Women Shopping Guide

Tips for Stress-less Holiday Shopping

2006-12-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful time. If you plan ahead and take it one step at a time, it can be enjoyable. Shopping early can be a real sanity saver. Some people even do their shopping for the next year by catching the end of the year sales and storing the gifts until the next year. Of course, this is usually easier with gifts for adults than children, as the children’s tastes and sizes change so quickly.

Get organized by making a list of all the people on your shopping list. Make notes on the list as to sizes, interests, favorite colors, and items you know are always a good gift for the person, such as things they collect. While making the list, decide on the price range you plan on spending on each person. Even if you don’t know exactly what to get for each person, this will help you narrow down the selection once you get to the store.

Decide which stores will have the best bargain. While the malls may have a wide selection of stores, it’s sometimes better to go to the out of the way places. They usually have those unique gifts that you can’t find anywhere else. Lay out your shopping trip that makes the least amount of driving, saving time and gas.

Try to go shopping during the week in daytime, if possible. Evenings and weekends are when the stores are the busiest. It will be less stressful, and safer, if you go when there are fewer people scrambling to get the “latest and greatest” gifts. Go with a friend, and make a day of it. Take your time and enjoy yourselves.

Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they do make shopping easier. It also ensures the gift is always right, as the person receiving the gift can get just what they need. They can also take advantage of the end of the year sales. Many grocery stores are even offering gift cards for other stores.

Shopping through the internet has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and is a convenient way to complete all your shopping in a short amount of time. Many on-line stores offer specials only available on-line. The sites have security measures to protect your credit information. Some have free shipping if you purchase certain minimum amount. Many have overnight shipping guaranteed, as well.

As you can see, there are many ways to stay sane during the insane holiday buying season.

Giving Gift-Giving The Personal Touch

2006-11-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you wandered through the mall, looking in frustration for that one special gift that would jump out at you and shout, "pick me?"
It's probably been a while since you actually found that one-of-a-kind special gift that seemed custom-made for the recipient, the gift you knew you had to give them, the gift they couldn't do without. The gift that wouldn't end up getting exchanged or re-gifted.

So what's the secret to finding that ultimate gift?
Making it yourself!

Here are five quick ideas that you can make yourself that will be very much appreciated and treasured by the recipient... and as an added bonus, won't cost you very much money!

1. Personalized Photo Album
Have you shared some great times with the person you're giving the gift to? Do you have any photos that commemorate the fun you've had together?
They make an excellent personalized photo album cover, to go with a blank photo album you purchase. Take the pictures of the two of you and either cut them into interesting shapes you can use as a collage, or just put one or a few on the front cover. You can use a clear sticky covering to hold them in place, or use craft glue that doubles as a glaze to protect the photos.
You can even stick a few extra photos inside the actual photo pages to get them started.

2. Dream Journal
Does your gift recipient have a big dream they've told you about? Make them a personalized dream journal to keep track of their progress and remind them of their goals.
Start with a picture that represents the dream and paste it on the front of a blank journal. Do they want to be a musician? Choose a picture of the instrument they want to play. Do they want to be a dancer? Put a picture of a ballerina or salsa dancer on the front.
Inside they can write down their goals, dreams and accomplishments, and be reminded of both their vision and you every time they see the cover.

3. Decorative Vase or Keepsake Box
If your gift recipient likes to keep flowers or knick-knacks around, make them a special vase or keepsake box.
Start with something plain that you purchase, and use craft glue to personalize it with dried flowers, pressed leaves, seashells, or something else inspiring that they might like. If you choose to give them a box, you could put another gift inside it too.

4. Window Decor
Does the gift recipient have a nice big window that they enjoy looking out - that might be made even more enjoyable with a beautiful window decoration that catches the light and creates rainbows?
You can buy one or a few small crystal prisms at the craft store that have holes in them for hanging. Use fishing line or invisible craft line to tie them, along with a few glass beads, jewels or charms, onto a suction cup so they dangle down. When they hang the window decor from the window with the suction cup, the crystal will catch the light and make rainbow patterns.

5. Paperweight
If your gift recipient has a desk where they like to work or to write, you can make them a personalized paperweight to remind them of you.
You can pick up a nice stone, or buy a decorative polished stone, and paint designs or words on it with model paint. Or you can glue shells or dried flowers onto it for the nature feel. You could even paste jewels or sequins on it if it fits the person's personality.

Whatever type of gift you choose to create, having fun is the main key, and keeping the personality and preferences of the person in mind as you unleash your creativity, so you know you're making something they'll treasure as much as you treasure them.

The Advantages of Using a Realtor to Sell Your Home

2006-11-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

There are many advantages to using a realtor to sell your home. It is very tempting to want to sell the home yourself, especially in a hot market. However there are dangers to doing it alone. Realtors train to do the best job they can to get your home sold. When you work with a realtor you can expect strict adherence to laws that govern their practice, as well as a code of ethics that must be abided by.

A good realtor can provide you with assistance with every step of the sale procedure. This can provide you with a sense of ease and confidence that the job will be properly done. They have a comprehensive knowledge of your type of home and market area. The realtor will do a thorough market evaluation of your home, when attempting to secure a price for the property. It is a known fact amongst realtors that people who attempt to sell privately invariably over price their home. This can lead to the home sitting on the market for a very long time.

Realtors develop marketing plans based on market conditions and your objectives in getting your home sold. Some strategies to maximize the exposure of your home include the MLS service (that realtors must pay for), open houses, development of flyers and feature sheets, monitoring sales in your area, advertising in newspapers and other media, showing your home and calling other agents that show your home to get a feel for what the prospective buyer thought of your home. For sellers who sell privately, buyers will not give the seller honest feedback on what they don't like about the home because they don't want to insult or criticize the sellers home. A realtor can easily get this information as agents are up front with each other. This feedback can be very helpful, as changes can be made to enhance the salability of your home if certain objections are found.

Realtors can help you enhance your homes appearance to help you get top dollar. They may bring in a stager who may have taken courses on staging themselves. This can often make up for any commission you may have to pay by getting you a better price for your home!

Realtors are experienced negotiators. They deal with this day in and day out. They can remain objective in their negotiations and most often will get you more for your home than someone selling privately. It is very hard for a private home seller to remain objective, as there is emotional attachment involved.

Realtors prescreen their buyers before even taking them out to your home to make sure they have the ability to qualify for the purchase. This saves a lot of time and unnecessary showings through your home. Sellers who sell privately can have any Tom, Dick of Harry come through your home. Do you know if they are qualified or just spending an afternoon browsing the neighborhood homes for something to do? Sometimes they can even be casing your home for a potential break-in.

Realtors have extensive knowledge of financing and legal requirements. A realtor has connections to mortgage brokers they work with that can often help put a deal together. They can check on various issues that may come up in the sale process such as zoning, easements and surveys. They can approach lawyers if any concerns are apparent. Realtors are trained in the preparation of clauses to better protect you against problems.

Even after the offer has been accepted there are things that need to be done. The realtor will make sure that proper documentation is complete. They must make sure that both parties fulfill their obligations regarding any conditions in the offer and execute any paperwork regarding removing conditions. Deposit checks must be handled properly. They are there every step of the way to answer your questions on the selling process.

In conclusion, a good realtor can be worth their weight in gold! They will often get you more for your home than you can. The commission you pay is well worth it for the services you receive. They can get you wider exposure to more buyers via the MLS system, etc. More competition can mean a better price for your home! Realtors really do earn their commission. It is hard work to sell a home, especially in a buyers market.
What is paid in commission is well worth a hassle free and secure experience.

Diamond of The Lady in Red on Sale for Over $2M

2006-10-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

A BRISBANE jeweller has bought a red diamond which he says is only one of only seven ever found in the world. One of only seven red diamonds ever discovered is again on sale, but only if the offer is over US$2 million. Named "The Lady in Red", the diamond weighs only 0.54 carats and has a clarity of only l1, meaning it has flaws visible to the naked eye. Yet, the very rarity of red diamonds makes it highly prized.
Less than 1% of diamonds are classified as pink, and the odds for a red diamond drop to one in 60 million.

The latest buyer of The Lady in Red is jeweller Cameron Robinson of Brisbane, Australia, who recently bought the diamond for an undisclosed amount. He bought the diamond in the invitation-only 2006 Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, one of 65 stones being sold.

The Lady in Red, mined in Australia’s Kimberly region in the west, "started out as a 1.46 carat crystal that was cut back to a 54 point rough diamond", says Cameron. The brilliant cut (round) diamond is only 5.13mm in diameter but its color more than makes up for its small size, he says.
"This is a very rare and unique diamond," he said. "It’s one of only seven ever found world wide and is exquisite, like a full-bodied red wine."
Accompanied by an “escort” of armed guards, the red stone will be displayed in the window of Bruce Robinson jewellers in the inner Brisbane suburb of New Farm.

Sales of red diamonds are rare - the last such sale was 20 years ago, and the price was $980,000 per carat.
Yet, Mr Robinson says he might part with it, for the right price. Cameron said he was prepared to look at offers over $US2 million (A$2.6 million) and has had three offers already "over seven figures".

"It’s not necessarily for sale but I am a bit of a (gemstone) tart and I have grown fond of this diamond. And at the end of the day, I am a jeweller still and all reasonable and serious offers will be considered."
“We only talk US (dollars) when you get into this sort of material because diamonds in essence are an international currency. The Argyle tender is in US dollars for this reason.”

Reacting to a suggestion that perhaps a red cubic zirconium costing a few hundred dollars might be passed off as a red diamond to a would-be red diamond owner, Cameron says the zirconium wouldn’t have the "bling".
"There is a case that could be built for the lustre of the diamond. The only thing in the world that has this adamantine lustre is the diamond."
Its inclusions would also mark it out as the genuine article, unlike the cz which was manufactured flawless.

Mexico's Hidden Jewels

2006-09-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Thinking of a vacation to Mexico but want to go somewhere different off the beaten path? Here are some ideas for destinations in Mexico that will take you beyond Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Isla Mujeres, located only eight miles across the bay from Cancun, is a tiny island only five miles long and about a half mile wide. Translated, Isla Mujeres means the "Island of Women". No, it is not a hidden commune filled with females but it is a charming and tranquil fishing village. It has shops, restaurants and about a dozen or so small hotels where you can rest your head.

With a downtown area consisting of only four or five blocks, this makes Isla Mujeres everything that the big tourist areas in Mexico are not. Surrounded by white sand beaches on all sides, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water toys can be rented on the beach and fishing, sailing and even swimming with dolphins is available here. Isla Mujeres has something for every one of all ages and is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Mexico.

Another great Mexico vacation spot that is often overlooked is Cabo San Lucas. Its location at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, gives it an ideal climate of about 78 degrees year round. Once a tranquil fishing village, Cabo has evolved into a wonderful spot for vacationers but remains small and charming. Small however does not mean boring, there are many things to do in Cabo.

Deserted beaches, on both the Pacific coast and along the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez, make Cabo San Lucas an awesome beach vacation. If you enjoy water sports, boating, marlin fishing, horseback riding and golf, you will enjoy Cabo. Golf has become very popular in the area and there are five championship golf courses already here and more on the way.

Cabo San Lucas is a perfect vacation spot for those looking for something different. It can be quiet and relaxing for a romantic getaway or it can be a place where you will keep going till you drop with the whole family.

Another one of Mexico's jewels is Tulum. You will find Tulum about an hours drive south of Playa Del Carmen on the Mayan Coast. Tulum is best known for its Mayan ruins. Small but impressive, the ruins are perched high on top of limestone cliffs that offer a breathtaking view below of the sparkling Caribbean and a romantic coastline.

The little town of Tulum is slowly expanding and there are several very good local restaurants and a few on the beach in the smattering of hotels in the area. Accommodations range from five star boutique hotels to rustic cabanas.

Tulum offers the perfect mixture of tranquility, relaxation and seclusion but still gives you the option of exciting nearby attractions. Day trips in the area are always a good choice and the Eco-tourism experiences are limitless.

It is a much slower paced vacation and a combination of 3-4 days in Playa Del Carmen and 2-3 days in Tulum is a great way to combine the best of both worlds in these treasured spots.

Interactive Mapping of Fitness Related Topics

2006-09-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

MapMuse.com has recently introduced interactive mapping of several fitness and health related topics, including nationwide mapping of various social exercise clubs, gyms, Weight Watchers meetings, and vegetarian topics.
The idea is for the public to build upon what have started by adding information about their favorite exercise groups, meetings, clubs, gyms and places to eat to the maps. The following information can be provided for each place- the name, descriptive text, a photo, contact information, and a link to a website.

Through this kind of community effort, they hope to have the most comprehensive, and descriptive maps for the public to locate fitness related places at home and on their travels. There is an ADD and EDIT feature on the site (you can refer to http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/mmFAQ.htm#A4 if you have questions about making changes). Once a visitor suggests a change, it is reviewed for appropriateness and then posted within a few hours. If you own or operate a club, gym, or restaurant, this service constitutes free advertising for your business.

If you find our maps useful, you could pass the word on to like-minded friends. And if you have a fitness related website, blog or newsletter, a mention or a link would be greatly appreciated.

Understanding Your Home Theater Sound System

2006-09-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Your big screen TV is the central part of your home theater, after all if you have a great big picture what more could you need, right?
Actually, the sound system is just as important and when you've spent a bundle on the video portion of your home theater it only makes sense to know a bit about the audio so you can get great sound to match.

The two basic parts of your audio system consist of a receiver and speakers. If this sounds like your stereo setup, that's because it is with the exception that your home theater sound system receiver can support more channels thus handling more speakers.

When you are watching a movie or sports event, you want the sound to match the quality of the picture. This is why most speaker systems that are built into the TV are not sufficient -you want the sound to be all around you and be free from electronic "noise". If you want to turn up the volume and not hear any static, you'll need a high powered receiver. A good home theater system should have at least 30 watts per channel - but the more the better if you want top quality sound.

You also want your receiver to have many different types of ports to support everything you want to plug into them. At the least, you will want ports for the speakers, S-Video and High Definition Multimedia Interface ports.
You can really go hog wild with the speakers that you buy for your home theater. Some setups have 7 channels that can support multiple speakers! While you don't have to have that many to get good home theater sound, you do need to have at least 3 speakers.

Most good home systems would have 5 speakers - a center channel speaker and 2 front channel speakers (one left and one right) and 2 surround sound speakers. In some cases a sub woofer would be added as a 6th speaker to enhance the low bass that makes those action packed movies so realistic.

The front channel speakers placed on the left and right are where you hear the sound effects and background sound. The center speaker will carry most of the dialog. Of course, the sounds are not distributed in such a cut and dried manner, but for the most part this is where the particular audio pieces of any movie will come from.

The surround speakers are what give you surround sound. They usually sit behind or to the side of the audience so when you are designing your home theater room, be sure to take this into consideration. In fact, you want to be sure all your speakers are placed in a manner so that every seat in the house benefits from the placement of the speakers.

What To Know About Choosing A Hunting Knife

2006-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

When you are planning to invest in a hunting knife, there are several factors you need to consider. First, you have to think about what kind of hunting you do. Do you go after big game? Are you a "trophy hunter" (meaning you hunt only for the trophy/show aspect) or do you hunt for meat? How large an animal do you plan on using the knife on? How small an animal will you use the knife on? Do you plan to hunt for fur or to retain the animal skin for display?

Each of these answers will determine what kind of hunting knife you should consider.
Now that you're clearer on what you'll be using the knife for, it's time to start narrowing down your options to find the right knife for you.

Knives come in basically two styles: fixed or folding. The fixed knife, as it sounds, is a knife that is permanently in the fixed position. These kinds of blades require a sheath in order to be handled and carried safely. The second type of knife, folding, refers to a blade that folds away when not in use. This kind of knife does not require a sheath and can be transported in your pocket (folded up, of course). It locks closed by a lock and pivot mechanism which keeps the blade in place when not in use. Be careful when folding the knife to close it; sometimes these can rebound and cut your palm or fingertips.

Fixed knives are generally going to be sturdier than folding knives. This is because, on fixed knives, the blade usually runs up into the handle, making the fixed knife stronger. On folding knives, the blade may simply be attached at the handle, creating a tension point for breakage if the knife is used with excessive force.

Once you've decided on the fixed or folding style, your next major decision is around the type of blade. There are three main types of hunting knife blades: the skinning blade, the clip point, and the drop point blade.

Let's look at each of these in more detail.

The skinning blade is used primarily to remove the skin from big game animals. The skinning blade is at its best when used in a wide sweeping motion to remove flesh from skin. It can save a great deal of time when butchering hunted game. Skinning knives, in general, are able to perform many of the same game cleaning tasks as their cousins, the clip point and drop point blades.

Clip point blades tend to be flatter and more multipurpose than drop point blades. Clip point blades are good for those who hunt only occasionally, or who wish to use the knife for other purposes outside of hunting. Clip point knives will perform the same actions as the drop point, only less efficiently.

Drop point knives are the best for big game hunting. They have a wide, curved blade of thick steel. They, too, can be used to separate flesh from skin, but also can be used to gut and split game; though these tasks may be best handled by a saw or hatchet, especially if you will be doing a lot of game cleaning and gutting.

In general, you want to look for a hard blade (stainless steel for example) and note that serrated blades will cut more deeply and more easily than non-serrated ones. The best choice may be a partially serrated one, so you have more options. Blades which are coated in titanium nitride will be easier to sharpen than blades which are not.

Blade manufacturers rate their blades on the Rockwell C scale, which is a measure of the blade's ideal hardness. A low C scale rating means the blade is too soft, and may flex or bend with use. A very high C scale rating means the blade may be too stiff and will break under heavy pressure or robust twisting. A C scale rating in about the mid-fifties will be ideal for most hunting applications.

Remember, no matter what kind of blade you get, you need to keep it sharp. Consider adding a sharpening tool or whetstone to your hunting equipment supplies.

Finally, the third thing to consider when buying a knife is the handle. While knife handles have traditionally been made of wood, bone, or leather, some of the newer knives are made of rubber or a composite material. Traditionalists will always favor the "usual" knife handles, the rubber and composite handles are worth examining. They can provide greater grip and better hand traction when the blade gets bloody or wet. This greater grip can mean the difference between a successful hunting trip and one that ends up in the hospital. The rubber or composite grips may also be easier to clean, as they will be less porous than either wood or leather.

Once you have determined whether you need a fixed or folding knife, a skinning blade, drop chip, or clip point blade, and a rubber, bone, or wood handle, your knife buying choice is almost made.

Choosing the right knife for your purposes will make hunting and game cleaning easier and more efficient, something every hunter can appreciate.

Starting A Collection Of Collectible Figurines

2006-09-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

The hobby of collecting things has been a favorite pas-time in the hearts and minds of people all over the world for generations. Today this hobby has grown to become a valuable enterprise. Collectible figurines are a reflection of who we are, of who we were and also, and most importantly, of what we love. Not only do collectible figurines increase in monetary value through time, but you will find that their intrinsic value is absolutely priceless.

To start a collection of collectible figurines doesn't have to take a lot of time nor a lot of money. All you necessarily need is a lot of passion. You might even discover that you have already started a collection by the items you have around your house-after all, it only takes three items of something to be considered a collection.

Many people express their love for animals by collecting animal figurines; others show off their heritage by collecting China dolls, Indian dolls, or heritage figurines; while still others capture the scenic beauty of the New England coast by collecting lighthouse models and figurines. The possibilities of collecting collectible figurines are endless.

But what are some of the things that one should consider when buying a collectible figurine. Well one thing you might look into is who is the artist or the manufacturer. Some well known artists are, Llardo, Hummel, Disney, Precious Moments, Royal Dalton, and Norman Rockwell figurines.

Watch out for copycats though. They are manufacturers that claim they offer true figurines produced by famous artists, but in fact, are offering only replicas of the originals. Look for a signature label or be sure they offer a letter of authenticity.

Another thing to look into is the materials they are made of. The most common materials that are used when making a figurine is as follow:

Crystal - a crystal figurine is made of a high quality of glass, produced with lead oxide which creates light reflections. All pieces are delicate and need to be handled with special care.

Spun-Glass - A spun-glass figurine has the same colorful reflections and charm as crystal but is a little less expensive for those whose budgets might not be able to afford crystal.

Pewter - pewter figurines are made of treasured alloy favored by the world's for most artists. It is ranked as the forth most precious metal in the world, following platinum, silver, and gold.

Porcelain - all porcelain figurines found are crafted with an incredible attention to detail and hand-painted delicately to achieve a truly life-like appearance.

There are many other materials that make up figurines but the ones listed above are the worlds most popular and treasured ones.

Although there are many factors to consider when starting a collection the three most important ones are the price range of a figurine. Whether you choose to invest in rare or vintage figurines as a serious collector or just purchase a few in expensive sentimental ones. The artist and/or company who produce the figurines and watching out for copycat figurines and the materials they are made of.

The hobby of collecting figurines can entertain you and warm your heart for years to come as well as leaving a charming and unique heritage for your loved ones once you’re gone.

Celtic Jewelry - A Historic Perspective

2006-08-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Celtic jewelry is becoming more and more popular these days, but many are not entirely sure what it is. So what exactly is Celtic Jewelry and why is it so popular?
The Celts were a people who lived some 2 thousand years ago across much of what we now know as Europe. They were artistic people who delighted in their abilities with such materials as metal, particularly the precious metals.
The Celts saw art in everything and loved to adorn even simple everyday items with various designs rich in their own symbolism.

Modern Celtic Jewelry is also rich in this symbolism, and often it's meaning is the subject of debate and speculation. Notwithstanding the modern development of Celtic Jewelry has continued the Celtic tradition into the twenty first century for us.
Celtic Jewelry carries on the Celtic tradition of richness of design. It is nothing if not striking jewelry. There is a wide range of Celtic Jewelry designs which are very popular, all drawing their origins from the mists of time.

Celtic knotwork is extremely popular in Celtic jewelry. It is intricately ornamental and very striking when used in jewelry, although this is certainly not the only place where the Celtic knot can be found. Intricate interwoven ribbons form beautiful patterns that are ideally suited to jewelry.
These interwoven ribbons can be used in wedding rings where they have a special significance. The wedding rings have two interwoven ribbons which are said to signify the intertwined lives of the two who are together. And the two ribbons terminate with Creyr, meaning creator in Welsh, who was the Celtic creator of new life, or babies.
Probably most well known amongst the various forms of Celtic jewelry is the Claddagh ring. This ring originates from the village of Claddagh in Ireland, from which it draws it's name, and is a friendship ring.

The Claddagh ring has a very specific design and is most unusual and striking. It features two hands holding a heart which is itself surmounted by a crown. It is said that the ring symbolizes friendship in the hands, love in the heart and loyalty in the crown. These are said to be the bases of a successful marriage.
Like most Celtic symbols, it is not entirely clear how the ring originated, and there are various stories which explain its origin. Whatever its origin, it is now a very popular piece of jewelry.
As a result of the Irish famine in 1847 many Irish people emigrated to the US bringing with them their culture and traditions. As Celtic jewelry is highly popular and well known in Ireland it is not surprising that its popularity has now developed in the US as well.

Celtic jewelry is some of the most traditional jewelry available, yet still some of the most modern and fashionable. It is highly ornate, often imposing, and very popular. Although not necessarily for the faint hearted, if you are looking for a new jewelry style with flair you would be well advised to have a look at Celtic jewelry before making your choice.

Having Fun With Your Cellphone

2006-07-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

We’ve come a long way from the days when phones were a luxury item viewed with suspicion by the masses and used mainly to report bad news. Today, cellphones are a fashion accessory and used for entertainment, recreation and to impart good news - or none at all, but simply to say "hi". Everything about the phone has changed - its size, shape and colour too. It’s appropriate then that the dial tone can be changed to play your favorite tune. Simply log on to the appropriate website and click on your choice.

But more than that, cellphones also perform a variety of other functions. Not only can you take photos with them, but the results are visible immediately. You can even download them to your computer. You can download wallpaper and screensavers, listen to your favorite music, find out the date and time, use it to make shopping lists and reminders, and use it as a PC... Dick Tracey, eat your heart out!

While the younger generation has accepted the invention of the cellphone, older people who have trouble adjusting to new inventions may take a while coming to terms with the necessity for its use. After all, haven’t they survived most of their lives without one? Perhaps, but at what cost? What about when dear Uncle John died and you didn’t even know until after you’d sent that letter inviting him to stay for a while? What about the last time your car broke down and you had to walk several kilometers in the heat or rain to find a phone?

Now, you can remain in the safety and air-conditioned comfort of your car and get help – or conduct business. And cellphones are becoming even more sophisticated. Some phones are now about the size of a credit card. Soon they’ll be able to perform the same functions, no doubt. Already the latest word in smart cellphones, Samsung won the GSM award for best Mobile Handset in 2005. Its model SGH-D500 has video recording with 60mg of storage space, an MP3 player, camera with flash as well as 64 ring tones to mention just a few features. And it is still small. You want smaller? The latest model is only as big as an ear-piece.

But the ultimate in women’s cellphones (and women gadgets) is the natty little hot pink and silver, clam-shaped beauty that is scented, comes with a calorie counter, lets you know when you are ovulating, chooses the perfume best suited to you and gives you a height/weight ratio, as well as all the other features. Yes, with today’s cell phone you can conduct business, have heaps of fun and hold the whole world in your hand.

No Pussycat Dolls Toy

2006-05-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hasbro has canceled plans to produce a line of fashion dolls modeled on the pop act the Pussycat Dolls after parents objected to the group's racy image. As announced yesterday, about a month after Hasbro announced the line as part of a deal with Interscope Records, the label that released the debut CD of the Pussycat Dolls.
Hasbro, Inc., famous for such innocuous toys as My Little Pony figurines, isn't saying much. In a statement, the Rhode Island company said the older age group targeted by the recording group meant that making a doll line was "inappropriate."

Hasbro saw the Dolls series as a line that would fit in with — and compete against — the Bratz fashion dolls from MGA Entertainment. But an advocacy group, Dads and Daughters, recently mounted a letter-writing campaign pressing the company to shelve the Dolls line.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and Dads and Daughters mounted letter writing campaigns that resulted in about 2,000 letters and e-mail messages to Hasbro from shocked parents, The New York Daily News reported Thursday.
'Parents were instantly upset about it,' Josh Golin of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood told the Daily News. "They`re scantily clad. Their lyrics are sexual," he said.

Hasbro confirmed they will not be manufacturing the dolls, after having received over 2,000 letters of complaint. The more respectable Spice Girls and Girls Aloud dolls obviously set a much better example.

Bathed In The Elements Of Natural High

2006-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

So when is the last time you can say you really felt good all over? Think back to the last time you took a nice long, hot bath with your favorite bath goodies and a beautiful scented candle.
I'm sure many will agree with me when I say that there is no other feeling in the world that matches the one associated with drowning your worries away in a nice scented bath filled with the elements of nature. It has been proven over the years that certain scents trigger areas of our brain that make us feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Did you know that certain natural essential oils are said to provide mood enhancing properties? Take for instance, Bergamot with it's sweet yet spicy scent is said to be somewhat of an antidepressant while the sweet and citrusy notes of Grapefruit can uplift the spirit making it more of a stimulant.

One of my favorites, essential Lavender oil has been used for many years for it's calming and sedative properties.
Some people may or may not believe in the powers of aromatherapy and I suppose it is a matter of opinion, but, after a trying day at work, give me a lavender scented candle and some soothing bath oil any day as opposed to any over-the-counter or prescription medication to calm my tired nerves.

Contributed by Sharla Harding, the founder and creative director of Luxury Home Elements, makers of exquisite hand-poured candles and luxurious and unique bath and body products made with exotic oils and butters. These products and more can be found at www.luxuryhomeelements.com

Stilton Perfume Of Cheesemakers

2006-05-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Some say Britain's pungent blue-veined Stilton cheese smells of old socks. But its fans have turned the rare odor into a perfume.
The Stilton Cheese Makers Association commissioned an aromatics firm to create Eau de Stilton, described on the association's Web site as featuring a "symphony of natural base notes including Yarrow, Angelica seed, Clary Sage and Valerian."

"Blue Stilton cheese has a very distinctive mellow aroma and our perfumier was able to capture the key essence of that scent and recreate it in an unusual but highly wearable perfume," said an association spokesman.

The perfume will be available from www.stiltoncheese.com

Via

Shopping With Designer Norma Kamali

2006-05-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

"I really had no intention of getting involved in fashion. I wanted to be a painter, but my mother kept informing me on a daily basis that that would not pay the rent, and she threatened to put a lock on the refrigerator if I didn't get it together with a real career and start contributing to the house."
So said Norma Kamali when we met up with the striking 60-year-old designer - all angular cheekbones, sharp red bob and Garbo-esque shades - at her sunny loft like showroom in midtown Manhattan last month to do a little shopping and get the lowdown on her celebrated thirty-year career, for which she won a CFDA Board of Director's Special Tribute Award last June, given to acknowledge significant contributions and commitment to fashion.

Significant contribution may actually be a slight understatement in Kamali's case. All we can say is: Thank you, Mama Kamali, for "forcing" your daughter to go into fashion. Because without her, the world would be devoid of sleeping bag coats, stylish workout wear, parachute pants, 4-in-1 dresses, ingeniously cut swimsuits and all the other (now standard) clothing innovations that Kamali was personally responsible for introducing into the 20th century fashion lexicon. Not bad for someone who graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion illustration and spent her early post-college years working a computer job in the airline industry.

"I think all designers have an antenna about what's next," said Kamali with characteristic modesty of her groundbreaking ways, as she gestured to an imaginary antenna on her head. "I don't think it's a special talent that just I have. People who are in fashion - and designers in particular - just pick up the energy and electricity of what people are feeling, and it becomes so much a part of who you are as a designer. Many times [different] designers all come out with the same thing at the same time. That's not an accident; it's a real kind of energy - and everybody's feeling it and expressing it in their own way."

"I used to collect everything and had a lot of things for the home because I had a home store, but when I turned 50 I stopped collecting," she said while navigating her way through pages of, errr, home things. "I felt like I had collected all this stuff - I had things in warehouses I never even saw - and that all this stuff was holding me back. My possessions were possessing me."
One life-confirming trip to India and a Christie's auction later, Kamali was blessedly stuff-free. Thankfully, we were there to change all that.
"Simplicity for me is really important," she said while showing us the $39 five-piece Fiestaware place setting she had chosen in sunny yellow.
"If you look at your daily routine, there's only a certain amount of space in your apartment that you can use and room that you need and things that you need," she added. "If you have things but stop using them, I think it's time give them to someone else to use and enjoy. If you let go, so much more comes to you."

At that moment, what was coming to her was a puffy sky blue comforter ($19) and (click, click) - "What is this? Save 30 percent on a microfiber blanket?" - a sublimely plush reversible blanket (on sale for $19) that was turquoise on one side and grass green on the other.
"We're not finished yet. Yellow beach towels, $5 each. Bling! $100 exactly, madam," Kamali said, her voice ringing with triumphant glee. "Not bad, right?"
Not bad at all. Someone who didn't know any better might even call it lucky.

By Lauren David Peden Via Fashion Wire Daily

Retail Makeover From Sephora To JC Penney

2006-04-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

JC Penney has teamed up with Sephora for a "store-within-store" initiative in an attempt to reach a younger, trendier target of women, that will be implemented as early as this fall.
Additionally, Sephora will sell its beauty, body, and fragrance products for JC Penney's Internet customers with a direct link between the two company's websites.

The department store will feature a Sephora store in the center of its retail space that will showcase the signature Sephora look in terms of layout and theme. The in-store store will even come complete with Sephora-trained staffers to tend to customer's beauty needs.

Sephora, which carries over 150 brands including Chanel, Vincent Longo, and Bliss, will now serve as the exclusive beauty provider for JC Penney, which currently lacks a beauty department.
Fall 2006 will mark the birth of this project with only handful of stores, followed by all JC Penney stores that will open in 2007.

Bausch & Lomb Asks Stores to Pull Product

2006-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

ReNu with MoistureLoc was being pulled from U.S. store shelves at the request of Bausch & Lomb amid concern the contact lens solution may be linked to a fungal eye infection that can cause blindness.They also began placing advertisements in newspapers Friday suggesting consumers use another lens care solution for the time being. The ads feature a letter from Chairman and Chief Executive Ron Zarrella.
"We find ourselves in a position where the safety of one of our products, Renu with MoistureLoc manufactured at our United States plant, is in question," the letter said. The action did not apply to other Bausch & Lomb products or ReNu with MoistureLoc made outside the United States.

The company stopped shipments of MoistureLoc in the United States on Monday when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was scrutinizing 109 reports of Fusarium keratitis infections in patients in 17 states over the last 10 months. Without eye-drop treatment the infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. Symptoms can include blurry vision, pain or redness, excessive discharge and increased sensitivity to light.
Federal health officials have made no direct link between MoistureLoc and the infections, but a high incidence of affected patients interviewed had used the cleaner.
Inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration remained at Bausch & Lomb's factory in Greenville, S.C., Friday, an FDA spokeswoman said. The inspectors have been scouring the plant for about three weeks and have so far found no evidence of contamination, Zarrella said.

MoistureLoc hit stores in late 2004 and generated $45 million in U.S. sales last year — a small portion of Bausch & Lomb's more than $2 billion in annual revenues. The company also makes contact lenses, ophthalmic drugs and vision-correction surgical instruments.
More than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, and analysts estimate that nearly 10 million of them use Bausch & Lomb lens care solutions.

Digital Camera Rocket in Canada

2006-02-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

Based on data released by the Canadian Imaging Trade Association (CITA), Canada’s switchover from filmbased picture-taking to digital picture-taking is close to being complete.
What we have seen is digital camera prices declining while their capabilities and performance have increased, delivering picture quality that is all but indistinguishable from a photographic print.
What was slow to launch but now picking up speed is having prints made from these digital pictures, not just storing them on a computer.
Increasingly, digital camera users are returning to stores to have photo-quality prints made from their electronic images, or are using retailers’ do-it-yourself kiosks or online print-making services. Regardless of the method used, the results are the same: the number of prints made at retail from electronic images is increasing.

Cameras
CITA is forecasting a slight growth in digital camera sales in 2006, but an overall unit sales decline for all cameras of 2 percent, simply because of the further erosion in film camera demand.

Consumer Film
Because of improvements in film design, films with higher speeds – ISO 400 and 800 – continue to be the films of choice for consumers. They deliver greater versatility, being able to shoot under a variety of conditions while delivering excellent quality results. As predicted, ISO 400- and 800-speed films accounted for approximately 64 percent of sales in 2005 compared to 63 percent in 2004 and 58 percent in 2003. The expectation is that this growth will level out and hold at 2005 levels.

Single-Use Cameras
Single-use cameras are inexpensive, available everywhere, take good quality pictures, and are a handy substitute when you have forgotten or don’t want to risk your main camera. They take good quality pictures, remarkable for a product that is completely recyclable when the entire camera is returned for photofinishing.
A continued decline is projected in 2006 with total single-use camera sales expected to be 5.2 million units, down slightly less than 11 percent.

Professional Film
The rate of decline is expected to begin to level out in 2006 with professional colour reversal film unit sales forecast to decline 40 percent and professional colour negative film unit sales forecast to decline 43 percent.

Colour Roll Paper
In 2006 the rate of decline is expected to moderate as consumers print more digitally-captured images. Colour paper is therefore forecast to decline about 17 percent overall to 30,000,000 square meters – 6 inch or narrower will decline 17 percent and 8 inch or larger will decline less than 20 percent.

Binoculars and Spotting Scopes
For the third year in a row, full size binoculars – 10X and higher – enjoyed double digit growth. In 2005, unit sales of this category increased by 64 percent compared to 2004, continuing the consumer trend towards full size binoculars with more powerful magnification.
Spotting scope sales in 2005 were again relatively stable at approximately 11,500 units, representing a slight decrease of 2 percent compared to the previous year.

Spy Gadgets To Defend Your Home

2006-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

Many people think that spy gadgets are good only for amateurs, wannabes, and intelligence professionals. The truth, though, is that spy gadgets are extremely useful for the everyday Joe or Jane. This is because these items, also called surveillance equipment, can be very useful in helping you defend your home, family, and property. There is no reason to poo-poo these gadgets. In fact, if you have a security system of some sort, you already use spy gadgets to help protect your home.

The spy gadgets most in use by average consumers are home surveillance related items. These are things like cameras and listening devices that help you keep tabs on what is happening inside and outside of your home. These gadgets are not the same as having a monitored security system where someone else keeps tabs on your home. These pieces of equipment are part of a system that you control and that you use to personally ensure the safety of your home.

Cameras are among the most useful of the spy gadgets. They can be placed outside or inside the home, and come in a variety of styles. For instance, there are hidden nanny cams that look like regular household objects but that are, in fact, recording what the babysitter does with the kids when you are away. Outdoor cameras can help you identify vandals and would-be prowlers.

Listening devices, however, also have their place. Often, just a silent picture lacks context. With spy gadgets in the form of listening devices, it is possible for you to have sound with the picture. Additionally, if for some reason the visual is blocked, a sound can give you information. Just like the hidden cameras, many listening devices also come disguised as ordinary objects. Others are guarded when they think someone is listening or watching. Disguised objects helps you see who the person really is, since she or he will not realize that someone is paying close attention.

With the right spy gadgets you can protect your family, your home, and your property. All you need to do is install a surveillance system that you operate, and you can protect the things and people most precious to you with the help of spy gadgets.

Articles by Kingston Amadan, to learn more about Spy and Surveillance Products visit http://www.spyassociates.com and his other related articles at http://spyassociates.blogspot.com/

Zeno Acne Treatment Clearing Device - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

2006-01-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Zeno Acne Treatment Clearing Device - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE - Antiaging Cosmetics - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

2006-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE - Antiaging Cosmetics - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

2006-01-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment - Beauty Make Up Shopping Guide

Dress up iPod shuffle with POPTUNE - Women Gadgets Products Guide

2006-01-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Dress up iPod shuffle with POPTUNE - Women Gadgets Products Guide

Amethyst, Kyanite and Coin Pearl Necklace - Women Fashion Shopping Guide

2006-01-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Amethyst, Kyanite and Coin Pearl Necklace - Women Fashion Shopping Guide

TDK SP-XA60 Multimedia Speaker - Women Gadgets Products Guide

2006-01-14T03:52:00.000-08:00

TDK SP-XA60 Multimedia Speaker - Women Gadgets Products Guide