Savvy Shopper

Product comparison website

2008-03-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

We have a great new shopping comparison website to share with our readers. Mpire's front page says that they are "all the best shopping sites rolled into one" including eBay, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Overstock.com, NewEgg, Circuit City, and many more. After looking around on the site for a little while, we have to agree.

The navigation at first returned too many results, and not always exactly the ones I was looking for, but after checking the site's organization, which is really pretty straightforward, I was able to return some really great results.

Checking for some of my favorite kitchen finds, I found a Nordic Ware universal see through cover. And when I clicked through on the "best price" link, which was listed at $23.95, I found that the listed merchant, Chefs Corner, actually sells the lid for only $15.00. So if you visit the site, definitely visit the products you are interested in even if you want them for less.

Even so, you may think $15 is a lot for a lid. However, I have found that our similar lid has been a great help in the kitchen, because I can easily cover pans from 8" to 12" ... just grabbing one lid is handy, so you don't have to keep a dozen of them accessible. Also, if you lose one, or have pans that didn't come with lids, this one fits the bill. I love the see-through lids so that I can keep a close watch on more delicate foods that need special care not to overcook. All things considered, this product is a money, time, and space saver that also helps me prepare better meals, and as such it's a very worthwhile purchase and a good value, even at retail.

Unfortunately, there were no current eBay auctions for this item, but a great feature of the shopping website is that you can click on a tab and view eBay listings for whatever you searched for, along with retail offers.

Another feature of this site I really like was the ability to search in so many ways. You can search for a keyword, by price range, brand, store, and other criteria, depending on what category you are searching. I really love the overall organization. I stayed to look at kitchen items, selected cookware, for types of cookware I chose casseroles, and then further narrowed the search by material and selected ceramic. I got 14 pages of results for ceramic casserole dishes, which I could sort by popularity, price, or even the store I wanted to buy them from.

Speaking of ceramic dishes, I really like stoneware/ceramic/terra cotta pans for the oven, because I don't have to worry about anything affecting the food, they distribute heat evenly, and they are easy to clean. They last forever (if you don't drop them!) and are usually attractive enough to cook and serve in the same dish, allowing for easier cleanup (and retaining the heat at table better). On this website, I found many very nice baking and roasting pans for more than 50% off. Roasting pans with lids, especially deep lids, sometimes do double duty, if the lid is designed to function as a shallow pan on its own. I have one I really love that is a deep bowl-shaped casserole, and the lid can also be used as a pie plate. It's pretty enough to be a covered serving dish as well, so it gives me 3 different uses in one, which makes it a great value.

These are some of my favorite kitchen products, and I am happy to say this this website does a great job of helping me find these as well as products in just about any category imaginable. We can definitely recommend this site to savvy shoppers!

Fashion Jewelry & Accessories - Great prices!

2008-03-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

I love to bring unique products to my readers -- those are my favorite posts, although I like to save you money too! So when I can do both at the same time, it's really a pleasure to feature products like these on my blog.

I found site that offers really cutting-edge fashion jewelry for great prices. These would make great gifts, or can complement your own look ... at these prices you can buy a variety to accent your style.

I especially loved these thread earrings. The round ones remind me of conchos, and would be PERFECT for anyone who likes western wear, while the tear-drop shaped ones look like peacock feathers, but peacocks were never arrayed in such a rainbow of various colors! These are large enough to make a statement, but the airy open weave makes them light. Being woven of thread gives the designer opportunity to make them in any color, and it also makes them perfect to accent casual wear, such as blue jeans. At the same time, the intricacy lends them to dressy wear, so these are super-versatile, which makes them all the better a value. If you're like me (I really enjoy making things myself!) you might be tempted to try to copy the designs, but I have to be honest with you, the low cost of these earrings would definitely discourage me from trying. I'd be a lot better off to spend those hours earning more money, and just buying extra pairs and still having more $$ to show for it, along with more color choices, in the end.

The variety of headbands offered on this site was fantastic too. Some of the skinny headbands caught my eye, but my hair is too thick to wear these. I loved the designs though! The silk scarf headbands were really intriguing too. I wish the site had pictures of them being worn in the different ways they describe (with hair in a ponytail or down) but I think I can visualize how the piece goes on. It's a clever idea. And if you love retro, these retro headband designs are a MUST-have! The fashion headbands are probably some of the best choices for overall wardrobe use, with the classic plaids and solid colors, and are some of the more affordable choices.

The prices are already reasonable, and some pieces are an especially outstanding value, but there are other ways to save money on this jewelry. You can buy wholesale fashion jewelry from the site, or sign up for coupons at the bottom of their page. You can also host a jewelry party and earn money, or even a virtual jewelry party among your email friends. However you like to shop and save, this site has lots of options!

I know there are a lot of pictures here, but I just wanted to show two more of my favorites from the site!

Clearance savings!

2008-02-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

We wanted to share a great discovery of this year's discounts with our readers. Fewer and fewer stores have good clearance discounts at the end of the year, but Kohl's is one that still does, and we LOVE the prices!

Kohl's has good quality brands to begin with, and can be a little pricey to start. But their end-of-year discounts are mostly in the 70% to 90% off range, making many of the clothes ridiculously inexpensive. You can buy very nice quality t-shirts, sweaters, skirts, slacks, and much more for less than you would expect for low-end merchandise at a discount store.

Right now is the time to take stock of your wardrobe, go in with an open mind, and especially consider things you will need throughout the year. It's a good time to stock up on t-shirts or other things you may wear often.

We purchased a number of very nice quality men's t-shirts for about $2 each, and a pair of Docker's slacks for $3.50. I also bought some blouses I absolutely loved for $2 to $6 each. My favorite was a long, thick, thirsty terry robe that is SOOOOO soft and warm for $9.

Other departments have similar sales as well. I now have that set of flannel sheets I've always wanted and I can now say that a high-quality set of flannel sheets are very welcoming, soft, and warm. I don't know when I've ever slept so comfortably. I also purchased new washcloths for my home, again very high quality with well-sewn edges and trimmed in alternating colors for less than I paid for the lowest-priced quantity package of "cheapie" ones at Wal-Mart. The Wal-mart cloths and all my old washcloths are now in the "cleaning rag" stack in the linen closet while the Kohl's cloths are pampering us in style.

And Kohl's also has a variety of incentives for extra savings. We don't do this often, because it's not a good idea from a personal finance standpoint to have too many credit cards, but this time we took advantage of the 10% savings as a reward for applying. By the way, Kohl's gives the 10% discount even if you fail to qualify for a card. I purchased almost $350 worth of clothing and home linens on that trip and spent about $40 total to pay for them. There were about a dozen shirts, a robe, two dozen washcloths, slacks, shorts, and more.

Speaking of a Kohl's credit card, if you apply for one, they also send you coupons to use in-store or online periodically. You can expect 10% or 15% off your total purchase and similar discounts. Kohl's also has an online site where the clearance sale is also going on. They offer various shipping discounts from time to time, which if you register online you will receive email notifications of these. So far I have seen windows of free shipping and 99 cent shipping. The great thing about ordering online (when you can take advantage of these shipping discounts) are the discount codes. The main disadvantage of shopping online is that their clearance section is almost cleared out, while the retail store near me still has many racks upon racks.

I ordered from the clearance section online, searched for coupon codes, and discovered one listed at a site for 15% off. (I found it at RetailMeNot.com) What surprised me is that Kohl's allowed it to be combined with the discount offered for using my credit card, which was ANOTHER 15%. Amazingly, you can purchase online (whether regular, sale price, or clearance merchandise) and get reduced shipping AND 30% off your total if you pay with a Kohl's credit card. Discounts like these are few and far between, so we wanted to share them as part of Savvy Shopper ... that's about as savvy as you can get!

Credit Card Information

2008-02-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

We have an interesting site with all kinds of information, insights, and even humor relating to credit cards for our readers. Besides information on particular credit cards that you can apply for, along with all of the relevant information for each card and a ratings system for various credit card offers, there is a blog attached to the site with a lot of useful information.

Using your credit cards wisely and understanding the various types of credit cards are important focuses of the site, but every aspect associated with credit cards is also discussed. Some of the best information is available on blog entries with general credit card information.

For example, how does your spouse's credit card behavior affect your credit score? Can you just keep getting 0% cards and transferring the balances to avoid paying any interest? Is it a bad idea to keep backup credit cards that you never use? What about that little magnetic strip on the back of your credit card? How long should you wait to reapply if your application is turned down? Can you get credit if you just turned 18? How can you best use rewards features? What kinds of safety are built into your credit card? These and many other questions are answered on this informative and entertaining blog.

We're not going to spoil the answers for you, just click on the link above and visit for the answers to these questions as well as more mundane, but equally important ones, such as
how to increase your credit score, how to choose the best credit card for your personal situation, how to manage your debt wisely, how your credit score affects various financial aspects of your life, and more.

We hope this information proves helpful to our readers!

Savings in your field

2008-02-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

You know how employee discounts work ... working in a particular store gives you a discount, often on anything you want to buy there. Some employers are even generous enough to offer things at cost (I'm fortunate that mine is!). Even better than saving money as an employee are the savings you can often get within your field. I've used this in the past as well. So ... one thing you might want to consider is how your interests might be able to do two things for you. The first is let you earn money doing what you love to do, and the second is to let you enjoy products and materials at cost, as well as do the professional work yourself and save those fees as well. For an example of what I mean, visit http://www.iadtchicago.edu/.

Courses offered include interior design. As an interior design graduate (if your interests lie here), you can do what a good friend of mine did. She bought an older home in the historical district and started working to restore it. She was able to support herself by freelance design jobs around town, stay home with her children, and restore and decorate a lovely historical home for a fraction of the cost someone else would have had to invest, and ended up with a very valuable home which she could sell, but instead she choses to live there because she loves having a comfortable, tastefully decorated home.

Fashion is another area that might be of shopping benefit to those who love clothing. Imagine having access to all the newest trends, at cost, as well as materials to design your own clothing and the know-how to do so. In the right market, your skills can produce a hefty income as well.

Advertising is another area listed, and one where I myself have had some advantages. If you are skilled at promoting products, the manufacturers are more than happy to provide you with samples so that you can evaluate their product and find the features or benefits of it in order to be able to share them more effectively with consumers.

Basically, wherever your passion lies, consider whether you might be interested in turning it into an income, and garner some rock-bottom prices for yourself at the same time.

Fundraiser Coupon Books

2008-02-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

It's just about time in most places for a new semi-annual fundraiser coupon book to come out. We used to sigh resignedly when the children would knock on our door, asking us to buy one. We'd purchase it, place it in a drawer, tell ourselves we WOULD make use of it this time, and then promptly forget about it until next year, when we cleaned out the drawer and found the book of purchased, expired coupons lying there.

I want to tell you that, rather than being a charitable donation on your part, these books actually CAN be great to have. The real trick is in making sure you use the coupons. For us, that meant having them with us and accessible when we were out and needing to stop for a bite, so a couple of years ago I put the book in the glove compartment of the car instead of the desk drawer. Whenever we needed to stop for a quick bite, I'd pull out the book and say, "Let's see what we have a coupon for!"

The coupon book became a blessing instead of a waste of money. Most of the offers inside are buy-one-get-one-free, so you can instantly save almost 1/2 on your dining out. Another great aspect of the coupon book was in the variety of restaurants it introduced us to. Places I never would have thought to visit, some of which are now our favorites. Because we had a coupon, we tried the restaurant, and discovered new specialties we'd never heard of before.

Our version includes a lot of non-restaurant offers as well. This can be a lot of fun in planning family time together, or a fun and unusual date. Our book usually includes coupons to an IMAX film, a local museum, miniature golf, an arcade, go-karts, a dinosaur activity place, bowling, movies, and several other fun things to do. Most of these are half-price level savings.

Practical coupons are usually included as well ... oil change (and we all need one if we drive a car!), haircuts, car washes, carpet shampooing, new tires, film processing, and so on. These are usually a fair discount offer.

I just want to encourage everyone to rethink those coupon books. They've been so great for us that we've started selling them for our homeschool group, and now we always buy TWO books ourselves instead of just one, and buy extras for friends as well. Now that we've discovered the best way to use them, we are enjoying them AND saving a lot of money at the same time, and that's one of our main focuses here at Savvy Shopper!

Eclume Pot Racks

2008-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

We'd like to feature another product that deserves a place on Savvy Shopper for its level of quality and craftsmanship along with its unique and stylish design ... Enclume pot racks. I've always loved the look of a polished overhead pot rack with shiny copper pots suspended below, on display and within easy reach, lending an aura of "gourmet chef" to the home kitchen. The Enclume potrack fills that need in high style and, more importantly, with high-quality, durable materials made to last a lifetime.

Rather than the typical style we normally see, which usually includes a hanging chain threaded through a relatively thin rim, Enclume pot racks are made by attaching supporting arms to the thick hammered forged steel rim, making this an heirloom quality piece to be treasured and passed down rather than one that will need replacing after some years. Our absolute favorite is the stylish Decor Lighted Oval Rack, although the "S" Grid Circle Rack also caught our attention as being THE pot rack for a more contemporary setting. There are also a number of designs that would be at home in a more rustic or traditional setting.

Eclume has other great products besides their pot racks. The one that really caught our attention was the Eclume Gourmet Center. This very unique design would stand out in any home but offers a lot of practical use beside the preparation area with the shelf for a cookbook, basket for produce, and another shelf handy for oils, spices, vinegars, or whatever suits your cooking style.

We really enjoyed browsing this website and were delighted to find the unique designs that would so perfectly suit so many different styles of kitchens.

Purchasing plumbing fixtures

2008-02-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

Savvy shoppers know that in certain things, you shouldn't always buy the least expensive (cheapest) item available. One of the most important areas where it saves money in the long run to purchase quality is when you are buying fixtures, furnishings, etc. for your home. Plumbing fixtures definitely fit into this category ... our constantly dribbling kitchen sink reminds me of that fact daily as it continues to worsen. It was inexpensive, but it is only two years old. If I have to buy a new one every couple of years, it's going to add up ... not to mention the time spent for replacing it each time. I haven't had the chance to replace it yet and I cringe at the thought of next month's water bill!

My own plumbing problems aside, fixtures that will be a part of your home for years to come are also an area where personal style comes into play in a big way. Even if you spend less, you just aren't going to be happy if you don't like the way it looks, and you're going to be reminded of that MANY times over the years you live in your home. When it comes to something you will be seeing every day, it pays (in terms of satisfaction) to take the time to find a design you really love.

A website like DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com is a great place to start your search for a quality fixture that will make your home distinctively you. Online sites can often offer you a much wider selection for browsing than you would be able to find at a local showroom. We loved the variety we found within their Moen showhouse. The bamboo collection would be lovely in an Asian-themed room, the Waterhill's absolutely charming pump-style look would be perfect in a more rustic home, the Destiny is wonderfully contemporary, and the lines of the Casa collection are very unique. The photo of Solace really wowed us, and I have to say that the pot filler faucets are an amazing innovation -- I WANT THAT!

I also found the by Devonshire faucets by Kohler to be exquisitely classic. These would be perfect for any luxury bath. The Moen aberdeen faucets were also quite interesting. The pulldown spout would be very handy, as would the single handle operation. The matching lotion or soap dispensers would also be practical and help keep the area clean under heavy usage (or in homes with children particularly).

Now I'm more motivated to take care of that drippy kitchen faucet than ever ... and while I'm at it, the bath shower toggle doesn't do a very good job either. Not only is browsing for home fixtures online a good way to see many options, but generally lower prices can be found online as well, even after adding in shipping charges. (In many cases, you don't have to pay sales tax for online purchases, so that can factor into overall cost as well.)

Romantic Emerald Isle Vacation

2008-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, this month we are featuring several romantic travel destinations. Another prime romantic getaway is the Emerald Isle, veiled among the mists of the Atlantic. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to feature dreamy destinations for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic holidays and more, and today we want to focus on Ireland's misty and magical shores, picturesque countryside, and historical charm.

This fairytale land, site of many medieval movies, has something special to offer in its many historic castles. Not just vacant and cordoned-off visitor's sites, many of Ireland's castles have been restored to luxury and offer accommodations fit for a king and queen, with sumptuous rooms befitting royalty, picturesque estate grounds to wander, and attentive staff ready to serve. Imagine lady fair being swept off her feet by her dashing prince in the elegantly restored ballroom of a grand castle. Or exploring the spacious grounds and surrounding deep forests together astride fine mounts. All this and more help to make the Emerald Isle the perfect spot for couples seeking a relaxed, romantic holiday that allows time to delight in local charms rather than rushing about and standing in lines.

Many couples prefer to concentrate on western Ireland -- destinations such as Kerry, Mayo, Clare, and Galway are favorites. If you are seeking to visit the larger cities, consider Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Waterford, and Derry. Cork is especially convenient, being in the southern part of "the real Ireland."

If you are seeking to book Ireland hotels in these cities, be sure to check out last minute deals and year-round specials offered on Dublin hotels, Cork hotels, and Belfast hotels. While the last minute deals, especially, change over time, we have consistently found CheaperThanHotels to offer a wide variety of accommodations in many cities all over the world at some of the lowest prices available, while giving the traveler all of the information they need for each individual hotel to be able to decide which will meet their needs and preferences so as to book the most suitable accommodations.

Romantic trip ideas

2008-02-05T23:55:00.000-08:00

We recently talked about taking a trip together for Valentine's Day, or giving a trip as a Valentine's gift. We would like to follow up that post by offering a couple of suggestions for places to travel, along with savvy shopper's money-saving resources for your vacation.

France, particularly Paris, is the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of romantic trips, with good reason. The best time to visit is in the spring (May and June) or the fall (September and October) in order to avoid the hot summer, but winter vacations in France, while you will probably be walking in the rain, can be especially romantic! While visiting Paris, be sure to stroll along the Champs Elysees and window shop at the stylish boutiques. Visit the ones that pique your interest. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the view. Come to the Eiffel tower an hour or so before sunset, and take the elevator to one of the observation platforms in order to watch the city's lights flash on in a panorama below. Another tip: if you want a view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in your photo, visit the roof of the Samaritaine Department store. Take a scenic dinner river cruise on a glass boat. Visit the Rue Cler for a taste of a French market street, and be sure to sample some crepes or cheese there. Tour the Palace of Versailles, and be sure not to miss the Hall of Mirrors there! Paris is renowned for its museums, so if you want to see the most important collections, don't miss the Louvre, home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

If you're keeping within a budget on your vacation to France, check the set-price meals -- "prix fixe" -- offered at local restaurants. For a set price you can enjoy a soup or salad, entree, and dessert. The small cafes and the sellers at the open-air markets also offer excellent food in most cases, and reasonable prices. Some market sellers will give out samples as well. And to save money on Paris hotels, check out the last minute deals as well as year-round specials. If you're traveling to other cities in France, (we recommend wine country for the traveling romantic), check here for France hotels. As far as entertainment, the Louvre is free on Sundays, as are a number of other museums. There are also quite a few that offer free admission every day. (See the list at the end of the post.) But just walking through Paris is quite entertaining, and to be enjoyed, all for free. However, one ticket probably more than worth buying ... a hot air balloon ride for around £8. Also remember that if you are not a European citizen, be sure to fill out the rebate forms to receive the 16% tax back on purchases.

A second European destination for romance has to be mentioned here. Germany’s world-famous tourist route, aptly named “The Romantic Road” runs over 350 kilometers across idyllic countryside and charmingly picturesque villages that retain their medieval charm, following the river Main and traveling through wine country, leading through the Alps and finally to the enchanting fairytale castles of King Ludwig. Traveling the Romantic Road will allow visitors to step back in time to experience medieval Europe, and many towns and villages have medieval festivals as well. This is one vacation where you want to take your time to savor the trip itself, and enjoy all the sights, sounds, and activities along the way. Whether traveling by automobile, bus, or cycling, Germany’s Romantic Road is the perfect route for travelers seeking to experience the Romance of Germany.

For saving money during your travels in Germany, look to small pubs that often offer hearty meals at reasonable prices. The Turkish restaurants and Italian bistros there are usually a good value as well. Try to find lodging that offers free breakfasts. Save on accommodations by considering hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, wineries or castles, or check out these specials on Germany hotels. (These deals are also available by city, such as Berlin hotels.) As in France, if you are a non-European, you can fill out a form for a rebate on the 16% tax for things you buy while in Germany.

Paris Museums with free admission
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
- Maison de Balzac
- Musée Bible et Terre Sainte
- Maison Bourdelle
- Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris
- Musée Cernuschi
- Musée Cognacq-Jay
- Musée du Compagnonnage
- Musée Curie (Institut du radium)
- Musée Jean Moulin
- Musée du Parfum-Fragonard/Théâtre musée des Capucines-Fragonard
- Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris
- Musée de la Préfecture de Police
- Maison de Victor Hugo
- Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Musée Zadkine

(Note: the Louvre offers free admission only on Sundays)

Romantic Photos

2008-01-31T03:06:00.001-08:00

Looking for a something unique and special for Valentine's Day? We wanted to suggest to our readers that you consider a couple's photo shoot for the romantic holiday.

Call around ... some local photographers may be offering specials for the holiday. Ask whether they have props or scenery that will help you make a special romantic photo for Valentine's Day. Photographers who specialize in weddings may have the best ideas for poses, scenery, and props.

Silhouettes can be very effective, and black and whites can be classic and dramatic. Candlelight can be very flattering and adds instant romance. Various effects can be used to soften and dramatize photos as well.

There are two ways to use a photo shoot for the romantic holiday. One way is to have yourself photographed in a shot guaranteed to make your beloved's heart flutter and present the photo as a gift, complete with a beautiful frame (and a wallet-sized photo to carry around so you'll always be there for them!). A nice presentation might be a double-frame, with the photo of yourself in one half, and a special poem or sentiment in the other half.

The second can't be a surprise, but would be a lot of fun. Plan a photo shoot with your beloved, and make it a date. Find an accommodating photographer (it might be a good idea to explain what you have in mind beforehand) and enjoy yourselves. Consider a park with early flowers, the beach, a grove of trees, or some other romantic setting. The photographer might even thank you, if it gives them an idea for marketing the holiday to other couples.

Think of things that you both enjoy, or special items, that might make your photos more personal and take them along to be used as props. Dress up, make yourselves look good, have fun with it, and let your love for one another shine for the camera. Afterwards, you're all dressed up and looking fantastic, so treat yourselves and go out and enjoy a wonderful, romantic evening on the town!

Romantic destinations

2008-01-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

Want to do something really unique for Valentine's Day? How about a romantic getaway! There are lots of romantic destinations for couples to consider, ranging from fairly local (wherever you live, there's bound to be a romantic place nearby!) to world-famous to fit any budget.

There are actually two ways to give a romantic vacation as a gift for Valentine's Day (or any other occasion). One option to plan the vacation yourself and surprise your sweetheart with the tickets. Wrap them up in a box with travel brochures, pamphlets on area attractions, clothing or accessories suited to your chosen destination, such as a bathing suit or sunglasses for a beach getaway. Surprises can be a lot of fun, both in the planning and in seeing the reaction of your love when they open your gift.

Another option is to plan to vacation together, if you can't get away for the trip on short notice, or if for another reason you'd rather not book the trip before the holiday. You can actually double your enjoyment in this way. In this case, give the idea as a gift on Valentine's Day. You can buy something, like the accessories, and wrap them up as a gift, then when your sweetheart opens them (and maybe looks at you questioningly, especially if you’re giving a bathing suit for Valentine’s Day and you live where there’s snow on the ground outside!) … that’s the time to spring your surprise. Or include a card with a “coupon” for a fabulous romantic getaway to a destination to be named later. Another fun idea is to take a travel brochure with photos of people, and cut out their faces, affixing photos of you and your sweetheart behind inside the brochure so your faces adorn the slick presentation of your romantic getaway.

Then you can decide together where to go, visit travel agencies or websites, maybe check some books out at the library and spend a few afternoons browsing them, and exploring possibilities, spending quality time together as you have fun with the planning, making the trip that much more exciting as you savor your plans together.

You are the best judge of which would give you the best results. Some people don’t like surprises, and wouldn’t enjoy having something like a vacation decision “sprung” on them. Others get too flustered with planning, and there might be more strain caused by trying to work out the details than fun. Either way, enjoy your trip!

We'll be featuring some romantic destinations (and tips for saving money on them!) in upcoming posts.

TheRomantic.com

2008-01-24T22:59:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day is almost here, and we're looking for unique gift ideas to share with you!

One of the top websites for all things romantic is TheRomantic.com. Filled with creative and unique ideas, suggestions for romantic movies and gifts, fun things to do together, ways to make your loved one feel special, and much more, this website is a treasure trove for romance seekers. One of the best parts is that, while designed for couples, the website and all of its ideas and suggestions are basically "clean" and nothing raunchy or degrading is included.

Featured romantic gift ideas include a message in a beautiful bottle, a personalized novel, and a couples' computer game called "Bliss." By exploring the site, you will find a great many more suggestions for all kinds of creative things suitable for Valentine's Day and year-round romance.

You can also subscribe to the weekly newsletter from the website, which includes weekly ideas for romancing your loved one. The following ideas for Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas are taken from the newsletter, and seemed especially appropriate for sharing in this post. (You can subscribe to this free newsletter - The Romantic Tip of the Week - as well as others on the homepage of TheRomantic.com.)

From The Romantic Tip of the Week

1. Above all, give a gift that is personal. Why give a dozen red
roses if your sweetheart just LOVES yellow ones? Don't give a
generic box of chocolates without thinking a way to personalize
the gift (try little notes under each chocolate). Think about a
gift that would have a special meaning to the two of you. Everyone
gives flowers and candy. Can you do something different?

2. Try to be a bit creative. You can buy an ordinary card or you
can create your own. Do a twist on a traditional gift that shows you
put thought into it. Everyone has an artist side - find yours. Or
at least steal someone else's creative idea that works.

3. If you are still wondering if your idea is good, ask some of
your friends or co-workers of the opposite gender what they think
about it.

4. Wrap it up! Even an ordinary gift can become extra-ordinary by
doing a unique wrapping job on it.

5. When all else fails, create a romantic dinner for two. The time
and effort spent on the meal would melt anyone's heart.

This newsletter is one we have subscribed to and enjoyed for years, and we thought this a great time to share it with our readers. The website is also good for days worth of browsing. So take time to visit TheRomantic.com while planning your upcoming Valentine's Day!

(Text as noted above as well as image are from TheRomantic.com and used by permission granted on website.)

Using the internet as a shopping guide

2008-01-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

The internet is a valuable tool for researching all kinds of information when shopping, whether for actual goods like digital cameras or computer accessories, or services such as those of an attorney or plumber, or even more important decisions as when you are seeking a mortgage lender or a college to attend. Online articles offering advice for any of these topics and hundreds more are readily available. It is usually a good idea to search for and read a number of articles to determine which offer sound advice, since anyone can post anything online. For example, if you wish to find a medical technology college, there are articles available just one click away from a search result. Once you have the basic information you need to proceed, you can then begin your search by visiting school websites, such as http://www.sbnewyork.com/ which tell about their programs and generally offer a contact form for requesting more information.

Whatever you are seeking, there is plenty of information available to help you make a good decision. The important part is finding whose advice can best be trusted, so that you start your search with the best possible information. Don't overlook product review sites, consumer resource magazines such as Consumer Reports, and online consumer resources like Consumerworld.

Make a statement with area rugs

2008-01-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Now that the Christmas trees and decorations are (hopefully!) put away, maybe you are looking around your home and things feel a little dreary. It might be a little early for spring cleaning yet, but maybe you are thinking of ways to spruce things up and make some changes -- kind of a new start in your home to go along with the new year. But as savvy shoppers, we want to find ways to make big impact without having to plunk down payments for a big cost. Two of the best ways to do this are with either paint or rugs (or both!).

For this post, we're going to focus on area rugs. Area rugs can instantly "dress" a room and make it feel finished. On uncarpeted floors, you gain the advantage of both visual and actual added warmth as well as dampening of noise and echo. (And echo is one of the factors that so easily make a home feel unfinished or too empty.) Area rugs can serve to visually anchor your furniture grouping and are a favorite tool of interior designers. They also help to define areas within a room, such as when a large area rug is used as a frame around a dining area that is part of an open design, or when it is used within a seating arrangement to make it feel cozy and welcome people in.

There are so many designs available, you are sure to find one that suits your style. Oriental Rugs
are among the most popular. The style is so well established that oriental rugs are easily at home in a variety of room styles, from Victorian to traditional and many others. Traditional Oriental designs are not the only choice, however. There are other Asian patterns, geometric designs, designs that resemble scenery and incorporate elements of nature, patchwork patterns, designs with contemporary flair, mosaics, Southwest influence, cottage designs, botanicals, and too many more to list. Shapes are not limited to rectangles but also include ovals for some designs.

So remember rugs, when it comes time to make a big statement in a room all at once! But this is one of those purchases where you are better off to do your homework and be sure to select a product that is high in quality, even if it costs a little more, because it will have to stand up to footwear and is only as valuable as its good looks. Make sure the rug you are considering is high quality, and then seek the best price available.

Ringtones & other downloads

2008-01-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

We've checked into a number of websites offering free ringtones. Generally speaking, receiving free ringtones involves a subscription service to be billed monthly to your wireless phone. For your payment, you receive a set number of credits to redeem for ringtones of your choice. Sometimes you have the option of downloading wallpapers and other cool items to personalize your phone, and some services even offer games in exchange for your credits.

Polyphonic ringtones create multiple notes at the same time, as opposed to the older phones that offered only a single note at a time. As a result, polyphonic ringtones offer a more realistic music sound.

Whether you are looking for Hip Hop, Country, Rock, Kids' Songs, Pop, R&B, or Dance Ringtones, check out the wide selection offered. Some of our favorites are the more unusual ones, such as the animal sounds and the movie theme song ringtones.

Why be one of dozens digging for your phone when that same old beeping song starts to play and no one can tell whose phone is ringing? Treat yourself to a ringtone as unique as you are! But don't expect to get them for free, no matter what the ad says, until you read ALL the fine print.

Tennis Equipment Online

2008-01-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

If tennis is your sport, we've found a great online tennis store that offers a huge selection of tennis rackets, shoes, apparel, balls, strings, bags, grips and overgrips, and accessories ranging from shock dampeners and court equipment to posters, dvd's, and books. Whatever you are looking for, check TennisPlaza.com (voted #1 retailer by RSI magazine). There is also a physical storefront located in Miami, Florida, and the website offers information in Spanish and Portuguese as well as English.

When purchasing shoes for the tennis court, it is of greatest importance to buy the right type of shoe. Running shoes, for example, have thick cushioning built into the heel to soften impact on straight-ahead running, but lack the support needed to protect the ankle when moving quickly to the side and can leave the player vulnerable to ankle injuries on the court. View detailed information on both women's and men's tennis shoes in order to make a good selection tailored to your particular needs.

When shopping for tennis rackets, you have a wide variety of quality brands to choose from, including Babolat Rackets, Dunlop Rackets, Head Rackets, Prince Rackets, Tecnifibre Rackets, Volkl Rackets, Wilson Rackets, and Yonex Rackets. Occasionally there may be used rackets offered for sale at discounted prices, but many styles of new rackets are available and the images on file allow you to zoom in for a close-up view of your racket before purchasing. Your racket will be custom made to your specifications regarding grip size, the type of string you prefer, and the tension you order. You have the option to have the logo added to your racket, or leave it off. Detailed technical specifications were available for every racket we viewed, and most include a discussion of the particular racket's construction and details about its performance during the game.

Quality products - ratings sites

2008-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to make sure that you are getting a good value for your dollar is to purchase quality goods. Even if you spend more, it can be more than worth the extra expense. One example is with vacuum cleaners. There are many brands available, but in my experience, one of the very best is Hoover vacuum cleaners.

My aunt used to own a Hoover vacuum cleaner that she bought used, at already ten years old. She continued to use it several times a week to vacuum several large carpeted rooms for quite a few years, and ended up finally reselling it for more than she orginally paid for it. It was rather beat-up, eventually dingy-looking, and certainly not sleek, but it never needed repairs in the time she owned it, and the people she sold it to were quite pleased with it as well.

Another useful tool for savvy shoppers involves consumer ratings. There are a large number of online rating sites, as well as the popular published magazines like Consumer Reports and Consumer Reviews. The strength of published sites is that they tend to compare different brands with standardized testing methods, giving a good comparison of performance and reliability. The strength of online ratings sites that offer ratings for everything from digital cameras to Hoover vacuum cleaners to computer components and much more lies in the variety of responses from people who visit the site and submit their reviews. You are much more likely to get a practical overview from sites like these, such as "The cord wrapping mechanism is too difficult to unlatch" or similar comments. If there are enough responses posted, you can also get an idea of whether or not the product tends to include lemons.

When you find a reliable online rating site you like, be sure to bookmark it because it will be a valuable resource to return to later.

MovieCube dvd rental

2007-12-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

We generally look for positive things to post, but this review has to go in the category of "warning."

Many video rental stores are going out of business, Netflix ads are everywhere, and the world of dvd rental is changing. One new feature in our area is the placement of MovieCube DVD rental kiosks in place of the former small video rental counter at our local grocery store.

The idea isn't bad. For $1 per day, you rent the movie of your choice from the kiosk using your credit card. Supposedly no lines, no waiting, and no problems.

Well ... the first time we tried to return a video, there was a customer in front of us who was having trouble renting the title he wanted. Not really MovieCube's fault that it took an extra 30 minutes out of my day to wait on the customers to finally give up and let me return my dvd's. However, in only a handful of rental occasions, I've had my own share of MovieCube glitches. One required me to stay on the phone for about 20 minutes in order to get permission to return my dvds without processing them through the machine, which was malfunctioning. And as an aside, you can't take very long to debate your choices. If you pause to read the movie descriptions for approximately 30 seconds, the machine resets and you lose the movies you saved. And I will add that, when I just now visited their web page in order to make this post and provide accurate information, I was redirected to a site that warned me that "I could have a virus" that tried to install a free "repair" function on my computer without permission. I killed the window and for that reason I'm not posting a link to their site here. None of us needs more spyware or adware.

All of these are somewhat minor inconveniences and problems that could be expected to be worked out in time. However, the one that really bothered me is that one of the videos that I returned after keeping it out for a single day showed up as a $37+ bill on my debit card with no notice a couple of weeks later. I called the MovieCube, and after being on the phone for about 25 minutes, was finally told that they had confirmed that I had returned the movie as I claimed, and they would forward a memo to their credit department to issue a credit on my account. (Incidentally, the customer service rep scolded me for not letting them know sooner that there was a problem, which I found amusing since there was no problem until they charged me for a movie I didn't keep. However, the other customer service reps I have spoken to have been most helpful and courteous.)

Some time passed, and the charge remained on my debit account. So I called them again. Another 20 minutes, this time billed by the minute, and now I have a confirmation number that is supposed to assure me that they will put the money back into my account, but they said it might take almost 4 weeks to do so. It has been a couple of weeks, and no sign of my money yet. This has been a great disappointment to me, that the money was removed from a debit account with no warning, by their error, not rectified, and left over Christmas. Thankfully I didn't get within $40 of a zero balance on that account, or I would have incurred bounced check charges in addition to all of this.

So, it is with regret that I felt I had to inform my readers that, if you want to be a savvy shopper, you may want to avoid MovieCube dvd rental, at least until they get these quirks worked out.

Cell Phones

2007-12-23T01:18:00.000-08:00

Cell phones are among the most popular of Christmas gifts. Often though, the choice of the phone itself is determined (or at least limited) by the choice of service carrier, so that decision needs to be made as well. How do you know which service provider to select?

One of the most important considerations is coverage. If you have experience with a carrier in your area, that can be one way to know who is reliable. Other factors include cell phone towers and terrain, which may limit reception. If there is a low ratio of cell phone towers to users in the area(s) the phone will be used, it makes sense to purchase a phone with more transmission power, so that the signal won't tend to be dropped indoors. There is a trade-off with a shorter battery life in these situations, so it makes sense to have an idea of what will work best for you. Additionally, you will want to review available plans and costs, as well as available add-ons, to determine which carrier you prefer.

Once you know the carrier you plan to use, you will be able to find out which phones you can purchase. Of course, the carrier generally offers phones along with the service, and often offers rebates or other incentives. You can also buy phones from 3rd party retailers not affiliated with any carrier. Just make sure those phones will work with your selected carrier. Sometimes it is possible to still enjoy carrier rebates in this case, and it's worth looking into.

An important consideration will be the features you want your phone to include. Smart phones allow access to PDA functions as well as email, etc. and some include a regular keyboard pad. The cost is considerably more, however, and will require a separate service from your provider in order to access all of the functions.

Other features vary by phone. Built-in camera functions are common now, as are games and other features. GPS functions are available. A very basic and inexpensive phone will usually include some data storage functions and perhaps some simple games.

You can also consider buying a used phone. One important caution though -- you must be assured that the phone does not have an outstanding balance, or it may not be possible to initiate new service for that phone.

For more detailed information, do a search for trusted internet buying guides.

Vacation in Spain

2007-12-23T00:42:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to enjoy the holidays in Spain this year? Along with the greatly prized Spanish leather (especially suede coats and jackets) and shoes, as well as the ceramics the country is also famous for, there are a great many interesting wares available for the shopper in Spain.

Lace-making is experiencing a resurgence as a Spanish craft, and many fine pieces are available. A lace tablecloth would make an especially nice souvenir. Cheese-making is also a special industry in Spain, and travelers should sample different kinds. Catalonian textiles are famous worldwide and in great demand as well, and worth your examination. Valencia, with its annual furniture fair of international renown, offers some of the world's finest handcrafted wood furniture. Majorcan pottery and El Rastro tiles are good finds as well, if you visit these areas. As you can see, the area(s) you visit will partially determine the best goods to shop for while in Spain.

Not only is Spain famous for a wide variety of quality goods, the shopping markets, especially some of the open-air markets, are known for their unique offerings and charming atmosphere. It is said of El Rastro, located in Madrid, "if it exists in the world, you will find it at El Rastro." Barcelona is home to several open-air markets, including Mercat de las Encants in the Plaza de las Glories Catalanes, the Mercat de San Antoni, and the Mercat at Plaza Villa de Madrid.

Swatches!

2007-12-16T22:07:00.000-08:00

Swatches are a popular gift, and we've found some great designs! Wait ... what's a swatch, you ask? Swatches are a particular brand of analog watches which represent the Swiss response to worldwide demand for watches that are not only of excellent quality of workmanship and materials but also stylish, innovative, and fun as well!

With that in mind, we checked the new 2007 Swatch Christmas line, and were very impressed with the designs! The Anxelli Pendant watch is a classy series of chains fastened between brooches that can be worn on an evening gown. The pearls and pink stones of Shiny Stones were especially lovely as well. However, our favorite was the Zauberfee, with its lovely starbursts arranged on a chic chain.

Not only is there a line for Christmas gifting, but you can view a number of other Swatch gift categories, including love gifts, kids' gifts, and other designs within a particular theme, such as cartoons, colors, winter, glitter, music, and more.

Coach's Gifts - And more!

2007-12-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what would make a great gift for your child's sports coach? Imagine the coach proudly displaying a personalized award trophy, given as a token of your appreciation for their dedication to your child's achievement of excellence!

With the wide range of trophies available, they also make great gifts for people involved in a wide variety of interests. Fully customizable, the trophy can be a cherished testament to the recipient's merit in their chosen pursuit.

Trophies can also make amusing novelty gifts, since anything at all can be engraved on them.

The range of interests represented is amazing. Besides the more typical baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and many more, you can also choose trophies for a wide variety of sports such as dance, darts, motorcycles, and windsurfing. Apple awards for teachers are available, as are other academician awards, music awards, superstar, pageant awards. Animal awards include horses, dogs, and deer. There is even a gold slinky award!

If you are looking to spend less than the cost of a trophy, you can also give a plaque, medal, or an award certificate. We were truly impressed with the variety of awards available, for everything from good attitude to science fair to coloring ability and much, much, much more. Most of the people on your gift list could find something to appreciate (or laugh about) here!

Fanimations - Fantasy Fans!

2007-12-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

We are still looking for interesting and unique ideas for holiday gift-giving. This one is certainly not your usual Christmas gift - ceiling fans! But some of the offerings were so unique we wanted to include them here, both for now and for the sake of our readers who are or will be looking for accents to set a tone in their homes and make their rooms memorable.

We were especially impressed by the Fanimation ceiling fans, which offer some really interesting options, no matter what your decor. The Air Shadow has blades that retract when not in use, Belize offers a mosaic housing and palm leaf blades, and Lauren Brooks offers leopard print blades! Palisade and Punkah have to be seen ... I can't describe the design in words. Their Historical Impressions line includes a nice Bourbon Street design, a very trendy Fitzgerald design, and other interesting period fans. The Futuristic line would be at home in any stylishly sleek contemporary home.

So if you REALLY want to surprise someone with a gift they'd never expect, but will love and appreciate for years to come, here's a very different sort of gift!

Christmas boots!

2007-12-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Gifts that are useful and practical are always a great choice, because not only does your money go to good use, but the gift reminds the recipient every time they use it that you took the time to think of them, and buy something that was uniquely suited to their interests, activities, hobbies, lifestyle, etc. In giving gifts like these, sometimes a little luxury goes a long way too, especially if it is something the person is not very likely to buy for themselves. Something like a huge, thirsty bath sheet and delicious smelling bath oil for a friend who appreciates comfortable things, or a high-quality pair of hiking boots for a friend who enjoys the great outdoors.

For that matter, clothing of any kind is a good choice for the reasons mentioned above. Your money is spent on something that will actually be used instead of another cologne set of an unappreciated scent or another necktie that doesn't suit the person's fashion sense and will be doomed to being shoved to the back of a closet somewhere and eventually gotten rid of. Clothing, footwear, outerwear, and other essentials can be used and appreciated on a regular basis and will bring fond memories of your thoughtfulness in choosing such an appropriate gift.

Boots are especially suitable, since they are useful and wear long, but can be expensive and often people will put off buying them for themselves. Think of how much your cowboy-style brother might enjoy a pair of snakeskin boots, your biker-best-friend would love a new pair of biker boots, your fashion-conscious mother would appreciate a new pair of dress boots, or your outdoorsman-son would welcome a new pair of hunting boots. Online sources can offer a good selection of styles, and should still be able to ship in time for Christmas. (The source we linked also offers free shipping on orders over $100.)