December 2022

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House?

Isn’t that a loaded question? Ha! The answer could be free to tons of money. You could pick someone else’s junk off of the side of a street or you could go into some major debt trying to buy everything for your house through the catalogs.

The other variable is size. If you have a smaller space, like an apartment, it will cost less than that McMansion.

One rule of thumb I have heard is count on about 25% of your home’s value.

So if you bought your home for about $250,000 your furnishing budget would be $62, 500. Now, that seems a bit on the high side for me. A house that is $250,000 is going to be about 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. I would say you could furnish it for about half of that, if you don’t go crazy. If you want to get a little more custom, I could see spending the $62, 500.

Here are some of my guides for the rooms of the house.

Living Room

Mid Range $6,500

Higher Range $12,500

Dining Room

Mid Range $6,100

Higher Range $13, 300

Family Room

Mid Range $8,200

Higher Range $16,000

Bedroom

Mid Range $6,000

Higher Range $12,400

Master Bedroom

Mid Range $7,200

Higher Range $15,000

Home Office

Mid Range $3,700

Higher Range $7,800

I know there will be some people who balk at some of these numbers and some who will think they are too low. It all depends where you are in the country, what your taste is and how you go about furnishing you home. Just remember, you get what you pay for most often than not.…

Keep Online Shopping Safe and Secure!

Buying goods and services online may have made your life a lot simpler, however what you have to also understand is that there are a number of things you have to understand when you do so. When you shop online, there are a number of security threats attached, and if you are not careful, you could end up losing some money and even be victim of identity theft. This is not just the case with online stores and brick and mortar stores could make you face the same threats. So be careful whether inside or outside learn how to keep the hackers and thieves who are after your money at a distance.

1. For beginners who are not familiar with the process of buying products online, or for those who are not completely bought in by the idea of buying a product without actually touching it, you should visit a regular store in your neighborhood, feel the product and then buy the product online. Once you know what it feels like, make sure you get the same products online and be sure to read their descriptions carefully before you go ahead and place the order. Make sure to take a print of the receipt that the online store provides.

2. Another very important step in shopping online is ensuring that the purchases you make are off a secure web address. It is simple to check whether the website is secure or not and by doing so you could avoid a lot of grief.

To check if the websites is using an encrypted software look out for the SSL ( Secure Socket layer) padlock symbol. You will find this symbol on the address bar or on the bottom right hand corner of the web page. Also make sure that the site address starts with ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. Make this a habit and you can be sure that you will not be cheated when you are shopping online.

3. Checking for contact details on the website, should be a practice as well because you want to make sure that you can trust the website you are using. Check if they have paper catalogues, by that you will be able to judge if they have been in the business for long. Check if they let you return items and also check if they have a regular brick and mortar store.

4. You could also shop online with the help of gift cards. This will help you cope with the fear of identity theft and other security issues.

5. Another way of ensuring that the website you are using can be trusted is to use Google or other search engines to look for reviews about the website. If you find any bad reviews or come across some comments by an unhappy customer, you know it is prudent not to shop on that particular website. Word of mouth is the best publicity, so if you have friends who are happy with where they are shopping online, you could use these websites to broaden your shopping horizon.

6. You could also choose to get your hands on a pre-paid Visa card for online shopping. Thousands of people use pre-paid visa cards and restaurants and at gas stations without a single worry, so you could simply load up your card to a certain amount to stay more secure every time you shop online.…

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

I know, it is only September, but if you have a limited budget you have to start thinking about Christmas now. Christmas is the one time of year that we all try to cram a large amount of spending money with small paychecks. This is impossibility; in the end something has to give.

You have several options available to you, which can help eliminate this problem.

· Start a savings account in January that is intended for use at Christmas

· During the year shop at stores that have a layaway plan.

· Start buying Christmas gifts way before December 25th.

Years ago, the banks would open a Christmas savings account for you. I don’t know if they still hold this custom or not. I was not one of those smart people who would open a Christmas saving account. If this is something you don’t have any difficulty doing, then I would look into one. If nothing else, open a regular saving account and leave a small balance in there so you will have it to use the next year. If you can figure out about how much money you spend at Christmas, then you might be able to gauge how much money should go into the account every month.

If you are better a paying on layaways, then find stores that still have a layaway plan, so that you can put some of the gifts in layaway and pay on them a little at a time. I am sure there are others, but the only one I know about is K-Mart, unless it is jewelry and then you can go to Wal-Mart for their jewelry layaway. I am sure other stores have them, but I just haven’t looked for them.

The method that works best for me is to start early. I do a lot of my Christmas shopping online, but I will buy some of it early. I also make some of my Christmas gifts, so then I really start early because the closer it gets to Christmas time the shorter the amount of time I have on making the gifts. Starting your Christmas shopping early is the key to all of the methods with the exception of the savings account.

By starting your Christmas shopping early, you don’t have to come up with all the money you would like to spend at one time. Many of us like and enjoy going just a little overboard at Christmas time. It is such a joy to see the smiles on their faces when you have given that loved one the perfect gift.

Not many of us have the $1,000s we would like to spend at Christmas coming to us in November and December every year. This is the reason so many people end up maxing out their credit cards to pay for the gifts at Christmas time. I know many of you have stated that it takes almost an entire year to pay off last Christmas and then you start the cycle all over again.

So this year why don’t you turn over a new leaf. You can still buy almost all the gifts you want to give this year; there are usually at least one or two gifts that get missed every year. This year commit to shopping smarter instead of harder.

By that I mean, don’t wait until the Christmas rush or the Friday after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping. Buy a few things in September and do the same in October, etc. I think you get the idea. Doing your Christmas shopping like this doesn’t mean you won’t find things on sale. Yes, you will! What you will cut down on some of the stress of the holiday season. You won’t have to rush around to get your last minute shopping done the day before you go to families for Christmas, or the day before Christmas Eve.

You may be like my husband. If I find a gift for someone and I want his opinion on it, it is difficult for him to think about Christmas in October. I just explained to him I had to start early. I have to think about it and get it in advance. I know shopping online has made things so easy for me. I don’t have to worry about mailing the items. I just have them shipped straight to their house. That way I have eliminated the wrapping, and the standing in line at the post office to mail them.

Using one of these methods to get your Christmas shopping done, you won’t be trying to cram so much into such a short amount of time. Also, with any luck you won’t have to use your credit cards so much, which will give …

eBay 101

You can now shop online thanks to eBay. eBay is the renowned worldwide for being the largest online store. You can buy items of different kinds in eBay and transact business the safe and fastest way possible.

There are a lot of sellers that offer a myriad of items that you need. You will not be forced to stick with one seller as there are other sellers that cater to your needs.

Be sure that you check the seller’s profile before you do any transactions. Read the item’s description carefully so that you will have an idea about the item you will be purchasing. Check out the seller’s reputation when it comes to online businesses on their feedback.

Make sure that the charges are fair when it comes to shipping fees. Some sellers often offer cheap prices for their items but bombard you with high charges for shipment and handling.

You can start with eBay by registering on their website. Create an account and you can begin shopping online. You can place bids on items you wish to buy just like what you usually do in an auction house. To find the item you want, just type the words on the search box and begin bidding.

If you are looking for a specific item, toggle the Advance Search option and type the item you want to find. You can also see biddings that are already closed to give you an idea of how transactions are made within the website.

There’s not much disadvantage to eBay and becoming a registered user. But, there are still ways that put you into a bad light. Make sure that right before you begin with all of your transactions, you have the right information and that you already know how to navigate through the entire website.

eBay is fast becoming one of the world’s best if not the best auction website. With trustworthy sellers and safe and secured transactions, you are sure to have good business all year round.…

The Convenience of As Seen on TV Products and Shopping

With the world-changing at mind-boggling speed every day, product and service providers are devising new methods of reaching their target populations effectively. It is true to say that a large percentage of the world’s population has access to a television. This is the medium used by shopping networks to advertise their products to viewers every time they tune in to watch their favorite programs. Advertising can take many forms but visual technology has always taken precedence over all other types of adverts. Customers tend to appreciate more products that they see (rather than hear about) and not just once but often in the form of televised adverts. There is also a perception that the ability of a company to advertise on television shows superiority over other brands.

As seen on TV customer support

The present day shopper loves convenience and this is what this type of shopping offers. Right from the comfort of your house you can buy everything you need just by making a toll-free call. With as seen on TV’s services, you get to see all the products available and you have a chance to make enquiries before the final purchase. The elaborate customer service and support system online comes in very handy for such occasions. There is also a detailed section about the Frequently Asked Questions that provides you with all the information you need on return policies, terms and conditions as well as security. Also included in customer support is privacy policy, guarantees available and the relevant contact details for customers to reach those in charge.

Product categories available

Variety is great selling point for any business that intends to make money selling products or even services. Customers do not like to go to different places for items they need so a one-stop-shop is ideal for most customers and this is exactly what this service offers. Some of the categories available include household items, kitchen ware, health products, beauty products, clothing, tolls, electronics and many more. All these are divided into much more specific subtitles to make it easier for shoppers to pick exactly what they want.

Interactive shopping at as seen on TV

Shoppers like to know what they are buying and the also like to give back feedback after they have used a product. This is called interactive shopping. As seen on TV has a feedback section on their website which allows product users to provide reports about the items they have bought or even about the services they received. Email sign up options allow customers to get updates and news regarding new products and changes in the system. To encourage the shopper, the site even has a suggestions page that allows users to give ideas on what else they would like to see featured on the site or in the product list. With services as efficient as those offered by As Seen On TV, shopping can now be more enjoyable and more hassle free than ever before.…

Second-Hand Shopping Tips – Get Your Killer Wardrobe For Less!

Shopping at second-hand stores and consignment boutiques is an art. The finds can be incredible, but it takes patience and a keen eye to find the real gems. If you’re a bargain hunter and want to learn the ropes of the best shoppers, read on!

Second-hand shops vary greatly, from mass department stores which show little to no discretion as to what they carry (Goodwill, Value Village, etc.) to boutique stores which carry designer clothes only, cost a little more (but designer clothing at far less than retail) and have done all the culling work for you. Did you know, though, that you can find designer and goods and other high quality items at the larger, cheaper second-hand stores? If you are on a tight budget, you can build an entire career or upper-end wardrobe by buying second-hand, and you’ll always look fabulous. Some tips include:

Look for brand names: This should go without saying, but it doesn’t. Look for quality items with upper-end labels still intact. Check all items carefully for damage – rips, stains or defects in clothing, and chips or other damage in household items – before you put anything in your cart for consideration. Try all clothing on, and look all items over carefully again before purchasing.

Know what suits you: Whether it’s home decor or clothing, you must show restraint when searching second-hand stores, in order to avoid buying junk you’ll regret later. Sometimes the deals can seem so wonderful it’s difficult to resist, but make sure you ask yourself if you really need or want that item, and ideally ask would you want it if it was full price. Know what types of clothing flatters you, and be sure to scan your home or wardrobe before you leave home so that you’ll only buy things which complement what you already have.

Be patient: Looking through racks of clothing and goods, even in the smaller boutiques, is exhausting and requires stamina. Go when you have a full stomach, lots of energy and lots of time to browse and try things on. Especially in the larger stores, it can take some serious digging to find the few wonderful treasures buried within rows of castaways. Take your time and know what you’re on the hunt for.

Try visiting second-hand stores in other cities when you visit. You’ll fill out your wardrobe with a variety of things you may not find in your home city, and each piece will feel like an extra-great find!

Happy hunting!…

How To Shop For The Best Perfumes – For Women

I found that there are five basic steps you need to consider when perfume shopping, so here they are for your perfume delight and delectation…

1) “This is going to take some time… “

Yes, perfume shopping is something that needs to be savoured, enjoyed and definitely not rushed. Set aside a good portion of time in the day for you to check out your local perfume department stores and smaller fragrance stores. Try to keep an open mind when you see a perfume that perhaps your friend has dismissed and don’t judge a perfume by its packaging. You’re going to have to rely on your nose for this shopping expedition, not your eyes.

2) Before you start perfume shopping, decide on your budget

Shopping for a fragrance can cost you as little as $50 or as much as $5000 (yes, there are perfumes with those kind of price tags!), so it is important to decide your budget before you even step foot in a perfume shop. Firstly, decide if your fragrance is going to be for everyday use, or just for special occasions? Are you looking for a celebrity name perfume, or simply a well-known brand? Which season is your perfume for? Sometimes it is nice to have a fresher and lighter perfume for the hotter summer months and perhaps a more subtle fragrance for autumn and winter.

3. Understand the different concentrations of perfume available

Perfumes come in three distinct categories which tell you about the concentration of the perfume oils in the bottle. The most concentrated, and therefore most expensive, perfume is known as ‘Parfum’ and you won’t need to use a lot of it, so it should last longer. Parfum has a concentration of between 15% and 22% of the fragrance oils. Next is ‘Eau de Parfum’ with a concentration of between 8% and 15% – quite a popular choice for many women. Lastly, and least expensive of the three concentrations, we have ‘Eau de Toilette’ or ‘Eau de Cologne’. With a concentration of between 3% and 8%, a spray of this perfume will give you and people around you just a hint of the scent to tantalize the nasal senses. Eau de Toilette is of course the least expensive option, but you many need to use more of it than the other more concentrated preparations.

4. Time to get your nose working

So you’re in the perfume store. It’s time to start smelling some fragrances by spraying some sampler bottles of each perfume onto those funny bits of white cardboard. They’re called ‘swatches’ – rather like colour swatches, but for smelling. Try to dry the perfume on the swatch before smelling (don’t touch), as the fragrance will change subtly as the minutes go by. After several minutes you will smell the ‘base notes’ rather than the initial ‘top notes’. Ah, now we’re getting technical. The fragrance’s base notes are the scents that will become more apparent as you wear perfume through the day. If you’re really up for being prepared, take a small container of coffee beans with you. Take a whiff of the beans to ‘reset’ your nose before smelling the next perfume – it’s a trick that works. Keep going and you should be able to narrow down your search to perhaps just three or four fragrances.

5. Time for some real skin

Hopefully you have now managed to select a handful of perfume candidates? Now is the time to spray a little on your wrist. Let it dry naturally without rubbing and have a whiff. Oh, by the way, top tip: Don’t wear any fragrance when you go perfume shopping for obvious reasons. It’s also wise to avoid eating spicy or hot food beforehand as your nose won’t be as sensitive as it usually is.

Hope you found some or all of these ‘perfume pointers’ enlightening. The best perfume for you is out there, and it will just take a little preparation and patience to find it! Happy perfume shopping!…

The Benefits of Shopping Online Are Many

Some people still refuse to shop online. Whether they are concerned about security or not being able to actually hold the product they are purchasing, they simply don’t understand the many benefits of shopping online.

Almost every major retailer has an online presence now. Some are simply informational, while most allow a person to purchase products and services from the comfort of their own home. Several businesses have closed their doors in favor of selling their products online.

A major advantage an online retailer has over a traditional “brick and mortar” company is its greatly reduced overhead cost. Online retailers only require one distribution center to serve all of their customers, which means they only have to pay rent and utilities for one building, and they only have to pay for one group of employees. Traditional businesses require numerous retail outlets and several warehouses to supply them, each of which has its own rent and utility bill each month, not to mention the massive force of people required to serve their customers.

Many retailers (including retail stores, restaurants, and many more) actually offer lower prices to their online patrons to encourage them to order online. This is because a computer is able to process hundreds (or thousands) of orders in rapid succession — far more than a human could hope to accomplish. What’s more, a computer doesn’t expect a paycheck, nor does it get stressed when phones are ringing off-the-hook. This saves the company money, and provides fast and reliable service to their customers.

Because of the amount of money a company is able to save by selling their products online, many online retailers have dramatically lower prices than their offline competition. There are even services that allow a person to see prices for a product from several different suppliers, eliminating the need to shop around for the best price.

One major concern among shoppers is identity theft, or the theft of their sensitive account information. What people fail to realize is that this is a concern at conventional retailers as well. With cell-phone phishing (people snapping a photo of your credit card) and dishonest cashiers, this can happen at your local grocery store far more easily than it can happen online.

Most reputable online retailers have worked hard to address these concerns by utilizing encryption. Encryption “scrambles” your information before sending it to its intended recipient (the retailer). This means that any would-be hacker is unable to decipher your personal information. You can tell if a website is using encryption as a padlock icon will show on your browser, and the site’s address will be preceded by “HTTPS:” instead of the usual “HTTP:”, which indicates a secured website.

With security and substantially lower prices, the benefits of shopping online can be amazing, saving you time while reducing what you must pay for products and services.…

Where to Buy VCR-DVD in HD

People enjoy the many choices they have these days. This is also true when it comes to shopping for the right VCR-DVD in HD. Most people, especially the busy professionals, prefer to shop online. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can already pick among a wide range of products.

To be sure that you get the ideal VCR-DVD in HD, you can read product reviews and ratings to determine the top 10 or 8 gadgets for sale. If you think that a VCR only will not be able to meet your needs, you can opt for the DVR or digital video recorder but this can be a bit expensive. Today, VCRs are really affordable even the new ones. You can check out the product lines offered by Emerson, Samsung, LG, JVC, Toshiba, etc.

Repair is not a problem with the newer models but when it comes to old VCRs, you may find it hard to find a repair service. Most of today’s DVDs include the video cassette recorder feature and this is an ideal choice because it’s like getting two devices for the price of one. DVDs can also play VCDs but it won’t work the other way around.

Set aside a budget for the VCR-DVD in HD and start shopping online. You can check out Amazon, eBay, and other popular stores online. Simply enter the product that you want to buy on the search toolbar and you can already get the needed results. Hurry and buy now.…

Preparing to Attend a Large Gem and Mineral Show

Are you planning to attend a major gem show and are wondering how to prepare for it? You must plan if you want to come home with most of what you went there to get. Search on the net to find out what venders are going to be there and when. Purchase a couple of bead or rock and mineral magazines. Often times big shows, such as Tucson Gem Show, will have different associations of venders who will be in designated places on certain dates. They are commonly showing their goods in that particular place year after year. So once you get this part down, the next time you go will be much simpler. Some shows may be inside huge buildings while others are in hotels or in huge parking lots with very little shelter. Because of this you need to watch the weather and plan the outdoor venders on the nice days and shop the inside venders when it’s raining or just very hot.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral show is huge and if you plan to get most of what is on your list, plus a few gifts of course, it is best to plan for 3-4 days at the show. If you are driving to the shows each day from your hotel, arrive early to park as close to the show that you are interested in as you can. Plan to take a sweater and no coat. Coats get cumbersome and sweaters can be tied around the waist as the sun gets warmer. Needless to say you will be putting miles on your feet each day so comfortable shoes only. This is no place for a large or heavy purse. All you need with you is your drivers license, credit card, cash, bank debit card to access cash from the machines, business cards, your list of venders with their locations, and the list of things you want to buy. Fanny packs work great, and back packs are a must. Water and food are readily available throughout the shows, bathrooms are a little harder to come by.

Buy things when you see them. This is not a good place to be shopping for the lowest price. You may never find the vender again as the crowds of people show up and you become tired. If you are flying home, keep in mind the weight requirements for checked baggage. If you think you may be over the limit, commonly 50 pounds, mail some of your things back. There are usually a couple of shipping options at the shows.

Going to a large gem show is a lot of fun if you are prepared.…

Online Shopping to Save Your Time

If asked about the favorite part time activity to anybody; the most common answer would be “shopping”. Shopping is not only a good ‘time-pass’ but we also come across many new things while shopping. We get an opportunity to see all that is in. It is also good to make a survey of the latest trends in the market with respect to apparel, technologies and much more.

Though we all love to shop, it is ironical that we seldom go out to do the shopping. Even sometimes for the most important items we have to wait a long and well plan in advance. It is because we all have involved ourselves so much with our work that we hardly get time to do even the little bit of the required shopping. On the working days we can’t even imagine to spend a minute on shopping and on weekends we are apparently so much drained out of energy that we cannot do anything but rest. So what’s the alternative then? It is not that we do not need anything but the question is how to manage our requirements.

All of us want a quick approach to all our basic requirements and so is the demand for shopping too. But for shopping, we need a lot of leisure time and a relaxed body and soul. In order to make everything accessible and faster to reach, internet has always been on the fore front. Similar is the case with shopping also. Internet has covered up this field too. Now we do not have to worry about anything at all. If you want to buy 1 or more product/s but unfortunately do not have much time, you can now buy it online. There are so many companies which offer online shopping. All you need to do is to search for the product/s you are planning to buy online. Once you have found the product, you can make online payment through any of the prescribed mode and make that product yours.

Online shopping is a good way to save your time and most importantly, your energy. You can own the product while relaxing cozily at home. Many online stores have multiple brands under one roof. This way it becomes easier to compare the features and qualities of all those brands and select the one which is the best suited to your requirement. Not only features but also the prices can be compared so that you can save your money to a great extent. Sometimes on special occasions many brands or stores come up with special offers like ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘special discount’ or ‘sale’.

So if you can see this online mode is no different from the regular or usual shopping; rather it is much better as it saves a lot in terms of money, time, energy and peace of mind. You must have heard of the proverb “A stitch in time saves nine”. So why not do it more economically through internet, than to waste your time, energy and also your money?…

Top 5 Questions for Area Rug Shoppers

Shopping for an area rug is exciting, but it can also be a daunting task! With choices available everywhere from online retailers to warehouse stores, department stores to bargain basements, it can be difficult to narrow down the perfect rug from such an overwhelming variety of sources. However, asking the following questions will simplify the process and help rug shoppers meet their own unique needs. Obviously, price range is a major factor in any search. Some rug shoppers are searching for museum-quality pieces worth tens of thousands of dollars and some shoppers need maximum coverage for minimum price. Moving away from this basic starting point, there are five subsequent questions.

1. Where will this rug be placed?The style, size, and material requirements of an area rug are always determined by its placement. A rug for a child’s room will have different needs than a rug for a bathroom, patio, or work area; which leads into the second question.

2. What material is preferable?Areas that are likely to experience moisture (such as bathrooms, basements, porches or patios, craft rooms, play areas, or kitchens, to name a few possibilities) are good candidates for rugs made from Indoor/Outdoor material. Elegant sitting rooms or dining rooms would greatly benefit from rugs made from wool. Plush synthetic materials feel wonderful under bare feet and make great choices for bedrooms.

3. What dimensions are needed?Although there are manufacturers that can provide you with any of their rugs in any shape or size, most rugs are offered in limited dimensions. Searching in stores or online based on the needed dimensions is one of the best ways to limit the choices; however, for shoppers who prefer NOT to be limited, it’s wonderful to know that custom sized rugs are now affordable and easy to obtain!

4. Will the rug play a supporting role or a starring role?On one end of the spectrum, an area rug can be quiet and discreet; neutral colors and subtle patterns allow other features of the room to shine. On the other hand, a bold print can effortlessly create a focal point for a room.

5. What style should it be (or not be)?If the area rug will be neutral and understated, it can easily suit any decorating style. However, if the rug will provide color and pattern, it is important that those elements compliment the other features in a room. Are most of the furnishings traditional or modern? Does the d?�cor have a particular style or color theme? Is there a motif in the artwork, fabrics, or wallpaper that can be reflected in the rug? An area rug can be the starting point for a space-providing inspiration and a decorating direction-or it can be the final puzzle piece, completing a room and drawing all of the other elements together into balance and perfection!…

Tips To Shop For Holiday Gifts

Holiday gift buying is one of those things that eat at you all through winter. The very thought of having so much shopping to do is so scary that people won’t start it unless they can’t put it off any longer. Holiday shopping and buying gifts can be easier if you plan things out and follow a few simple rules.

Budgets are important, not just because they keep you safe from bankruptcy but also because they help you shop. If you set a $40 limit on your best friend’s gift, you won’t go looking in stores that sell items or services beyond that amount. It’s essential that you stick to your budget.

Sometimes you’re tempted to buy something for maybe your spouse or boy/ girlfriend that exceeds the limit you’ve set and sometimes you find a gift that’s not just great but also under budget and that leaves you with some extra cash that you can spend on your kids or immediate family. It’s best to get the ‘bargain shopping’ out of the way first so you can get the benefit of what you’ve saved when you shop for family.

Bulk shopping is a great idea, especially for work or when you have to send something to a family and you can’t afford to buy something separate for each member. Bulk gifts can be simple boxes of chocolate covered fruit like chocolate strawberries or they can be gourmet chocolate baskets. These gifts will not only look good when delivered to someone’s home but are also easy to share between co-workers.…