by: Brian Stevens
The satellite TV systems and services offered by DirecTV and Dish Network are almost identical -- both offer more than 250 program channels, all-digital programming, HDTV (high definition TV) options, and DVR (digital video recording) capabilities.
So when you compare DirecTV to Dish Network you'll discover the biggest differences between them are the subscription fees and programming.
Here is a blow-by-blow comparison of DirecTV vs. Dish Network ...
Satellite TV Equipment
Direct TV offers free satellite TV equipment (the dish and receivers), and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.
Dish Network gives you free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms of your home. You can get a DVR receiver or an HDTV receiver at no charge.
Satellite TV Programming
DirecTV offers 255 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $41.99 per month for 115 channels.
Dish Network offers 256 program channels, including movie channels, music channels, pay-per-view movies and events, sports packages, and international programming. Programming packages start at $31.99 per month for 60 channels.
Customer Service
DirecTV has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.
Dish Network also has excellent customer service with 24/7 online support, and 24/7 toll-free telephone support.
Customer Satisfaction
DirecTV is ranked #2 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.
Dish Network is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among all the cable and satellite TV providers.
The Bottom Line
Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer top-of-the-line satellite TV equipment and all-digital programming for the best picture and sound available.
Dish Network's basic programming package is cheaper than DirecTV's, but DirecTV's Total Choice has a more channels.
Dish Network has more movie packages and foreign programming, while DirecTV offers more sports packages.
About The Author
Brian Stevens is a professional freelance writer and webmaster who has written extensively on DirecTV and Dish Network. For more information on DirecTV vs. Dish Network, go to http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com/directv-vs-dish-network.htm.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Who Has Everything!
by: Donna Hamer
Have you ever thought about giving a personalized Gift Basket?Is it just me or do you also get excited when you give a gift to your friends and family and you know they love it!
The downside you give a gift and you just know they hate it! Unfortunately you can’t always get it right because what seems right and the appropriate gift for you isn’t always right and appropriate for the person you are buying for.
Take my mother for instance, if you don’t buy her a gift say for Mothers Day you will be in the bad books for weeks. Now before you agree with her, let me ask you this “What do you give someone who has everything”? If you could walk around this ladies house you would understand my problem!
Well over the years I have learnt how to stay in her good books by creating something different and unique every year. I also like to make it a gift that I make, so its personal and comes from the heart. Yes you guessed it a personalized “gift basket”.
Leading up to the occasion, I take some time to think about things that Mum has said she liked over the year and things that she has pointed out in a book that she might like. Then I go about looking for items that would fit into a theme that I can put together into a “Basket”. She loves “glass bowls” so I try to use a glass bowl as the “basket” for my gift and then fill it with items that she likes. It could be as simple as some pampering items or a night out to the movies such as popcorn, candies, a drink, chocolates and two movie tickets etc.
Gift Baskets can be all shapes and sizes, you are only limited by your imagination and of course your budget. A gift basket doesn’t have to be big and elaborate it can be something small. Presentation is the key to a stunning gift basket!
I have always struggled with “creative talent” so when I discovered that making gift baskets was very simple, I became a talented person over night!
Something I have found funny since I learnt how easy it was to create a “Gift Basket” is how many friends copy my ideas and give baskets to their friends.
I give “Gift Baskets” for all occasions - from Christmas to Marriages, Arrival of a New Baby, Birthday Gifts for Boys or Girls, Leaving Party in fact the reasons are endless.
For a boys birthday, how easy is it to get a bucket, spade and sand digging equipment. A cool towel, hat or cap (write their name on the hat to give it a unique look), a stick of sunscreen or zinc cream. Then wrap it up !!
For a girl, they love lots of knick knacks or things they can make. Try putting together packets of beads in a container with compartments. Include some wire and hooks. Your local craft store can help you with the items required. You can create this “Gift Basket” for less than $15.00 and they love it !
About the author:
About the Author – Donna Hamer is the author and publisher of 101 Gift Basket Ideas. For a Free 5 part Mini Course on how to create your own “Personalized Gift Baskets” visit www.101giftbasketideas.com
A Complete Guide For Parents To Choose The Best Toys For Their Children
by: Eugen Lisov
Do you remember how it was when you where a child? What was your main activity? Was it working? Of course not. Your main activity was playing. You had no concerns. You needed toys and your parents where supposed to provide you with them. They had to find toys you wouldn’t throw away and believe me, it wasn’t easy for them.Now you are a parent and you are in the same situation as your parents years ago. You’re looking for toys that your child will like. That’s why you must know how to choose the right toys. My parents made one common mistake: they would buy me toys that they considered wonderful. But usually, when they would give me the toy, I would either consider it too girlish or too boring. It wasn’t fun for them to see how a toy they bought for me to play with would stay forgotten in my closet.
How to find out what’s the right toy for your child?
Just watch your child closely to determine his preferred activities, skills level, preferred band(s) and movie(s), and so on. Based on these observations you can get a clue on what types of toys your child would prefer. For instance, if your child loves the movie Lord of the Rings, I bet that he’ll also like Lord of the Rings toys… ( http://www.child-toys-guide.com/lord-of-the-rings-toys.shtml )
Now don’t just go into the first toy shop and buy the first Lord of the Rings toy you find. Observations aren’t enough. There are some other very important factors you must consider. Adding them into the equation helps ensure you that your child will have lots of fun with the toy you’ll choose to buy for him.
Here are the factors you must consider when choosing toys for your child:
• Child’s age – This is very important. If you buy toys too advanced for your child’s age, chances are that he might get injured. Toy manufacturers struggle to make their products as safe as possible, but if you don’t follow their recommendations, your child may suffer. On the other hand, if you buy toys made for children with age under that of your child, he will consider them too boring. The best thing is to choose toys designed precisely for your child’s age. Here are two articles that will help you choose toys for babies ( http://www.child-toys-guide.com/baby-toys.shtml ) and toys for toddlers. ( http://www.child-toys-guide.com/toddler-toys.shtml )
• Child’s gender – This is exactly what I said above that my parents bought me toys that I considered to be girlish. I’m a boy, but the same is with girls too. Any detail that may make the toy look as for the other gender than that of your child will make the toy undesired.
• Toys your child’s friends play with – When your child is playing with his friends, watch to find out if he manifests interest in any of his playmate’s toys. If he does, then it’s very likely that he would like to have a toy similar the one his friend has.
• Sometimes, a child tells his parents what toy he likes or wants, thus saving them from a lot of hard work. But don’t count on this. Some children aren’t very keen to talk with parents unless they really want a certain toy.
• Safety – This is the most important factor you must consider whenever you need to decide what toy you should buy for your child. Unfortunately, this is also the most overlooked one. Usually, parents forget to check if the toy they choose for their children are safe.
• Is the toy educational? – It’s a good thing if the toys you choose for your child can help him develop new skills.
And please remember that the age difference between you and your child is of at least 20 years. The fact that you liked a toy when you were a child does not mean that your child will love it too. Children from different generations like different types of toys
Make sure you offer the toy to your child in the appropriate manner!
When you offer the toy to your child, don’t do it in a “Here’s your toy. Now go and play with it” manner. If you do it this way, that toy won’t mean a thing to your child. Rather, try to make a game. Hide the toy somewhere where the child can easily find it, and encourage him to look for it. Laugh with your child, search for it together… And when the he finds the toy, don’t just let him play by himself. Get involved in your child’s play. Make that the fun of a lifetime. A parent is a child’s first and best friend.
About the author:
Eugen Lisov is the creator of http://www.Child-Toys-Guide.coma site focused on helping parents worldwide to choose the best toys for their children. If you offer your child a bad toy, it’s the same as if you don’t offer your youngster any toy. Please feel free to browse my site; it will only help you when choosing toys for your child.
European Vacation
by: Aaron Anderton
A European vacation with your family is one of the most exciting and educational things you can do together. Train travel allows you to see the beautiful countryside in detail, and you can do it at a great discount.
A European vacation has so much to offer, you will have to decide ahead of time what kind of vacation you want. You can travel from Madrid to Paris, then Rome, trying to see all the sights along the way as you rush by. This can be fun because you are seeing and doing so much, there is no way to be bored, and you will remember the trip forever. The downside is that you don't get to feel as much of the local culture and lifestyle when you are rushing through. Spending some of your European vacation in the same place and getting to know some of the locals can be much more satisfying and relaxing.
It all depends on your personality and what you are looking for in a vacation. A lot of people like to travel by train for their vacation so that they can see more areas, getting great pictures, and they will be able to say they have seen all of those famous landmarks. Some people would rather pick a place and spend the whole time there, really soaking in the atmosphere with their family and getting to know the customs.
Some of you may prefer to combine the two options for a European vacation that I have described above. Pick a city, like Madrid for example. Fly into Madrid, get a nice hotel, and stay there for about a week. There are many beautiful monuments and sights to see, and you can walk around downtown and see them up close and personal. You can eat at some local restaurants, take short day trips to see other areas of the city, and come back to your hotel in the evening.
When your week is up, you can travel by train to continue your European vacation in the sunny southern province of Andalucia. This area of Spain has beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The weather is hot and sunny from spring through the fall, and the climate is dry. The beaches are fine, white sand and amazing blue water. Tourists from all over the world, and especially from the rest of Europe, fill these beaches every summer. Take at least a week and find a hotel or villa near the beach. You can spend every day at the beach working on your tan, relaxing in the warm sun, and swimming in the crystal blue waters. The seafood is spectacular in southern Spain, and you will have no problem finding great restaurants with mouth-watering food at great prices. If you like to go out at night, there are more bars and nightclubs than you can possibly visit. You can be sure that you can stay out dancing as long as you want to.
When you are done relaxing in a sunny beach town, you can fly or travel by train to vacation in Paris for a week. There are all kinds of historic sites and museums to see. You can walk or take a bus around to see all of the areas of the city, enjoy French restaurants, and soak in the culture. When you are all done, you can fly home again, knowing that you saw a vast amount of historic and cultural sites, beautiful countryside, and had a great time at the beach relaxing. A little bit of everything, to make your European Vacation complete.
Wait until your friends hear about it!
About the Author
Aaron Anderton lived in Spain for 3 years, and continues to visit Europe regularly. Aaron owns Southern Spain Trips, a website devoted to providing information about Southern Spain.
How to save money while planning your vacations to Florida!
by: Joe Collinsworth
Planning a vacation can be fun, yet a frustration if you have little time, money, or patience. I think many of us suffer from a lack of patience. It can be quite simple if you follow some steps. Remember, you are going on vacation! Get excited! Use your time to plan, to get away from the stresses of your daily life.Here are a few tips we suggest you follow when planning your trip and saving money!!
1. Figure out where you are going & what you must do while there. There are many great destinations in Florida from the Panhandle, to the Gulf coast, Atlantic Coast, Orlando, or the Keys. They also offer so many things to do, that it’s a good idea to plan ahead of time some activities.
2. Sign up for online e-zines: These are online magazines or newsletters that you sign up for and receive on a regular basis. Make sure they have an opt-in and opt-out policy and don’t share your information.
3. Are you going as a family, with friends, or for romance? How you get there, where you stay, what activities you want to plan will revolve around whom you travel with. There are locations in Florida set up for different types of vacations.
4. Get coupons & Ask for deals. I don’t care how much money you have. Traveling with coupons and discount sources only saves you money on your travels. Even if you go more luxurious, you can save money with these two tips. Ask to get bumped, ask for first class, ask for off-season specials, ask for senior citizens discounts, etc. Just ask.
5. Do your homework and shop around. We have found literally hundreds of online travel sites. Use the well known ones that are recommended. Read consumer reviews, be patient, and make sure you read all the terms and conditions, whether you book online of offline.
6. Join groups such as AAA or AARP. You can also save money by obtaining a frequent flyer credit card and earning points through spending. Just be smart with your credit and don’t go overboard.
7. Rent from an owner. Yes, there are options other than staying in a huge chain. Sometimes, the best deals and nicest places are from someone who is renting out their vacation home.
8. Travel in the off-season. Book early, book late, and name your own price at travel auction sites.
9. Referrals are the oldest, and in my opinion, the best way to do anything. There are people who will recommend hotels, things to do, places to go, that you would have never found otherwise.
10. Using credit cards can save you money and free up cash for other adventures. There is a right way and a wrong way to use them. A vacation is a necessity, not a luxury.
Also, prepare a budget, get all your necessities ahead of time and shop for them, and have fun while planning your trip. Yes, there are a few things you need to take into account, but if you follow a system of steps, planning will be easy. In addition, be realistic about prices, but don’t think you can’t get great deals on your vacations to Florida.
About the author:
Discount Florida Vacations is a total Florida vacation guide offering fun, sun, tips, ideas, recommendations, resources, and experiences for anyone traveling to Florida.
You can find more info. or plan your trip with us at
www.discount-florida-vacations.com
Skin and Hair Care Guide for the Summers
by: Nitin Jain
SKIN:Looking after your skin in summer the right way is very important. So, make it a point to use a face wash. If you are on the run, never forget to carry face wipes. They help to cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin. They even take the grime off the face. In summer, try to opt for oil-free moisturizers with SPF 30, which also double as sunscreens. Avoid soap. Instead use a cleansing milk. A lip balm is a must for all age groups. Since summer is all about gime and sweat, avoid oily astringents and use rose water instead. Remember to drink lots of water to hydrate the skin. To get more information on skin care, refer this http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin-care.htm
MAKEUP:
Less is more. Get minimum makeup and just a hint of translucent powder. But if you do want to add a dash of glam, try this, if your skin is dry, try creams which give a dewy effect. This hydrates the skin and adds a glow. Opt for clear mascara instead of a black one, and use a pale lipstick for your cheeks and lips. Pepermint foot cream also works wonders. And finally a word of caution, "never sleep with makeup on".
HAIR:
Try using a sunscreen for your hair. Leaving on a conditioner with UV protection is a great bet for dry and brittle hair. Products for treated hair are a must in summer, besides regularly using liss and fizz control solutions. A regular oil massage too helps. Try deep-conditioning treatment, as the sun-rays damage the hair.
THE GOLDEN RULE:
You need to regularly follow the three golden rules of cleansing, toning and moisturising for a healthy skin and fabulous glow.
Find lots of homemade beauty recipes here - http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/homemade-beauty-products.htm
About the author:
For http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com
Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here with loads of information on skin care and skin disorders. Also you get to learn about aromatherapy and various homemade beauty recipes.
If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE(clickable) link to our website.
Learn About The Latest Trends In Cosmetics Now
by: Bridget Allen
The days of bright blue eye shadow and slathered on blush are gone with the wind! If you are in desperate need of a make up freshen up, consider these hot trends in cosmetics. These latest colors, tips, and techniques are just what anyone needs to update a look or make the change into a new season. Remember that your cosmetics do have an expiration date, so keep this in mind when shopping for new make up. With each season, carefully look through your make up kit and discard any items that are outdated. This is critical, especially with eye make up that can expire and potentially cause painful infections. Also, remember not to share your make up with anyone else to prevent spread of germs and infection.
Today’s latest trends in cosmetics reflect the fashion trends—shimmer and shine! From super glossy lip gloss to candy like eye make up with glitter to make your eyes truly pop. This trend only applies to eyes, lips, and nails, however, since cream and matte finishes is hot for foundations, powders, and blush. In addition to shimmer and shine, the color of eye and lip make up is quite subtle. Gone are the vibrant colors and eye popping shades of eye shadow. Instead, pale browns, ivories, grays, tans, and other natural colors are all the rage. Lip shades are also a bit more subdued, with a nude lip or a sheer pink gloss being incredibly hot.
Lipstick is out today, with lip gloss taking over the first place in purses all over the country. These lip glosses are made in every color under the sun and many mimic the appearance of lipstick with a much smoother and glossier look. For individuals looking to care for their lips and enjoy that terrific nude lip look, consider using a simple hydrating stick. The all natural brand, Bert’s Bees, produces a phenomenal product that can be applied under a gloss or used by itself.
The days of pressed powder may be numbered; as today’s hot products include cream powders that go on thick but dries sheer and ultra light. This option is great for individuals who would like a bit more coverage than pressed powder offers, but do not want to deal with the mess and hassle of using foundation. Another popular trend along this line is the cream blush, which also goes on like a cream but dries a powder. Also, cream blushes prevent that unnatural coloring that appears on many women’s cheeks.
Swimwear that you'll feel comfortable in!
by: Mike Yeager
Finding the right swimwear can be a fun and also a stressful experience. You want to look your best in the swimwear of your choice at the beach. Light, colorful beach clothing will make you feel comfortable and cool. Some of the varieties you can find in swimwear are the following:Bikini -- This once-shocking is the granddaddy of fashion swimwear. Looks newest now in super-skimpy triangle, side-tie bottoms. Look for built-in push-up bras, underwire and sculpted cups for extra curves.
Tankini -- A variation of the bikini, has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don't want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.
Bandini -- A bikini with a bandeau (straight, striplike piece of fabric) top.
Camikini -- Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.
Maillot -- One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the "monokini").
Boy legs -- A longer leg resembling really short shorts. Careful here -- tends to make the leg look shorter-- but still a favorite silhouette.
Swimsuits are made of a material such as Lycra or Spandex that clings tightly to the swimmer but also permits a free range of motion. A swim cap worn over the hair and ears also helps to reduce the resistance a swimmer encounters when moving through the water. Swim goggles allow swimmers to see better under water. They also protect swimmers’ eyes from irritation caused by chlorine and other chemicals in the pool water, and from salt or pollution in natural bodies of water.
Give some thought to which style of swimsuit you feel you would look best in. Whether it’s one-piece or two-piece you’ll feel most comfortable in the bathing suit that gives you the most confidence. Swimwear has changed a lot over the years, from suits that were bulky and awkward to swim in to the ultra tiny string bikinis of today.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Author/Publisher
http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com
Shopping Tips and Tricks to find a perfect pair of shoes
by: Shelley Costello
Shopping Tips and Tricks to finding a Perfect Pair of ShoesThis article will provide you with some useful shopping tips and tricks to finding a perfect pair of shoes.
Following a recent advertising campaign I asked a number of women what information they would find most useful about womens shoes.
After collating the feedback received the majority asked for:-
How to find the right size and width
How to find discount or inexpensive designer shoes
Assurance of return policy/shipping service etc
How to choose fashionable shoes that are comfortable
Reasonable priced shoes without searching all day to compare prices
Quality - how to recognise poor quality shoes
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SIZE AND WIDTH
Know your shoe size and always choose a pair in your true size. The size you usually wear.
Most online shoe stores offer half sizes.
Unless the store is in Great Britain or Australia, most online shoe stores list their shoes in US sizes.
Check your country shoe size. For instance I live in England and my size is UK 7. In US this would be a size 9.5 and European size 40.
Not all online shoe stores offer narrow or wide width shoes.
If you require a narrow or wide width shoe try to choose stores that provide these.
It would be disappointing to go shoe shopping and find a pair of shoes you love only to discover the store only offers standard widths.
HOW TO FIND DISCOUNT OR INEXPENSIVE DESIGNER SHOES
The beauty of online shoe shopping is that the majority of the top stores offer up to and more than 100 designer branded shoes.
It is unrealistic to expect to get yourself a pair of Gucci shoes and only pay $30 for them.
However, there are shoe stores that offer such designer names at far lower prices than you would expect to pay at a boutique or mall store.
There are sites that have unique partnerships with designer houses and only offer end of season or discounted items.
Be very wary of doing random searches for designer shoes online.
The increase in fake or replica items is on the increase.
You might end up paying a little more than some of these sites offer. However, shopping with a reputable store will ensure you get what you are paying for and not some fake or replica item that will only be very poor quality.
Sadly sites offering fake goods are
only after your money and not to give you any customer satisfaction in terms of service or quality product.
ASSURANCE OF RETURNS / SHIPPING POLICY
There a few top stores that offer free shipping [usually within the US or their own country] and free returns.
Stores usually only charge for worldwide delivery.
Always check the return policy before actually paying for your shoes.
Reputable online stores offer excellent customer service and make great effort to ensure their customers are happy.
They give you fast delivery and a free or inexpensive return service.
HOW TO CHOOSE FASHIONABLE SHOES THAT ARE COMFORTABLE
Almost all top internet shoe stores offer designer and branded shoes which means they are well made and have comfort elements taken into account.
There will always be reports out there that high heels will ruin your feet.
A poor quality pair of any shoe including high heels certainly will but you can be fashionable without sacrificing the comfort and health of your feet.
Current fashion spreads across an enormous selection of styles which means you don't have to have towering high heels to be fashionable.
Wedge heels are very fashionable at the moment.
Due to the fact that you have a wedge heel rather than a spike or narrow high heel they are very easy to walk in.
You won't feel like you have the height they actually are.
Wedge heels give you all the benefits of high heels such as lengthening and slimming the look of your legs and lifting the posture of your bottom.
They also come in closed toes, sandals and lots of different colours and textures with ankle ties or straps.
High heels will always be fashionable and wedge heels are a great way to get the heel without the wobble if you struggle to walk in heels.
Sabrina or kitten heels are quite in vogue.
The heel is only up to a couple of inches in height. You do still get the heel benefits but are extremely comfortable and easy to walk in.
Flat sandals or flip flops will always be comfortable if they are well made.
If you don't fancy being completely flat you can get wedge flip flops or small heeled sandals.
A shopping tip to remember with sandals is to choose something that flatters your feet.
If you have long toes or feet, choose a flip flop that has some detail at the centre of the thong. This draws the eye away from your toes and creates width rather than length.
Sandals that have a strap or band across the foot to reveal your toes will draw attention to your toes. Trying sandals that have a thong style will reveal more of your foot.
Shopping tips show that an ankle tied sandal which will draw attention to your legs as well as your feet.
Loafers or slip on flat shoes are always comfortable.
Shoe shopping trends show that indian style satin slippers are extremely fashionable at the moment you can choose a few pairs in a variety of styles and maintain the flat heel.
A good shopping tip is to choose one with a genuine leather hard sole. The quality is better and they won't fall to pieces after short while either.
Mules and pumps are becoming more popular and designers are creating collections of colours and styles in these ranges.
REASONABLE PRICES WITHOUT SEARCHING ALL DAY TO COMPARE PRICES
Top online shoe stores are extremely competitive.
Behind the scenes each store will compete for certain key words that their visitors search for.
For instance if you are looking for a flip flop and go to your search engine and type in 'womens flip flops' you will see pages of listings to choose from.
Each company's listing has competed against the next to get higher up on the search engine page.
Their listings then entice you to click on their listing.
Just because you click on the top listing doesn't mean you are getting the best store for womens flip flops.
It just means that particular listing has competed better for that particular word and got to the top.
Unless you have purchased shoes online and know of a few reputable stores, its best to check out a guide or read up on what to look for.
Prices vary enormously online. The top online stores remain at the top because
they offer their customers low prices and quality products.
These stores will regularly offer sales and maintain low prices.
Again, don't expect to buy a pair of Gucci shoes for $30. You can expect to get shoes far cheaper than in the stores at the mall and a greater choice of quality designers and shoes in general.
A good shopping tip is to shop around the top online shoe stores. All have regular sales and heavily discounted lines.
HOW TO RECOGNISE POOR QUALITY
Due to the fact that online shoe stores only offer branded items, you can be assured of the quality.
A good shopping tip is to look at the shoe images on the sites you are shopping at.
They should be clear and a description and larger photo available for you to view.
Don't waste your shopping time buying shoes from sites that offer little or no choice in terms of both styles and sizes.
The store doesn't have to be the largest out there but any store should offer you a good selection to choose from.
The quality of the site itself is also a good indication on what you can expect in terms of service and value for your money.
If you find it impossible to locate the policy, terms of use or contact us page try and avoid. Its important to have clear policies.
A shopping tip to remember is the more customer service benefits you see the better your overall shopping experience will be with them.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Shopping tips are important if you want to do this in a breeze. Try to decide what you want before starting out and remember some of the things outlined above.
Payment is an extremely important factor and you should never give your credit card or personal details if you are not on a secure site or subscribing to something.
An accurate way and most important of the shopping tips is to check that the payment page is secure is to look at your browser. It takes a second.
The browser is the white box you see at the top of the web page beginning http://www.thenameofthepage.com
When you have selected your item[s] and click to checkout the browser screen should change to https://www.thenameofthepage.com/paymentorcheckout.html
Or something along those lines.
What is important is the little letter s. This means you are on a secure page to provide your payment details.
If you note these shopping tips your online shoe shopping experience will be a good one.
Regards
Shelley Costello
Womens Shoes Guru
About the author:
Shelley Costello is webmaster/author of the Womens Shoes Guru site which provides a complete guide and benefits to womens shoes.
Shelley works from her home in England with her partner and two young children.
5 Great New Fashion Trends for Women
by: Donna Monday
Here’s a quick look at some of the new trends in women’s fashion. The overall trend is chick and ladylike. Liven up your wardrobe by adding a few of these pieces.Brooches
Your great grandmother probably wore these in her day. Now brooches have made a stunning come back. The most popular brooches you’ll see are large and flowery, with that vintage look. They look great with any kind of jacket.
Camisoles
Wearing a pretty camisole under a suit jacket is very chic and adds the perfect touch of feminine glamour to your work wardrobe. You can also pair a camisole with a pair of jeans with heels for a sexy casual look.
Cropped and Fitted Jackets
Jackets and blazers are more popular than ever and go with a variety of outfits. The new fitted style shows off your curves. Fringe is also another accent popping up on boucle blazers. Lots of new color options will give you more ways to mix and match.
Faux Fur
Enjoy the luxurious look and feel of fur without harming any of our furry friends. Not only are the new faux fur coats magnificent, but you’ll find faux fur used as accents on sweaters, hats, and gloves.
Prints
Polka dots, stripes, flowers, and paisley prints are popping up on all kinds of clothing items. Prints are a great way to compliment a neutral colored top or bottom, plus they’re fun!
About the author:
Copyright 2005
Donna Monday
Find the hottest looks in plus size fashion – discounts, bargains and more!
http://www.plus-size-appeal.com
Fashion Trend Report: The New Basic is Anything But Black
by: Donna Monday
We all have it in our closets. Black – the universal color that mixes and matches with anything. Black makes us look good, while covering up figure flaws. And that’s good. Black has its place in our fashion hearts. But, now it’s time expand our wardrobe options into colorful uncharted territory.Are you ready, ladies? Here are the new color combinations that will spice up your wardrobe and get you away from reaching for black when you may be in a mood for something a little more adventurous.
Chic Color Combo: Brown and Pink
Brown is a great alternative neutral to black. A brown pair of pants or a brown skirt with a pink top is a nice feminine look that is warm and inviting.
Chic Color Combo: Navy and Orange
Navy is traditionally paired with white or red. But let’s think outside the box a bit and go for a navy suit with an orange blouse or tank top. Wear navy shoes for a traditional look, or shoes with orange accents for a little fun.
Chic Color Combo: Burgundy and Red
For a casual look that has a wow impact, pair a burgundy top with a red sweater, jacket or hoodie. Wear with jeans.
Chic Color Combo: Charcoal and Yellow
Charcoal is a dark gray color that’s a step away from black. It goes great with cool toned colors but I bet you never thought about pairing it with yellow. Try a yellow sweater or sweater set with charcoal pants or skirt.
Chic Color Combo: Chocolate Brown and Baby Blue
Baby blue is a nice, soft blue color that looks good on most people. You can wear a baby blue top under a chocolate brown blazer or sweater. Soften that brown suit with a baby blue blouse or knit top.
About the author:
Copyright 2005
Donna Monday
Find the hottest looks in plus size fashion – discounts, bargains and more!
http://www.plus-size-appeal.com
Jeans can make you look very fashionable!
by: Mike Yeager
A little over a century ago Levi Strauss invented to first modern jeans. Introduced originally as rugged, durable clothing for hard working men and women, today all social classes feel comfortable in jeans. Trends and fashion icons come and go but wearing stylish, comfortable jeans is still favored by many people. . While their charisma springs from their legendary American roots, their commercial strength rests on innovation and interpretation in the hands of jeanswear makers around the world.While the basic structure of jeans has remained the same, there have been some colorful innovations. Consider the Bell Bottoms of the 1970’s. Tight waisted and wide flaring bottoms. Yes, jeans are versatile and durable which is why they are such a hit with people. Who hasn’t enjoyed the feeling of slipping on an old comfortable pair of trusted jeans on a lazy Saturday morning? They fit well and they look great.
There are so many styles of jeans to choose from. Whether you want to mow your lawn or dress up for a business meeting, jeans just fit the bill. We’ve looked all over the web for quality jeans retailers and on this page you’ll find some great suggestions. You can order from the comfort of your home and before you know it, your new pair of jeans will be at your doorstep.
Shop for jeans, flare jeans, hipster jeans, bootleg jeans, classic cut jeans, hip hugger jeans, low rise jeans, bellbottom jeans stretch jeans, maternity jeans, carpenter jeans, straight cut jeans, ultra low rise jeans and much, much more.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Author/Publisher
http://www.a1-fashion-4u.com
Look Fashionable At The Beach!
by: Sher Matsen
It’s that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials – sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great – got the basics covered but what about the rest.
So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.
First before you leave home, if you’ve got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you’re swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you’ll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.
Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it’s unattractive, so don’t let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn’t hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.
Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you’ve got all the daily essentials in your bag – sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you’ll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it’s waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It’s important not to get dehydrated.
Okay great we’ve got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you’re planning to wear a swimsuit it’s usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you’re not chasing down change rooms. So great – first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you’ve got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that’s easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.
If you’re planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you’ll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you’re worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they’ll remain fresh.
My favorite beach look is this. And what’s perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that’s got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I’m starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I’m heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it’s versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it’s cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that’s big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that’s full of character.
Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won’t be out a lot of money and I won’t feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I’ll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you’re fussy about tan lines you’ll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.
That’s it – simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!
About the author:
© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.
About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.
Top 10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses
by: Jim Faller
As more and more people are becoming comfortable using their computers at school, home or in the office it’s only a matter of time before they encounter a computer virus. Here are our top 10 steps to protect you from computer viruses.Use a high quality anti-virus program. There are many different anti-virus computers programs on the market some of them are better than others. Look to reputable computer magazines or websites for ratings to help you find the one that matches your needs.
Always use your anti-virus software. Make sure your anti-virus software is always turned on and scanning, incoming and outgoing email messages, and any software programs you run.
Keep your antivirus programs up to date. Most programs come with a yearly subscription make sure you take advantage of the updates. More advanced programs allow you to schedule updates or full system scans for “off hours” like 2AM when you aren’t likely to be using your computer.
Keep your computer up to date. From time to time operating systems fall victim to security holes or issue updates. Make sure you check periodically to make sure you are running stable up to date versions of your software.
Backup your data regularly. Most windows computer users keep their documents in the “My documents” folder. This makes it easy to back up all of your important documents. Make weekly or monthly copies to CD or USB drives.
If you use floppy disks or USB drives on public computers like your school computer lab, Kinko’s, or even digital photo printing store make sure you scan them for viruses. Public computers are notorious for not being up to date and properly protected.
Be wary of email attachments. Treat any email attachment as potentially dangerous. Never open attachments from people you weren’t expecting. Also be careful of attachments from people you know but weren’t expecting. Many computer viruses replicate themselves by reading the contacts from an infected computer.
Use text email if possible. While HTML email is prettier and allows you more control over formatting it also can carry computer viruses. If you use text based email the only way to get a virus is by opening an attachment.
Use downloaded freeware and shareware files or software with caution. Try to download them from popular reputable sources that scan the programs before they are uploaded. To make sure you are safe scan the program before you install it on your computer.
Be wary of links in IM or instant messaging software. Don’t accept invitations from people you don’t know and never click a link from someone you don’t trust, they can easily redirect you to another website that will try to install a virus on your computer system.
© Computers.6ln.com, All Rights Reserved.
About the author:
This article was written by Jim Faller of http://computers.6ln.coma website with information about viruses, spyware, adware, backups, data recovery and computer security.
6 Handy Tips on Buying The Right Diamond
by: Kelvin Ong
1. Learn about diamondsSometimes, I just can’t help myself but to keep on emphasizing this to anyone who wants to buy a diamond online: LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT DIAMONDS! Sorry, I don’t mean to shout. But in reality, many people are still very ignorant about diamond.
Believe it a not, there are jewelers who are unable to differentiate a diamond cut from a diamond shape. Everyone is so hyped up about the carat weight and has totally forgotten about the other 3 characteristics of a diamond.
It won’t take you years or months to learn something about diamond. There are plenty of articles and information on the 4C of a diamond. Spend some useful time in the library or internet and learn about diamonds. Who knows, you may become an expert in diamonds.
2. Prioritize the 4 characteristics
There are much more about diamonds than just the 4Cs. But at the end of the day, the 4Cs are still the major factors influencing the quality and price of a diamond.
Before you start prioritizing the 4Cs, you got to know what your girl actually likes about a diamond. If she like big one, go for a diamond with big carat weight but with poorer quality in terms of color, cut or clarity. If she likes the brilliance of a diamond and doesn’t mind the size, choose one with excellent cut and clarity. Whichever the case is, prioritizing the 4Cs will give you a better idea of what diamonds will suit her taste as well as your budget.
3. Do a price research
With your list, do some price research at some of the online jewelry stores (Here are some of the top online jewelry stores). Based on your list, you should have a rough estimate of the market price of the diamond you are looking for. If the price is out of your budget, try going for a grade lower than your expectation and you may eventually find one that suits you well.
4. Do some background research on the jewelry stores
If you have been doing researching, you would have come across information on cubic zirconium diamonds. These synthetic diamonds are D-color graded, flawless and cut to perfection. In short, a CZ diamond is a ‘perfect’ diamond. It is brilliant, flawless and yet cheap. Their prices do not increase exponentially with their quality unlike diamonds.
And there are also some natural diamonds which have undergone treatments to reduce its blemishes thus enhanced its appearance. It is still a low grade diamond and dishonest dealers may try to pass it off as a good graded diamond and sell you at a higher price.
So, before you start swiping your hard-earned money away, do some research about the jeweler as well. Ask your family, relatives or friend who have purchased from the dealer. Online forum is a good place to ask around and there are plenty of sites that provide reviews on jewelry store online.
Give the jewelry store a call, talk to their staffs and decide for yourself if you are comfortable with the store.
5. Always ask for a money back guarantee
There are risks in very form of transactions, so do buying diamonds. Protect yourself and minimize any risks by making sure that the store has the complete details about their return policy. It should include information about the validity period, what to do if you wish to return your purchase and their address.
As a rule of thumb, online stores should offer you no less than 21 days return policy. In fact, most of them have a return policy of 30 days.
6. Choose jewelers who provide grading reports
Certified diamonds will come along with a grading report by reputable gemology organizations such as GIA or AGS. Some online jewelry stores certified their diamond by in-house gemologists and they may be using different grading standards from GIA or AGS, while others may not provide the grading reports. Diamonds from top online jewelry stores generally comes accompanied with a grading report.
After you have purchased your diamond, you should get it appraised again with the grading report by a trained gemologist. The grading report will be very helpful in ascertaining whether the diamond you have bought is up to the specifications shown on the report.
About the author:
Kelvin Ong is the owner of The Perfect Engagement (http://www.theperfectengagement.com/), a website that offers reviews on online jewelry stores selling engagement rings and on books about marriage proposals and diamond engagement rings. The Perfect Engagement has a growing collection of free marriage proposal ideas.
Caring for Your Jewelry
by: Lisa Jay |
| Sterling Silver & 14kt Gold: Both will tend to tarnish over time. -Store all precious metal jewelry in a zip lock bag to protect it. This does not stop the discoloration, but will drastically slow the process. -Use a polishing cloth as needed for cleaning your jewelry. Jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals: -Store all jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals in a zip lock bag to protect it. -Check the instructions on your jewelry cleaning solution prior to placing any items with stones in it to be cleaned. Some stones, such as turquoise, and freshwater pearls cannot be placed in most jewelry cleaning solutions. -Do not wear your jewelry when you are showering or washing dishes. -Use caution when wearing lotions and perfumes, for they will discolor gems such as turquoise. Pearls: Special care should be taken with pearls. They are much more fragile than most gemstones. -Use caution when using hairspray and perfumes. Let dry completely before donning your pearls. -Cleaning pearl jewelry: wipe with a clean dry soft cloth after wearing them. About the author: Lisa Jay is a freelance writer and the jewelry designer behind Lantana Designwear. You can visit her websites at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.comand www.JewelryMakingHQ.com Be sure to sign up for her newsletter at http://www.LantanaDesignwear.com/signup_newsletterto receive information on jewelry, fashion and womens issues. |
Friday, March 28, 2008
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Silk and Wool Paisley Wrap
A super-soft, lightweight, elegant piece to wrap yourself in�or curl up under; you might also use it as a throw.
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
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