ShopinSun Daily Blog

Christmas Shopping for Your Boyfriend

2008-12-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

It can be a difficult task, shopping for anyone during the holidays. With family, it's easy to substitute a lack of creativity (or knowledge of the person's preferences) with something typical, like a new movie or a fleece blanket, but we all want to be a bit more personal when shopping for our significant other. Following just a few simple tips, shopping for that special someone can become a breeze this holiday season!

1. Make a list of his hardware. If I know what game systems my boyfriend owns, and make note of the ones he plays most often, I know I can buy him a video game he'd most likely appreciate. For instance, my boyfriend plays Super Nintendo a lot. I've taken a peek in his video game cupboard, and made a list of the games he has. The only step left with this gift is to find a game that matches the genre of the games he seems to like, and make sure it's not one of those he already owns. Piece of cake!

2. Walk with him while shopping. I know it's pretty easy for me to wander off in the mall when my boyfriend starts to eyeball the Science Fiction section in the book store, but fine observation skills pay off. Even though I know a lot about my guy, there are a lot of specifics that I can't always keep up with. When I hang out with him in the stores, I can make a lot of mental notes about what he's interested in but not splurging on. I mean, hey, if I don't buy him that Super Mario tee shirt or Season 2 of House, who will? I can clearly see, after stopping at those items and then moving on 5 times, that he wants them but won't buy them himself.

3. What are his hobbies? A lot can come out of the hobbies a guy spends his time on. If he likes X-Box live, he might appreciate a renewal to his subscription. If he plays disc golf, some new high-quality discs might be the perfect gift. If he does graphic art and design in his free time, there may be some accessories that would make this hobby more fluid for him, like a graphic tablet for drawing graphics. Everyone spends their free time doing something, so focusing on what he likes is almost always a sure thing. It seems like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many people overlook the simple day-to-day activities their significant other takes pleasure in.

4. Size is everything! A girl can use a guy's sizes to her advantage much more easily the other way around. We girls have a lot of curves and specifics about our bodies, but men are pretty cut and dry when it comes to the size of their clothes. Sometimes there's a cut or design a guy isn't a fan of, but it's usually pretty easy to pick up on a person's taste in clothes when spending a lot of time around them. Knowing my boyfriend's sizes is very reassuring: if all else fails, I can buy him a sweatshirt or a new pair of shoes. Just don't go for socks underwear - as personal as gifts like these can be, most people want something a little more thoughtful than the "necessities" they got from their mother when they were young.

5. Add to his collection. A guy who collects things can be either very easy or very hard to shop for. If his collection is on display or accessible, then it shouldn't be very hard to find something for his collection that he hasn't acquired yet. If he has his prized collection put away, this may not be the route to go - nothing is more disappointing at Christmas time than hearing "I already have this." When adding to his collection is a practical option, it's a great idea. People collect things for a reason: they really want these items. If he collects X-Men action figures, find one that he doesn't have already. If he collects a certain series of TV on DVD, buy the missing season or final season to his collection. Something like this can show a person cares enough to really look for the perfect gift.

Now, in no time, your closet will be full of great presents hidden under blankets for your special guy to unwrap!

Fishing: A Cheap Alternative to Expensive Family Vacations

2008-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Each year, a large number of families take a vacation. Many vacations last a period of days, but not everyone is able to afford long vacations. Despite not being able to afford an expensive family vacation, there are many parents who wish to give their child a memorable experience. What many individuals do not realize is that they could have a fun mini-vacation right in their backyard, at the local pond, or a nearby river.

If you haven't already guessed, that family activity is fishing. Many parents make the mistake of assuming that their children or other family members would not enjoy fishing. Right away fishing may not seem like the greatest idea, but it can be. Most adults, teenagers, and young children enjoy fishing once they try it for the first time.

If you are interested in having a family fishing adventure, the first thing you want to do is determine if you will need a license. Similar to hunting licenses, many states require that all fishers obtain a fishing license. You can easily determine whether or not you need a license by containing your local town or city offices. Don't worry if you do need one because most fishing licenses are easily affordable.

Your next step will be to make sure everyone has a fishing pole. If you do not already have fishing poles, they can be purchased from a wide variety of different locations. Fishing poles are sold at most sporting good stores or traditional department stores. It is even possible to find smaller fishing poles for younger children.

After you have found your old fishing poles or purchased new ones you will have to find a place to fish. This is the most difficult part for many families, but you should have a number of different options. If you live in a small town or city it is likely that you will have a number of streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes in the area. Many towns have a public fishing area where all residents can safely fish for free.

If you are unable to find a free public fishing area you will have to find somewhere else to fish at. Before going onto private property you must ask permission first. This could prevent complications from arising with the authorities or a property owner. If politely asked, a large number of property owners may allow you and your family to fish on their land. You may also be lucky and have access to fishing waters on your own property or on the property of a relative.

Once you have found a place for you and your family to fish at you can begin having fun. You may be surprised how much you and your family enjoy the experience. Fishing is not just limited to sports lovers or those who love the outdoors. Just about anyone can have fun fishing for days or even just a few hours.

Christmas Activities and Crafts are Fun for the Family!

2008-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas only comes once a year, so why not turn it into a memorable event your whole family will cherish. There are a number of things you can do with your family to make this year's Christmas celebration a memorable one!

First, put up the Christmas tree. Grab the tree from storage and assemble it together as a family. Alternatively, if you prefer a real tree, load the family in the car and begin your search for the most beautiful tree you can find.

Once you have your tree set up, and you've placed the lights and rope on the tree, pull out the box of ornaments and let the kids start hanging them on the tree. As you go through the ornaments, tell a story about each one. For example, if you have a homemade ornament tell which child made it, when they made it and how old they were. You'll all enjoy the memories from the stories that each ornament may hold. While trimming your tree, pop a Christmas CD into the stereo and sing along. This will keep everyone in the Christmas spirit!

After decorating the tree, mix up a batch of Christmas cookies together. Then, when the cookies are done and ready to eat, enjoy them around the Christmas tree. You can even sit down around the tree and share Christmas stories with one another; this makes for great Christmas fun!

Load into the family car and take a trip to the movie store. Once there, make it known that the only movies everyone can pick out is Christmas movies. Christmas movies at home with the family will keep you in good sprits, and you'll hardly be able to wait for Christmas to arrive. Don't forget to pop-up some popcorn to enjoy during movie time! Furthermore, a delicious cup of hot coco will go well with movie time too!
Christmas fun isn't complete without Christmas crafts! So, enjoy more time with your family by decorating your home. Start your Christmas fun arts and crafts time by making paper chains and hanging them around the house, or wrapping them around the Christmas tree. A paper chain is a decoration that even the smallest children can make. To begin, gather up red and green construction paper. Next, cut the paper into strips. (Adults, you can cut the paper into strips so the children don't cut themselves.) As you're cutting the paper have the children make one strip into the shape of a circle, then using a glue stick, have them glue the two ends together to hold the circular shape. Using another strip of paper (this time use the other color) make another circle, only this time overlap the second circle with the first. Repeat the process -- alternating between colors -- until the chain is the length you want it to be. You can make as many paper chains as you like so you can decorate many areas of your home and your tree too.

You could also use an old holiday tradition by stringing popcorn to use as garland. Using a tapestry needle, string the popcorn onto thin string (dental floss, strong thread, or etc.). Not only will you and the kids enjoy stringing popcorn, but you'll also have a ball as you eat the popcorn along the way. Just be sure to pop enough popcorn to string and enough to eat.

What decoration does everyone need at Christmas time? You guessed it, a Christmas wreath. This year you can make your wreath special by making your own from a wire coat hanger. First, shape the hanger into a circle (leave the hook untouched, you will need it later for hanging the wreath). Second, gather approximately 200 sandwich bags (not the Ziploc kind), and then using scissors, cut down the sides of the bags. Or, for the younger kids, if they're real careful they can tear, along the seams, down the sides of the bag. Third, tie the sandwich bags around the circle until it's full -- pushing the bags together as you go along. Once the circle is full, glue a big red bow at the top (centered). If desired, you can also glue small embellishments onto the wreath. Once finished, hang it, and you'll have a decoration that will last for years.

Finally, you'll need some ornaments for the Christmas tree. Start with lids from canning jars. Wrap red, green, or any color yarn you desire around the entire lid. Cut a small piece of yarn and tie it around the top of the lid for hanging on the tree. For the finishing touch, decorate your wreath ornaments by gluing small embellishments onto the wreath.

Christmas fun doesn't just have to take place indoors... it can also take place outdoors. An activity my family and I make an annual tradition is driving around town looking at Christmas lights. Adults and kids will love it!

During the daytime hours, gather all your outdoor directions and extra Christmas lights. Then brainstorm outdoor decorating ideas together and put your plans into action! By decorating the outside of your home, you'll provide other families with Christmas lights to enjoy, and the entire activity will be Christmas fun for your family.
The entire family can enjoy all of the Christmas fun activities above, and what makes them even better is kids of any age group can participate. So gather your entire family, tell them it's time for some Christmas fun, and have a "holly jolly" goodtime!

Great Christmas Tradition for Parents of College Students

2008-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Going away to college is a special time in a young person’s life. They are learning new things, exploring new territory,molding their future and making traditions. The years I was away at college were some of the most memorable years of my life. My mom started a Christmas tradition with me (that she borrowed from my aunt), which made college even more special for me as a college student during the holiday season.

Many college students come home for Thanksgiving each year. This is a good time to refresh so they can return to college for the last couple weeks of the semester. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a very stressful time for college students. The pressures of finals are upon college students. The excitement of Christmas is looming and college students may find themselves becoming homesick for the traditions of family and home. This wonderful tradition can help your college student enjoy that month and stay focused on their goals knowing that they’ll soon be home to enjoy family and the joy of Christmas.

Is your interest piqued? Are you ready to make a special tradition that will impact your college student's life forever?

It’s a Countdown to Christmas! It’s the same concept as the Advent calendar. The tradition works like this: each day your college student will have a gift to open in anticipation of Christmas and coming home for the holidays. This is so much fun for them to look forward to their daily gifts from home as they go through those last couple of weeks of the semester.

This is what you, as the parent needs to do in preparation of this new tradition.

1. Go out and buy a variety of small gifts for your college student. You’ll need about 25 gifts depending on when you want your college student to start opening. Some years my mom would give enough gifts to start the Monday right after Thanksgiving and other years my mom would have me start December 1st. The tradition was in the gifts not the start date.
2. Be sure to wrap the gifts (important for this tradition). It’s up to you if you want to number the gifts or just let your college student pick each day. My mom did both ways for me when I was a college student and they both were fun!

3. Put the gifts in a large box or basket so they are all together and ready. You could get a special basket to use each year, which would make it part of the tradition.

4. Get them to your college student in time. Either send the gifts back with your college student if they come home for Thanksgiving or plan to mail them in time for them to start after Thanksgiving (some college students don’t come home for Thanksgiving so this works as well).

Gift Ideas for the Countdown to Christmas tradition!

The gifts can be inexpensive (think Dollar Stores). If you’re on a tight budget be creative and spend $25 total on this tradition (this can be done with all of the Dollar Stores out there). The gifts can be a bit more expensive as well. Remember, it’s the thought and tradition that are most important. My mom always had an array of gifts varying in price. Here are some gift ideas to get you rolling if your creative juices aren’t flowing.

1. Christmas décor – Something to hang on their door. Christmas lights. Candles (though candles may not be allowed in dorms). Little knick-knack decorations are always fun and can be of Dollar Store quality, it’s the point of having some Christmas décor to bring on the Christmas cheer.

2.Gift Card - You know that college students are often short on money. A surprise gift card to a fast food restaurant or the local grocery store would be a welcome surprise!

3. Candy or Food – College Students are always grazing for something to nibble on. They will be so happy to find a gift of their favorite candy or Christmas cookies or whatever food you think will be appreciated! Be sure to include enough for them to share with their roommate or friends!

4. A new toothbrush or other necessities - College students are always running out of the bare essentials so surprise them with a new toothbrush. Better yet wrap up their favorite hair care product or a special soap.

5. New Socks or Underwear – Your college student will get a chuckle out of opening up a gift of socks or underwear. You can go really wild and buy some Christmas theme socks or panties or boxers! This is a fun gift and will be totally unexpected.

6. Nostalgic Gift – Think about when your college student was a little kid and buy something for them to remind them of years past. Matchbox cars or a Barbie doll would be cute ideas. Peruse the toy department and find a children’s gift that will make your college student smile! Play Doh or a Mini-Magna Doodle you’ll surely find something that will be fun for your child!

7. Book or Magazine – We know that college students are immersed in books and reading. Get them a fun book. Include their favorite magazine. A sentimental book will be treasured for years to come. Buy them a children’s Christmas book (if you think they’ll appreciate it).

This list should get your shopping juices flowing to make this Christmas tradition special for you and your college student! I used to call my mom each and every day (tradition in itself) to thank her and tell her what that day’s gift was. We have always been close but this is a treasured memory for us!

The Best Pants to Wear Hiking

2008-12-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just like every other sport, it is important to wear the right type of clothing for the activity as it helps with the overall performance. Hiking pants is a very important part of your hiking equipment as it will help your overall performance. It helps prevent any serious scratches from branches, and helps keep you warm even in cold and wet weather. They also protect you from animals (especially mosquito bites).

Because hiking pants are very important, there are many different hiking pants available each with their own advantages and disadvantages that will suit their needs. It is important to find a pair of hiking pants that suits your needs the most. You should be able to choose from three different kinds of hiking pants - long hiking pants, short and long thermal hiking pants, and tight hiking pants.

Long hiking pants are most commonly found in shops nowadays. They have multiple functions and a three layer system. These hiking pants are not only breathable, but they are also water proof or water resistant and wind resistant. They will generally help keep you warm, and dry. This type of hiking pant is suitable for three seasons.

The short and long thermal hiking pants are the first layer that you are supposed to wear. This layer is responsible for keeping you dry, and absorbs all the sweat. Unlike the long hiking pants, they are not for keeping you safe and away from sharp branches. Short and long thermal pants are the most comfortable thermal pants you can wear. These thermal hiking pants come in different lengths; it all depends on which one is most suitable for you, and most comfortable for your hiking trip.

Last but not least, we have the tight hiking pants. Tight hiking pants have a moisture-extracting property. These hiking pants are normally worn as a first layer to help keep you dry, and absorb your sweat. There is one different feature in tight hiking pants that helps benefit many hikers. Tight hiking pants help prevent sore muscles, and will support key muscle groups.
Next time you go out for a hike, it is important to be prepared, and wear the right type of outfit. Go to an athlete store, and see which hiking pants are most suitable for you, and your hiking trail. The difference between wearing a suitable pair of hiking pants, and an unsuitable pair of hiking pants may be the difference of a good hiking trip from a bad one!

How to Buy the Proper Hiking Boots for a Comfortable Fit

2008-12-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

So, you have a great frame pack that carries loads like a dream, your tent could withstand a month at the top of Everest, and your sleeping bag can be stuffed down to the size of a baseball and is right at home inside that technical marvel of a tent. Your boots...uh-oh, your boots are shot and you need to buy a new pair for that Rocky Mountain trek you planned this summer? Well you have some serious decisions to make, because absolutely no piece of equipment, barring anything that will keep you alive or more safe, excedes the importance of the right pair of hiking boots. Hiking one mile in a pair of poorly fitting, underperforming boots can be a miserable experience, never mind having to spend a week on the trail in them. Here is what to look for in fit, materials and functionality when shopping for those new hiking boots.

The most important factor in purchasing a new pair of hiking boots is proper fit. They could be a pair of $250 gore-tex and leather wonders, but if the fit is wrong, they might as well be a pair of rubber flip flops. A poorly fitted boot can lead to blisters, lost toe nails and strained muscles due to compensations in stride and form in hope of alleviating pain. Sitting at your pc reading this, it may be hard to visualize the severity of this, but these painful circumstances can end what would have been a great trip. It is crucial that your new hiking boots have plenty of room in the toe-box. This is the front portion of the boot, from the ball of your foot forward. There are two reasons for this. The first is stability on the trail. Your toes must be able to move freely of one another in order to do their job properly. By allowing your toes to spread out, your hiking boots will afford you better balance and agility on the trail. Remember, when hiking, you aren't simply ascending or descending smooth hills. You are traversing too, often on rocky, muddy or otherwise unstable ground.
The second reason you want plenty of room in the toe box of your hiking boots, is because you do not want your toes rubbing the front of the toe box. You can often feel this when you are descending a mountain. Your steps may be heavy and long, especially if you have significant weight on your back or if the trail is particularly steep. With everystep your toes are cramming against the front of your boot. On a serious hike, this can lead to blisters and lost toe nails. On a day hike, you may be able to suck-up the pain, get back to the trailhead and soak your sore toes for a couple days. On a multi-day hike, however, this obviously isn't an option. You are going to have to wake up early and keep the pace to make the next camp site by dark. A rule of thumb is that you want a half an inch of room between your longest toe and the front of the boot. When trying the boots on in the store, stomp down in a forward motion to insure your toes won't touch. Many better hiking stores have a ramp for you to trod down in order to test the fit. Make sure you take advantage of it.

So, what about the rest of the hiking boots fit? The rear section of the boot, from the ball of your foot back, should fit snuggly. You want to be able to take advantage of the stiff sole and, in some boots, the shank. This means your heal and ankle should be snuggly wrapped by the boot's upper and thus, kept firmly in place. Check to see that the top of your boot, where the laces end and are tied, doesn't dig into the front or back of your ankle when stepping up or down. Here again, the ramp will come in handy. Check for proper width and arch support. When the boot is tied snuggly, the lace eyelets shouldn't be too close. This indicates a poorly fitting upper and you may run into tightening problems if the boot stretches. Also, use your common sense, as even the best hiking boot salesperson will have a hard time interpreting your descriptions of what you are feeling. Remeber too, try on lots of different brands and sizes, all feet are different and shoe companies tend toward different fits. Wear your new hiking boots around the house for a number of days and if you aren't sure of the fit, return them.

Great, so if the shoe fits wear it, right? Well, that depends on where you are wearing it and what kind of weight your are bearing. Boots come in many different materials and are purpose built for different activities. They range from light weight day-hikers to glacier conquering trekkers. Will you need to attach a crampon? Will you be carrying a week's supply of gear? Will you be in a warm, dry climate; or wet and cold? The size, weight and materials used in making the hiking boot will all be indicators of what the boot is meant to do. Some boots have flexible soles, others are literally stiff as a board. In general, if you are going to be day hiking, with little weight on you back, on relatively smooth trails, a flexible sole will be fine. If you are going to be hiking with a heavily laden pack on unforgiving terrain, you will want a stiffer lug sole. This will provide you with better stabilty and put less strain on your feet as they come down on uneven surfaces.

The materials with which the upper is made are an important consideration. Believe it or not, leather boots will breathe better than nylon. If hiking in wet areas or in questionable weather, which is very often the case, you may opt for a boot with Gore-Tex for waterproofness. Though Gore-Tex is quite breathable and still very much the king of waterproof-breathable fabrics, it will cut down on the breathability of your boot. If you are going to be hiking in the desert or a hot environment, don't assume the hiking boot's breathability should be your first consideration. Instead, wear a synthetic or wool, moisure wicking sock. Don't grab the thinnest pair either. A thicker sock is often the better choice for desert travel. This brings us to another important factor when choosing your new boots; wear the socks you will be wearing whith your hiking boots. Never go hiking boot shopping in thin, cotton socks. Again, many better outdoor stores will have a basket of proper socks for trying on boots. However, if you have to, buy a pair of socks at the store. They are an often over looked, but integral part of your hiking boot's fit.

Few peices of gear wil serve you as well as a good pair of hiking boots. I have friends who have had their trusty pairs resoled two or three times. On the same token, few pieces of gear will smite you like a poorly fitting pair of boots. Remember, when you are on a long hiking trip, your boots are everything. If you take your time in the store, follow my advise and that of a knowledgeable sales person, and try your boots out in your house so as you can return them if need be, you should end up with a great new pair of hiking boots that will serve you for years to come.

Polo by Ralph Lauren Men's Iron Age Buckle Boots Product Review

2008-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Polo by Ralph Lauren Men's Iron Age Buckle Boot is perfect footwear for cold weather. This is for exclusively for those people who are frontrunners of fashion. It is the in thing in campus and workplace. This may look massive but it is light on your feet. It protects the feet from the cold weather. I love to go around the country side and enjoy the rain. For long lack of a quality boots was detrimental in getting wet in rain. The regular leather shoes come off from the sole after three or four wash in rain. Now I can get soaked in rain without any fear of water getting inside my boots. I do not even bother to wear the socks inside.

This boot covers till the ankle and offers extra protection from rain. The workmanship is outstanding. This is crafted for optimum usage in chill weather. It is durable and lasts long. I am having the same pair for the past three seasons. It can withstand tough weather conditions. The resistance to wear and tear is high. There is probably nothing more that I can expect from a boots. This looks great. The Polo by Ralph Lauren Men's Iron Age Buckle Boot gives my feet a luxuriating feeling.

The most striking feature of this boot is that it is water resistant. Note that it is not water proof. I take pride in going out in rain and wearing my boots in any weather. I use it not only on rainy days but also on those days when I have work in my farm. The leather on the upper portion of the boots is so smooth. This looks classic and elegant. It is crafted with high quality leather. This synthetic leather has a natural gloss and shiny finish. When water droplets come in contact with this the boots look freshly polished. The combination of buckles and the laces make the Polo by Ralph Lauren Men's Iron Age Buckle Boot stylish and chic.

This goes well with the casual wear. I love to wear it along with denim. This fits well and is quite comfortable. The black and brown color combination is good. This boot definitely looks stunning. It is surely worth the price. The laces are made of leather and add value. The metallic buckle does not get rusted and has a sparkling sheen. It can be adjusted according to the individual feet size. The buckles facilitate in fastening the boots and keep it tight and give good fit.

Women Wearing Boots - What Signals Are You Giving Off?

2008-12-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

This season's liveliest fashion development has been the boot. Many designs have been knee-high but mention thigh high boots to any guy and he will suddenly stop making sense.

It doesn't matter if he has Newsweek delivered to his home every morning, just drop the words "leather", "thigh" and "boots" in the same sentence and watch his eyes glaze over as his head fills with images of Jane Fonda in Barbarella or Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

But it's not just the sight of leather. The quality of leg is important as Adam, 32, assures me. "If a woman has good legs," he says, "it doesn't matter what kind of boots she wears." Well, that's alright then.

"Boots are a difficult subject. I don't think they are a sexual signal. I hate seeing women in Doctor Martins and skirts, I think it looks really awful. And I hate knee-length boots with stiletto heels and if they're white, that's even worse." Key words, according to Adam, are "graceful" and "stylish". So those 16-eye Doc Martins are out, I guess.

Richard, 21, sees things a little differently. He has no objections to women in combat boots. "But," he says, "it depends on who's wearing them". According to Richard knee-high numbers can sometimes be "a bit naff" and can make a woman look like "a tart".

Ernest, 29, has a slightly different view. "Boots give off powerful signals," he says. "They are harsh looking things. Sometimes I see a woman wearing a pair of high boots and I think, 'Walk on me, walk on me!'" Yes, well, moving swiftly along.

And how does he like them? "Long and leather, right up to the thigh," says Ernest without a moment's hesitation.

But the sexual attraction of footwear is difficult for men to put into words. "I'm not a leg man," admits Ernest. "A woman can have small legs or big legs, but when she puts on a pair of boots, it gives the impression of quick sex. It also depends on what she's wearing and if a woman has a good shape, boots highlight that more."

Ben, 21, agrees. "If someone looks like the Incredible Hulk, wearing boots is not going to help," he says. "Boots are quite individual things, like hats - they are an expression."
This season's liveliest fashion development has been the boot. Many designs have been knee-high but mention thigh high boots to any guy and he will suddenly stop making sense.

It doesn't matter if he has Newsweek delivered to his home every morning, just drop the words "leather", "thigh" and "boots" in the same sentence and watch his eyes glaze over as his head fills with images of Jane Fonda in Barbarella or Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

But it's not just the sight of leather. The quality of leg is important as Adam, 32, assures me. "If a woman has good legs," he says, "it doesn't matter what kind of boots she wears." Well, that's alright then.

"Boots are a difficult subject. I don't think they are a sexual signal. I hate seeing women in Doctor Martins and skirts, I think it looks really awful. And I hate knee-length boots with stiletto heels and if they're white, that's even worse." Key words, according to Adam, are "graceful" and "stylish". So those 16-eye Doc Martins are out, I guess.

Richard, 21, sees things a little differently. He has no objections to women in combat boots. "But," he says, "it depends on who's wearing them". According to Richard knee-high numbers can sometimes be "a bit naff" and can make a woman look like "a tart".

Ernest, 29, has a slightly different view. "Boots give off powerful signals," he says. "They are harsh looking things. Sometimes I see a woman wearing a pair of high boots and I think, 'Walk on me, walk on me!'" Yes, well, moving swiftly along.

And how does he like them? "Long and leather, right up to the thigh," says Ernest without a moment's hesitation.

But the sexual attraction of footwear is difficult for men to put into words. "I'm not a leg man," admits Ernest. "A woman can have small legs or big legs, but when she puts on a pair of boots, it gives the impression of quick sex. It also depends on what she's wearing and if a woman has a good shape, boots highlight that more."

Ben, 21, agrees. "If someone looks like the Incredible Hulk, wearing boots is not going to help," he says. "Boots are quite individual things, like hats - they are an expression."
But it wasn't until the 1960s that boots really came into their own when all the hip, young things started wearing "kinky" boots which were knee-length with pointed or squared-off toes. Then with the mini-skirt came the swashbuckling look with thigh-length boots worn in soft kid leather. And things have never been the same since even though during the 1970s, the peasant look came in and people took to wearing "Peruvian" boots. Ours is not to reason why.

In the early 1980s we had the cowboy boot which gave away to ankle high Pixie boots. Now thanks to the likes of Gucci and Prada, glamour is back and it looks like it's here to stay.

Nancy Sinatra may have told us that these boots were made for walkin' but I thought that the average Joe would be a sucker for stiletto heels - the higher, and more impractical the better. Not so, or not according to the men I spoke to. Only one admitted to having a penchant for pointy heels, but clumpy ones were a definite no-no all-round.

The word from the male corner then, is wear 'em high and in any colour as long as it's black.

Men's Accessories: Shoes

2008-12-10T02:52:00.000-08:00

Footwear has always been a necessity for men, irrespective of the geography, the physical nature and climate of the region in which they may reside. However this gradual drift from being a pure necessity to an out and out accessory is truly marvelous. Gone are the days when men resorted to wearing the flat heeled shoes to work and slippers at home.

With the drastic styles and fashions in women's footwear, not to be left out, men have come up with plenty of their own. Some of the trendy shoes are as follows.

The slick shiny leather pair will never go out of vogue. What is most striking is its simplicity yet dignity. It is something that will suit any formal occasion provided it is well color coordinated. The shapes and styles have evolved over the years from pointed to the rounded fronts, but it yet remains a must have in any man's wardrobe. It goes well with any formal trouser and is a must for a well groomed suit.

The next one that comes to mind is the leather pair of boots. Originally from the cowboys, this accessory has made waves worldwide. From their dusty look to the high heeled ones these boots are every teenage boy's fantasy. They go very well with denims on. They can be further embellished with metal clippings on the sides or at the heels.

The most striking, comfortable and definitely most popular are the sneakers or sports shoes. With so many brands manufacturing them in all sorts of designs and types they are a rage with all age groups. The most striking aspect is their levels of comfort and it just seems to be getting better.

Technology is being applied in full force in this field equipping these shoes with air cushioning, automatic size adjustment and what not. These shoes can be used to work, though not on formals, as also for sports and other outdoor activities.

Another very popular accessory, not so much in style, but very comfortable are the floaters. Shaped like sandals but with very good grips they are very comfortable especially when moving around the backyard or at home.

Very popular among university students, a fair share can be seen on campus too. They can be got in a variety of colors too.

International Winter Holidays: Around the World in 10 Holidays

2008-12-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

Most of us know that with winter creeping up on us, there are holidays coming up, too. Here in the United States, that typically means Christmas and New Year's Eve. But what about the rest of the world? There are many holidays that are observed this time of year from all over the globe, whether by different religions, cultures or countries.

Here are a few celebrations, both familiar and lesser known that I've come across*:

Chanukah (Hanukkah) —literally means "rededication"; the Jewish "Festival of Lights," celebrating the Jewish victory at the temple and the 8 days the lamp oil lasted when there was only enough for one day during the rededication of the temple. It begins at sundown on the 25th day of the month Kislev, on the Jewish calendar (in Nov./Dec.). Some common things seen during this celebration are the menorah, which has nine candles, one lit for each day and one to light with; latkes, or potato pancakes; dreidals, which are like spinning tops used for a game of betting; and sufganiyot, unshaped jelly donuts with no holes.

Chinese New Year— this observance is set by the Chinese calendar, which is based on lunar and solar movement. The festivities start with the first new moon of the new year and end on the full moon 15 days later. Each day observes a different theme. The 15th day is known as the Lantern Festival; this is a time of family reunion, celebration and thanksgiving, and religious ceremonies for ancestors, gods, and heaven and earth.
Kwanzaa—from matunda yakwanza, from the phrase "fist fruit." A seven day event, lasting from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honoring African American people, culture and history, where community, gathering and reflection are celebrated. This observance was created by Dr. Maulana Karenge in 1966 to celebrate the African American culture. Each evening, a family member lights candles in a special candle holder and there is a discussion of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith). On the 6th day family and friends eat a large feast and celebrate history, culture and the upcoming new year.

Ramadan—the 9th month of the Muslim calendar, which includes fasting during daylight hours each day (no food or drink) and small meals with family and friends in the evenings; there are also other restrictions. A time of worship and contemplation, concentrating on faith and spending less time on concerns of everyday life. The evening of the 27th day of the month, known as Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power), is considered to be the time when Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran, and when God determines the course the world for the following year. When the fasting ends, there are three days of holiday, known as Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking), with gift-giving and prayer, feasting, and sometimes fairs.

Shichi-Go-San--Japanese festival, literally "Seven-Five-Three." On Nov. 15 or the closest weekend; a celebration for girls 3 and 7 years old and boys 3 and 5 years old, evolved from designated milestones of childhood. The children dress in their best clothes—traditionally kimonos but often western clothing—and pray at shrines to ensure futures free of sickness and misfortune. They are given chitose-ame, or thousand-year candy, in long white paper bags covered with symbols of luck and longevity. This is the most auspicious day of the year according to the Chinese calendar, but it is not a national holiday, and is celebrated out of tradition.

Saint Lucia Day (luciadagen)—a Swedish holiday set on Dec. 13; considered the beginning of the holiday season and honoring St. Lucia , a virgin martyr. The story of Lucia consists of this saint going out in the early morning with food and drink for the poor; she was persecuted for being a Christian who wouldn't give up her faith to marry an unbeliever. This story is acted out in family homes, with the oldest daughter playing the "Lucia bride," bringing her parents a tray of sweet saffron buns and coffee. She wears a white gown with a red sash and a crown of greens, and her siblings will dress in white and follow her, carrying lit candles. This feast day marked the return of the sun.
Tet—Vietnamese new year; the start of the new year in the lunar calendar, between the last ten days of Jan. and mid-Feb. A festival after the harvest lasting three days, when everyone is nice and careful not to show anger or rudeness. Families try their best to get together during this time. On the family altar, joss sticks are lit several times a day, and offerings of food, fruit, water, flowers and betel are made for friendship, ancestors and children. Red envelopes containing money are given to children for a lucky year.

Boxing Day—celebrated in Britain , Canada , Australia and New Zealand . It falls on Dec. 26, which is also St. Stephen's Day in Britain . This holiday is of unknown origin, and possibly dates back to the middle ages. One explanation for the foundation of the holiday is that it was once customary for tradesmen (service people) to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good service throughout the year; also included giving money and gifts to the needy and charities. In England , because it is also St. Stephen's Day, it has become associated with horse-racing and hunting (and other sports).

Scotland does not celebrate Boxing Day, but makes up for it with Hogmanay, a huge festival of revelry on Dec. 31, much like our own New Year's Eve, though only celebrated on a large scale in recent years.

And of course, there is Christmas, which is celebrated by countless people around the world, usually as a Christian festival but also by many others. The word literally means "the feast of Christ," and is adapted from winter pagan festivals such as the winter solstice. The whole holiday as it is known in America is an amalgamation of numerous countries' traditions. Santa Claus was adapted from St. Nicholas (the name came from the Dutch Sinter Klaas), the image of Santa came from the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore, "An Account of a Visit From Saint Nicholas," better known as the story Twas the Night Before Christmas. Christmas trees came from Germany (Queen Victoria and Prince Albert brought them into fashion); gift-giving became strong around the early 19th century.

Each culture celebrates with different traditions. We have great tradition here in the United States , but there is so much more going on in the fall and winter across the globe. By celebrating long-standing traditions or finding new ones, the colder months can be filled with lots of high spirits, and winter can seem less dull.

*Author's note: I don't celebrate most of these holidays myself—I apologize for any incorrect information I may have unintentionally included.

How to Choose Clothes for Overweight Girls

2008-12-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

Don't choose shapeless baggy clothes; sweatpants are for exercise, not for school. They are not flattering.

Don't choose styles that have narrowly cut arms, necklines, tight inflexible waistlines, legs (like jeans can have) or anything that is too form fitting. etc. These are very uncomfortable, itchy and can cut off circulation.

Do choose pants, shorts and skirts which have some elastic at the back but which button and zip in the front.

Do choose jeans with the 'stretch' label. These look just like regular jeans but they are cotton blended with a spandex or Lycra component. These jeans are labeled 'stretch' and are very comfortable. They feature the tailored fit of other denim.
Do choose jeans, like Target's Circo brand which have built in elastic which can be adjusted by pulling it tighter or looser and buttoning it in place on the inner waistband. Nothing shows on the outside.

Do choose clothes that are comfortable and fit well.

Do encourage her to use powder and deodorant to help with perspiration.

Don't dress larger girls in women's styles. Even if you have trouble finding girls clothing for her in her size, don't give her women's styles to wear.

Do check stores like Old Navy for larger sizes of stylish clothing. Even if she can't wear the girls sizes, Old Navy's womens' clothing is cute and fashionable.

Don't go wide, go long on the blouses. The princess or empire waisted blouses( cinched or gathered slightly under the breast area) look very nice on girls with more stomach. V-necked shirts that look like they cross like a robe are very flattering as well.

Do choose blouses, tops, tee-shirts and sweaters that are cut longer, to fit down over a larger tummy or bottom. Fashion Bug (some of which carry girls' clothing) Old Navy, Hollister and most other stores now feature these longer tops.

Don't purchase straight leg jeans or pants for girls who are heavy or who have short legs. Straight leg pants emphasize heavy legs.

Do choose pants, jeans and slacks with fitted thighs and a slight flair at the bottom.

Don't make your child wear longer skirts, below the knee. These look dumpy and out-of-date.

Do choose shirts with hemlines that stop slightly above the knee. The plaid 'school-girl' style is very attractive.

Don't choose mini-skirts. They are not comfortable. Mini-skirts can cause embarrassing situations.

Do select skirts with shorts built in, called skorts. Skorts are available in denim, twill and knits. Many stores now carry them. These are a perfect alternative for skirts. Girls can play comfortably in skorts also.

Don't make your child wear heavy clothing that will overheat them. Avoid velvets, wool and other bulky knits. Even in the winter, schools can be very warm.

Do show your daughter how to layer the clothes and send a jacket or sweater that can be worn in class if necessary.

Do choose soft breathable tee-shirt style fabrics.

Don't buy tights or pantyhose for school. Tights can be itchy, warm and can cause heat rash, especially behind the knees.
Do choose socks in a variety of lengths: knee socks, calf high and anklets so she can learn to choose which will be most comfortable.

Do try the style in which a shorter dress or skirt is worn with leggings that come to the thigh or knee, underneath. I saw a very heavy girl in church wearing this style and she looked wonderful.

Don't wear either flat shoes or very high heels. This is not just for fashion but for comfort and foot, leg and back care.

Do choose footwear with a slight lift in the heel. If the toe is elevated then the heel should be elfoot, legbout an inch or so more. Sketchers are a favorite brand of mine for girls shoes. Sketchers can be found at Meijer, Kohl's and JC. Penney. Payless, Wal-Mart and Meijer in our area sell comfortable reasonably priced girls shoes.

Do choose shoes, sandals and boots labeled 'flex' or 'flexible' sole. If shoes aren't labeled, grasp the shoe in both hands and try to bend it back and forth. A flexible sole will move back and forth freely. These shoes are very comfortable.

Do try to shop in stores with lots of attractive choices in larger sizes. Shopping for an overweight child is painful enough, so try to make it as pleasant as possible.

How to Stylishly Layer Clothes in the Winter

2008-12-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

Plummeting temperatures and slews of snowfall demand cozier clothes, but the typical winter outfit involves more shudder-worthy bunching and bulging than chic girls wish to imagine. From donning baggy coats to frumpy boots, it sometimes seems like staying stylish come the first freeze is impossible. But there are plenty of ways to tactfully layer clothes for cute combinations that promise protection from Jack Frost. Curious about how to layer fashionably and fabulously? Follow these steps, gals!

*Choose a comfy camisole: Find at least two staple camis in fun colors to wear over your bra. Ensure that the camis have a little stretch so that they skim your body, but aren't tight. Anything with too much lace or other decorations might show through your next layer, so plainer cuts are usually best. Depending on how cold your environment is you may want to wear more than one at a time, maybe even in varying lengths.

*Search for the perfect tee: Layer a close fitting tee over your camisole. Again, something with some stretch will be the most flattering because you will be wearing at least a couple more layers over it and don't want to appear too bulky. For a trendy look, choose a tee that's slightly shorter than your camisole so that part of the cami peeks out. Aim for winning color combinations, like black & white, bright red & violet, chocolate & forest green, and spunky yellow & orange. If necessary, wear more than one tee.

*Grab a long-sleeve: Next, select a sleek long-sleeve that doesn't bunch or ride up over your bottom layers. The top can have buttons or be buttonless, but the key is to maintain the slimmest profile possible. Keep in mind the neckline of the tee you have on underneath, too. Concealing the bottom tee's neckline is generally prettier than leaving it exposed, especially if you have a thick short neck.

*Snag a vest or tank top: This step is optional, but if you want to be extra snuggly, fetch a sleeveless layer to put over your long-sleeve or your sweater. You can choose a puffy down vest for plenty of insulation or simply slip on a tank top that goes with your bottom layer for added flair.
*Put on a sweater: Unless you're trying to achieve a slouchy artsy look, find a slim-fitting sweater, again keeping in mind the neckline of your bottom layer. Since this will probably be your top layer besides your coat (exceptions for those of you who live in very cold places and may need 2 or even 3 sweaters), make your choice expressive. A hood, interesting pockets, unique buttons, zippers, or a neat design can complete an outfit. And as a side note, if one of your bottom layers has a collar, pull it out and fold it over the sweater's neckline so that it doesn't bunch up and make your collarbone area look puffy under the sweater.

*Find Long Johns: Long Johns should fit well so that they don't bunch up under your pants, but they shouldn't be too tight or else sitting and walking will become painful. Preferably choose a pair in an attractive color or with a tasteful pattern; after all, even if no one else sees them, at least you'll know they're nice. Wear crisp pants (i.e., avoid sweats!) over the Long Johns to look well polished.

*Finish the look: Accessorize with a nice scarf, legwarmers, earmuffs, a hat, gloves, and a coat, depending on the weather and your personal tastes. Also remember that the right jewelry and make-up can punch up even the blandest outfit, so find something that really pops but doesn't clutter the outfit.

Don't let the cold scare you into dressing thirty pounds heavier. Wear multiple layers of slimming fabrics for surefire style. Thankfully winter clothes don't have to be ugly clothes!

Ladies, Winter's Coming: Time to Put Your Clothes Back On

2008-12-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

I know you've seen this scenario at least once: Girl in a sweatshirt and a jacket. She's bundled up for winter above the waist. Problem is, she's wearing shorts that do nothing to shield any part of her legs whatsoever.

Whether you're desperate for leg attention or just too lazy to put on a pair of jeans or pants after you're finished at the gym, I think it's time someone told the truth to those girls: winter clothes are just as sexy, if not more so, than their skimpier counterparts.

Scoff if you want to, but Victoria agrees with me.

Take a look at this sexy coat by Victoria's Secret. It's warm. It's fashionable. And it's sexy.

Now, you might be saying, "Well, yes, but that's a coat. What about those ridiculous sweaters?"

I hear ya. Never seen a sexy sweater. Nope. This is definitely not a sexy sweater. Nope. Not at all.

Yeah. It's a sexy sweater. Without showing a drop of cleavage, the cut and style of the sweater still evokes mystery about what lie beneath while giving the impression that the one wearing the sweater knows all about style.

Of course, not all sexy winter clothes have to be sweaters and long coats. And not all of them have to be from Victoria's Secret. Take this tweed jacket by Bebe. You can rarely fail with the retro feel of the 40s and this tweed jacket is all Bacall and Bogart - sexy and stylish.

Right about now you're probably saying, "You've covered the top half, but what about the bottom half?"

Speaking of the dames of the 40s, they knew what they were doing with those tailored slacks. There's nothing that says confidence quite like a great fitting pair of black pants such as this Matte Wool Skinny Pant from Bebe. The great thing about a great fitting pair of pants is that you can show off the shape of the leg while still keeping everything shrouded in mystery.

The other great thing about winter is that you have many more opportunities to accessorize. From hats to scarves, your accessories are simply the icing of a very well decorated cake. This Brandy hat by Helen Kaminski will take any winter ensemble from simply stylish to downright chic.

Then there's probably one of the best things about winter fashion: the boots. You just can't get much sexier than boots. Whether it's a shorter boot like this one by Goor or a knee scraper like this one by Gallivant, there's probably nothing more sexy than a pair of, uh, "notice me" boots. Ehm.

So don't be shy about keeping those clothes on, girls. You'll turn way more heads by looking like the confident style maven than you ever will by looking like the girl who can't keep her clothes on.

Okay, okay. Those girls get a lot of attention, too, but probably not the kind of attention you ultimately want, right?

Christmas Party Games for Kids and Adults

2008-11-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

The games you play at Christmas depend a lot upon if there will be children and how old they are. Some parties are just for kids, others are a mix of children and adults. Look through the games here and you'll find some great ones to play at your next Christmas party.

One fun game, mainly for adults, is to re-write Christmas tunes with your own words, then sing them aloud. The one that gets the most laughs wins a prize. Another musical Christmas game is to play a portion of a Christmas song to see who can guess it first. Play just a word or two, at first, and see if anyone guesses correctly. If not, play a couple more words, and so on, until someone guesses correctly.

Still another fun game is to have everyone think of their favorite Christmas song. On the count of three, everyone sings their own song, all at the same time. If you mess up, you stop singing. The one who is still singing at the end of the game, and hasn't messed up, is the winner.

A game that any age can play is the trade-a-present game. Everyone brings a wrapped gift labeled "man" or "woman", or "girl", "boy". Have stickers numbering one through the number of guests you think there'll be. Stick the odd numbers on male presents and even numbers on female presents.

Have a jar full of paper pieces with the same numbering on each of them. Pass the male jar and the female jar, letting each person take a number. Everyone now goes and finds the gift with their number on it. After opening, the real fun begins. Playing peppy Christmas music in the background adds to the fun of this game.

The person who drew number "1" goes to any other guy and takes his present, giving the guy his original present instead. Now the girl who drew number "2" follows suit by walking over to any other girl and taking her present, leaving the original gift with that girl. Follow suit, letting everyone trade gifts, according to the number they drew.
A different way to play this game is to let everyone continue to "take" and "give" the gifts until Christmas music playing ends. At the end of the music each person keeps the last gift they're holding. Still another way is to sit in a circle and play the music. Everyone continues to pass their gift to the left until the music stops. At that point you keep the gift you're holding.

A similar game is played with two decks of cards and some small gifts. Great gifts for adults would be a book of stamps, a $5 bill, an inexpensive wallet or a box of candy. All gifts should be relatively small. Now shuffle two decks of cards well, but separately. Place one deck, face down, on the table and distribute the other cards as evenly as possible, passing them all out. The players hold their cards where they can see them and one player will call the cards that are on the table.

Turn the first card over and call that card. Whoever is holding the identical card, from the other deck, chooses a prize from the table. After all the prizes are distributed, turn over the next card and call it. Everyone should hide the gift they selected behind their back or in their pocket. Whoever has that card can say "stay", which means "keep my prize", or can tell someone else at the table he wants their prize.

The person who does want to trade his prize must remember who drew the prize he wants. For example, after the dealer turns over the next card, and Joe has the matching card, Joe gets to choose who he wants to trade gifts with. Joe says "Sharon, I'll take the $5 bill", and Sharon hands it to him while Joe gives Sharon his original gift.

But, if Joe asks Sharon for the $5 bill and she isn't the one who is holding it, Joe loses his next turn and the card-turning continues. After all cards have been turned the players keep the last gift in their possession.

A fun game for just kids is to let them try to toss Christmas cards into a laundry basket, a few feet away. The cards are difficult to throw and must be hurled just right to land in the basket. The one with the most cards in the basket wins a candy cane, or another prize, for each card he land correctly. Other kids each receive one candy cane for playing.

Have a race to see who can open the most gifts - while wearing gloves, scarf and hat. This is a challenging game and not suitable for very small kids. Teens and adults will love the wrapping game, where you wrap presents with gloves, scarf and mittens on. Or, tie one arm behind your back with red ribbon then see who can wrap the present the fastest using only one hand.
Another game for older kids and adults is to see who can draw the best Christmas picture - while the paper is on their head! Hold a piece of paper on your head with one hand then draw the picture with the other. Everyone votes on whose picture looks the best. Get crazy and put embellishments on the table like glue and sequins, glitter, yarn and buttons. You'll laugh until you cry.

Play a game where each person, as they arrive, is given a piece of paper with a Christmas name on it. It could be "reindeer", "shopper" or "Mrs. Claus". Try not to make them too easy. The person must continue through the party dropping small hints as to who they are. The person assigned "reindeer" doesn't have to crawl around on all fours but can occasionally stamp his foot or give another clue.

A caroler can suddenly burst out in song and sing a few bars of a Christmas carol. The clues shouldn't be too obvious or the game will be over quickly. Towards the end of the night everyone can get a piece of paper and write down who or what they think each person is. The one who guesses the most wins a small gift. This game can be played at a church party, with each person being a Biblical character.

A very unique Christmas party for adults is a pinata party. Most people don't think of pinatas for Christmas but the pinata can be filled with unique gifts for friends. Purchase a Christmas-theme pinata then remove a small section from the top of the pinata. Add small gifts that each person brings, into the pinata, then replace the removed section.

The gifts can be personal items from you, such as gift certificates to your beauty salon, packets of seasonings from your herbal shop, or even small crafts you've made at home. Make sure the items aren't breakable when they fall and are rather small in size.

With all the stress that some people feel during the holiday seasons it's nice to take a little break and enjoy some laughs and fun with your friends and family. There are many games you can play - see if you can invent one of your own.

10 Ways to Get Ahead of Holiday Preparations

2008-11-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is hectic. Start early, do and buy a little at a time and spend more time enjoying the season!.

1. Gather up leftover wrapping paper, ribbon, and other supplies in one area. Take an inventory and make a list of what you need - tape, ribbon, cards, stamps, etc. and get those supplies now. Having them on hand means you can save last minute trips to the store - and if it's for a roll of tape seldom do you get out of the store with just the tape. As you get gifts you can wrap them, tag them and they're done!

2. Get an inexpensive notebook (the 5/$1 pocket ones are fine). Outline the candy and baked goods you plan to make and the ingredients you need. What you can get now - DO! If you know every year you make 4 pecan pies, get pecans early, when they're on sale. Don't overlook farmers markets. This gives you the luxury of stocking up a little at a time and of buying when you find things on sale. Waiting until late November usually means paying premium prices - and if you bake quite a bit that can mean a $200+ grocery bill just for baking supplies. Splitting that into several months and buying smarter can mean saving quite a bit of money.

3. Make a list of craft projects the same way. Recently I saw short strings of lights - 25 lights - for $1 on an early sale. These can be used for wonderful easy to make handmade gifts. Get a wide mouthed jar/vase, layer the lights (with the cord end out) with potpourri (also easy to find on sale if you buy at your convenience!) and cover with a bright cloth and ribbon. Plugged into an outlet the light warms the potpourri and is an attractive counter or desk item.

4. Set up small daily chores to save on housework. Get other family members involved - leave the sink clean a night. Cleaning the sink, wiping down the counter and table and sweep the floor takes just a few minutes. Wipe down the bathroom counters and mirror takes a couple more minutes. Get pretty containers on sale to help store things. Think of it this way - three people doing 15 minutes is 45 minutes of cleaning a day. Even children can do small tasks. Something for 15 minutes isn't as bad as an all day cleaning marathon.
5. Address envelopes. If you do a holiday letter you might wait until November but do the rest - then you just need to insert the letter, seal and mail.

6. Go through decorations - make notes of bulbs that need replaced and get extras when you go on the errand trip. Weed out broken ones. If you have grown children and want to cut back on the ornaments gift special ones to each child - an easy way to continue the traditions of home in their new home. Once you get everything checked over consider hanging the lights if you do so on the house. You don't have to turn them on until the holiday season, but hanging them now can save time. When you're up there cleaning the gutters and attending to winter maintenance you can hang the lights at the same time. This saves dragging everything out in a month and means you can put them up when it's clear rather than when there's snow and ice on the way or on the ground.

7. Begin your gifts! If you give baked goods consider baking a couple dozen per week and freezing them. While you're at it bake a few extra to send to a soldier and brighten their time away from home. Did you can things from the garden or other items that can be gifted? Look at creative gift baskets - which can be much cheaper and more personalized than storebought. Make photograph enlargements or other items that can be used for gifts now, before the rush is on. They can be matted, framed and/or wrapped, a gift card put on it and that's *done*! If you do like many do and pick up small items, stocking stuffers, get out the stockings and begin stuffing! There are many things you can find with the luxury of time. The great sale on shirts that are just $4 each - get a couple and wrap them. Only you know that you got them much cheaper than the $20-30 price tag they normally go for!
9. Look through online catalogs and order items for gift giving. For the gardener, for example, there's some great half off (or more) sales at garden sites right now - you get a better gift than you might otherwise be able to afford, and it's ordered in plenty of time to get there. Watch shipping charges and "handling charges" - those can add up some places to make things not such a great bargain.

10. Look at the out of the ordinary outside-the-box thinking for gifts. A bird lover may be delighted to get a few homemade nest boxes for their feathered visitors. Add a $1 bird calender and a packet of sunflower or other seeds (deeply discounted this time of year!) and it's a gift for immediate and all year. Again - thinking ahead can save a lot of money. It can make that $200 budget stretch to give gifts of double or triple that - gifts that everyone will love. Make calendars (personalized - many programs online), Tshirt transfers and other things for one of a kind gifts without the high dollar price tag - and before the rush it's easier to get an hour or so to devote to doing such projects!

The holidays should be a time to reflect, enjoy friends, revel in the season and appreciate what we have. Appreciation is hard to come by when there's a mountain of expenses and tasks that need done! Start now - make it a great holiday season.

How to Accessorize with Diffferent Types of Jeans

2008-11-26T03:20:00.000-08:00

Many of us love to wear our favorite pair of jeans. Whether it is our comfortable pair, our classic pair, or our sexy pair ,it is something that we love to exemplify our own uniqueness. This article will help you to put those favorite "fantabulous" jeans into rotation, and also to help accessorize for flavor. So no matter what type of person you are, this article is for all types of jean wearing fashion Divas.

First and foremost, let's identify our different types of styles. We have our lovely classic style which is great for any type of woman. This style is comfortable yet elegant. You can dress this style in so many different ways. Denim has so many different moods, and can be can be freshly expressed when tailored to fit ones needs. First, build this particular look with denim slim jeans. Make sure you feel comfortable, and that you feel good. Some accessories to include are enamel bangle bracelets with different prints or designs. Be creative with it, only you know what your style is. Also try a striped knit sweater or a blazer to add pizzazz. Divas have their own level of divinity. Also look tp accesorize with your signature lipstick and wedged heels to match.

In addition to our classic style of fashion. We all love to look and to feel comfortable. Speaking of which, we have our loose fitting wide leg jeans to fall into this category. You might ask how to accessorize this type of jeans. There are other types of necessities to add to this look to make it look more sporty and flirty. A fun light sporty jacket with lots of color can bring out these jeans along with a layered tank for coloring. This look can be fun in the day or night. You could accessorize with a nice striped V-Neck sweater, and some different colored sunglasses, and matching jewlery can bring out the firtiness. A bold hand bag would top off this particular look with some comfortable simple wedge heeled shoes or some flat boots depending on style. These heels are stylish without worrying about being too dressed up.
Although it seems as though there could not be any more types of styles to dress up, wrong. We have our pop rock and roll look. For this type of style choose a pair of jeans that fits you the way you like to look in dark, black or charcoal jeans. Make sure that the jeans fit as you would want them to. We will then layer these jeans with an edgy tank, vest or leather jacket. A printed tee would also be a great asset to this look. You can go for a skull punk rockfish look or a simple edgy tank. Go for old school retro sunglasses and a leather belt with an awesome buckle to accessorize the look. The true diva may accessorize with silver patent leather stilettos or patent flats.

Last but not least, we have our sexy seductive style. Many people like to call these jeans skinny jeans. These type of jeans help to counter the slim silhouette. Make sure that these jeans feel sexy on you and you feel confident. To help match this wonderful look a nice camisole with lace or confection compliments these jeans. A kimono type of blouse would also look great to help accent the jeans. It is important that you go for the colors that accent you eyes or the colors that you feel look best on you. Look for skin toned sunglasses and clutches to go with your sexy seductive jean apparel. Stiletto shoes with ankle straps our the best choice for these jeans which appear slinky but yet seductive.

In conclusion each category of style is set to appeal to each and every person. It is important that the diva within goes for what feels good for her. If you want to start your day out being elegant and switch to sexy it is now possible because you have the "how to" accessorize with any pair of jean guide. Remember no one can make you look or feel bad unless you give them permission so have fun and shine. These jeans are for everyone and for anybody who is no afraid of doing there own thing.

An Introduction to Finding the Best Jeans for Your Plus Size Figure

2008-11-26T03:17:00.000-08:00

A great-fitting pair of jeans is a wardrobe necessity for any modern Fashionista. However, finding the right pair of jeans that flatter and fit your body type can be a bit of a challenge. Since there are so many options you will run across in shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, The Plus Size Fashionista's Guide to Fabulous Dressing is here to help. In the next few articles, you will find several tips on finding the jeans that fit your body type best. Body types usually fall into three categories: Hourglass, Apple, and Pear. In this article, you will find an introduction to getting the perfect jean for a plus size figure, including what to look for, and what to avoid.

First, get familiar with "jeans lingo". This will make searching for the best fitting jeans much easier. Jeans are normally classified by five subcategories: rise, wash, inseam, whiskering, and cut. Rise, the measurement between the crotch of the jean and the waistband, is the first category you want to focus on. The rise of the jean is one of the most important parts of the jeans' fit, and will determine how the jean makes your waist look. As a full figured woman, you want to try to maintain an hourglass shape in your clothing; you always want to try to give the appearance of a well-defined waist, even if you do not have one. Therefore, stay away from ultra-low rise jeans. An ultra-low or low rise jean not only increases the chance of flesh peaking out of the top of the waistband, also called "muffin top", but it also increases the chance of your underwear peaking out as well. These are two major fashion faux pas, and both are unsightly. Also, make sure that the waistband of the jean is not cutting into your flesh. This will create annoying bulges in your overall bodyline. The waistband of the jean should fit comfortably, and if it is cutting into your skin, the jean is probably too small. Jeans with a rise that sits at the waist or just below the waist are very flattering to plus size figures, so look for mid or high-rise jeans.
Next, look at the wash of the jean. The wash is simply the color of the jean. Looking at a jeans' wash can be daunting because, as you will see while you are shopping, there are many jean washes to choose from. Although finding the best, most flattering jean wash is a matter of opinion, in general, darker washes are more flattering for plus size figures than lighter washes. Try to avoid jeans that are faded at the thigh or hip. This will give the appearance of a bulkier upper leg, and that is not what you want.

After finding the wash that you like, it is important to choose the right inseam. The inseam of jean is the measurement down the inside seam of the jean, from crotch to hem. The hem of your jean should hit the bottom of the heel of your shoe, so length is very important. Wearing jeans that are not long enough tends to ruin the leg lengthening, slimming effect that a jean can have. Remember, it is much easier that have your jeans hemmed or roll them up than to try to add fabric to the bottom of the jean. Do not be afraid to buy jeans that may be a bit too long; fixing that problem is easy.

Whiskering is not always a category involved in your jean purchase, however, this design technique is a very popular one, so you may encounter jeans with whiskering while you shop. Whiskering is a design technique that gives jeans that worn-in appearance. Remember that your jeans should create a slimming effect, so whiskering that draws the eye outward is a problem. This will make you appear wider.

Lastly, you want to inspect the cut of the jean. This is probably the most important part of your jean search. The cut of the jean will tell you how the jeans will fit your legs. For fuller figures, fitted jeans are more flattering, but be careful here. Try to avoid tapered jeans, jeans with a relaxed thigh that narrow at the ankles. Tapered jeans are made to enhance curves, so for fuller figures, there will be a widening effect. Also, stay away from baggy style; they will just make you look bigger. Jeans with straight, boot cut, or flared legs are the most flattering for plus size women.

How to Find the Right Pair of Jeans, If You're a Guy

2008-11-26T02:53:00.000-08:00

What does it take to be a man? A good pair of jeans, of course!

In all seriousness, it can be extremely difficult for [heterosexual] men nowadays to find a pair of jeans that conveys the right message. Guys don't want to be too flashy... but they don't want to be too dull either. They just want to dress up, with no worries. Apparently not too many guys nowadays worry about looking gay with their jeans, and I'm here to correct that. Not only is this a how-to regarding finding the right pair of jeans, it's also a how-to for guys to find themselves.

The first step in this how-to is avoiding trends. Guys shouldn't be looking at what Dane Cook is wearing or, God forbid, what country singers are wearing. Forget that Hollywood look; guys shouldn't spend the rest of their lives watching TV and emulating B.S. celebrities. Rather, they should be thinking for themselves.

This also takes care of a lot of the overpriced brands, coincidentally. Big name clothing knows how people think in regards to celeb-emulation, and they price their clothing accordingly. This doesn't necessarily mean that guys shouldn't spend a good amount of money on clothing; buying clothes isn't about grabbing the cheapest pair off the rack. Instead, pay for a good fitting pair of jeans-- it's worth it.

How should a pair of jeans fit? It's easy: straight. Guys are only as straight as their cut of jeans. Boot cuts, while still acceptable, walk a thin line between gay and straight. Not only do they actually fit on only a slight minority of American men, but when they do they still give a curvaceous silhouette. In fact, they look like bellbottoms sometimes too. Rarely does a pair of bootcut jeans work out and, given the look that spans time (the straight up and down look), it's a better bet for guys to just go with a pair of straight-cut jeans, unless they want to show off their hips.

The most important aspect of the straight-cut jean relates to the shoe that is being worn underneath it. If the ankle opening is too large, the cuffs of the jeans will drag on the ground and eventually ruin the jeans. With small leg openings, the length of the jean doesn't matter, and a tapered pair of jeans can look very good if done properly. Overall, it's about proportion and, depending on the size of the guy, the legs of the jeans will vary in tightness.

Which brings up the next attribute: where are these jeans being worn? Is the guy going to a rodeo, or a rap concert? It's difficult to wear a pair of jeans that's too tight or too baggy without looking like a total buffoon.

This is where the crotch comes in. Guys shouldn't chase a pair of jeans that makes a spectacle out of their junk-- it can be embarrassing at times, if not all the time. But, more importantly, there needs to be room to breathe in those jeans! Bottom line: guys will never impress any ladies while sporting a cardboard corner for a crotch.

For that matter, what else are you carrying? Did you know they have jeans you can carry shotguns and six packs of beer in?
At least keep room for your keys, your wallet, and your cell phone in your mens' jeans.

Another thing to keep in mind: where will you be wearing these jeans? You're not going to bring a shotgun or a six pack to church are you? It's common knowledge by now that guys can wear a good pair of jeans to a formal event, but it should be a straight fit, with a good pair of shoes, and a tapered ankle, and, WITH A DARK WASH. The dark wash can give a trouser look and, unless they're rodeo jeans, can look very intelligent.

So we've got cut, comfort, and wash thus far... but there is one other factor worth mentioning: timelessness. Before buying a pair of jeans, one must ask himself 'How long will these last?' In terms of longevity, it's hard not to mention rigid jeans because it takes roughly a year before they are broken in-- as opposed to pre-broken, pre-holed jeans that are readily available from any clothing outlet, on or offline. Rigid jeans are also very consistent in their look, and will naturally mold to one's body shape after a short period of washing.

So, that's it; buying jeans can be more complicated than simply running to the store! Hopefully this guide will aide men to not waste their money on meaningless trends and spoiled looks. But it will cost money, so every guy should be prepared to spend.

The most important aspect of the straight-cut jean relates to the shoe that is being worn underneath it. If the ankle opening is too large, the cuffs of the jeans will drag on the ground and eventually ruin the jeans. With small leg openings, the length of the jean doesn't matter, and a tapered pair of jeans can look very good if done properly. Overall, it's about proportion and, depending on the size of the guy, the legs of the jeans will vary in tightness.

Which brings up the next attribute: where are these jeans being worn? Is the guy going to a rodeo, or a rap concert? It's difficult to wear a pair of jeans that's too tight or too baggy without looking like a totally buffoon.

This is where the crotch comes in. Guys shouldn't chase a pair of jeans that makes a spectacle out of their junk-- it can be embarrassing at times, if not all the time. But, more importantly, there needs to be room to breathe in those jeans! Bottom line: guys will never impress any ladies while sporting a cardboard corner for a crotch.

For that matter, what else are you carrying? Did you know they have jeans you can carry shotguns and six packs of beer in?
At least keep room for your keys, your wallet, and your cell phone in your mens jeans.

Another thing to keep in mind: where will you be wearing these jeans? You're not going to bring a shotgun or a six pack to church are you? It's common knowledge by now that guys can wear a good pair of jeans to a formal event, but it should be a straight fit, with a good pair of shoes, and a tapered ankle, and, WITH A DARK WASH. The dark wash can give a trouser look and, unless they're rodeo jeans, can look very intelligent.

So we've got cut, comfort, and wash thus far... but there is one other factor worth mentioning: timelessness. Before buying a pair of jeans, one must ask himself 'How long will these last?' In terms of longevity, it's hard not to mention rigid jeans because it takes roughly a year before they are broken in-- as opposed to pre-broken, pre-holed jeans that are readily available from any clothing outlet, on or offline. Rigid jeans are also very consistent in their look, and will naturally mold to one's body shape after a short period of washing.

So, that's it; buying jeans can be more complicated than simply running to the store! Hopefully this guide will aide men to not waste their money on meaningless trends and spoiled looks. But it will cost money, so every guy should be prepared to spend.

How to Find the Best Pair of Vintage Jeans: Fit is Everything

2008-11-26T02:48:00.000-08:00

Shopping for authentic vintage jeans is worth the hunt. Shopping to find the best vintage jeans does take some time and planning. Shop wisely to quickly find a fabulous pair to add to your collection. Here are 3 tips to help lead you to the perfect pair of vintage jeans.

Vintage Jeans

While shopping locally for vintage jeans, know what you are looking for. When you browse garage sales, thrift stores, and organized resale shops, keep your eyes open. While you are browsing the racks look for the seaming on each pair of pants. Look at the grommets on the pockets, zipper, and any exterior and inner name brand label. Keep your eyes open for any jeans that are obviosly not new, were the label may have been cut out. The grommets on the jeans may be a different tone than modern jeans. The tone may be a bright copper or even a dull gray. If there is a name brand that you love, look for it. If you are not familiar with name brands look for Levi's, Lacoste, Guess, Gloria Vanderbilt, Wrangler, Z. Cavaicci, Jordache, St. Tropez, and Dolce Gabbana.

Vintage Sizes

Vintage jeans are not vanity sized. If you wear a ladies size 4 or 6 you probably will not be able to wear a true vintage size 4. Ignore the size that is listed on the label. Always try on the pants, or keep your tape measure with you. Know your waist, hip, and inseam measurement before shopping. Keep these measurements with you on an index card or piece of paper in your purse or wallet. If you do happen to find the perfect pair of vintage jeans but it is the wrong size, there is hope. Contact your local tailor to have the jeans tailored to fit your body. If the pants are too short turn the hemline over to see if there is additional fabric. After purchasing, take the pants immediately to your tailor.

Wear
Pair your vintage blue jeans with your favorite vintage tee shirt. Wear sexy heels or boots to highlight the look of your vintage jeans. Wash your vintage blue jeans on delicate in a detergent that does not fade fabrics. Or you can send the vintage jeans to the dry cleaners. When you find the perfect pair of vintage blue jeans you will know it. Look for modern pieces to mix and match with your new vintage find. If you are in doubt about how to wear the vintage jeans, this will help. Wear a solid white blouse or tee shirt. Women can wear a great stretch belt or skinny belt if your top is long. Shorter tops can be worn and tucked in with a fabulous belt worn through the belt loops. Men can wear a collared shirt, tee, thin sweater, or blazer with vintage jeans to bring the look together.

There are endless outfit possibilities to show off your new vintage jeans. Cleanse your jeans with care to keep them looking their best. Take all fabulous jeans with slight problems immediately to your tailor. Wear your vintage jeans often, to share your fabulous style with everyone. Use these tips to add a few nice pieces to your vintage wardrobe.

Men and Women Are Different, but in What Sense?

2008-11-23T23:32:00.000-08:00

To the differences in human types we must add those between the sexes. Man and woman are basically different, far more so than they believe. This is why they both have such great difficulty in understanding on another and such threat need of one another for their growth. I will go so far as to say that never can a man completely understand a woman, nor a woman a man.

For example, man has a theoretical mind while woman has a more person-centered mind. Sometimes when I am speaking on a general matter with my wife, discussing two conflicting ideas, she will ask me right out, "who are you talking about?" I was not speaking about anyone. I was developing an idea. Yet my wife felt the need of identifying tat idea with something concrete, with some person. A woman thinks of people, and in terms of people. Take a look, for contrast's sake, at men as they gather together for a game of cards or a cup of coffee. They expound magnificent theories on the way the world should be governed and how universal peace and brotherhood can be achieved. These theories are quite abstract, detached, and unrelated to the immediate situation. If one of the wives were there, she would laugh and say, "you'll be better helping me dry the dishes or taking an interest in your son and his learning difficulties, instead of leaving me with all the worry of seeing th psychologists and teacher in order to get help for him/" thus I is from woman and under her influence that man can acquire a feeling for persons. Civilization built by men alone would remain abstract, cold, technical, and dehumanized.

A woman thinks in detail, also. Details interest her more than general ideas. She has a need to tell all the day's happenings, once she is with her husband. She has to tell which hat a friend was wearing, what kind of coat was worn by another, what the janitor or the store clerk told her and how she replied. Soon the husband is listening very distractedly because he has not understood that his wife is so made that details are of great importance to her. To him, all this appears very small and dull. When the wife senses that her husband no longer is listening to her, that he is reading in the newspaper about the world's great problems, she feels terribly alone. And alone, she will plunge ever more deeply into details which for her ever gain in importance...gossip, neighborhood jealousies, and the comparison of various stores prices.

Proper Fur Care: Be Kind to Your Fur Coat

2008-11-23T23:28:00.000-08:00

An investment in a fur coat is an investment in style, glamour, and beauty. Few other articles of clothing make as strong a statement about the wearer, or convey such a perfect mix of power and femininity. A fur coat is a valuable item, and with only a little work and careful steps taken, one can insure that their fur coat is well taken care of, providing years of beauty. I learned these steps through personal ownership of furs, and from exchanges with others.

First, consider how you will care for your fur coat at home. A fur coat in a closet needs three things: darkness, coolness, and plenty of space. Long exposure to light will fade your fur coat, heat will dry out the pelts, and being jammed and crammed in among many other garments or items will prevent air circulation, which dries out the pelts even further, and causes unsightly matting and scruffing. With these things in mind, choose a closet that is out of sunlight, not near heating vents, and which has plenty of room for the fur coat. Make sure to use a large, padded coat hanger with your fur coat.

Avoid exposing your fur coat to chemicals. This includes perfumes and hairsprays, in addition to items like mothballs and cigarette smoke. These items can give your fur coat a permanent odor, which may require professional treatment to remove.

Exposure to a little snow or rain will not hurt your fur coat. To care for your fur coat properly after wearing it in the snow, for example, simply shake it gently and hang it up to dry in a room with good air circulation, away from heat vents. Do not use a blow dryer on your fur coat! If you want to brush your fur coat, do so with your hands only.

Choosing the Right Winter Coat for Your Body Shape

2008-11-23T23:27:00.001-08:00

Temperatures are starting to drop and it's time to start thinking about getting a new winter coat for the coming winter season. While there are many cute and stylish winter coats on the markets not all of them look great on every body type. By choosing a coat that works with your shape you can accentuate your positives, minimize your negatives and look hot even when the temperatures are cold.

Pear shaped bodies are one of the most common body types for women. If you have a pear shaped body your bottom half is heavier than your upper half and you may tend to carry your weight your hips or thighs rather than in your belly or upper half.

If you have a pear shaped body consider choosing a winter coat with details at the top in the shoulder area that make it look wider such as a fur collar. A coat that is wider at the shoulders will help to balance out your hips and make your body look more balanced. Double breasted coats that are fitted at the waist also work very well for pear shaped bodies since they add a little bit of volume to the top and accentuate your narrowest point, which is at your waist.

If you have a rectangular body or a "boy" body, you will want to look for a coat that implies that you have curves even if you don't. Try getting a double breasted coat which will help to add volume to the upper half of your body. Also look for coats with pocket flaps on the bottom which can help to emphasize your hips and make them look curvier. A double breasted princess coat is also a great option for you since it is fitted through the waist and then flares out over the hips to help make you look curvier.

If you are petite avoid buying a long or bulky winter coat since it can easily overwhelm your body. Instead, look for a coat that is at most 3/4 length and that fits your very well through so you aren't swimming in it. Keep in mind that you can get coats altered for a reasonable amount so that they actually fit your body if you can't find anything that sits quite right on your smaller frame.

How to Choose a Coat for Winter Weather

2008-11-23T23:22:00.000-08:00

As the days become shorter and the cold winter winds begin to blow, you're going to want to bring your winter coat out of hiding. If your current coat selections have seen better days, it may be time to shop for a new one. Choosing a quality winter coat is an important decision since you'll be wearing it frequently during the months when temperatures dip below freezing. Plus, a stylish winter coat can pull together an outfit as well as hide the sweat clothing you've put on for a quick trip to the grocery store. Here's what to keep in mind when choosing a coat:

Choose a coat for warmth

If you live in an area where temperatures frequently drop below freezing, you're going to want to choose a winter coat with good insulation. If you're looking more for functionality rather than fashion, a goose-down coat may be your best choice. Goose-down coats have become much more stylish in the last few years. Plus, they offer the ultimate protection against the elements. If you live in a cold area and want a coat you can wear to work, you may want to consider investing in a cashmere or camel hair coat which will provide both warmth and style.

Choose your coat size carefully.

If you live in a cold area, you'll probably be layering your winter clothing to give provide insulation from the elements. When choosing a coat, you may want to select a size larger to accommodate the extra clothing you'll be wearing underneath. If you're trying on winter coats on a warmer day, you may get a false impression of fit if you're dressed lightly. When in doubt, go up a size.

Consider your color options.

If you can't afford to have multiple winter coats, it's best to opt for a black or neutral shade of coat so it will coordinate with most items in your wardrobe. If you choose a coat in a bright shade, you may be restricted as to what you can wear it with and where you can wear it.

Best Plus-Size Jeans for Teenagers

2008-11-19T03:02:00.000-08:00

Every teenager wants to look and feel her best in a great pair of jeans. Finding affordable, stylish jeans for full-figured teenagers used to be challenging, but these days you can find plus-size jeans in a wealth of styles and price ranges, both online and in retail stores.

Teenagers know that Old Navy is the place to look for affordable, trendy jeans. Old Navy's retail stores carry jeans up to size 20, but full-figured teenagers can find plus-size jeans in sizes 16-30 on the Old Navy website. More than two dozen styles of plus-size jeans can be searched online by size, style, and fit. Old Navy's diverse selection includes low-rise, classic fit, boot cut, straight leg, wide leg, flared, and more. If you're shopping online for plus-size jeans, Old Navy also has one of best shipping deals around: $7 flat rate and in-store returns.

Lane Bryant carries a great selection of quality plus-size jeans from sizes 14-32, including petite and tall. By simply inputting your waist and hip measurements on their website, full-figured teenagers can find their "Right Fit": a fabulous-fitting pair of plus-size jeans to best flatter your figure. Lane Bryant also carries Seven7® jeans and Secret Slimmer® in a variety of cuts and colors.

Lee® Natural Fit Back Flap Pocket Jeans are slimming, flattering, and comfortable, to boot! The cute boot-cut, flap pocket jeans are cotton with a touch of spandex, sit just below the waist, and have an innovative tummy control lining. They come in sizes 16W-24W and can be purchased at department stores such as J.C. Penney. J.C. Penney also carries a line of Junior Plus jeans by Arizona in sizes 17-21, and by Levi in sizes 16-24.

Torrid rocks for trendy plus-size jeans. From Baby Phat 5-pocket straight legs to dark denim boot cut to motley grind skinny jeans, full-figured teens who want to express their inner diva will find a huge selection of plus-size jeans in sizes 12-26.
If you want to shop local and economical, check out Target and Wal-Mart for their plus-size jeans. Target has a small but nice quality selection of plus-size jeans up to size 26W. Wal-Mart carries plus-size jeans in junior and women's sizes. Shop in stores rather than online for the best selection.

www.chinashopgate.com is a one-stop shopping source for plus-size jeans. A recent search for "plus size jeans" returned over 2000 listings, which can be narrowed down by size, price, or with more search terms. Savvy it may even get lucky and "win" a great deal on a "lot" which includes several pairs of jeans.

Christmas Shopping: Avoid the Rush!

2008-11-19T02:56:00.000-08:00

I do this every year, and I'm sure I'm not the only one! I will begin shopping for Christmas tomorrow, December 10th!

I simply cant get myself motivated to get out there any earlier and fight all the crowds looking for the "perfect" gift. My solution? Shop On-line!

I started about 5 years ago as a last minute rush to get presents. I was working long hours and simply did not have the time to go out to do the shopping first hand. It started with ebay, then to some big box retail outlets and now its pretty much wherever I can find the gift! The benefits of finding gifts on-line are numerous:

1. Millions of products right at your fingerprints. I mean, everything you could possibly think of and most likely everything you would have never thought of as well! You can even find items that have been discontinued for months so you may even be able to pull off your own Christmas miracle for someone this year!
2. Most places will allow you to shop up to the 21st to ensure shipping by Christmas eve and each will offer next day or second day air to your house or the recipient of the gift to make sure your packages get to where they need to be.
3. Great deals! - There are a ton of websites that post coupons for many vendors and stores on-line. From free shipping to up to 30% off a purchase, you will save a lot more money shopping on-line. I have not paid full retail price for anything since I began shopping all of my Christmas gifts on-line 5 years ago!
4. Less stress trying to find a gift in stores that have been picked over a hundred times before you even get through the door. No more getting up at 3am on black Friday just to save $10 on that toaster either!
5. Oh yeah, you can do it in your pajamas, while you are in bed, at work, school or even with your kids in the same room!

I think everyone should give this a try, and do not be afraid of purchasing over the Internet either. I have dozens of friends who shop on-line all the time and they nor I have even heard of anyone we know getting anything stolen by shopping on the Internet.

If you are pressed for time this season and would like to save some money and headache all at once, give on-line shopping a try! But hurry, Christmas is almost here!

Benefits of Doing Most of Your Christmas Shopping On-Line

2008-11-19T02:52:00.000-08:00

This year, I'm buying more and more of my Christmas presents on-line. Not only do I have the convenience of doing my shopping from my living room, I'm also saving money, time, and gaining piece of mind. Today, not only do many large on-line retailers offer free shipping and discounts, the on-line versions of your favorite stores do as well.

For me, the biggest benefit of shopping on-line rather than heading to the mall or any old brick and mortar store is the convenience. I can shop for anything, and I do mean anything, at any time. I can browse e-bay at 2 AM in my PJs when I can't sleep. There is no need to drive to the store, find a parking spot, search the store for the item, and then wait in a long line to check out. You simply need to go the website, search, buy or bid, and then check yourself out. A total of maybe 5 minutes is involved - if you know what you are looking for and how much you'd like to spend. Shopping on-line is not only convenient, it will save you a lot of hassle and stress this holiday season as well.

Not only will shopping on-line reduce the stress of the holiday season, it will save you money in a variety of ways as well. First off, you don't need to use gas to go to the store. All you need to do is hop on-line. Second, you normally can find the same sales on-line as you would in a retail store. If you happen to shop an auction site such as www.chinashopgate.com, you might end up with a huge bargain. I have yet to find a case in which an item was more expensive on-line than in a store; it is usually the other way around. Third, shipping normally adds cost to purchasing on-line; however, this time of year, sites such as Amazon.com and Kohls.com offer free shipping! If you do end up paying shipping costs, it is normally well worth it.

This Year :Doing Christmas Shopping Online

2008-11-19T02:44:00.000-08:00

Every year, when it comes to the Christmas season, most think of shopping at the local malls and department stores. There is much hustle as well as the hassle of parking and waiting in long lines. You many times will find the sales racks in total disarray as a result of eager shoppers trying to find that perfect gift. There are some shoppers, which feel that this is what the Christmas season is all about, and would not change it for the world. There are quit a few others that find this scene to be frustrating and more stress than they need. For these people there is an excellent alternative. Christmas shopping online has been around for a while now, for most people it is not a new thing now. As a result every year, more and more are turning to the Internet to complete their shopping.

When you are shopping online for your Christmas gifts, the key is not to shop to early, but to shop early enough. Time will of course be an issue as you will have to leave enough times for your items to be shipped to you, or your recipients. By waiting too long, you may have to pay additional charges for "Rush" shipping. While standard rates are quit reasonable, express shipping can be very expensive. If you are going to have a direct shipment to your family or friends if you so choose, but you do not want them to receive their gift too early. While there is really nothing wrong with the gift arriving early, they may open it early or put it away and forget about it.

But fortunately,all items sold on www.chinashopgate.com will be shipped to you freely.That will be good news for you ,especially after the financial crisis.

Unique Christmas Gifts for Your Boss

2008-11-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas rolls around, it is time to start making your gift-giving list. Do not forget to include your boss on that Christmas list. We all know that we have had bosses that we did not get along with, and we have had ones that we did not want to leave. No matter how you feel about your boss though, you should be able to find some little something to give him or her. Christmas gifts for your boss can range from the inexpensive to the more highly priced items. For this article, we will have a look at some of both and some in-between. Here are some possible Christmas gifts for your boss.

For something inexpensive for Christmas gifts your boss you could always get him a Christmas gift basket. You can have these made, or you can make it yourself. For one's that you can order, be sure to check first with the company you are using. Some of them will have standard "boss" gift baskets and some will give you the choice or choices of what you want to be included inside as small Christmas gifts.

Gift certificates make excellent Christmas gifts for your boss. You can find gift certificates for just about every store or business. All you need to know is how much you are going to spend. Most stores will sell gift certificates for as little as five dollars to as much as hundreds of dollars. If you know your boss's favorite store, then look into a gift certificate from them. If you do not know the name of his or her favorite store then consider getting them a gift certificate to their preferred coffee shop or restaurant.

Another way to go about getting something for your boss for Christmas that will help alleviate some of the pressure is to ask your fellow co-workers if they would be willing to pitch in some money and get him a gift from all of the employees. This way you will not have to worry if your individual gift is too small or too large. As well as being able to get everyone else's input on what the final gift will be

Unique Secret Santa Christmas Gifts

2008-11-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

If you are not quite sure exactly what a 'Secret Santa' is, please allow me to explain. Secret Santa is useful for larger groups of people. It is a way to anonymously give Christmas gifts between students, co-workers, large families, or friends. Everyone's name is placed into a hat and each person then takes turns drawing out a name. The person's name that you drew will be who you are supposed to buy for.

Gifts given in this way can be limited to the amount of money that you should spend, and if you would prefer, you can have everyone who writes their name on a slip of paper to also list five items, within the price range, that they would like to receive as Christmas gifts from their secret Santa.

The amount that will be spent on the gift should be agreed upon by everyone in the group. If some of the group can afford to spend fifty dollars on the Christmas gift, and the rest can only afford thirty dollars per gift; set the amount accordingly.

You do not want to disallow someone from participating simply because they can not afford to. Keep the amount reasonable so that everyone can participate. If this is for a classroom, keep the cost to under five dollars per Christmas gift.

Secret Santa is done all the time at Christmas. Christmas gifts given can be placed on a large table with the recipient's name only on the gift tag; for complete anonymity. If you want to you could also make a small game out of the giving by having each recipient take five guesses as to who gave the gift to them. Or you could even have each person hold onto the gift that they bought and sit in a circle. Then they can take turns presenting each gift to the person whose name they drew. Either way you want to do it is perfectly acceptable and fun.

The Christmas gifts given using a secret Santa can be either bought from the preferred gift list, as written by the recipient on the same slip of paper as their name; or you can buy something unique; something personalized; or buy a gag gift. Either way your group wants to do it should be decided upon from the beginning. If you wanted to go with gag gifts, make sure to set up some boundaries. Remember, what could be funny to one, may be upsetting to another.

How to Save Money Buying Christmas Gifts

2008-11-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas, for many people, means breaking the bank and going into debt for months to come in the quest to buy everyone on their list the perfect gift. It needn’t be so! Check out these ways to stretch your dollar Christmas shopping.

Peruse the sales flyers.Whether or not you have a specific item in mind, scanning the daily and weekly sales ads will alert you to great deals at your local stores. Compare prices for the same item at several different stores and find the best deal. Pricing changes quickly, so make sure to take the time to shop while your item is still being advertised at the lower price. Once inside the store, don’t get caught up in the shopping moment and start grabbing items willy nilly. Many times the best deals are offered as “loss leaders” in the hopes you will continue shopping and pay full price for other items.

Clip coupons.Many major department stores offer an additional percentage off coupon in their sale flyers. Combining this with a reduced price item really pays off. I was able to shop at Macy’s, usually one of the higher priced merchants, using a coupon worth 15 - 30% off in combination with their after Thanksgiving sale to find some great bargains. I didn’t pay more than $20 for any gift! If there is a particular store you favor, be sure to sign up at their website to receive any special deals. Oftentimes you will receive a coupon or special offer before it is offered to the general public.

Shop the Internet. Even if you find an item at a similar price in a store, it pays to order it on the Internet as many times the website does not charge tax or offers free shipping. This will save you both time and money! Sometimes will be worthwhile to place one large order which may offer you the maximum discount. Many times, however, it is better to make one purchase as the online vendor may offer a discount on a future purchase to returning customers. I did this with Sharper Image. After placing my first order and signing up for their Email specials, I was immediately offered a 10% discount on my next order so I went back and finished shopping with an additional 10% off.

Electronic Christmas Gifts for Men that Fit All Budgets

2008-11-17T04:19:00.000-08:00

Buying Christmas gifts for men can be a bit difficult; especially if you do not really know what they like. Sure you may know that they like to watch football, but they are usually not ones to talk about what items they think would make the perfect gift for them. They are probably too busy trying to find out what you would like to tell you even if you did try and get them to give you some ideas. One thing you can almost be assured on though is that men love gadgets. The newest electronics on the market today will always make good Christmas gifts for men. Let us have a look at some of them available; as well as other types of gadgets as well.

There are hand held electronic games that you can give as Christmas gifts. These will go over very well as long as you know what they would like. If you know a guy that is always doing crosswords, then think of getting him an electronic crossword puzzle game, or word game. If the man you will be buying for is into cards, then find him one that is all about poker or something of the sort.

Electronic hand held games come in inexpensive, from around ten dollars, to the more expensive ones, usually a hundred dollars or more. And you will also see some priced somewhere in the middle of the two. The low-priced games usually only have one or two types of games.

These would make a nice gift for office parties, or if you can only spend so much. The more expensive ones would make nice Christmas gifts for the man that you know on a more personal level. With those you can purchase all sorts of different game cartridges, giving him more than just one or two games to play.

Along the same lines as the handheld electronic games, there are all kinds of game systems. If you know that the man you are buying for plays on his game console all the time, you could buy him a game that he would like. If you do not know what kind of game that might be then consider giving him a gift certificate to a store that sells the games, that way he can pick one that he would like.

Winter Washing Without Wilting - How to Clean Your Down-Filled Coat

2008-11-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

Feather-stuffed jackets are toasty and warm, even in the most frigid, tundra-like climates. Nothing beats a puffy down-filled parka on a cold winter day.

However, even a winter coat can become dirty, soiled, and stinky. Dry-cleaning is costly, so you may want to launder your cozy outerwear at home.

How can you clean your down-filled or feather-filled jacket or vest? Nearly everyone knows that feathers can become soggy and clumpy when wet. Can you really launder a jacket that is filled with them?

Certainly you can! You just need a can of tennis balls!

Washing Your Down-Filled Outerwear

This is simple! Three easy steps!

First, you must remove and fur or leather collars or other accessories, if your down-filled jacket or vest has them. Usually, these accessories will zip or snap off easily. Use leather conditioner or a soft suede brush on these items, if needed.

Next, place your down-filled jacket alone in the washing machine. Launder your coat on a gentle cycle (set for warm temperature). Use detergent, as usual. Do not use bleach. If your washing machine has a no-agitate option, select this.

Finally, when the wash cycle ends, remove your feather-filled jacket immediately. At this point, it will look saggy and soggy. Do not be alarmed. The next step will restore it to its original puffy form.

Drying Your Down-Filled Outerwear

Dry your jacket alone in your automatic dryer. Toss three brand-new, clean tennis balls in the dryer with it. Set your dryer warm, but not hot. (Most down-filled jackets are made of nylon, and you do not want to melt this!)

Do not use the delicate setting, as this will not provide enough air or motion to restore your down-filled coat.

You may have to run your jacket through a few dryer cycles, but it will come out clean and puffy, just like new.

Do not use the spiky plastic dryer balls (like Eco-Fresh) in your home laundry appliances. These wreak havoc on your dryer. They bounce too hard and can actually upset the balance of your machine. In fact, most appliance manufacturers will not honor product warranties for customers who use dryer balls.

Hot Jewelry Trends for Fall 2008 and Winter 2009

2008-11-13T01:37:00.001-08:00

There's no better way to add style and elegance to an outfit than with eye-catching jewelry. It can give an outfit that extra edge and turn it fabulous. Whether you're going to an evening party or simply enjoying a casual afternoon, jewelry is an important part of your overall look. As with clothing, jewelry trends come and go. The necklace or earrings style that's hot one year can look outdated the next. That's why it's a good idea to reassess your jewelry on a seasonal basis and fill in the gaps with some trendy new styles. Here are some of the best new jewelry trends for fall 2008/winter 2009 to keep you looking fashion forward and up to the minute:

New jewelry trends: Bracelets, bracelets, bracelets

The wrist will take on new importance this fall and winter and what better way to flatter an appendage than with a bold cuff bracelet. Though a large, unadorned cuff bracelet makes a statement on its own, cuffs sprinkled with stones and jewels of all types are also fabulous. These bold statement pieces will take your wrists from ordinary to extraordinary without spending a fortune. Feeling creative? Buy a plain cuff bracelet and decorate it with the stones and jewels of your choice.

New jewelry trends: Necklaces with drama

Necklaces will take on importance this fall and winter and are designed to make a bold statement. Look for an abundance of multi-strand necklaces and layering of strands to create a look that will take even the most ordinary outfit from fine to divine. Necklaces seen on the fashion runways ran the gamut in color and style, but they were all universally bold in their presentation. These "in your face" necklaces are best worn with simple clothing as all eyes will be drawn to your neck. Put away your small, demure chains and think big, bold, and eye catching when it comes to necklaces for fall.

Jewelry Trends for 2009

2008-11-13T01:26:00.000-08:00

Spring will soon arrive and along with it comes a host of new fashion trends and ideas. One area where spring 2009 will really sparkle is jewelry. Jewelry trends will run the gamut from classic designs to the sculpted and bold. Here are some of the best spring jewelry trends for 2009:

Jewelry trends for 2009: Gemstone jewelry

Gemstone jewelry will take on fashion importance for the spring of 2009. Popular gemstones run the full gamut with an emphasis on blue shades of stones such as aquamarine and blue sapphires. Although blue will rule, gemstones in all colors will reign supreme when incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Amethyst, peridot, and opal will be popular gemstones and will coordinate beautifully with springtime clothing fashions. Semiprecious stones such as lapis lazuli and moonstones will also be seen on a variety of jewelry designs.

Jewelry trends for 2009: The hoop earring

Hoops make an important fashion statement for the trendy ear this spring with hoop sizes running the full range from huge, oversized single hoops to the popular interlocking triple hoop earring. Look for hoops decorated with gemstones in popular shades of blue and green such as aquamarine and peridot for an ultra trendy spring look.

Jewelry trends for 2009: The classic pendant

Jewelry takes on a more traditional look for spring 2009 with the reappearance of the classic heart motif worn as a simple pendant. Although this look will be in strong demand around Valentine's Day, expect to see its popularity continue throughout the spring and summer. You'll also see a variety of pendants worn on simple cords and chains with motifs that reflect the person style of the person wearing them including a favorite stone or symbol that has a special meaning. The classic pendant is an ultra simple look that works well with spring's more detailed, flamboyant clothing.

Earrings: Jewelry Trends for the Springtime

2008-11-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

Natural beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but for many a woman the beauty lies in the delicate pieces of metal that adorn her body. From filigree rings to choker necklaces to chandelier earrings, this spring, jewelry will be a focal point for everyone’s attention.

Women have often adorned their ears with earrings, and like the trends experienced with skirts, the length of the earring goes up and down in cycles with the changeover of the seasons and the years. This spring, earrings are up for a sleek and slender look, embellishing the ears with a sparkle that lingers from the ear lobe to just below the chin-line.

Like the pretty blossoms that adorn our flowering gardens, earrings arrive this spring with a delightful palette of pastel colors to select from. Delicate pastels and earthy tones are the highlight of this season’s jewelry, combining with ebony blacks and elegant whites to create a truly bohemian effect.

Additionally, earrings will be sporting the dangling look that has been regaining so much popularity lately. Beads and charms in lightly colored tones will hang in splendid glory from the delicate chains that attach them to the feminine ear. Hoops of all sizes, sometimes the bigger the better, will also be staging a comeback this spring.

The delicate jingle of a layer of hoops influences almost anyone to smile in appreciation. Hoops that swing in a delicate motion with an array of lightly colored beads arranged on them add a delightful twist to any jewelry collection.

This spring, women want their earrings to garner attention. The flash and dazzle of a cascading array of gemstones will simply add to the beauty of any woman. A layer of beads or gems will clearly be a popular addition to many designer earrings.

Gemstone beads in a variety of pastel shades are strikingly beautiful as they dangle from delicate silver or golden chains. However, wooden beads, in a variety of earthy browns, tans, and greens, are making their presence known.

Earrings: A Favorite Through the Centuries

2008-11-13T01:16:00.000-08:00

That earrings have been a favorite throughout history is a documented fact. The oldest mummified body in the world was found frozen in an Austrian Glacier in 1991. Tests showed the body to be over 5,000 years old. The body had pierced ears and the holes had been enlarged to 7-11mm diameter. Earlier information , also, indicated earrings unearthed by archaeologists in Iraq date to about 2,500 BC.

In 3000 BC, it is stated there were two types of earrings: the hoop, and the more elaborate pendant. From 1559 B.C. to 1085 B,C. in Egypt, earplugs became very fashionable. These type of piercings and earrings are seen even on King Tutankhamen.

Additionally, Wikipedia says "One of the early signs of earrings worn by males are from the walls of Perspolis in ancient Persia, the carved images of the soldiers from various parts of the Persian Empire which are displayed on some of the surviving walls of the palace showing the soldiers wearing an ear ring".

So, throughout History, earrings have been a favorite piece of jewelry. It is thought that ear piercing for this purpose is likely the first body piercing

.Noteworthy, is that men probably were the first to wear earrings Several experts agree that.ears were probably first pierced for magical purposes, very many primitive tribes believe that demons can enter the body through the ear, because demons and spirits are supposed to be repelled by metal, ear-piercing prevents them entering the body

Ways to Tie a Scarf in Cold Weather

2008-11-10T02:51:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, there is more than one way to tie a scarf in the cold weather. Your scarf may be the last clothing item that you put on before you head outside in the cold, but it is usually the first thing that will block your chest and neck from the cold and wind. It is also a focal point on your outfit. So, not only does it serve a functional purpose, it also adds style. If you tie your scarf on recklessly, you can end up colder than you would like and your outfit may also look sloppy to others. And it's not always easy to sit outside in the cold and try to retie your scarf: it usually just ends up a mess and you waste time outside in the cold trying to tie your scarf.

A good idea for both keeping fashionable and functional, is to take a minute out of your time before running out the door and try wrapping your winter scarf in a totally new way. Choose a knot that will fit the style of your jacket and will also keep you as warm as you need to be on that particular day. To be extra fashionable, learn all the ways that you can tie your scarf in the cold weather and you can have a new look every day.

Here are four different ways that you can tie your scarf in the cold weather.

1. Classic Choker
This is basically the classic look of a scarf that you imagine in the cold weather. Wrap the scarf around the neck once and let the ends hang loose in the front of you.

2. European Wrap
This is another simple and quick way to tie your scarf. With one end hanging loose at the front, throw the other end over your shoulder and let that end hang loose in the back.

3. Hacking Knot
This knot is a great professional look for when you are heading in or out of the office. Fold your scarf in half. Put it around your neck and slip the loose ends through the loop to adjust it to where you want it.

4. Simple Ascot
This way of tying your scarf is a little more complex, but it will keep you the warmest on the cold days of winter. Start out with the classic choker and then cross one end over the other, loop that end under and pull it through the hole. Adjust the scarf accordingly so that it looks smooth and polished. This knot tucks into jackets well to keep your upper half warm and toasty.

How to Travel by Air Without Losing Your Mind

2008-11-10T02:41:00.000-08:00

It seems the airlines are putting on more and more restrictions and attacking us with an avalanche of fine print and fees for everything. I'm here to help clear up some confusion and provide some tips to help you prevent getting rolled by the airlines. Hopefully these tips will help.

First of all, when you're buying tickets make sure you shop around. I recommend checking the airlines individual websites as well as several of the online travel agents like Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. Booking as a package (air, hotel, car, activities, etc.) can save you significant money. Also, begin searching enough in advance that you can take advantage of promotions and limited time deals. Most importantly, make sure you read the fine print, especially in regards to cancellation policies and your ability to make changes without monetary penalty.

All of the new security measures at the airports are here to stay. If anything they will continue to get worse before they ever get better. Make sure you follow the airlines recommended times for how far in advance to arrive at the airport. In fact, take their recommended time and add a little more of a buffer. I know it seems inconvenient, but it will save you some pain. If you miss a flight because you underestimated the time to get checked in and through security you lose your seat and will have to buy another ticket. The airlines will not be sympathetic to your plight and will happily take more of your money for another ticket. I recently flew internationally and arrived 2 hours and 20 minutes before the departure time (2 hours was recommended) and I still walked right onto the flight with little to no spare time. Even with a buffer I was one catastrophe away from missing my flight.

The way to Select Comfortable Walking Shoes

2008-11-10T02:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes,you may be pulling out your old walking shoes from the closet, to start a new walking routine to burn off all those holiday pounds. Although walking daily will help you loose weight and improve your health, you need to be sure you first have good walking shoes before you start your walking program.

If your old shoes are anything less than comfortable, sturdy, and suitable for daily walking, it's time to invest in a pair of new walking shoes. I learned the hard way several years ago, when I tried to skimp on price, walking in regular tennis shoes. After hurting my feet, my walking program was halted for a while. However, it was during my walking sabbatical that I found some sturdy, as well as comfortable walking shoes. Here are some suggestions for finding suitable walking shoes....

Shop Later in the Day for Walking Shoes

Because your feet swell later in the day, it's best to shop for your walking shoes in the afternoon or evening hours, as this will give you better idea of what's comfortable. On the other hand, if you have to shop earlier in the day, walk for at least 30 minutes (or whatever you walk during your normal walking routine) to give your feet a chance to swell. Also, be sure to bring along the socks you plan to wear with your new running shoes.

Where to Buy Walking Shoes

Rather than go to a general department store, choose an athletic online store where a professional can measure your foot. Also you may pay less for your shoes, you'll know that your shoes are the right size and fit. What's more, select an athletic store that focuses on walking and running shoes.

Comfort in Walking Shoes

*Lightweight shoes---The lighter your shoes, the easier it is to lift up your feet and move smoothly. Also, make sure the soles aren't so thick that you can't bend at the ball of your foot without having to struggle that much. Watch out for "extras" in the soles that make your shoes too thick, as well as heavy and rigid.

*Low-profile heels---Shoes with heel that have a lower profile are much easier to roll through your foot.

Vintage Jewelry Watches Buyer's Guide

2008-11-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

Vintage jewelry watches are a collectible with a purpose. More often than not, these watches are in working condition and they make amazing conversation starters as well as serving as a subtle yet perceptible hint that the wearer has exquisite taste and does not buy "off the rack."

Say what you mean and mean what you say
For the beginner in need of a vintage jewelry watches buyer's guide, terminology is the key to finding the kind of watches desired without missing a great find due to a lack of clarity in communication.

Vintage jewelry watches are sometimes referred to as estate watches. If you were to enter an antique mall looking for watches, the odds are good that you will be directed to the estate jewelry section. Do not be thrown off by this moniker!

Additionally, know the period you are looking for. Victorian jewelry is perhaps the most commonly sought after commodity, and since it spans from about 1837 to 1900, the odds of finding pieces are very good. Edwardian watches, on the other hand, are confined to a nine year period dating from 1901 to 1910 and thus make for a more challenging period to find.

Great IPod Accessories and Peripherals

2008-11-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

If you've got an iPod (and these days, most of the population tends to), you may have noticed that store shelves are becoming increasingly well-stocked with iPod accessories and peripherals. One of the big advantages the iPod has over the competition is market share, and with so many loyal fans, the iPod has tons of companies constantly looking for new ways to accessorize the product. Here are a few of the best and most unique products out there:

iTalk
Griffin's iTalk is one of the most useful iPod toys because it lets you record your voice and play iPod music through a small speaker on the device. The speaker's quality is very low, but still comes in handy when used with the alarm clock feature of the iPod, especially on trips when it can be inconvenient to carry a larger alarm clock. The recording quality is pretty good, and the object itself is solidly made (as with most Griffin products).

iTrip
While we're discussing Griffin, it's worth a look to examine their iTrip, one of the most successful iPod peripherals. This handy device lets you transmit your iPod's signal through your car stereo or any other stereo with an FM radio. For iPods without video (fourth generation and older) there is a great version of this product that hooks up to the headphone jack. Sadly, the new version of the iTrip is very disappointing, and barely has any range.

iLounge
If you listen to your iPod in the bathroom, you might want to take a look at what is undoubtedly the oddest iPod speaker system on the market. The iLounge (affectionately called the iPood behind its back) is an iPod charger and speaker system with a built in toilet paper dispenser. You simply install it and go! Er, go listen to music, that is. The sound is good, though it's advisable not to use this product while taking a shower, as steam can damage an iPod's electronics and click wheel.

Four Simple Steps to Help You Buy an MP3 Player

2008-11-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for an MP3 player but are confused on which one is best suited for you? With all the different names, colors, sizes, and features, it's hard to know what is right for you. Here are a few simple steps to help you decide which MP3 player is right for you.

1. The first thing you should consider is what do you want to do with your MP3 player. New MP3 players give you the option to load whole movies and picture albums onto them. If you are just planning on using the MP3 player for basic music there are still plenty of features to consider. You are now able to listen to live FM radio on your MP3 player and record songs straight to your hard drive! You are also able to record your own voice and such and save it to your hard drive as well. It is important that you decide what you want your MP3 player to do before you move onto anything else.

2. Once you decided what you want to do with your MP3 player you can now decide what size you want, by size I mean the memory on the MP3 player. MP3 players have anywhere from 1GB, 250 songs, to over 80GB, 20,000 songs. The common size is between 1GB and 20GB. If you are planning on just listening to music I would recommend the 1GB-20GB size. If you are planning on using the MP3 player for movies, songs, photos, etc., I would recommend the 20GB-80GB size.

3. After you have decided the features you want and the size you are interested in it just comes down to what brand do you want. The most popular MP3 player is easily the Apple iPod. There were over 46,432,000 iPods sold in 2006, or about 88 iPods sold each minute! Other names of brands that have MP3 players on the market are Creative Labs, Samsung, SanDisk, and Zune. I have heard good things about Creative Labs and, obviously, the Apple iPod.

Samsung 2GB MP3 Player and Image Viewer Review

2008-11-08T22:14:00.001-08:00

There are many different reasons why people require an MP3 player. However, no matter what the reason is, there is one common thread between all - and that is the need to take your music and digital entertainment files with you no matter where you go. Whether you are on an airplane, working out or in your car, having a wonderful MP3 player is a necessity.

Yet, there are so many various MP3 players available on the market, not even to mention the ever-so-popular Apple iPod. Although the Apple iPod's are amazing products, there is another product that I believe surpasses the iPod, and it costs less too.

I am talking about the Samsung 2GB MP3 Player and Image Viewer, Model: YP-K3JQB. If you are familiar with Samsung, than I'm sure that you are well aware of the amazing products they deliver to the buying public. And this MP3 player is no different.

What makes this Samsung 2GB MP3 player so amazing is the sophistaction the product carries. This extremely stylish MP3 player allows you to listen to your favorite songs, while viewing photographs that make your smile. The design of this portable music player allows you to easily fit it inside of your pocket, it's only 1.8" thin and weight only 1.8 ounces.

However, it is the wide variety of media files that it can play that really sets this music player apart. This Samsung MP3 player can support MP3 files as well as WMA and WMA-DRM10 file formats. Of course, it can also accurately display JPEG files.

One of the other features that makes this MP3 player so unique is the built-in FM tuner, which will scan all the FM range and then automatically programs the available FM stations into your presets. This is great if you are simply tired of the music you have downloaded onto your device, now you can listen to your favorite songs on and off of the radio.

Apple IPod Nano Rocks

2008-11-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I came late to the world of MP3 players. By the time I finally got my sleek black 4G Apple iPod Nano, the technology was already well established. Everyone I knew seemed to have gotten his or her iPod already and were moving on to cell phones with MP3 capability. So this review is directed toward those who, like me, yearn to be part of the iPod listening world but haven't gotten into the game yet. Despite the fact that it is well past half-time, an Apple iPod Nano is a thing of joy. I have to say is that, for everyone out there still wondering whether they should invest a few hundred dollars for technology that will likely be replaced tomorrow with something new and better, I say a resounding YES. This is one of the best gifts I've ever received, even though I still haven't figured out all the features yet.

For a couple of years, I kept yearning for an iPod, but I never thought I needed to spend the money to listen to music. Didn't I already own a sizable collection of CDs, didn't Ihave a perfectly good radio and portable CD player? Still, those tiny iPods had their appeal--to be able to listen to only the music you really want to hear, to download a song instead of an entire CD of music, to put your favorite songs into playlists. The appeal was palpable. Then there was the question of whether to shuffle (Apple's iPod shuffle, quick and easy for much less money) or to Nano (more song capability, more control of playlist features)? Ultimately, I decided that the Apple iPod Shuffles were just too small for me. After all, I love jazz, classical, and rock music. Who knows what I'd really want to hear on any particular day? With an Apple iPod Shuffle, I'd have far less choice, both in the amount of music I could load onto the player as well as controlling which song I wanted to hear.

Apple's iPod: A Product Review

2008-11-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing that a mere year and a half ago I actually lived without you. I walked around, breathed, talked, and occasionally even smiled, all that despite the fact that you were not a part of my life. Even more amazing yet, that I actually lived long stretches of my life, sometimes hours, without the accompaniment of a musical soundtrack. I would walk places, cook things, wait in line at the store, and do many other things completely devoid of any music. But now, thanks to you, iPod; every time I make toast, sit in a moving vehicle, or get the mail; I’m doing so to the soundtrack of my life.

Your sleek, sophisticated design, complimented nicely by a silicone case, makes you as easy on the eyes as you are on the ears. But, as the old cliché goes, it’s not about what you have on the outside; it’s about what’s on the inside. You’re insides are beyond my comprehension in their technological mastery, all I know is that you somehow manage to hold 2,500 of my songs and allow me to play them at any time. How you do this, I have no idea. But it’s one of the few guarantees in my life. You allow me to play those songs in a variety of ways; by album, artists, “on-the-go” playlists that I create myself, and in my favorite mode, which is the glorious shuffle.

With the shuffle comes a duality of musical certainty. I am uncertain about what song is coming next, but since they are all my songs, I am certain that it will be a song I enjoy. I don’t know if it will be Jay-Z or Tom Waits, and I like that, it’s like having a DJ who plays only your records. If only you could cram a television in their too. Oh, that’s right, you can.

How to Use Your Digital Camera Settings

2008-11-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Digital camera settings can be confusing. Take full advantage of all the features that your new, or old , digital camera has to take great pictures in any setting. Here is your guide for how to use each digital camera setting.

Digital Camera Setting - Auto (Usually depicted by a picture of a camera or the word Auto.)

The auto setting is just that, automatic. The auto setting is for those individuals who do not know how to use and chose from their digital camera settings. The default for the auto setting is flash on.

Digital Camera Setting - Aperture Priority (Depicted by an "A")

The aperture priority setting is still fairly automatic, but you have the freedom to chose the f-stop. Use the aperture priority setting for a short depth of field, this will keep the foreground in focus while blurring the background.

Digital Camera Setting - Shutter Priority (Depicted by an "S")

The shutter priority setting is useful for sports and action photos where you want to freeze the action. Just like aperture priority, the shutter priority is still fairly automatic. Chose shutter priority when the sports mode is not quite fast enough to freeze the action that you are trying to capture.

Digital Camera Setting - Museum (Usually depicted by a picture of a building.)

The museum mode is for quiet settings were sound and flash is not desired. Besides turning off the flash and sound the museum mode is still fully automatic.

Digital Camera Setting - Sports/Action (Usually depicted by a person running.)

The sports or action mode has a default high shutter speed. The fast shutter allows you to freeze the motion and avoid blur. The sports or action mode is perfect for photos of waterfalls, waves, and of course sports.

Digital Camera Setting - Night Portrait (Usually depicted by the silhouette of a person with a moon or star.)

The night portrait uses a default slow shutter and aperture to capture the person and the background. The slow shutter and aperture ensure an evenly lit photo with more detail. It is important to keep the camera steady when using night mode or the photo will blur.

How to Use a Data Projector

2008-11-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Using a data projector can be very simple and easy or it can be a rigorous challenge, depending on if you know how to use the piece of machinery. As a college student working at a technical facility that rents out laptops and data projectors, I guess you can say that I know a thing or two about data projectors. First let me tell you about their various uses, functions and how to operate them.

Data projectors are meant to project an image on a wall or big screen. Where do these images comes from you may ask? Well, have you ever wanted to give a presentation in your work office or a classroom presentation on a college campus but didn't know how to show the image and slide presentation from your computer to the rest of your class? A data projector is what you need. The data projector takes the image from the word document, Excel, slide show presentation or an internet website or clip and can show it to the class on a large projector screen that comes down out of the ceiling in college classrooms or it can be projected onto a carry on screen that ranges from 6 to 12 feet in height.

How is this done?

Very good question. First the data projector should come with a cable called the VGA cable. This VGA cable connects from the back of your laptop to the side or back of the data projector, depending on where the outlet for the cord is. Both ends of the VGA cable look exactly the same and are the same so it shouldn't matter which end you put where. The VGA cable has a small knob where the plug goes into the laptop or the data projector. This is used to tighten the grip of the cord onto the laptop or data projector. The data projector also comes with a power outlet cord. One end of the cord looks like a regular plug that goes into the wall outlet for the electricity to turn on the data projector. The other end looks similar to the cable end of the data projector and hooks up into the other outlet end of the data projector. The data projector usually only has two sockets so you can't miss where to put the cords in.

5 Tips for Organizing Your Craft Supplies

2008-11-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

Any type of craft seems to prompt an accumulation of supplies. From patterns to needles and threads fabrics and any other notion all these things tend to make it hard to find the tool you want when you want it. Below are some organize tips that both I and my family have found helpful over the years. I hope these tips will make crafting easier for you in the future. It is amazing how much faster a project will go when you are organized...

1. All those free patterns are never where you think they should be so try buying a 3 ring binder and making your own craft book. Just punch holes in the patterns and with a few dividers the scarf pattern you need will not be hiding under the directions for making a rag rug.

2 all those little sewing notions, safety pins, packets of needles, row markers and thimbles. Along with crochet hooks and knitting needles and threads will find the perfect home in a large tackle box. Just hit the sporting goods department and find the box with the compartments you need.

3 lucky enough to have your own craft room. Peg board is a wonderful help. Just put different threads into small baggies and hang them where you can find them. It never hurts to put the proper bobbin with your thread. Your embroidery hoops will be a snap to find when hanging within easy reach.

4. If you are like me you stock up on fabric when it is on sale or a certain color catches your eye. But what do you do with all those neatly folded yards? Stackable drawers work well for this or you could do as my Mother and use the family crib. It is now rocking many quilts to be.

5. Yarn either new or small balls of scraps are trapped easily in stackable drawers,
The clear ones make it easy to find what you need. Leftover yarn can be wound into balls and tossed into an inexpensive trash basket or clothes basket to create that perfect scrapghan. It is always handy to keep the different types of yarn separate, this way a baby blanket won't accidentally end up with a noticeable stripe of worsted in the center.

Tips for Organizing Baby Clothes

2008-11-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

So tiny, so sweet. Baby clothes are so fun to look at and dress your little one in. But they are such a pain to hang up! Little hangers are difficult to fit into even tinier clothes. When you are changing your newborn's outfit several times a day and doing several extra loads of laundry each week, the last thing you want to do is hassle with putting away your baby's clothes. Here are some ideas for making organizing baby clothes a little easier.

Shelves. Since baby clothes are so small they can easily get lost in a large drawer. Using shelves rather than drawers can help keep baby clothes more organized. Having clothes out in the open helps you see what you have at a glance.

Drawer dividers. If you must store your baby clothes in a dresser, consider using drawer dividers. Using canvas or plastic drawer dividers can help keep your baby's clothes organized in a dresser drawer.

Baskets. Another way to contain baby clothes is using baskets. You can get some decorative baskets to match the décor in your nursery. Put the baskets on a bookshelf, shelves in the closet, the dresser top or even in dresser drawers to sort and organize baby clothes. You can use one to corral socks, one for rolled up bodysuits, one for pajamas etc.

Shoe holder. Hang a clear plastic shoe holder over the door and use the clear pockets to organize baby clothes. The small pockets are great for holding small clothes. You can use a row of pockets for bodysuits, one row for pants, one row for pajamas, and a few pockets for socks. This is a good way to keep a few days worth of clothes organized and at the ready.

Hanging Sweater Shelf. A canvas, hanging sweater organizer can be found at a bed and bath superstore for less than $15. These hanging shelves can be very useful for creating shelves where there are none. They attach with Velcro to a closet rod. Canvas hanging shelves are also available in a size for shoes, which is less wide than the sweater version. Either of these will allow for you to stack different types of baby clothes in the cubby holes without much folding or fuss.

Organizing Your Clothes Closet

2008-11-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

Organizing Your Clothes Closet: Throw Out the Hangers You Hate
One of our biggest pet peeves about the clothes closet is the hangers - I hate the wire ones that always bend and fall apart. To make the clothes closet clean-up less painful, we should buyhangers to match the ones we do like. Now, even if our clothes closet is messy, at least the hangers match and are durable enough to last a few decades.

Organizing Your Clothes Closet: Empty It Out
Sometimes you don't even realize how much of a black hole your clothes closet really is until you empty it completely. When we took everything out of our clothes closet at home, we found skirts and dresses that my wife hadn't worn since 1993, shoved between other clothes on hangers.

Organizing Your Clothes Closet: Bulky Jackets Go Elsewhere
One of the things that made our clothes closet seem so messy was the excess of bulky winter jackets and coats. Instead of letting them ruin our clothes closet, we delegated them to the hallway closet. That also makes it easier in the winter when you need to leave in a hurry - it's faster to run to the hallway closet than all the way back to the bedroom.

Organizing Your Clothes Closet: The Good Will Pile
Rather than just tossing the clothes that don't fit or which you will never wear again, make a separate pile for Good Will or another charity that accepts clothing. Load them all into plastic garbage bags and make an appointment to either have them picked up or to drop them off.

Watches and Fashion

2008-11-03T03:23:00.000-08:00

Fashion - almost as beauty - is a terrible power. People subjected to its influence, can make something about themselves to make everybody around think: "Is this person crazy or what?" Fashion throws us from one extreme to another. But its main tendency remains - it returns. Where? It returns into a well-forgotten past.

Retro style follows designers as an obsession. And because of the fact that present day fashion is a kind of Rubicon among beauty and frivolity, accessories help us to control ourselves. But these accessories should also be functional.

For instance, let us take a watch. White metal watches in the style of 80-es are now in fashion again. The simplest watch on a big strap becomes a stylish and even extravagant thing if taking into consideration uneasy fashion conditions.

Nowadays a watch means not just a possibility to know the time, because there are a lot of other ways for this. For instance, your cell phone, time service or clocks on the street can substitute a watch. But to help you really enjoy the process of time-reading there are stylish wristwatches.

An interesting fact is that for the last 15 years wrist watches designers have begun to follow more and more changeable clothing fashion. Now a fashion person has great number of various wristwatches to match all his/her fashion clothes and shoes. And if for women a watch is a small addition to everything else, for men who stick to strict style in clothing - a watch is a single chance (except a tie) to be different from all others.

Wristwatches designers create collections of all the necessary accessories chasing the main fashion trends. They elaborate watch design for all clothing styles and for all life events.
There are no doubts that wrist watches design will continue following the latest fashion trends.

How to Take Care of Shoes

2008-11-03T03:18:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of buying new shoes frequently because your old shoes keep falling apart? With a little effort and some proper care you can extend the life of your shoes and save yourself money. Dress shoes can be expensive and without proper care they may not look good for very long. It is possible to keep your shoes looking good for a long time if you just follow some simple steps.

1. Buy a good pair of cedar shoe trees. Shoe trees are form fitting inserts that go inside your shoes when you are not wearing them. They maintain the shape of the shoe which will eliminate creases from forming in the leather. Preventing creases will keep the leather looking good and keep it from cracking or developing a hole. Shoe trees will also help keep the soles flat so the sole will wear more evenly. Shoe trees are made in both plastic and cedar. The cedar shoe trees are better because the wood absorbs moisture and perspiration from the inside of your shoe. After a long day of wearing your shoes, the inside of your shoes can become damp. This moisture, if left inside the shoe, will eventually eat away at the lining of your shoes and cause them to smell. Cedar shoe trees will absorb this moisture, keeping the lining dry and your shoes smelling fresh. It is important to insert shoe trees into your shoes anytime you are not wearing them, but especially after you have just worn them.

2. Buy a good horsehair shoe brush. A shoe brush will help to brush off dust, dirt, and debris that has found its way onto your shoes. Horsehair is the best material to get because it is durable yet gentle, so it will effectively brush your shoes without scratching the leather. If you buy a lesser quality shoe brush, the bristles may be too coarse and it could scratch your shoes and ruin the leather. Lightly brushing your shoes with a side to side motion will help keep your shoes dirt free.

Find the Best Pair of Running Shoes

2008-11-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

Choosing a new pair of running shoes can be a rather overwhelming experience- with literally hundreds of different shoes out there to choose from, the task can easily move to downright daunting. As a certified athletic trainer, and an employee at a running specialty store, it is my goal to make it as easy as possible for my customers to choose the correct shoe for their particular biomechanics.

When stopping by for a fitting, I would suggest calling ahead if you have any current injuries or chronic problems; some examples would include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, stress fractures, tendinitis, shin splints, bunions, etc. By calling ahead, you can assure yourself a little extra time one on one with an employee to determine if there are any special needs for your shoes, such as insoles or arch pads. Also, allow yourself approximately 45-60 minutes for a first-time fitting. You don't want to feel rushed during the process, or feel like you have to settle for a pair of shoes because you don't have the time to try them on.

When preparing for a trip to your local running store, make sure to bring a few things with you. First, bring your current running shoes- the older, the better. We use the old shoes to look at the wear patterns on the tread, and just to see what type of shoe you are purchasing. I typically ask customers what they like and dislike about their current shoes, because it helps to guide me towards what brands and styles that may be similar. Secondly, bring comfortable clothing, and the socks you most often wear when you run; most stores will have you test-run any new shoes, and this will keep you comfortable. Lastly, bring any special orthotics, heel lifts or insoles if you require them- this will ensure a proper fit with your new shoes, and aid in determining how much arch support is derived from your orthotics, versus the shoe alone.

Must-Have Cell Phone Accessories

2008-10-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

The cell phone has quickly become one of the most important communication devices of this century. It seems as if we all have one, everywhere you go someone is talking on a cell phone, whether it’s at the mall, the park, or on the road. And with such a huge market inevitably follows the endless supplies of accessories to go along with the product. For the typical cell phone owner there are three essential must have accessories. After reading this article you will be fully aware of what you need to have and why concerning your cell phone. Not only will these items enhance your cell phone use enjoyment but will also help to protect you, your phone and others around you especially when you’re driving.

The first must-have accessory you need to get is a car charger. Yes there will be many times when you forget to plug your phone in overnight and realize on your way to the office or to school that your battery has mere seconds of life left, then you will be cut off from all communication as you know it! These chargers typically range from ten to twenty dollars and will fully charge your battery in under an hour. Sometimes if you’re lucky you will receive one with your phone upon purchase but don't count on it. A must-have for every cell phone owner out there.

The second must-have accessory is the headset. Yes now you can actually drive and talk without being the cause of a major accident. The headset also comes in handy around the house. Talk to mom while you’re doing the dishes or raking the lawn. There are a variety of headsets out there and if your phone has Bluetooth capabilities then you will be able to get a wireless set up which is a pretty slick way to go. Most of the newer cell phones coming out have this technology so that might be something to look for if you’re in the market for a new phone.

Make Your Own Cell Phone Cover

2008-10-31T03:41:00.000-07:00

Cell phones aren't cheap but they are easily damaged. That's why it's important to have a cell phone cover to prevent nicks and scratches. No matter what your cell phone looks like it's easy to make a cover for it by simply cutting some fabric and stitching it together.

Most people purchase cell phone covers that are made from vinyl. You can choose vinyl for your own cell phone cover or go with a fabric that's a little jazzier. Whatever fabric you choose it'll be easier to make the cover, and have it fit correctly, if you use a fabric that has a little stretch to it.

You'll also need a piece of clear plastic. The plastic needs to be thick enough to protect the phone without being so thick that it's difficult to sew. Find the plastic you need at a home improvement store.

The first thing you need to do is take measurements of your phone. Start by measuring from the top of the screen to just under the last row of numbers. Also measure the width of the phone. Cut these measurements from the clear plastic. Now measure from the top of the screen, up and over the top of the phone, to about a third of the way down the back of the phone. Measure the width as well and cut this piece from vinyl. Measure from just under the last row of numbers, around the bottom of the phone, and up to the top back portion of the phone. Cut this piece from vinyl.

Stitch the plastic piece and the bottom vinyl piece together. Stitch the top piece onto the top of the plastic piece. Stitch a velcro dot or strip onto the underside of the top edge piece that wraps around to the back. Stitch another piece of velcro onto the top back portion of the vinyl. Now you should have a piece that surrounds the phone and fastens in the back, but doesn't have the sides yet.

How to Choose a Practical Cell Phone Plan

2008-10-31T03:39:00.000-07:00

There are so many cell phone plans everywhere that choosing the best one for your needs can be pretty confusing. Some of us are easily enticed by the many features of a particular plan, like loads of free call minutes and text messages, free Internet browsing and downloading up to a certain number of kilobytes, and others. However, are all these free stuff really necessary? And, well, are they really free?

Some cell phone plans boast of hundreds of free minutes for $40 a month. But if you're a student and rarely makes calls except to chat for 5 minutes with friends or call your parents that you're coming home late, do you really need, say, 400 minutes of free calls monthly?

If you're an executive whose work nature involves lengthy phone-based negotiations and constant reminders to the secretary, then perhaps this is the cell phone plan for you. You might even need a higher deal. The point is, don't get blinded by the "free" labels; because, technically, the more the "free" stuff are, the more expensive the plans become.

Also, a cell phone plan also usually comes with a free phone unit; and the monthly rate is often affected by what type of phone this is, too. If you're getting a high-end phone with your cell phone plan, you have to be prepared to pay a bit more than if you get just a unit that is able to call or text. But, hey, if you have a handset that has a 2-megapixel camera, as is the trend nowadays, there's really nobody stopping you.

Will you be using the cell phone plan alone, or are you going to let the rest of the family use it, as well? There are so-called family plans that bundle the free calls and text messages a group of people can use under just one bill. These plans usually begin at $30 for the master phone and then pay an additional $10 for every phone added to the bundle. This is practical if all of you don't really do much calling and texting anyway.

Cell Phone -- Making the Best Choice for Service Providers

2008-10-31T03:35:00.000-07:00

So you've finally decided to get a cell phone for each member of your family, but you're not exactly sure how to choose the best family cell phone plan. Worry no more, just follow this simple guide to buying a family cell phone plan, and then go shopping using the knowledge you'll gain through this guide.

A family cell phone plan allows everyone on the plan to have their own cell phone and their own cell phone number. Not only does each family member have their own cell phone and cell phone number, but you only get one bill, and the family will share allotted minutes; keep your eye on those talkative teenagers though. What's more, many plans include free in-network calling. Free in-network calling allows you to call any of your family members - or other subscribers using the same carrier - and it won't use your free minutes. Plus, a family cell phone plan will allow you peace of mind when your family members are on the road late at night. Why? Because if a member of your family has car trouble then they'll be able to phone you and let you know. But what's even better, nearly all family cell phone plans have a roadside assistance plan that can be added. The roadside assistance plan is optional of course, but you never know when it may come in handy. For example, say your whole family decides to take a vacation away from home, and your car breaks down. Because your entire family is with you, you can't call them for help, but with your roadside assistance plan your family won't be stranded for very long.

The first step in choosing a family cell phone plan is finding a service provider. There are many providers out there, but before you decide on one shop around and study each provider's family cell phone plan. The way to do this is get a brochure or information on the family cell phone plan for the provider, then take the materials home with you and look over each plan with your family to decide which plan is best for your family, and also decide which plan meets your family's budget.

While looking over each plan with your family, here's a list of things to consider

How to Survive a Night of Dancing in High Heels

2008-10-28T23:43:00.001-07:00

There is no definitive proof of exactly who invented the modern day high heeled shoe, but I'd be willing to bet the farm it was a man. I mean, what woman in her right mind would invent something so twisted and tortuous? High heels are impractical, uncomfortable and a challenge to walk in, let alone dance in.

Studies have even shown that high-heeled shoes can cause both short and long term damage to the body. Yet we women keep on wearing them for one simple reason: they make our legs look long and lean. That's correct-we risk getting a sprained ankle or back pain for the sake of looking sexy!

Yes, there are times we just really want to wear those high-heeled shoes, so we can look fabulous at the prom, a wedding or other special event. We even want to attempt to dance in our sky high heels. For that reason, here are some tips to avoid toppling out of your shoes.

Practice makes perfect. Whatever you do, don't buy a brand new pair of high heels and leave them sitting in your closet until the big night. If you're afraid they'll get dirty, at the very least walk around your house in them so you can get used to them and break them in. You should also practice dancing in them at home, doing some side-to-side moves, as well as turning slowing in them.

Buy Insolia inserts for your shoes. Developed by a renowned podiatrist, Insolia inserts fit any style high heeled shoe, and are invisible. They shift weight to the heel which reduces the pressure and the pain, and makes the high heels more comfortable. My friend tried these and swears they really do make a difference. Gel inserts for the toe of the high heels are another good option to add a little comfort.

If you have to do any walking to get to the actual event, take your high heels in a tote bag and change into them when you arrive. (But only if there will be a place to stash your tote-you don't want to carry around your other shoes all night).

Fast dancing in high heels does not come highly recommended. You risk a painful side ankle bend or worse, an embarrassing face plant to the floor, so keep it slow and stick to basic moves.

Easy Stretches for Women Who Wear High Heels

2008-10-28T23:42:00.001-07:00

They look great on you and they take your fashion to the next level. What I'm I talking about? I'm talking about high heels. Even though they are a great for the sake of fashion, they can be brutal to walk in and they can be brutal on your calves. According to a survey done by the American Podiatric Medical Association, 40% of women where them everyday. Over a period of time high heels can do more than just make your feet hurt. When you walk in in heels two inches or higher they tighten and weaken the calf muscle. It can also cause inflammation to the Achilles tendon. In this article, I want to go over easy stretches that can be done by women who wear high heels. Let's begin.

Single Leg Stance

This particular exercise strengthens the lower leg muscles and improves balance.
Here is how it is done. Stand on your left leg and raise your right knee until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep your arms at your side and tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold for 30 seconds. If you feel like you are unstable, you can balance your self on a chair. It is best to do about 5 reps on each leg.

Heel Hang

This exercise stretches the Achilles tendon and the calf muscle. This is what you do. Stand on the ball of your fee at the edge of a step and hold on to a banister for support and balance. Lower your heals slowly as far as your comfortably can. You should feel a stretch that runs from the calf down to your heel. Raise your heel then lower again, this time with your knees slightly bent. You should hold this for about 30 seconds.

Feet Flex

Here is how to do this exercise. Sit on the Floor with your left leg bent and your left heel resting against your right thigh. Extend your right leg in front of you. Wrap a long towel around the arch of your right foot and hold the ends of the towel with both hands. Gently bend forward, bringing your chest toward your toes while pulling on the towel and flexing your foot toward you. This increases flexibility of the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon.

There you ladies. Stretches to help you when you are rocking your heals

How to Walk in High Heels

2008-10-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

If you are afraid to walk in heels you are limiting yourself from purchasing some of the cutest shoes. Vanity aside, there are also some situations where heels really are more appropriate than flats. You might not wear them often, but all women should own and know how to walk in at least one pair.

Unfortunately, there are no quick tips that will instantly make you able to walk in heels. It takes practice, practice, and more practice.

Start with a low or thick heel. Once you get comfortable walking in that you can gradually increase to a higher one. Starting with really high heels is just going to discourage you.

There is no need to jump right to stilettos. Platforms, wedges and stacked heels also give you the same height and illusion of longer legs and are easier to walk in.

Heels can be especially stressful on your feet, back and neck so stretch your legs before and after you spend hours on your feet in heels.

When walking in heels, walk with your legs straight and keep them as close together as your can. High heels can throw off your balance, especially if you aren't used to them so be sure to use your arms to help keep you standing straight. Also keep your chin up and shoulders back.

When first learning, take smaller strides at and be sure to put the heel down first when walking. You want the pressure and weight to land on the heel itself, not on your toes.

Avoid slippery, slushy or rocky pavement. Your heels can easily sink into soft ground and it is much easier to slip in them than it is in flats. Also watch out for grates and cracks that your heel could get stuck in. Not only is this embarrassing, but it can also ruin your shoe.

If heels start to hurt your feet after wearing them for a few hours, be sure to give them a rest. If you go out to a restaurant or are at your desk at work, slip them off for a little while and stretch out your feet. If you wear heels at work, bring a pair of flats to wear on your commute to and from home.

You can also get inserts for your heels to help you regulate your center of gravity. This stops the ache often caused by long term heel wear.

High Heels: How to Wear Them Pain-free

2008-10-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

For ages women have been wearing high heels to feel taller, skinner and sexier. But for some of us, popping on a pair of brand new stilettos and going out for the night is like foot suicide. Fortunately, there's hope. Here are some of the secrets that most high-heel women aren't willing to share:

1. The most important thing about wearing heels is breaking them in. This doesn't mean putting them on for 5 minutes before you leave. This means really wearing them for hours at a time, and allowing them to mold to your feet. If you try and break in a pair of shoes while you're watching TV, chances are you won't get very far. One of the best tricks is to wear them while you clean the house. Running around and bending down really helps stretch the shoes in all different directions, making the process much faster. Plus, you're at home so you can always take them off if they start to get unbearable. Just try and get in a good 4-5 hours at home before you step outside.

2. Wear heels at least 2-3 times a week. When you're wearing flats, you're feet grow accustomed to your weight being applied evenly. If you only put on heels once in a while, the weight fluctuation is a total shock and can cause a lot of irritation. Be especially careful during the summer. Wearing flip flops every day allows your feet to expand, not only causing dryness and cracking, but also making it harder to walk on a narrower sole.

3. Before you put on your shoes, put on a moisturizing lotion, particularly one containing aloe and vitamin e. This will keep your skin soft so that straps and buckles slide back and forth evenly, avoiding blisters and abrasions. You may even want to bring a small bottle of lotion to reapply if you start to feel your skin getting irritated.

4. Bandaids. Always bring bandaids. Once in a while a shoe is just that uncomfortable, and will need a solid couple of weeks to break in. Just apply a bandaid to whichever part of the shoe is particularly irritating and you'll at least be able to break in the rest. If you still need a bandaid after a few weeks of wear, it's possible that the shoes are just not high quality or don't fit you correctlly. Try and stay away from that cut in the future.

How to Choose the Perfect Footwear for an Elegant Night Out

2008-10-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

After you've searched the globe (or maybe just your closet) for that perfect party outfit, you'll be faced with the dilemma of what to wear on your feet. Sure, those five-inch stiletto crystal-studded heels you saw at shoe pavilion will make you look like a supermodel, but can you walk in them? Taking a dozen successful steps around the shoe store doesn't qualify a pair of shoes as party-worthy. If you can't walk around in them for at least an hour without sitting down or begging for mercy, then these are not the shoes to wear to a party.

An easy test is to wear your intended party shoes on your next trip to the mall. You'll know fairly quickly whether these shoes are going to give you problems at your party! Just remember to pack a pair of flip flops in your handbag that day, just in case things simply don't work out.

Maybe your party is tonight and you have nothing suitable to wear besides an adorable but extremely uncomfortable pair of strappy stilettos that have been hiding in the back of your closet since junior prom. Don't panic! If you have a pair of shoes that fit you but that get uncomfortable if worn too long, there is still a way to make them work for your fancy event. Simply run down to the drugstore and buy some gel insoles with arch support. Read all of the packages - there is very likely to be a type of insole designed specifically for your style of shoe. Just stick the insole into your shoe and walk around a bit to make sure it's situated in the right place. In my experience this can make even the most treacherous pair of shoes insanely comfortable, and is the perfect idea if you plan to dance the night away!

Are you ready to shop for that practical pair of party shoes, but unsure what to look for? Here are three key ingredients to search for in a shoe to insure a successful night out:

How to Choose the Handbag That's Right for You(personal advice)

2008-10-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful sizes and colors to choose from, not to mention all the great designers out there, that I personally cannot stop with just one!

Choosing a handbag should be based on more than the color of the clothing in your closet though. While color does play a large part when choosing the perfect handbag for you, it should not be your only consideration. One other thing you will need to take into account is your body type. That's right, you need to choose your handbag so that it fits your body type. Now personally I had never heard of this before a year ago, and I used to just buy handbags based on what colors I liked and which colors I had in my wardrobe. It would never have occurred to me that being short and a bit round and having a round or square handbag might actually make me look even rounder.

As like most women my metabolism slowed down as I approached 35 and I swear now it feels like it's almost nonexistent! I continued to choose bags which were in my favorite style which was with a long handle so I could fit it over my shoulder and a thin rectangular shape. However, you are actually supposed to pick a bag that is the opposite of your body shape. If you are a bit heavier as I am then you should pick bags that are thin, slim and longer shaped. If you are tall and slender, then you want a handbag that is round or square. The idea behind this is to make your body shape appear as you want it to. Women who are shorter and rounder tend to want to look thinner and taller, and a bag with a slim and long shape will help to give this illusion. The same goes for the tall and slender woman who may want to look a little more fleshed out and shorter, a round or square handbag can help to give this illusion.

Choose the Right Bag for Your Body

2008-10-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

You probably don't give handbags the same scrutiny you give a pair of jeans: if a handbag is cute or fits your lifestyle then it works.

But did you know that a handbag can flatter your shape almost as much as the right pair of jeans?

Apply these easy steps to getting bag in proportion to your figure. It can not only knock off pounds visually (no kidding!), it'll polish up your style in a flash.

Shapes
Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type. If you are tall and thin, look for a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to compliment your figure. If you're short and voluptous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch).

In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be. That doesn't mean that you have to carry a hard box around to counterbalance your womanly shape: rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick.

Some popular shapes:

Tote - An open-top bag with straps or handles.
Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag.
Duffle - Tall shoulderbag, often with a wider opening on top.
Field bag - A flap-top shoulderbag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).
Clutch - A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm.
Satchel- A large, handheld bag.
Baguette - Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.
Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
Cigar Box - A small, boxy, hard bag.
Pouch - A soft, small bag.
Kelly bag - A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures.
Scale
While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure.

Think scale here: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held bag. A petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag.

A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near.

For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag).

Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

Tips
1.Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.
2.Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.
3.Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags: if you're toting diapers and graham crackers, an artsy vintage bag won't hold up.

how to walk in high heels

2008-10-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Wibble . . . wobble . . . whoops! At the most basic level, there is only one way to walk in high heels. Put one foot in front of the other and go for it. The mechanics have not changed for at least 2m years, when knuckle-dragging was superseded by bipedalism. What has changed in that time are the shoes. Thanks to fashion, not evolution, heels have never been higher. Five years ago, few shops stocked shoes higher than 4in — because women wouldn’t buy them. Now 6in heels with hulking platforms and multiple straps are flying off the shelves, while demand for sensible kitten heels has plummeted.

Designs are becoming ever more extreme: witness Madonna’s recent red-carpet stroll in a pair of pistol-heel Chanel sandals. (Students of stiletto semaphore should note that she slipped into these killer heels the night before she announced her divorce.)

As well as becoming more extreme, shoes have also become more treacherous. It’s as if designers and customers are engaged in an ever-escalating game of dare, and the forfeit is a nasty tumble. Even catwalk models, who are paid huge amounts to make walking in heels look easy, are having trouble staying upright in the fierce new shoes. Three fell from their lofty sling-backs at the Prada show in Milan recently, and those who managed to stay upright wobbled their way along the catwalk like newborn foals.

Despite the hazards, the trend for super-high heels shows no sign of abating. A gym in New York has even launched a stiletto class. For health and safety reasons, they can only teach walking and dancing in heels for 15 minutes at a time (which tells you a lot about this new trend), while the rest of the class focuses on strengthening the legs and calves to make walking in heels easier.

Multimedia
Extreme Heels
The alternatives

Precisely why shoes have become the ultimate fetish object of our times is open for debate. One economist has attributed the fierce shoe boom to women’s desire to reassert themselves after male bankers made a mess of the world. Indeed, the queen of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon, equates heels with power. “Super-high heels provide instant stature and empowerment, and the more you wear them the more comfortable you feel in them,” she says. A fierce pair of heels certainly gets a woman noticed. When Gwyneth Paltrow made her comeback as a sexy screen siren, she did it atop a pair of towering Zanottis.

Even men are getting in on the act. Marc Jacobs took his bow at Louis Vuitton wearing stack-heeled booties. “I’ve always wanted to be taller, which is the real reason I wore them. I also thought I can show that I, too, will suffer for fashion,” he said afterwards.

At least he could walk in his heels. There is no more dispiriting sight than a woman struggling in her shoes. All the sex, power and advantage that heels promise evaporates with every wibble.

1 To cut down on wobble factor, make sure the shoes fit you properly before buying them, and strap them firmly to your feet.

2 The chunkier the heel, the more secure you will feel. The more spindly and strappy, the tougher they will be to teeter in. Do consider platform soles — they take the arch ache out of wearing tall shoes and have made super heights (such as Louis Vuitton’s 7in court shoes) achievable.

3 Don’t make it any harder than it already is by wearing slippery socks or tights with strappy high heels. The toes need to gain some purchase on the shoe, otherwise your whole edifice becomes like a building with unstable foundations (it was the addition of a little cotton inner sock that felled the models on the Prada catwalk).

4 Confidence is the key to looking good in heels. Show no fear. Lean back, stand tall, stretch your leg out in front and imagine that you are walking in flats. Swinging your hips helps with momentum.

5 Plan your heel-wearing strategically. Limit the time you spend in them. For example, walk to work in flats, then change into heels in the office. Always carry a pair of emergency flats (roll-up ballet pumps are very handbag-friendly).

A NEW BOOK ON SHOES

2008-10-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Everything you'll ever need to know about shoes
Vintage + shoes = our new bedtime reading.

Celebrating our love of all things vintage, cultural historian Caroline Cox's new book explores the last hundred years of footwear, starting with the exquisite satin slippers favoured at the turn of the century. This gorgeous coffee table tome references every decade, as well as featuring a forward by the shoe king himself, Christian Louboutin.

It also has an uber handy guide to which vintage shoes are the most collectible - so perfect for consulting before you head out vintage scouting.

The book, £25 published by Carlton, also explores changes in production techniques and cultural and sexual messages conveyed via shoes. Those who like a dose of fashion history will relish the details about François Pinet’s early designs in the 1800s and Swiss brand Bally’s role during WW2. While for those who simply love to view vintage shoes worn by style icons, there’s Rita Hayworth and Carmen Miranda in all their Hollywood glamour.

DO You Need a New Item?

2008-10-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Only the very daftest Pollyannas of fashion consumption are talking up the trends this autumn as if nothing has happened. Put quite starkly, clothes sales are juddering to a halt. Hardly a surprise, since such expenditure is perhaps the least justifiable - especially since the credit binge of the last halfdecade has left us with wardrobes, lofts and bin-bags under the stairs bursting with instant purchases with which we can punish ourselves at leisure.

The crash is confronting us with assessing what's valuable, and what's irrelevant. If anything can be rationally allowable as a "good" purchase, what would it be? Only two types of expenditure pass the test: replacement items based on need, and things that will last for years.

1 Do I need it? Brutally speaking, only four things qualify as replacement purchases: underwear, hosiery, children's clothes and shoes. Footwear squeezes into this category only on the basis that the old ones are broken and unwearable. Fact: last year's shoe-boots and platforms will do. Exceptions can also be made if the moths got your favourite sweater, scarf and gloves. (Luckily, scarves are one of the best and most economical forms of fashion self-expression this season.)

2 Will it last? There's only one litmus test when standing in front of a garment that's screaming "buy me". Unless you can imagine wearing it in three or five years' time, step away.

3 Is it good value? Obviously, there's value in quality: a beautiful, classic coat in a shape and neutral colour that suits you at a top-of-the-range price will stand up for years, but a cheap version that "gets the look" will be dead in a season. A plain dress that can be accessorised in six different ways (this year) and six other ways next is also good old-fashioned value.

4 Do I absolutely love it? Love-atfirst- sight needs on-the-spot diagnosis. If it's impulse reaction to the trendiest thing of the season (2008 alert: lace, tartan), stifle it. If you recognise it as something exceptional that speaks to the core of your identity, this could be the start of a lifelong relationship. Take carte blanche: even if this perfect item is the boldest, flashiest, most counterintuitively mad purchase to be making in a depressed economy, you'll still be wearing it from time to time. And you'll have forgotten what you paid.

5 How will I pay for it? Surely you don't want more on your credit card?

Which way will fashion jump in the coming recession? No one I've spoken to claims to have the answer, but one lesson from the past is that the escape into fantasy is one way out. That's what struck me at the opening of a retrospective of the late and too-long neglected Scottish designer Bill Gibb at Bath Museum of Fashion, whose richly patterned, swirlingly romantic dresses captured the imagination of British women in the early Seventies.
Some of Gibb's most beautiful work dates from 1974, designed against the sombre backdrop of the three-day week. If those clothes offered light in the darkness, dancing across the pages of Vogue (even if few could afford them) they are equally now. I wouldn't be surprised if Gibb-isms started turning up on catwalks next year. Bath museum is a mecca for designers, students and enthralled schoolchildren alike. I worshipped there as a local schoolgirl, and saw my first Bill Gibb when it was chosen as Dress of the Year in 1970. So, in a way I owe my career to this museum and its power to make girls dream.

China's Fashion Handbags

2008-10-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

With more than 10,000 manufacturers, China is the largest supplier of fashion bags in the world. The country accounts for about 25 percent of global supply in the line.

The appreciation of the yuan, higher material costs and rising labor expenses, however, are challenging the world's bag factory, trimming suppliers' profit margins and forcing them to raise prices.

In the face of these challenges, suppliers are trying to reduce their overall expenses by improving production efficiency and enhancing staff training. Most suppliers, however, will have no choice but to raise prices in the next 12 months.
This comprehensive report will help you:
- Identify manufacturers that are best positioned to meet your needs

- Review the newest products at the best prices

- Save time and money by pre-qualifying makers before your next sourcing trip

- And much more...

What you'll get

- In-depth profiles of 51 major suppliers with a comprehensive look at their product and pricing strategy, manufacturing and export capability, verified contact details, and more -- this information is not available anywhere else

- 152 full-color images that depict popular fashion bags complete with product descriptions, prices, minimum order requirements and delivery times

- Results of the custom-designed supplier survey, which forecasts industry trends for the next 12 months

- Verified supplier contact details, including names, e-mails, telephone numbers and websites of profiled makers

- This blog covers a wide range of products such as: beach, tote, evening, shoulder and handbags in PVC, fabric, genuine and synthetic leather and natural materials

China's fashion bags industry is cautiously optimistic about its export outlook in the months ahead, as it continues to deal with challenges that threaten to curb growth. Rising material and labor costs, the yuan's appreciation, and lower export tax rebates have all made it difficult for companies to strike a balance between healthy sales and maintaining margins.

The world's largest supplier of fashion bags, the country accounts for at least 25 percent of global supply. Since the line is very broad and China customs does not track fashion bags independently, it is difficult to determine the exact value and volume of overseas shipments.

While companies have been posting sizeable growth in the past years, economic challenges are now leading many of them to forecast moderate end-2008 prospects. In a survey conducted by us, one-fourth of respondents are expecting less than 10 percent growth and 16 percent are projecting sales to decline or remain flat.
In an effort to keep margins at the same level while minimizing price increases, many companies are investing in cost-saving measures. At the fore are improving production efficiency and strengthening staff training.

5 Tips to Shop Securer

2008-10-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, I am Rebecca Lee, an online-shopping lover, like you. I would like to share my experiences of online shopping with you. If you have any want to say, no matter problems, suggestions, opinions or stories, please directly email me (rebeccaleemailbox@gmail.com). Your comments and ideas are appreciated. Let’s share our experiences to help one another to shop wiser, easier and securer.

Personally, I love to shop online, because it is far cheaper the goods sold on internet than it in the real shops. However, we always try to find a good way to shop securer, not only pay securer but also buy as we expectations.

Here, I would like to share my experiences with you. Let’s discuss these tips and help one another to become WISE SHOPPERS.

Tip 1 Use a trustworthy information provider

Many online shoppers are worrying that the goods bought online will not come to our expectations. That is really a problem for us to find good stores selling good products we want.
Generally, we use Google or Yahoo to search desired products online. Then Google or Yahoo will list the result about all relative results. We can chose and click some of them to see what they are. Google and Yahoo are really good tools for us.

However, there is a problem. Not at every research, we can find what we exactly want, and it will take many times to see whether the store is the one we are looking for. For example, if you search “Apple”, it will list all results related to “Apple” nevertheless as a fruit, a brand or a name, so, we shall spend some time to filer the results. Besides, it is not easy to judge it is a good merchant or not.

Therefore, I prefer to shop through b2c website instead of directly search by Google or Yahoo. Following is the websites I usually go to,

Amazon: I just buy the goods sold by Amazon itself, because I don’t really like the Amazon Stores and Merchants.

Ebay: I like use Paypal, so I like shop on ebay. The policy of Paypal is to protect buyers that gives me confidence to pay before I see the real products, but I always trouble about how to choose one from so many stores. 

Chinashopgate: Actually, this is a website to help buyers to chose stores by providing buyer reviews and ratings of merchants and stores instead of a b2c website. The stores listed on Chinashopgate are all from China. They sell made-in-china products. The prices are far cheaper than Amazon and Ebay. In fact, many Ebay and Amazon sellers also source from this website. I know many buyers are worrying about the quality of made-in-china products, but for me, I never think “made-in-china” is bad, because I always buy them not only because the price but also its quality. The key is how to choose. That is why I like chinashopgate because it is easy to decide buy from which store because you can compare them buy their rating and buyer reviews. As far as concerned, chinashopgate is the only such website in China I can found. Try it if you want to buy high cost-effective products.

Tip 2 Compare by buyer reviews

There are too many sellers on internet. It is not easy to choose the correct store and product online. Every store says “I am the best”. How to judge? My tip is buyer reviews or store ratings from third-party. Why third-party? I know some stores give positive comments by themselves, so I prefer to believe the scores gave by the third-party.

I strongly suggest you to “compare before decide”. Generally, I choose three to five stores which selling my desired products. Then I will firstly compare their ratings and buyer reviews. From buyer reviews, you can directly know the quality and other information about the product and seller. This will help you to decide to buy or not. Usually, I seldom buy the product without rating or buyer review.

Tip 3 Clear all doubts

When I make the decision, I will contact the sellers by IM or other ways, such as phone or email. However, I prefer to contact them by Instant Messenger. Ask the sells whatever you care about, as detail as you can. Make sure you clear up all your doubts before order.

Remember the conversation between you and the seller is very important, because it is the evidence in support of your claim if you have dispute with the seller. So you’d better keep them until you think you have successfully put through the deal already. This is another reason why I prefer to use IM instead of phone. Moreover, it is better to contact seller by the IM they listed on website than other IM ways, because this will prove this is the seller not other person.

Tip 4 Pay in safe way

Term of Payment is very important for online shoppers. This is maybe our “final line of defence”. We will probably loose money if we pay by unsafe method. I only use Paypal or credit card to pay, so I only shop from the stores can be paid by Paypal or credit cards.

I never pay by TT or Western Union, especially shop from China, nevertheless the store having five-star ratings or I am its regular customer. If the seller asks you to pay by TT or WU, I suggest you flatly refuse them.

Paypal is a really good payment tool for online shoppers because it has very good policy to protect buys from false and fraud. Buyers can refund their payment if we unfortunately meet a bad seller. I will detail the policy of Paypal in my later articles.

Tip 5 Ship in safe way

Shipment is also important, although many shoppers don’t really care. Some b2c website, such as Amazon, accept return or refund only when the products are shipped by their pointed shipping companies.

A good shipping company can protect your products from destroy during shipment, especially for easy broken goods. Or, if the products are unfortunately destroyed during shipment, it is easier to claim a good shipping company for indemnification. Also, good shipping companies guarantee you can receive your products on time. After all, we are eager to receive the product. The sooner, the better. 

As a matter of fact, I only ship what I bought by express. I think it is the safest way for retail.

10 Tips for Starting a Computer Business

2008-10-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is a very good article for the people who want to start a computer business. After all, Computer Business is very suitable for the starters who have limited budget or are unwilling to invest too many money or time. It is a good business for students, housekeepers or even common employees. Now, let’s study the 10 tips together.

Many people dream of running their own successful business. However, those dreams never include the sweat, blood and tears that are part of getting there. Here are 10 reality based tips for starting a computer business.

1. Love what you do - This is by far the most important thing in almost every business. Don’t ever do it just for the money .

2. Have sufficient start up funds - which should cover your business registration, initial visit to your accountant to get setup legally and some business cards. However, the most important start up funds are the ones you need to support yourself while you build up your client base, which leads me into my next tip.

3. Start your own business while you are still employed - It may be many months before your business starts becoming profitable so its a good idea to have another job to cover your living expenses during that time.

4. Be good with money - Managing money isn’t just one of those things that you do in business. It is what business is all about. If you cant manage your own funds now, you probably shouldn’t be starting a business.

5. Start on a shoestring - Don’t go renting a big office space if you can start your business from home. Don’t buy lots of expensive office furniture and electronics. A computer, fax machine, basic printer, internet connection, a phone and a basic
toolkit should be enough for most businesses.

6. Understand how you will make a profit - Work out how much you will need to charge for your products and services in order to make a substantial profit. Take into account costs such as your advertising, utilities and rent. From there you can determine how much money you need to make each month to survive.

7. Get and keep the competitive edge - Perhaps you can strike up a special deal with your supplier to get items cheaper than your competitors. Be a professional on the products you are selling or have the friendliest staff.

8. Don’t go it alone - Unless you are a accountant, a lawyer or a designer then you should hire professionals to do those tasks. In the long run, if you try and do it yourself you will waste more time and money than if you originally paid a professional to do it. Remember your time isn’t free anymore.It is also a good idea to have someone you can bounce ideas off. Its especially important to have someone who will play devils advocate for you.

9. Be Professional - Everything you do should be professional. Your business cards, the way you act and even the way you dress. This shows your clients that you are a professional running a serious business.

10. Prepare for the worst - What would you do if your house/office burnt down right now? Would your customer database be backed up elsewhere or would it perish? Do you have adequate insurance if a clients computer perished in a fire, along with all its data?