2022

When Planning Your Barcelona Trip, You Do Not Have to Bother About Expenses

If you are keen on planning a Barcelona Trip but are worried about the costs of things, you can plan a budget trip and have all the fun you want in Barcelona. Barcelona caters for all budgets and no matter how big or small yours happens to be, you are in for a great time.

You do not have to spend a fortune to have a ball

There are so many things that you can do to make your trip to this place a great one, without having to spend a fortune. A good idea to start off on a budget is by booking your tickets very early.

If you do so, you will be able to avail of the best possible deals and promotions that are available to early bookers. Now that you are off to a good start, you may wonder how you can cut down on costs while you are in Barcelona.

Transportation can be a cheap affair

Transportation would of course depend upon the amount of time that you intend staying. If you are staying for a week, you might as well rent a car because it can save a lot of your daily transportation expenses.

On the other hand if you are staying for just 3 days or less, you need just simply hop on the bus or take the metro and enjoy the commute time. As Barcelona isn’t the biggest of cities, travel times are reduced and everything is within a stone’s throw, as it were.

Get the card that saves you money

You could also get the Barcelona Card, a card that is designed to save you money. With this card you will get to enjoy lots of freebies and discounts to many tourist destinations. Here are some of the things you get with the card:

• You will get discounts at 8 different shops plus 3 different nightclubs and bars.

• You can avail of up to 3 free leisure activities.

• You get up to 10%-50% discounts to other museums.

• Up to 12 free trips to museums like CosmoCaixa, Jardi Botanic among others.

So you see, the Barcelona Card will save you both time and money and you will get to see a lot of this majestic city into the price. Barcelona has a lot to offer and you will be back for another trip I am quite sure.

Now you do not have to worry about expenses when you are planning your Barcelona Trip.…

Cheap Online Shopping

Finding cheap online shopping bargains nowadays is part art and part know-how. Once you acquire the know-how, the art will come naturally, and you’ll never want to pay full retail prices at brick-and-mortar stores again.

One of the first things you’ll learn is that a big part of finding cheap online shopping bargains is knowing how to do a little quick-and-dirty research on whatever product you’re planning to purchase, or class of products, be it clothing, furniture, office supplies, or even a generic category like Christmas gifts.

The best starting point is a review website – but use one of the truly objective ones, not the kind that pitch products in return for affiliate fees (there are thousands of those out there, often advertised in Google’s “sponsored results” column with headings like, “Don’t Buy Until You Read Our Reviews”).

Probably the most reliable product review sites are , , and . Just enter the product you’re shopping for in the website’s search box and, presto! — back come a number of consumer reviews. These should help you considerably in selecting the specific brand names of products you want to buy. Next comes price research. Where can you get the best prices on those selected brand names?

Well, there are also comparison sites for this, too, believe it or not. The best known – and also probably the best — are , , and . There are a lot others, of course. But these have the great virtue of being objective – they don’t accept payment from manufacturers for their listings.

By spending a little time on these sites comparing prices, you’ll probably be able to save some serious money compared to what you’d pay in retail outlets. Try it – you’ll see why online shopping is taking off in the US.

Rebates and Coupons

You can save even more by using rebates and/or coupons. With rebates you purchase a product, submit a claim and get some of your money back. But will rebates be available on your particular product? It may be, no matter what it is. Try checking out . Just enter the product’s or manufacturer’s name and see if anyone is offering rebates on it – simple as that.

Another good strategy for finding cheap online shopping bargains is using coupons. It’s not like the kind of tedious hassle you often witness in supermarket check-out lines, when people hold up the line while they riffle through stacks of clipped-out coupons. Online you don’t have to deal with actual coupons. Rather, you get coupon codes. Then when you order the product from the online retailer, you enter the coupon code and get your discount. To find out if any coupons are available for the product you’re shopping for, go to .

Overstock Sites

Overstock sites represent cheap online shopping at its cheapest! You can save a bunch of money by using these sites if you know what you’re doing.

Overstock and wholesale items can be bought online in either of two ways, in bulk or as single items. If you’re an eBay aficionado, buying in bulk (also called bulk liquidation buying) may be the way to go if you’re looking for a source of merchandise to sell at auction. In this case, a good online source for you is .

But if you don’t need a hundred smart phones or file cabinets, and are looking to purchase just one item at a time, try or .

Still another possibility to consider is specialty wholesale distributors– here you’ll find rock bottom prices, but the catch is it’s not always easy to find a specialty distributor who deals in the specific product or products you’re interested in (e.g., shirts, luggage, computers, whatever.) and is willing to sell to the public (as opposed to a retail outlet). The best place to start your search is with a directory that lists wholesale distributors. The major wholesale directories are , , and .

Happy online shopping!…

Basic Guide to Neighborhood Shopping

There are different stages involved in the home buying process, including budgeting, applying for prequalification, filling out loan applications, and so on. One of the most important part of house hunting is neighborhood shopping. This means that you don’t only have to look for the right house, but you also have to find the right location and community. Before you decide to purchase a particular house for you and your family, there are other factors that must be considered aside from the size and layout of the property or the community. Here are some factors that you need to look into when neighborhood shopping.

Safety And Security

When checking out the neighborhoods and communities, it is advisable to look into their security and safety. For instance, you need to check for any of the following safety features:

Are there any streetlights and sidewalks?

Are the main roads easily accessible?

Are children safe on the street while they wait at the bus stop or when they ride their bike?

In addition, it is also a good idea to visit the local police station and inquire about any important details surrounding the neighborhood. You can even check the neighborhood’s crime rate to make sure that you are not going to stay in a place where you or your family members are at risk. It is also advisable to look for communities with a neighborhood watch. This way, you can be assured that the members of the community are taking part in ensuring the safety of the neighborhood.

Quality And Accessibility Of Schools And Other Establishments

If you have children, it is vital that the neighborhood is located near schools. If so, you need to visit the school and do some research. You have to determine whether the school’s standards are high enough to ensure high quality education for your child. When visiting the schools, you need to pay attention to their safety features, the cleanliness of the school, and the behavior of the students. As an additional tip, you can also ask the parents as well as the local business owners about their opinion regarding the schools in the community.

Aside from schools, you must also determine the neighborhood’s proximity to other important establishments, such as offices, hospitals, shopping districts, public transportation, church, and so on.

Surrounding Community

Once you have found the neighborhood that meets your standards and needs, you have to consider its surrounding community as well. You must determine whether the neighborhood is near smelly factories, unpleasant businesses, or busy main roads. These factors are essential since it might affect your decision. Remember that if you decide to purchase the property- with less desirable homes and surrounding communities, then sell it in the coming years, you might have a hard time finding a buyer for your home.…

Shopping For Baby Gifts Online

If you will access the available online resources, you will surely find that it is indeed possible to shop at home and still find the best baby gifts baskets in just a few clicks.

It is indeed possible to do your shopping and not leave anywhere anymore just by logging on the web these days. To get started, you can log online and simply type the corresponding keywords in your favorite search engine. In minutes, thousands (or even millions) of related results will already be right before your eyes.

You can then begin browsing different websites that have extensive collection of baby products displayed in their gallery. Adorable collections of baby boy gifts are always accessible through the internet and you will surely have fun visiting the sites of the online sellers. The online archives they have also includes many other adorable baby products that come in affordable prices and you might also want to check them out. It really goes without saying that many of these sites are considered now as a useful tool that brings great convenience for any shopper that wants to find the best baby products. What’s more, comparing the prices offered by different brand names can be done very easily and this could be perfect for anyone hoping to get the best savings.

Giving baby gifts baskets have truly become more fun and easy these days. By placing your orders online and giving all the required information, your gift will already be delivered to the addressee in just a few days. These offers are definitely very hard to resist that’s why you should absolutely take advantage of all these available benefits. This gives you the guarantee of having your gifts delivered safe, secure and on time – avoiding any hassles that you may encounter along the way. As if all that wasn’t enough, the ordered products will also arrive wrapped in pretty packages and that will surely delight anyone who opens it.

You can surely gain the best advantages if you rely on the online resources for all your needs when it comes to baby boy gifts. With the low prices and excellent services being offered, you can surely bet that these online providers for baby boy gifts should always be your main choice.…

Pre Holiday Christmas Shopping Gifts

There is a way to get your entire Christmas gift shopping out of the way before Christmas. You have 11 months to prepare for December the easy way. Unlike all the people who wait until month of December the week or day before Christmas.

Sit down in January when the family and the gifts are fresh in your thoughts and make a list then for the gift items to look for. Some types of gifts are seasonal and you might want to quickly, pick those up shortly after the holidays for the next year.

Now that you have your list made each time, you go shopping simply pick a person on the list to add to your shopping for the gifts this year. This way you can take your time and shop at leisure for the one person. This helps take the hurry up and get it done feeling away. You’re much more relaxed and can concentrate.

Once you have found the perfect Christmas and or birthday or whatever gift you may need for that year for that one person. Simply mark a line threw the name.

Then the next time you go shopping do the same thing with the next person on your list. Repeat this until all the names are, completed and you are done. This is the easiest way to prepare for the next holiday and or birthdays, anniversaries or any event. Much less, stress and more time to choose just the right gift or gifts.

You can even use this method for the holiday preparations as well then all you will have to worry about when December comes is preparing the foods and your family.…

Try A Shopping Cart Demo For Free

Even gone hunting for shopping cart software and got absolutely frustrated in not being able to see what the actual software looks like without having to register for a free trial? Have you even tried looking for a shopping cart demo in the first place? If not, then please look for the demo. Here are a few reasons why this will help.

See What’s Inside

You know how irritating it is when you want to try something out and you’re required to register and reveal your particulars to the provider. Well, another alternative would be to check whether the shopping cart software provider has a demo store that you can play with it. One that you can have fun toying around to see how it works and what it actually looks like from the inside. This is usually known as the Admin mode where you have total control of the entire store. So you’re now the driver and builder. You get to create an entire store from the way it looks to what you want to sell.

Try It Out

People normally do not like to commit themselves when they wish to try something out. They much prefer to try something knowing that they do not have to give anything or reveal any of their contact details. Who can blame them? With all the spamming that’s going around, all you need to do is to leave your email address with certain sites and you can be sure that your inbox will get flooded with promotional materials and advertisements. Well, with a shopping cart demo, the idea is to allow customers and merchants to try out the shopping cart software without requiring anything from them.

No Obligations

Customers and merchants who wish to have a go at the ecommerce solution will not be obligated to sign up for anything. The demo is free for them to use whenever they like to create the store and add in the products of their choice. From choosing the template of their choice to offering gift vouchers and adding in social media to their store, they get to play with all that for free with no strings attached. Once they are happy with what the have created and would like to really set up their own store, then can then proceed to sign up for a free trial or even sign up proper.

Summary

So there you have it. The plus points of having some fun trying out a shopping cart demo online. Not only will this provide you an insight on how things are run by a merchant, it will also let you have a look at the actual store from a customer’s perspective. In other words, you get to see what you have created so that when you have your own online store, you will know exactly what you need. Have fun!…

How Mystery Shoppers Provide Value to Businesses

Mystery Shopping has made headlines in recent years as job seekers were lured into mystery shopping scams. Mention mystery shopping to others and they conjure up mental images of getting paid to lounge in coffee shops, restaurants and hotels with their friends. As a successful mystery shopper I find it sad that people often miss the actual service the mystery shopping industry provides.

Mystery shopping is not limited to retail shops like the Gap and Wal Mart and fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s. As a mystery shopper I have visited banks, airport terminals, computer testing facilities, police stations, government agencies and taken many trips aboard public transportation such as subways, buses and taxis. There have been water parks, restaurants, luxury retail outlets as well an indoor ski slope. All of the companies I have visited have one thing in common. The success or failure of their business is determined by how well they service you and I, the customer. Flashy ad campaigns and glittering store fronts my attract the masses but if the masses leave unhappy the business will ultimately fail.

Enter the mystery shopper. Consultancy firms that specialize in helping businesses service improve their customer service ingeniously employ mystery shoppers to gather the data they need to develop a company’s customer service plan. Shopping scenarios and questionnaires are careful devised for each company based on their specific company profile and business needs. For example, if a bank employs a mystery shopping firm to help analyze their performance a multi faceted approach will be employed that will involve multiple mystery shoppers of various profiles. Together the mystery shopping firm and their banking client will develop shopping scenarios for mystery shoppers to perform. Some shoppers will be assigned to determine how well the company handle complaints submitted in person, other shoppers will gather information about how the bank handles complaints and inquires submitted by phone or website. Still other shoppers will enter the banks an interact with tellers, personal banking officers, receptionists and even security guards. The shoppers will all have variable inquires ranging form simple account opening to more complex loans and investment products.

Another example would be an appliance brand that may employ a mystery shopping firm to determine how their brand is being represented across a variety of retailers. Groups of mystery shoppers will each focus on several different scenarios to best determine this. One group may pose as customers specifically shopping for the company’s brand. They will arrive at the store requesting this brand. A second group will pose a customers specifically requesting a competitive brand and a third group will enter stores as undetermined shoppers willing to accept any brand suggestion. After evaluating these different perspectives across several retail outlets the appliance company can understand more completely how their brand is being represented in a variety of scenarios.

Both the bank and the appliance company will have a variety of information about how their company is perceived in vastly different customer situations. This information may reveal that they have a polite and helpful staff who are not properly trained to give detailed product information to customers resulting in a lack of sales. With this information the company can target the company’s weakness which is employee product training and easily and efficiently correct this by increasing staff training which should result in improved sales.

Customers are increasingly seeking and utilizing online services and a thriving bank might come to learn, through mystery shoppers, that the competent service customers receive in person is not duplicated online. If gone unnoticed the bank could easily see a small but steady decline in customer growth because they will not be attracting customers who are increasing utilizing online services. Using the results of the mystery shoppers the bank can target this weakness and improve the company’s overall service and in turn the company’s growth.

Mystery shoppers are employed to help a variety of business improve their service. The shoppers are impartial and objective in their observations in order to uncover the actual state of the company’s service standard. Shoppers follow carefully devised scenarios in order to target what aspects of service the company wish to focus on. The observations and feedback of the mystery shoppers can then be utilized by the companies to improve the customer’s overall experience. Mystery shopping benefits each and every one of us. Businesses gain valuable and targeted information about how to improve their business and profits and customers benefit from increasingly improved…

Online Shopping: A Fun Way to Shop for Holiday Gifts and More

The holidays can be a hectic time with all the running to and fro while trying to find the best gifts. But with online shopping, you don’t have to run here and there hoping to find a great deal. You can let your mouse do the searching while you relax on your home computer. And when buying gifts at an online shopping mall, you don’t have to go far to find fantastic brand name products at a bargain.

What’s an Online Mall?

It’s a website that provides access to hundreds of top stores on the Web and gives you the freedom to pick and choose at which stores you wish to shop. Think about a brick-and-mortar mall for a moment. It’s basically a lot of stores under one roof, but each store operates as its own business. The benefits of a mall are innumerable. You can browse store after store without hopping back in your car every time. Visit multiple locations within just a few hours and save time and gas. Also, you can compare products and pricing while there and save dollars on your gift purchases. Malls also usually offer some sort of entertainment, arcade, food court, etc.

Similarly, online shopping sites provide the same type of on the Web. You can visit one website and from that central location, shop at multiple stores, compare prices and special offers, and more. Buying gifts for several people is easy when you’re able to view all your favorite stores at once. Online malls may also offer fun stuff, such as jokes, trivia, contests, etc. It’s more than a shopping experience.

What About Security?

If you take your time and choose a high quality mall, you won’t have to worry about security for your personal shopping information. Secure online malls will take measures to protect your information from spammers and hackers. They don’t sell your information or expose your credit card number to other sources. They use secure ordering features so you can order holiday gifts with peace of mind. Shop at stores such as Macy’s, Lamps Plus, Wal-Mart, Vitamin World, Luxury Bed & Bath, and other great stores without worry.

Gift Ideas

With an online shopping mall, the gift possibilities are endless. Buy for your parents, children, grandparents, co-workers, friends, and others. There are many choices for party auctions, corporate gifts for clients, or even your child’s favorite teacher or coach! Find great gifts such as clothing or apparel, shoes, sporting goods, outdoor gear, bedding, home decor gifts, and more. If hosting a holiday gathering, surprise your guests with delicious gourmet foods as gifts or to serve. Online malls carry all sorts of goodies that can make your holiday party special and memorable.

Once you find a fun, secure online mall that focuses on all your favorite stores and products, you can shop for gifts year round (birthdays, Christmas, graduation, anniversary, baby showers, etc.) and also easily buy the products you need.…

Magento – Perfect E-Commerce Solution

Considering this aspect, e-commerce has taken its shape in a full-fledged manner and n-number of people are willing to create e-commerce solutions. The solutions are both on high demand.

In this race of seeking solutions for your e-commerce site, Magento platform takes a stand and becomes the most popular e-commerce solution. Being an open source solution, greater reliability and stability accompanies the complete package for your e-commerce solution, with the full customisation through the use of templates.

Magento has been designed very well from the outset. There is a clear distinction between ‘core’ code and community/third party code. This means you can install other extensions and modules without fear of impacting Magento upgrades in future or breaking how your site looks. This structure has been integral in allowing Magento Commerce as a great reason to prefer its use.

Backend options, for example, sales track, reports, search record, searches made on the site analysed in addition to in-built support with analytics (this tool provides visibility into the store performance to enable actionable changes to react to your customers needs), and SEO. Catalogue Management can manage the dynamic catalogue through an admin interface. This includes various options in displaying items and products to be sold.

As Magento has proved itself to be the fastest growing e-commerce platform and don’t have to search for long. With an efficient proven front and backend combined with easy methods of adding further functionality, its not actually hard to see why.

Magento is integrated with a variety of major payment gateways out of the box, as well as alternative payment methods from PayPal, Amazon and Google. The foundation of e-commerce hosting is excellence. By providing their clients with a reliable platform, you have the assurance of the best and the most affordable e-commerce hosting. When you subscribe for Magento, you provide your business with better options to improve your management as well as a friendly environment for your valuable customers. With an excellent system, you can increase your visitors and thus, increase your sales. The money you put in it is worth the enormous return of investment.

So, if you really want to get into this pool flooded with e-commerce sites and people seeking solution, why not opt for Magento Commerce and get-set-go with the flow.…

As I Reach For Holy Ground

Here I am in the state of Illinois, another crisis. They have desecrated our dead, so I was compel to write this, a poem for the living: As I stand here Lord Jesus, As I reach for Holy ground. My heart is overwhelm with grief, just sadness all around. They paid no respect for the dead, and disturb your Holy ground. So I pray for your strength, for me and others, Lord Jesus. For its your kingdom where we are bound. Lord I thank you for your understanding. Understanding that the spirit once lived is away from the body and with you. For its you that I trust Lord Jesus and I know the souls are with you. So thank you Lord, for your wisdom, for your Holy word is true. You said wickedness will increase, and it surely did, you said man would become more greedy and they surely did. You said you will come again, and yes I know this is true. So I sit here watching, watching and waiting for you, to come into full view. Yes, your word stands against all time, and ages. Man tries to do away with or get away with, but they cannot do away or get away from you or your word. Thank you Lord for your word. Thank you Lord for your power, and thank you Lord for your Loving grace. Thank you.

While pondering on this I looked to the Bible and look what it says in the Book of Psalms 10:12; “Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, He won’t call me to account? But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The Lord is King forever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” Yes it is an outright disgrace. Over 300 graves sites have been tampered with and counting. This was a wicked scheme, but we call on Jesus Christ for his strength and to bring into light, what was done in the darkness. It also says in the Book of Proverbs 14:13 “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” It makes you wonder what was their thought when digging up people graves.

I like to call this situation bitter herbs, just another trail. It make me focus on the Book of Lamentations 3:32 it says; “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice-would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Yes, let us all return to the Lord. Whether victim or robber, may we all pray and turn to the Lord.”

In closing, as I continue to reach for Holy ground, I turned to the Book of 1Peter 1:3 and it says; “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and …

Bass Outlet: A Smart Choice to Shop for Quality Shoes

How would you like walking on shoes that gives you a very comfortable fit, and a pair that you can always count on for a long time? And would it not be much better if these shoes portray a chic style and is labeled with a recognize brand? Surely, many people will immediately answer yes to these questions. However, these descriptions often fall on footwear products with premium prices in the market; and many people, especially average- earners cannot easily afford them. Fortunately, this is not always the case. A Bass Outlet will give you all these qualities on footwear products, without having to spend top dollars. In addition, there are more deals and bargains that will surely cut a big part from your shopping expenses.

A Bass Factory Outlet is one of the stores managed and operated by G.H. Bass & Co. The Bass brand is a well- known name in the footwear fashion arena. Its products include high end various footwear items for men, women, and children. These products are built with amazing quality, durability and performance that every individual can rely on. Footwear items from Bass are also popular the world over because of these qualities with more and more people getting interested in them.

History of GH Bass & Co.

G.H. Bass & Co. has been in the industry for a long time. It was established in at Wilton Maine in 1876 by George Henry Bass when he bought a local shoe manufacturer, E.P. Packard & Co. He gained full ownership of the said business and changed its name to G.H. Bass & Co. The company was able to develop its products through customer feedbacks. By 1906, the first Bass moccasin was launched. The company became a significant part of history when the US Army made the Bass Aviation Boot as the official boots during the World War I.

Through the years, the company reaped tremendous revenues from its shoe products and have managed to reach and maintain and internationally-recognized stature. The 70s and 80s were great year for the company and marked the acquisition of PVH, one of the top-selling shoe brands in the US. Today, the Bass brand continues to manufacture and distribute casual and weekend footwear that capture the interest of people in the US, Europe, South America, and Asia.

What You Can Find In a Bass Outlet

Shopping in Bass Outlet Stores is a great choice for people who are on the look- out for stylish and high- quality shoes. In fact, these stores are among those that are flocked by shoppers; especially those who trust and patronize the Bass brand. People who live far from outlet stores can shop at a Bass Outlet Online. Here are the reasons why people choose to shop at these stores.

• Great savings, as items in these outlet stores are 20- 40% cheaper than in regular stores.

• More savings during special day promos and clearance sales.

• Even more savings with the use of discount coupons.

• Items are guaranteed authentic and has premium quality despite being old models or slightly defective.

• A wide array of products to choose from.

A Bass Outlet is usually found in outlet malls and centers, but there are also stand-alone outlet stores in selected locations.…

Why Choose Manchester for Your Studies?

Manchester is a great choice for students who love big cities and fast-paced lifestyles. With 2,2 million inhabitants, the Greater Manchester Urban Area is one of the UK’s largest and as such boasts a vibrant, multicultural feel.

You can choose between attending the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, or the Royal Northern College of Music that have a huge combined student population. The institutions are located around Oxford Road in the city’s south side with some campuses elsewhere.

With a diverse offering of study programmes among the three establishments, in Manchester you could be studying anything from the Humanities to Engineering to Classical Music.

Let’s see where else Manchester’s appeal lies. Is it the buzzing modern city centre, the nightlife or cultural scene? Well, to be fair it’s a bit of everything!

Nightlife

In a city as big as the North Western pearl, and with as big a student population, you would expect nightlife to be very upbeat, and you’re very right. Unsuprisingly, Manchester has been the cradle of many a well known British band: The Smiths, Joy Division, Oasis, Doves and more that have since inspired more recent musicians. For live music head to places like Band on the Wall, the Ruby Lounge, and the Factory.

For more mainstream bar and club nights, Oxford Road, Fallowville, the Northern Quarter, and Deansgate Locks are your best bets. Many will offer student discounts on certain nights of the week. Some of the biggest club names are Bijou where you can often spot footballers, Sakura a favourite among students, and Mint Lounge a classic among the city’s clubs.

Manchester is also home to a fun and friendly Gay Village, situated the old cobbled Canal Street.

If you spend your first year living in halls, and if you hang around campus often enough, you’ll find you’re never short of a flyer or two advertising the best student deals in town.

Shopping

For high street shopping and student friendly prices, head to some of the city’s shopping centres: Manchester Arndale, West One Retail Park, the Lowry Outlet Mall, and the Trafford Centre.

Once a month the city hosts a Vintage Fashion Market where you can find rare retro garments and accessories as well as homeware. For more regular vintage fixes, head to shops like Afflecks, Cow, and Retro Rehab.

Other markets are the twice-monthly Real Food Market held at Piccadilly Gardens, Tib Street Fashion Market, and Arndale Market with a bit of everything from food to fashion.

Visitor Attractions

There are certain attractions anyone living in Manchester should visit, as well as show off to any guests you might receive throughout your years of studying. Whitworth Gallery is amazing both in terms of the collections it houses, and the building itself set in beautiful parkland.

A bizarre and altogether different experience is a visit to the Stockport Air Raid Shelters just a short trip outside the city where you can witness what it would have been like to hide underground during the war and bombings.

John Rylands Library in Deansgate is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece that echoes the design of period castles and cathedrals. The collection beautifully complements the building’s architecture with pieces including the oldest known part of the New Testament, and a 1476 edition of Canterbury Tales by Chaucer.

Since most halls of residence won’t allow overnight visitors due to fire regulations, accommodate your guests in a central hotel in Manchester Piccadilly that’s close to transport links and attractions. They can save money by choosing a hotel with breakfast included.…

The Best Areas to Do Some Shopping in New York City

When it comes to shopping, New York City is one of the best places to be. Not only can you find any store that may only have another location in Paris or Tokyo, but you have a ton of options of areas to go, making it a shopaholic’s paradise.

Here are some of the best areas to check out while shopping in New York.

The Meatpacking District is one of the hottest areas in the City right now. Alexander McQueen and the Theory Headquarters are both located here. The newly constructed highline product spans over the area and makes for a great scenic view as well.

The undisputed king (or queen) of New York City shopping can be found in SoHo. Located South of Houston St (hence the name), SoHo is a shopping mecca. Any high-end brand has a store in SoHo. It’s no coincidence the girls down here are incredibly fashionable.

TriBeCa is another hot spot for high-end shopping. It is a little bit of trek to get down there, but this is part of the neighborhood’s charm and allure. If you are located on the West Side, it is a much easier commute.

Any native New Yorker would argue that the best shopping can be found on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is hard to argue with this, since the area boasts the world famous 5th Avenue.

Another area that is notorious for high end shopping, but is located on Long Island is the Americana Shopping Center in Manhasset. Also known as the “miracle mile,” this outdoor strip of luxury retailers is hard to beat.

Woodbury Commons is an outlet mall outside of the city that is impossible to beat when it comes to high-end brands at extremely discounted prices. Make a weekend of it and find the great deals that await.…

All About Yaletown, Vancouver’s Favourite Neighborhood

The district of Yaletown has a very colorful and unique history that has its roots in the Gold Rush and mining as well as the Canadian Pacific Railway. During the 1880s the town of Yale, located in British Columbia’s interior, was the epicenter of all Gold mining activity in the province. It was also the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway. When the line was extended to the Burrard Inlet, the railworker population of Yale followed and settled in housing close to the new rail yards. This area was given the name Yaletown.

Yaletown remained an industrial and warehouse until after the 1986 World’s Fair, when it went though a substantial process of gentrification. Currently it remains one of the most ambitious and successful urban rejuvenation projects in North America.

Although Yaletown’s skyline has the contemporary “City of Glass” look to it, the area has not forgotten its industrial past. Many of the warehouses and rail yards have been transformed into trendy restaurants and nightclubs. This gentrification, the mixture of contemporary and refurbished, has given the area a very unique look and feel. Demographically, Yaletown is young and educated. During the dot-com bubble many IT and dot-com companies set up shop in the area, creating what some called a “Silicon Alley”. The median age is 37 and the majority of the population have completed some form of post-secondary education. In Yaletown the average price of a home is close to $600,000 and the average income is nearly $71,000.

Yaletown is home to the high end whether it be dining or shopping. The area has become somewhat of a mecca for foodies, and many fine restaurants have opened up shop within the neighborhood. If fine dining is the order of the evening there is Opus Bar or Provence Marinaside. For travelers on a smaller budget, but still want exceptional atmosphere and cuisine there are a variety of gastro pubs such as Dix BBQ and Brewery, Library Square Public House, and The Shark Club Bar and Grill.

In regards to shopping Yaletown is home to many unique boutiques and shops. Any shopping trip through the neighborhood would not be complete without a stop at places like the Atomic Model Botique for the latest in high fashion jewelry and accessories. The Eden Boutique has a similar theme, though it specializes in imports from the UK and Europe. If you are a bookworm and shopping for clothing is not what you had in mind check out the Book Warehouse on Homer St.

If you have a four legged friend with you on the trip or at home, there are a number of stores for Fido in the area. Both Barking Babies and Dog and Hydrant offer a selection of trendy accessories for the canine companion.

And if it isn’t shopping that you are after there is still plenty to do in Yaletown. Many tourists flock to the Seawall, which is a pleasant walking trail that runs parallel to the shore. Yaletown is also within walking distance to GM Place, and BC Place, the home of the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions respectively, if you want to take in a game during their seasons.

Yaletown is very conveniently located, by virtue that it is located along the southern tip of the Burrard inlet. Taking the skytrain it is possible to get from Yaletown to the Financial District, Gastown, or anywhere else in Downtown Vancouver in a number of minutes.…

Designer Jeans For Men Fashions

Once considered only for leisure wear jeans are worn more than any other clothing item by women and men. In fact, men prefer wearing designer jeans for not only the comfort, but for the fashion statement. Combined with a dress jacket and a pair of men’s dress shoes the look is replacing men’s suites.

Men’s clothing can be a combination of style and comfort that is appropriate for the business world, and a night out on the town. This luxury of comfort and fashion does not come from other non designer brands of jeans. They can be worn with T shirts for a casual look, or pair them with men’s dress shirts for a more dressy style.

Designer jeans provide men with great style and comfort as well as quality. There are several varieties of styles to select from. Aside from style, there are different washes, colors, rises and cuts. One will also be able to choose styles from boot cut, straight leg, relaxed fit, and slim fit, just to name a few. The possibilities for putting together several combinations almost endless.

Choosing from the vast variety of designs and styles of designer jeans will make a positive statement about men’s fashion. The fashion item is worn by many celebrities which contributes to the fact that they are a status symbol. The logos on the clothing alone advertise their quality and design.

When buying these fashions be assured the the fabric is of the highest quality, they are very long wearing, and will last for many years to come. Although they are more expensive than a regular pair, they are carefully designed and well processed so they are an excellent value for the price. They will out last an ordinary pair which makes them well worth the purchase price.

What adds to the attractiveness of these fashions, is the embroidery. Many styles are hand embroidered and the pattern is carefully incorporated in to the design of the item. The fabric they are made from, blue or black denim and stretch poplin fabrics, also enhances the look. The type of material that is used to produce this clothing item also makes them extremely comfortable to wear.

The extreme high quality of the jean makes them more durable than other types. They can be worn often without the concern of damaging them our showing signs of wear as can happen with a regular pair. They will last for many years because of the quality that goes in to making them.

The designer jean does not shrink as non designer can, so they stay looking good for a long time. In fact, most are preshrunk to keep them from irregularities or imperfections after purchase. Preshrinking keeps the item in excellent condition for some time. Even though they tend to be priced higher than regular styles, they are a good investment because they last longer. So the fashionable male can be comfortable in knowing that he has made a positive investment for the wallet and style.…

Shopping For Fur Coats: Advantages of Shopping In-Store Versus Online

Have you ever considered the advantages and disadvantages of buying products in-store vs. online? When you are shopping for coats, knowing where to shop can prove important to both your time and your wallet. Both shopping methods can be useful, but there are some drawbacks with either choice.

The advantages to shopping in-store as opposed to online are quite clear, especially when it comes to fashion.

Here are three reasons for shopping in-store for your next fur coat:

1. You can try on the coats before purchase. This is the most obvious advantage to shopping for your new coat in a physical store. (Note, however, than some online garment companies have a 100% full return and exchange policy in case you are not happy with the coat you ordered).

2. By shopping in-store you can have somebody next to you who will help you make your decision. Some people feel an extra level of comfort with this type of hand-holding during the shopping experience. (However, note that it is entirely possible to get the assistance you need through an online purchase. Just pick up the phone and call them if you have questions).

3. By going into a store, it is a snap to have a tailor measure you in preparation for custom tailoring.

On the other hand, don’t forget the many reasons for shopping online, including:

1. Prices are lower. As a general rule, it is easier to find a coat for a better price online, especially by an online-exclusive company. Online-only stores are able to keep their costs down because they have much less overhead (i.e., brick and mortar store, in-store sales assistants, and other infrastructure) than do their brick-and-mortar store cousins.

2. You will have a wider array of choices available. It is much easier to offer a huge selection of coats online than it is to do so within the confines of a store. The likelihood you will find a coat that meets your price range and sense of taste is much higher.

3. The most important reason for shopping online is that it requires the least amount of energy (and therefore, time and money) from you. With a few clicks of a mouse you will be able to find the cheapest coat that meets your style with ease, without the hassle of going into the store. Compare this to having to drive around town – or to another city or state – to find the right coat for you. The online option is just so much easier!

When it comes down to it, the person who knows what they are looking for will probably prefer to shop online to save time and money. Whatever you decide, remember that it is your desire to look fashionable that drives you, and be sure to buy the coat that suits you and your sense of style the best.…

My Top 5 Hotels in Paris – For Fashionistas and the Budget Minded

So you are finally going to Paris. But where to stay? Picking the wrong Parisian hotel can put a wet rag on your entire experience. I feel terrible when I see tourists coming out of the local flea bag or even just an uninspired place that charges too much. So to give you hope, there are loads of hotels in Paris that will inspire you, comfort you and keep you coming back, without a gigantic price tag, here are just a few.

For the purse conscious

Hotel Manufacture is a hotel I stayed at not too long ago in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The 13th lies just below the 5th and the Latin quarter. Here you are walking distance from La Butte aux Cailles neighborhood, which is terribly charming and choc full of fun places to wine and dine. In addition you are very close to Paris’ Chinatown, which is the ideal place to get a steamy bowl of Pho for a mere 5 euros. This is one of the Cheapest areas of town to eat a very satisfying meal. As for the hotel, it’s clean, the rooms are small but the breakfast is good and the lobby is quite charming. Alert: this is a steal for Paris with prices starting as low as 75 euros a night, just slightly more than you’d pay at a youth hostel!

Zen in Paris

For a calm, zen-like experience in Paris try the Hotel Gabriel, purported to be the first “detox” hotels in Paris. I think it’s a bit of a marketing ploy the whole detox thing as the “detox” elements that I saw consisted of healthy drinks and other snacks and a small Spa treatment room downstairs. Don’t kid yourself even if you stay here you’ll be gobbling up the pastries in Paris just like the rest of us. But I digress. The lobby and room d?�cor at the Gabriel is ?�ber-modern and trendy with loads of white fabrics, white lacquer and mood lighting. I really liked the little breakfast room/caf?� downstairs as well as the location, just a 5-10 minute walk from my favorite area of Paris, the Marais. Rates from 129 euros a night.

Shopping hub

If you are coming to Paris in July or January for the sales, or if you just like to shop till you drop, a lovely place to rest your weary feet would be the Hotel Banke in the 9th. Here you’ll be near the gorgeous Opera Garnier and around the corner from Printemps and Galeries Lafayette for department store deals. Of course the 9th has been heating up as of late, with a bevy of cool wine bars and gastro pubs. D?�cor at the Banke is decidedly hip, with a long gold sofa by Phillipe Starke spotted in the downstairs bar and the small art collection presented on each floor. I loved the rooms here, chic, stylish yet comfortable. Beginning at 135 euros a night.

Next to the Tuileries

The Hotel Lumen with rooms often as low as 160 euros/night is in the most central location you can find just steps away from the rue de Rivoli, the Louvre and the Tuileries gardens. The hotel gave me a chic Italian in Paris sensibility and has its own little caf?� with seating inside and out. This Paris hotel is perfect for fashionistas and in-the-know businessmen. Their staff is very professional, bending over backwards to make you happy.

Classic Chic

If you are more Hermes than Lacroix, head to the Hotel Keppler the 8th arrondissement. This stylish haven is tucked away on a quiet street yet is just minutes away from the Champs Elysees and the golden triangle and haute couture shopping on Avenue Montaigne. I personally found the black and white lobby exactly to my taste, the bar one that I’d like to spend a lot of time reading and sipping tea in and the rooms comfortable, elegant and stylish. Rooms here start at 200 euros a night.

Bon voyage!

Doni Belau is the owner and editor of the Girl’s Guide to Paris, a travel website and blog written by Parisian residents and insiders covering everything from fashion to culture to foodie faves in the city of light.

Note: Rates quoted are the best deals I could find, you’ll often pay more in high season.…

Dresden Shopping Information

The city of Dresden is a relaxed and quiet town compared to other major cities in Germany. As such, some activities are limited to what days you are planning to visit and your time schedule. For example, major shopping is generally quite limited form the hours of sunrise to sunset with mostly all of Dresden shops closed for business on Sundays. If you are planning to visit the peaceful town on the weekend, plan to do very little on Sunday, but relaxing and enjoying the day.

One thing that you will find open throughout the city on Sundays are bakeries. Bakeries are quite popular on the holy day and as such are packed throughout the day serving freshly made pastries and loaves of bread though many also have dine-in options for the quiet coffee or afternoon sandwich. Many Dresden city centre hotels are conveniently located near a local bakery or may even have their very own in the hotel reception area.

One of the most popular bakeries in Dresden is the Dresden Bakery in Kempton Park. With a large number of assorted sweet cakes and specialty quiche products, Dresden Bakery of Kempton Park is a must visit. The Kempton Park area also has large number of hotels and guesthouses available for very reasonable costs. Quite a few have their very own swimming pools and green manicured lawns for you to escape to after your busy days in the overly constructed cityscape.

The Jockey Club is also located in Kempton Park and is open to guests as well as locals. Whether you choose to bet on a local horse race or not, a day out at the Jockey Club offers some interesting views of local culture as well as a fairly delicious dining experience. It is highly recommended for those that have never been in that environment before as there is a whole new world to explore at the Jockey Club.

Something that you will also find readily available in Dresden are butchers. It is highly recommended to those visiting Germany to try and book a hotel or guest room with a small kitchenette so that you can enjoy some of the local market foods in style. Butchers and bakers are classic accompaniments to every Dresden neighborhood and as such are readily available to any unique requests that you might have. Enjoy a steaming hot cup of coffee and a delicious pastry or two followed by an afternoon by your guesthouse pool and a cold cut lunch from the local bakery. A perfectly relaxing day by any standards and as close as possible the real life living environment of Dresden locals.

One thing that you will need to think about when shopping, particularly at major supermarkets, is the added on environmental fees that the government charges for the use of plastic bags. These days, most Germans carry their own canvas shopping bags that they can reuse again and again. It is possible to use plastic bags provided by the stores for a small fee. Many glass bottles, except those of wines and spirits, also have an added bottle deposit charged to each purchase which you can obtain back by returning the bottles to a local dispensary.

Another factor that you should consider when shopping in Germany is payment method. These days, most Germans pay with cash or direct debit pre-paid shopping cards. Credit cards are rarely used or even accepted by many Dresden shops due to high surcharges by companies like MasterCard and Visa. Major credit card providers have been a major factor in helping small, local business’ close down due to continually growing transaction fees. In an effort to maintain the community atmosphere in Dresden and avoid corporate takeovers, local authorities have made cash and EC debit cards the more affordable norm.…

Managing Your Time During Christmas Holidays to Reduce Stress

Many of us rush around during the Christmas holidays trying to prepare for everything. As a result of this, we often end up totally stressed out.

In this article, you will learn how to manage your time during Christmas holidays to reduce stress. The steps listed here will help you accomplish everything that you need to accomplish without the uncomfortable level of stress.

1) The first time management technique that you can use during the Christmas holidays to reduce stress is to create a list. Many individuals elect to use a steno pad for this type of Christmas list.

When creating your Christmas list, it is best to place the things that must be done on one side of the list. Then, you should place the things that you would like to be done on the other part of the list.

Examples of the items that should be done on one side of the list include the individuals that you will need to purchase gifts for. The items that you would like to do, such as baking specially decorated Christmas cookies can be placed on the other side of the list.

2) In order to reduce Christmas holiday stress, it is important to get an early start on your Christmas activities. Many individuals wait until the very last minute to prepare for Christmas, and this can lead to a large amount of stress.

It is important to select as many activities in November as you possibly can. This means handling Christmas decorations in November, purchasing store bought cookies, pies, and cakes instead of making them from scratch, and shopping well in advance.

There are a number of things that you can do throughout the year in order to prepare for the Christmas holiday season. You must determine which if these things you can do, and do them that way. This may include hanging Christmas lights around the home early as well.

3) The next time management step for a stress free Christmas holiday season is to enlist the assistance of another person to assist you. You should not handle all of the holiday preparations if you do not have to.

There are many services available that will handle your Christmas gift wrapping. This can save you a lot of time! There are many people who will gladly help you clean and prepare your home – especially if they will be part of the Christmas festivities.

Many individuals set so many goals for themselves during the Christmas holidays that they actually lose sight of the fact that they can reach out for help. Help can be found at local businesses, through friends, and family members.

4) Many individuals save time and money when Christmas shopping by doing their shopping online. There are many different types of stores available on the internet.

You can find just about anything on the internet. This includes electronics, jewelry, clothing, toys, and a wide assortment of decorative items. This will free up a lot of time, and you can avoid the hassle of fighting over certain products in stores with other individuals this Christmas.

5) If you would like to manage your time appropriately this Christmas, you should plan and schedule all of the activities that you will engage in this holiday season. This will help you manage your time and your money a little better.

One of the biggest time consumers when it comes to Christmas is purchasing Christmas cards and sending them out. Why not use your computer to print out Christmas cards? You can include any type of personal signature and simply put them in an envelope and mail them out.

Instead of wrapping all the gifts this Christmas, why not hire a gift wrapping service to do it for you? You may even choose to use gift bags instead! This can save a lot of time!

There are many activities that we pursue, and then we simply get lost in the mix by engaging in these things. Think about what you need to get done, and then come up with creative ways to do them so that they do not take up so much time!

6) Be sure to plan some time for yourself this Christmas season. This holiday is a joyful experience, if you allow it to be!

By not planning a little time for yourself, you will be missing a lot of monumental events. The Christmas holidays will simply pass you by and you will have missed one of the most exciting times of the entire year!…

What is the Best Date to Send Flowers According to Canadian Culture?

There is really no right or wrong time to send flowers to a loved one. Receiving flowers is always a welcome gesture and they can really make anyone feel happier. In Canada, however, we have certain traditions that people follow and we all seem to know when the best dates to send flowers.

As everyone knows, Valentine’s Day is the biggest day of the year for flower shops across Canada. Despite being expensive, many people still opt for the traditional bouquet of roses. But a bouquet of roses is quite costly, running anywhere from fifty to a hundred dollars. But it is a very romantic gesture and has a long tradition. Sometimes people will select to go with one single rose, as that can be just as symbolic of your love as many roses can be.

The great thing about flowers is that you can send them across the country no matter where you are. If you want to surprise someone in one province, but live in another, all you have to do is go to your computer and look up the local flower shop in the city that your loved one lives. This gesture is both convenient and thoughtful. The person you send flowers to will know that you are thinking about them, and it can be a great and unexpected surprise.

Birthdays are another great day to send flowers. No matter what age someone is turning, people always love to know that they are being thought of. Sometimes people will send flowers to someone’s work place on their birthday as it truly gives an element of surprise. This is another great tradition in Canada. But there is no traditional flower for birthdays. This is a chance for the sender to get really creative. They can send a bouquet of the receiver’s favorite flower, such as daisies or lilies. Or, with the help of your local florist, you can come up with something completely unique and original.

Another great day to send flowers is someone’s graduation day. It is a great way to say congratulations, especially if you cannot be there to help your loved one celebrate. And of course, flowers can be seen everywhere at traditional weddings in Canada. The bride and the bridesmaids usually all have a bouquet, and the flower girl often tosses flower pedals along the aisle.

When it comes to showing your sympathy for the loss of a family member or friend, sending flowers is a great way to show you care, even if you can be there to show your support. People often will pool their money together to provide a beautiful arrangement that will stand to demonstrate the sympathy of an entire group. Usually a bouquet like this will come from a group of friends, distant family members, or coworkers.

Regardless of the occasion, there is never a bad time to send flowers. Whether you are wishing someone a happy birthday, or sending your sympathies, sending flowers is the best way to show you care.…

Panasonic Massage Chairs

Panasonic provides a full line of massage chairs. There are two basic levels of massage chairs offered by Panasonic. On the high end of the line, they offer the Real Pro Ultra line. This consists of their model numbers EP-30003 to EP-30007. They also offer on the entry level side the new Urban Collection. This consists of a variety of more contemporary style massage chairs. These two lines are offered by Panasonic.

The Swede-Atsu New Urban Collection is the newest introduction from the company. They have redesigned these loungers to be much more stylish and contemporary. They offer sleeker designs with curved armrest and different accents in the chair. These loungers come in leather and some models have a separate leg ottoman.

The EP-1082 offers an air compression massage with eight airbags. It comes with the separate leg ottoman and has the Swede-Atsu massage roller mechanism. There are eight basic massage modes included in this lounger. This chair also offers the new chiropractic style massage techniques. This is to help with better muscle relaxation in helps promote better posture.

Another model in the new Urban Collection is the EP-1285. This model is similar to the EP 1082, with the exception of the attached leg rest. This massage chair has the built-in leg ottoman. The number of airbags and the EP 1285 is 14. This provides better coverage for compression massage for your legs.

Both the EP 1082 and the EP 1285 have Swede-Atsu floating massage mechanism. This is interesting new technology from Panasonic. This floating massage mechanism performs various massage actions. It stimulates the movements of the wrist. It is able to rotate to replicate a lifelike massage.

The air ottoman system which is separate for the EP1082 is the first and a separate unit. This separate unit contains eight airbags. It provides a compression massage for the legs and feet. He airbags are specially designed to provide a kneading in loosening of the shins and calf muscles. This helps to promote better circulation and provides a more contoured massage for the lower body.

The high end line for Panasonic is the Real Pro Ultra. The Real Pro Ultra line is the successor to the real Pro elite line. This line starts with the model EP 30003. This model has all the main features of the ones above it. As you progress up the line to the EP 30007, slight changes are made to the massage chair.

The Real Pro Ultra EP 30003 comes with a new quad style roller mechanism. This specially designed roller follows the contour of your spine. These massage heads will actually open and close which allows for some additional massage movements. It has the grasping and just motions for additional soothing relief.

The Real Pro Ultra line comes with three the body scan technology. The roller mechanism will scan up and down your back. It then creates a three-dimensional virtual map of your back. It locates the top of your shoulders and will adjust the program to follow the curve of your spine. This provides a much more tailored massage.

The model EP 30004 comes with an arm massage. This is an air compression type massage utilizing airbags. The armrest has a cover which can be opened. The arm and hand is placed inside. This enables the airbags to provide a gentle squeezing and compression massage to the hands and arms.

The Real Pro Ultra line also consists of models 30005, 30006 and 30007. These models come with a more penetrating roller mechanism called ultra deep. The shoulder and hip airbags for the EP — 30005 have been removed compared to the 30006 and 30007. The only difference between the EP 30006 and the EP 30007 is that the 30007 is made in Japan. This is the lineup for Panasonic’s high in massage chair line the Real Pro Ultra.…

Inexpensive Nike Shoes For Basketball

So you have decided you need a brand new pair of shoes for basketball. The pair of Nike’s you have been balling in for the last two years is coming apart at the seams. In fact, you are really getting tired of being able to see a couple of your toes as you head up court after snagging a rebound. Yes, it is definitely time for a new pair of basketball shoes. But this time you need a quality pair. A pair that won’t come apart when you make a quick cut on the hardcourt. A pair that will stand the test of time, perform at a high level, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. I know the question you may be asking yourself right now. Is it really possible to buy a pair of high quality basketball shoes that I can actually afford? The answer is, absolutely!

There are a wide variety of basketball shoes available in the today’s marketplace. Yes, there are pairs that come with a $170 price tag. There are also pairs of basketball shoes that come with a $75 price tag. Shoes that won’t come apart at the seams. The Air Max Quarter and Air Max Pure Game are both Nike basketball shoes that offer the the high quality performance standards that Nike is famous for. And these two shoes are built to last longer than the two years it took for you to blow out your last pair.

The Nike Air Max Quarter is a mid-cut shoe that features both synthetic and mesh on it’s upper. The mid sole uses Phylon and contains a Nike Max Air unit. This shoe features all the components that are used on Nike’s more expensive models. This is a durable, high performance basketball shoe that is very affordable. In addition, you can get these shoes in a variety of colorways. Wolf Grey/Black/Volt, White/Black, Black/White/Varsity Red, and Black/Dark Grey/Black are all available for purchase right now.

The Nike Air Max Pure Game is another basketball shoe that you can purchase and not have to empty your bank account in doing so. The Air Max Pure Game is also a mid-cut shoe and features a synthetic molded upper. Like the Air Max Quarter, a Max Air unit and Phylon are used in the mid sole. Both shoes use a solid herringbone rubber on the out sole. Again, the best in technology that Nike has to offer is used in the construction of this shoe.Colorways of this shoe include White/Black/Sport Red, Black/Eggplant/Silver/Black, and Black/Silver/Photo Blue/Black.

There are a lot of options available when you would like buy a pair of Nike shoes for basketball. There are expensive options and inexpensive options. In fact, there are several inexpensive options. Keep in mind that the inexpensive options provide the some of the highest performing technologies that a shoe has to offer. No more watching your toes as you speed down the basketball court.…

Shopaholic – Valentine Shopping Is for Fun

Why do people shop for Valentines Day?

It is that time of year again. You know, when we need a Holiday to justify our reason to go out and shop. Valentines Day is just around the corner. It gives us a reason to be a shopaholic if only for one day. This is when we profess our love for the opposite sex, family members and our children. It is a nice time to buy sweets for our sweeties along with jewelry for some. We continue with the same shopping trends.

Valentines day allows us to relish in the warm fuzzes of love and friendship. We as a people, male and female, boys and girls can write poems, cute notes, play games and leave gifts as well as food or treats for each other and it does not matter what sex or age you are or age or sex of the one that you befriend or leave a gift or treat for. It is all seen as a nice jester.

As a matter of fact, if you are a kid in grade school and the school or teacher allows you to pass out valentines and you are the only kid that did NOT get any, you really feel bad. You think that nobody in your class likes you. This is a time in your little life when you want valentines from both sexes. From the boys that are your buds and who pick each other for teams and from the girls who think you are cute, have a crush or from both who just want to be your friend. It is a real esteem builder to get those little notes and candy hearts.

As adults sometimes just a card from someone will do it for you. This is the time of year when many couples become engaged. This is a good time to visit your favorite online shopping mall.

Jewelry stores are cleaning display cases and making sure that everything is sparkling for that retail buyer. Now is the time that men are thinking about and looking at moderate to expensive jewelry to give to their loved ones.

Married couples that are approaching their 10, 20, 25 or any milestone anniversary update their wedding rings around Valentines Day.

Valentines shopping is fun. You can buy small or large trinkets, write notes, send poems and give candy or treats to anyone, even your boss just because.

Take this time to cherish your loved ones and friends, because tomorrow is not promised to us. Do those niceties today so that you do not have regrets. Take the time to show and say I love you.

For some people who have good, decent items or jewelry pieces that have been passed down, it may be time to dust off some of that old jewelry you have stored away and wear it on your valentine date or dinner. Here are some cleaning tips from the Tip Junkie.

Costume jewelry needs regular cleaning to keep the good luster for longtime use. First choose a good jewelry cleaning solution. Avoid alcohols and acids like ammonia and vinegar. Read the label of the solution to make sure it can be used with the metal being cleaned.

Avoid using soap and water when cleaning costume jewelry. Soaps tend to leave a mark on the surfaces of metal or cause the stones to look dull. While vinegar is lethal to precious gemstones, Windex is also detrimental to delicate finishes of jewelry. Recommended cleaners you can use are chemical, toothpaste, natural, and cloth. Of these toothpaste has been famed to be the low-priced yet effective solution.

Use the solution to clean smudges from gemstones and class. Dab a small amount onto a cotton swab, and gently buff the dirty spot. Never soak jewelry in the solution, because moisture breaks down glue, welding and other adhesives bonding the jewelry together.

Use a baby toothbrush to gently brush off the costume jewelry to prevent scratching. You can also pick residue out of encrusted areas with a toothpick. Dry quickly to avoid rusting. Dab the jewelry with a towel or blow dry on a cool air setting.

To clean silver jewelry Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid, such as Goddard’s Silver Dip (available at drugstores). (Silver cleaner won’t harm gold and platinum, but it won’t clean them, either.) For jewelry with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste, which can get into small crevices. (Don’t use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch.) Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

To clean gold jewelry simply soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a …

Navigating Toronto’s Shopping Neighborhoods – Queen Street

After Yonge Street, Queen Street is the next major shopping street in Toronto. In fact, there may even be more stores per capita along this route that spans the city from the Beaches in the east to Parkdale in the West.

Queen West

Queen West is probably the most well know shopping neighborhood along Queen. At one time it was the hippest spot around, but has become quite commercial with many chain stores setting up along this strip. You will still find some boutiques and Toronto mini chains, but most of the boutiques and Canadian designers are elsewhere along Queen.

Queen West Fashion District

Once you get past Spadina the chain stores are replaced with fabric, craft and bead stores. If you are into crafting, sewing or do it yourself you need to check out this section of Queen.  Places to stop at are MacFab for Amy Butler fabrics, Arton Bead for a vast selection of synthetic and natural bead choices and Americo Original for great wool.

West Queen West

West Queen West is one of the most concentrated sections of boutique shopping in the city, second only to Yorkville. Leave the teenybopper behind in Queen West, this strip is chocked full of contemporary fashions, many from Canadian Designers. Starting past Bathurst, there are fashions for kids, men and women over 25, plus home design. The further west you go the more galleries you will see, as this is the art and design district.

Stop for lunch in Trinity Bellwoods Park or come back in the evening for the bar scene. The revitalized former flop house The Drake Hotel is a popular spot.

Parkdale is further west, and while there are a few boutiques setting up shop here it isn’t yet worth the trip unless you are going for something specific.

Queen East

On the other side of the DVP you will find shopping along Queen East. Two neighborhoods along the eastern part of Queen offer up some great shopping.

Leslieville is to the East as West Queen West was well to the west end of Queen. You will find indie Canadian designers as well has home design and lots of antiques. There are also a number of fantastic bakeries (try Altitude Bakery), a fish and a cheese market.

The Beaches is the commercialized neighbor to Leslieville, but geared to families and brunch crowds. Probably more famous for its annual Jazz festival this neighborhood makes you feel as though you have left the city for cottage country. The Beaches offers tons of shopping and has more artsy feel that Queen West. …

UN55C9000 – How to Find the Best Price On the Samsung UN55C9000 Online

Have you been looking for the ultra sleek UN55c9000 by Samsung? If so, you may also want to find it at the best price.

The Samsung UN55c9000 is one of the thinnest 3D HDTV’s available. It is only .31″ thick and weighs a modest 56 pounds for its size.

The Samsung UN55C9000 offers unparalleled picture quality

You’ll also be amazed by the awesome 3D picture quality, Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as its ability to sync with multiple devices.

Another fantastic feature this HDTV offers is its built-in theater sound from the built-in speakers.

Energy conscious buyers will also be happy to know that this TV meets and exceeds Energy Star Standards.

Shopping online is a great way to find good deals

Shopping online is an awesome way to find good prices. Especially when shopping for items that are highly sought after.

A big reason a lot of people prefer to shop online is because they can thoroughly research the product they’d like to buy first. You’ll also be able to check to see which stores offer the item at the absolute best price and which ones offer free shipping.

Another reason why people choose to shop online is because sometimes local retail stores will only have a minimal number of items in stock.

A great benefit to shopping online is that you can avoid the long lines and save a commute to the local store.

How to find the best deal on the UN55c9000

A popular way to find out which online store has the product you are looking for is to type the product name in quotes into Google, Yahoo, or Bing. After that, a list of stores will come up and you can then visit each site individually to see which store has this specific model in stock. But, this can be a bit time consuming.…

Where To Shop For Healthy And Organic Produce

Most people are becoming more and more health conscious and that may also mean saving money on organic food. If you have considered this yourself in the past, it is likely that you will come the conclusion that organic food is expensive and difficult to afford. Although it certainly is true that purchasing something organic is generally going to cost you more than if you purchased conventional food, that does not necessarily mean that it is always would be the case. If you know where to shop and are very selective, you can get the organic food that you want without having to worry about breaking the bank in the process.

One option that you have available to you is to look for stores that cater to those who are interested in organic products. If you are trying to buy organic items where conventional items are generally sold, such as at the supermarket, you are going to end up paying a premium price. If there is an organic market in your local area, however, you will often find that the food is not only much more affordable, it is of higher quality. Of course, this is going to differ on a case-by-case basis but it is going to be to your benefit if you identify the local stores where you can purchase something organic on the spur of the moment.

Don’t overlook the possibility of purchasing the organic food that you need on the Internet. There are stores that are available which offer you everything from gluten free shopping online all the way to fresh fruit delivery, straight from the farm. This is going to be beneficial, because these online shops are generally able to pull in items from a variety of areas and can shop around to find a better deal. They also are able to find the items at a better cost because they are purchasing them in bulk instead of purchasing them one at a time.

It also helps if you know some of the types of foods that are not as bad if they are conventional. There are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that can be purchased relatively safely, even if pesticides were used. In some cases, it is less likely for the pesticides to soak into the fruits and vegetables and in other cases, there is not as much pesticide that is used. If you are going to be purchasing conventional items, try to get them from larger sources. The reason why that is beneficial, it’s because smaller farm tends to use more pesticides so that they have a higher yield from their plants.

One other suggestion that I would have for you is to count the cost in other ways than the bottom line. Yes, you are going to end up paying more for organic food in most cases but you’re also getting a healthier items and as a result, you are getting more for your money. You are also getting something that is typically more flavorful, which makes it worth the money as well.…

Countryside-Like Sanctuary in Hong Kong – Beyond Shopping Spree and Commercialized Entertainment

Despite the notoriety of being highly urbanized, having an unusually high population density and very small in size, one can still find a green sanctuary to soothe the fatigued soul that has been wrecked by the hurly-burly of the city in Hong Kong. After a shopping spree, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, Nan-Lian Garden that offers free admittance daily from 7am to 9am is a must-not-miss tourist destination. It is an ultimate attraction for garden and greenery lovers in this highly urbanized city. For food gourmets, they can find MSG-free cuisine here. Visitors will also have a chance to enjoy tea-drinking and this is a good way to revive one’s mental energy.

The Nan-Lian Garden is easy to get to. First, get to the MTR Diamond Hill Station. Take Exit C2. The garden is about one minute of walk away after crossing Sheung Yuen Street.

It is a garden built on an area of approximately 35,000 sq m following the architectural and landscaping style of Tang Dynasty (618 – 906). In the garden, one sees unusual looking rocks specially imported from mainland China. Each of these is from a famous mountain or rock formation. The whole area is laid out with winding paths, ponds, little hills and waterfalls. One will also experience the tranquility of a Japanese garden as there is a collection of ancient bonsai trees. The Chinese likes to describe such a conducive, comforting environment to be ‘As pretty as a poem, as beautiful as a scroll painting’. Then, strolling about in such a conducive environment, one is an assimilated part of the pretty poem and the beautiful painting.

The Tang-Dynasty-styled buildings in the garden is an amazing architectural wonder. The buildings are constructed completely without any nails. The superior workmanship is the masterpiece of a team of Japanese craftsmen who specialize in restoring historic buildings. They were in Hong Kong just to work on this garden!

Walking along the ponds, one will at a point come to a high waterfall. Discreetly hidden behind the waterfall is the Long Men Lou Restaurant. It is a restaurant that serves vegetarian cuisine. One point deserves emphasis here is that the food served here is guaranteed to be totally free of the food flavor enhancer called MSG – monosodium glutamate. Crispy beancurd rolls, preserved mushrooms of special formula and stir-fried asparagus are some of the highly praised items for their subtle and delicate tastes which are beyond description.

There is also a teahouse in the garden where one can learn the art of Chinese tea drinking. Tea drinking is a good way to make a lethargic person mentally energetic again. The legend says that the Chinese tea plants grew out of the great Zen Master Venerable Bodhi Dharma’s eye lids. Once, the Buddhist master Bodhi Dharma fell asleep during meditation. In order not to fall into the same mishap again, Venerable Bodhi Dharma pulled off both his eye lids and threw them on the ground. When the torn-out eye lids hit the round, tea plants grew from them.

After all the sight-seeing and resting in the Nan-Lian Garden, one can go on with one’s journey to the Wong Tai Sin’s Temple, either by MTR or walking.

Wish you a journey sweet in the beginning, sweet in the middle and sweet at the end, and be sweet forever in memory.…

Vinyl Replacement Windows – The Facts

You may already know that you can decrease your energy bills by replacing the windows within your home. You choose the bests vinyl replacement windows, keep the glass clean at all times, and you expect them to last the whole lifespan of your home. However, this is not always the case when it comes to these windows. But once you find out the following little facts about your windows you will soon find out that they can last a lifetime.

One of the first things is that there are a few installation woes that you need to consider. When you replace your windows its not because you are worrying about having to replace the drywall or siding on your home. However, if you hire an expert to install your windows you will not have to worry about this at all. These experts will bring with them all the materials that they will need to finish the job right their first time. All you should be left with would be the finishing work and a little cleaning.

Another thing that you must remember is that not all the vinyl replacement windows are maintenance free. You are still going to need to keep your windows clean by using only a mild soap and water. Also be sure that you do not use any scratch pads or scouring powder such as Comet as this will only result in ruining the surface and then cause dirt to stick in them which makes them appear dirty.

Also you are going to want to be sure that you pay close attention to the tracks that your windows slide in. If these tracks become dirty you will find that you have problems opening and closing your windows. Eventually, this dirt can wear away at the surface of your window and as a result you can end up with air leaking.

Also you will be more prone to both mold and mildew if you allow this dirt to collect any moisture. One of the best ways to keep these tracks clean would be by using a vacuum. Also you can run a damp rag up and down the track to be sure that you are removing all the dirt.

You will also need to be sure that you are choosing the proper vinyl replacement windows that have the right U-Value along with Solar Heat Gain Factor. If you are living in a colder climate you will need the SHGC to be lower and in the warmer climates vice versa.

When you are looking at replacing the windows in your home you need be sure that you are taking all of these facts into consideration. When you do this you will be blessed with great vinyl replacement windows that will last you for a long time to come.

When you take the time to consider these facts you will have a great investment in your home that you can be proud of and show off to your family and friends.…

Why Small Businesses in New Zealand MUST Go Online in Order to Survive These Days

The Internet has created a new economic ecosystem, the e-commerce online marketplace, and it has become the virtual main bazaar of the world. Providing a quick and convenient way of exchanging goods and services, e-commerce has boomed all over the world and in New Zealand in particular. Today, e-commerce has grown into a huge industry with US (New Zealand statistics are yet to be advertised) online retail generating $250B in revenues in 2010, with consumer-driven (B2C) online transactions impacting industries from travel services to consumer electronics, from books and music to sports & fashion accessories. With more than 70% of Kiwis using the Internet on a daily basis for private or business use, e-commerce’s growth curve is not likely to decrease anytime soon. In the last decade, many small e-commerce companies have rapidly stolen market share from traditional retailers and service providers, pressuring these established traditional players to deploy their own commerce websites and change their company.

According to NPD Group, consumer electronics, which includes the purchase of digital cameras, mobile phones, and computers, accounted for $26B of worldwide ecommerce sales occurring in 2006. As traditional brick and mortar companies continue to lose market share to e-commerce players, they will likely see continued declines in their revenues, operating margins, and profits. It is important to note that most ecommerce players are at a competitive advantage to retailers.

They have lower operating expenses and better inventory management due to operating in a virtual commerce environment. For example, (AMZN) has revenue per employee of nearly $850k while its retail counterpart, Best Buy (BBY), generates revenue per employee of only $270k. Nevertheless, traditional retailers are scrambling to keep up with the e-commerce trend, offering online catalogue shopping in addition to traditional stores. Without a doubt, e-commerce retailers will have the most to gain if they successfully disrupt retail customer acquisition and under-price retail businesses.

Obviously, pure play e-tailers that develop and deploy the most unique web technologies to enhance consumer experiences and keep prices competitive will be in the best position to ward off the “click and mortar” group.

The solution is joining online malls, where online shopping marketplaces are created. As a growing collection of small businesses, small businesses create and maintain online shops (online shopping carts), without the difficulties that involved in purchasing and developing an expensive stand alone ecommerce websites. The setup is so easy so anyone can open an elegant online store on these online shopping malls, in a matter of minutes, joining an ever growing marketplace of small businesses, and start selling online immediately.

In New Zealand, having an online store in online mall is a comprehensive eCommerce solution that gives many New Zealand’s SMB (small to medium businesses) owners a better connection with New Zealand’s online shopping market, in a very affordable price. Think about it as the biggest mall in New Zealand, don’t you want to be there?…

Gift Ideas for Men and Women

Everyone it seems has a problem finding the right gift for a loved one from time to time. I think that we should remember that gifts are an expression of our love or feelings for an individual. We all remember when as a child growing up we were so happy on our birthdays and Christmas to receive that special gift. We jumped for joy and had a huge smile on our face and gave the gift giver a hug, a kiss or both. Christmas time is one of the most happiest times for most people. The thoughts of gift giving to our friends and love ones is literally in the air entering our thoughts and hearts. We don’t seem to mine all the people and crowds, parking lots full to the brim with excited Santa helpers anxiously searching for gift ideas that will put a smile on our love ones face.

In searching for gifts for a women or man the thing to remember is what do you know about them, and what have they told you or what have you seen them wear. Women have always loved jewelry, this sparking artifact catches the shimmering light and reflects it back to dazzle her. She may also like flowers such as Roses or Tulips which give off a romantic fragrance in the air to tantalize. Men also love Romance so a perfect gift for that man in your life is to give your self wrapped in sensual Lingerie with a big red bow! You may feel that you would like to give the man in your life an actual box filled with a lovely surprise. You then need to think back to what your guy has shared with you. He may of mention a new watch or electronic game or phone he saw and thought that he would like to have. The key here is to listen and think back over the conversations you had earlier. Everyone has some sort of hobby they enjoy whether it be reading or riding a motorcycle or pedal bike.

A lot of people ask should they wrap a gift using wrapping paper or should they use a gift bag. I think this depends on the gift being given and the size of the item in question. I do know that we all love unwrapping that gift all covered up and hidden away. We drool with excitement of what could it be! New shoes, a coat, new tools for the garden.…

How to Go Green With Your Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is a time of a lot of shopping for many people. Did you know that there are steps you can take to help you become more eco friendly while you do this holiday shopping? Many people think going green is too complicated to be put to practical use. Others want to do it but they’re not sure how to implement these changes to their daily lives.

The best part of eco friendly living is that it is a process. The smallest and simplest changes that you make along the way can still have a big impact. This means making smarter choices when you go shopping can help, even if it’s only your holiday shopping each year. Since this can be the biggest shopping season of the year, making the choice to make positive changes now is a good thing.

Here are some tips on how to go green with your holiday shopping:

· Get as much done in one trip as you can

· Save gas and time and shop online when you can

· Walk between stores when possible instead of driving

· Skip the plastic shopping bags and bring reusable bags instead

Now that you have these tips for how to go green with your holiday shopping, you can keep them in mind when the shopping season comes around each year. These are just a few ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve the environment during the holiday season. Did you also know that going green can help you save money over time?…

Hyderabad Lad Bazaar – A Quaint Marketplace

If you are visiting Hyderabad, you are sure to see the Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Hussain Sagar Lake and Golconda Fort. And what is Hyderabad without pearl? Of course, you will see them all, but, wait, there’s something you could be missing. A quaint little street located close to Charminar is definitely worth a visit. Lad Bazaar (street of love) is full of surprises. This quintessential bazaar was the main shopping area when Hyderabad was ruled by the Nizams. It is said that Ladli Begum, wife of Mir Mehboob Ali, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad founded Lad Bazaar. Another version has it that it was called Lord’s Bazaar. And Lad Bazaar is an evolution of the same name.

One of the oldest streets in Hyderabad, Lad Bazaar is home to some of the best local traditions. Many people visiting the Charminar invariably wander into this bazaar. It occupies a small area, but is crammed with hundreds of shops where time seems to have come to a standstill. Then there are workshops and cafes – some as small as a hole in a wall – sandwiched between Charminar and Chowk Masjid. Considered unique by virtue of its location, charm and the kind of merchandise that is sold here, Lad Bazaar is truly one of Hyderabad’s most exclusive streets.

Today, Lad Bazaar has no remnants of its noble lineage. According to historical records, the Nizam’s concubines lived in the many symmetrical tiny apartments that still flank both sides of the narrow street. Many tales of illicit romance hide behind the wooden shutters. These apartments are now being used by shop keepers as workshops for manufacturing the famous Hyderabadi lac bangles.

A throbbing marketplace, Lad Bazaar buzzes with activity round the year. And, during the wedding season and also during festivals, especially during the month of Ramzan, the bazaar is crowded with shoppers looking for the best deals in traditional bangles, beads, clothes, antique furniture, perfumes, decorative metal craft, bridal trousseaus and other bric-a-bric. However, it is the lac bangles that have women milling through the labyrinthine lanes. Bangle sellers and wayside vendors call out to them with the promise of good bargains. New designs are introduced every day and some of the bangles come with fancy names. So there could be a Shabnam or Henna vying with a Nargis or Sultana to adorn your wrists! Lad Bazaar is truly a haven for those who want to buy fancy items at a bargain. But you won’t find any fashionable women or stylish men frequenting the shops.

In one place, there’s a cage of cawing common crows. No, they don’t end up in frying pans. Instead, they are bought by patients only to be set free again, in the belief that they will get cured of their illness. Interestingly, the street has a number of names such as Joda Bazaar, Chudi Bazaar, Judwa Bazaar, Meena Bazaar and Murga Bazaar, each owing allegiance to the section in which the items are sold.

Lad Bazaar may not be a major tourist spot like Charminar, but it is definitely worth a visit, more so for its antiquity and oriental charm.…

Your Mystery Shopping Business – How Much Money Can You Make?

Mystery Shopping companies send “mystery” shoppers out to dine or shop at their client’s business. The shopping company then provides the client with a report on the shopper’s experience. Shoppers love it – they get free meals, merchandise and some income. Clients love it – they get to see what their customers are thinking and experiencing. As the owner of a mystery shopping company, you would love it – you’d make a very nice steady income.

Owning a mystery shopping company is a great business model for a number of reasons:

– Costs nothing to start.

– Unlike many other business models, you don’t have to buy merchandise, and hope someone buys it.

– Once you make a sale to a client, you usually provide reports on an ongoing basis. This equals a steady income on one sale alone.

– It’s vital to the financial health of a business to know what their customers are thinking and if they will return. A mystery shopping program provides this valuable information.

How much money can you make as the owner of a mystery shopping company?

Let’s start by determining the expenses for a single mystery shop. These are basic costs to consider: shopper fees, report verifying and editing, an outside automation service (if you want to automate a lot of your processes), phone, office (if you work outside the home), web hosting. You could also use the services of a scheduling company to schedule shops if you’d like.

As a general rule of thumb, all these expenses should add up to anywhere between $5 to $20.

And, again, the beauty part of this business is that most of these expenses are only incurred in the process of doing a report. If you work out of the home, then costs would be almost nothing. As to ongoing web hosting, charges $25 per YEAR, and that includes your domain name!

So, as a conservative example, let’s say your expenses per report are average to high and they are $15 per report. I own a mystery shopping company. Just so you know, the last time I figured out our expenses, which includes an outside office, the total expenses were $9 per report. That means a whole lot of profit per report.

But working with the $15 a report cost — let’s say a range to charge might be anywhere from $35 to $50. With a $15 report cost, let’s consider charging $45 per report. Again, these figures are just for the sake of this article. There are a whole lot of other considerations before determining what to charge.

If expenses are $15 per report, and you charge $45 per report, profit equals $30 per report.

Now, let’s multiply, using the following examples.

– Client #1. We try to do at least 2 shops per month per location. Let’s say this client has 3 locations. That equals 6 shops per month. At $30 profit per shop, you would make $180 from just that one client. And remember, once you get a client, you don’t have to keep selling them. The work automatically goes on unless you have a different agreement with the client.

– Client #2. Maybe this client has 5 locations that you shop twice a month. That equals 10 shops a month at $30 per report profit. That’s another $300 per month.

– Client #3. Maybe this client also has another 5 locations that are shopped twice a month. This would equal another $300 per month.

From 3 clients, your profit would be $780 a month. Since, in this example, you are paying someone to edit your reports (that’s part of the expenses), your time is freed up to do mostly sales. These numbers would skyrocket.

In this business, 3 clients is barely getting started. I have one competitor (who is a friend) who told me he has around 800 clients, most of whom have only one location. While he has to enlist the help of a scheduler and editor, his income is still extremely healthy.

You can make even more money by being a little creative

I have frequently had clients mention to me they wanted more reports than they originally signed up for. After all, these reports can actually become addictive to your clients. Plus, they can use the report scores for any bonus program they have.

An example of this is a client we had many years ago who had 7 stores. They wanted 1 shop per month per store. Once they saw the value of the reports, within a year, we were doing 4 shops per location per month. That was 28 shops per month. The profit, after expenses, was very nice! 28 x $35 (our profit) = $980 …

Save Time With Smart Shopping

“The average person uses time to buy money. The rich uses money to buy time.”

Save Time With Smart Shopping

Don’t you agree that time is money? Most people would spend their lives earning money, in essence exchanging their time for money. But, how can you save some time, with smart shopping?

In these times, work schedules, family and social commitments, and ordinary errands seem to occupy every minute of our week. Fortunately, we live in a time where there are numerous shopping options that let us purchase exactly what we need in a very time-efficient manner.

Mail Order

One of the best ways to purchase what you need is by mail order. Nearly every store has a companion catalog that sells most of the goods available in the store. Clothes, household furnishings, specialty foods and drinks, and gardening supplies are just a few of the things that you can order over the phone and have them shipped directly to the door, eliminating several weekend errands.

While mail order has been around for a long time, the Internet phenomenon has exploded during the last five years or so. There’s very little that you can’t order on the Internet. Books, CDs, clothes, household and kitchen furnishings, and pet food are just a few of the items that can be purchased online.

Both shopping venues can save you money because you may not have to pay sales taxes, depending on what state you live in. If you purchase a minimum amount of goods, you may receive free shipping.

Speciality Shops

If you have a gift to buy, especially for someone who lives out of town, the Internet or a catalog is a particularly good shopping tactic. You can look at numerous specialty shops in a matter of minutes, which will save you a lot of time compared with driving from store to store. You can have the present wrapped and shipped, further making it a time-efficient way of shopping.

If you aren’t technologically oriented or just need to shop for ordinary items, find out if our local retail store will let you order items over the phone and have your purchase delivered. Often, drugstores provide this service, because they have older customers who may not be well enough to come into the store for their purchases. Grocery stores and specialty stores such as pets stores are some other places that may offer delivery.

Conclusion

With the time you have saved from shopping, you can now used this ‘new found’ time to do other things which you love, but never had the ‘time’ to do so. So, go on as you can now meet up with your long lost friend, play with you dog, or play the Playstation with your family!…

Maternity Coats Specialist Comparison Site Saves Time and Money Whilst Pregnant

Shopping for maternity clothes whilst being pregnant can take its toll. Walking around those busy high street shops with the risk of getting knocked, it can be tough going also when you are pregnant as you will become tired very quickly. Shopping online can not only save you time, but also save you a lot of money. One item in particular in the cold weather is a Maternity Coat or Jacket. With the help of a specialist Maternity Coats comparison website, you can browse all the UK’s leading retailers products all from the comfort of your own home. Because you can view all the products in 1 place, this also takes out the hassle of trawling through lots of retailers websites. This is great for pregnant shoppers, after all, they will need all the time, rest and money for pre- and post- pregnancy.

Buying online doesn’t have to be a worrying process or a hassle. These days most retailers websites are safe and secure and delivery is really good and often free. Sometimes they even offer free returns. Look out for these special promotions also updated on the comparison site.

Maternity Shopping online has seen a huge growth over recent years, especially as pregnant women are becoming more internet savvy and buying online because of the huge benefits to not going round busy shops and catching germs especially during those winter months. Even the snow has helped increase online exposure.

Maternity Coats come in various styles to suit different fashions and most of the Coats and Jackets are designer to fit around your bump unlike any normal Jacket. It can be quite difficult to find a decent winter Coat and because of the Maternity Coats comparison site specialises in Maternity Coats and Maternity Jackets, they have the biggest range you will find online for the UK consumer.

The website makes it easy to shop and compares which stores stock these particular products. You can shop by style, price or retailer and then you will be taken to the retailer page for more product details. This means you buy your product from a recommended safe online shop. The best comparison sites offer a good range from a the leading online retailers at the best prices available online. Also the better comparison sites also will keep you updated with any latest merchant promotions, sales and discount codes available to help save you even more money. Often these may include exclusive codes specifically for the specialist site.…

Protecting Yourself When New Car Shopping

Shopping for a new car can be an intimidating experience. With such a wealth of safety technologies and optional extras available today, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. In this vulnerable state, the influence of a pushy salesperson can encourage potential buyers to spend well beyond their budget, potentially putting them into a trying financial situation. To avoid this possibility, there are a few things you should do before ever stepping onto a dealership lot.

First, it is essential to clearly understand your needs in buying a new car, and your budget. This can help to immediately focus your search, eliminating the need to look into a number of different models. With a clear budget in mind, you can also prevent the possibility of overspending in the face of an aggressive salesperson. After determining your needs, take to the internet to research different vehicle types that suit them. On your own, you can afford to look with great detail into a number of different options, making a careful comparison without the pressure of having to make a decision right away.

As you begin to narrow down your search, start looking into more and more detail at the kinds of options you can find on suitable vehicles. Take note of different engine options, as well as exterior and interior extras. By performing this important introductory research, you will not be caught off guard when faced with a complicated list of available options. Continue this process until you can confidently narrow your search to a handful of choices. Write these choices down, as well as their different optional extras. With this list in hand, you can now make your way to the dealerships, armed with the knowledge needed to avoid intimidation.

When speaking with a salesperson, be sure they know that you have a clear picture of what you are looking for, and that you are on a set budget. Do not allow anyone to entice you into looking at vehicles that you have not researched, and do not allow yourself to consider options that exceed your price range. Stay on point, investigate the vehicles that you have come out to see, and test-drive them if you feel that they might be the right one for you. If in your in-person search you determine the options you’ve researched to be insufficient for you needs, feel free to ask about other options, but do not make a final decision until you can conduct your on research.

Once you’ve completed the necessary background research and are satisfied with your in-person test drive, you can make a confident purchase that you know will meet your needs without sinking you into debt. By establishing clear boundaries for your search, you can prevent the possibility of becoming overwhelmed and making a bad decision that will reverberate for years to come, and instead look forward to years of enjoyment out of your shiny new car.…

Shopping For a Plus Size Dress

Over 60% of the women in the United States are plus size today and yet while researching this article I was amazed at the general lack of genuine information available on the web. I hope that I can help to fill this void for you with this article.

The first and most important step in plus size shopping is your measurements. You should visit a store and have your self measured by a professional. Write down the measurements and the sizes recommended for you in many different brands. While you are there it wouldn’t hurt to check the prices on items that they carry to compare against the deals you find online.

Now let’s start from the top and work our way down from there. If your neck area is a problem you can go with a dress that has a high neckline. Another good remedy for this is to wear a scarf. You need to avoid chokers. A nice long necklace is perfect here. It adds nice vertical lines.

If your breast are nice you can also go with a lower cut neckline, here you just want to show a little cleavage which will help to detract attention away from your neckline. You do not want to show to much however.

The cut on the back of the dress will depend on your body. If you have a fatty back you do not want to have a low cut back.

Another area to watch is the arms and shoulders. If you have saggy areas under your arms, you will want to go with a dress with sleeves. A good trick to improve the shoulder area is to wear padded shoulders.

Now we get to the area that most women are concerned about. The belly, bottom and hips. Remember that a tight dress will highlight these areas. Try for a dress that flows out from just below the breast area. If your belly is a problem but your hips are fine you can try a dress with a dropped waist. This will disguise your belly.

The length of the dress will be determined by your height. If you are shorter you should try for a dress that goes to just below the knees. Taller women can wear a full length dress.

Do not be afraid of colors! If your dress fits you properly you can wear any color that you want. Try out different colors and see what you think. If you feel attractive in a colorful dress then you will look attractive as well.…

Get Online Shopping Deals

Of course you want online shopping deals, the only problem is you don’t know how to find them and you don’t know whats legit and what isn’t.

That’s okay because you aren’t the only one that gets confused. After all the internet is a very big place and it is a very easy place to get scammed if you don’t pay attention.

The last thing any of us want especially when it comes to our money is to get scammed out of it. We just want the bargains and savings that are available.

When it comes to online shopping deals it is usually some sort of coupon that we are talking about. It is usually a coupon that is in the form of a code that gets entered at the time of purchase to give us a percentage off of our purchase.

I have personally seen discounts from a few cents to a few hundred dollars and have heard of discounts up to a few thousand on some big ticket items. Could you imagine a couple thousand dollar savings on something like a boat or a car.

The trick is to join established sites that supply coupons to people looking for online shopping deals. When you use the coupons off these sites you can almost be sure the codes will always work. These sites have people working 24 hours a day to maintain and keep the codes current and working. Any codes that aren’t working are taken down almost immediately.

You can take your chances on the no bodies but then you take a great chance that you wont be happy with what you get. You see most people start out with good intentions but soon realize that running a site that offers coupons and codes do take a lot of time and commitment.

The other thing you need to really watch for are the people who try and sell you the codes. Please don’t ever buy coupons or codes because I guarantee they are the exact sane codes you will find on the up to date sites. The difference is lots of times the codes you pay money for will be expired and all the money back guarantees will not get your money back.

At the end of the day its all about everything you save by being an online shopper and what you are willing to do. Things have changed a lot over the years and now the world caters to the people looking for online shopping deals.…

Espresso Maker Shopping Considerations

Stopping at the local coffee shop for a latte or cappuccino can cost anywhere from three to six or seven dollars depending on the size of the coffee and what type of drink is ordered. This can add up to a hefty sum of money over a week or two. The numbers of coffee shops that continue to thrive are proof that many people are spending huge amounts of money on coffee. However, there are many people choosing to spend the money on a home espresso maker and save money in the long run.

Home espresso makers have become the kitchen wish list item on gift registries and Christmas lists. As the price of the espresso maker for home kitchens has come down it has actually becoming a purchase that can save money in the end by preventing coffee shop stops every day of the week. There are some things consumers should take into consideration when shopping for a home espresso maker to insure their purchase is not in vain.

One of the first things to consider is counter space. Espresso machines are typically very large machines that have a huge footprint and take up a good deal of space. Home espresso makers come in smaller sizes but in the same aspect may lose some of the features. Knowing how much counter space is available before shopping for an espresso maker will keep this from becoming an issue.

How the machine operates is another important consideration when buying an espresso maker for the home. Espresso machines in coffee shops require skill and training. Individuals who want to make a latte before rushing off to work aren’t going to want to fumble around with a complicated gadget in order to get their drink. Today’s home espresso makers are available in fully automatic versions that require little more than adding the water and coffee while the machine does the rest of the work.

Features are an important consideration when choosing a home espresso maker. A quality maker should have, at the very least, a milk frothing attachment. The milk frother is important in making lattes and cappuccinos. Without the frother, milk will have to be steamed in some other fashion or the espresso machine will only be good for making espressos.

There are other added features that can be found on home espresso machines. These are not necessary features but add to the ease of operation and at the same time increase the cost of the machine. These extras include coffee bean grinders, size selectors for the espresso brewer, temperature adjustment controls and automatic dosers for measuring the coffee into the brewer. These features are not required to make espresso; however, they do make the process easier in the end.

Espresso shopping can be fun and confusing at the same time. There are many features to choose from, some of which are necessary and some of which are extras that won’t change the flavor of the espresso simply the process used to make it. Consumers should explore all of these options when making their decisions.…

5 Tips For Shopping For a Used Car on eBay

Shopping for a car and using eBay as tool is similar to other online shopping methods. There are some key differences to be aware of before you click that bid button.

First and foremost, you need to be aware of shipping costs. Auto auctions, like any other eBay auction, will have a tab or other button to click on to get a shipping estimate for your prospective purchase.

It may be less expensive to pick your new vehicle up at its location.

When you’re shopping for a vehicle on eBay you need to be more specific about the type of car you’re looking for and conduct your own research on other consumer reports type websites.

Contact the seller. You should be able to get more information about the vehicle and maybe even a video walk around of the car.

Google search for the seller’s non-eBay website. Any reputable dealer will have a website and surfing around on it will give you more insight about the type of establishment you’re looking to do business with.

Look for a no obligation guarantee. If you get there to buy it or send a third party inspector to evaluate it and it is not a vehicle (for mechanical or cosmetic reasons) you want to purchase, you need to be able to say “no”.

Most reports available online have nothing but positive things to say about the experience and value of purchasing a used car or truck on eBay.

Once your homework is done and you feel confident about the seller, you get to bid with confidence. The screaming deals and rush of a bidding war will make winning a vehicle on eBay a car buying experience you’ve never had before. Maybe even one you’ll want to repeat every time you buy a car.

Just don’t get too excited over the bidding wars. After all if you pay too much for a car, you’re the only one to blame and no one wants to drive home in a car kicking themselves for that one last bid.…