shopping-tips

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:01:21 +0100

The Ultimate His and Her Gift Guide to Holiday Shopping... Online.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring... except for that trusty computer mouse. This holiday season, more and more people are forgoing crowded malls and going online to find the perfect gift for that special someone on their list. Online shopping is expected to exceed $19 billion this holiday season according to the tracking firm, com Score Networks. That's a 24 percent increase from last year. With the help of that little mouse, I bring you the ultimate his and her gift giving guide to online shopping.

Ladies, shopping for the man in your life can be a lot like pretending you like to fish...painful. The clothes you think your guy should wear aren't always the same as what he will wear, and experience tells us to steer clear of fuzzy socks and holiday ties. But, there is one thing almost all men love ...sports. Most guys have at least one team they pledge allegiance to year after year, through wins, losses, and the occasional curse, and the holidays are the best time to show them you've noticed.

There are plenty of online sites catering to the sports nut in your life offering apparel, memorabilia, and collectibles as gift ideas. But, there's one site that is the mother of online sports outlets. Sports nostalgia company, Mitchell & Ness, is the ultimate gift center for extreme sports fans.

Mitchell & Ness is the leader in authentic vintage sportswear, offering throwback jerseys, jackets and merchandise from NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL teams. The fact that you are willing to indulge his team loyalty will automatically score you points, but going all out on an authentic 1951 Mickey Mantle throwback jersey for the absolute Yankee fan in your life, is a hard gift to beat. And, in the off chance that you weren't paying attention to who your man was rooting for all these years, Mitchell & Ness has gift cards.

Now, onto the women, take notes guys. You can never really go wrong with jewelry. For a long time, the saying was "diamonds are a girl's best friend," but over the years women's tastes and style have diversified. Jewels, precious metals and rare items such as pearls are all must-have accessories. http://www.pearlvalue.com target="_new">International Pearl Syndicate has bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings in a variety of styles and sizes. There are freshwater and cultured pearls, black pearls, Tahitian pearls, and pearls from the South Sea. International">http://www.pearlvalue.com target="_new">International Pearl Syndicate also explains the process of buying pearls, and how to tell the good from the not so good.

Of course not everyone on your list falls into the obsessed sports fan or jewelry junkie category. But for those who prefer sparkles and sports, these sites offer the ultimate gifts without stalking for a parking spot. It could be the most relaxing holiday shopping you've ever done.

About the author:

Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter with DMI Partners, an interactive marketing agency specializing in higher education, finance, retail and real estate. For more information, visit www.dmipartners.com.

Written by: Nina Nocciolino

COSMETIC SHOPPING

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:45 +0100

The Why, When, Where & How of Cosmetic Shopping

A cosmetic case that won't zip closed, that basketful of make-up on your bathroom counter, the vanity drawer crammed with products and colors you're saving just in case.

We all have a stockpile of make-up that is either impractical, a little too glitzy or just plain old. You don't need to stockpile your cosmetics.

In fact, you really shouldn't for a few very good reasons.

WHY?

Your beauty supplies may not be marked with a specified shelf life, but they have one. Write purchase or throw away date on bottom new products with a permanent marker. Old products are not safe, do not wear correctly and subtle changes in color may occur.

* Cleansers/Moisturizers - good for six months.

* Foundation - six month shelf life if applied with fingertips, one year if applied with a sponge.

* Lipstick - one year.

* Eye and Lip Pencils - one year.

* Powders and stick concealers - one year.

* Eye shadow and blush - two years.

* Mascara - good for three months

WHEN?

Shop when seasons change - new season, new colors - when products have gotten old, and when things are on sale. Keep an eye on those pharmacy and department store circulars. You can find great deals if you're a smart shopper.

WHERE?

Local pharmacy/health and beauty chains are convenient and inexpensive. Shop sales, sometimes you can even buy two items for the price of one. Department stores with high end products and trained cosmetologists often have giveaways.

Look for in-store banners. Some product lines will even mail you invitations/reminders for sales. A purchase as small as lipstick may get you a goodie bag full of trial and even full size products. If you shop during bonus events, you'll get your money's worth.

Independent Beauty Consultants are in everywhere. There are good products available, but be prepared. These sales people are often friends and it's hard to say no when a friend must meet a sales quota.

If you can stick to buying only what you need, this is a great way to get individualized service in the comfort of your own home.

On-line beauty catalogs may save you a lot of money. But you need to do your research first. Only purchase make-up that you have used in the past. Orange pancake foundation is still orange and thick, even if it was on sale.

HOW?

Carefully and with an honest friend at your side. Take someone with you who has your best interests at heart. Trust your friend's opinions, and don't get upset if she tells you not to buy that gold shimmer lip gloss.

There are many, many ways to look great and not spend too much... develop your own unique personal style.
About the Author

Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, "Hollywood Makeup Secrets" a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting: http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved.

Written by: Allison Saunders of HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com

MYSTERY SHOPPING

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:23 +0100

The World of Mystery Shopping

There are thousands of individual firms, shopping malls, stores, restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and other sales and customer oriented outfit out there. All of them competing for customer's attention and patronage. All vying for top of mind recall in becoming the shoppers' choice.

One of the strategies that became possible in order for these companies to stay in competition shape is to find out what is happening inside their establishments from a customer's point of view.

This gave birth to the mystery shopper.

Mystery shoppers, sometimes referred to as a secret shopper or a spotter are people hired by companies to shop in their stores. After undergoing trainings that will focus mainly on things that are to be observed, mystery shoppers are assigned to serve three main purposes.

1.To evaluate and observe how the staff assigned in shops carry out assigned functions.

At the start of assignments, secret shoppers are briefed on matters that they are expected to "spot". Mainly, the issues are derived from the concerns of the business owners that want to:

- Improve customer relationship. - Improve servicing. - Update owners and managers on the manner that functions and tasks are carried out according to plans. - Courtesy and discipline of employees. - Honesty and integrity. - Observance to other issues of concern.

2.And to evaluate and observe the store's operation.

Another task of the mystery shopper is to observe and evaluate the operation of the store that includes: The cleanliness and orderliness of the account. Ease of shopping and traffic management. Visibility, availability and pricing issues. Merchandising updates. Mainly however, secret shoppers give this observation from a shopper's vantage point.

3.Filing of reports.

Reports to be filed are often in the form of checklists that the secret shopper fills out.

The mystery shopper does all of these without inviting recognition. In fact, secret shoppers, before given assignments signs agreements where reports and everything written on it are not to be disclosed. To become a mystery shopper, one need to apply and register with a mystery shopper company, which are commonly available online. Registration is free which comes with manuals and training needed.

Earning is also good for mystery shoppers.

Since different companies require different level of service, the companies pay different rates. For example, a simple assignment on a salon that would take a couple of hours (even minutes) could pay more or less $10 while a more complicated job like shopping would rate $25. For starters, some companies offer $5 per work but will increase, as the mystery shopper gets better at the work. For more the more experienced, a day of shopping would fetch about $100.

Conditions and requirements are also easy. But because reports are the main turf of mystery shoppers, the main issues for a mystery shopper not to make the grade is when reports are not submitted on time or are incomplete

Mystery shoppers, also enjoys perks that are usually not available to regular employees. Mystery shoppers are reimbursed on items that were shopped (usually upon presentation together with the reports), they dine, watch the latest movie, fix their cars, and have their hair done. All for free. Mystery shopping services also covers cruise liners, department store, fitness centers or health clubs, casino, service centers, salons, banks, homebuilders, amusement centers and parks, and more. The mystery shopper enjoys them all while getting paid.

About the author:

Joseph Then operates Mystery Shopper website that provides Mystery Shopper jobs for the members. You can visit the website at http://www.MysteryShopperResource.com

Written by: Joseph Then

THRIVING BY SHOPPING ONLINE

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:59:59 +0100

THRIVING BY SHOPPING ON-LINE

The Internet SHOULD be “the place to shop” for low-carb dieters, diabetics,

celiacs, and anyone else on a special diet. The posted prices are well below those

in retail stores, the variety is greater, you are dealing with firms whose

specialty is dealing with your need, and the products for sale are described fully

in type that is designed to be read (isn’t that a pleasant contrast to the

packages you see in your local store.)
The bad news, of course, is the shipping charge that is attached to every order.

Shortly after being diagnosed with celiac disease, I ordered a box of breakfast

cereal ($4.00) on-line and paid a $7.00 shipping charge. I learned from the

experience that $11.00 box of cereal.
My solution stems from the fact that the cost of shipping items drops dramatically

with the size of the total order. For example, the Gluten-Free Pantry charges

$6.85 to ship a single but will ship $499.00 worth of merchandise for less than

twice that much. At Bob’s Red Mill, the shipping charge depends on the weight of

the total shipment and depends on where you live, but in my particular ZIP code, a

single item ships for $7.39. A 34 pound shipment would cost $13.43. You can

probably find similar examples by browsing through the web sites you would like to

patronize.
The strategy is to order as much as you can in a single shipment. Don’t throw

money away, of course, but do everything that you can to increase the size of the

order and thereby decrease the cost of shipping each individual items. Work with

people who share your diet. The only requirement is that the entire order be sent

to the same place and paid for with the same credit card.
Good luck. Eat well. Obviously, internet shopping is easier for persons who are

ordering big-ticket items where the shipping cost is largely insignificant. But

the system I have just described works.

Paul Colligan is the webmaster at sugar-and-gluten-free.com, a site that employs

the shopping system described in this article. Contact him at paul@sugar-and-

gluten-free.com to share ideas.

About the Author

Paul thrives on a very restricted diet in a small town with no specialized food

stores by purchasing most of his food on-line. He has established to help others

do the same.

Written by: Paul G. Colligan

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:59:32 +0100

Tips for Christmas Shopping for Babies and Infants

A baby's first Christmas will always be treasured by his parents and when it comes to gift-giving this is a perfect time to start your own tradition, like buying a special holiday ornament representing the events of the year - either personally or something from world events or special celebrations, like the Olympics or a World Series or Super Bowl-themed ornaments.

Here are some other can't-miss gifts for Christmas for a newborn:

Piggy Bank: A piggy bank can be so much more than a place to hold loose change - a hand-painted and personalized bank is a collectible gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. It will also come in handy when the child is older as a great way to teach a young child how to start saving and managing his money.

Classic Baby Toys: Nostalgia is the new "new." Parents love to see their kids play with the toys of their own youth. Shop around for old-school Fisher Price people and buildings, wooden blocks, shape sorters, Care Bears, jack-in-the-boxes. If you know the parents well it should be fairly easy to figure out what classic toys they enjoyed as children.

Diaper Cakes: If you ask new parents what they spend the most money on they will almost always tell you it is diapers. A diaper cake is a thoughtful gift - the cakes are made up of either disposable or cloth diapers to resemble a tiered cake - think wedding cake for babies. They almost always include other accessories such as toys, bibs, clothes, socks, pajamas, rattles or blankets and often a keepsake as a little gift for mom. Diaper cakes are also perfect for baby showers or to present on arrival home from the hospital.

Educational Toys: Every parent loves educati onal toys. Why not maximize playtime by learning a motor skill? There are plenty of toys geared toward fine motor development or that have striking contrasting patterns for baby to look at and talk to. Teethers and blankets with tags or a satin stripe of a blanket offer various sensations when baby rubs them or puts them in his mouth.

Books: Another great idea, and something I always buy for new babies, is a book. Parents are swamped with toys and clothing on the birth of a baby and at Christmastime - toys break or children get bored with them, but you can start building a library that the whole family can enjoy for years. Soft, squeaky or washable books are perfect for babies and real little kids, but don't be afraid to buy books that are a little ahead of where baby is - he will grow into it soon enough and it will live on his bookshelf longer.

Spend some time thinking about the baby and his parents and family life and try to tailor your decisions to what is important to them - is the family religious or spiritual? are the parents musically inclined? is mom a writer? is dad a NASCAR fan or a hockey fan? You are sure to come up with a perfect gift every time if you strive to make it personal and meaningful.

About the author:

Copyright 2005 Katie Rose Kids Clothing Toys and Unique Keepsake Gifts

Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Kids - an online boutique for clothing, toys and unique gifts for preemies, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and moms too. We have baby shower gift, as well as bath accessories, baby slings, books, decor and educational toys.

Written by: Katie Rose

TIPS FOR SHOPPING SMART

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:59:07 +0100

Tips for Shopping Smart for the Garden

Tips for Shopping Smart for the Garden

The garden, whether it is a flower garden or a vegetable garden, is an important part of the landscape. And, like all features present on a property, it can be frustrating to do your shopping for the plants you need to make your landscape look great. By following a few tips, you can eliminate much of the frustrations associated with shopping for plants, and you can learn a lot about what you are doing, as well as find great deals and even save a little money. When you shop smarter your entire home environment benefits from the good choices that you make.

Do research beforehand. This research is not necessarily just sitting in your house reading. It can also include talking to your neighbors about what have that you like and even visiting garden centers to see what it available. This will help you get an idea of what you think is attractive. Make sure that you understand what tools and soil conditions the plants need before you buy. You should also understand your own climate and what plants grow well in your region. It is surprising how many garden centers sell plants that are not necessarily suited for their area.

Read the labels. This is closely related to research. Before you buy, read the labels on the plants to make sure that the site in your landscape that you have chosen for a particular plant answers its needs. Labels include information on things like amount of sunlight needed, moisture needed, and sometimes even soil requirements. The label will also tell you how far from other plants your current interest should be planted, and also tell you how fast it grows. When you know what the plant needs, you can make sure that you have it before you spend the money.

Talk to the staff. Garden center staff members should be knowledgeable about what you need, and should be able to give you tips and advice. If you run into someone who doesn't know what to do with a garden or landscape, leave and go to a nursery or find a garden center with experienced help. You can even bring in a picture of your landscape to show. Try to be specific as you explain your needs.

Choose centers that offer guarantees. Many nurseries and garden centers now offer guarantees on their plants. The time period ranges from six months to a year. It is good idea to make sure that you are purchasing from a place that guarantees its plants so that if you happen to get one that is not particularly healthy, you can get a newer plant for free. Be sure to save the receipt, however. Keep a garden folder and tuck all such receipts away so that you know exactly where they are if you need them.

Shop during off hours. If you go on a beautiful Saturday, you will never get good personal attention and service from garden center or nursery staff members. This is because there is just too much for them to do with all of the people. Additionally, you will not be able to relax as you search out for exactly what you need. Go in during the week, and you will find a much better experience and a more attentive staff. Most centers get fresh shipments Fridays, so if you go in on a Friday afternoon you are likely to see the newest, best selection of plants and experience smaller crowds.

Comparison shop. Look for deals at different shops. Do not be afraid of looking around a little, or of letting an owner know that you saw a better deal elsewhere. You also need to find out how many plants come in cell packs. Make sure that you are comparing apples and apples and not apples and oranges. If you notice that one place charges a little more, it may be because its plants come four to a pack instead of three. Pay attention to those details. Also, compare hardiness and health. Make sure that you choose the best-looking plants in a group, to ensure that you get the best possible quality. While comparing, check out different sales, especially end of season sales where plants are marked down dramatically (don't buy annuals at this time however; they will not be blooming again).

About the author:

http://www.infonet.us - Web Articles! http://www.ITnet.us - Turnkey webdesign!

Written by: Stephen cox

TOWING AND TRAILERING

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:58:41 +0100

Towing And Trailering

A trailer can add a new dimension to the sense of
freedom associated with boating. Once you have a
trailer, you're pretty much free to boat anywhere
you decide, lakes, rivers, or inlets. A trailer
allows you to explore your area, and is also the
most affordable way to store your boat.

Starting out
If you've never owned or trailer or trailered a boat
before, there are several things you should know
and consider. The first thing is the towing capacity
of your truck, car, or SUV. If you don't know, you
can easily find the information in your owner's
manual.

Normally, small cars or family sedans aren't suitable
for towing, although small boats may not be a problem,
if you have the proper towing equipment installed on
the car. Most standard trucks or SUV's can tow
boats up to 25 feet, although you'll need to check
the owner's manual to be sure.

Weighing in
In your boat's owners manual, you'll find the dry
weight of your boat. The dry weight is the weight
of the boat without fuel or gear. Always make sure
you assess your vehicle's towing capacity, and add
a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to cover
these types of extras.

Muscle and power
As the weight, length, and beam of a boat increases,
so does the power needed to retrieve and launch it.
Smaller boats may be easier for one person to handle,
although larger boats will require more than one
person. If you need extra help, don't be afraid to
ask for it - as trailer boaters are always ready to
give you a hand if you need it.

ONLINE DISCOUNT APPAREL SHOPPING

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:58:18 +0100

Trends In Online Discount Apparel Shopping

Trends In Online Discount Apparel Shopping

Trends
In Online Discount Apparel Shopping

by Robin Downey

DiscountApparels.Com

DiscountApparels.Co.Uk

What are
your customers looking for when they shop online? A bargain of course.
The best possible articles of clothing at the best possible prices. Customers
will continue to shop around and only come back to you if your price is
the lowest. Do you offer your customers some kind of bonus if they shop
with you such as FREE
SHIPPING, A PERCENTAGE OFF SALE or COUPONS towards their purchase?
Does your website offer a newsletter with Internet specials only? What
is your "Return Policy"?

By the year
2010 online apparel spending is expected to reach $28.4 billion. So if
you are in the online apparel business, you want to treat your customers
right.

What is everyone
buying? Well, I notice a real trend in replica designer apparel and accessories.
It doesn't have to cost a million bucks, just look like the real thing.
Customers are also looking for designer apparel. I have also noticed whereas
you would think most people would be searching for ARMANI
or super popular main stream brands, to my surpise most customers are
looking for less known yet highly fashionable designer names such as CHETTA,
FUBU
, GLAM
SOULS just
to name a few. So,
if you operate a discount apparel website and you want to keep your customers
happy, don't only offer mainstream designers because your customer will
end up shopping somewhere else. A happy customer is a repeat and good
customer.

Our website
offer over 100,000 different items with over 200 name brand suppliers
and growing rapidly. If your shopping for discount designer apparel, accessories
and yes, we even offer home improvement items, computer electronics and
more, visit us first at DiscountApparels.Com.

Remember,
respect your customers and they will respect you.

This
article is free for re-distribution. The text must remain in tact as is
or removal from your website will be requested.

About the Author

My name is Robin Downey, I am 38 years old. I have been in online trading now for about three years. I also write music, have won awards for creative writing and I write songs.

Written by: Robin Downey

12 TIPS FOR MONEY SAVING SHOPPING

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:57:46 +0100

Twelve Easy Steps to Money Saving Shopping

TWELVE EASY STEPS To Money Saving Shopping Bill Dunigan

Learn how you can economize and start saving money now.

Be able to save on the things you really need on a daily basis.

Follow the steps laid out here and watch your savings increase.

Enjoy shopping with a new informed perspective while you save.

Most of us have, at one time or another felt the need to economize. I'm sure this statement comes as no surprise to anyone. However, we do still need to make those purchases of items that are needed on a daily basis. These include, but are not limited to, such things as: food, clothing, cosmetics, school supplies, laundry detergent, and far too many other items to list here. It always seems to be a never-ending list, which continually keeps growing and growing no matter how much we try to scale it down.

The best thing to do after reading through this article is to use it on a regular basis as a reference guide. It can help you decide where and when to look for the specific items you need to purchase. After a short while you will gain enough experience to be able to decide for yourself, just where and when you can find the best deals.

This idea for this grew from the knowledge that there are many others who, like me, have found themselves in a different income situation from time to time. At times like this it is absolutely necessary to cut back on expenses. There are times when we find ourselves out of work, or living on a fixed income, or perhaps changing to a single income. The reason isn't the important thing, how we handle it is. We must, as the expression says, take the bull by the horns. It is up to us to make those changes that will enable us to survive day to day and still have those things we really need. The interesting thing is that after learning and putting into practice the tips suggested here, they become an ongoing practice in continuing to economize even when there may not be a pressing financial need. I suppose that once you learn a good thing it sticks with you. Remember, read, learn, practice, and you will reap the benefits.

STEP # 1 Make a List

· This is probably the most important thing you con do to positively affect your spending. Don't underestimate the power of that list. · Your list is your best friend when shopping. Never go shopping without it. This is one of the best an easiest ways to exert control over your spending habits.

· Remember, your best results will be when you are shopping only for those items you really need. This is how you start developing good shopping habits.

· Forming good shopping habits is the key to your success. With these two tools (your list and good shopping habits) you can be assured of achieving your goal.

STEP # 2 Coupons

· Coupons can be a wonderful opportunity to save. However if it is for a product more expensive than you normally would purchase, be sure that the price after the discount isn't higher than you would normally spend or it won't be a savings to you.

· Take advantage of every sale opportunity possible. Examine the fine print so you can make an informed decision. They are truly a savings only if they are for items you would normally purchase.

· Arm yourself with this fact; a retailer's goal is always to increase sales. Your goal is to always economize by forming good shopping habits.

STEP # 3 COMPARE PRICES

· One of the smartest things you can do is pay attention to the prices of those items for which you would normally have a need. This way you will have something solid to base you decisions on.

· The whole idea is to know exactly what you purchase on a regular basis and who has those items at the lowest price. With this information you have a head start on attaining your goal.

· Now you can chose those stores that have more of what you need at the best prices. These re the places you will frequent when shopping. STEP # 4 GROUP ITEMS

· The next step towards success is to begin grouping your items together by store. Since you already know about making a list, this step should be a breeze.

· Now you can start saving before you even get to the stores. By just eliminating unnecessary trips to several different stores you save on your fuel expenses.

· Saving on expenses in any way you can contributes to the overall achievement of your goal. The less traveling around you have to do the better it is for your budget.

STEP # 5 TRAVEL WISELY

· Another easy and to economize is when there are several stores in your area that carry the articles you frequently purchase, try to stop at them during your normal driving route. This requires nothing extra from you and saves you both time and money.

· This is effective time management. Now you are really starting to form some good shopping habits.

· With the steps we have discussed thus far you have already started saving and you haven't even made a purchase yet. It's amazing how much you can save just by being organized.

STEP # 6 KNOW YOUR SPLURGE

· Now it's time to reward yourself. We all have certain items that we really don't want to change or economize on. If you have done your homework and been able to economize the way you want to, then there is no reason why you can't allow yourself that splurge. · Set a goal that is realistic and when you achieve it reward yourself. No one is going to be happy and persevere at any task if they feel deprived all the time. · Make your splurge something you really want. However, don't have a splurge that wipes out what you have saved.

STEP # 7 BUY AT THE END OF SEASONS · When purchasing clothing, the best time to buy is at the end of the season. At the beginning of the season prices are the highest they will be on those items.

· If you need summer clothing, the premium time for bargains is the end of summer during August or early September at the latest. Now that you understand this fact, it only makes sense to wait until later to make those purchases.

· This is one of the best ways to save and still have new clothing in your wardrobe. The selection may not be as varied as in the beginning of the season, but the savings more than make the waiting worthwhile.

STEP # 8 DON'T BE STUCK ON Logos

· There are many articles of clothing without a logo and they usually cost much less. Why should you pay the premium to advertise anyone's business, and not be compensated for it?

· Contribute to the successful achievement of your goals rather that those of the manufacturers and retailers. When you insist on those logos you are paying to be a walking billboard.

· Again here is an easy way to economize without any extra effort. Instead of putting that extra money in the cash register, you can put it in your pocket.

STEP # 9 DOLLAR STORES

· These stores are probably some of the best places you can find for acquiring new items at a real bargain price. The quality may not be top of the line, but it is new merchandise not used. Remember you are economizing so be careful because they can become addictive. · You will definitely find great prices here. While some of them actually sell most items for a dollar others will vary. Remember, we are trying to cut cost so don't get all hung up on top names and brands because you won't find many of them here.

· Frequent names used are: Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Dollar Store, Dollar King, Family Dollar, etc.

STEP # 10 THRIFT STORES

· You will defiantly find many bargains here. Remember, most of the articles are used, so look them over first. Don't be surprised when you come across name brands or new items. You never know what you'll find and sometimes it's a genuine treat.

· Some of the bargains you will find are clothing, household goods, furniture, luggage, shoes, etc. If you do a little research you may find one that tends to have more furniture than others or more clothing or household goods.

· Most areas have several of these stores. They are usually independent from each other and thus the difference in the types of merchandise.

STEP # 11 DISCOUNT STORES

· This is the place to go if it's new merchandise that you crave. The things here change with the seasons just as in the full price stores, so remember what you learned about buying at the end of seasons.

· Prices at these retailers will be well discounted when compared to other retailers but can never compete with the Dollar or Thrift stores. Most of them are located in large shopping areas that charge high rents, and also have a large number of employees to pay.

· Discount stores can represent a great savings. However, just as with the coupons, if it's an item that will cost more than what you would normally spend for it, pass it by.

STEP # 12 HOLIDAY SHOPPING

· Here we have an abundance of wonderful merchandise. The problem is that it is the most dangerous time of year for anyone trying to economize.

· Keep your goals in mind and remain focused. Retailers will pull out all the stops for this season. This is when they make the majority of their annual sales. If they don't make it here they can never recoup it during the rest of the year.

· If you have worked hard to this point than don't go overboard and destroy what you have accomplished. You are up against the best that the marketing world has to offer during this time of year. Stick to your plan and be persistent.

· You don't have to pay full price in order for a gift to be a nice one. Some of the best gifts are not the most expensive. If it's not something that the person needs or appreciates than why bother. An item that is really needed, regardless of cost, is always more valued by the recipient than a more expensive one they have no use for.

· This is the time to put all of the other tips together. If you have learned and succeeded it will be easy and pay off. All of the money saving tips laid out here will work for you and enable you to make a dramatic difference in your shopping habits and as a result have a positive effect on your spending and thus result in real savings.

Conclusion

If you really put into practice all of these tips, you should see positive results right away. This isn't something you need to wait for. It starts working as soon as you start to work it. Set your goals and go for it. Everything is within your control so don't delay. Remember the old saying "time is money". That was never more true than now. It's your time and your money. You have the choice to spend it or save it. The difference now is that you have the tools to make the right choices that will ultimately result in the accomplishment of your goals. Now it really is in your hands. Good luck.

If you would be interested in developing additional income on a part time basis visit and contact me through my website: tni.com/riderbill

You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided there are no changes made to the article and credit is given to the author and the link to his website remains in place. Please notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You may contact Bill Dunigan through his website: http://www.tni.com/riderbill

About the author:

Most of my adult life I have been self-employed. I have never come across anything else that would allow an individual to develop a good income with little investment and not have the expenses, stress, boss, time constraints, and worries that go along with most other businesses or jobs. Who needs a job when you can work for yourself? If you are seriously interested contact me through my website at: www.tni.com/riderbill

Written by: Bill Dunigan

TYPES OF BOATS AVAILABLE

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:57:06 +0100

Types Of Boats Available

There are many boats out there on the market, with
something for everyone. If you are new to boating,
selecting the right boat can be hard. There are
boats for every purpose on the water, all you have
to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several
types of boats available. This way, you'll know
the differences when you head out to buy one of
your own.

1. Vessel
The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as
it's the description used or capable of being used
on the water. Basically, it's another name used for
a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2. Power boat
A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled
by machinery. Fishing boats are great examples,
as they are powered by motors or engines.

3. Houseboat
A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or
for leisurely cruising. Normally, a houseboat will
include living accomodations such as sleeping
quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath.
The cruising models are normally propelled by
power.

4. Sailboat
A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with
no mechanical means of propulsion. The modern
sailboats range from one person boats to luxury
yachts that can accomodate several people. They
are divided into three basic types:
    1. Daysailer - This is a small boat that's
designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping
accomodations. It offers a roomy cockpit and can
also contain an outboard auxillary engine as well.
    2. Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or
large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping
quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxillary
engine that's built inside.
    3. Racer - Racers are boats built for speed
and ease of handling - normally at the expense of
comfort.

5. Zodiac
The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats
are some of the most popular in the entire boating
industry. These boats are constructed with a
conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and
stability. The deep V hulls offered by these boats
are made to take any weather. They are well known
for their prowess and are used all over the world
for commercial search and rescue operations.

6. Catamaran
These boats come with twin hulls. They provide
safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's
unmatched by single hulled boats. Popular with
boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting
the water.