Gas Stations, Laundry Mats). Check recycling bins. "Dumpster dive" if you have to.

On Monday, ask your newspaper carrier and stores if they have any leftover Sunday papers that didn't sell. Vendors usually only have to send in certain parts of the newspaper (i.e. the heading) of those that didn't sell to get credit for unsold papers. But they still have the coupons inside!

Unfortunately around Holidays, coupon inserts aren't as plentiful. So, you may want to check the Newspaper in the Newsstand on Mother's Day before searching the couch cushions for pocket change. And not all Sunday newspapers carry the same inserts. Some may have one, and another three. And even if they carry the same inserts, the amounts of the coupons may be different! It is common that coupons have a higher dollar value in an urban area over a rural area.

More ways to obtain coupons is directly from the manufacturers. Call the toll-free number on your favorite brands asking for coupons. Telling them first how much you like their product is a good introduction to your plea. Most will be happy to mail you coupons. Also check out to see if the product has a website. Email them or use their contact form to inquire. Don't forget to include your mailing address.

Look over your empty canned goods labels and boxed food items before throwing them in the trash. Usually you can find a toll-free number to call (see above) on the package. Some packages also adorn their own coupons good on their next purchase. And many companies are now participating in Boxtops for Education and Campbell's Labels for Education, so take a second to cut out the little symbol for the school of your choice. Those 10¢ add up fast when many people save, and all schools, public and private alike, appreciate them.

Also look for "hang-tags" on items in the store. Some will say "Save $$$ now" and if you read the print, it does not have to be used on only that certain item. Look for hangtags on wine, as some offer $$$ off soda, meat or produce, with NO alcohol purchase required.

Another plan to acquire coupons is to beg, borrow or steal from other couponers. Ok, maybe not steal. Barter. If you don't know any coupon locales, you can meet them through Refund/Coupons Magazines and Internet Chat Boards. It is prohibited to actually sell coupons, but you can "purchase" coupons from Coupon Services who charge a "handling fee" per coupon (for their time to cut, sort and mail). You can even bid on coupons on Ebay!

The newest way to add coupons to your collection is to print them directly from the Internet to your printer (i.e. FreePrintables.net)! Some stores have yet to accept these thinking they are counterfeit. But printable coupons are definitely the wave of the future. Many sites make you register first, and your name may even appear on the coupon or are bar-coded with your information. Others may only let you print one or two of the same coupon before you get a "Sorry you've already printed your quota for that coupon" message.

Once you have your coupons, it is best to have some rhyme or reason to them, so it is easier to find the coupon you want when you need it. You can use a simple recipe box with dividers, a three ring binder with divided pages (like for baseball cards), or you can even buy a "real" coupon organizer.

Then you need to categorize your coupons within your organizer. There are several ways people sort theirs. The simplest way is to organize by generic classifications (i.e. Baby, Pet, Frozen Foods, Dairy, Paper Products, Health & Beauty, etc). Another way to sort is by expiration date. Couponers with thousands of coupons file the full inserts by the name of the insert (SmartSource, Valassis, Proctor & Gamble) and the date that it came out.

Make a date once a month with your coupon organizer to weed out expired coupons. This can be done easily while watching your favorite show on the television. Your kids can even help. If you have an extra stamp to spare, mail those expired coupons overseas for the deployed military to use at the commissaries. Some commissaries accept coupons up to six months after the expiration date.

Never throw out any coupons thinking you won't use them! Even if you have coupons for products you know you won't use, you may find those products on sale or clearance and after using a coupon may be only a few cents or even free! Save health and beauty items for gift baskets. Donate canned goods to food pantries. Sell Cleaning Supplies at a rummage sale. You get the idea.

Watch the weekly ads and stock up when something you use is on sale, and especially when you have a coupon for those sale items. Some stores will let you combine a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon (i.e. Target and Walgreens). Other stores price match if you bring in their competitor's ad. Price matching is good if the original store is out of stock and your coupons expire before the rain checked items come in. It's also good to save on trekking all over town to get the sales when you could get them all at Super-Walmart, for example.

Ask if your favorite store offers a reward program. Baker's offers a club card you swipe every time you shop to get their discount prices. HyVee's checkout spits out Catalina coupons to use on your next purchase when you purchase certain items. Register all of your grocery and drugstore cards at Upromise.com, and they deposit 1% - 5% of the purchase price of thousands of different brands into a college fund for the person of your choice!

Some lucky shoppers get to take advantage of "Double Coupon Sales" or even "Triple Coupon Sales" where the store actually doubles the value of the coupon, up to a certain amount. For example, the store may advertise "Double Coupons up to 99¢!" Any coupon value 99¢ or lower, will be doubled, but $1.00 and up will be normal value. The store themselves eat the doubled value as an incentive to pull in shoppers.

Be sure to browse the Clearance Sections of your store. Target is known for having deep discounts on their end shelves hidden in the store. Also, if your coupon boasts "Valid on ANY size", buy the trial size! Be sure to calculate if you are getting a deal. Sometimes, it may still be cheaper to buy a generic brand of something, than to use a coupon on a name brand something.

If the price of a product is more than the value of your coupon (i.e. Shampoo is 99¢ and you have a $1 off coupon), it is up to the store whether they will give you whole value of the coupon (where you make a profit) or just deduct the cost of the product. Either way, the store will be reimbursed for the full amount of the coupon plus the standard 8¢ redemption fee they receive. So, even though cashiers act like they hate coupons, it's in the store's best interest to accept them.

Rebate and Refund forms are another way to "cash" in on savings. These are obtained the same way coupons are only they are not as plentiful. The best ones offer "Try Us Free!" Read the fine print, as most require you buy the product within a specific time period, and mail in the cash register receipt (with the purchase price circled) along with the UPC barcode from the product. Mail in as soon as possible, so it doesn't get forgotten about before the deadline. Many, many people forget to mail in their forms or don't read the fine print and miss out.

Stores, like Ace Hardware and Office Max, offer their own rebate booklets where you can take advantage of multiple offers with one form to get cash back. Some stores, like Walgreens, Shopko and Menards, offer their "cash back" in the form of store credit. You can turn around and use your store credit next month to buy new products that are FAR (Free After Rebate)! And you can combine coupons with rebates!

"Triple Plays" are music to Couponer's ears. This can mean that 1) the product is on sale, 2) you have a coupon and 3) the store offers a monthly rebate program. Or 1) there is a store coupon, 2) you have a manufacturer coupon and 3) you have a mail-in rebate for that product. The possibilities are endless. And most possibilities turn out with totally free products.

Unfortunately most perishable items do not have coupons for them. But you can still save! Watch when meat is marked down. Markets must sell their cut meat after so many days, so you can get meat 50% off or more on the cut off day. If you don't need any meat for the next few days to use it, freeze it to use later! Also watch for big ten-pound tubes of hamburger to go on sale, as it is a lot cheaper per pound. Buy some freezer bags and divide it up into smaller portions and freeze.

Long timer couponers have yearlong supplies of certain stockpiled items, like toothpaste, razors, shampoo and cleaning supplies. When they are out of an item, they simply "shop" their stockpile closet. Not only did they save money buying the item, they saved time not having to run to the store to buy it again.

And There's More Coupons!

Watch for coupons to save when dining out at your favorite restaurant, to get a free membership to the gym, or even to save 25% off new clothes at the mall boutiques. These are also found in Entertainment booklets, newspaper ads and printable online.

Now, that you know how to save on most everything you need or want, there are also virtual coupons! Most online merchants offer promotional codes to be used during the checkout process for percentages off your purchase or even free shipping. ShoppingBookmarks.com categorizes thousands of coupon codes for hundreds of merchants. No need to go out now. Sit in front of your computer and have your good delivered to your door for less!

Kim Rowley (aka www.ShoppingKim.com) is proud to boast that she is a "Coupon Queen" when it comes to saving money feeding and clothing her four children in Pierce, Nebraska.

Pink Furniture For Girls

2008-02-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

“Think Pink” with Wishrooms’ fabulous collection of pink furniture sets. Anything pink has become one of the most popular trends in decorating girl’s rooms. Two of the best selling lines are the Tea Party Collection and the Fancy Butterfly Collection.

The Pink Tea Party Collection includes a table and chair set (where else do you put the tea and crumpets), extra chairs for friends, rocking chair, bookshelves, and even a miniature kitchen. The design has a quaint, countryside charm to it: a soft pastel pink and white combination, and a “time for tea” design accented by delicate flower and a flowing ribbon. For example, the rocking chair has a teapot and teacups painted on its back. The chair is rimmed with pink and white stripes, while the bookshelf has two layers to store storybooks, dolls, or an array of plastic cups and saucers for the next high tea with the Queen.

The Tea Party collection also has a darling refrigerator. The surface of the front door is magnetic, and can also be used as a bulletin board. Just use a whiteboard marker, and then dry-erase when necessary. It’s not only useful (there are freezer and refrigerator areas where kids can store snacks) but makes a charming additional to any girl’s kitchen. The handles are a cute purple, while the subtle frame design is eye bragging without being difficult to pair with other items. Of course, it’s easier to equip the entire nursery in the Tea Party theme.

The refrigerator complements the Tea Party Kitchen, which as a removable sink and burners. Here “mommy’s little helper” can prepare a buffet for stuffed animal friends, or practice serving high tea to her teddy bear guests.

Another popular product is the Pink Butterfly Collection, which includes a rocking chair, toy chest, table and chairs, storage step up, clothes tree and lamp. The whimsical design—friendly butterflies in baby pink, a creamy yellow, and lavender—is perfect for a bedroom, playroom or playroom.

The toy box doubles as a window seat, and can be used to store precious toys and personal belongings, from dolls to journals and photo albums. She can also use the lid as a shelf for favorite stuffed animals, or as a makeshift desk for drawing or tea parties. The table lamp has charming butterflies clustered around flowers at its vase. The rocking chair has a pink butterfly backing, small circles and flowers accenting the seat.

Both sets are in a beautiful pink, perfect for a girl who loves that color, or for moms who want very feminine, very delicate décor! To complete the look, pair the furniture with matching accents: pink curtains, pink area rug, or plain pink bed sheet and pillowcases.

Misti is the owner of Wishrooms.com which offers Kid Furniture for Bedrooms and Playrooms at affordable prices

Gothic Clothing Links and Choices

2008-02-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

Gothic clothing is often times associated with punk, rock and tribal music genres. If you are into any of these types of music, you want to change your apparel to fit the types of clothes that others are wearing while attending these concerts, functions and parties. To set yourself out from the crowd, complete the purchase of gothic clothing that fits your particular style, and that you know no one else has in your crowd. You can find gothic clothing in many forms, from tops, to tanks, to belts, buckles, and even boots.

Gothic prints in nylons and in hosiery is a trend that is expanding past the concert and party. The use of gothic clothing is becoming a trend that is finding it’s way into people’s lives that want to spread their own style to show off just what they love, and to make a statement. Gothic clothing along the lines of nylons and hosiery is going to include those that are bold stripes, bold colors, and that will include the use of animal prints. Gothic clothing is a vital part of who you are, expressing yourself, and having fun with the clothes that you have to wear everyday anyway!

Gothic clothing purchases online are available not only in the auctions, but also in new clothes through the shops and retailers you can find online. Gothic clothing is all about animal feelings, taking you back in time to a point where clothing was worn to create an overall appeal and symmetry for the person who is wearing them. Gothic clothing is often times tight, showing off that waist, creating a sexy appeal around the neck and shoulders, and even showing off those long legs.

Tights, nylons and prints for pants, skirts and shorties are all a part of the overall appeal that completes the gothic clothing outfit. For those who wear involved in a cold weather setting, pants and tights were a necessity. Now you can wear these same types of gothic clothing when you want to set yourself apart from the crowd at the party or at the club. Gothic clothing can be worn daily, when you work in a rock or punk setting, when you work in a music, or even a dramatic work setting.

Gothic clothing that can be purchased online is going to include necklaces, lace, belts, clips for the hair, and even shoes. You can find a complete line of gothic clothing online, that will fit your style, your body, and your size. If you are considering purchasing the bodice, or the lace up tight corset you want to remember that the sizes are exact. If you have a large breast size, or a large hip size you may want to review the exact measurements of those types of gothic clothing before ordering your usual size.

Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: www.gothic-clothing.biz/ and also www.gypsy-skirts.com/ and www.peasant-skirts.com/

Buying Smart...

2008-02-13T12:10:00.001-08:00

When you are looking into buying any item there are a few things you will want to be aware of. First, make sure the item is of high quality and will work exactly the way you need it to, regardless of what it is. Make sure you are buying from a reputable retailer or business. If you need to double check, you can check with the better business bureau to see if any reports have been made on that particular retailer. There is nothing worse than buying an item that will break needlessly within days or even arrive broken.

Second, make sure the retailer offers a solid warranty on all items purchased through them. Some retailers will offer an extended warranty on specific items at an additional cost. This is entirely up to you and in addition to the original warranty offered. When buying any item, check with the retailer about the warranty and obtain a full explanation of it. If there is anything you do not understand do not hesitate to ask the sales person. Additionally, you should fully understand what you should do if damage occurs during the warranty period (where you should take the item, how to ship it, and what is covered in shipping).

Another thing you should do when looking to buy a particular item is do some comparison shopping. Look around at various retailers or websites and ensure you are getting the best price possible in addition to the best quality as well. All retailers, rather online or offline, are in constant competition with each other on a daily basis, you may be able to find a better price somewhere else. Before buying your item, look at the price and the warranty offered on that specific item and make your decision based on what is offered.

Lastly, take a good look at the type of customer service that is offered before buying anything. Make sure the retailer is readily available to answer any and all of your questions, that they are kind and helpful, and have a solid track record in customer service. All of this together will help make your buying venture pleasant and easy with the right retailer.

Ginster-Web Shopping, http://www.ginster-web.com/shopping, is a specialized electronic outlet, offering many of all the latest in electronic technology available today. By shopping directly with their online shopping guide you will have all the convenience, flexibility, and discount prices that shop

Magazine Subscriptions: Smart Shopping Or Waste Of Money?

2008-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

As one of the many postcards embedded between the pages of the magazine you’re reading falls to the floor you notice the usual sales jargon about the huge savings you’ll receive by making at least a one year commitment and purchasing a subscription to their particular magazine. To further entice you they might even promise that you can buy now and pay later.

Whether or not purchasing that particular magazine subscription is smart shopping for you can be dependent on how often you buy a particular magazine at the newsstand, and the pricing amongst other things.

Publishers need to sell as many magazine subscriptions as possible, but not for the reasons that you may think. While publishers do generate income from selling magazine subscriptions, the bulk of their revenue comes from the advertising they sell to marketers eager to spread their message to as many consumers as possible. The higher a magazines circulation (the amount of readers they have) the more they are able to charge advertisers.

For this reason Magazine subscriptions are especially important to publishers as they are never completely sure of how well a particular issue will do at the newsstand. Readers may not like the cover; the stories may seem uninteresting, in certain months of the year sales get sluggish as people are reading less, etc. Subscriptions are pre-sold and can be relayed to potential advertisers as such who will be charged accordingly.

It becomes understandable while publishers work hard to increase the amount of magazine subscriptions sold. They must work diligently to keep circulation numbers high or risk losing money. Whether or not you should ignore the postcards or unending number of renewal notices really depends. You may want to think about purchasing a magazine subscription if 2 or more of the following applies to you:

Frequency: You Purchase the Magazine on a Regular Basis:

In general magazine subscriptions are highly discounted in comparison to the prices charged at newsstands. Buying a subscription can easily save you up to 90% off the cover price (newsstand price). For example, if you were to purchase Penthouse Magazine every month for one year it would cost you $99.55. However, the current Penthouse Magazine subscription rate is only $19.95. By purchasing a subscription you save about $80 or approximately $81% off the cover price.

The same is true for popular woman’s magazine Cosmopolitan. The current cover price if paid by the month is $42, compared to a subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine is only $18, a savings of 57%.

The frequency of which you purchase magazine is the key indicator of whether or not a subscription is cheaper for you. If you only purchase Penthouse Magazine once or twice per year, it isn’t cost effective at all.

You Like Free Things

Whose eyes don’t light up when they see the word FREE? Publishers are well aware of this and some have been known to give away free items like tote bags, calendars, clocks, tents and more. Though they are generally not the most expensive items it is a way for the publishers to say thank you.

If you are uninterested in free knick knacks, how about free subscriptions? Some publishers have been known to provide either a second year at no price or extra issues in without cost to further entice would be subscribers.

You want your Magazines ASAP!

One of the perks of purchasing a magazine subscription is that you’ll get the most current issue before it even hits the newsstands. Magazine subscription labels are in general printed up 2-3 months in advance. When the latest issue is hot off the presses it isn’t long before they are delivered to the mailboxes of subscribers. Monthly magazines tend to arrive about 2 weeks before the cover date. Weekly magazines have less lead time but still beat the issues to the stands.

You Want More for Your Money

If huge savings and getting the subscriptions before anyone else doesn’t convince you publishers like to keep one more weapon in their arsenals. Those who purchase their magazine subscriptions are eligible for subscriber only info. This can be in the form of small gifts but often publishers have a members or subscribers only section of their websites. Once there, subscribers can find more in depth articles and features that might have been cut from the print edition due to space limitations, photos, contests and more.

You Are Limited on Time

Let’s face it, most of use are very busy and want things as convenient as possible. You may not have the time to go out every month and hunt down your favorite magazines. When you do have the time you may find out the newsstand has sold out if the magazine published a particularly popular issue.

In most cases we pay far more for the sake of convenience. Magazines might be the one business where you pay less for someone to make things easier on us.

Lisa James is an avid reader of magazine and books. She is also a staff writer for www.suscriba.com, provider of discount magazine subscriptions.

5 Tips to Better Clothes Shopping

2008-02-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. However you look at it, use these five tips to be an effective and organized shopper.

1. Dress well. In order to spend less and buy wisely, dress up in comfortable clothes. It's the same concept as going to the grocery store on a full stomach.

2. Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down. Create a budget.

3. Keep an ongoing list of clothing needs posted in your closet. As you dress each morning, make notes of items you need to complete outfits such as a wider, brown belt or a white tee with v neck. Be specific. Take the list with you when you shop.

4. Before making a purchase ask yourself, "Does this match my wardrobe in terms of color, style and price? Is this on my needs list? How versatile is this piece? How many ways can I wear it?"

5. Shop first at high-end mass merchants (i.e., Target), outlet malls and off-price stores for basics such as tees, shirts and pants. You'll then have more money for seasonal updates like jackets and accessories.

Barbara Myers Barbara Myers is a professional organizer, author and speaker. When planning your next event or needing your personal coach on taking control of your time by organizing your life.

Valentine's Day Gift Shopping Tips

2008-02-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Top 3 Ways To Buy An LCD TV

2008-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

This may come as a surprise to you. Just like other types of big screen TVs, LCD flat screen TVs have some disadvantages, as well. Yes, it's true. For example, LCD TVs have lower contrast ratios than plasmas, because they have a harder time reproducing deep black and dark grays. Their screen also tend to be thicker than plasma screens.

However, a LCD flat screen TV is not susceptible to burn-in and usually is less expensive than plasma televisions. LCD TVs also run cooler than plasma TVs, thereby minimizing the need for noisy fan cooling. Many LCD sets can double as a PC monitors, as well. In terms of longevity, LCD flat screen TVs can last up to 60,000 hours, whereas plasma TVs, on average, last 30,000 to 40,000 hours.

Ready To Buy a LCD Flat Screen TV?
So, you are all set to buy your first LCD flat screen TV? Cool! Here are some shopping tips before you set you mind on a particular model.

1. Check The Black-When you are shopping for your LCD flat screen TV, bring along a DVD movie that has dimly lit scenes. Use this to check for good black reproduction. Don't worry, the sales people won't think you are odd-maybe slightly obsessive, but not weird.

2. Remote Control-A good remote could be the difference between relaxation and frustration. Make sure that the remote control has backlighting so you can see you options in the dark. Also, make sure that the remote is comfortable. It is going to be in your hand a lot! 170-degree Viewing Angles-Try to find a LCD flat screen TV that has 170-degree viewing angles so that you may watch the image from anywhere in the room.

3. HD-Ready-HDTV stands for high-definition television.
So, a HDTV is a television with a built-in digital tuner that shows high-definition broadcasts in true high-definition resolution. We recommend that you buy a LCD flat screen TV that is HD-ready, so that you may view HD programming- it's the wave of the future.

So, look around before you buy the perfect LCD flat screen TV for your home. You should understand that there are some disadvantages to each kind of television format, and nothing can reach perfection-yet. Well, except for maybe a jumbo 65-inch Sharp Aquos TV. LCD TVs can be simply awesome if you know what you are doing when you shop for them.

There is more than meets the eye when LCD TV shopping. These points only scratch the surface (if that!). Find out all the insider info on LCD TVs today.

Roger Wembley is author of “The www.ilcdtv.com”>LCD TV Guide.” Get your copy at www.ilcdtv.com”>www.ilcdtv.com.

3 Great Shopping Tricks 4 Great Buys

2008-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

We all know that Corporate America is out for one person and that is not you. We also know that they carry the upper hand and we so often are left carrying the heavy burden of a credit card maxed out. Is there anything that we can do or are we just victims of capitalism? Good news: We certainly can make a difference and here is how.

1. Shop Around. That’s right! Shop … shops … shop. If you think you have found a bargain the chances are that you did not. Let me give you an example: When I was building my house I acted as the General Contractor (I do not recommend it unless your cholesterol ratings and time schedule are in mint condition). I was in need of a roof truss and figured I would go to a couple of stores that could farm this out for me. My first stop was at Lowes. They quoted me $15,000. I then went across the street to Home Depot and after I gave them my quote they came back with $13,500. Now, here is where the learning lesson comes in, I decoded to not stop there but go to another Lowes close by (I live in an area that has almost 10 Lowes and Home Dept. stores in the Metro community). I did not tell them about my stopping at another Lowes but did mention the Home Depot quote of $13,500. They came back and said $12,000 was the best they could do, I didn’t believe them. After it was said and done I wound up going with the fourth Lowes I found for a total of $7,500! I am not bragging rather trying to convey the need to keep going when you think you got a deal; it often pays off and especially when looking 4 great buys on big ticket items.

2. Buying the Trap Items. What are these? Well, you know how Wal-Mart is famous for the yellow tag items. They admittedly do this so the buyer comes to get that but then they purchase the marked up items. By the time they walk out of the store they feel like they did well in reality they just got taken. I come from Corporate America and believe me they think like this. The truth is you can turn the table on them. How? Buy the Trap Items and get out. One of the golden rules to successful shopping is to be consistently disciplined.

3. Saying NO to the Extended Warranty: Stores often play on the fact that electronics are a big investment, scaring you into buying an Extended Warranty. Don't be fooled! Extended Warranties are just a trick to get you to pay a much greater amount for an item than you need to. It's incredibly profitable for the retailer. This has been well documented by people that look out 4 best buys (Consumer Reports, etc). The solution is to pay for your electronics items with a credit card that provides an extended warranty protection. Most do.

If you would like to see the whole all ten shopping tricks 4 great buys then click on the link to the blog below.

Jack Oblonski is involved in Corporate America and spends his time on a hobby that has become increasingly time consuming but equally rewarding: Finding Great Deal on the Web. He runs a blog that helps others find great deals on the web also. Check it out on: http://www.4greatbuys.wordpress.com

How To Fight The Urge Of Being A Shopaholic?

2008-01-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Many people find shopping to be leisure. I have to admit that when I find myself depressed, shopping releases all of my tension and stress and I feel good deep inside. There may be many of us who are shopaholics and could not resist a good buy especially a good bargain. Being a savvy shopper is good but if a big bulk of your money goes to purchases on clothes, shoes, bag and the like you need to teach yourself to fight the urge of wasting most of your money. I am not saying that buying merchandise that is nice and affordable is a complete waste of money especially if you have every intention of using it. It is just that spending way beyond your budget or maxing out your credit card to make these purchases is not a good thing that could later on lead to debt related problems in the future.

You can help yourself fight the urge to shop by first keeping your money and credit cards out of your reach. When you have extra money that you won’t need try investing them in time deposits or such. Carry only the amount of money that you would need and a little extra for emergencies for your purchases when going to the mall. Do not carry with you your credit card or ATM card unless you have a scheduled purchase like groceries for the week for example to prevent yourself from getting tempted on making unnecessary purchases.

Motivate yourself to save buy having a goal like your dream car, dream house or dream vacation. This would constantly remind you that you are giving up your bad spending habits and impulse shopping sprees for something more worthwhile.

The thrill of shopping, I tell you is the temporary happy feeling we get when so called happy hormones are released into the body. You can divert your attention on other happy activities like exercising for example. Not being able to purchase the latest designer bag or the latest fashion trends in clothes won’t kill you. Besides these items don’t necessarily turn you into a swan if you are an ugly duckling or make everyone admire you just because you are sporting the latest of who’s who in the fashion business.

Resisting the urge to go on a shopping spree is quite difficult, especially for someone who is so used to it. Of course, you cannot expect results in a matter of one day. Having someone around who supports you and helps you control your shopping urge could definitely be such a big help.

Mary Lorainne writes about Blumen Discount Code, Buro Producte Online Deal and Ein Fach Beste Online Coupons

The Shopping Splurge

2008-01-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Should we SPLURGE?

That is the unrequited question for womankind, isn’t it? This is quite possibly the “age old” question for the fashion savior-faire crowd of the world. The answer should come effortlessly; unfortunately we can't all afford to say yes to every expensive pair of heels that summons us or every pricey piece that catches our eye.

What exactly is it that causes us to lose all common sense and spend more than our bank accounts or maxed out credit cards will allow? Splurging is like a drug that picks you up out of that dark hole on a bad day. It can also serve as a reward system. “I just got a promotion, why can’t I buy those pair of Manolos I’ve been hopelessly drooling over at Neiman for the past 6 months?” Sometimes it's all about the label, sometimes it's all about the trend, sometimes it’s just the way it makes you feel. The important thing is that it's fun and it feels good to splurge…on occasion that is. This is where the savvy splurge comes in. A savvy splurge should be something that could be considered a “good investment.” It is these splurges that will last through the ever changing trends of the fashion world. But who is to say that the great pair of pink Ugg boots with the jewels on them or that super-cute hobo peasant skirt aren’t going to carry us through the 21st century? For all you girls out there who think every trendy piece of jewelry and every must have pair of shoes will in fact make a comeback in the year 2015, we might have a thing coming to us when those credit card companies decide to decrease our spending limits, or worse yet, suspend our cards!

So, the key to splurging is deliberation and occasion. If you’ve really thought it through and honestly, after you leave the store and come back a couple times, believe you absolutely HAVE to have that purse, go ahead and SPLURGE! Just make sure this process doesn’t tend to happen on a weekly or even monthly basis. And for those of you who don’t have the liberty of splurging on an $800 bag, stores like Forever 21, Styles for Less and even the local vintage shop or quick online clothing wholesaler come in handy for those ever-popular trends that might be over with a blink of an eye. So when you decide to take the plunge, make sure you are going to get the miles out of those pricey additions to your already fabulous wardrobe.

Happy shopping!

Maleia Puma is a fashion writer for BlankStyle.com - You can read more of her articles and check our stylish apparel by visiting http://www.blankstyle.com/shop

A True Review of Comparison Shopping With A Mobile Phone

2008-01-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

Today, many consumers who make purchases online won’t buy anything until they consult with a comparison shopping website first such as Shopzilla, Cnet.com, or Shopping.com. They understand that comparison shopping ensures that they are getting the best deal around, which is what most value conscious shoppers want after all.

However, with today’s social and lifestyle pace being faster than ever, there is a growing need for comparison shopping on the go. Sure, there are laptops and wireless connections all over the place, but the average person is more likely to leave home with their cell phone instead of their laptop. So, the need for comparison shopping using a mobile phone was answered and there are several ways to take advantage of this new technology.
Google SMS

Google recently launched a new service that allows U.S. mobile phone users to tap into its search results via the short message service (SMS) infrastructure. Users send queries to GOOGL or 46645 and receive results on their phones. The service returns directory information about local businesses via Google Local and provides price comparison shopping information through Froogle.com. It also lets users search for residential phone numbers, dictionary definitions and Web search results snippets. Google SMS also does calculations, area code look-ups and ZIP code look-ups. Results usually come within a minute, and are text-based only.

This is a great alternative to wasting gas money and time driving all over the city looking for the best deal.

Frucall

Launched in March 2006 as the first price-comparison mobile service using voice, Frucall allows consumers to compare retail store prices with prices for the same products on Amazon.com and online comparison shopping service Yahoo Shopping, directly from their mobile phone. It’s a simple solution that sidelines many services that offer price comparison results to be sent via text message. Even better, is that consumers can soon buy products directly from their mobile phone, assuming they have registered and have a valid credit card in their profile. Frucall enables consumers in the midst of examining retail aisles to call a toll-free number (888-FRU-SHOP) and input the product’s barcode. Within approximately 10 seconds, the caller gets a confirmation of the product name and the price of the product as listed online. Currently, the service compares prices for products from a variety of categories available on Amazon including automotive supplies, books, electronics, jewelry, movies, music, tools and pet supplies. There are even features that will allow consumers to save purchase history, makes notes, and reminders.

Lastly, is that Frucall be accessed from any phone and since the results are not returned via SMS, there are no text messaging fees that sometimes occurs with Google SMS.

Conclusion

With cell phones being as popular as socks, and everyone from age 10 to 100 having one, there is no surprise that mobile phone comparison shopping services are taking off. It is a simple concept that brings tremendous value for consumers who are looking to save a few dollars; and they can now feel confident about making the right purchasing decision, online or offline.

To learn about online comparison shopping tools, please visit: http://www.frucall.com . Michael Brito is an Internet Marketing Consultant - http://www.michaelbrito.com - for a variety of consumer goods and services.

Bag Yourself a Bargain

2008-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

End of season sales are a great way to bag yourself a bargain but do you usually find yourself buying a load of rubbish that you will never wear. We give you some top tips to getting the best bargains in the sales.

Ensure that you are well prepared for the sales. Start by finding out when the sales start. Decide on roughly what you want to get in the sales and have a look in the shops so you have a good idea of where to go first. The best items to buy in the sales are wardrobe basics and neutral coloured items with classic tailoring. These are the items that you are most likely to wear next season. This winters must have neon pink fluffy jumper will only be consigned to the bin when next winter comes and it is no longer in fashion. Some good buys are black tailored trousers, jeans, leather jackets, cashmere jumpers and white shirts.

On the day of sales, have a really good breakfast to ensure you have enough energy to survive the scrum. Get there reasonably early or all of the best stuff will be gone. You may not be able to return sale items if they do not fit although your statutory rights should not be affected. The best option for ensuring that tops and jackets fit is to wear a vest top and just try them on in the shop, this will save valuable time and avoid queuing for the changing rooms. It is also a good idea to wear comfy shoes perhaps ballet pumps that can easily be slipped off if you want to try on shoes and there is no seat available.

The main thing to remember in the sales is if in doubt don’t buy it, you will probably never get round to wearing it. If something is really cheap, it is only a bargain if you wear it. If you really can’t face the scrum of sales in the high street, you can always try the online sales, a great way to bag yourself a bargain without leaving the warmth and comfort of your home.

About The Author
Danielle Sharpe This article was written for Designer High Street - The Ultimate Guide for Ladies of Style For more articles and features on style, trends and fashion - see http://www.designerhighstreet.com

Ten Tips For Safe Online Shopping

2008-01-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

Online shopping still poses a number of concerns for shoppers. Security and confidentiality issues are some of the main reaons (as is theft) inhibiting the growth of online shopping.

While we recognise that there are evil perpetrators out there who are looking to take advantage of the naive Internet user, it is important to remember that most reputable online shopping websites where online transactions are concluded take a very proactive stance on Internet Security. However, here are some basic safe shopping guidelines that online shoppers can follow to ensure that their online shopping experience is fun, comfortable, safe and secure.

1. Reputation: Make sure the website that you are dealing with is reputable and has a positive reputation amongst its community. See if they offer testimonials, references or a forum whereby its users can openly post notes about their experience on that particular website.

2. Ratings & Testimonials: If the website you are transacting with provides a platform whereby buyers can purchase from various sellers in an e-Commerce environment, check if the website offers a rating system that allows users to rate one another based on their experiences. The more you can find out about the people you are conducting trades with the better judgment you will have in order to make informed purchasing decisions.

3. Guard Your Password: Never give any of your Internet passwords to anyone including the owners of the website in question. While your username may be visible to everyone, your password is not and it should always remain completely confidential.

4. Beware of Phishing Scams: Beware of Phishing scam artists. Phishing is a type of e-mail scam designed to steal your personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data, or other information. These con artists design e-mail messages that appear to come from the websites that you trust, requesting you to provide them with personal information. The important thing to remember is that there is no reason for anyone to request your personal details if you have already registered on a site and disclosed this information in a secure environment.

5. Protect Your Credit Card: The most common type of online fraud is credit card theft. So make sure never to disclose your credit card details to anyone over the telephone, in e-mails or on sms. Furthermore, before concluding a purchase on any website where you disclose your credit card details, make sure that you are in a secure website. Ensure that the address in your browser address bar is an https website; this is where the https is in front of the URL indicating that you are now in a secure session. Look out for the yellow padlock icon that displays at the bottom right of your computer screen when you are trying to confirm if you are in a safe and secure online trading environment.

6. Avoid Pre-orders: Avoid paying upfront pre-ordered stock. Although to most of you this makes common sense you would be alarmed at the number of people that are caught out by this.

7. Warranties & Guarantees: Find out of the sellers or online stores offer any form of warranties, guarantees or buyer protection services. This reinforces the intention of trade between the buyer and seller and ultimately adds credibility to the seller and their items.

8. Too Good To Be True: Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. Be sure to do your research on the item that you are interested in buying and know the reasonable price range that you can expect to pay for an item. If an item seems too good to be true, it probably is.

9. Shipping Costs: Make sure that you are 100% comfortable that the seller is legitimate, that the seller's ratings are good, that the shipping charges are reasonable and that the item's description is a true reflection of what you are buying before making payment.

10. When In Doubt: The final and most important tip of all is, if at any stage you are not comfortable with any transaction, contact the website owners and discuss any concerns that you may have with them.

Online shopping is one of the most convenient and exciting ways to shop today and its ultimate explosion relies on how soon the majority of consumers get the elusive warm and fuzzy feeling about shopping online.

By: Gillian Meier. To find out more about buying or selling on bidorbuy, visit our how to buy or how to sell help sections. You can also read more about the bidorbuy safety and trust programme.

Ultimate Hip-hop Clothing Experience from Christian Audigier at Raining Hollywood

2008-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Shopping online is the in thing nowadays, and Raining Hollywood has given you more reasons why you should not bother to go to the crowded malls to purchase your clothing needs. At Raining Hollywood, even with your pajamas on, you can log on to their site and buy the latest in the fashion trends. No need to worry about getting jammed in the traffic, Raining Hollywood is easily accessible with a click of the mouse and some pressing on your keyboard. Raining Hollywood has changed the meaning of ultimate shopping with what it has to offer you for the twenty-first century.

Raining Hollywood now prides in being the home of the world's king of hip-hop clothing, none other than Christian Audigier. Being the latest fashion craze in the United States, hip-hop clothing is considered as prestigious and even a symbol of wealth and abundance for most people. Today, a wide selection of hip-hop clothing brands from various designers have emerged. Most of which are inspired by street fashion clothing, and designers work around this perspective. But Raining Hollywood is incomparable when it comes to this line of clothing as it boasts of innovative designs of hip-hop clothing from none other than the hip-hop clothing king Christian Audigier.

Born in the southern region of France particularly Avignon, Christian Audigier was drawn to the fascinating world of rock 'n roll at an early age. Despite his ambition to follow the footsteps of his idol Mick Jagger, Christian lacked what it takes to be a rock 'n roll artist. Instead he moved into the fashion industry and made a bigger and more popular name with his impressive clothing line designs. The past two decades in the fashion industry has been generous to Christian Audigier as he created great designs for big names such as Levi's Diesel, Kookai, and many more. And when he joined the Von Dutch company, Christian launched them into being the world's number one brand. Elevating the tattoo designs of Don Hardy, Christian produced the Ed Hardy collection, the hottest brand worn by popular celebrities and the one highlighted at Raining Hollywood.

Now at Raining Hollywood, one is offered an endless selection of Christian Audigier's masterpieces. From short-sleeved tees to hoodies, from tunics to tanks, from women's wear to men's wear, accessories, footwear, and a whole lot more�all emblazoned with the unique Christian Audidier signature, Raining Hollywood definitely has something unique in store for you. Choose from the latest in the Christian Audigier such as the hoodies and with a variety of styles and designs from argyle and chains to black city of angels, reversible maroon color to scattered red lizard, choosing the best that fits you should be no problem.

With a free shipping promo and slash-down on prices for selected Christian Audigier apparel, there should be more reason for you to shop at Raining Hollywood. Feel like a celebrity like Paris Hilton, Usher, Heide Klum, or Snmoop Dogg after purchasing your Christian Audigier apparel from Raining Hollywood.

Jogging Stroller Buying Guide

2008-01-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

You're in the market for your first Jogging Stroller, but you don't know where to begin. In my mind, there are five key points you need to look at in order to start looking for that perfect jogging stroller.

Step 1: Determine your Use for the Stroller: Jogging, Running, Everyday Stroller or all of the above?

These are good question's to define right at the start because the answers to these questions will narrow your search. If you are looking for a stroller for use in all daily application's as well as jogging, you may want to look at a stroller with a front swivel wheel that locks so when you are trying to do a tight turn in the mall you can, or if you are jogging, you can lock the front wheel for ease of use. The Baby Jogger City Series is a good all-around stroller. If you are just looking for a dedicated jogging stroller, you wouldn't want a swivel wheel and may want a few more features in your stroller. The Bob Deluxe Sport Utility Stroller is a great dedicated jogging stroller as it provides more shock absorption for your baby during your runs.

Step 2: Determine your Price Range: Money Talks $$$

After step 1, you will immediately want to figure out your price range before going any further. Jogging Strollers can cost you around $100 all the way up to $500 or more so it's a good idea to know your budget and stick with it. Of course the more expensive strollers give you more features, better suspension, ease of transport, but you can also find great strollers for around the $100 mark if that's your budget. Just last year the Baby Trend Expedition Stroller was voted #1 as the best buy for lower priced strollers (approx $100). If you have a bit more you can spend, Maclaren Strollers give you features galore with adjustable safety bar, multiple positions for your baby to recline, and an adjustable arm rest.

Step 3: Size Does Matter

You know your stroller type, you know your budget, now you need to dig into the details of the product and make sure that your stroller fits your baby. Every jogging stroller is made to hold up to a certain weight whether its up to 30 lbs or up to 50 lbs. How long you would like your jogging stroller to fit your baby plays a very important role in the max weight the jogging stroller is build for. For example the Bob Ironman stroller max capacity is 70 lbs vs. the Schwinn Free Runner stroller max capacity is 50 lbs. Do your homework and check the specs on the jogging strollers you are looking at.

Step 4: Wheel Size

Stroller Wheels come in 12", 16" and 20". The bigger the wheel the tougher they are. If you are planning on light jogging a 12" wheel will suit you just fine, if you will be doing more intense running or off pavement running, you need to look at 16" or 20" wheels. If you are looking at a double stroller, think about going up a wheel size for more stability for your little ones. A good rule of thumb: the more intense terrain, the bigger the wheel.

Step 5: Accessorize

When you buy your jogging stroller, its good to look at any Jogging Stroller Accessories you may need to go with your stroller. There are all types of accessories from bug nets to sun visors and complete covers for the winter. Like all products, some stroller models will go out of style so its good to buy your accessories soon after your jogging stroller purchase to avoid compatibility problems when models change.

Happy Jogging.

Article by:
Jenn Jenkins is an avid jogger, jogging stroller expert, and your source for exercise information. She is a resident expert at www.joggingstrollersource.com.

Product Review - Country Berry Candle Cup from White Lily Candles

2008-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Are you someone who loves candles and candle accessories?

Michelle Coles, a White Lily Candle rep, sent me a lovely Country
Berry candle cup to try out here at home. It arrived in a nicely
cushioned package - and as soon as I opened the envelope I could smell
the wonderful Country Berry scent. I really liked that the scent was
not over-powering, it's the perfect amount of scent (even when tucked
in a drawer as a sachet alternative). Country Berry is a mixture of cranberry & mulberry,
with a splash of orange and vanilla. It really is yummy - even my
husband liked it! He never likes scents so this was something special.

A candle cup is made specifically for an electric or tealight tart warmer.
I like that you don't have to be a "candle" person to enjoy these.
With young children at home, I'm nervous about lighting candles. With
a White Lily candle cup, I can enjoy a lovely candle scent and no
worries about little fingers and hands near a burning candle.

White Lily candles come in a large variety of scents. If you're a mom
who is looking for a candle fragrance without lighting a candle - I'd
highly recommend checking out the White Lily candle cups. If you're a
candle lover - definitely check out the full line offered by White
Lily Candles. It's awesome!

Check them out - your home will smell beautiful!

Article by:
www.whitelilycandles/mcoles to learn more about White Lily Candles. Review was written by Kim Monaco, a work at home mom who loves to shop. She offers product reviews and great shopping deals at wahshoppershaven.com - stop by anytime!

11 Ways to Get T.H.E. B.E.S.T. D.E.A.L. When You Shop

2008-01-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

Are you always looking for that perfect deal? Want to get the most you can for every dollar you spend? Here are 11 different ways for you to find T.H.E. B.E.S.T. D.E.A.L. when you shop.

T.AKE ADVANTAGE OF DOUBLE COUPONS – Many grocery stores offer double coupons, most of the time up to $0.50 (doubled to $1.00). Cut them out of your Sunday paper and use them!

H.OLIDAY SALES – This is a great time to shop. You can get great discounts many times throughout the year. Look for sales in your paper around these times: Presidents Day; Memorial Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving; and after Christmas.

E.LECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES – You can usually take advantage of some sort of mail-in rebate or gift card rebates with big dollar purchases like electronics and appliances. Check around at your local stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy and Circuit City to get the best deal with rebates. Only drawback – it can take 6, 8 or even up to 10 weeks to receive the rebate.

B.OTS – There are Shopping bots such as Shopzilla.com or Pricegrabber.com that make it easy for the consumer to comparison shop and find the deals.

E.XAMINE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING – Check out the product reviews online before you spend the money. Often times, they will lead to a discount code, sale or free shipping.

S.TORE CREDIT CARDS – Many stores offer their own VISA or Mastercard sponsored store credit card. You can really take advantage of some great offers and rebates by signing up for one of these cards. Sidenote: try to pay off the balance each and every month and only apply for those cards where you frequently shop (you’ll get the most bang for your buck that way). Example: Kroger (a grocery store) will award points for all purchases made in the store and outside the store using the Kroger Mastercard. These points are tabulated and rewarded on a quarterly basis with gift certificates that can be used as cash in the store (I’ve gotten up to $80 in one quarter). PLUS they’ll give you a $0.15 per gallon discount on Kroger gasoline purchased with the card.

T.AKE A LOOK AROUND – Make sure you do some browsing before jumping on that great deal…there may be an even better one right next door!

D.ISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS EVERYWHERE – There are always great deals in the: Sunday paper; Val-Pak coupons in the mail; local restaurant coupon deals; and coupon sites such as coupons.com and couponchief.com. Take the time to check these out…it can save you a bunch of money!

E.FFICIENCY IS THE KEY – Many online shopping carts will allow you to combine or “stack” their deals and codes. You can get free shipping, 10% off AND receive a free gift all at the same time!

A.SK AROUND – If you see someone wearing a cute pair of shoes or that new tee you’ve been dying for…ask them where they got it. If they got a great deal, they will be more than happy to tell you about it.

L.OOK FOR USED OR CONSIGNMENT SHOPS – They have great prices on name brand goods and items that have barely been used. There are always hidden treasures to be found in these shops.

When you break it down into a formula, it’s not so overwhelming, is it? Use these steps as a guide to help you find the best deals around. Happy shopping!

Article by:
Tracy Ebert is the owner of: My Special Note (www.myspecialnote.com), an online retail store offering personalized gifts and letters for the special kid in your life; and MomsNiche.com (www.momsniche.com), an online resource for moms looking for recipes, craft ideas, articles on parenting, and organizational tips. Tracy lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.

Beauty Supply Stores: Is It Better to Shop Locally or Online?

2008-01-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

When it comes to buying beauty products and beauty supplies, you will find that you have a number of different options. For starters, beauty products are most commonly sold at beauty supply stores, but they are also available at other locations, including department stores and fashion stores. If you are looking for the latest selection of beauty products and supplies, you may want to think about sticking with beauty supply stores. Even then though you still have a choice. Beauty supply stores are operated both in storefront retail locations, as well as online.

If this is your first time deciding to take your appearance, beauty wise, seriously, you may have never shopped at a beauty supply store before or it may have been a while since the last time that you did. If that is the case, you may be wondering whether you should shop online or locally and if there is even a difference between the two. If you are, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the most commonly asked questions, concerning beauty supply stores, is what is the difference between a locally operated beauty supply store and an online beauty supply store. As you likely already know, a locally owned and operated beauty store is one that you physically visit, pick out what you like, pay for it, and then leave. When shopping at an online store, you just need to enter in your shipping information and your payment information. You can buy beauty products and supplies from an online beauty store anytime of the day, from the comfort of your own home.

Another difference between a storefront beauty supply store and an online beauty supply store is the assistance that you will receive. That is one of the reasons why many consumers prefer buying their beauty supplies and products from locally owned and operated beauty supply stores. When shopping online, the online retailer in question may have a customer service number that you can call, but you will likely not be able to receive help with buying makeup or suggestions. Help and suggestions, also commonly known as consultations, are one of the many reasons why many prefer shopping at a locally owned and operated beauty supply store, as most have very helpful and knowledgeable staff members.

The product selection is also something that you may want to think about taking into consideration. While many storefront beauty supply stores do carry a large selection of beauty product and supplies, you may find that some stores are limited on space. There are also stores that focus only on certain individuals, like men or women. This limits your selection of beauty supplies and products to choose from. What is nice about online beauty supply stores is that they do not have to worry about fitting all of their merchandise onto a sales floor. That is why you can often find a large selection of beauty supplies and products when shopping online. Also, you will find that you are instantly able to gain access to as many as fifty or more beauty supply stores in a matter of seconds. This is something that you cannot do just driving around town in your car.

As you can see, there are a few differences between online beauty supply stores and locally owned and operated beauty supply stores. There are also a number of pros and cons to each. For the best shopping experience, you may actually want to think about experimenting with both locally owned and operated beauty supply stores and online beauty supply stores. If you are like many shoppers, you will likely develop a preference almost right away.

Article by:
Angelrice www.firstchoiceaffiliate.com/moisturizer

Smart Online Shopping

2008-01-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

If you're like me and millions of other Internet users, you are doing more of your shopping online these days. There are many reasons more people are shopping online today. People want to avoid the crowds at the mall, find lower prices, have the convenience of 24 hour shopping and find a wider selection. There are some pitfalls and drawbacks to online shopping but these can be avoided if you're a smart online shopper.

You have an idea of a product you want to buy. You go to one of the big 3 search engines online, Google, Yahoo and MSN, to do some research. Or perhaps you use one of the many comparison shopping sites to find a store that carries the product you are looking for. Now that you've found the store and the product at the price you're happy with, what's next?

First, take a look at the store contact information. Do they have a toll free number you can call and talk to a real person if any problems arise? Perhaps they are a very small or new operation, if they don't have a toll free number, do they at least have a regular telephone number to call? The very least a store should have is an e-mail address where you can contact them. If all you find for contact information is a web form to fill out, leave quickly!

Second, take a look at the return policy of the store you're considering. Sometimes the store owners make this more difficult than it should be. If you don't see a button on the main page saying, Return Policy, look for an info page. A reputable store will give you at least 30 days in which to return your purchase for a full refund of the purchase price. Don't expect the shipping cost to be refunded. The merchant has already paid that amount to the shipping company. Look out for stores that shorten the return time to 7 or 10 days. Many of these also have a restock fee that they charge. If you return an item to them, the restock fee can range from 10 to 30% or higher. You should never have to pay a restock fee.

Third, take a look at the stores privacy policy. They should never share the information you give them when making a purchase with any 3rd party. If you have any questions or something isn't clear up to this point, call the store. You should expect to talk to a real person during business hours and after hours you should be able to leave a message and they should return your call the next day. If you contact them via e-mail, they should reply within 24 hours. If you have any trouble contacting the store before a sale, you can be assured that they won't be easily reached after a sale. So it's time to find another merchant.

One of my pet peeves is unsolicited e-mails from online stores where I've made a purchase. If they send newsletters or sale notices they should have an opt in signup. If you didn't sign up for any promotional material to be e-mailed to you, you should never be contacted by them, unless it regards a problem with your order being completed and shipped. Personally, when I receive unsolicited e-mail from a store where I've made a purchase, I contact them. I tell them to take me off their contact list and that I will never do business with them again. If enough of us do this, maybe they'll take the hint.

There are many reputable companies, both large and small, online. You can buy great products at low prices and receive wonderful service. Just keep your eyes open for the few bad actors online who try to take advantage of you.

About the Author: Christianna Mansfield has been an online merchant for the past 4 years. Her online stores offer Leather Clothing and Lingerie for women.

Grocery Shopping The Healthy Menu Mailer Way

2008-01-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

I have to admit, grocery shopping isn’t exactly one of my favorite things to do. In case you can’t “hear” the sarcasm in my voice, let me tell you that I’d rather be doing just about anything other than grocery shopping. I tried delegating it to my husband, but we usually end up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and potato chips when I do that.
Since I can’t avoid grocery shopping, I found a few things that make it a more pleasant and most importantly a faster process. I’d like to share my grocery shopping tips with you.

1) Make a shopping list and stick to it
Making a list and sticking to it will keep you from buying too much junk. Not only will it encourage you and your family to stick to the new healthy eating lifestyle, it will also save you some money on your grocery bill.
Please apply common sense to this though. If you remember that you forgot to put your baby’s diapers on the list, by all means get them. On the other hand, if you feel tempted to get the new chocolate pie because there is a two for one sale, skip it. You get the idea.

2) Eat a snack before you go grocery shopping
Never go grocery shopping while you are hungry. You’ll be much more tempted to buy junk food and already prepared meals. You’ll also end up buying much more than you really need. Either go shopping right after a meal, or eat a small snack before you go. Even eating a piece of fruit and drinking a glass of water will keep you from feeling hungry while you are in the store.

3) Avoid the aisles with the chips, snacks and candy
Don’t tempt yourself by going down the “junk food” aisles. You’re only human and the candy and snack manufacturers put a lot of money into making their products as tempting and appealing as possible. The easiest way to avoid having those items land in your cart is to skip the aisles entirely.

4) Buy fresh meat and produce whenever possible
Buy your meat and produce fresh whenever possible. You’ll get the most nutritional bang for your buck that way. If there is something you either can’t find fresh, or it just doesn’t look good, go with a frozen version. The only exception to this is tomatoes, especially if you are going to cook them anyway. Tomatoes loose their nutritional value quickly after they are picked. If you are making tomato sauce or are using them in a stew or soup, just stick with canned tomatoes. They are canned immediately after they are picked and contain more nutrients than a batch that has been sitting in a truck for days.

5) Write your grocery list with your supermarket in mind
You will make your shopping trip much easier and faster if you keep the layout of your market in mind when you write your shopping list. Think about the departments and isles you go through first and put those items on your list. Mentally make your way through the rest of the store adding your items to your list as you go. You’ll avoid backtracking for an item further down on your list once you are in the store.

6) Clean veggies and herbs
Unpack and clean your vegetables and herbs as soon as you get back from the store. Loosely wrap them in some paper towels and stick them in a Ziploc bag. They’ll be ready to use when your recipes call for them.

7) To freeze or not to freeze?
Portion your meat out depending on how much each recipe calls for. Keep what you will be using over the next two days in the fridge and freeze the rest. With hamburger meat, you may want to freeze any portions you are not using the day you bought them.

You’ll see that by implementing even just a few of these tips, your shopping experience will be more pleasant and most importantly more efficient. You’ll spend less time in the supermarket and more time enjoying your family.

Susanne Myers, together with Christine Steendahl, owns and publishes the Healthy Menu Mailer, a weekly publication that will provide you with a healthy and lean dinner recipe for each night of the week and a grocery list to go along with it. Members also have access to an ever-growing list of breakfast, lunch, snack and desert recipes and a members’ only forum for additional help and support. Join today at www.healthymenumailer.com

Get Stylish With Plus-size Fashions

2008-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

By: Andrea Morris

Dressing up can be fun for all women, no matter what size they are. Large women who wear plus size clothes are no exception. They can dress up for a variety of occasions, including business, casual or formal ones. An excellent way to do this is to to accent a slacks, skirt or dress outfit with a color-coordinated jacket, cut to enhance a person's individual figure.

The cut of a jacket is the first thing that plus size women must consider. They should stay away from short, boxy jackets. Choosing a longer jacket that just skims the hips will give them a taller, slimmer look. It's also good to select a jacket with shoulder pads as they will add to the style of the jacket while helping to balance out the overall look.

Some plus size women have a more straight figure. A good choice for this body type is a suit with straight lines. Look for long jackets with sharp lapels that do not draw too much emphasis at the waistline. Plus size women with a curvy figure, however, should look for the very opposite. Opt for short jackets with curved lapels, and a fitted waist. In this case, a cinched jacket will accentuate the waist while minimizing the stomach area.

Jackets need to fall in the proper spot to be most flattering for you. For example, if you have a large bust, you will want to avoid jackets with pockets on the bust line. Simple cut jackets with a tapered waist are the most flattering cut for plus size women with a large bust.

Plus sized women with a larger figure will find longer jackets that elongate the hips to be the most flattering for their size. Jackets that are cut too short will draw attention to trouble areas and should be avoided.

Plus size women must choose their clothing with proportion in mind. For example, if a woman is 5'6", she will look taller in a longer jacket. If the woman is 4'11" though, the same jacket will cause her to look even shorter than she is and overwhelm her overall look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right plus size jacket length to complement you.

When choosing the length of a jacket hem be aware that the hem should not be at the widest part of your body. As an alternative, go for longer or shorter. When you choose a longer jacket, be sure to choose a more narrow pant or skirt. Your jacket or skirt should be about two thirds of the length of your overall look. Long jackets over knee length skirts and shorther jackets over longer shirts have the most flattering effect.

Scarves add a welcome touch of color to plus size jackets, and can help you appear to elongate your figure. They pull the eyes of observers toward your face. They add flair and individuality to any outfit you wear.

Article by:
Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Find plus size deals at Clothing- Plus Size Discounts

Purchasing Designer Handbag Tips

2008-01-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

By: Elena Potoupa

Women love handbags. Every time they go out, they prefer to bring one of their handbags with them. Every time they go shopping, they make sure that they purchase at least one hand bag. Handbag is very essential in woman’s wardrobe. It is one of their accessories that complete their image.

There are several types and designs of handbags in the market. Among these are designer bags such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, D&G Dolce and Gabana, Chanel, Fendi, Gucci and Versace. These brands cost as much as $50,000 for a certain style and design. Investing in these types of hand bags is okay as long as you know how to check the genuine handbags and purchase only the original handbags.

When buying designer handbags, it is best to purchase on licensed retail stores that are certified to sell these designer handbags. In cases wherein you want to avail of discounts and low prices of these handbags, ensure that you know the definite characteristics of the designer handbag that you want to avail.

To start with, you should check on the particular design and style that you want. Make sure to verify from the catalogue of the designer if such design do exists. There are some fake handbags which are proliferating that looks like the real ones. It is handcrafted in such a way that with a first glance, you will really believe that it is an authentic bag.

Another thing to consider is the distinguishing mark of the designer label. Example of this is that for Chanel handbags, the logo is a double C which is placed back-to-back with each other. You should be cautious with the tags, care cards as well as the warranties that go with the handbags. There are original bags which only uses embossed tags while the replicas where printed. Be wary on such things.

You should also check on the workmanship and the materials used for the bag. Designer bags are very ‘clean’ and efficiently made. There are no double stitches and there is consistent spacing in between each stitch. There is also a particular color of thread used by the designers. The zipper that is use to zip the bag usually has the name of the designer embossed in it. It is likewise made from good quality of zipper and is not easily damaged. It is likewise durable and can last longer than the bag itself. The leather of the bag feels leather when you touch it. It is not very smooth or shiny at all. The straps are not made from scraps or any extra materials. It has the same quality as the original leather of the bag itself.

Aside from these, you should also be able to check the serial number of the bag. Designer handbags have its serial number. There are no the same serial numbers because the handbag manufacturer usually has the original list with them.

These handbags are very expensive. There is a definite price range for each style and design. If a designer handbag is given to you at a very low price, you should be careful. This is a give away that the handbag is not authentic. There is no such thing as bargain designer handbags. Each handbag is valuable and there are a lot of individuals who would want to have one.

If you are planning to buy any of the designer handbags, make sure that you go to reliable stores. You can prefer to buy online since there are more online shops which offers discount for designer handbags. These shops can give higher discounts compared with retail stores because they do not have to pay for stores to display their products. Likewise, they also do not pay any employee to watch every day sales. Overhead expenses are lesser compared when they have a retail shop.

You can avail for discounts with the use of discount coupons which are also available online. Do not let your hard earned money go anywhere else. Save and purchase from reliable stores only.

Is Shopping Like You are Poor Making You Poor?

2008-01-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

By: Matia Bryson

A recent article on the Time magazine website made an interesting observation about online shoppers. Apparently those shoppers who go to the internet to make price comparisons before they purchase are not the ones you would expect to have the greatest need to find bargains. Savvy bargain hunters who use comparison shopping search engines have incomes above that of the average American. The poor, who could really use the price breaks, are not comparison shopping on the internet.

With over one-third of all Internet users visiting eBay each month, eBay has the surprising demographic of more than half its buyers earning an income more than seventy-five thousand a year, and three-quarters of its buyers are over the age of thirty-five. Search engines report that their more affluent searchers are likely to use the terms “cheap,” “bargain” or “discount” in their searches.

So what types of shopping websites do the poor surf? Perhaps it is merely to fuel their daydreams, but the poor are browsing exotic cars, expensive designer clothing and high-end electronics.

If you are not already using the power of the internet to find those bargains, here are a few tips for you.

1. Start by going to a comparison shopping website, such as Froogle, or find sites by doing a search for “comparison shopping.”
2. Get a feel for the range of prices, but do not buy immediately through a comparison site because they may only list sites that pay them. Follow up with a search in a regular search engine.
3. Look for reliability as well as price. Make sure a website has a secure site, a street address, a telephone number. Be sure you understand the return policy.
4. Always take into account the cost of shipping. With shipping added in, you may be better off in a store.
5. Leverage the power of information by printing off the best price for an item and taking it with you when you shop in person in a store.

With all of this bargain hunting on the internet, is the humble offline garage sale becoming an endangered species? Apparently not, you would think if you look at the garage sale listings on the Craigslist website. In April 2002 they had a mere two thousand garage sale ads and in April 2007 there were one hundred twenty thousand.

Make the most of the power of the internet to hunt down and buy those bargains. There is no reason to feel like you are slumming when you do. Now you know you are in good company.

Article by:

Matia Bryson is a bargain hunter that relishes the hunt as much as the find. She has created a home study course for eBay shoppers.

Happy Holidays From Tranquil Massage!

2007-12-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?

Is there a loved one on your list that seems to already have everything?

Are you beginning to feel the stress and tension of the holiday season??

With only a few short weeks till the holidays, you may be feeling a little pressed for time, I know I am!

Well, I have the answer...a Holiday Gift Certificate from Tranquil Massage!

Gift certificates are now available, starting at $45! Call or email me today to purchase the perfect gift and I will make it as easy and stress free as possible to finish up your shopping. We can arrange a time for you to pick up the certificate, or I can mail it directly to you or the recipient.

Take the time to relax, breathe and enjoy this holiday season. Hope to see you all soon!

Bryn Rath, C.M.T.

Tranquil Massage, LLC
303-717-5016
www.tranquilmassage.biz
A tranquil moment for your hectic life.

Online Mall - Save Time & Money!

2007-12-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

Save Time and Money this Holiday Season- shop at our
ONLINE MALL!

http://www.vbi.mychoices.biz/

We are affiliated with over 600 partner stores including:

DISNEY, E-TOYS, BARNES & NOBLE, CIRCUIT CITY, DELL, GATEWAY, SHOP.COM, OMAHA STEAKS, OVERSTOCK.COM, DIRECT TV, HICKORY FARMS, CHOCOHOLIC, BASS PRO SHOPS, SPORTS AUTHORITY and MANY, MANY MORE!!

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PAY WHOLESALE and get FREE SHIPPING FOR OUR EXCULSIVE HEALTH, BEAUTY, and HOUSEHOLD ITEMS!*

FREE REGISTRATION
http://www.vbi.mychoices.biz/

Feel free to contact us at: (866) 390-6630
Email: Ramazzotto@katewwdb.com
Vicki Ramazzotto – Owner

The prices on-line are retail; when you sign up (for free) we will change your status to a PREFERRED MEMBER and you will get all of our exclusive products at our cost! (About 20-30% less then posted!)

100% Money back guarantee (including shipping) if you’re not completely satisfied!!

THANKS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!