Four Online Shopping Tips For Safety

The National Retail Foundation reports due to the technological advances of today more and more people are using the internet to do their online shopping especially during the holiday season. When it comes to shopping in the digital marketplace all the necessary safety precautions must be followed to avoid the probable of a scam. Below are four safety tips to practice when shopping digitally.

Always shop from a computer that is fully secure, particularly those who do Canadian online shopping at a internet cafe this can be dangerous because these PCs often times are infected with spy-ware which steal all you information such as passwords and user names. It is always better to shop from a private computer that has a functional up-to-date anti-virus software, for additional protect you use a firewall to block unauthorized access to and from the computer.

If shopping for a new electronics device for example dell computers it is always best to with from a website that’s trusted and has positive reviews from customers, it’s always advisable to stick with merchants that have a good track record. It is equally important to also check the merchant’s shipping and return protocols prior to making that final purchase, don’t worry about missing discounts, just ensure that the fine prints and disclaimer are read properly.

Be sure to keep a printed copy for each confirmation email or receipt received. Secure all receipts in a single folder and store them in a safe location, never purchase from a unknown email address that’s advertising or recommending a product because these offers are nearly always a scam.

Many cyber criminals setup up attractive store fronts that shuts down days after the unsuspecting shopper completes a purchase order, if not familiar with a merchant it is best to conduct a quick search to check the integrity of that business.

Ripoff Report and the Better Business Bureau normally has a lot of information about consumer complaints from legitimate online companies For those who do Canada online shopping it is always best to shop from a credit card even if debit cards are accepted reason being federal law states that those who issue credit cards can make a customer liable for the first $50 on fraudulent charges and many issuers will even waive this amount.

Although debit card insurers adopt the same approach, your back account may get overdrawn while in the process of disputing any fraudulent charges especially when they aren’t detect immediately. Experts claim that credit cards present the least amount of hassle when disputing with any financial institution in the event any unauthorized charges that may show up on your monthly statement at a later date.

For maximum security and protection consider alternative methods of payment when buying online, there are many websites online that you can use to create a virtual account that you have use to conduct your digital transactions, some of which can be specified for a single transaction after which the account becomes unable hence securing the customers.…

Food and Shopping Secrets of New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital city of India has countless surprises in store to satiate the tourists’ eagerness for something exclusive and unusual. There is something unfathomable about New Delhi in every facet, from architecture to landscapes, technology, communication system, food, shopping and more.

Right from precious stones, pearls, shawls, jewels and handicrafts to designer brands, there’s everything for everyone in the shopper’s paradise that is New Delhi. There are a number of areas for shopping in New Delhi. One of the treasure trove in the heart of the city is evidently the famed Chandni Chowk thoroughfare, an expansive bazaar of monumental proportion that literally brims with avenues full of shops and stalls selling everything under the sun. For trendy garments and footwear, you can choose for Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar markets. For those who adore authentic antiques, handicrafts and art of different states, there’s no better place quite like Baba Kharak Singh Marg where government run emporiums sell the finest in local produce.

Bargain hunters will be more than contented with the over 400 shops in Palika Bazaar with its clothing items and electrical ware while Janpath is a one stop market for cotton wear and costume/silver jewellery. The Central Cottage Industries Emporium sells local handicrafts at very reasonably prices. To sum up, shopping in New Delhi is a treat to all shopaholics!

Another aspect that needs special mention about New Delhi is the best variety of cuisines served in the restaurants in New Delhi. To make a list of the top restaurants visit a travel site so that you do not face hassles. When it comes to taste and multiplicity, restaurants in New Delhi cater to the taste buds of all. From the long-established chat and desserts of old Delhi to mouth watering mughlai, scrumptious international cuisine and local food choices, restaurants in New Delhi has it all in profusion to pamper your taste buds. When it comes to food, Delhi can be referred to as a ‘Mini India’ in itself due to the assortment of cuisines one can taste here.…

Help When Shopping Online For MMA Clothing

Ok, so we all know that shopping for sport clothes can be quite stressful. Walking through the busy shops can be such a chore, especially if after all the effort they don’t have your size or the colour you want. For this reason alone people are turning to the internet as there is so much to choose from especially in the MMA gear genre of clothing. It can be quite a difficult for some people to check their emails never mind actually shopping online but the internet is (for most people) the only source available to buy the correct gear and as you progress further with your MMA career it will become essential to have the correct gear. If you are one of those people lacking in confidence and trust for the internet, here are a few things to look out for to give you a bit more peace of mind and if you find the right retailer online the process should be fairly easy.

You may search online for a reputable MMA store but to recognise a good site you must take note of them having good product descriptions, easy navigation and clear pictures. It’s no good having to swap from store to store to get the information you need as that is just too time consuming. Alternatively you could search for phrases such as “MMA rash vests” or any other product you are looking for.

So this being said you need to use a search engine you trust, Google is the biggest search engine on the internet listing millions more websites than any other. Usually a good brand will be listed in Google’s shopping results as well as ranking on the first and second pages of results.

Ok, so now that you have conquered searching for the sites and you are confident enough to go deeper, you need to make sure the products you are looking for are reasonably priced. Be cautious if the prices are a steal and happen to be very low. That could be a sign that they are of a low quality and after all you are going to be fighting in these products and enduring the rigours of training, so the cheaper option is not always the best. You may find that you have to replace cheaper items of clothing more often than something you spend a little bit more on. That being said you don’t want to be ripped off either so set yourself a budget of how much you are willing to spend but it would be advised not to jeopardise the quality for the sake of saving a few A�A�A�.

If you still aren’t 100% sure then look for product reviews in Google. It is likely if somebody has had a bad experience with a company or a good experience they will write about it and want to share it so you will always be well informed. Some companies are so confident in their products they allow independent reviews that they cannot moderate themselves. So it is definitely worth researching before you buy. It could save you money and time in the long run.

Last thing if you are a member of a social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter then check to see if the company has their own profiles, you may find product reviews on their MMA Clothes as well as discount codes and special offers for their followers. It’s always worth seeing if you can save money via all means possible.…

Choosing Bedding for Your Bed – A Basic Shopping Guide

You have finally set up your bed and your bedroom looks and feels much cozier now. The next step is to choose the right bedding. This might is not particularly difficult, but you have to be very careful when making a choice. If you get the wrong set, you might end up with useless sheets and blankets that you have spent a fortune on.

The first thing to consider when choosing bedding is the size of your bed and of your mattress, in particular. Do not rely on standard tags, but take the measurements on your own. Measure the length and width of the mattress as well as its height. This is particularly important if you have a pillow-top mattress with nontraditional thickness.

The next step is to decide on the types of bedding pieces you will need. You need a mattress sheet and a top sheet as well as one or two pillow cases. You are highly recommended to choose two sets of these so that you do not have problem with the washing. Decide on the material the sheets are made from.

Cotton is super comfy and breathable and these qualities make it a great choice. Silk is equally good, but more difficult to wash and to maintain as well as much costlier. Satin is cheaper and looks luxurious, but it does not provide great comfort. Keep in mind that the higher the thread count is the mode durable the sheets will be.

Decide whether you will need a super warm comforter or a light blanket. If you live in an area with cold winters and warm summers, it is best to get both. Just make sure the items you buy are durable and easy to clean.

Choose the colors of the bedding for your bed carefully. They should match your bed as well as the rest of the interior in the bedroom.…

Knowing the Rules For Air Hockey Tables

Why do you need air hockey tables in your home? Here’s why. When everyone gets together for the holidays or a special occasion, you don’t want to just sit around the television or spend the whole evening staring blankly into each other’s faces. And while some of the guys might enjoy viewing some sports on television such a choice might meet with groans and disapproving shakes of the head from the women. Sadly, what often happens with these gatherings is that everyone ends up going their own way and finding their own entertainment which defeats the purpose of the get together.

But air hockey tables can combat that because they are literally fun for everyone! Because they don’t require a lot of skill, strength, or speed, anyone can play. Grandmothers, small children, teenagers, even people with special needs who can’t play other types of arcade or competitive games can often enjoy a game on air hockey tables.

Parents who worry about their kids being a part of violent sports, such as football, don’t have to worry about that with air hockey tables. The only thing getting pushed and shoved in these matches is the puck. The chance for injury is slim to none.

All that it requires to excel at the game of air hockey is an understanding of some basic rules of the game which are described below:

A� The main idea of the game is to get the puck across the table and across the goal line of the other player. Each time you do this, you get a point. The other player than has ten seconds to serve the puck back to their opponent.

A� Each game lasts until someone earns 7 points. Many air hockey tables are automatically set up for this type of scoring which minimizes arguments and debates over who is winning.

A� If you commit a foul, you immediately lose control over the puck. You can be fouled if you put the mallet on top of the puck during play or try to stop the puck in some way. This is called topping. If you touch the puck with your clothes or body, you can also receive a foul. Furthermore, you can be fouled if you do not hit the puck back to the other player within seven seconds of it crossing the center line into your part of the air hockey table.

A� You can take one time out per game. However, the time out can only last up to ten seconds and can only be taken when the puck is located on the other player’s half of the table.

A� You can stand anywhere you want to around your half of the table, even on the sides. You cannot cross the table’s center line and stand in your opponent’s half of the table. Of course, standing on the sides doesn’t make much strategic sense since it leaves your goals unguarded.

Now that you know some basic rules about the game, your next challenge is to invite over all of your friends and family members for an exciting round of air hockey. You can even print off these rules and post them in your family’s game room so everyone will know exactly how to play the game and so no one will miss out on the fun air hockey tables provide.…

Shopping in Denmark: 3 Consumer Rights Tips That Every Shopper Should Know

You go into a Danish shop and pick out a nice shirt. Very pleased with the purchase you take it home, yet when you look at it again, you decide it really is not right for you and you regret spending your hard-earned money on it.

Since the shirt has not been worn, the tag is still attached and you have the store receipt, you decide to return the item to the store for a refund. At the store, the assistant refuses to take the item back. Is that legal?

If you do not know the correct answer to the above question, you are not alone. It seems that a recent survey, shows that most consumers do not know their rights when shopping in stores or online.

Since Denmark is part of the European Union, they are covered by the EU consumer directives and have most of the standard laws in place, but Denmark also has their own set of consumer rules. Here are a few of the important ones that most shoppers should know.

1. Return Policy: Just because you buy an item in a physical shop, does not guarantee that you can return or exchange the item, if you are not happy with your purchase. There is no Danish law that guarantees you that right. Most major retailers offer this service, so people assume that it is in place in all shops. Not true, always check the store policy. You need to keep your receipt, because without a store receipt the store does not have to honor their return policy.

2. Price guarantee: In some parts of the world, if you see an item listed in the paper, ad, etc., the shop has to honor that price, even if the price was a printing error. You can often find great bargains that way, but not so in Denmark. If an advertisement has an incorrect price, the store does not have to honor it. They can even have a higher price than what the ad says.

The good news is that if an item in the store has a price sticker on it that is incorrect or the item is advertised in the store at an incorrect price, the store has to honor that price. So if you find for example a television priced at 2000 kroner and when you get the register they say it is actually 3000 kroner, you have the right to buy it at the price listed in the store.

3. Contract cancellation: Finally, know that whenever you agree to purchase something, you are bound by that agreement, even if you do not pay for it at the same time. You do have the right to cancel that agreement within 14 days, if you have not started the service or received the item. For example, a roofer comes to your home and you agree to hire him. You have now entered a binding contract. If within 14 days, you decide not to use him, you can cancel the contract as long as he has not started the work or bought material relevant to your project.

There are many more laws and shopping tips that you should familiarize yourself with, before you go shopping in Denmark. The prices are high enough, so you want to arm yourself with as much helpful and useful information as you can. Having a successful shopping trip in Denmark, can be rewarding as long as you know your rights.…

No Tension While Shopping Cars Online

Nowadays, you can use internet everywhere to shop online for a car. Anyone who wants to sell or buy things, Internet makes it more simple and inexpensive. For car dealers, selling cars online is the right option. Buyers also prefer online shopping. The only inconvenience in online shopping is the inability to test and drive the car. Therefore, you should take a test drive in a showroom first. Another important thing you should consider is to gather enough information about the car you want to purchase and how much it costs. Before going to a dealer, first get the information about the car you want.

It is important to mention here that there are many ways to know the right price of the car such as using Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book price guides. This way you will be in the safe side. This research will give you the advantage of confidence and saves you money. The cars which are purchased on internet are dealt by local sellers who give you free price quotes. The numbers of websites which follow this procedure are increasing day by day. , and are websites who achieved success by adopting this method. Besides, there are other websites which can help you in finding car of your own choice. You will also find some websites which offer you home delivery of the car. This can be what you want to do if you intend to buy a new car and don’t want to go through dealers.…

Engagement Ring Shopping? Here’s What To Consider!

Shopping for an engagement ring generally is an enormous experience for most guys. Obviously, diamonds aren’t something we’re shopping for very often! When you prepare yourself to ask for her hand, you pray she’ll reply with a resounding yes’, the moment she just looks at the ring. Of course, you don’t really wish to drain your whole bank account.

Want a few tips?

It’s not so difficult, really. It’s absolutely an option to stay in line with your financial means, and still offer her an engagement ring she’ll go gaga’ over.

It goes without saying that you truly wish to impress the lady you’re in love with, and presenting her with a huge, brilliant diamond ring when you ask for her hand is a major aspect of that. Because you want her to be so blown away that she won’t think to do anything but say yes’.

Most men right away have a feeling they have to focus on how large the diamond is. For some men, they assume a bigger stone is always a better quality stone.

But seriously: Size isn’t everything. Specifically when you’re talking about a diamond, as varying other aspects come into play. A huge rock isn’t worth much if it doesn’t also sparkle.

Diamonds are given marks in the following four categories: color, clarity, cut and carat. For you to get the best looking diamond engagement ring for the absolute best price, you need to figure the ideal combination of ratings in all four quality aspects that matches your cash reserves.

You’re only prepared to buy an engagement diamond ring once, so you need to account for all factors of the stone’s quality before you slide it on her finger. Be aware now, your wife will be displaying that diamond on her finger for the remainder of her life so it’s unacceptable to slide a sub-standard rock on her ring finger!

Remember, though, it’s not really necessary to invest your complete funds on the absolute highest quality stone. It’s always an option to balance a high quality diamond with a reasonable budget, because it’s seriously hard to tell a slight distinction in small ranking variations.

If there is any one aspect you ought to put before the others to end up with the best ranking that you can, it’s the diamond’s cut. The quality of the cut will determine the stone’s brilliance, because more light will be reflected. She’ll love how a perfectly cut diamond sparkles on her ring finger.…

How To Buy Your Gifts at Xmas – Just the Bare Facts

Comparing prices on online shops is one useful way to bring the price down. Sometimes one site will overprice an item, so you should always check if the price is correct. Check from other sites if an item has the right price. While checking, you may also see a much lower-priced item. Don’t be easily tempted though; a lower price does not always indicate a bargain. Sometimes a lower-priced item will give you less quality which is not suitable for anyone special to you, especially when it’s Christmas.

How to buy your gifts at Xmas at the lowest prices available?

As said above, you need to compare and compare. See the descriptions of each product and scrutinize carefully which one is better than the other. Quality varies from company to company, so to not waste your time and effort you should do your best in picking the right one.

Aside from that, you should not focus on daily updates of online merchants on their sites. You can send your email to the merchant or company and request for discount alerts or their newsletter. This will let you save time as you will only open your inbox and see which discounted items you want to purchase. Remember: never buy anything just because of the unbelievable discount. Ask yourself if you really need and really want that item before making a purchase.

Like manual shopping, you can also haggle for lower prices. Negotiate with the merchants and get lower prices. You may also contact the merchant and ask for discounts as well as tell your reason. Online shopping presents a lot of competition so merchants will try to give you satisfaction. They will either give you discounts on that item, or a discount on another item; whatever happens, a bargain will always be present.

Online malls also give you the best opportunities for promos and sales. Using these males as mediator between you and the merchant will give you free coupons and incentives that you can use for money-saving. Online shopping is good, but it’s always better to save money while getting what you want.…

Price Comparison Search Engines – An Overview

The internet has become the hotspot for carrying out several business activities. With online shopping becoming a growing trend, price comparison search engines are also gaining prominence. When you want to compare and check the prices of different products, you need a potent tool that will be resourceful to provide you with exhaustive information. Price comparison search engines are developed to facilitate you with all the information about the goods and services you are looking for. It is structured like a directory to cater to your area of interest. The products and services are cataloged in specific categories. By categorizing the products the services, it becomes easier for you to access the information you are seeking for.

When a person indulges in online shopping he definitely wants to have a sound knowledge about the different range of products offered by the various brands. He needs to verify whether his investment on a particular product or service is becoming worthwhile or not. Price comparison search engines use general categories like ‘business’, ‘travel’, ‘shopping’, ‘entertainment,’ and the like. There are also specific sub-categories which help to make your search fruitful and not a time-consuming process. You can also type on the search bar the specific and relevant keywords to get immediate results. The products of reputed companies which are popular among the users of search engine appear instantly when you seek for results.

The online shopping locations are developing and updating themselves from time to time to give a stiff competition to the local stores. Shopping online can be a great experience as you will be showered with a varied range of offers. Many companies even the reputed ones, offer several exclusive packages and amazing discount rates on products which are bought online. You can check the price listings, the features and functions of the products offered by a company in its website. These discounts and offers stimulate online sales, and therefore, the price comparison search engines are very much required to dish out the specific details of a variety of products. You get to know about the several offers of different competing companies in the same location through the help of this comparison search engines.

Online shopping is prospering and many businessmen are switching to online business as it saves the costs to set up a store and its infrastructure. It is also easier to enter into business relationships with potential consumers online and we can perceive a noticeable change in the increase of online shopping portals. You need to make the smart choice when you indulge in a buying spree. So to guide you in your shopping experience, price comparison search engines act as an effective tool to see through the varied offers that are made by different companies doing business online. You can have access to a whole volley of information about the goods and services of various companies, free of cost. Make the best use of Price comparison search engines and use your nose for judgment to choose the suitable offers and products for you.…

Make Your Own Market Bags

Reusable market bags are the economical alternative to plastic or paper shopping bags. Market bags can be made from a variety of materials and with a little yarn or twine you can make your own!

Plastic shopping and grocery bags add up quickly and can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Paper grocery bags may break down faster but kill many trees in the manufacturing process. The economical choice is reusable market bags. Usually made from cotton or recycled materials reusable bags are not only less wasteful but are also sturdier and stronger and can hold more so you need fewer bags for your shopping trip. Besides grocery bags they can also be used as beach bags, diaper bags or book bags. I even saw kids using them for collecting Halloween candy this year.

The two basic kinds of market bags are either solid sewn fabric or knitted or crocheted with yarn. The yarn version is best for the beach and the farmers market since the “netting” allows for ventilation and will stretch to fit a bushel of fruit. These bags, often referred to as string bags or mesh totes, are easy and fun to knit or crochet yourself. The open stitch allows the project to be worked very quickly so they are great for beginner knitters and crocheters. Usually made with cotton, hemp, jute, or other natural fiber yarn or twine, they can be very cheap to make too.

The advantages to making your own string market bags are that you can make them any size and color you like and with details like floral stitches or stripes. You can also make the customized straps to fit you most comfortably whether you like to wear them across your body for longer walks to the farmers market or with small handles for short trips to the car. Market bags are economical, versatile and easy to make yourself. There are many crochet and knit patterns available online so make yourself one today!…

An Insight Into Online Shopping

In recent times online shopping has grown not just because of the convenience and ease of shopping from home, but also because of the amazing deals. Most retailers will offer you discounts and also products which are only accessible online. With a far better collection of products at affordable prices, this has enticed even the most hesitant internet user to buy items on the internet.

What about the credit card scams?

In past times, most individuals would not think about shopping online due to the issues associated with the security of personal information. Credit card scams can be regarded as worldwide problem which targets both the online and offline world. Many secure websites have been around for many years now, which allows persons to shop with their debit/credit card and their details will protected during the payment process.

PayPal is the most popular payment processors offering this security to online shoppers for over ten years. They are likewise ranked high amongst retailers as increasingly more of them have registered with them to provide online protection to their clients. It’s now possible to go shopping in more than 100 high-street shops for your Christmas gifts and then pay for these items without entering in your card details when you are only using the registered retailers.

Important thing to note

Some gifts items which include clothing and shoes can be a bit difficult to purchase online for another person, almost all retailers provide e-vouchers and these are similar to the ones you will find in the stores. The voucher along with a personalized message and an e-card could be delivered on or even prior to date for the Christmas holiday or even birthday. All your gift items can be sent directly to the recipient, so you don’t have to go through the trouble sending items through the post.

Nevertheless, you have to find out in advance if it is possible to use the e-voucher offline and online. This will provide the receiver with more flexibility when he or she is ready to make the purchase, particularly if there is no outlet for a particular store in their local area.…

Ecommerce Solutions Tips And Guide For New Merchants

If you are so bored or frustrated with your current job at the moment and would like to start your own business, you may want to consider some of these tips on selecting ecommerce solutions to help you make your decisions.

What’s Your Passion?

While everyone wish they could have their own business to do what they like, it will take time, effort, energy and money to get there. And it normally begins with what is the person’s passion or ideas. If you would like to sell a certain type of product or offer a service, take the time to sketch out your plan. We call that the napkin think step. Because once you’ve gotten all your ideas down on paper or napkin, it helps you see a wider view on what you can do and that helps you fine-tune your ideas. Plan out your steps on how you are going to achieve your dream or passion.

Look For Suitable Solutions

Now there are tonnes of ecommerce solutions in the market. What you can do is to narrow down your search to look for a few suitable shopping cart software package. Basically, you want a service provider that is able to offer you the best bang for your buck along with an easy solution that you can pick up by yourself. To set up your own online store is pretty easy. Come up with a name for your company, have a logo created, get a few products ready. These solution providers will normally offer a free trial period for anyone to sign up. Make use of this free trial period to set up your store. Add in your product images, name, pricing, details. Set up your payment and shipping methods. Test out the store. If one solution does not work for you, try another one.

Give Yourself Time

Many merchants give up because they do not see instant results the moment they set up their online store. What they need to learn is SEO. That when they are building their store, they should also be researching on their product and site keywords in order for the search engines to index their site well. Start off small and build from there. It’s like building a house. You need to have a strong foundation before you can add on the entire structure and roofing. So give yourself some time to learn the ropes.

Summary

Once your own business kicks off well, you can then choose to either continue working or to quit your job to focus on your business. Happy building and happy selling!…

Christmas Shopping for the Frugal Shopper

Some of us are very careful when it comes to money. We realize how hard we worked for it and would want to spend it only on items that offer the utmost value. For frugal or smart shoppers, Christmas shopping can be a little difficult as they are not used to making so many purchases at one point of time.

The following tips will help a frugal shopper to get through the Christmas shopping expedition without much of a hassle.

• Shop online – If you are not much of an Internet person, now might be a good time to get your feet wet with the online marketplace as there are a lot of deals available on the Internet. Some of the deals will never be found at a store. The Internet stores are able to sell for cheaper because they cut out the middle man in the form of a retailer and thus save a lot of costs. They pass on a part of the costs to you as a discount. However, when shopping online, you need to make sure that they are always buying from an encrypted website with proper security layers for its payment system.

• Make a budget – You are probably already in the practice of sticking to a budget if you are a frugal shopper but a budget is all the more important during Christmas shopping. You might be tempted to buy a lot of attractive gifts for your loved ones which can get very expensive. A budget will allow you to focus on your goals.

• Pay cash – Using credit cards to pay for Christmas gifts can be a bad mistake. Some people pay with credit cards and then clear the balance before interest starts to accrue. This is fine as you might get some reward points for using the card. But if you allow the interest to accumulate, you will find that a $500 balance will quickly multiply itself to $700 or even more depending on how slowly you pay off your balance. You can also use your checking accounts online at a lot of websites now thus allowing you to stay away from your credit cards even when shopping online.

• Use coupons and discounts – If you are more of a store shopper, you will notice attractive deals advertised in newspapers and magazines. The discounts can get pretty steep sometimes and you will benefit a lot by taking advantage of them.

• Look for hot deals – Get on the Internet and visit popular shopping websites such as to see what products are selling like hot cakes. Every major shopping website will always highlight the fastest moving products or the hottest deals prominently on their home page. By checking this out, you will be able to decide what products are hot as well as on a discount.

• Gift cards – If you really want to simply your Christmas shopping, you can just buy everyone a gift card in a certain denomination. This will also save you money in the sense that you do not have to drive around from store to store or maybe even take a day off from work at the last minute to finish your Christmas shopping. Just make sure that you buy your gift cards from a company like Discover or Visa so they can be used in a lot of places.

I hope the tips above will be of some help to you to keep your Christmas shopping expenses on leash later this year.…

Christmas Gifts Shopping All Wrapped Up

It’s coming round to that time of year again. The dreaded loading of the kids into the car, driving to the shops, fighting for a parking space, ducking the rain showers in between shops. That’s even before you actually enter a shop! If you have young children and they are in a buggy or pram then that’s a whole other ball game. I know retailers have to make maximum use of every square foot of space throughout the Christmas period but do they really consider mums and dads who need to shop with their young offspring? Having to negotiate every single bit of the shop floor space to make sure nothing crashes to the floor. That’s without the tuts and disapproving looks from childless or ‘childfree for the day’ shoppers! Maybe all of this is one of the main reasons why the growth of shopping on the internet is so exponential. People have just got sick and tired of having all the odds stacked against them before they even get to the counter to pay.

Myself, I am busy at work usually right up until Christmas Eve and the thought of having to spend all of my weekends and valuable spare time up until then doing all of the above fills me with terror. I love searching for gift ideas on the web during my coffee break or on my laptop when I am snuggled up under the duvet before I put the light out of an evening. One good tip is that I sign up to newsletters from all my favourite online gift retailers. They ping into my inbox periodically with lots of ideas put together: gifts for her, gifts for grandmas, personalised gifts. You name it they nearly always have a strap line that makes for interesting reading telling me all about al their latest new gift arrivals. I hardly have to think about what to buy these days. All the latest gift tips arrive on demand in my inbox on a regular basis. I’ve always loved trying to find unusual gifts and I also love reading magazines. Once over a few years back if I saw something in a magazine it would involve placing a call to the store in some city far far away. Only to have a conversation with a shop assistant who didn’t know what I was talking about and would be surprised about the fact that they had even had something appearing in a Christmas gift guide in a well known magazine. If I had the good fortune for them to know what I was talking about either they didn’t deliver outside of London or the delivery charges would be exorbitant. As the internet has grown and every good bricks and mortar store and boutique worth their salt has an ecommerce presence then what I now discover in a magazine is usually only a mouse click away. It’s even better if the said store offers free delivery.

Certainly that is my Christmas gift shopping all wrapped up without having to move from the comfort of my desk or sofa other than to flex my credit card. I get to enjoy some valuable down time without having to stress too much about Christmas and everything arrives quickly and safely at my door.…

Clothing Culture of the Early English

It’s said that the French strongly influenced the Anglo Saxon women clothing in the better part of the 7th century. These were particularly characterized by ankle length, sleeves to the elbow style slipped over the head. The girdle prominence gradually faded with the reduction in the number of decorative accessories that hung from it. These gowns were adorned with bands of different colors; they also featured edged sleeves, collar line and hem and often ran down at the front. They composed of large bands of wool sewn together or extensive areas of intense embroidery.

The body of the gown became more tailored in the 10th and 11th century, the sleeves became fuller and voluminous as time passed. Complementary color cuffs, hems and collars remained fashionable. Girdles became occasional, often lacking loose ends trials, sometimes without suspended objects.

Cloaks also evolved from triangles or squares of wool, often clasped and held together with brooches or pins at the shoulder, the was a knee length ensemble that enveloped the body. On other plush accents, cloaks were overstated with embroidery; gold, silver, or copper wire trim sewn on; narrow colored step weaving; and fur edging. If actual fur was out of the question, the skilled Anglo-Saxon housewife could actually create a looping weave on her loom in apparent imitation of fur or fleece. Hoods, when seen, were both individual items and integral to the cloak.

Early in the Anglo-Saxon period, women wore their hair loose, plaited, or caught in snood-like nets. Simple caps are also found. By the 7th century veil-like head coverings become more popular, and Kentish grave finds suggest brooches and pins may have held these in place. Curling tongs exist, so some hair must have been meant to be seen. As the period progresses women show less and less of their crowning glory – possibly as a result of the growing grip of Christianity and Saint Paul’s injunction that women keep their heads covered – so that by the 11th century a headdress nearly envelopes the head and neck in a nun-like wimple.

Woman’s footwear changed least. Flat-soled ankle height leather boots, fastened with a side over-flap with toggles or laces, were standard. As leather tanning was well advanced, perhaps these boots were dyed various colors, or worked with carved or die-struck ornamentation for the wealthy.

What the Well-Dressed Thegn was Wearing

As always, less change is evident in men’s clothing over the period than in women’s. A linen loincloth or short brief-style breeches may have been worn under closely fitting legging-like trousers of wool. A leather or woven belt held the trousers at the waist, and leather strips were sometimes wrapped around the calves to protect them. Affluent men preferred to wear linen under tunic, with sleeves fixed on the outside tunic of the wool. The best example of this is a nobleman or knights dress, these were designed by very gifted Svetova of New York, she provides plenty of information in the creation.…

E-Tail Is Thriving Despite Heavy Recession

As we enter 2010 in an online spending frenzy, reports suggest we are looking at twice the expenditure by the end of next year. Whilst this is nothing but good news for the ecommerce trade; what are we to make of the economy as it currently stands?

The banks are maxed out and the population pretty much out of pocket, but the retail industry is just about managing to keep above board. Those hardest hit will be the smaller, independent outlets as they don’t have the financial means to make a solid recovery from the recession.

PayPal have documented in their UK Online Retail Report how bricks and mortar shops should revive at the end of next year, though to what extent remains uncertain. Where traditional retail outlets will be making a comeback – online shops are predicted to reach unseen spending levels at the same time.

There are probably many questions we want to ask about where online and traditional retail is heading, and why for that matter. Without a doubt, the biggest influence on the booming ecommerce sector has to be the recession.

We’re all in a similar position of evaluating what we buy in terms of what we can afford and see as affordable. Considered consumption, as it is better known, means customers are more rational in their spending habits that what they once were in order to survive the recession.

Most of this buying takes place over the internet in a continual yet steady fashion; an obvious revenue boost to those with online shops. Those on an ecommerce software platform running their online stores are spotting opportunities to offer their customers a deal they can’t refuse.

Special promotions and price reductions are a sure fire way to get people spending online what they might normally in a physical shop. Only most of the time they can get the same item for less! PayPal UK can actually report that nearly 9 million people are engaging in online shopping at a minimum of once a week.

The economic climate is unlikely to fully recover to its original condition which gives more leaway to those wanting to set up an online shop. There’s no time like the present if you are thinking about starting an online store with ecommerce software, as there are no excessive costs involved.

People will be searching out bargains for a long time to come, so make sure you can offer them and bag one yourself by opening an online shop.…

Factory Outlet Shopping to Help You Save Big

What is factory outlet shopping and how can such outlets help you save big? Use this guide to spend your money wisely.

The holidays are just round the corner, and you may feel compelled to spend a substantial amount of money on gifts. After all, the gifts are for your family and friends, and you want to send them the best gifts you can find. Here is the good news. While shopping for great gifts, you don’t necessarily have to spend a bomb. Or at least you don’t have to spend as much as what you initially expected to spend.

Have you ever heard of factory outlet shopping? Recently, such sales outlets are becoming more and more commonly seen. In fact, some have become so successful that the factory owners have setup websites online to sell their factory wares.

Traditional retailing means that you have to buy from the retailer because you can’t get the products anywhere else. But because you buy from retailers, you also end up spending more. Retailers act as middlemen. They are distributors and they earn their keep by marking up the products that they are selling. Before the time of the Internet, you have no choice but to buy from the distributors. However, the Internet has changed everything. The retail scene is very different now.

Factory owners can now have direct access to customers. They do this by selling directly to consumers on the Internet. In other words, the Internet offers a way for the owners to bypass the distributors. By cutting out the distributors, the prices for the products become much lower. The savings is then passed on to the consumer.

A consumer shopping at a factory outlet is purchasing directly from the source. There is no need to pay a premium since there are no middlemen involved. Now, with the same amount of money, you end up with more items!

So how much can you really save with factory outlet shopping? That depends on what you are buying, and how much you are buying. Obviously, the more you buy, the more discount you enjoy. Consumers have commented that they have enjoyed savings of up to 70% from factory outlet sales.

Some consumers think that the products on sale are of interior quality. This is understandable because there seems to be no reasonable explanation for the outrageously low pricing. However, this is a misconception because the low pricing is not due to inferior quality. The pricing is possible because the distribution costs have been drastically reduced. And yes, it is possible to reduce distribution cost by as much as 100%. No middlemen means no transportation fees, logistics, admin, etc. The savings are then passed on to the consumers.

Now that you understand how factory outlet shopping works, don’t hesitate to buy more the next time to visit a factory sale website!…

Valence Tourist Attractions – Nightlife, Shopping, Accommodation and Travel Information

Valence is a small city in South- Eastern France. It is also a capital of Drome. It is situated near the Rhone River. Valence is a sleepy city. The mountain range of Valence is the starting point of France Alps. It was earlier known as Valentia Julia.

How to reach Valence?

Eurostar makes it easy to reach Valence. It is a popular Eurostar destination. You can easily take your train from St. Pancras International Station in London to Paris and then from Paris take RER D to Gare de Lyon. This will help you to reach this beautiful city. The journey from London to Valence will hardly take 5 hours. 5 hours of comfortable journey towards a beautiful city.

When to Visit?

The city is very attractive. Therefore tourist came here from various parts of world in every season. It looks awesome in shinny sun of summers and freezes wind of winters. But the best time to visit Valence is in winters. If you want to enjoy a full time fun and want to see real beauty of Valence then winters is the perfect option.

Valence Attractions

Chateau de Crussol: – It is a beautiful castle of 13th Century. It is situated in Rue Crussol.

Musee de Beaux- Arts: – it is situated near 4 Place Ormeaux. Here a world-class collection of art and paintings related to Valance culture.

Astromomy Trail at Beaumont les Valence: – It is a place where nuclear exterior and collection are kept. It is now become UK’s best nuclear seller.

Benjamin Delessert Park: – It is a beautiful park with the cherish fountains.

Botanical Village at Montelier: – There are several amazing parks in Valence. Botanic Park is also one of them. It is a beautiful place to have a family picnic

Champ de Mars

Jouvet Park: – This place is now added to the historical moments of the city. It is located in center of the city.

Kiosque Peynet: – it is located near Place du champ de mars. Here you can enjoy a beautiful sight seeing trip.

La Place des Clercs: – It is a fantastic sight seeing place. It shows the awesome views of Valance. Now do not waste much time. Book your Eurostar tickets online. On booking of Eurostar train tickets + hotel booking get heavy discounts. There are many hotels and resorts in Valence.

Accommodations in Valence

Hotel Pic

Hotel Exclusive De France

Hotel de Lyon

Hotel Novotel Valence Sud

Hotel De Paris et Des Voyageurs Valance

Hotel Citotel atrium

Hotel Mercure Valence Sud

Hotel Etap Valance Centre

Hotel Best Western Clos Syrah

Hotel Saint Jacques

Hotel Comfort Valence

Valence nightlife

When the sun sets the Valence rises for enjoying. The nightlife of the city is really very rocking. Enjoy drinks and foods in bars, pubs, discos and clubs.

La Bastille

Le crystal

Le Ginger Man Caf?�

Le Marche

Oasis Rock Caf?�

Shopping in Valence

Valence is a perfect place for shopping. There are many shops on the streets of the city. For more classy and trendy shopping there are many malls and shopping centers.

Geant Valence

E.Leclerc

Center Commercial Geant

So if you are planning to spend your vacations in Valence then travelling through Eurostar is the best option. Pack your bags for a grand celebration in Valence. Book your tickets now.…

Reims Top Attractions, Eurostar to Reims, Nightlife, Shopping and Accommodation

History of Roman Empire is very rich. Reims is also one major city, which depicts the real history of Roman Empire. It is located in Champagne- Ardenne region of France. The city is a major producer of wines. The beauty of city lies in the attractions of the city. It is a sweet small city, which gives you great pleasure of life. It is the perfect place for your vacations. This city also gives of reviews of World War- 1. Reims is popularly known for its Cathedral.

Reims By Eurostar

Reaching Reims is now very easy. Catch your Eurostar train from St Pancras International Station London to Paris and then from Paris to Reims. It will hardly take few hours in which you can enjoy food and drinks. The time will pass in your imaginations about your vacations.

Eurostar will provide you full comfort on your journey, So that you can reach in a very fresh mood to celebrate your vacations.

Reims attractions

Attractive points are the main part of a city. There are many places to visit in Reims which makes you feel like you are in a heavenly place. The city is full of museums, art galleries, parks, markets etc.

* Celliers Ruinart: – It is basically a beautiful historical site and a Winery. The place holds rich historical monuments.

* Cathedrale Notre- Dame de Reims: – It is a beautiful building where you can find the world class architecture. It is a sacred place with the beauty of art.

* Basilique Saint-Remi: – It is must place to visit. Do not miss a chance to see this beautiful place. It is a religious place, military museum, architecture building. It gives an awesome over view of everything.

* Chapelle Foujita: – It is a religious site specially made for enjoying peace of mind and relaxation.

* Musee des Beaux-Arts: – This museum has a world class collection of art and paintings of various famous artists.

* G.H. Mumm Winery: – It is a perfect place for wine lovers. Here you can find variety of Wines.

* Jesuits’ College: – It is a Educational as well as historical point.

* Palais du Tau: – It is a historical home where you can find various historical monuments.

* Piper-Heidsiech Winery: – It is a worthy site. You must visit this winery to enjoy the wines.

Reims Hotels

There are many hotels around the city. Eurostar offers you to live in best hotels of the city. What you have to do is to book your hotel along with your train ticket. Now there are many discounted offers on booking of train and hotel together.

* Chateau Les Crayeres

* Best Western Hotel de la Paix

* Suite NOvotel Reims Centre

* Hotel Azur

* Sejours & Affaires Clairmarais

* Hotel Kyriad

* Hotel Porte Mars

* Grand Hotel des Templiers

* Grand Hotel Continental

Reims Night life

For a stunning and amazing night life the city has lots of arrangements. The tourist from various parts of world enjoys the night life of Reims. With various night events you can enjoy wines, bears, French food, Roman tastes.

Le jockey

Caf?� le Gaulois

Glue Pot The

Le Soft

Pop Art Caf?�

Williams Disques

Prat SARL

Reims shopping

Reims is a famous city for various kinds of shoppers. The markets are full of traditional and folk products. There are also markets where you can find trendy and classy dressing material.

Centre des congres

Pommery S.A.

Veuve clicquot Ponsardin

Appartment 16

Maisons du monde

Carrefour Market De Reims Jacquart

Carrefour De Reims Cernay…

Trendy Canvas Tote Bags Every Woman Would Love To Have

Before women, especially the young professionals in the considered own a luxury bag as a necessary investment to keep up with other people in the city. Today, thanks to the arrival of the fashionable tote bags, women now can save her shoe budget and still look fabulous. The totes are the ideal “carry all” bag in this post-luxury recessionary era because these bags are certainly available.

Reusable tote bags are ubiquitous today because it can be used not only for shopping but you can utilize for many functions like holding books, make up kits, and grocery items. It is actually a multipurpose bag that is very useful for modern women today. Same for instance, women love carrying a fashionable shopping bag with her because of its modish design and function. Using this bag allows her to keep in it different stuffs that they need while they are on the go like cell phone and wallet. Usually totes have only few small inner sections which are very practical to use for any girl who owns the bag. In fact, the more partitions there is inside the bag the more complicated it is to store things. This bag is made with lengthy handles and straps, so it will be easier to hold the shopping bags on the shoulder.

The revival of the environmental movement, together with the popularity of graphic design and lowered screen-printing costs, has helped make totes become omnipresent. Now, fashionable shopping bags, also called ecological shopping bags are very customary because of the strong campaign on green environmentalism and its evident usefulness to any woman who owns it. Canvas tote bags allow any woman carry a lot of things inside it. Just imagine if there are no tote bags, it will be cumbersome for women to go shopping and buy all the stuffs they want to buy. Today, buying things or grocery became more convenient because of reusable bags which are big enough to hold or transport heavy shopping items. This is also a great money saver, because it is reusable you no longer need to keep on purchasing bags every time you go to shopping centers. So all you need to do now is always bring your reusable bags with you whenever you go to malls or grocery.

At this time, shopping bags are no longer the same old plain and dull shopping bags. Canvas tote bags now can be considered fashionable to wear and match with different outfits as they are created with different materials, styles and colors that appeals to shoppers.…

A-Lister Guide to Shopping Online

Carrie Bradshaw once said that the fine art of shopping was also her ‘cardio.’ And laughable though it sounds, anyone who has power-walked from store to store on any High Street, picking up bags weighing a few kilos along the way will know that you definitely feel the burn. But I am going to have to find another way of burning calories, because more and more I am finding myself shopping online.

Autumn/Winter is all about classic designs – go for Bags, Belts and Gloves in gorgeous black leather. So, armed with my knowledge of what I wanted my winter wardrobe to look like, I ventured into the wonderful world of online shopping and imagine my excitement, when I came across the beautiful new Fiorelli handbag range.

The handbags in new Fiorelli collection are true investment buys, but for recessionary times – i.e. classic, timeless pieces without the heart-stopping price tag. Regardless of whether you go the gorgeous Billie-Jean clutch, ideal for the festive season, or the on-trend vintage Barberella, the new Fiorelli collection really does bring out the fashionista in you.

If it is leather your interested in, but you don’t want to endure the heart stopping price tag, you should probably invest in just one piece that will last you across the seasons. A leather biker jacket would be the best place to start. But if you are over the whole ‘rock chick’ look which has dominated for – lets face it – several seasons, why not try leather’s softer sister – suede.…

Be a Stress Free Mom This Holiday Season!

The Holiday Season is upon us. While everyone seems to be counting down the days, you may feel your stress level steadily rising. With the promise of holiday treats, big meals to cook, abundant shopping to do and extended family members to see, the season can get a little overwhelming. To avoid the holiday stress that seems to come with the season of rush, here are some tips to help you be a stress free mom this holiday season!

Stress comes from how we deal with situations and issues that arise. It is caused by our thought processes around those subjects. This is why some people experience more stress. By planning in advance and using some easy relaxation tricks, holiday stress can be a thing of the past.

Plan your gift shopping in advance. Don’t get stressed out by doing all the shopping in one afternoon or saving it until the last minute. Plan ahead and work within a budget.

Think about handmade items for gift giving. Not only are they greatly appreciated but hand making items is a stress reliever in itself.

Involve your children. If your children come along during your shopping trips, involve them in the gift giving ideas, list making and listen to their thoughts. Bring paper and pencil along so they can make lists with you, and draw or color if they get tired.

Take ten minutes a day and do restorative relaxation. This is deep undisturbed relaxation. Draw down the shades, get comfortable, close your eyes. Visualize each part of your body head to toe, imagining it relaxing deeply, completely and fully. Give each part of your body the time it needs to fully relax. Your muscles should be loose and limp. After your body is fully relaxed, imagine yourself in a peaceful place… a calm garden, a relaxing beach scene or another place you love best. Do this each day for at least ten minutes and watch your stress melt away. If you think you don’t have ten minutes a day to do this, you definitely need this.

Breathe! Even in the midst of the hustle and bustled, you can take a moment for deep breathing. Fill up your tummy like a big balloon with your inhale and then deflate the balloon on the exhale. Practice this balloon breath 5-10 times to center yourself and calm your entire body.

Go to bed early. Twice a week make it to bed by 9:30 pm. The more restful sleep happens before midnight. So the more hours of sleep you get before midnight the more refreshed and restored your body feels. Practicing an earlier bedtime just twice a week lowers your stress considerably, gives you more patience and recharges your battery.

Allow your children to help you in all you do – housework, chores, preparing food, cleaning up etc. You’ll be amazed at how much little ones actually enjoy helping you. Give them responsibilities to clean up after themselves too if they are over 2. They can do it. Not only will it actually help you, but you’ll be teaching the valuable skill of self-responsibility. Once children get into the habit of helping consistently, a lot of the weight of the home chores can be lifted off your shoulders as everyone pitches in and helps. It’s as simple as asking your children to and showing them how. Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for help. They love you, they will be happy to help (especially if you share how much you would appreciate it.)

Exercise and eat healthy. Exercise is a great stress reliever and must not be forgotten especially at this high stress time of year. For 23 hours of non-exercise, you can afford to move your body at least 30 minutes a day! Put on a DVD and just do it! Once those endorphins kick in you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Another added benefit is that you will notice that with regular exercise, you crave more healthy food, your body tones itself amazingly quick and you’ll burn more calories throughout the whole day. Don’t forgot the amazing stress relief. You can’t beat that!

Honor your feelings and intuition. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a mommy time- out. Enough is enough and you need some downtime. Ask a friend or family member to care for the children for an hour or put on some relaxing music and just sit down to relax! As moms we tend to be on our feet all day long. You’ll find bliss in just actually sitting down in that recliner and enjoying the moment of calm. Take care of yourself and your stress diminishes.

Above all else this season value yourself as a beautiful woman and a mother. Value your …

Hawaiian Sarongs – Need an Update to Your Island Wardrobe? Try a Sarong

Going on a cruise or tropical island vacation is always a highly anticipated event; until it’s time to start packing and you realize that nothing in your wardrobe seems “vacation-y” enough. It may be impossible to find summer clothing in the middle of winter too. Unless you buy sarongs and other essentials online, there are often very few ways to find the right outfits for a tropical getaway.

When you buy sarongs online, it is easy to find the right colors, fabrics and styles to match your swimwear. You can buy sarongs of every imaginable style, all of them imported straight from the island paradise of Hawaii.

You may have also heard about something called a “pareo”. This is actually the same thing as a sarong, and is usually worn in the same way. One of the best reasons to buy sarongs for your tropical getaway is that they can be worn in so many different ways. You can wear one out to the beach in the morning, wrapped around your waist as a skirt after swimming, and worn as a strapless dress out to lunch or dinner. Sarongs are often used as a shawl in the evening to add “pizazz” to a solid-color dress. Because you can buy sarongs in so many different colors and patterns, the variations are endless.

Sarongs can also be used as a beach blanket so you do not have to pack a bulky towel in your suitcase. Sarongs and Pareos also take up very little space in your suitcase so you can have many different outfit options on your trip.

There is no need to stress over the wardrobe for your next island vacation. Simply buy sarongs online and you will look spectacular all day long.…

Come Spring, the Preppy Look’s Back In

It’s the trend that keeps popping in and out of our lives, and now it’s back one more time. But these days you don’t have to have a rich ma and pa or have attended an excellent, expensive school to get the preppy look – it’s all about what you wear, and the attitude you’ve got to go with it.

It’s not all about sneering or snobbery, a true preppy may look unapproachable or have an icy demeanour, but would never be rude or look down on others – it’s just so d?�class?�. Preppies know what they like and they love the classics: timeless pieces that can be worn again and again. Some garments may be n the expensive side, but think about it: it’s an investment. Can you really put a price on looking fabulous? Key brands include Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, J Crew and, of course, the king of prep Ralph Lauren.

With the preppy look, the devil is in the details. Starting at the very bottom, the favoured shoe styles for any proud preppy would the flat ballet pump or the boat shoe. They’re instantly recognisable symbols of preppiness and never go out of fashion. Keep the colours plain. Gaudy patterns simply won’t do.

Working our way up to the bottom half, it can only be a skirt for the ladies or, if you’re feeling adventurous some plain Bermuda shorts or khakis. Again, keep your colours muted and respectable. Your style should be a whisper, not a shout.

The polo shirt is the staple piece of any self-respecting preppy’s uniform. The general rule is basic, basic, basic. Plain colours are best, and make sure it fits you well. If you want to be a little more formal, an immaculately ironed, crisp, clean dress shirt in a flattering fit is the way to go. White, baby pink or light blue are the must-wear colours, and you can always be a little more adventurous and go for a striped shirt, but keep it low-key.

To keep warm, a cardigan is essential for the warmer months, or a carefully draped pullover around your shoulders. The perfect finishing touch is the preppy blazer. Forget garish stripes and on-trend colours; only sleek and sedate navy blue will do.

Accessorising well is second nature to most preppy devotees. A tote bag will set off your outfit perfectly and a canvas version from legendary LL Bean will make you stand out as true preppy. Add a skinny or ribbon belt to your look in a navy and white or navy and red stripe is about as jaunty as you’re allowed to get. For the ladies a headband is a nice touch, but, aside from a small bow, it should be as plain as possible.

When it comes to jewellery, classy and antique are the buzzwords. You don’t have to dig out the family heirlooms, but source some vintage items to stay on-style. Think pearls, bracelets and even a tasteful brooch. Like everything preppy, it pays not to overdo it – ‘understated’ should be your mantra.…

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.…