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Shopping Made Easier Than Ever Before

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Shopping may be stressful but not even as close to how stressful it used to be in the past. Things are so much easier these days and not just because of technology but because of all the different ways you can pay, preorder, carry and locate the items you need the most.

Today we are going to talk to you a bit about some of our favorite things when it comes to shopping. Some you probably use regularly and others you may want to consider adding to your routine. We are lucky these days to have so many options as we do.

Reusable Shopping Bags

These days, companies are doing what they can to make reusable bags available. They are a very affordable option and are much more durable than your everyday plastic bags. They commonly cost no more than a dollar. One reason you may want to reach towards these instead of plastic is because a lot of businesses are actually charging you per bag these days in order to push people towards a more green option. While they may only be a few cents each, this can really add up in a year’s time so might as well bring your own bags each time you go shopping. Leave them in your passenger seat and it will become second nature to you.

Ordering Online

If you lead a very busy life or do not enjoy shopping then you may want to consider shopping online. The great thing about shopping on the internet versus in person is the fact that most things can be delivered directly to your door. On top of that, you can shop on your own time so you don’t have to stress about whether or not you are going to make it to the store before they close. This means, no more lines and you are much more likely to find deals because it’s very simple to shop around and compare prices between companies on the web compared to in person. A lot of the times, if you purchase at least a certain amount of items or over a certain price limit you can even get free shipping, which is always nice.

We know how important saving money is and the internet is a great place to start because a lot of companies have deals available only on the web as a way to promote themselves.

Self Check-Outs

As you’ve probably noticed, self check-outs are something that most stores are adding. They are great because they allow you to get in and get out faster than ever. No more waiting in a long line when you only have a few items. You’re able to do everything at your speed and this includes enter your cash, pay with card, use your EBT and even scan your coupons. There is always an attendant around who can help you learn how to use the machine. It’s pretty simple after a few times of using it.

Sally Cruz is an avid blogger and a shopaholic. She reviews various shopping destinations around the world and also gives tips when it comes to shopping. So get ready and hit those display racks.






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.

5 Fun Craft Activities To Do With Your Kids This Christmas

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Christmas is really a special time, especially for many children. They are always in awe of the magic of Christmas, with the sparkly tinsel decorations, the brightly decorated shops at Christmas time and all the celebrations that are part of the Christmas festivities. Involving your children in Christmas craft activities will bring them absolute delight, especially when they see their handmade decorations hung on the Christmas tree or see someone special unwrapping a gift that they have made.

Beaded Ornaments

All you will need is craft wire and beads. Bend the wire into a simple shape like a circle or heart and thread beads onto the shape. Twist the ends together and then form a loop at the top so the ornament can be hung on the Christmas tree. This lovely ornament will last for years and will be a special keepsake. You can even attach a small tag with the year it was made and the name of the child. Make several and they can be kept and given away as well.

Candle Holders

Recycle glass jars of all sizes. Wrap craft wire several times around the neck of the jar and then make a loop over the top for a handle. A small jar can be decorated with glass paint. Choose a colour theme or stick to a Christmas theme of silver, red and green and decorate with small dots. Place a tea light candle in the base. For the next jar, thread beads randomly onto craft wire and wrap around the body of the jar, finishing by winding the wire several times around the neck of the jar and then looping a handle. Another idea is to attach tracing paper to a larger jar with double sided tape. Use metallic pens to draw designs on the paper. When a candle is lit inside the jar, it will glow through the tracing paper.

Christmas Crackers

Fill a small cardboard tube with a sweet wrapped treat and a novelty. You could also print out some jokes from the internet to make it more authentic. If preferred, a cracker snap can be purchased from craft stores and added. Use double sided tape to stick a large piece of plain coloured tissue or wrapping paper around the tube. Twist the ends of the paper and tie in place. Decorate the paper with Christmas stickers and you have a traditional Christmas cracker. Make sure you have enough for everyone!

Christmas Baking

Children will be delighted to see their baking efforts served up. Use a basic cookie dough mixture and cut out traditional shapes like Christmas trees or stars. Decorate with icing or cachous. You can buy fruit cake mixture ready to bake. Combine ingredients according to directions and bake in baking paper lined small terracotta pots. When cool, adorn with a small Christmas decoration, wrap in clear cellophane with a twist of tinsel, and you have a lovely gift.

Photo Christmas Gifts

Children love having their photo taken, so take some snaps of your child or let them take the photos! They can then add their photo to a Christmas card that they make or a calendar can be printed using several shots. Make sure to use the photo of them with Santa!

Christmas is a joyous time and the excitement of a child is what Christmas is all about. These crafts will encourage them to develop skills and keep them actively involved in the holiday season.

Written by Tara Blair

It was almost as good as dream comes true for Tara when she got an offer as a full-time writer three years ago. Tara loves to share her passion on anything to do with DIY art and craft. This year she is going to hand make some photo Christmas gifts for her family. When Tara is not writing you will most probably find her at her local yoga studio coaching fellow yogis.

Choosing the Perfect Club Dress

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If you’re going out to a club, you want to make a statement with your dress. Finding the perfect club dress has everything to do with the trends of the season, plus your own figure. You want a look that’s sexy and stands out in a crowd. Luckily, there are so many trends out there, you’re bound to find a club dress that is perfect for your night on the town.

Trends for Club Dresses

We’re seeing a lot of different trends for club dresses this season. The best thing about these trends is there’s something for everyone and for every body type. The key is to figure out what flatters you and makes you feel confident as you make your way across the club.

Necklines

  • Cowl neckline. This is a loose, fluid neckline that gently drapes along the bust. This is a flattering look for many body shapes. The deeper the cowl neck, the more dramatic the look.
  • Deep V-neckline. This is a stunning look for making a splash at the club. A deep V-neckline is ideal for long-sleeved dresses with mini hemlines.
  • Off-the-shoulder neckline. This has been popular on the runways for a few seasons, but has now found its way into clubwear. The off-the-shoulder neckline is flattering for wearing hair down or wearing hair back with opulent earrings or a statement necklace.
  • Strapless neckline.This is the go-to neckline for many women because it shows enough skin, no matter what the silhouette of the dress is. A strapless neckline also lets you show off a big necklace or body shimmer or bronzer.

Silhouettes

  • Ruched. The ruched bodice is ideal for anyone who wants to conceal a tummy. Ruching drapes across the bodice and waist for a flattering shape.
  • Tight straight fit. This is one of the most popular silhouettes that often accompany strapless dresses. The tight straight fit is perfect for that little black dress too. This silhouette is perfect for those who want a traditional, sexy fit.
  • Asymmetrical hemline. This silhouette took over fashion in the past year and it’s still going strong. The asymmetrical hemline is shorter in the front than it is in the back and looks sexy with flowing fabrics that create movement.

These are some of the hottest trends we’re seeing for club dresses. There are many shapes to choose from. Right now the hottest colors for club dresses are black, metallic shades like gold and silver, red and blue. Prints like paisley and abstract watercolor-like prints are also popular for club dresses.

The general style rule when choosing the perfect trend club dress is to choose more details for simple shapes such as a tight straight fit dress with a strapless neckline.

For dresses with more dimension in their shape, such as a ruched dress with a cowl neckline, opt for a solid or large print with minimal extra details. Details like studs, corset back closures, bows and mesh inset are also popular for those who love small extras that make a big difference for the overall look of a club dress.

This article has been contributed by the experts at YumDrop. Check out their huge selection of clubwear, lingerie, and more!

Personalised for your Partner or Loved One

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Personalised gifts are growing increasingly popular; especially since many people own the same products and want to somehow personalise it to appear diverse and show thought to their loved ones.

Personalising a gift is also a great way to promote a business, since the items can be given freely at events or through telephone or email enquiries. A pen is especially effective, since they are likely to be kept and reused, unlike a leaflet or poster that is thrown away almost immediately.

The Perfect Gifts to Personalise

Online shops now provide a wonderful array of gifts, many of which can be personalised. If you have never before bought a personalised gift then the choice can be overwhelming. From t-shirts and mugs to jewellery and diaries, almost every popular item can be personalised. Mobile phones grow more popular year upon year, so buying your loved one a mobile phone skin is a perfect way to create uniqueness.

  • T-shirts and hoodies: Personalise an item of clothing with a name, logo or picture that you know your partner or loved one will cherish. Other items of clothing that can be personalised include dressing gowns, underwear and lingerie, and scarfs and hats.
  • Jewellery: Personalising jewellery is a great way to display affection for another. Even rings can be engraved to include initials, which provide a unique personalised gift. Jewellery boxes, trinket boxes, flukes, cufflinks, hip flasks, frames, wine stoppers, and pens are pleasant gifts to engrave.
  • Calendars: Include favourite animals, motorcars, holidays, space, football, sports, and romantic elements etc on a personalised calendar. For children and teens, they will love a personalised calendar of their favourite boy bands or celebs.
  • Protective cases and skins: Almost everyone now owns a mobile phone. There are so many designs, but the latest trends include touch-screen technology. The popularity of protective cases and skins makes this a lucrative way to personalise gifts.
  • Cards: There are cards to suit every occasion. Online retailers now provide the opportunity to create a personalised card. These cards may be a little more expensive than a card to suit a specific event, but are the perfect way to show a loved one that you care about his or her hobbies and interests. To wow a partner or loved one, why not write a poem.
  • Bags: Canvas bags are very popular, so why not personalise a bag as a gift, which will mean more to a loved one than a plain old canvas bag with the same picture or logo owned by millions of people worldwide.
  • Chocolate: A bar of chocolate is an especially funky way to personalise a gift and wow a partner or loved one.
  • Alcohol: Personalised alcoholic gifts often include a bottle of spirits or beer and an engraved glass. Hip flasks are especially popular.

Are Personalised Gifts Often More Expensive?

Personalised gifts are often included with the price of the product and include no extra charge, but each retailer is likely to offer a different option.

Promote a Business With Personalised Gifts

For businesses who want to promote a specific product, a personalised gift can be ordered in bulk and include the name of the company, address, phone number, website and email. Popular options include pens, t-shirts, mouse mats, posters, stress balls, and key rings. Be smart about choosing the correct products to personalise, since leaflets may be inexpensive to produce, but are more likely to be thrown away.

Buying personalised gifts for a partner or loved one is a great way to show that you care and it creates individuality in a gift that is priceless.

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