Memory foam mattresses cost a bit more than your conventional innerspring or latex foam but the added features and benefits do make them a good purchase for those who can afford it. However, if you have been thinking about buying a memory foam mattress of your own, you may have found that there is a lot of rather confusing information online. Numerous websites tout firmness and density as important aspects that can increase comfort. While this is somewhat true, there are other factors that you need to consider as well; a degree of firmness is indeed desirable but do not mistake it as a sole indicator of comfort or quality. In this article, we provide you with an overview of what memory foam is, and how various characteristics can affect feel, so that you can better decide which mattress will closely correspond to your sleeping needs.

Firmness Ratings

Among other materials used to create mattresses, one of the more unique attributes of memory foam is its ability to absorb pressure. In fact, in its earliest versions, memory foam (or NASA foam, as it was commonly referred to then) was invented to cushion the astronaut plane seats used for space travel. NASA needed something that was soft enough to be comfortable but resistant enough to absorb the incredible amounts of force produced by the speeds needed to break the earth’s gravitational pull.

Contrary to what you would think, memory foam density is not always directly proportional to firmness. You can find a low-density memory foam mattress with high firmness ratings, and vice-versa.

Firmness ratings are expressed in IFD, which stands for indentation force deflection”. The acronym IFD is completely interchangeable with ILD, or indentation load deflection. Both ILD and IFD express the ability of a foam to push back against a known amount of applied pressure. The ILD of a certain mattress in expressed in pounds. It is the amount of force that is needed to create a 1 inch-deep indentation in its surface. Therefore, the higher the ILD, the firmer a mattress is.

ILD and Mattress Construction

The truth is, while ILD is indeed an important specification, it doesn’t tell the whole story about a particular mattress. This is because a memory foam mattress is constructed with several layers. To provide adequate support, the mattress while have a reflex foam core topped with a more comfortable memory foam layer. Reversible foam mattresses while have a minimum of three layers, some other models may have more. The combined ILD ratings of the various layers, not just the memory foam top, is a better indicator of how comfortable and firm it actually is.

Buyer Tips

As with any product, the overall quality of a memory foam mattress is only as good as its most inferior component. That means that a buyer should ensure that each layer in the mattress construction is just right. For instance, the reflex core should be firm enough to provide adequate support; else you will find yourself constantly dipping towards the middle of the mattress. Also, an ILD rating of 12 to 15 is ideal for the memory foam top, as this range will give you just the perfect amount of yield without being overly spongy or saggy.

Of course, product specifications are only guides that are meant to help the consumer. The final test of a good memory foam mattress is ultimately how comfortable and supportive you personally find it to be.

Author Bio - Patric Seeley is a Global Brand Manager at Mattressnextday.co.uk. Mattressnextday is the uncompromising destination for all your sleeping needs. Mattressnextday stocks a LARGE assortment of beds and mattresses, probably the largest collection on-line today.

Picture – Drew and Merissa

A Multi-Purpose Tool

Look for tools that feature several different tools in one or a tool that can serve several different purposes. This is an easy and pretty cheap way to make sure you offer your friend something useful. Usually in a compact design and with the different tools, there’s sure to be at least a few ways for him or her to use it. You may even fill a hole in their tool collection. Plus you won’t have to strain your budget.

New and Improved Tools

Tool technology advances just like everything else so if you see a new and improved form of a common tool, you’ll have a great gift to offer. Even if your enthusiast has every tool under the sun already, finding one that offers new and additional capabilities might just make their home projects easier and they’ll appreciate the convenience of the tool. Consider an anti-vibe hammer, a more powerful drill, or a multi-tipped screwdriver just to give you some ideas. Even the most traditional of enthusiasts will be excited if they can finish their projects quicker and easier.

Home Improvement Idea Books

For those avid DIY types, something as simple as a book of ideas could be a perfect gift. Stocked full of creative ideas and ways to make big or small improvements, a gift like this ensures your DIY-er will get plenty of use out of it. Anytime they’re itching to start a new project, they can look to the book for ideas. You might even save them some money. Once you see ideas from the book popping up around the house, you’ll know you got the right gift!

Tool Storing Carts

If you can afford it, enthusiasts of all kinds can always use more ways to keep their tools and supplies organized. Consider buying your home improver and new tool cart or organizational apparatus instead of adding to their already overstocked supplies. Sneak a peek into their garage, shed or where ever they store supplies so you can determine which cart would be most useful.

Home Improvement Store Gift Cards

When all else fails and you’ve scoured your enthusiast’s home and garage for ideas and come up empty, go simple and buy them a gift card to their favorite home improvement store. For example, Home Depot gift cards guarantee the gift will be something wanted and useful. You can’t go wrong letting someone choose his own gift so a gift card could be your best bet. Though some consider gift cards an impersonal gift, buying a specified card, rather than to general goods store, shows that you took his interests into account.

Any of these gifts will keep giving for novice or experienced home improvement enthusiasts. Plus, when it comes down to it, can a DIY aficionado ever have too many tools and ways to feed their obsession?

To help you discover the perfect gifts, start by listening all year round, not just around birthdays. You’d be surprised how often people talk about things they like, are interested in or want to get involved with in every day conversation. If you listen, the gift ideas will present themselves often and your loved one will know you listened to them which can make anybody feel special.

Next look to their hobbies and interests. Do they love golf? Running? TV? Reading? Yoga? Look online for unique and fun ways to supplement their favorite activities with something they might actually use. Or even something they’ll appreciate if not use. Give them something personalized they can use during their favorite hobbies. A personalize yoga mat, golf clubs or bag, or running shoes can show you both thought about what their interests are and figured out something that makes it personal for them and creates a connection for the two of you. Your dad would always be think of you when using his golf clubs, even if you’re not there.

If you often find yourself stuck on that person who has everything, giving the perfect gift can take extra thought. For these people, keep your eyes out all year long for something they would appreciate. You never know when a gift idea will present itself and then you know you won’t have to worry when it gets close to the birthday; you’re prepared. For those who have everything, funny gifts can often be a good choice. Think to any inside jokes you share or something trivial they talk or complain about and give a gift that represents that. Even if it’s not something they’ll use ever, you’ll both get a laugh. You can find just about anything online these days so let your sense of humor do the work.

When you’ve gotten a really special gift, don’t forget the step of sending a thank-you note. It seems like the art of a thoughtfully crafted thank-you note has gotten a little lost these days but think about the last time you got a thank-you note and how it made you feel. With communication changing, we’re all so used to emails, texts and instant messages that receiving a note in the mail can mean a lot to a person. Keep yourself stocked with thank-you cards so you’re prepared year round. Check out sites like http://www.thank-you-notes.com to find a variety of cards for good prices and you’ll never be “that” person who forgot to send a thank-you note.

Finding the perfect birthday present for a loved one has benefits for you and them. It might sound selfish to acknowledge that you benefit from giving a gift, but you do. What’s wrong with that? Taking the time to show someone how much you care isn’t a selfish act so you may as well enjoy the good feelings it brings you. You deserve it after making your loved one feel special.

Whether you are new to the world of wine or just trying to build up a versatile and robust wine collection, there are some varieties of wine that you just can’t do without. Within these grape varieties there are still choices to be made in terms of age, region and quality, much of which will be dictated by price. However, for the wine enthusiast just starting out these five main varieties will give you a good base from which to develop and something suitable for every meal or occasion.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Every respectable wine rack should have a few bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is notable for its rich, deep flavours. It is one of the ‘big reds’ that are so popular to go with full-bodied dishes such as game, spicy red meat or cheese. The colour is as deep as the flavour and many varieties will feature rose-petal notes and deep berry flavours. Chilean or Australian varieties will have a nice dry taste and be rich in tannins, whereas bottles from the US will be lighter and fruitier.

Merlot

Whether you’re interested in retail or wholesale wine buying, Merlot is a good entry-level red. It’s a good wine to have in your collection as it goes with a variety of meats and fish, as well as pasta dishes and game. Sometimes overlooked as too simple for some tastes, good Merlots can actually be very complex, featuring notes of plum, currant, blackberry and even chocolate. Spanish Merlots are particularly bold and fruity, so choose these to get a real kick out of the flavour.

Zinfandel

When it comes to red wines, you can’t go far wrong with a Zinfandel. Flavours are spicy and light, making this a perfect wine for summer parties or even just drinking alone. If you love Italian food, Zinfandel will provide the perfect accompaniment to your favourite meal, so enjoy it with pasta, cheeses, pesto and Italian hams to get the best out of it. This is a variety that is expertly produced by Californian vineyards, so head to the New World section to get some of the lightest and fruitiest flavours.

Chardonnay

No wine rack is complete without the addition of one or two good whites. A quality Chardonnay is a safe bet for most pallets, as a lot of work goes into balancing the flavours perfectly to give equal measures of depth, flavour and acidity to make for a smooth and easy drinking experience. Depending on where your Chardonnay comes from, you might find it smoother or dry, fuller bodied or crisp. French Chardonnays have more complex flavours and a sharper, crisper finish than New World wines, which have a characteristically smooth and simple flavour. Serve it with fish, shellfish or pasta with creamy sauces.

Rosé wines

Just to cover all the bases, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle or two of rosé in your rack as well. As the name suggests, these wines are pinkish in colour and are made from a red-grape blend using techniques to remove part of the red pigment. This produces a smooth and refreshing drink, perfect for those who want to enjoy the complexity and richness of a red but without the heaviness of some varieties. Rosé wines of all varieties can be found, with some of the popular ones including White Zinfandel, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Blanc.

This guest post was contributed by Denver Burke on behalf of Vivas Wine

Picture: Eflon

Make a Plan

Don’t go into an expedition like this completely blind! The clearer an idea you have in advance, the easier time you will have once you begin the actual purchasing process. Start out by measuring the space dimensions that soon you will fill with desks, office chairs, bookcases, and file cabinets so you know how much to shop for and how big your selections can be. Once you have the dimensions in mind, begin brainstorming. In a perfect world where you had an unlimited budget, what would you buy? After you’ve compiled a list, begin crossing items off that are too big, too costly, or too impractical or unnecessary. You can also consider what you already have on hand: any old furniture that can be reupholstered or otherwise covered; a makeshift desk created from placing an old door onto cinder blocks; personal photos of your own good times and beloved family that can be framed in lieu of expensive art.

Look Online

Many real world stores offer better bargains on their websites. You can usually find some fantastic deals, including free shipping if you spend enough initially.

Alternative Shopping Strategies

Office supply stores are to be avoided at all costs. Wal-Mart and Target usually offer lower prices for the same sorts of supplies you can find at Staples or Office Depot. Even the dollar store will sell you tiny essentials like staples and paper clips for a buck or so. Instead of expensive metal filing cabinets, take advantage of plastic storage. And if you utilize Back to School season in July and August, you should be able to find excellent deals on pens and paper products. Don’t forget about Good Will and other places that offer formerly owned goods. If you live in California, take advantage of stores that sell used furniture in San Francisco. You can always find bargains and then make them over – embrace your creative side!

Buy in Bulk

Though they do require memberships, the amount of money you save while shopping at Costco and Sam’s Club pays for itself in the end. Paper clips, staples, sticky notes, notepads: you can buy most or all of these in enormous amounts for ridiculously cheap prices. And since they’re all office essentials, you won’t have to worry about running out any time soon!

Go Green

Besides helping to save the planet, embracing environmentally friendly strategies will save you a few bucks here and there. See if your nascent office can’t go paperless: instead of office memos or sticky notes, use emails and text messages. Ditch the fax machine and scan your documents, then turn them into PDFs.

With a little pre-planning and smart budgeting strategies, you can save enough money while furnishing your office to take a little vacation! Isn’t Hawaii nice this time of year?

You’d think that there’s no difference between wood from one supplier and wood from a different supplier, as what is more environmentally friendly than wood? You would of course be wrong, as there is much more to wood than first meets the eye. If you buy the wrong wood, you will be contributing to deforestation as well as the loss of biodiversity. This article gives you a brief guide on what to look for when buying wood for your home, be it in the form of wooden blinds or a dressing table, it’s best to know how your wood was sourced.

When purchasing wood furniture or wooden window treatments, be sure that they are either FSC or FOE approved. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, and their mission is to provide wood from sustainable sources. They work under the following rules:

• To preserve rare and ancient trees
• To protect biodiversity and endangered species
• To only harvest wood that has a chance of growing back
• To support the livelihood of indigenous people
• To protect local and small streams
• To fight against and ban the use of toxic chemicals
• To stop genetically modified trees
• To ban replacement of sources by tree plantations
• To guarantee minimal damage and disruption to the forest by using narrow trails when harvesting

The FSC do their best to harvest wood in the least environmentally harmful and most ethically sound manner that is currently available. More still needs to be done, but there are firms out there doing their best to make our world a greener place, and who you can rely on.

FOE stands for Friends of The Earth’s Good Wood Guide, and is a very useful resource for you to ensure that the wood type you are buying isn’t on their endangered wood list. It’s a list of all the tree species in the world with their country of origin, what purpose they are used for, i.e. furniture, floor boards etc., and how endangered they are. For example, pine sourced from Brazil is only used in a minimal amount in the UK for plywood and for joinery purposes, but it a vulnerable tree species and should be avoided to prevent it from becoming endangered. The guide also shows if the wood you are looking up is available in the form of reclaimed wood. Mahogany, for example, is vulnerable yet available in reclaimed wood, which is a greener alternative to the original. In a sense it can be seen as old wood being reused, and reclaimed wood is renowned for its strength compared to that of newly cut wood due to the fact that it has weathered and aged for hundreds of years.

If reclaimed wood is unavailable, there is still the option of using wood species that are naturally pest resistant, and which grow rapidly. Bamboo and Palm are the most famous of these species.

If you’re not sure where to purchase environmentally friendly sourced wood, remember to research the wood species on the FOE and look out for the FSC certificate. There are many resources online which you can go to for further information.

Picture – Jinx!

Make time for discount stores

The upside of shopping in a Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom store is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for a designer purse or pair of shoes. It’s all right there. However, don’t underestimate the power of the TJ Maxx, DSW or even a local thrift store. There are some great designer labels at huge discounts tucked away there as well. If “time is money” is your motto when it comes to shopping, then that may work slightly against you in a discount store. You really should carve out about an additional hour or so more than you would at high-end retail to go through the racks. But to be able to possibly walk out with three suits for the price that you may have paid elsewhere for one, that should add up to time well spent.

Google for designer discounts

If you simply type in “designer discount clothing online”, you will be taken to a bevy of options ranging from two really popular designer shopping favorites Bluefly.com and Overstock.com to less know ones including Foreverfashion.com and Loehmanns.com. Remember that clothing designers like Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden also have their own websites for shopping. Type their name in a search engine and you might be surprised how many exclusive online shopping deals that they offer.

Search for private sales online

It continues to be one of the best-kept secrets online; hence, the word “private”, but basically a private sale is a sale that is available, exclusively, to members of various designer websites. Sites like Zuliliy, Ideeli and Hautelook are all websites that offer daily designer clothing deals at 50% off and more to people who actually join their website. Most only require your full name, birthdate and some login info. Do make sure to read their terms and conditions, though. Fine print often speaks to the right to change deals without notice.

Don’t forget promo codes

Promotional codes are one of the best things to happen to online shopping. It’s basically a code that you can type in on the payment screen that will provide you with a discount on your purchase. There are many popular retail chains that provide them; OldNavy.com promo codes are a popular one that comes to mind. If you have never taken advantage of this kind of deal, RetailMeNot.com is a shopper’s dream for promo codes. Just type in the store or designer you’re looking for and they’ll take it from there. Just be sure to pay close attention to the success rate (reflected in percentages) of the discount featured and to the section that says “Unpopular Coupons”. Those either don’t work or have expired.

Shop for opposite seasons

One of the best times to shop for winter gear is around February (a few weeks before it’s officially spring). One of the best times to shop for summer wear is in the fall. That’s because stores are focused on the current season that they’re in and so in order to get rid of merchandise from the previous one, they mark the prices down pretty low. It takes some doing, shopping in reverse, but it’s worth it to get a Badgley Mischka bathing suit with your autumn boots on if that means a 30% off discount!

Exampels of fascinator styles include flowery arrangements and delicate feathery in a wide range of colours that are placed on top of a hat and worn on your head. If you are interested in buying a fascinator but are unsure of how to wear them, then this article might be of use to you.

Before going in to how to actually wear a fascinator, you migth like to know more about the actual production process. Fascinators are beautiful to look at and this is because a lot of great effort and work goes into creating them. The designer usually looks for inspiration by viewing different colour schemes, different flowers and/or feathers that would go well alltogether.

If the designer has a buyer, then the buyer visits the millinery supplier (the designer) and selects trims and styles to be made up into the end garment, working closely with the designer to deliver a detailed brief for the fascinators to be developed. It takes many colourlab-dip trials to get the exact colour match and the natural products used on fascinators can prove challenging to get the exact colour needed. Many of the trimmings are sewn and assembled by hand, ensuring the fascinators look absolutely perfect before reaching the end-buyer.

It is important to point out that there are different styles of fascinators that can also be worn differently. The most common type of fascinator is the comb fascinator which is a hat with a comb attached to it. When wearing this type of fascinator, it is important to remember to push the comb slightly in the opporite direction of your hair, ensuring that your hair is woven between the teeth of the comb. When wearing this type of fascinator, a great tip is to spray the area with hairspray as this will ensure the fascinator stays in place throughout your event.

The second type of fascinator is probably the easiest one to wear as this is a headband fascinator. It works like a normal headband, only there are feathery additions or flowers attached to the headband. The headband is easy to apply and mostly does not fall easily off your head. If you do want some more stability, consider pinning the headband right behind your ears so that you can cover the pins up with your hair. This is completely up to you though as headbands are usually fine.

It is wise to first purchase the fascinator and then go for the outfit. This is simply because it can be quite tricky to find exact colour matches when your outfit is already purchased. If you do this right, then you will have a stunning addition to your outfit.

This is a guest post written by Susanna Cha on behalf of Jacques Vert who specialise in mother of the bride outfits, wedding outfits for guests and other occasion wear.

It may be easiest to begin your search online, though once you’ve browsed through a few websites you can visit your local mall or a variety of department stores to save on shipping costs.  Depending on how close you are with the exec for whom you’re shopping and what your price range is, you can look for gifts with a distinctly personal touch or something simple that will offer them joy or assistance of some sort.  Here are a few gift ideas to get you started:

Shirt pocket briefcase

Retailing for under forty dollars, this tiny tool allows your exec to take notes quickly and easily, whether they’re on the run or at a business luncheon.

Wine and essentials

Do a little research on a good variety of wine (including the year).  Throw in a block of cheese that complements the wine as well as the essentials of wine management:  a waiter’s corkscrew, a pourer, a stopper, and a drip ring.  Before you commit to this option, make certain that the exec for whom you’re shopping is a wine connoisseur, or wouldn’t mind becoming one.

For the desk

If you or your exec are feeling eco-conscious, you can offer them a bamboo pen cup or glass paperweight (one in the shape of the world is a nice touch).  A new ballpoint pen made of obsidian is thoughtful, classy, and useful.  You might also consider shopping for business card holders in order to find the most unique, or one engraved with their name or initials.  If it’s within your budget, you can splurge a little and purchase a new clock for their desk, perhaps made of mahogany or crystal.

For the home

Consider these items if you and your exec share the kind of relationship that would allow you to shop for their home.  Are they a camping aficionado?  Look into gifting them with a roll up fleece blanket in one of their favorite colors and a matching collapsible cooler (this can also double as a laundry hamper or an everyday storage basket).  A tote sports bag gives them a fun new tool to use when commuting from home or work to the gym.

Food gifts

An exec on the go always needs something to snack on.  A package of gourmet cookies or elegant chocolates offers them something to munch on between lunch and home.  A fruit basket is a healthier option.  Filet mignon makes a lovely (and extravagant) present that you can offer to cook for them yourself.  Or you can present them with a gift card for their favorite restaurant.

Happy shopping!

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for the Executive Gift Shoppe where you can find a bevy of great gifts for the professional in your life.

Once upon a time, if you wanted to plan a vacation you had to pay a travel agent to do the brunt of the work for you.  Today, however, you can save money and do nearly everything yourself to ensure that you find the best travel deals available.  As you can imagine, the internet has played a huge part in making trip planning simpler and more affordable, especially if you utilize social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Best Travel Deals – Airlines

Most major airlines use social media to promote themselves and give their customers and followers extra special travel deals, sometimes offering last-minute offers or benefits that may give you the chance to take off on a cheap, spontaneous trip.  You can also use aggregators, which are websites or software that collects and collates information from a multitude of online sources, to show you a variety of some of the best travel deals from multiple sources.  Some of these places also offer discounts and deals you can’t find anywhere else.

Best Travel Deals – Hotels

You can also use aggregator sites to help you find a hotel by price shopping and coupon comparing online.  Some sites will send you exclusive coupons that can save you big bucks while allowing you to spend some time in the lap of luxury.  Auction sites give you the chance to bid on room rates that you can get away with for a steal.  If you are a regular customer, many hotel chains offer loyalty points should you return to stay with them, and they may also reward you for following them on Twitter or friending them on Facebook with special deals for customers only.  Some services turn your visits to chains on social media sites into points that can be redeemed for perks or discounts.  You can also do a search for new hotels in the area you are considering, as they are probably seeking to fill up their rooms and want to give the best initial impression that they can, which may mean a nice discount for you.

Best Travel Deals – Couch surfing

This one is tricky, but will save you money in the long run if you want to skip a hotel or hostel.  You can seek out local people online to crash with while you’re visiting, thus making new friends as well as getting access to experiences you can only have if your tour guides are in the know.

House exchanges

In the same vein, you can use social networking sites to find people who want to swap houses for an allotted time.  If that makes you uncomfortable, you may be able to utilize someone else’s vacation home while they’re back in the real world.

Best Travel Deals – Transportation

There are apps for everything these days, and this includes one that allows you to find the cheapest gas stations.  Other social media sites show you the best deals for restaurants and attractions. Apps are a great way to find some of the best travel deals around.

Jump onto the web and start planning your vacation in ways that will save you time and money, allowing you to use your best travel credit cards to ensure that you have the best possible time.

Picture – seantoyer

Bookstore Gift Card

These days, just about every college bookstore is run by a major bookstore chain. In addition, the college bookstore stocks more than books; it stocks everything from ink jet cartridges for printers to the latest style college jackets and sweatshirts. Your college students still have to buy books for classes and likely other supplies, so a generous gift card will be used and appreciated

Electronic Reader

If your college student doesn’t have one yet, get him or her an electronic reader. One that functions as a tablet notebook can used to read the daily newspaper, check email messages and read books. Many textbooks are now offered in electronic form so the electronic reader has an academic as well as a fun use.

Class Ring

Have you seen the prices of class rings lately? With the soaring price of gold and precious metal, these are expensive indeed for a college student’s budget. Show your college student you’re proud of his or her achievements by ordering the class rings. If rings at your student’s school won’t be order until spring semester, think about inserting a card into a ring box as a clever way to show what your gift will be.

Speakers for MP3 Player

If your college student likes to listen to music on MP3 players, make that activity easier with a speaker set for the player. Many are lightweight and portable, so the system will be easy to bring to school. The most popular models come with their own remote controls.

Beverage Warmer

This high-tech coaster will keep your student’s mug of beverage warm through long study sessions. It fits standard sized mugs and has dual temperature controls low or high. It plugs into standard wall outlets and has an alarm function, so no one will forget to turn it off.

Multiple Electronic Gadget Charging Station

These charging stations require only that your place your gadget on them for charging. In a typical dorm room, needing only one outlet to charge cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera and other electronic devices, these charging stations will do away with the tangle of wires everywhere.

Leatherman Tool

You don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast to find a Leather tool useful. Many indoor enthusiasts like these also. The secret is in picking the right set of tools for your student’s needs. With so many choices, from knives to scissors to files to screwdrivers, you’ll be able to choose the perfect tools.

Pen Scanner

Shaped like a pen, acts like a scanner, this device captures notes and sends them to a computer. There are pen scanners for Windows or Macintosh operating systems. What’s more, they’re activated by tapping the notes on a page. No college student should be without one.

Single Cup Coffee Brewer

Let your college student drink real coffee instead of instant coffee with a coffee brewer that makes a single cup at a time. Your student will spend more time studying and less time running to the local coffee bar. Don’t forget to include the coffee packets or K-cups with the brewer.

Convertible Gloves

These gloves’ fingers flip up so that your student can tap on a cell phone, iPod or notebook tablet. They’re an ingenious design, and they look good too. Add a matching scarf and hat for a complete winter accessory set; your student will be warm and in touch.

Boots

A lot of college students never needed boots until going to college; they had rides door to door through high school. At college, students are walking a lot, across a campus that might be miles across. Depending upon where your student attends college, give him or her warm winter boots or waterproof rain boots. Don’t forget to include boot socks too.

Author Amy Riker is a career counselor and writes for best colleges online, a site which discusses the highest paying degrees which can be obtained from online studies.

Planning, Planning and More Planning

I know this is hard, but absolutely do not go into a store this year without having a budget or gift plan on hand. I unfortunately did this the other day and before my cart was half full I had the epiphany and put everything back for another day. Stores will suck you in with great displays and pricing that will temporarily blind you to the real costs of your shopping trip. So take a breather, sit down and make a list—it will save you so much in time and money.

First things first, who do you really need gifts for anyway? It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving but if you are trying to save money, the key is whittling down your gift list to the minimum. Create a tier by grouping people into different levels then set a budget for each one. It can be eye opening to see how many people you actually have to buy for, so this is a good way to get organized before heading to the mall.

Once you have the list figured out you can make a comprehensive budget to adhere to. This is where you can really get creative. Make a plan to put homemade or lower cost items in with your higher ticket gifts. This is a great way to bulk up gifts for kids and family. Gift baskets are ideal for friends and co-workers; Michaels Craft Store has amazing deals on baskets and the trimmings. You could buy some wine by the case at local club stores then pair it with homemade fudge!

Cash Only!

One of the biggest mistakes we make every year is to rack up credit card debt in order to get the gifts we want. When you are planning for your gift budget it is vital that you use cash on hand. This is something that happens every year, so by planning ahead for next year you can stick to your cash only budget. A great way to start this as a tradition is to set up a Christmas account that you can make deposits into all year long. This way you won’t get hit with a huge budget hangover during the holidays.

Remember, with credit cards and “free” store credit (no interest, 90 days no interest, etc.) it’s not about not having to pay interest.  It’s the fact that given this “instant” money to spend, we will spend it–all of it.  And then comes the guilt, remorse and devastation of having to pay back money you couldn’t afford to spend in the first place.  Keep your wits about you and don’t buy into the store’s marketing plan to increase their holiday sales!

Spread Out the Holiday Expense

With holiday parties, gifts and decorations the costs can really add up. Start by working with your extended family to divvy up the responsibility. Instead of solitarily hosting holiday meals, turn them into pot luck. By having everyone chip in on dishes and drinks you can seriously cut your party budget. If you have a large family, institute a Secret Santa gift giving exchange. This way the gifts become quality instead of quantity. Have a decoration exchange party, invite friends and family to bring gently used or new Christmas items, and then organize a swap.

By using some of these ideas, you can get into the spirit of the holidays without going broke! Just remember to plan when you can, and look at the bigger picture of the season. The most important things are time with family and friends, which thankfully won’t cost a thing!

Musician, Marty Thomas is always involved in his company’s Christmas party planning and loves to use this Christmas Music site as a source for lyrics. Find everything from traditional hymns to multi-lingual and contemporary Christmas song lyrics.

Safety

For some prospective buyers including myself safety is on the top of my list. There are car manufacturers that constantly equip their vehicles with the latest in safety equipment. ECS or electronic stability control which helps monitor the car so as to not lose control reduces accidents up to 50%.

Airbags, front and side protects head, chest and abdomen of the passengers in the vehicle. Car magazines bring out tests yearly which show research on certain vehicles and safety standards they pass. This is something a customer should consider before buying their next car.

Price and Financing

Many prospective buyers make the choice to get financed through the dealership, when in essence, the customer should enter a dealership with a a finance agreement already in hand through an outside agency, prospective customers actually have more negotiating power than walking in and letting the dealership finance the vehicle. In order to know what it is the price point of the vehicle that the customer is looking at, one should shop around. Once the customer knows what vehicle they are going for, they can look online, visit local dealerships to find comparable pricing. This is where a customer needs to be armed with tons of research. Dealerships and salesmen can read when a prospective buyer is confused and confusion reads weakness.

Brands

A great number of prospective buyers buy their vehicles based on brand. In 2010 Car buyer’s magazine reported that 22% of buyers buy a specific brand. Some prefer German engineering. Others want American, since parts are more accessible and inexpensive. Others simply buy based on what generations in their family have been loyal to.

Fuel Efficient / Eco-Friendly

Let’s face it! Fuel costs are at their highest and continue to rise. For some choosing a fuel efficient car over comfort outweighs the cons. Hybrid cars or Eco-friendly cars are being sold in record numbers, since people are more aware of their money as well as the impact an eco-friendly has on the environment. Hybrids are meant to be driven in the city, because they are not gas guzzlers when going on low speed, the fuel savings could add up to 70%. One of the cons of purchasing a hybrid is to take into consideration that the insurance on these are higher than a regular automobiles, because of the expensive engineering.

Comfort

When buying a car for one or buying a car for a family of 6, comfort, space and extras determine which model one considers. Since prospective customers usually take into consideration what the car will be used for. Will there be long family trips planned with the comforts of an entertainment system for the kids, or GPS navigation for cross country driving? Some prefer the added security of having “On Star” built in. All of these factors should be asked before deciding which automobile to purchase.

Then there are the type of prospective buyers, which ignore all of the rules of purchasing a car, but solely base their buying power on impulse, color and aesthetics. Customers need to be mindful that purchasing a vehicle is a long time investment, and as such it should be done with careful researches keeping in mind your family, budget and work.

Jarod Matthews is a tax expert specializing in Car Tax Bands and offering advice for those asking, “what tax band is my car?”

To Buy or Not to Buy

I think one of the major afflictions that we have is the love of a sale. You know the knee jerk reaction that happens when you see your favorite item on the shelf; and why buy 1 when I can get 6 at a low price? Although this seems to make logical sense, you really could be spending your money elsewhere and actually may not really be saving in the long run. Unless it’s something that you know your family uses every day, resist that impulse and just buy one this time around.  If the store won’t give you the discount price for buying only one item, them boycott it and choose another product.

Cooking at Home Will Save You

Eating at home is a not only a great way to save your waistline, it’s also a great way to save on your bottom line. I know it’s tempting to go through the drive-thru when you are pinched for time, but a little planning ahead can help you during the busy week. First of all do some menu planning by using online tools. There is this great website e-mealz.com that will help you plan meals if you are on a budget, on a diet or for the family. It is a great option and even gives you a shopping list at the end, how easy is that? Whether you use an online site or do it yourself, a great way to save money is to know what you’re going to get ahead of time. By making a list ahead of time you can watch out for sales in the paper and be less prone to making impulse purchases.

Coupons, Yes Please

Coupons are awesome. Chances are you may be using them already. But instead of doing it every once in awhile when something catches your eye, make it a permanent habit! Check the Sunday papers to get the most current and up to date coupons. Online coupons are fast becoming a vast industry, so keep browsing and find the sites that work best for you and what you like to buy. and the key is to know which sites are the best for shoppers.

Some sites can be as good as the Sunday paper and easier to access. One caveat is to make sure that your store accepts Internet coupons as some retailers haven’t caught up to the craze. Check for frequency of updates and whether the site has a newsletter to which you can subscribe.  Sites may even have organizers and email alerts, and maybe even free samples!

The best advice I can give is to research online as much as possible. There are so many sites out there that have done the heavy work for you to take advantage of. Keep in mind the basics when you go shopping, such as eating before you go (everything looks like a must have when you’re hungry) and try buying store brands instead of your usual name brands.  Also check the top and bottom shelves for better prices – the stores generally put the higher priced items at eye level. If you keep a few of these things in mind you will be saving your money in no time!

Mary Blanchard is an online marketing consultant for a retailer in the UK. She is constant ahead of the market and provides what her customers want in online shopping. One of her best deal sites is Coupon Croc of the UK. She routinely turns to them to push out the best deals to her customers.

With the rising popularity of mobile gadgets, it’s no surprise that this year’s hottest toys for kids will be modeled after our favorites. From digital cameras to tablets, children have always had a fascination with their parent’s tech and usually request their own long before we think they are ready. Now toy makers are offering kids their own tech so they can leave ours alone. Here are a few of this year’s top tech toys for kids.

Battle of the tablets:

This year there are two kid friendly tablets that are already hard to find; the LeapPad from LeapFrog, and the InnoPad from Vtech. Currently stores are selling out of them and having a hard time finding stock. It seems the two tablets will battle it out this year. Even though the LeapPad’s specs are more impressive than the InnoPad, they will both be selling well this Christmas. Here are the specs.

LeapPad:

• 5” touchscreen for use with finger or stylus
• Library of over 100 cartridge games, apps, digital books, and videos
• Built in camera and video recorder
• 2GB of memory, enabling it to host a robust suite of apps including: innovative ultra eBooks that provide word-by-word support, a Story Studio to combine art, audio and writing, Art, Animation and Photo studios
• A broad curriculum including reading, mathematics, science, geography, art, music, language and culture, health and more – skill levels automatically adjust the challenge to match each child’s pace and remember progress from game to game and book to book

InnoPad:

• 5″ color touch screen and tilt-sensor for educational gameplay
• E-books, educational games, creative activities, learning apps and more available on cartridge or as downloads from VTech learning lodge navigator website
• 4 different media players e-book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player
• 64MB onboard memory and SD card slot for memory expansion

Neither tablet connects to the internet but they can have new apps loaded to it by connecting it to a computer. Even though the specs for the InnoPad are less impressive, it makes for a cheaper alternative at $79 vs. the $99 LeapPad.

Digital Camera:

Vtech is also releasing a kid friendly digital camera this year. At 20 megapixels, the Vtech Kidizoom digital camera boasts a 4x zoom, self timer and 5 included games. Its rotating lens allows kids to take self-portraits with stamps, borders and funny frames. It only housed 256mb of internal memory but is expandable by SD slot. The camera also doubles as a video recorder allowing your child to create their own home videos.

Fijit Friends:

Every year there is at least one loud and fun techie toy. This year it’s the Fijit Friends. These light up electronic friends dance, sing, play music, and talk….a lot. They are intended to be a girl’s best friend. They respond to keywords they listen for and know over 150 phrases. When you play music or have them play music they will dance and light up.

Doggie Doo:

Even with the new tech toys, the toy that is expected to be the hottest this Christmas season isn’t tech at all. Doggie Doo is a little dachshund game with an odd premise. After you feed the dog its yellow play-doh like food, each player squeezes his leash until he poops. The first person to scoop the poop wins. As disgusting as this game sounds it is already sweeping Europe and has made its way to the US. This year it is expected to be the top selling toy.

If you follow tech, toys, and what will be the hottest of the year, these toys are on the top of the list. With kids becoming more technologically inclined, some of these toys may get their sticky hands off our tech and onto their own.

Writer Angie Pomilia is also a content contributor for Brainz, a topical website urging us to learn something new and share it with others — whether it’s a list of the best dollhouses for girls or 14 easy meals every guy should know how to make.

So, if you’re planning on turning your hand to making your own clothes, the chances are you’ll need to do a spot of fabric shopping. But when you enter your local fabric shop, or visit an online fabric retailer, and you see all those choices, it can be a little bit overwhelming.

The following is a guide to buying the right fabric for your project, making sure you buy what you want, and making sure you buy enough of it.

Always buy more fabric than you think you’ll need

Yes, I know, it probably sounds a bit like a ploy by fabric sellers, but you really do need to buy more than you think you’ll need, fabric-wise.

You never know when something might go wrong, especially if this is your first project. Which is why you should never buy just enough for a particular pattern. If you run out of fabric, you may find that the shop doesn’t have any more in stock when you go back, or that if they do, it’s from a different dye-lot, meaning the colour won’t match.

And repeating designs or naps in the fabric may also mean that you need to buy more than you think to allow for matching up. If you get the nap wrong on something like velvet, the garment will look wrong and won’t hang properly.

Don’t have a specific fabric in mind

Don’t go into the fabric shop with a specific fabric or design in mind. If you do this, you are limiting your options and you might rule out the perfect fabric without even realising it.

Be open-minded. Don’t be afraid to ask the shop-owner for advice – that’s what they’re there for – and don’t be afraid to experiment! Some fabrics naturally won’t work for certain items or patterns, and you may need to accept that that pretty design just won’t work for the dress you’ve got planned. Don’t buy a fabric that’s the wrong texture or weight. It won’t look right.

That said, you could still buy it anyway. If you find you enjoy making things, you’ll surely be able to find another project to use it on.

Buy fabric when you’re on holiday

You should always take advantage of the opportunity to buy fabric when you’re on holiday.

Places like the Middle East, India and northern Africa are well known for their sumptuous, beautifully coloured fabrics. And even if you’re not going anywhere that exotic, you’ll still be able to find fabric you wouldn’t necessarily find back home. So stock up!

Think about the practicalities

Now onto the more practical side of fabric buying…

Furry fabrics will shed, and tend to be ripped rather than cut. If you’re buying faux fur, definitely buy more than you need so that you can sew the seams far enough in that the fabric doesn’t tear.

Beware of shrinkage. Always wash any fabric you’re going to use for dressmaking, as you don’t know if it will shrink or not.

In the UK, fabrics are sold by the metre, but in the USA, they’re sold by the yard. Make sure you check your pattern to find out how much you need. This is usually shown in both metric and imperial measurements.

A word of caution: Be careful when buying fabric outright from online suppliers if you have your heart set on a certain colour or look.  Good suppliers will let you request free samples to check the colour and feel of the fabric.

The finishing touches

Some patterns will need certain types of fabric to achieve the right shape (for example clothing with cuffs or collars).  If you aren’t sure if a particular fabric will work with your pattern, ask the shop assistant to advise you.

Finally, after you’ve chosen and bought your fabric, you need to ensure you’ve got the correct needles. Delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon need smaller, thinner needles than heavier fabrics such as denim. Again, the shop assistant will be able to help you if you’re not sure, but after all that effort you’ve put into choosing the right fabric, the last thing you want to do is damage it!

All in all, fabric-buying needn’t be scary! You’ve got a lot more freedom than when you’re simply buying clothes from a high street chain store, so just have fun with it! And when all your friends are asking you where you got that fabulous dress you’re wearing, you’ll be able to say with pride that you made it yourself!

Tips from White Lodge Fabric. We are a leading online fabric retailer with over 1000 types of fabric in stock, from satins and silks to brocades, tulles and faux furs.

So, what kind of experiential gifts are there? Categories for experience gifts vary:

Flying gifts generally involve some form of flying (obviously) such as paragliding, hot air balloon rides, or learning to fly a plane or helicopter.

Action and adventure gifts typically involve some sort of exercise or body-in-motion type of activity.  Popular gifts in this category include white water rafting down rushing rivers, horseback trail rides reminiscent of the Old West, or mountain biking through the countryside with a professional instructor.

Driving experiences place participants in the driver’s seat for a number of racing adventures – behind the wheel of a real race car, an exotic car like a Ferrari, or even a dragster.

Food and wine experiences expose people to the utmost in flavor sensations through things like city food tours, nights with a personal chef, dinner cruises, or even cooking classes that focus on a specific culinary style.

Golf experiences offer access to real PGA professionals and the best golf resorts in the nation.

Spa package experiences provide the ultimate in pampering and relaxation – everything from seaweed body wraps to Swedish massages.

Water and snow packages focus on the “S” activities like sailing, skiing, surfing, snowshoeing, and scuba diving.

Finally, the much-coveted VIP experience gifts take people to places they probably consider impossibly out of reach, like first floor tickets to the Kentucky Derby or a trip aboard a specially modified plane that sends passengers weightlessly through the air at zero gravity.

If those category descriptions do not sway people away from conventional gifts, there are a few more things to consider.  Experience gifts are still somewhat uncommon and the recipient probably will not receive another one like it.  Experience gifts come in so many varieties that there is sure to be something out there for everyone.  Experience gifts do not break, wear out, or get lost in the back of a closet.  Finally, experience gifts leave lasting memories that bring smiles to faces long after the activity has passed. The memories created will outlast even the finest silk tie.

Experience gifts are affordable, fun, and a great alternative to traditional gifts. Most of us have our own “Bucket List,” and gift experiences give you, the gift giver, a chance to help your friend or family member check something off of their own “Bucket List.”

So the next time you need great ideas for Christmas gifts for men or an anniversary gift for your wife, break the tradition of fancy dress shirts and shiny jewelry and give them the gift of experiencing life at its fullest!

About the Author: Mandy Evergreen is a blogger for Cloud 9 Living based in Boulder, CO. Cloud 9 Living is an experience gifts company that offers over 1,700 unique experience gifts in 43 US cities like race car driving, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, wine tasting, and gourmet dinner cruises.  Experiential gifts have been popular in Europe and Australia since the 1990s and Cloud 9 Living was among the first to bring the concept to the US.  Check out their popular experience gifts page to learn more. You can read more of Mandy’s content on the Cloud 9 Living blog.

Store Loyalty Programs

Many supermarkets and department stores are working very hard to either keep your business or gain your business. One of the biggest ways that stores are attracting new customers is by offering some type of loyalty program. This program usually consists of you having a card that you must present to the cashier every time you visit the store. By using this store loyalty card, you may have access to special sales, mail in rebates, discounts on gas, or money saving coupons.

Shop the Sales

You can save a lot of money on your grocery bill by simply shopping the sales and making a list of the items you need to buy. Of course, making a list is the easy part; when you go shopping, you have to stick to it and buy only the items that are on your list. You will see the savings add up when you avoid impulse buys. You can save even more money if you plan your meals according to the sales. Having your meals already planned out can also help make your week feel less stressful and more organized.

Use Coupons

Using coupons on a regular basis can save you a lot of money. You will really begin to see the savings when you combine coupons with store loyalty programs and special sales. There are many different places to obtain coupons. You can find coupons in your local Sunday paper, magazines, and from the “peelies” on the products in your cupboards and on store shelves. Another great place to search for coupons is on the internet. There are many different websites that offer free coupons. These websites will either allow you to print the coupons at home or they will allow you to download an online coupon directly to your store loyalty card.

Buy in Bulk

Stocking your pantry when the items you use on regular basis are on sale is a great way to save money on your grocery bill. You should only stockpile items that you know will be used before they expire or go on sale again. Many stores will run similar sales every two or three months. Once you begin stockpiling your grocery items, remember that it is very important to rotate your stock. If you find items that will expire before you can use them, try to donate them to your local food bank before the expiration date. And remember, you cannot save money if you are stockpiling items that you will not use.

Shop Alone

It is a proven fact that when the whole family goes to the grocery store, the grocery bill is higher. When you go shopping by yourself, you do not have to worry about any extra and unwanted items finding their way into your grocery cart. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a little time by yourself.

Kindle has also become one of the most popular gift ideas around the world and there are countless amounts of people using it everyday. One thing they all report though is how easy it is to damage the device. It may seem that having your device scratched is becoming a norm, however, you can protect it from this and even more serious damage.

One of the most commonly used methods to ensure the security of the device is the use of Kindle covers. They allow you to keep your eBooks reader wrapped in a protective sleeve, keeping it away from such things as dirt, scratches, grease from your hands and even water. Before you go and buy your Kindle cover though, let’s look at the most common types available on the market.

Silicone Covers

This is the simplest and the cheapest type of Kindle covers available. They cover the whole device and provide a basic protection against dirt, grime as well as water. The more advanced covers have shock absorbers, also protecting the device when it falls to the ground.

Leather Covers

These are probably the most popular covers available on the market. Made out of fine leather, they not only protect the device but also make it look really good. Many leather covers come with additional features, such as a reading lamp, a notepad or a diary helping you to integrate the device into your daily schedule. One of the biggest disadvantages of Leather Kindle Covers is their price, some advanced models can nearly match the price of the device itself.

Vinyl Covers

Available for Kindle 3 only, these skins are probably the lightest option on the market today. They attach to the device and are highly customizeable. Unfortunately, these type of kindle covers does not offer the best level of protection therefore use them only in an environment where you are certain that nothing bad can happen to your device.

Protecting your ebook reader may not seem like an important task, however, when you consider the usefulness of the device, I am sure you will also want to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

Looks Real to Me

The pores on genuine leather will have a semi-random pattern based on the animal the leather was taken from. There may even be slight wrinkles and blemishes, just like real skin. Fake leather is often too even in appearance and too free of blemishes, with pores that follow a set pattern. The watch case to the right is genuine Italian leather. You can see the pores in the leather do not follow a set pattern. There are even some slight imperfections if you look closely. Click the images to see larger versions.

Mostly Genuine

A product that is labeled as ‘real leather’ might actually be made of reconstituted leather. Reconstituted leather is made from bits of leather that are left over when making something else. The leather is then bonded to other pieces using a bonding agent, such as glue. Sometimes called bonded leather, the resulting product is made of leather. Mostly. I’d honestly rather have a quality fake leather over the reconstituted kind. The easiest way to tell reconstituted leather is to smell it, which brings us to our next point.

The Nose Knows

Reconstituted leather will very likely smell like the real deal. Scientists have gotten very good at making things smell like other things, so the genuine leather smell is easily faked. However, smell is still one of the easiest ways to identify reconstituted leather. This is because in addition to smelling like leather, fake leather will often smell like glue or plastic.

The Fire Test

Genuine leather is much more resistant to fire than a petroleum based fake leather, but even genuine leather can be ruined easily if you aren’t careful. We do not recommend this method, but if you do decide to risk it, a quick 2 seconds over an open flame will start to melt an acrylic or plastic product while leaving a genuine leather product undamaged.

On the Edge

Real leather does not cut as smoothly as an artificial leather. Find an edge where the leather has been cut and examine it. Real leather will have a rough appearance to the cut, while a plastic knockoff will be smooth.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably already thinking of all kinds of leather things around the house to sniff. Go for it! The best way to avoid accidentally buying a fake leather product is to familiarize yourself with different kinds of leather.

Lucas Hald is the marketing director for WatchCases.com, an online store where you can buy the Italian leather watch case featured in this article.