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Winter Fashion: What’s Hot And What’s Not

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Wrap up warm this winter but still be fashionable by sticking to these few tips. It is all about layering this season; Marc Jacobs, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are just a few top designers who are doing it. Look out for eye catching belts that will compliment trousers and dresses. Instead of a coat opt for a winter cape this year. By all means experiment with different options, but just keep in mind our winter do’s and don’ts.

Outerwear Choices

Knitted gloves, scarves and hats can add texture to an outfit, whether it is a fitted blazer or a leather jacket. You can buy these cute handmade accessories from local boutiques and online. Don’t wear a puffy parka with a bulky scarves and hats.

Cultural Inspiration

Look out for roomy tunics which include feature graphics and are made from heavy silks. Stay away from the dress-over-pants look as this can bear resemblance to a costume.

Go For Colour

Don’t be scared of colour this year, dare to reach for bright red. This colour suits any complexion and can brighten up any dull day. Be careful; don’t pair red with white as this can be over bearing. You don’t want to end up looking like Mrs Claus.

Stylish Hats

If you are not into the knitted look do not fear! Opt for a wide brimmed hat with constructions on the point. Hats can last for a long time, so do not go for price over quality. Try and avoid masculine fedora styles.

Chic Boots

There is a lot on offer for boots, so it is hard to pick the wrong style this season. To create a casual classy look, that is still warm and welcoming, opt for shearling. Don’t get people’s attention for the wrong reasons; stay away from furry boots, bare legs and a short tight skirt look.

Long Coats

Always go for long coats in order to stay in fashion this season. Pick a sleek and sophisticated fitted coat. This will complement your height and body shape. Pair your long coat with high heeled boots for that extra touch. The coat should reach the bottom of your calf, do not buy a coat that will touch the floor.

Dress Down

Either go for a classic neutral colour or a bold primary colour when choosing a jacket or coat. You can get coats that can offer warmth yet still be lightweight. Stay away from light pastels and the colour white! You don’t want to look like you are in camouflage this winter.

By keeping these fashion tips in mind, search the high street and online for bargain clothes. It doesn’t have to cost the earth to be fashionable.

By Sarah McDowell; a Search Consultant at http://www.fdcstudio.co.uk/ providing Digital Marketing Services throughout the UK.






I love my indoor flowering plants

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All of my indoor plants are beginning to bloom. There’s something special about this time of year.

My Thanks Giving Cactus has flower buds that are growing every day. I don’t think they’ll open in time for Thanks Giving but they’ll bloom shortly after. Then there’s my Christmas cactus. Thanks to leaving it out in the cool weather for an extended period it’s already got tiny pink flower buds all over it. I think it will be in full bloom well before Christmas. Hopefully both cactus bloom a couple of times this winter season.

I also have three Amaryllis plants. Mine usually bloom in March of each each or at least somewhere between February and March. I have an African violet and I could never get it to bloom for years. You’d think that would be blooming it’s head off since they are supposed to be easy but mine wouldn’t bloom until I accidently forgot to water it once or twice. It seems they like to be very dry or at least mine does as ever since I’ve let it be mostly dry it’s been blooming and blooming.

My orchids will also start blooming sometime in the next month or so as well. I love having live orchids in the house. They’re so beautiful. Lovely delicate blooms. The flowers last for such a long time once they bloom too! I have three or four orchids.

Do you have flowering plants inside your home? What kinds do you have? Aren’t they lovely, especially when it’s cold and drab outside.

Organize Your Closets To Create More Space

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It seems like it would be fairly easy to organize the closets but as it turns out it can actually be rather difficult if you have a lot of items or clutter to organize. Have you looked at your closets lately or do you just throw your stuff in there and try to ignore the mess that it’s become?

If your closets are taking on a life of their own there are professional closet organizers that you can consult. They will come in and help you organize your closet and you’ll end up with a neat and tidy closet. You’ll somehow end up with more storage space. Probably because some items have been thrown out, but also because the professional has come up with some nifty shelving or storage ideas.

You don’t necessarily need a professional to help you out. You can get some fantastic ideas online. You’ll find all kinds of ideas as to how to organize your closets and drawers. I especially like the idea of using drawer dividers to separate things like undergarments, and socks that are usually kept in the same drawer. It would just make it all the more neat and organized.

My closets and drawers aren’t the tidiest but one thing that I do that helps is that I have hideaway storage boxes on rollers that I store under the bed. Each spring and fall I go through my closets and drawers and change out my winter and summer wardrobe placing items that had been in the hideaway boxes for winter into the drawers and closets once cooler weather starts to set in, and then once warm weather returns I take the cold weather clothes out of the closets and replace them with shorts and cotton blouses and lighter clothing.

I also use hooks in my closets to hang robes and organize my closet. It really helps and it uses up that tiny bit of extra space. I even have a couple of hooks on the outside of my closet door too.

There are stores dedicated to storage space and making life easier for those who are finally getting various rooms or parts of their homes organized. You’ll find customizable closet organizing systems in these kinds of stores. They’ll certainly get you off to a good start if you have a standard sized closet. I have a very old house with very few closets and the one in my main bedroom is tiny tiny tiny … so I’m on my own as far as organizers go.

Have you organized your closets? Was it a lot of work? Was it worth it?

I think I need new windows

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I think I need to have new windows installed in my home. When I first bought my house 11 years ago we were told that the previous owners had had new windows installed about two or three years previously, but if they were new they weren’t installed all that well.

I’ve always noticed a little bit of moisture or humidity between the panes in the summer time and I knew that wasn’t supposed to happen if the windows had been installed properly. In the last few years the moisture between the panes has been getting worse in a few of the windows. It doesn’t happen in all the windows in my house, mainly in the upstairs windows – but either way, I don’t like it. You’re supposed to be able to see out of your windows all year long aren’t you? I can’t fully see out of my windows in the the fall, winter and spring. That’s not right!

So I’ve been starting to look at some companies that I can get to come and replace my windows. It would probably be cheaper for me if I could do it right now, but I think I’ll have to wait until spring. One company that I’m looking at is richmond windows as they have Pella windows. I’ll have to compare their prices though as I want the best price.

I wonder if I could just have my current windows re installed – properly? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with my windows, it’s the installation that has a problem. I should ask about that when I’m calling around. Yes – I could save a ton of money if I could just get the installation fixed. Maybe … Have any of you tried that? Have you had moisture between the panes problems with your windows too?

Frugal Family Fun: How to Save Big on Hotels

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Traveling with a family can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be with some careful planning and by using the following resources that may help defray expense.  Families don’t have to sacrifice staying at the most family-friendly hotels to enjoy these savings either.  Simply by cutting a few corners and adjusting their trip a bit, they can save a considerable amount of money while still vacationing in style.

Hotel Memberships

Since most hotels offer memberships for travelers who frequent a chain often, a membership can be a great asset when procuring a good deal for a family hotel stay.  Often, memberships allow guests to rack up rewards points; some of these rewards points are based simply on referring other customers to the hotel or hotel chain.  Many families choose to cash in their rewards points for great deals or use their membership benefits to enhance their vacation stay.  If one or both spouses travel, be sure to sign up for these loyalty programs so you can earn free stays for your family vacation.

All Inclusive Package Deals

Hotels and resorts around the world offer package deals for vacationing families.  These deals can add up to super savings especially where meals are concerned.  Feeding a large family on the road can be a considerable expense, but many acclaimed and family oriented hotels know this and understand that a great package deal makes them competitive and likely to garner repeat visitors who refer their friends!  If you aren’t willing to sign on for a package deal, look for hotels or resorts where the kids always eat for free.  Also, be sure to find a hotel that offers free continental breakfasts—free breakfast for a week is a huge savings for any family.

Off Season / Mid-Week Reservations

Traveling to many locations during their peak season is the wrong time to expect big savings.  On the other hand, if you are willing to plan your stay during the off season or during the middle of the week, you are likely to save considerably on your hotel stay.  Hotels typically offer specials and beds and breakfasts and inns are generally negotiable—especially during the off season when their rooms might otherwise sit empty.  It’s possible to save as much as half the cost of a room during the middle of the week.  Many families enjoy their stay more when have to contend with fewer crowds vying for services.

Coupons & Discounts

Always visit hotel websites to check for coupons or coupon codes that allow travelers to save money when they book their stay.  Look for discounts as well or specials that may tickle your budget’s fancy.  If your coupon search doesn’t result in a discounted room or rooms, consider the hotel’s other amenities like restaurants; these venues usually offer specials for guests of the hotel.  If your hotel of choice is not publicizing any discounts or specials, don’t be afraid to ask for one; many hotels will happily accommodate you with some savings in order to procure your business—but you’ve got to ask!

Book in Advance & Be a Competitive Shopper

Planning ahead and booking in advance can often lead to a significant cost savings.  Spend plenty of time researching a variety of family-friendly hotels so you can get the best deal for the time you plan to travel.  Planning ahead also allows you to check other sites for discounts like the American Automobile Association or one of the popular travel websites like Expedia or Orbitz.  Sometimes booking your flight at the same time as your hotel can lead to big savings for families, too.

Kelly Rustin contributed this guest post for CheapSally.com. Kelly is a freelance writer. She loves hunting down a good deal and sharing her insights on various shopping blogs. Find out more about Hotel Club coupons.

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