Shopping Hints & Tips

Erotic Lingerie Shopping Hints & Tips

Shopping for erotic lingerie is something many women do. Most women have different reasons for shopping for it, of course. Some like the pleasure and tantalizing sense of sexuality it can bring, others want to spice up their relationships, and others simply like how erotic lingerie feels on the skin. Purchasing erotic lingerie is sadly something most women do alone, however, as few women actually take their partners with them on this most sensual of retail journeys.

Whether going to a store or looking at lingerie online, shopping for erotic lingerie as a couple adds excitement long before you wear the garment in the bedroom. Think of all the fun you two could have picking out intimate apparel together. As a couple, you'll strengthen your bond as you discover each other's fantasies and bring your relationship to a whole new level.

If you've never gone shopping together in an erotic lingerie store, your partner might be awkward at first. The only rule is to have an open mind. Share with each other what styles you like or don't like. If your mate seems attracted to an outfit you never thought you'd picture yourself in, try it on anyway. Eventually, you'll reach a middle ground between the erotic lingerie you like, what he likes - and you might surprise yourself in the process.

Both of you must remember that should one of you strongly dislike an item, you should be able to respect your partner's preferences and let it go gracefully. The more you talk, the more you'll both unearth fantasies you may have been hesitant to voice before. Once you break the ice and get the conversation flowing, the rest is easy.

If you're afraid to take the plunge and go to a store in person, start your erotic shopping experience online. Bring the laptop into bed and start surfing. Casually ask him his opinion; he'll get interested quickly enough.

The brain is the most important sex organ in the human body. Just the thought of exotic lingerie is sure to start both your pulses racing. Much of the sexual experience is about the anticipation leading up to the big event. A day of shopping or an evening of surfing online is enough to fill your heads with all sorts of ideas.

Experience the sensual bliss of sharing erotic lingerie with your partner and make a date out of shopping for sexy stuff. With the great memories and arousing delights you're sure to encounter along the way, you won't be able to wait to get home to try on your new erotic lingerie.

Vintage Clothes Shopping

The Hows and Whys of Vintage Clothes Shopping

Why Vintage?

Why would anyone want to wear vintage clothing? First of all, it's fun! When you wear vintage, you stand out from the crowd. The chances of someone else wearing the same exact outfit to that special event are slim to none. More and more high school girls are shopping vintage for dances and proms because it guarantees originality. Yasmine, a vintage clothing collector from Los Angeles, says, "I wear vintage so I can add a little something authentically retro to my clothing and not look the same as everyone else, which is difficult in style-conscious L.A.."

Vintage clothing is also nostalgic. Remember the good old days when there were party lines and soda shops? Me neither, but wearing vintage gives a girl the chance to experience a small part of history. In today's ambiguous world, it feels nice to pull on a crinoline and full feminine skirt once in a while. Let's face it: grown-up girls like to play dress up, too!

For the thrifty, the prices on vintage items should be incentive enough. Local thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales are excellent sources of old clothing at unbelievable prices. Broke? Go volunteer to help clean out grandma's attic! I've gotten several vintage pieces handed down to me since I began collecting about two years ago.

Online Shopping

The internet has made it easy for vintage clothing enthusiasts to comparison shop and buy items that may not be available in their area. Type "vintage clothing" into any search engine and you'll get hundreds of results. There are a few things you should know before purchasing vintage wear online, however.

Carol, owner of Dandelion Vintage, a fun and inexpensive online Vintage Clothing shop based in New Jersey, recommends that first-time buyers be aware of what it means to buy and wear vintage clothing. "It's not like something new and fresh from Macy's, it's going to feel different and smell differently (there is no "new" clothing smell) and the items do need to be treated a little more carefully," she said, adding that customers should always ask questions up front about the garments, especially if they are unsure of the size or condition. When shopping vintage online, she says, be sure to read the site's terms of sales, ordering procedure, and return policy before ordering.

There are many different styles and eras to choose from. Items from the late 19th century on up through the 1980's are available. Whatever your style, you're sure to find something to suit you. Carol suggests customers buy what they like and avoid following trends, which is excellent advice when it comes to collecting of any type.

Making it Work

Vintage clothing can be teamed up with modern apparel or mixed and matched with other vintage pieces. Back in L.A. Yasmine says, "I find that wearing head to toe vintage is just not practical in day to day life, but by adding a few pieces I can create a look that is uniquely my own. I often buy high-end designer shoes and team them with a $1.00 vintage dress and a Gap cardigan. The look is pulled together and definitely mine."

There you have it: vintage clothes are fun, affordable, and enable the wearer to create and maintain an original look. So what are you waiting for? Go shopping!

Ejaculation and Male Potency

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Bowler's Uniform Consists of Bowling Shirts

The Bowler's Uniform Consists of Bowling Shirts Paired with Comfortable Pants

Bowling as sometimes called tenpins requires only two pieces of gears and these are bowling ball and bowling shoes. Bowling shoes and bowling balls are both helpful with regards to your performance in playing this game. Like any other sports there usually an appropriate outfits to wear. Take for example the basketball, the uniform are shorts and sleeveless jersey. As for bowling, there is also an appropriate shirt for the bowling players and these shirts are called bowling shirts.

The bowling shirts come in different styles, colors, and fabrics. There are classic bowling shirts, retro bowling shirts, and there are also bowling shirts which are suited for bowling champions. A bowling shirt is usually styled in contrasting collars, piping leaves, pockets, contrasting buttons, and back pleats. Some bowling shirts have additional features like; button-up front with matching buttons and two front pockets.

The different fabrics with which bowling shirts are made of are poly/cotton, 100 % silk, and rayon/polyester. These shirts are very comfy to wear, durable yet light weight that makes it easy to care. The shirts made from rayon/polyester materials, though, are a little heavier but still very comfortable to wear. The lounge master, swing master, and imperial line style of bowling shirts have contrasting color vertical panel, same color with the collar. The classic and retro shirts, however, don't have this contrasting color vertical panel design but all the bowling shirts have contrasting color collar and button-up fronts. Back printed shirts are also available to add some style.

These are a number of online shopping sport stores that sell bowling shirts. The online shopping stores have a wide range of styles, designs, materials, colors, and sizes to choose from. We're through finding out the best shirt to wear in playing bowling, now pair it with comfortable pants and you are ready to go. Just don't forget to bring your most important gears; the bowling shoes and bowling ball. But, don't' worry if you don't have these gears, you can always rent them in any bowling centers you want to go to.

Whether you are a professional or an amateur bowler, wear comfortable outfit if you want to give out your best performance in playing your favorite sport-bowling.

Benefits of Using Shopping Cart Software

The age of Internet shopping is taking over the world, and even the brick and the trend is even affecting the brick and mortar store with more and more customers wanting to shop on the Internet. In order to stay competitive, a store must not only have a physical location, but it must be willing to have a website from which customers can shop. It's no longer enough to have a website for customers to see what the store sells, but it must offer an online storefront so that shoppers can make purchases from the privacy of their own homes.

In order for a merchant to have a successful online storefront, it's important that he install reliable and easy to use shopping cart software. For those who are new to online shopping and don't understand the purpose of the shopping cart, let us explain a little about the process. Before the introduction of shopping card software, an online shopper had to purchase each product he wanted individually unless the merchant had an order form where the shopper could include several items. As eCommerce became more popular, the importance of a better system became pertinent. If eCommerce were going to become the wave of the future, merchants would have to make it quick and easy for customers to place an order. Thus, the eCommerce solution was the development of shopping cart software that allows a shopper to make purchases and place them in a "shopping cart" much as you do at the grocery store and pay for everything when you have finished shopping and are ready to "proceed to checkout."

Shopping cart software has opened an entire new media for the online shopper, and as a result, eCommerce has exploded all over the Internet with the introduction of stores like Amazon.com who do not even have a brick and mortar store. Yes, they have a brick and mortar building, but that is a packaging and shipping facility only, not a store where you can walk in and purchase what you like. Amazon is probably the first store of its type on the Internet, but many more have opened since then. Today, instead of just books and videos, Amazon distributes products for a great deal of retailers including ToysRUs. The technology of the shopping cart software has opened up an entire new era of shopping throughout the world, and at the holidays, it's even bigger as people flock to their keyboards and monitors instead of the malls as they used to do.

How has the trend toward eCommerce shopping affected retailers with a concrete building, especially during peak seasons such as Christmas and Easter? For those who are innovative and determined enough to enter the eCommerce market, the seasons will show a boost in business, but for those who choose to limit their business to walk-in trade, they are likely to see a reduction in the sales volume compared to the previous year's figures. With people's busy schedules and the price of gasoline, online shopping is becoming more attractive to the average shopper, especially with the ease of using shopping cart software and the attractive online storefront websites that are available. Interactive websites draw customers to their products with music, games, animation, and other tools that catch the attention of a potential buyer.

New merchants should certainly not hesitate to add a shopping cart feature from the start unless your business is only one product and no choices such as color or size. For instance, if you are selling a book you wrote, and it's only in one format, then there is no need to have a shopping cart. If, however, you offer the same book in hardcover, paperback, and eBook format, a shopping cart may be a good idea in case a buyer wants to buy more than one copy in different formats. Of course, if you have a multi-product eCommerce site, to operate without a shopping cart is courting disaster. Some of the reasons for adding shopping cart technology to your eCommerce site include:

- It allows a shopper to save his purchases and return later to finish shopping

- A shopper can return to his shopping cart and increase or decrease the number of items he wants to purchase

- A shopper as an opportunity to remove products from his shopping cart without deleting the entire order

- Shopping cart software also allows the buyer to track what products he ordered and allows the seller to include shipping information

The shopping cart software makes it easier for the seller as well because he does not have to keep track of numerous orders, and it allows him to see everything a buyer ordered at one time. In many cases, a shopping cart is also connected to online inventory so that a seller knows if he has enough of the product to fulfill his orders. It also allows him to track what customers have bought and thus know what may interest a customer for the future.

Online Shopping Really Safe

Is Online Shopping Really Safe?

There are all kinds of opportunities to shop online. You can buy just about anything online that you could buy in person. You’ll also often find things available online that you would have a very difficult time finding in your local area.

What most people worry about, however, is security. Is it really all that safe to shop online?

The answer is that it depends. Is the company reputable? Are they using a secure connection?

If you’re going to shop online, you need to know that you can trust the company with your information. However, finding out who to trust, aside from the big names, isn’t always easy.

When in doubt, do a little research before buying. Check the BBB website, check RipoffReport.com. These are two places that people are likely to complain to if there is a problem. You can also search the company name with the word “scam” to see if any reports come up that way. A general search on the company’s name can also bring up people’s experiences.

Always make certain that you are on a secure connection before putting your credit card number in. A secure connection is easy to spot; just check the bottom corner for a padlock icon that is locked. This should indicate a secure connection.

I also like to check a site’s contact information. An email address is a minimum; better is a phone number and physical location. This gives you an idea as to where they are located in case of a problem. A reputable site should also have a good privacy policy, telling you what they will and will not do with your information.

You can also check with your credit card company about how to use virtual credit card numbers. Some companies offer these, and they are a number generated just for use online. They have no connection to your real number.

There are a variety of ways you can pay for merchandise online. You have probably heard of PayPal, which some people don’t particularly like, but does have the advantage of being a reputable company, and you no longer need to create an account to use them. They don’t share your credit card information with sellers, so you don’t have to worry about that part.

Despite many people’s fears, online shopping is not the main way that credit card numbers are stolen. You’re more likely to have your information stolen in the real world than online... unless you fall for a phishing email. While that is not the topic of this article, I will simply note that if any email tells you that you need to log into your account, don’t click any links in the email. Use your bookmarks or type in the address as you know it. If it’s legit, the message will be on your account too.

Online shopping can be a real pleasure. While there are potential scams and problems, you can shop relatively safely if you know the rules. I’ve had great experiences shopping online, both in terms of selection and prices.

Shopping For Used Musical Instruments

Buying used musical instruments are one of the great ideas for children and beginners. Students and first time music learners may not spend money on expensive musical instruments. There is no point in investing a huge amount of money in buying musical instruments for children who play in school band or learn at nearby music classes. Used musical instruments will solve their purpose. However, there are important factors to be considered before buying used musical instruments.

While buying a used electric or acoustic guitar one has to check whether the neck is twisted. If the strings are tied close to the fret board at both the ends with a wide gap in middle that means it is warped. A warped guitar does not allow one to play perfectly. And also one has to look for mild scratches or damages which will tell whether the instrument is dropped on the ground. Another essential aspect in used guitar is checking it whether it can be plugged into an amplifier. Especially for electric guitar it is very important to produce quality chords.

One has to ensure that all the valves and slides work properly while buying used metal musical instruments like trombone or trumpet. In reed musical instruments like saxophone and clarinet the mouth piece and clamps crack down over a period of time due to constant wear and tear, but are easily replaceable.

It is always advisable to read instrument manuals and guides properly before buying any used musical instrument. This is essential because used musical instruments carry risks of sudden break down. One needs to take his musical instrument to a service center or even to buy a spare for it. If one is unaware about its technicalities one is buying trouble for himself.

A person may sell his musical instrument for various reasons. There could be a problem with the instrument or could be a genuine desire to go for a better version. It is always advisable to buy used musical instruments from a trusted source. A nearby used musical instrument store would be a great place. Since they are located nearby they can not afford to sell you a substandard used musical instrument fearing their reputation. Another source would be from your friends and close relatives who can tell you the real reason for selling their instruments. Online sources such as eBay are great places for buying a good used musical instrument. However, one has to take care that he is not taken for a ride while buying a used musical instrument.

SA Women 'Prefer Shopping To Sex'

It’s been one of the burning issues of modern male-female relationships. We’ve suspected as much for a long time and now, finally, our worst fears have been confirmed. A recent survey conducted in South Africa concludes that women value shopping above sex.

A drinks company recently conducted a “Fantasy Survey” that asked a series of questions about women’s fantasies. The study revealed that 45% of women surveyed valued shopping over sex, while only 26% value sex over shopping. In addition, the study found that 75% of the women surveyed believed that they have a shoe fetish and 70% felt that they did not have enough clothes in their wardrobe.

That can’t be a very encouraging sign for men and it certainly takes a huge part of the romance out of modern relationships. Does that mean we should now woo a woman with shoes and gift checks instead of roses and chocolates? Does that mean that we now take them on dates to the shopping mall instead of to the theater and restaurants? All of a sudden, the price tag for romance and dating has suddenly hit a roof. It reminds one of the old Madonna song that goes, “I’m living in a material world and I am a material girl.”

And here are some findings that should be especially important for men: Nearly half or 48% of the women believed that men had no real understanding of their needs and desires while another 40% felt that they were still misunderstood but that men made an effort to understand their wishes.

The Fantasy Survey also highlighted women’s aspiration for fame and prestige. As many as 78% of women respondents said they fantasized about attending the Oscar awards and being given a red-carpet welcome. In addition, 72% of women surveyed had dreams of being an actress in any of the leading South African soap operas.

And here’s the survey finding that really takes the cake: a stunning 63% of women respondents said that the world would be better and more peaceful if the women were put in charge instead of the men. Apparently, after spending decades aspiring for and attaining equality of the sexes, women now want to run the whole show.

But hey, everyone is entitled to their own fantasy. And the survey also offered a dose of reality: nearly half of the women surveyed believed that their fantasies would not come true

Online Discount Shopping Tips on tv

Online Discount Shopping Tips for As Seen on TV Products

Those amazing As Seen on TV products that we've all grown to love are no longer limited to home shopping by television. Now, you can get these same items through discount shopping online. Yes, it's true - As Seen on TV products are available at the click of a mouse!

These products are available online at shopping center malls on the Web, and usually at great discounts. You can save money and get the unique products you need all in one place. No more waiting for the infomercial to show up again on television. As Seen on TV products have been around for years.

As Seen on TV products are advertised through television infomercials and ordered by phone. Unfortunately, many of the great products from the past no longer appear on television in order to make room for new As Seen on TV products. With the advent of the Internet, these unusual products can now be found at Web shopping malls. Those who enjoy discount shopping online can find fantastic deals on As Seen on TV products.

A Variety of Product Categories

As Seen on TV products are divided into a number of categories such as electronics, house wares, tools and hardware, automotive, collectibles, health and beauty, etc. So, those who are discount shopping for these products can browse through all the categories at one central location when visiting an online shopping center mall.

Great Gifts for Holidays

As Seen on TV products make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. A variety of products are available for both men and women. From kitchen accessories to guitar courses, there's something for everyone. Also, if you have to buy gifts for several people during the holidays, you can enjoy home discount shopping at an online shopping mall and order all your items at once, saving on shipping costs in the process.

During your home shopping experience, you can also buy other items while visiting the online discount store. Shopping malls on the Web normally carry many other products such as DVDs, iPods, Xbox 360, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, jewelry, pet supplies and more!

Surprise the Kids

As Seen on TV products have been known for their fun toy selection. Surprise the kids on their birthday or at Christmas time with a unique - and fun - As Seen on TV toy or game. These are items the kids won't find at the local discount store, so they'll never expect it!

Go discount shopping today at your favorite online shopping center mall for a vast selection of As Seen on TV products. You can finally enjoy all those terrific products you missed years ago!

Shopping in Houston

Houston is a shopaholic's dream come true!! From trendy boutiques to specialty stores, it is SHOPPING heaven. The shopping scene here is as varied and exciting as the items that await you.

A satisfying destination for those looking for everything from a new suit to perfume, gifts,and accessories is the Shops at Houston Center . This three-story mall in the Inner Loop features more than 60 shops and restaurants, including Jos. A. Bank, one of the newest additions to Houston Center. There is a range of men's apparel including tuxedos, suits, sportswear, and outerwear. Additional men's fashions are available at Bocci, or easy-on-the-pocketbook looks for women at Dress Barn . Other retailers include Waldenbooks, Larry North Fitness. New retailers are making this exciting new downtown shopping center their home and that means good news for visitors to the downtown area. Need a boost before phase two of shopping? Stop at one of two Starbucks locations or schedule a facial, massage, or manicure at Skoogie's Salon. Need to refuel? Food outlets such as Massa's Seafood Grill, Strip House, and Twisted Fork have delectable offerings for you.

Among the uptown attractions is the crown jewel of the Houston shopping scene. Spend a day at The Galleria and it's easy to see why it reigns as the grand dame of Houston shopping. Immense in size, selection, and quality, with an ice rink and a formidable selection of dining options, Galleria offers shoppers an extensive selection of familiar labels and new brands for everybody in the family.

A couple of blocks away, the Euro-style shopping center Uptown Park has sample parking and architectureal beauty. Accessorized by fountains and mini-gardens, it has an Old World charm with its arched walkways, fountains, and the soft sounds of music that welcome shoppers to a wealth of boutiques offering everything from art and lingerie to jewelry, shoes and distinctive fashions and hand-crafted artwork . Uptown Park offers several dining options ranging from quick pick-me-ups to casual dining to sophisticated seafood and even Japanese fusion cuisine at Uptown Sushi.

Other top-notch shopping destinations in downtown Houston include Highland Village, Rice Village River Oaks shopping center, and Foley's department store. The newly renovated Memorial City Hall and the First Colony mall are a couple of the popular malls at West side. Among the malls here, the Katy Mills Mall is an all-day shopping affair and a haven for budget-savvy shoppers. An expansive wonderland for adults and children to explore, it is chock full of deals and steals. AMC 20 Theaters, Checker Flag Lightning featuring NASCAR, Midnight Rodeo country dance club and various themed restaurants make Katy Mills an all-around good time. Celebrity appearances and events for the entire family only add to the Katy Mills experience.

Fantastic malls on the North Side include Deerbrook Mall:, Greenspoint Mall, and Old Town Spring Shopping Village. The South Side has the Baybrook Mall for shopping aficionados.

Tired with all that shopping? Add to the relaxation of your vacation by planning a trip to one of the Greater Houston area's splendid spas.: Trellis at The Houstonian Hotel, or the Spa at Moody Gardens Hotel are oases of relaxation amidst tropical foliage and ocean breezes. The Spa and Fitness Center at The Woodlands Resort and the Spa San Luis are the ideal places to unwind and soak up some island relaxation. The perfect end to a glorious day of shopping!!

Dog Accessories Shopping Tips

5 Essential Dog Accessories Shopping Tips

We accessorize many things. Cellphones, computers, homes, cars and PDAs are just some of the things that can be accessorized. Some people use accessories to emphasize the beauty of a thing; others use accessories to make things easier to use; still others use accessories to protect an item against harmful elements.

Accessories are not only limited to objects; in fact, there are accessories for living things, dogs for instance. There are a variety of dog accessories available -- ranging from accessories to enhance the appearance of a dog, accessories for pampering dogs and accessories that can both help dog and its owner.

If you're a dog lover, shopping for dog accessories is an important aspect of taking care of your pet. In fact, many dog lovers experience a great deal of satisfaction shopping for their beloved pets in the same way they do when shopping for their loved ones.

With a plethora of dog accessories in the market today, finding and choosing the best dog accessories for your pet can be a bit of a challenge. So here are some shopping tips to keep in mind when you're looking into buying dog accessories for your pooch.

Tip #1: When shopping for a dog collar...

Dog collars range from plain to fancy. However, more than the look of the dog collar, it's important that you choose one that properly fits your dog. The perfect dog collar for your dog is one wherein the space between your dog's neck and the collar is about two fingers wide. Never buy a dog collar based on how it looks. How a dog collar fits your dog should be your top priority.

Tip #2: When shopping for a dog leash...

Many types of dog leashes are available in the market. However, when shopping for a leash for your dog, choose the one that is appropriate to the size of your dog. If you have a big dog, get a dog leash that is wide and strong enough to hold him. In the same manner, don't get a big leash if you have a small dog. When choosing a dog leash, it's always best to go with one that costs a bit higher. Cheap dog leashes usually are of cheap quality.

Tip #3: When shopping for food and water bowls...

Choose food and water bowls that won't easily tip over. If you are considering buying a watering system that gives dogs a supply of drinking water for a longer period of time, choose a size that is appropriate for your dog. Water should always be fresh and clean so make sure that your dog can consume fairly quickly the water in the watering system you are about to purchase.

Tip #4: When shopping for dog toys...

Dogs are playful animals. When shopping for dog toys, consider those that your dog can gnash, chew or bite. Instead of chewing on slippers and shoes, these particular dog toys will encourage your dog to be more behaved. When choosing dog toys for your dog, consider those that are just the right size for him. Avoid dog toys that are too small; your dog may accidentally swallow small dog toys and choke. On the other hand, don't get a dog toy that is too large for your pet that he is unable to lift it.

Tip #5: When shopping for doghouses...

Your dog needs to have his own place outside of your home. A doghouse will protect your pet from the elements. Thus, when shopping for a doghouse, choose the one that is appropriate for your dog's size. The doghouse should be big enough to protect your dog from the harsh rays of the sun, rain and snow as well as be comfortable enough for your dog to live in if you ever leave your dog alone for long periods of time.

Shopping With Kids In Tow

How To Survive Grocery Shopping With Kids In Tow

“Before kids I used to happily peruse the supermarket aisles, slowly selecting interesting new items, scrutinizing labels and creating a few evening meals in my head as I shopped. Now I have two small kids and my creative shopping days are over. I run through the store and I am lucky if I get half of the essentials that I need to get through the week,” writes a frustrated mom when asked about her biggest daily stressors.

With small children in tow, visits to the supermarket can be unproductive and filled with anxiety. An extra twenty minutes of indecision, waiting at the deli, or traveling unneeded aisles, is just enough time for kids to lose their marbles and cause the parent to flee the store, shopping incomplete.

Supermarket shopping must get done, and bringing the children, for the majority of parents, is the only viable option.

Survival Tips

Create a weekly menu.

On Sunday, find 7 simple dinner recipes made with basic, healthy ingredients. Include an easy lunch menu for 7 days and then decide breakfast choices for the week. The Food Network website yields hundreds of tasty, easy to prepare meal ideas like beef stroganoff and tacos. Writing a weekly menu will relieve the stress that families feel each evening when deciding what’s for dinner, leaving more time and energy for family time.

Make a list.

Using the weekly menu, make a shopping list on the front of a plain envelope (reason for envelope in next tip) of all of the items needed to prepare the week’s breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. The food list complete, go through the house and add to the list, beverages, paper, cleaning, and bath and beauty products running low. A pad of paper and pen in an accessible area lets family members jot down items they need.

Study the floor plan of the grocery store.

It is really helpful to know the layout of the grocery store when creating a grocery list because the list can be made to correlate to the store. For example, if the deli is the first place passed and the dairy is next and then meat, deli items should be grouped at the top of the list followed by all of the dairy items and then meat. Although seemingly obsessive-compulsive, correlating the list to the store layout eliminates doubling back and can save enormous amounts of time.

Clip coupons.

After the list is created, find coupons that match items on the list. Only use coupons for those items regularly used, or those items the family might enjoy trying. Put the coupons needed for the current shopping list into the envelope with the grocery list printed on it. Place a check next to those items on the list that have a coupon. Don’t add extra items to the list just to use a coupon. Compare prices, sometimes another brand might be cheaper than the brand with the coupon.

Do be creative with the weekly menu to incorporate coupons, for example make chicken instead of pork chops if there is a chicken coupon. Don’t compromise on health to use a coupon; don’t buy a 10% juice beverage with a coupon instead of 100% juice without a coupon or settle for high sugar cereal with a coupon in place of a healthy cereal without.

Choose off-peak hours.

It is much more efficient and pleasant to schedule supermarket visits when the store is empty. Mornings, after people are at work and older children are in school, are quiet in grocery stores and lines are short or non-existent. Later evening for working parents, or early mornings on weekends are typically light. Take note when visiting or just call and ask a store manager, “When is the store is at its most quiet?” Schedule visits during off-peak hours. Workers are much more pleasant and helpful on a whole when not facing hoards of impatient customers.

Hug the perimeter.

The healthiest items in the supermarket are found along the perimeter of the store. Fresh produce, meats and seafood, and the dairy cases all sit along the outer edges. The majority of cart time should be spent along the perimeter. Fresh foods are, more often than not, healthier than the ready-to-eat foods found in the middle aisles. The amount of sodium and fat added to fresh foods while cooking is up to the cook, not the manufacturer.

Ask for help and bring a pen.

Supermarket workers are knowledgeable and generally willing to help. Instead of wandering the aisles in search of a product, ask. Staff will often go out of their way to locate a hard to find item. The butcher can slice cuts of meat and chicken exactly as recipes call for, saving prep time at home. It is perfectly reasonable and a good use of time to alert the butcher or deli clerk, and shop while they are preparing the order.

Bring a pen and cross items off of the list as you put them in the cart, or you will waste time checking and rechecking your list.

Finally, accept the bagger’s offer to bring bundles to the car. Let the bagger push the cart, load the groceries into the car, and return the cart. The parent can keep the kids safe in the parking lot and buckle car seats and seat belts. Safer and a time saver – and baggers often like to get out of the store.

Sexy Lingerie Shopping Online

Sexy Lingerie: Shopping Online Makes It Easy!

Shopping for lingerie doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can even be fun! This is especially true if you do it online. Here are some reasons why.

Online lingerie shopping can be done from the comfort of your own home. No trips to a brick and mortar store are necessary as there are many quality online lingerie stores available to you at the click of a mouse.

You can shop online at any time of the day or night. There are no set store hours that you need to abide by. When you are in the mood, just do a search for the type of lingerie you are looking for and presto, you are ready to shop.

There are many different web sites offering a large selection of lingerie. You should look for an online store that is appealing and easy to navigate and has many different styles to choose from.

You will enjoy the fact that you can browse through the many available selections at your own pace without having to interact with any salespeople. This will eliminate any uncomfortable feelings you may have about purchasing your lingerie.

Another advantage is that you will be able to try on your new lingerie in the privacy of your own home. No more embarrassing moments in the presence of people you don’t really want to be modeling for!

Finding a store with reasonable prices and good selection has never been easier. Shipping is as fast as you wish to make it with choices from standard shipping which normally takes 5 to 7 days or overnight shipping for next day delivery.

Make sure the store you allows returns or exchanges. This way you will be able to exchange any items that don’t fit correctly or are not exactly what you were looking for.

Your items should be shipped to you in discreet packaging with no mention of the word lingerie on the packaging.

So pull up a chair, get comfortable and get shopping for that sexy lingerie outfit online!

5 Advantages to an Online Shopping Mall

Experts agree that shoppers will spend an unprecedented amount of money buying gifts online this holiday season. Just as "big box" stores draw an inordinate number of shoppers, so does the online shopping mall. Here are five reasons why an online shopping mall is so appealing to many:

1. No More Driving

With gas prices in some areas of California inching toward five dollars a gallon, it's no wonder that people are thinking twice about getting into their SUVs and heading to the stores. An online shopping mall allows you to get all of the gifts you need with a few clicks of your mouse - without ever starting up the engine.

2. Ultimate Convenience

With an online shopping mall, you never have to worry about the crowds on a Saturday morning, gunning for a parking spot, or where you're going to leave the kids so you can buy their holiday gifts. By definition, an online store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can shop after the kids have gone to bed, you can shop in your pajamas and bunny slippers, or you can shop at peak times with the knowledge that you're not standing in line at a checkout counter. It can't get more convenient than that!

3. Freedom to Browse

Perhaps you know precisely what you need, or maybe you're looking for inspiration. Either way, an online shopping mall fits the bill. If you know that Aunt Mary loves certain fragrances, for example, you can easily hone in on the perfect gift. On the other hand, if you're unsure what toys would appeal to your nephew, an online shopping mall lets you browse to your heart's content until you find the toy that will delight him.

4. Endless Selection

A great online shopping mall mirrors the best brick-and-mortar mall in that it has a virtually limitless selection - without having to traipse from store to store with armloads of packages. Apparel, auto parts, cell phones, computers, personal electronics, home and garden gifts, jewelry, sports, and toys are all available at a good online mall. Tens of thousands of items are all at your fingertips.

5. Great Prices

An online shopping mall has many advantages over a traditional mall, but perhaps none is more compelling than the pricing. After all, online stores don't have the overhead expenses of brick-and-mortar stores - like rent, utilities, display, sales clerks, and so forth - so they can pass along the savings to you. For that reason, they can offer products at or sometimes below wholesale prices.

If you're an avid online shopper, you'll undoubtedly do much of your holiday shopping online. Rather than shop from several online sources, you'll find it much easier to track your purchases when you make them at one online shopping mall. So put the kids to bed, put on your bunny slippers, and let your fingers do the clicking!

Christmas Toy Shopping Online – 10 Reasons

With the Christmas season approaching, here are 10 reasons to do your toy shopping online.

1. Child free. Trying to shop for the Christmas presents with your children in tow does not really work. Why not shop on the Internet when they are in bed or busy with something else?

2. Crowd free. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the High Street, trying to get a pushchair around a cramped and busy shop.

3. 24/7 shopping. The Internet is open for shopping at all hours. With the exception of a couple of large supermarkets, why tie yourself to when your local toy shops are open?

4. Range of toys available. You can find pretty much every toy available on the Internet. It’s a great way to find unusual and different ideas when you get stuck in the rut of buying the same type of present year after year - after all, our niche is wooden toys (www.in2play.co.uk) and we stock some very hard to find items. A surefire way of getting away from the cloned High Streets and malls we live with today.

5. Time saving. The children are not with you - and do not know what you have got them. You are not fighting off the crowds of other shoppers. You can fit your shopping into a time that is convenient for your. No finding the last parking space in town. Get the toy shopping out of the way and when you do go to the High Street, you can relax and shop for fun.

6. No shopping bags. Five full shopping bags hanging off the pushchair, the car parked at the top of a multistory carpark a mile away and the busy shopping center to negotiate. Shop online and juggling the shopping bags is history (as is keeping out the little prying hands and eyes).

7. Home or work delivery. The majority of online stores will happily deliver to your workplace or home. If you want the toys quickly, many stores will offer a courier option. While most stores will charge a postage and packing fee, just think how much you have saved on car parking, petrol and time - and if you spend enough, the store will probably throw in free postage.

8. Range of payment options. On the Internet you can pay easily by card. Many stores will accept payment by cheque or postal order. Then there are also the online payment options such as PayPal. Don’t forget that PayPal and many banks and credit card companies offer Internet fraud protection for online purchases.

9. Discounts. You may well get a good price on the Internet, but the trick to getting extra discounts is to sign up for mailing lists on websites that interest you. You will probably find that from time to time you will get extra offers, discounts and lower shipping costs.

10. Right to Cancel. In many countries you have extra rights when purchasing online. In Britain and the EU, you may cancel your order at any time during the first seven working days after delivery - for any reason at all.

Above all play safe when paying for your Christmas shopping. Check the page that asks for your payment details either has a padlock icon at the bottom or https:// before the web address. Check that you have ‘real world’ contact details for the shop. Do a quick search on the Internet for the store to see if anyone has reported unresolved problems.

Enjoy your Christmas shopping!

Shopping For Used Cars Online

When it comes to buying your used car there is the hard way to go about it and the easier way. The hard was travelling around car dealerships with the chance that you are going to find the car of your dream for the price you can afford. However shopping for used cars online is the much easier option and can be done all from the comfort of your own home. By going online you can easily travel around many sites, which allows you to make a search for a particular make of car and engine size, price and location.

The beauty of shopping online is that you are able to not only quickly find the exact model but also see photos of the car along with details and the location of the car. If you are interested in following it up then contact numbers are given, this is by far the best way when it comes shopping for used cars online. Another bonus on your side is that the majority of the time the price can be negotiated, which leads to an even bigger bargain.

Of course when looking to buy a used car online you will have to have done a little homework beforehand. If you are looking for a particular make and model then be sure to look around at many sites to get a good idea of the asking price for a good second hand car of that type before deciding to go and look at one.

It is also important that you know a little about cars when you finally decide to go and look the car over. The seller of course will have done everything possible to make the car stand out and look good so you will have to look the car over with a very careful eye. Make sure that you look for signs of welding which could indicate the car has been in an accident at some time or another and check it thoroughly for any signs of rust, also check the dashboard for any signs that screws have been tampered with as this could be an indication that the mileage has been altered.

You should also make sure that you see any relevant documentation that goes with the vehicle and if you are given excuses then be very wary. Finally you should always take a test drive, try to make sure you can test all the gears in the car and listen to the sound of the engine and take notice of how the car handles.

Shopping for used cars online is by far the easiest way to buy your second hand car and with a little care you can pick up a great bargain that will last you many years.

Shopping Home Business

Home Business Start Up -- Grocery Shopping Home Business

Vital Information:

Start-up Investment:

Low - $2000 (advertising costs)

High - $20,000 (includes a van)

Break-even time Two week to one year

Estimate of Annual Revenue and Profit: Revenue $15,000 - $1 million (solo at low end, with employees at high end)

Profit (Pre-tax ) $12,000 - $500,000

Food for Thought (and Profit)

In this age of two-income families, it is a rarity to find a woman who has time to manage both her career and her home with the finesse that she would like.

As the number of frozen meals and fast food restaurants multiply, families are becoming increasingly dependent on them.

Consequently, people are consuming substantial amounts of "empty calories". The result? ... obesity. Another? Children with behavioral problems.

On the flip side, people are becoming more aware of the value of "whole foods" as opposed to prepackaged.

Not only families with busy parents use "Personal Grocery Shoppers, but executives use them also.

With technology advancing as rapidly as it is... executives are increasingly required to produce more projects given the same amount of time. They simply don't have the time to go to the grocery store and carefully choose healthy foods.

Don't forget about the elderly and those with physical challenges. Many Senior's as well as others who are physically challenged require "Grocery Shopping" services.

Also, consider Adult Family Homes and Foster Homes. Often, it is difficult for care providers to schedule in time to grocery shop.

I've learned that with both Adult Family Homes as well as with Foster Homes, that the care provider's are required to have a liscenced person remain with clients in the event that the care provider needs to leave the home...Obviously, a hidden cost.

Keep in mind that there are NUMEROUS Adult Family Homes and Foster Homes that are run by couples as well as singles. Contrary to popular thought, most of these homes are small operations.

You can contract with Foster Homes and Adult Family Homes and do the shopping for them.

How can you Cash in on the Grocery Shopping Business?

Grocery shopping is one of the newest and potentially lucrative services now being offered to the American consumer. Why not capitalize on this ever increasing industry?

Who, What, Where...

There are many different types of grocery-shopping services popping up all over the country. Some are attached to large supermarket chains; a division of the parent company or someone leasing space as a concession.

At the other end of the spectrum are homemakers, singles, and college students who Earn a living by doing the grocery shopping for others.

Benefits To Owning A Home Based Grocery Business

· A Home Based Grocery Business allows for a flexable work schedule. · Can be performed...even if you have young children.

· Opportunity to meet people

· Low start up

· Low overhead

· Simple

· Lucrative

No matter what form the service takes, the opportunities can be mind-boggling. Even the single enterprising shopper can make a good living for the next dozen years or so... until supermarket chains catch on...

Once more supermarkets catch on, it may be possible to present your existing service to the supermarket chain as an established service.

By contracting your services with a grocery store chain, you can cash in. Of course, at that point, it's likely that you will have employees doing the shopping for you.

Since there are so few grocery shopping companies around, you will have to decide for yourself what the market will be when setting your prices.

You will probably want to break down your prices to reflect the dollar amount of the order, the distance for delivery and whether you can handle several orders at the same time. (For example: $10 for a $50 order within a 5 mile radius).

Keep in mind, the bottom line in this business is volume. The more orders you can fill at one time and the fewer miles you have to travel, the more lucrative your business will be.

Start-Up Costs For your Grocery Shopping Business

All you really need to start a shopping service is customers. You can use word of mouth advertising to start, if money is seriously tight.

Investing in flyers and peppering the neighborhoods you choose may be the place to start.

Note: Use card sized flyers for low cost advertising. Pay kids to deliver them.

Choosing Customers for your Grocery Shopping Business

You will want to target your potential area carefully. Look for affluent neighborhoods where both spouses are working, neighborhoods populated by executives, Computer programmers....Foster/Adult care Homes.

Note: Get your hands on a Cole's Directory. Often, you'll find them in your local Library. You can also lease them directly from Cole's. Anyhow, within the Cole's Directory, you can look up addresses within it. The Beauty is that Cole's lists the average income for the particular neighborhood. Advertising your Home Based Grocery Business

You can either hire kids to hand deliver the flyers in the specified neighborhoods or utilize bulk mail to send your flyers to a particular zip code.

I've paid kids .05 cents per door. Neighborhood newspapers and pennysavers are often an economical place to advertise.

You might want to speak with the management at the supermarket you plan to utilize to see if you can post a notice in the store on the bulletin board or pass out brochures or flyers in the parking lot or at the door of the sore.

Continue to be warm and friendly but don't confuse this with friendship development. In other words, don't make it a habit to hang around too long after your job is done. Keep it light, warm and professional. Don't become their psychologist.

Once you've developed trust, ask for referrals. You can design a referral program too.

Other than advertising costs, the only start-up cost you will really need is a vehicle (a roomy station wagon or van) that can accommodate your orders.

Other Business Considerations

If you don't have such a vehicle and money is tight, you can explore the possibility of leasing one. If you lease an automobile under your business name, you can write the monthly payments off. Of course you don't have to concern yourself with auto repair hassles...by leasing.

As business picks up, consider adding coolers to keep perishables on ice so that you can lengthen your delivery route.

Another thought... turn your baseme or extra bedroom into warehouse so you can stock high profit bulky items like sodas or disposable diapers.

This way you can purchase in quantity from a wholesaler or food warehouse, increasing your profits.

Designing your Grocery Shopping Business

Some shopping services ask their customers to place orders on a regimented schedule; one each week or every ten days.

It's also common that customers are requested to check off their items on a pre-printed shopping list. You can design the list so that "Produce" is in one section, "Meats" in another, and so on.

This method guarantees a minimum number of orders per week and allows for long range scheduling.

Other services are more flexible by allowing customers to "call in" to order on as-needed basis. This method maybe harder to schedule but could pull in more business because of increased frequency or impulse buying.

Because it is not a very good idea to carry a lot of cash around with you, it may be a good idea for your company to pay for the order as you purchase them and then collect a check from your customers upon delivery.

You will probably want to choose one particular supermarket in which to do all your shopping. Not only do you become familiar with the location of all the items you need, but you can become familiar with the store's personnel. A friendly "hello" how are you", may be the little boost you need to be able to get the best cuts of beef from the butcher or the best produce from the produce manager.

Time Is Money

If you are only shopping for prepackaged food, you can really move through the supermarket, but if you have to inspect produce, meats, or fish, the time you spend is going to be greatly increased. So, charge accordingly.

You may also want to consider shopping in stores other than supermarkets. Customers may want you to stop by the liquor store, deli or carry-out.

You may wish to increase your fees for this additional service or charge the same as you do for groceries. It's up to you.

Note: if you base your pricing on the dollar volume for the delivery, the more expensive price tags at those specialty stores will make it worthwhile to make the extra stops.

Organizational ability is the key to a successful grocery shopping service. It is a challenge to keep orders straight since you will probably be shopping for several accounts at once.

Bridging the Gap between Opportunity and Success,

Shopping Acoustic vs. Digital

The most serious piano teachers will adamantly point their students in the direction of an acoustic piano. For serious piano studying, I agree with this completely for reasons I will discuss shortly. But for many reasons, a genuine handcrafted instrument may not be the best choice for you. With the affordability, portability, and the many features that come with digital pianos, you may wish to head the other way. Summarily, the question of acoustic versus digital boils down to a matter of authenticity versus everything else.

Mostly, the drawbacks of an acoustic piano are matters of practicality, such as price. For what you could get a new, decent quality digital piano with, you’ll be dealing with a rather meager acoustic. This can encompass a number of problems. For instance, aside from any tuning it might need, the overall sound quality of a cheap acoustic piano can be quite poor. This may not just be an issue of old strings, but can result from an infinite number of possible factors arising from any of the complex mechanics of the piano being in disrepair. Other common problems of old pianos are broken keys and sticky keys, which is when the keys fail to spring up the way they should. There may also be faults with the framework that can range from nuisances to impending hazards. The trouble of a bad acoustic continues indefinitely, and the piano may need a decent amount of initial maintenance, in addition to periodic maintenance, which is likely to pull a few additional large bills out of your wallet right way.

Also, because of its bulk and weight, an acoustic may be a very difficult accommodation for people living in tight or elevated spaces, such as dorm rooms and certain city apartments. Some buildings may even prohibit pianos, particularly on floors above the ground level because the weight and bulk of pianos make them quite cumbersome and possibly hazardous to either the tenants or the buildings themselves. This raises the issue of portability as well. Do you gig? Do you relocate frequently? Toting a 500 pound upright piano isn’t possible for most people; moving one across the room is a challenge for most people. If your music needs to be ready to go, your hulking wooden companion is not going to be sympathetic.

Acoustic pianos also lack the many features present in digital pianos nowadays that may be valuable tools to you. For example, volume control may be necessary in dormitory, or close living, situations. Newer digitals also come with a suite of onboard functions, including on-the-fly recording, voice customization, electronic metronome, and even music mixing features, which you won’t have. You will also lack the benefit of porting your music to your PC; a simple MIDI connector would feed your performance directly into your computer’s audio card without any ambient noise or loss of sound quality, which will probably beat any recording made with an acoustic piano and consumer grade recording hardware available at a neighborhood electronics store.

With an acoustic, you will surely be at, at least, some degree of inconvenience. Still, despite the great deal of effort digital piano makers have put into their product, none have been able to truly reproduce the sound and feel of a good acoustic piano. First, lets talk about the piano sound. To most people, casual or occasional listeners of piano music, the resulting sounds between an acoustic piano and a digital piano are quite identical and equally satisfactory musically. But listen closely, because there is an important difference.

A digital piano outputs high quality recordings of the sounds that were made by a real piano at one time. During the process of making a digital piano, each key of a real concert grand piano is struck a number of times at varying velocities and recorded with sophisticated equipment to be used as the digital voice. This will give the digital piano a sufficient range of tonality and an overall likeness to the sound of an acoustic piano in varying music dynamics. But once the notes have been recorded and finally integrated with the digital piano’s voicing mechanism, they are never going to be changed. Even though the aesthetic quality of the sound is state of the art, it is the way the sounds should behave but cannot because they are fixed recordings that is the fundamental problem of digital pianos.

An acoustic piano uses a complex array of hammers, strings, a soundboard, and other moving parts that function in collaboration. This means that when any note is played, it is not played with entire independence, but is highly affected by the current state of the surrounding components of the piano. For example, playing a chord on a digital piano will simply result in three notes being played, as they were recorded individually, at the same time, whereas with an acoustic piano, the three notes will interact with each other through the soundboard and become a stew of vibrations, producing a different, more complex, and ultimately richer sound. Lacking this quality, what comes out of digital speakers will typically be quite boring and unsatisfactory to aficionados of the true piano tone.

An acoustic piano is also an analog instrument, which means is has virtually infinite range. For example, there is no limit to the loudness or softness a note may be played on an acoustic piano. With digital pianos, there is a point at which a minimum or maximum will be achieved. This means there will be occasions when you will not be able to play a note as softly or as loudly as you wish. In order words, true pppp or ffff are probably beyond the reach of digital pianos without you resorting to adjusting the volume dial while you’re performing. Even if you were to do that, the tonal quality of the notes would remain static from that point on, when it would further continue to dull or brighten on an acoustic piano.

Another problem of digital devices is the matter of intervals. In photography, for example, pixels are the intervals. With a traditional film camera, the amount of detail you are able to capture is theoretically unlimited because film is a single and continuous malleable body. The “film” of a digital camera is not single or continuous but is a multitude of pixels, each of which is only able to record a solid block of color. The amount of detail a digital camera is able to capture will depend on the how small the pixels are and how tightly they’re packed together. If the pixels, or intervals, are small enough and packed tight enough, the amalgam of the blocks of color they record will appear to be smooth curves and gradients to the human eye.

There is a similar issue of intervals with digital pianos, which is mainly the issue of touch sensitivity. Digital pianos have a finite number of intervals when it comes to key pressure. The more intervals there are and the closer they are to each other, the more realistically the piano will respond to your dynamics. High end digital pianos will have quite a lot of them. But digital pianos within the means of average shoppers may not have sufficient sensitivity. This means that while the vast difference between piano and forte may be noticeable, the most intricate variances of touch pressure may be disregarded. This will be quite a nuisance to pianists seeking a highly responsive instrument, particularly when it comes to meticulous classical music.

It also manifests in pedaling. Piano pedals are ranged. Between simple on and off, or up and down, there are degrees. Half-pedaling and quarter-pedaling are crude terms describing the manner of pedaling in which the pedal is only pressed partially down in order to create an intermediate effect. For instance, rather than completely depressing the pedal so that the full brilliance of a note is sustained, you may wish to depress it only half way to dampen about half of the note and let only the remainder of it sustain for a subtler, suppressed quality. Certainly a scrupulous pianist will wish to employ the complete range of pedaling available to him, which may not be represented entirely accurately in a digital piano.

Aside from sound, as mentioned previously, key touch is also an important issue. Digital piano makers these days have gone to great lengths to reproduce the feel of acoustic pianos. For the most part, they’ve done a good job. They’ve even gone as far as implementing graded hammer action, which is in line with the hammers of acoustic pianos gradually becoming lighter from left to right. As a matter of fact, if you could take a look at the inner workings of a digital piano, you would be quite surprised and impressed with the complexity of the hammer mechanics. However, as long as digital pianos look the way they do, being the shape and size they are, there is going to be a limit as to how authentically the key feel can be made.

The hammers on a digital piano are simply extensions of the pianist’s fingers. When the pianist presses a key down, it will raise the opposing lever, which touches the electronic pad inside the piano that serves as the string. The hammers on an acoustic piano do not behave this way. Instead of being extensions of the pianist’s fingers, they are rather like projectiles that are sprung toward the strings high above them. Imagine the carnival game where you must hit a pad on the ground with a mallet, which flings a projectile up the meter towards the bell at the very top. The finger is the mallet, the visible piano key is the pad, the hammer inside the piano is the projectile, and the string is the bell. First of all, this means if you press a key all the way down but not with the minimum amount of force needed, the projectile hammer will never leave its seating and the string will actually never be struck. Secondly, this launch-pad-like action feels quite different than the seesaw-like action of digital piano hammers.

The only way this can truly be reproduced in a digital piano is by the use of bona-fide acoustic hammers. And there’s nothing wrong with doing that. But the problem is there isn’t enough room for them inside the compact size of most of the digital pianos today. That’s why as long as they look the way they do, the action of digital pianos will not feel completely akin to that of acoustic pianos. Larger, higher end models do integrate the acoustic hammer action simply to recreate the key feel. Even higher end models, which are called “silent pianos,” integrate strings as well and are bona-fide acoustic pianos with the added ability to remove the strings from the action and toggle on digital mode in order to provide volume control! But these tend to be even more expensive than acoustic pianos.

These are the basic points to think about when shopping for your piano. To restate what I said at the beginning of the article, it really boils down to the authenticity versus everything else. And the authenticity is usually going to cost you more to get. What you should think about is how important it is to you that the piano truly resembles an acoustic. Are you a classical piano student looking at a long road of perfection and possibly a career as a concert performer? Then a digital piano is probably not what you want to be practicing on, even as a temporary substitution. I would suggest taking financing an acoustic and using your relatively small budget of cash as the down payment. If this is not necessarily what you’re going for, then perhaps a digital reduction is all you really need. For most people, it is.

Clothes Shopping in Spain

No need to diet!

As Northern European women we tend to be taller and larger framed than our Latin counterparts. This can sometimes prove to be problematic when clothes shopping in Spain. It can be disheartening to discover that you have gone up a couple of dress sizes since arriving in Spain.

Don’t panic, you don’t need to resort to low fat, low carb or low calorie just yet. The sizes are definitely smaller and vary greatly. The good news is for tall women, as trouser legs tend to be long as many stores offer a cheap, alteration service, which everyone seems to use.

Personally, in the UK I am a Next 10/12, whereas in Spain a size 42 (14) jeans positively grips my thighs. In fact in the UK I would fall into the “slim” category but in Spanish fitting rooms I have almost had to be surgically removed from trousers whilst they tell me that they are the biggest size that they do.

Super slim Shop Assistants

Ironically, it goes against our traditional notion of Latin women being, well, shall we say, on the curvaceous side. On the contrary, if you look at the staff employed in women’s fashion shops, they are mostly petite and incredibly svelte. If you have a good look around, especially places like Marbella, there seems to be a clear connection between wealth and slimness. It seems that as wealth increases, weight decreases. Therefore, you will find that a lot of the boutiques around Marbella, especially around Puerto Banus, stock very tiny skimpy clothes.

Choice

There isn’t the vast selection of high street names that we are used to as people still enjoy shopping in individual shops which stock just a few sizes of each item. As you can imagine, if you shop this way, it can be pretty expensive as such shops do not enjoy the economies of scale that the monopolising groups such as the Arcadia Group do.

Stores such as Zara have been very successful due to the Japanese, automotive methods that they employ. The average turnaround for design through to shop floor is just three weeks. Their ability to keep up with the latest trends and replicate catwalk looks explains their popularity. They are always packed, especially on a Saturday and by the end of the evening the stores look completely ransacked. Their main drawback is that they cater only for the size 8 to 12. I wear a UK size 10 for tops but in Zara I wear an L (large), the only size up being an XL.

Who shops where?

You just need to look at the shop window displays and you instantly know the target age, unlike in the UK, where anyone can find anything appropriate to their age from 14 to 64 in “trendy” shops such as New Look. So, in that sense, you could say that there is a lot of age segregation.

Shops such as Berska are evidently against anyone over a size 10 and over the age of 25. Zara, on the other hand, attempts to satisfy a wider age range by splitting its stores into three departments. Zara Basic is targeted at the 21 to 35 age group with a good range of basics mixed with the latest trends. The durability of most products is probably one season if washed once per week.

The prices are very reasonable, with a pair of smart/casual trousers costing around 25 euros and cotton tops around 15. Zara woman is targeting an older age group in a higher income bracket. The quality is better and the designs are more sophisticated. For the casual/funky teens and students, there’s TRF, which is very young, eclectic, cheap and tiny. Zara also do menswear and children’s wear. They offer an alteration service for their clothes. A basic shortening of trouser leg costs about 4 euros.

Mango is another high fashion chain targeting the 20 to 35 range. The quality is similar to Zara but can be slightly pricier. Again, the sizes are small.

Promod targets a 35 group. It is on a par with Principles and Wallis. Lots of smart casual clothes and patterned tops. Again, a UK 12 would need a size 42. They also have great, reasonably priced accessories including jewellery, bags, shoes and belts.

Massimo Duttii appeals to smart but casual, classic, preppy, successful thirty somethings. The quality is very good but they don’t follow high fashion trends like Zara.

El Corte Ingles is the main department store which stocks designers ranging from Morgan to French Connection for 20s and 30s. There are also Spanish designers and some familiar names from the UK department stores such as Liz Claiborne I always find it a bit disappointing and very expensive.

Bargains

If you plan to check out the high street sales in Spain, you might be disappointed. Big discounts i.e. 50% are scarce, as most stores only offer 20%. There are two sales per year summer and January. One thing is for sure, when shopping in Spain, you don’t need to worry that your clothes might be discounted next week as often happens in the UK. Clothes shops just don’t do promotional offers as there isn’t the same amount of competition on the high street.

Below is a conversion chart to enable you to find your Spanish size when clothes shopping. These sizes are the “equivalents” but be warned there is a lot of variation and you might need a size bigger!

I would suggest that when trying on clothes take a range of sizes in with you and try not to look at the size label too much as it really doesn’t mean much. Concentrate on the fit and remember that many shops have an alteration (arreglos) service if you ask.

The Hows and Whys of Vintage Clothes Shopping

Why Vintage?

Why would anyone want to wear vintage clothing? First of all, it's fun! When you wear vintage, you stand out from the crowd. The chances of someone else wearing the same exact outfit to that special event are slim to none. More and more high school girls are shopping vintage for dances and proms because it guarantees originality. Yasmine, a vintage clothing collector from Los Angeles, says, "I wear vintage so I can add a little something authentically retro to my clothing and not look the same as everyone else, which is difficult in style-conscious L.A.."

Vintage clothing is also nostalgic. Remember the good old days when there were party lines and soda shops? Me neither, but wearing vintage gives a girl the chance to experience a small part of history. In today's ambiguous world, it feels nice to pull on a crinoline and full feminine skirt once in a while. Let's face it: grown-up girls like to play dress up, too!

For the thrifty, the prices on vintage items should be incentive enough. Local thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales are excellent sources of old clothing at unbelievable prices. Broke? Go volunteer to help clean out grandma's attic! I've gotten several vintage pieces handed down to me since I began collecting about two years ago.

Online Shopping

The internet has made it easy for vintage clothing enthusiasts to comparison shop and buy items that may not be available in their area. Type "vintage clothing" into any search engine and you'll get hundreds of results. There are a few things you should know before purchasing vintage wear online, however.

Carol, owner of Dandelion Vintage, a fun and inexpensive online Vintage Clothing shop based in New Jersey, recommends that first-time buyers be aware of what it means to buy and wear vintage clothing. "It's not like something new and fresh from Macy's, it's going to feel different and smell differently (there is no "new" clothing smell) and the items do need to be treated a little more carefully," she said, adding that customers should always ask questions up front about the garments, especially if they are unsure of the size or condition. When shopping vintage online, she says, be sure to read the site's terms of sales, ordering procedure, and return policy before ordering.

There are many different styles and eras to choose from. Items from the late 19th century on up through the 1980's are available. Whatever your style, you're sure to find something to suit you. Carol suggests customers buy what they like and avoid following trends, which is excellent advice when it comes to collecting of any type.

Making it Work

Vintage clothing can be teamed up with modern apparel or mixed and matched with other vintage pieces. Back in L.A. Yasmine says, "I find that wearing head to toe vintage is just not practical in day to day life, but by adding a few pieces I can create a look that is uniquely my own. I often buy high-end designer shoes and team them with a $1.00 vintage dress and a Gap cardigan. The look is pulled together and definitely mine."

There you have it: vintage clothes are fun, affordable, and enable the wearer to create and maintain an original look. So what are you waiting for? Go shopping!