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Reasons to start driving at 17

2012-01-30T04:25:00.000-08:00

There are many skills to learn in life and some are more important than others. Swimming, for example – it’s fun and great exercise, but it could also save your life. We believe that learning to drive is also one of those more important life skills. Sure, you can get by without it but the ability to drive opens up all sorts of opportunities to you and even some careers.

In the UK you are allowed to drive a car on a public road at 17 and this is when many people learn to drive. However, in these days of economic turbulence many people may consider that learning to drive is something that can be delayed for a while. After all, with lessons costing around £20-£25 an hour, and with the Driving Standards Agency saying the average person needs 47 hours of lessons, it can be expensive to learn. However, we think you're better off learning as soon as possible, and here are our reasons why:

Freedom!!!!!!

Being able to go where you want when you want is great. Alright, you might be driving your parent's car because you can't afford your own, so maybe you can't always go when you want, but being able to nip to your mates or into town on your own is great. And if you throw in the odd "chore" such as visiting grandma or going to the shop to get bread and milk, you could even get some Brownie points with your parents all under the guise of 'practise' instead of the label of 'fun'.

Money

If you learn to drive at 17 you might be able to blag some lessons for your birthday or Christmas, or maybe your parents will just pay for them anyway. If they like you. Chances are that if you start at 25 you're going to have to fork out all the cash yourself. Plus there's a good chance your parents will add you to their car insurance policy so you can learn in their car outside normal lessons. As long you don't being taught by mum or dad, of course.

A rather more boring money reason is car insurance. Insurance companies take many factors into account when calculating how much an insurance policy will cost, one of which is the length of time you have been driving, along with having no accidents. When you start driving you could be charged a lot for car insurance at the age of 17, simply because you're young and because you're a new driver, so you may as well get the ball rolling as soon as possible. And if you're on your parents insurance policy all the better for you.

Get a job and a haricut you young scallywag

There are plenty of jobs that require the ability to drive, and I'm sure you can think ten without trying too hard. There are the obvious ones such as bus driver or taxi driver, but what about plumber, electrician and baker? They have to get to their clients somehow.

Being able to drive is also handy for getting to work. Public transport is a perfectly valid and great way for commuting to and from your place of work but it's not always practical, especially if you live in the countryside.

Dubai shopping

2012-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

Shopping in Dubai

During a short visit to Dubai, a reader asks about shopping in Dubai and aske which mall is best if you can only do one?

The Dubai Mall, home to a hotel, an aquarium and 1,200 shops (is one of the most popular answers.

I have a stopover in Dubai and am looking for shopping advice. Which mall should I choose if I only have time for one?

That’s a bit like asking about the best pub in London: there are a lot of malls in Dubai, catering to all kinds of taste.

That said, I’d suggest heading for the giant new Dubai Mall (thedubaimall.com), next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and ideal for guest staying at he Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown on the doorstep of the Dubai Fountain and over the road from the Dubai Mall and skyscraping Burj Khalifa (visible from some rooms) downtown. The taxi arrivals area is as bustling as an airport drop-off zone, but as soon as you take the lifts or escalators up to the shopping levels, all is a lot calmer. Don’t let the fact that it’s the largest mall in the world put you off: there are information desks everywhere and the shops are clustered, so you can target the Fashion Avenue, the Gold Souk and so on.

The Dubai Mall has all of the well-known clothes brands, of course, along with a Galeries Lafayette and the first Bloomingdale’s outside America. If you need any further distraction, options include the Dubai Aquarium (£8.50; thedubaiaquarium.com), an ice rink (£8.50; www.dubaiicerink.com), a 22-screen cinema and a four-storey waterfall.

Where to stay in Dubai

This upscale hotel in Deira Creek is in the heart of Dubai’s bustling business district, offering rooms and suites all with balconies and fabulous views of Dubai’s legendary Creek.

This apartment hotel at Dubai Marina is a luxury residence perfectly locatded in a highly developed and upscale neighborhood. The residence is just minutes away from the Jumeirah beach, diverse tourist attractions but within easy reach of the Duabi shopping malls

In the evening, be sure to head for one of the mall’s cafe terraces or the lakeside promenade to see the choreographed cascades of the Dubai Fountain. It sounds naff, I know, but you’ll be surprised: it’s 900ft long and squirts 22,000 gallons of water up to 500ft skywards.

Helpful tips for buying a used car

2012-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Comedians and sitcoms may love making jokes about used car dealers and their shady practices, but are things really like that in the real world?

Buying a used car can be an intimidating process if you're the kind of person that just wants to stick the key in the ignition and see the car go, but there are plenty of reputable dealers out there. All it takes to avoid the shady ones is a little research before you hit the streets to buy a used car.

Avoiding Used Car Rip Offs

If you want to avoid getting ripped off, it's important to arm yourself with as much information as possible before you visit a dealer. Start by working out how much you're willing to spend - not just on buying the car, but running it too.

If your previous vehicle was an old run-about that cost next to nothing to insure, and was "serviced" by a mate that knows a bit about engines, then you might be in for a shock when you see how much it costs to service a Landrover. Make sure you can afford to tax, insure, fuel, and service any new vehicle you buy. It would be heart breaking to scrimp and save for a post car, only to discover that the cost of a BMW service is well beyond your running costs budget.

Once you know what cars you can afford to run, make a list of vehicles that are likely to interest you, and browse listings online. Check owner's forums for comments about those vehicles to make sure you're buying something reliable and fuel efficient.

Now you know what sort of car you want, it's time to do some background checks on your local dealers. Sometimes, this is easy. If there's a used car dealerships near your home or office that you know has been around for many years, then it's probably reputable. If, however, you have "local" dealers that regularly close down, or go bankrupt, only for a new dealer to open in the same spot, then that's a big red flag. If the new dealer has the same phone number as the old dealer, then they're probably the same company, just using clever scams to avoid their responsibilities.

When you're buying a used car from a private seller, most people do background checks on the car. It's wise to do this when buying from a dealer too. AutoCheck can tell you a lot about the history of a car, and it's not expensive to request a check. Even if the dealer say's they've done one, some due diligence can go a long way. Make sure you inspect the car thoroughly (or get a knowledgeable friend to do so for you), and check the car's VIN too.

Don't be afraid of haggling, maybe you can get the dealer to agree to service a Land Rover for you before they hand it over, or discount the cost of a BMW service as part of the deal if it's approaching the required mileage. Perhaps you can get some nice extras, or barter for a discount if you aren't taking credit.

Finally, if you have a bad feeling about the dealer, or you feel rushed or hurried, don't hesitate to walk away. There are plenty of other cars and sellers out there. Trust your gut feeling.

This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Main Dealer Discount; who don't sell used cars but can help reduce the cost of a BMW service or find you a cheaper way to service a Landrover.

Up Pompey

2012-01-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth is a historical Naval town on the southern coast of England. Steeped in history and a popular University town, it has masses of entertainment to cater for all tastes. From coastal forts to factory outlets, Portsmouth is a great destination for both tourists and residents.

Commercial Road

When entering Portsmouth (by train or road), the first entertainment and shopping district you will arrive at is Commercial Road. This is a long shopping street which contains many popular high street stores, as well as a few fast food chains. This is a popular student shopping district due to being located near many halls of residence. There is also a small scale shopping mall located on the street, called Cascades. The highlight of Commercial road is a small Chinese café called Hong Kong Tea Bar. Although basic in appearance, they are regarded as the best Chinese food establishment in Portsmouth, as well as being very affordable.

Historic Naval Base

Further in to Portsmouth along the coast is the famous Historic Dockyard Royal Navy base. Visitors are able to walk around the public part of the base, as well as buying tickets to view the historical ships and to tour some of the buildings. This is great family entertainment, as well as being a fun history lesson for the kids.

Gunwharf Quays

Following the coast past the Naval Base, you arrive at Gunwharf Quays. Formally part of the base, it is now a well-regarded factory outlet mall. Containing numerous popular brands, as well as a large cinema and many restaurants, Gunwharf can keep the family entertained for the majority of the day. Gunwharf can be thought of as the shopping hub of Portsmouth, with bargain hunters travelling from outside of the city to visit the shops.

Southsea

One of the highlights of Portsmouth is the eclectic district of Southsea. Southsea is one of the most popular student areas, featuring many contemporary and traditional bars, pubs and restaurants. The majority of students are housed in Southsea, hence its slightly bohemian feel. There is also a large green which is popular during the summer; many groups of students and Portsmouth residents BBQ on the grass when the weather allows it. It is also a stone’s throw from the coast, with large ships often sailing past.

Portsmouth is a historical city full of attractions and entertainment; this article only scratches the surface of the many things available to do in the area. From water sports based activities to sightseeing, Portsmouth is likely to cater for all tastes.

Portsmouth is a great city to spend your Bank Holidays. To find out the Bank Holiday 2012 dates, you can visit the author's website: Bank Holidays 2012

Fashion Shopping in Antwerp

2011-12-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Fashion is the fairy dust that woke up theslumbering riverside city of Antwerp, beginning when a gang of graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts took the design world by storm in the 1980s, their members, among them Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkembergs, becoming feted as the Antwerp Six. Now, the city is home to one of Europe's best fashion museums, the Fashion Academy and shops, shops, shops.

I don't wish to do down Antwerp's other cultural activities - there are some lovely Rubens paintings at the Fine Arts Museum, and you can even visit the chap's home - but, even to my untutored eye, this is a great place to go clothes-shopping. Aside from the big chain stores on the Meir, the smaller boutiques in the cobbled lanes just to the south range from "give your mother an aneurysm" teenage kicks to more stately chic for the city's wealthy elegantsia.

The bulk of the buying, however, seems to be in the middle ground, in shops such as Van Noten's own flagship, where "too old for fashion, never too old for style" is the unofficial motto. It's not cheap, mind you - how exactly the locals can afford to look so flash might be explained by Antwerp's notoriously manic January sales.

Where to stay in Antwerp

Antwerp is growing in popularity as a European city break destiantion and boast an excelent choice of places to stay. Rezidor have many hotels in Antwep and say:

Belgium’s second city is hard to resist! Bursting with exquisite architecture, top-class fashion museums, trendy shops and a world-famous Diamond District , Antwerp has something for everyone. Stay in this Antwerp boutique hotel or enjoy modern elegance in the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel. Both hotels are centrally located in Antwerp and only a short distance from the city’s main attractions, restaurants and bars.

Once you've warped the credit card, it'll probably be time to pop to the hotel, tear off the price tags and emerge, looking suitably "Antwerp", to join the city's weekly marathon - a veritable endurance test of Saturday-night sociability. First stop, this being Antwerp, has to be somewhere fashion and food collide.

Stocking Fillers for Doggies

2011-11-27T05:31:00.000-08:00

While you are out shopping for family members this holiday season, please remember Max writes guest author Susan Wright who is a mom, a blogger and a vet. She writes for DogFenceDiy the invisible fence alternative.

Regardless of where you live, winter is a tricky time of year, bringing with it rain, wind, chilling temperatures, snow and ice. It also means staying inside more and getting less outdoor exercise, which all lead to burning less calories and getting somewhat out of shape. Let’s see some stocking stuffers for Max and other fortunate doggies that just might take the edge off this frigid environment.

Clothing

For example, I certainly am aware of dressing much more warmly. Since we maintain our house at a cool 67 degrees, we provide Max with a t-shirt to help take the chill off. And why settle for a plain old t-shirt, when one having a humorous message and/or picture would encourage visitors and family alike to enjoy playing with him while he attempts to entertain himself indoors.

When considering a garment for outdoor activities, like you would for yourself, think of the actual weather conditions. Just a chill in the air during the afternoon might require only a good sweater. But if winter is in full force a lined weatherproof outer garment is in order. There are many options and colors, most coming in sizes appropriate for your dog. In addition to the actual jacket, you can find a nose balm and paw protection. Of course the nose balm may be suitable for those cold windy days, while the paw protection is available in either a balm/wax or actual boots; they are also fine for cold rainy days. Something I found was a slicker for our best friends. For dogs living in our more rain prone climates, we need to seriously consider purchasing one of these.

Toys

For those more weather-friendly days, how about a Safety Stix Fetch Stick? Looks like a winner to me and well worth the money. Just be real sure your dog’s stocking is about eighteen inches long so it will stay put, but then doggies have been known to jump up and grab it out of their stocking!

If you really want to present a festive look to Max’s Christmas stocking, look into the Reindeer Holiday Ornament or the Pull-Apart Santa Dog toy. Both toys come in at under $10.00. From the descriptions, they might even last the whole holiday season; that would be a welcome change.

Treats

And if you prefer to diversify, treats depicting other cultures include Max’s Gourmet Hanukkah Dog Treats. I just couldn’t resist these! To celebrate Kwanzaa, brightly colored items would be the order of the day for these special pups. For homemade dog treats these sites and their goodies look appealing: the mint ones for good breath and digestion. Even though the aroma will tempt you, these are definitely for Max and his four-legged buddies!

The Bed

Now I know a doggie bed will not fit in their stocking, but what best friend would not appreciate a cozy, warm, supportive and washable bed. Ones are available that have completely washable coverings, and come in a variety of colors. If you have an outside dog, it is much more humane to provide warmth away from the elements during the colder, more unpredictable days of winter. Of course for older pets with aging bones and joints, they will need an easily accessible bed in a draft-free location. I noticed heated ones on a couple of websites, but am not suggesting those for safety reasons.

A Note to Remember

Although most of us are inclined toward soft, cute, cuddly puppies, especially at this season of the year, I would encourage everyone to go to this website from the American Kennel Club:

After a field trip with a scout troop a couple of years ago to a local SPCA, I whole-heartedly agree with their urging. In addition to remembering our doggies with holiday stocking stuffers, think about how much joy they bring, while also remembering they do require tender care all year long. A family member they truly are!

Susan Wright is a mom, a blogger and a vet. She writes for DogFenceDiy the invisible fence alternative.

Activities for 'Girls Days Out'

2011-11-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

With the winter quickly approaching, many of us will have to forgo our favorite summertime activities that involved spending time outdoors. Girlfriends will have to trade in their weekly meet-ups at the beach for Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping instead. But, if you dread spending time with your best friends amid the frenzy of crazy holiday shoppers, think outside the box about how you all can spend your quality time together. If you are looking for some new and exciting ideas for your next girls-night-out, try some of our recommendations for girl-friendly activities that encourage learning, healthy living and a little bit of luxury.

Take a Weekly Class

One of the most inspiring and creative ways to spend quality time with your girlfriends is to take a class together. We’re not talking about biophysics classes here - sign up for a weekly course that speaks to your personal likes and interests. Visit your community college or local culinary school to see what cooking lessons are being offered. Or, try to find out about exercise, pottery, and crafts courses offered at the local university. Many times, community colleges will offer a host of specialty courses like organic gardening, pastry making, or ones that teach basic cooking skills.

Make It A Spa Day

Rather than spending a night out-on-the-town, opt to schedule a girls-day-in at the spa. If you can’t bear to break your girls-night-out tradition, search your local area for martini bars or specialty drinking establishments that offer special manicure and pedicure services with drinks. If you need to save money, grab your girls and go to the grocery to get a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains that can be used to create your own do-it-your beauty and skin care products. Together, you can your friends can create facial masks and body scrubs to polish your skin to perfection.

Latin Music Lessons

Taking dance classes together is another fun way to spend time with your friends and get fit at the same time. Whether you opt for classes that require a partner or choose to dance alone, dance classes with your best friends is a formula for fun. To get your body moving, enroll in Latin dance classes. There are a variety of Latin dance options available including Cuban dance, salsa and Latin ballroom styles. In addition to getting your body moving, dance classes with also help you explore and experience the sounds and beauty of the Latin culture.

Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a bit of fun paired with a bit of education, grab your best friends and go to a wine tasting event. Tasting events are a great way to sample a variety of wines without spending a lot of money. As many of us have discovered, nothing is worse than spending $20 on a discount bottle of wine just to discover that you don’t agree with the flavor. Tasting events will help you discover your preferred wine palette without committing to a purchase. In many cases, you can visit the vineyard to see where the grapes are grown and learn about the advanced wine making process. If you and your friends decide to treat yourselves to a wine tasting event, be sure to pick a designated driver or use a car service for transport throughout the evening.

This post’s author is Holly Adams, a writer for Coupon Croc. Planning a girls night out? Use Evans discount codes and save on stylish outfits for any occasion.

Best Weekend Markets in Australia

2011-11-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to get to know Australia and have a great time while you’re at it is to go to the local weekend markets that are held all around the country at any given time of the year. These markets are an excuse for Aussies to come down from the hills and out of the outback to sell their wares, share their delicacies and get together for a good time. Everyone is welcome and the atmosphere is always fun and exciting. Here are five of the best local markets in Australia.

Mindil Beach Sundown Market, Darwin

If you want to spend some time in the tropics, though, Darwin is about as tropical as it gets and is a fun place to visit, too. Mindil Beach is Darwin’s main city beach. The reason you want to go there, though, is because of the Mindil Markets. Held only during the dry season months of May through October and only on Thursday and Sunday evenings, the Mindil Markets are where everyone gathers for great international cuisine at cheap prices and to pick up fantastic local arts, crafts and bric-a-brac. Some of the “international cuisine” includes authentic “bush tucker” that includes crocodile and other delicacies you may not find anywhere else.

The Channon Market, Byron Bay

The Channon is a community located in the hills behind Byron Bay, not far from the hippy capital of Australia, Nimbin. One of three Byron Bay regional Sunday markets, the one at the Channon is arguably the biggest and most colorful. Held in the huge Channon oval, it has grown so large over the years, it now takes two concentric rings to accommodate all the market stalls there. In the centre of the oval, musicians from all around the region gather to jam and by early afternoon, it seems like all the local hill dwellers are dancing to the music. There are some fantastic arts and crafts for sale in the stalls and equally fantastic food stalls featuring dishes from every corner of the globe. You can also get a great massage and all the kids love the face painting stalls. The Channon Market is held on the second Sunday of every month. Also not to be missed are the Byron Bay and Bangalow Markets, held on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Paddington Market, Sydney

If you’re visiting Sydney, you’ll want to see trendy Oxford Street, Paddington anyway, so why not make it on a Saturday, when the Paddington Market is on? Be sure to bring extra cash with you, though, because many of the clothes, crafts and other items on display in the 250 stalls in the market are impossible to resist. You can happily spend the whole day there just browsing between stops at the mini-cafes that are set up at the back of the historic Uniting Church grounds where the market is held. If there is such a thing as upmarket funk, then Paddington Market is just that. Gourmet coffee, gourmet ice cream, gourmet everything and even the used clothes on sale there are from designer labels. Two other great markets in Sydney are the Glebe and Bondi Markets. Each of them has its distinctive atmosphere and charm, so check them all out.

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

The “queen” of weekend markets in Australia is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. A huge undercover market, the Queen Victoria Market has been around since 1876 and has done nothing but grow since then. Nearly 10 million visitors go to this iconic market every year. Many of them are Melbourne locals who go there to do their shopping, but on weekends, additional stalls sell everything under the sun to tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere at the Queen Victoria Market can be described as “serenely electric.” Unlike the party atmosphere of some markets, this is a market for shoppers of all descriptions. Even if you just go to browse, though, it is a fascinating and unforgettable experience. Open every day, but weekends are best.

Freemantle Market, Western Australia

The Freemantle Market has been a Perth and Freemantle institution since the purpose-built market was erected in 1897. Originally designed to be a central market for buying fresh fish, produce and meat, it is now a trendy meeting place that houses stalls selling everything from its traditional goods to gourmet delights and hard to find organic produce, not to mention local arts, crafts and handmade clothing. There’s no shortage of entertainment in the Fremantle Market, either, as buskers wander the aisles and set up impromptu “stages” to perform for the passing throng. Freemantle Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as public holidays.

Rob writes about popular things to do and see in Australia. If visiting Melbourne you will some great St Kilda Accommodation in Melbourne on our ‘Book it Now’ website.

Ways to Save Money On Clothing

2011-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

Shopping Information is delighted to welcome guest author Callie Martin. Callie spends her free time writing about fashion, recycling & Buy.com Weekly Deals.

In these frugal times, nearly every contentious consumer has slashed the clothing budget. Designer duds have become a symbol of frivolous spending; wearing an ostentatious brand name is a sign of irresponsibility, while “shopping from the closet” is a mark of responsibility. Sometimes, an updated wardrobe is a necessity. Weight gain or loss, pregnancy, a job hunt or a promotion can necessitate a scramble to find a new look. Even the best-made clothes wear out over time. Fortunately, buying a new outfit need not break the bank. Here are a few ways to save money on clothing.

Don’t Skimp on Quality

The idea of a new dress or a bag as an “investment piece” is patently absurd. With a few unpredictable exceptions, most items of clothing depreciate in value the moment they leave a store. With that said, some items of clothing are better investments over the long run. A well-made piece of clothing that will last for years is a better choice than a poorly made alternative that will wear out quickly. Consider this math problem: There are two shirts on sale. One retails for five dollars and wears out after five washings. The other retails for 30 dollars but holds up after 100 rounds in the washing machine. For the first shirt, one day’s worth of wear ends up costing one dollar. For the second shirt, each day of wear only costs 30 cents. That’s less than a third of the price per wear of the cheaper shirt. However, a more expensive purchase does not always translate into a higher quality piece of clothing. A budget-conscious shopper should pay for quality, not for a brand name. Look for durable materials that won’t pill or fray, double linings and well-made stitching that will not unravel with frequent use.

Buy Gently Used Clothing

Being thrifty doesn’t have to mean purchasing shirts from Goodwill. Consignment shops and high end used clothing stores both offer excellent items in perfect condition. Many of these used clothing shops contain trendy vintage styles. Most of these stores will not accept items of clothing with rips, stains, shrinkage or faded colors. Frequently, the inventory available at these stores is new with tags or gently worn. Used clothing stores are a great way to find items for special events; prom dresses, business suits, Halloween costumes and cocktail dresses can all be found for steep discounts at a vintage, consignment or recycled clothing store. In many cases, these stores will let consumers trade in lightly used articles of clothing for cash or store credit. This trade in system is the perfect way to get an entirely new wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Recycle Old Outfits

It’s far more economical to get an expensive article of clothing tailored than to buy an entirely new outfit. In some cases, a new or gently used suit can be bought on sale for a song and tailored for a more precise fit. This is far cheaper than asking a tailor to construct a fitted suit from scratch. Much-loved vintage dresses can get a fresh update with shortened hemlines, fresh dye or alterations to sleeves, waists and necklines.

After weight loss, a tailor can rework a favorite dress or jacket for a better fit. Some tailors may be able to use elastic or cloth panels to compensate for weight gain. Cobblers can re-sole beloved shoes, while tailors can mend ripped seams, fraying hems and torn fabric.

Guest post from Callie Martin who spends her free time writing about fashion, recycling & Buy.com Weekly Deals.

The Very Best Of New York Fashion Week 2011

2011-10-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

Even though the much anticipated New York Fashion Week has recently ended, the stunning outfits and trends are still resonating loudly. The spring 2012 collections are sure not to disappoint. Here is a roundup of the trends that kept popping up from collection to collection.

Though it takes a brave soul to pull it off, neon colors were a big hit for the spring collections. From neon green to multi-colors, this tropical style was everywhere on the runways. Mara Hoffman's line included splashes of color while most of the time on top of a black or white canvas. Peter Som's collection really packed a color punch while at the same time giving off a vintage feel. Leanne Marshall's line really took the neon color trend to the extreme with gorgeous lavender and yellow gowns. In fact, it seems like yellow may spark its own trend for spring 2012--something to keep in mind when you hit the sales racks.

The other major trend player to watch out for this spring will be sheen. Sometimes splashes of luster played up a plain skirt as with items from the M. Patmos collection. Duro Olowu also got in on the action by mixing prints with metallic finishes for a flawless look. However, nothing is better than when two worlds combine as with the hot red metallic mini from Suno's collection.

Prints were everywhere. In fact, the majority of the collections at New York Fashion week consisted of a pretty great portion of prints. The Thakoon line had an adorable floral sundress which managed to have a color pop of bright blue straight down the middle, and it worked. The Lela Rose collection also contained some nice prints but with more of an artsy feel. It seemed like DKNY couldn't get away from neons, even when showcasing their print collections. Some may find this combination a little too much for everyday wear. Don't be surprised if you see a few neon floral items at a discount.

The last major trend seen at the event was in sports wear. Though it hasn't been very popular on the runways in recent years, it appears to be making a big comeback. Victoria Beckham's spring collection seemed to solidify this, becoming ever popular among the New York Fashion week attendees. The collection consisted of oversized jackets, body hugging dresses and some everyday "ready to wear" items. The metallic trend was also prevalent at this show, which really enhanced the sporty look, not to mention the aerating sports mesh that was sewn in here and there.

With New York Fashion week under wraps and the Spring 2012 collection still fresh in the mind, there is plenty of time to get that wardrobe ready. These are the trends that will get it there in style, completely on-trend and making a fashion statement that is both unique and trendy. That neon, sheen and mesh aren't new is irrelevant. It's how they're integrated in new lines, looks and styles that matter. Add the fact that you can easily find inexpensive versions, and the new push on these trends can outfit you for less than you might think.

Article by Sara Woods, a writer for Coupon Croc, your resource for Anya Hindmarch discount codes to save on the hottest handbags and accessories this year.

Amazon Filler Item Finders To Qualify For Free Shipping

2011-09-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Amazon Filler Item Finders To Qualify For Free Shipping

Guest author Jessy Troy shares her Amazon shopping experience:

I have done a lot of shopping on Amazon in the past. So much that I ended up signing up for their Prime service in order to get free two day shipping on the epic number of orders I make every month. It paid for itself in weeks, or so my husband claims. Before that, I had relied on the Super Saver Shipping that you have probably seen them offering each time you put something in your cart.

The way that this service works is by calculating your costs and shipping orders of $25 or more for free. However, there are restrictions that limit what items qualify for this calculation, and if your order is not made up of those products equaling at least the minimum amount, it won't count.

You also have to keep in mind that the ship time is 5-9 business days, rather than 4 – 6 like usual. It can only go to an address in the US, and only a single address, so there is no sending gifts as part of the order to another location. Still, even with this fine print it is a pretty good deal. Amazon has a habit of racking up costs on shipping pretty quick.

Probably the biggest problem that people have with SSS is that they come up short by a few bucks, or even a few cents. This used to happen to me all the time, and so I made a list of items that make good filler for those last couple of dollars to qualify.

Of course, these were still items that I could use, and so it is a matter of “to each their own”. Which is why I was happy to find a number of websites that were made to make searching for Amazon fillers a breeze. Check out these five websites that will get the job done.

FillerSeek

FillerSeek is a nice little site that works by providing you with a quick and painless search straight on the homepage. There is a section where you type in how much money you need to spend to get the saving, and then isolate what categories you want to shop from. This helps you to specify items that would be useful.

The amount can be as little as $0.01. The results will give you a price, description and photo of the product. Clicking it will take you to the Amazon page for you to add it to your cart.

Filler Item Finder

Not quite as simple, you type in the amount you need to buy and then select “Filter by categories.” The good thing about this site is it specifies more directly than FillerSeek, as it lets you choose product types within the categories prior to search, This targets your results and make it faster to navigate.

The updates on the products aren't automatic when things change, which is a negative. Sometimes, you arrive at the Amazon link to find it has gone up or down in price without the product description being edited on Filler Item Finder

Filler Item

Filler Item is very much like FillerSeek. However, it has a Firefox extension and a Greasemonkey script, which is a major plus. There is also a Popular Items section that displays in bold with an image. These will sometimes make it much easier to find something you would like to buy.

SuperFillers

Another basic search site, this one has categories separate than the price and item search on the main page. However, it works a little bit faster than some of the other sites, and the results are usually nice and accurate.

You can select a popular brand from the sidebar, and there is a Canadian version through a link at the bottom of the page for those of you up North.

ClickFiller

This site has made it their mission to make it easier to ignore junk products that offer themselves as good filler items. You can sort by most clicked, discounte, bestselling and other features, which pushes anything less desirable to the bottom of the barrel.

But you don't have to do a search at all, if you don't want to. The most popular items are listed pages long from the front, each to sort through by pic, description and price. If you do want something specific, look by price, search keyword and category.

Jessy Troy is a geeky and frugal blogger for Credit Card Finder, the free money-saving tip for easy credit card comparison based in Australia.

London Fashion Week for Guys

2011-09-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

London Fashion Week is over for now, and the women’s collections have received more than their fair share of coverage, but this one goes out to the guys.

Trends show a big embrace of color and fun, but that’s about where comparisons end. So, as they deserve, we’ll provide a few highlights of some of the standout men’s collections of the season.

A Child of the Jago offered a fine blend of refinement and irreverence with a series of tuxedo-inspired jackets paired with shorts. The overall color palette remained neutral in tones of buff, gray and the standard black, but stripes were used in abundance and interesting ribbon embellishments were provided as well. This design house also prides itself on using locally made and upcycled items, too; so you guys can look great while still saving the planet.

The Aquascutum Men’s collection delivered exquisite suits made with perfectly tailored coats over skinny trousers. The overall effect was both refined and masculine, and when topped with espionage-inspired trench coats it’s easy to envision Cary Grant staring back at you. An exciting and dapper collection.

NEWGEN MEN & Fashion East Men Installations brought a bold adaptation of clubwear that catapults Hip Hop into the Space Age. High-collared bulky satin jackets appeared in an array of hues from silver to metallic chartreuse. Think boxing champ meets space warrior. To show the line’s range of versatility the male models were also seen sporting feminized coats and shawls. It wasn’t the most cohesive line on display but it was interesting and forward-thinking, nonetheless.

Casette Playa also ran with the trend of bold colors and even topped tough-looking leather with bright contrasting embellishments. The street-wear cuts remained masculine even as colors like Robin’s egg blue, fushcia and Pepto pink came out to play, showing a man who’s confident and secure.

And William Richard Green provided plenty of new fodder for hipsters by creating a line with leggings worn under shorts and capped with dress shoes. Fun accessories have proven to be a strong menswear trend and WRG answered the call with items such as yellow floppy sailor’s caps. Other looks on display: blousy long-sleeved shirts over skinny jeans, and the occasional spark of yellow against more neutral tones.

Other menswear trends promise double doses of denim, and more fun with funky jewelry and neon shades, along with tattered rockstar scarves. The bold colors also have a strong foothold in the shoe department, as well.

In short, it looks like guys are being offered the license to be more bold with their fashion choices in the upcoming seasons. With an overriding theme of audaciousness and vibrancy, the latest men’s fashions may not be for the wallflowers out there, but if willing to step outside of your comfort zone it promises to be a fun time, indeed.

Author Emma Bell writes for Coupon Croc. Want hot new looks in menswear? Check out these ASOS discount vouchers.

American Shopping Highlight - Black Friday

2011-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Black Friday is one of the most awaited occasions of American lifestyle; it is a shopping spree with a vengeance. Every year Thanksgiving Day is held on the fourth Thursday of November; the period that starts from the following day till Christmas Day in the month of December is one for season of shopping. This is a time of making different kinds of purchases for yourself and your family and friends. Though there is no official holiday on this Friday that follows thanksgiving there is a common practice to be on early leave from offices and other places of work.

Black Friday can be referred to as the busiest shopping times of the year when roads come to a standstill with chockablock alignment of cars and vehicles. Traffic situation is usually the worst hit as scores of Americans are out on the street and thronging retail outlets, stores and designer studios to get all that they can buy. To complement the spirit of the occasion sellers reciprocate with some of the year’s amazing offers, bargain deals and discounts for their patrons and buyers. The general look of the cities and even small towns of the country is one of mayhem with unusually large crowds of people out for shopping at the same time. The name derived itself in the city of Philadelphia that witnessed some of the worst traffic snarls and chokes at this time of the year.

Black Friday is easily the busiest shopping dates in American calendar year. There are all kinds of shopping that is carried out at this time. From household items and utility products to items of personal luxury and useful comfort; there are items for home décor to designer items and accessories of personal use that is available for buying. This is also a time for the purchase of buying some of the preferred items and products that is usually expensive and out of your reach ordinarily. The reason for this is the availability of astounding discounts at this time of the year from a variety of sellers. Established brands and companies take pride in reaching out to all quarters of their client base.

The common activity of being out for shopping happened to be one of the biggest shopping extravaganzas of America. Black Friday has now become an occasion within itself when people make it a plan to be out for shopping and enjoying being a part of the huge rush. It would also be a prudent idea to be available at your favorite stores on this idea to grab some of the exciting offers and discounts that’s valid only for this date in the year. You will not be able to avail them later. There is a rare experience in store for sellers and store owners of different kinds. This is a day in the year that brings them record sales to make up for any losses in a year.

Getting a great deal can liven up your shopping experience, similarly getting a great coupon can enrich your online hosting experience. Find discount vouchers for virtual private servers and shared hosting for free.

Shop Smart with Boots Treatstreet

2011-08-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Boots Treat Street? This clever online shopping portal could save you a lot of money!

Do you wish you got more for your money when you went shopping? You might want to try a relatively new program from the pharmacy Boots called “Boots Treat Street.” If you are the type who loves to shop online, you can find yourself with some great deals as well as earn points for every purchase.

What is Boots Treat Street?

Boots Treat Street is an online shopping portal which was established in 2010. It allows users to obtain an Advantage Card, which they use to collect special Boots Advantage Card points every time they make a purchase online via the website. The offer is usually that the customer will receive one point for every £1 that they spend on one of the stores involved.

The points can be picked up with your card from the Advantage Card kiosk at a local Boots store. When you insert your card, the machine will tell you how many points you have accumulated on your card and automatically add them.

Then, you can use the points to buy items in your local Boots store. On almost all items, you will see a cash price and then a price for paying with your points. The total price will be taken off of your Advantage Card.

The website also offers exclusive vouchers to its customers, and special discount voucher codes on high end retail products. There are over 70 brands of online and high street retailers involved in the program, including eBay, Comet, Curry’s, Play.com and the Apple Store. There are a number of fashion shops available to, such as Marisota and Office Shoes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

What are the pros and cons to using this Boots Treat Street loyalty scheme?

Advantages

You will earn four points for each £1 spent in store or one point for each £1 spent online.

You can join special interest clubs, such as The Parenting Club, which will increase the number of points per pound you earn up to 10 instead of 1.

You can use your points to buy things in the store, completely free.

The card itself is free, and you will not have to pay a sign up charge or a monthly or annual membership fee.

You can manage your account and do all of your shopping online.

You will receive special discounts, sales, and offers on popular retail brands.

Disadvantages

Although you can earn points online, you still need to go to a Boots store with an Advantage Card Kiosk to collect your points. This can make things difficult for those who live in an isolated area without a Boots store nearby. It also can be annoying when you want to buy something online with your Boots points and you cannot.

The points cannot be used as partial payment on an item. You must either pay with money or points but not both.

If you do a lot of shopping and are a frequent customer of Boots, this loyalty rewards card might be worth it for you. It is a way to make your money go further and to receive great discounts on your favorite brands.

Shopping Spree in Jeddah

2011-08-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Whereas many cities on the Arabian Peninsula have only come into prominence recently, Jeddah has for centuries been a busy port and trading destination on the Red Sea coast. Its proximity to the important Islamic sites of Mecca and Medina have long made it a popular destination.

Goods travelling between east and west, gold, silks and spices all found their way through Jeddah. Today the city; although much changed is still famous for its souks and shopping malls. Its cosmopolitan citizens have imported products from all around the world and in turn have made it an interestingly diverse city.

Places to stay in Jeddah
Radisson Blu run various high profile hotels in Saudi Arabia including the seven-storey Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah, one of Radisson's two hotels in Jeddah, located in the heart of Jeddah's growing business district. Featuring distinctive mashrabiya windows, the hotel is close to the centre of the city and the downtown shopping centres of Corniche

Souks in Jeddah
The old town centre of Al Balad is a maze of narrow streets and coral houses. Within this warren of streets are hundreds of traditional souk markets. The busy, main market, the Souk Al Alawi is located in the heart of the old town and surrounded by houses.

Gold Souk of Al Sagha in the south east of Jeddah specialises in selling gold, silver and diamonds, a very popular market during the Islam festivals like Hajj. The Al Basha market in the east is famous for its mixture of spices, herbs, tea and such things as rope and water skins. At the Souk Al Nada, one of the oldest markets in Jeddah you can find almost anything from kids clothes to gold and jewellery.

Jeddah’s Shopping Centres
The traditional hustle and bustle of open-air markets in Jeddah have seen the addition in recent years of many modern, brightly lit, air-conditioned shopping malls. These still sell the age old goods of yesteryear but also have modern electrical appliances, televisions, computers and music stores in their midst.

Hera’s Mall was one of the first new style shopping malls in Jeddah and has recently received a refurbishment to keep up with the competition. Here you will find well-known international brands alongside customary household goods.

Mall of Arabia, on Medina Road is the largest shopping centre in Saudi Arabia. This massive precinct has lots of places to eat, ample parking and its own ice rink. Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, H&M, Mothercare and Miss Selfridges all have branches here.

Red Sea Mall, another of the largest shopping places, as well as many international brands it also has the exciting children’s area, Oceania and a 10 lane bowling alley and pool hall.

Al Khayyat Center is famously known as the shopping centre to go for all your international fashion needs, with brands such as D&G, Gucci and Dior all having outlets here.

Stars Avenue is one of the newest malls with a branch of Saks Fifth Ave and Carrefour.

Jeddah International Mall, the oldest mall in the city specialising in gold and Philippine cuisine in its large food hall. It is also decorated with artificial streams running through it.

Shopping etiquette in Jeddah
Remember when travelling around Jeddah and Saudi Arabia in general to dress conservatively and be aware of levels of decency. You should also check specific shops as some have women only floors or are closed to single young men at certain times. The doors will also be closed during prayer times so plan your shopping spree carefully.

Energy Price Rise Warnings.

2011-06-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Consumers have been warned that a big rise in gas and electricity charges in the next few weeks could add £100 to a typical annual bill — with more misery to follow this winter.

As the growing cost of energy bites deeper into squeezed household budgets, experts are urging householders to take action now and look for a fixed rate or online deal to soften the worst effects of future price rises.
Joe Malinowski, of TheEnergyShop.com a price comparison website, says: “A rapid rise in wholesale gas prices driven by events in the Middle East and Japan means that it is now very likely that further increases will take energy bills to record levels.”

Wholesale gas prices have risen 15 per cent already this year and 84 per cent since their low in early 2010. Wholesale electricity prices are up 7 per cent this year.

He says: “In the next two months we expect a further price increase in the 5 to 10 per cent range. This would add between £50 and £100 to the typical annual household energy bill of £1,040 for a direct-debit customer.”
This view is reinforced by Centrica, owner of British Gas, which points out that wholesale gas prices quoted for this winter are 25 per cent higher than last year. SSE, which this week announced record profits, has made similar hints and this has raised fears that energy suppliers are preparing the ground for a double round of price increases.

Mark Todd, director of Energyhelpline.com, another price comparison website, says: “British Gas is the biggest player in the UK market. If it is feeling the pressure to increase prices, then you can be certain that the other members of the Big Six energy suppliers are in the same boat.”

Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, also recently joined the ranks of the energy Cassandras when he forecast that electricity prices could rise 10 per cent and gas prices 15 per cent this winter

Even without more rises, many households are facing a jump in their bills as seven fixed-price deals come to an end this month and next. If customers coming off these deals, costing an average of £918 a year, do nothing, they will be moved on to a standard annual tariff averaging £1,040 — a jump of £120 in their yearly bill.

IBN Battuta Mall Dubai

2011-06-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

For a more extravagant experience travel a little outside Dubai to the IBN Battuta Mall. The IBN Battuta Mall is the world’s largest theme mall and is named after a Moroccan explorer. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Mall has over 275 shops, an IMAX theatre, and a 21 screen cinema.

The Mall is divided into six separate areas, each with their own theme based on a country. There are luxuriously decorated areas based on Indian, Chinese, Persian, Andalusia, Egyptian and Tunisian design. The mall also exhibits ancient technological innovations that have come from the Middle East.

Finally and probably the last stop on your way home, the Airport Duty Free is a great place for good value. Why not pick up some tax free jewellery, electronics or clothes before your return home.

Passengers on flights to Dubai have the choice of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport which serve the city and the rest of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways flights to Dubai arrive at Abu Dhabi International

Abu Dhabi is the hub for Etihad Airways and is within an hour of Dubai city centre and operates flight to Dubai in both Terminal 1 and newly built T3

The Duabi Duty Free is the largest in the world and sells everything you expect from a duty free including alcohol and cigarettes to leather and perfume at competitive prices.

Good News for First Time Buyer Mortgages

2011-06-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

Housebuilders and mortgage providers are talking about how they can work together to provide 95 per cent mortgages to help thousands of first-time buyers

One scheme under consideration could see housebuilders create a fund which would be ring-fenced for each housebuilder and the fund would probably have a finite lifetime. This fund could be used by banks to underwrite mortgages for up to 95 per cent of a property’s value.

Creating the fund would also help the banks to meet their increased capital ratio requirements — in which they have to set aside more capital for low-deposit loans — and reduce their risk in the event of mortgage default.

In exchange, the housebuilders would want the banks to reduce their credit risk scoring criteria when mortgage providers such as Ulster bank assess first-time buyers for a mortgage on a newly built home.

Ulster Bank is currently offering Co-Ownership mortgages to residents in Northern Ireland - in which the scheme allows people to buy at least half of a property (which is valued up to a maximum of £175,000). The remainder is financed by the housing association Co-Ownership Housing as and in return you pay Co-Ownership Housing a monthly rent for this portion. There is no need to save for a deposit.

Moneyfacts, the financial research group, said that there was an urgent need for lenders to provide products for first-time buyers.

Coupon and voucher codes failing to deliver goods

2011-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recession-hit Britons are latching on to online discount vouchers despite mounting evidence that consumers are being misled. In less than six months, the advertising watchdog has banned 60 voucher adverts by the burgeoning industry of websites offering alluring discounts on goods and services stretching from meals out and hotel stays to fish-based pedicure treatments.

The likes of LivingSocial and Groupon have spawned dozens of imitators in Britain and the United States and attracted valuations of billions of pounds. Groupon alone, which has more than 6 million British customers, was responsible for nearly half of the rulings by the Advertising Standards Agency.

Complaints have centred on the availability of the goods and services being offered and on the exaggeration of the available discounts.

The ASA banned an online banner advertisement by Groupon that promised customers “all you can eat in London £3”, finding that the company, which is planning a stock market flotation in the US, had not provided any evidence that the offer was available.

Luke O’Neill, 25, from London, paid £95 for a night for two in a hotel in Wiltshire, including dinner and breakfast — a supposed saving of £140. But when he tried to book he was told by the hotel that there was no weekend availability for the three-month duration of the offer. “That was £95 gone,” Mr O’Neill said.

In other cases the ASA has ruled that websites have exaggerated savings. On one e-mail, Groupon offered subscribers a 94 per cent discount on teethbracing. Customers were to pay £98 for £1,650 of treatment. The reality, confusingly, was that customers were paying £98 for a £1,650 discount on £3,500 worth of treatment — leaving them to pay £1,948.

The Office of Fair Trading has taken action against one voucher website. It found that Groupola ran a heavily discounted iPhone 4 sale that attracted 15,000 customers with only eight phones. At one point it showed a caption on its website stating that it had sold 202. The OFT found that a Groupola employee had even posed as a customer on its Facebook page.

Which?, the consumer magazine, accused staff at LivingSocial of masquerading as customers to write glowing reviews of the company for whom they work. This is in breach of consumer protection regulations. LivingSocial has launched an internal investigation.

Investors have been keen to buy into the explosion in online voucher websites. Last year Groupon turned down a $6 billion offer from Google while Amazon bought a $175 million stake in LivingSocial, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. Analysts say the stampede is partly the result of the normalisation of voucher use among better-off consumers during the recession.

Neil Saunders, retail analyst at Verdict Research, said: “The stigma has gone, to a large degree because of economic necessity — everyone wants to save money — but also because of normalisation. Middle class places for a quick lunch, like Strada, offer vouchers on such a regular basis it’s almost unusual not to have one when you go in.”

There is also some scepticism from businesses that they can retain enough of the customers that they have paid the likes of Groupon and LivingSocial to lure through the doors.

Martin Gill, an online retail analyst at Forrester Research, said: “All of the retailers I speak to are very, very sceptical about the deals because they don’t know if they are going to cannibalise existing trade. They don’t know if they’re giving discounts to shoppers who would have shopped in their stores.”

A spokesman for Groupon said: “We work closely with the ASA are other regulatory bodies to ensure all our deals adhere to all the relevant regulations and are a fair reflection of the customer’s experience.” Each company featured on Groupon was checked to ensure they are legitimate businesses, the spokesman added.

When making a will should you do it yourself or use a solicitor?

2011-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Choosing the best way to make a Will has its positives and negatives. We compare making one yourself or should you use a solicitor to make a Will and which is the best?

Making a will may seem a bit of a negative thing to have to do. However, for peace of mind and to limit heartache on those you love after you pass on it is recommended you make a will. See this article about why it is important to make a Will

There are two ways you can make a Will, either you can use a solicitor to make your Will or you can do it yourself.

Using a solicitor has many things going for it, however it is an expense. Making your own Will costs nothing, however there is the additional worry of ensuring it is correct and legal.

So here is the lowdown on both options:

Solicitor

For around £200 you can be assured of a legal and water tight document that will cover all aspects of the will.

Using a solicitor will ensure that your assets and wishes will be dealt with without issue after your death. This is all especially important when you consider the cost of your Will not being completely legal and the wrangling and the cost of the wrangling that can be involved.

To ensure a Will is legal you will need two independent witnesses when you sign it. You will also need to appoint an executor to distribute your assets on death, otherwise the state supplies one at a large cost.

Solicitors also provide an easy service if you wish to update or change your will. Using a solicitor comes with a price but does ensure legality.

Home Made Wills

Homemade Wills are also a good option; making a Will yourself can also have its bonuses. However, a homemade Will is legal once you ensure it is drafted correctly. There are a number of books available on the subject ad you can easily make your Will if your dealings are straight forward.

It is also possible to use online software to make a Will. Also There are plenty of Will makers out there online, but some are of low quality and it’s always better to be safer than sorry in the case of a will as no one knows your wishes when it comes to be divided only you and you’re not around to ask.

There are also DIY Will kits available from book shops. These include everything you need to produce a Will and usually provide a step to step guide to making your will so you don’t make a mistake.

If you do have a Will already you should always check to ensure it’s up to date. A not up to date Will can cause as many issues as one which isn’t properly made. Review your Will especially if you have gone through changes like a divorce or separation, a birth or adoption, or a marriage or remarriage.

Seventy per cent of people don’t make a Will and leave their partners and loved one’s unknown to what their wishes are. This can be easily rectified either if you want to do it yourself or if you want to employ a solicitor to look over the documentation to make sure it is legal.

Champagne Offer Ended Too Soon

2011-05-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

In December 2010 M&S had a promotion for Louis Chaurey champagne until, it stated, May 2. It was an excellent offer with a bottle price of just over £10 if you purchased more than two cases. For someone getting married in August it was ideal.

A reader writes:

On Friday, April 29, I went online to buy some bottles but the stock had run out. I then went to my local branch on May 2. It had some in stock but the promotion had changed to only 25 per cent off. When I asked customer services they said that the offer “had been withdrawn early”.

When I got home that evening I saw that M&S was still promoting the deal online! Should I have stayed loyal to my clubcard and shopped from the selection of champagne at Tesco?

Cheeky! In December the Office of Fair Trading published a study of “price practices” that supermarkets wheel out to convince shoppers to buy more than they need. The study highlighted time-limited offers and “bait-pricing” — where retailers continue to advertise a promotion even when they do not have enough stock to meet demand, as appears to be the case with M&S’s champers sale.

The OFT says: “Academic research shows that the most common response when a consumer finds a product is not available is to buy a substitute from the same trader.” Indeed M&S’s head office told Nick that it pulled the deal immediately after the royal wedding — just after everyone had been enticed into the store to buy coronation chicken, presumably. A spokesman said that there had been some confusion and that it was the 25 per cent off deal that expired on May 2, not the £10 a bottle deal, but agreed that it obviously had not made this clear enough in store.

T-Mobile Spoof Royal Wedding

2011-04-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

We expected this to be terrible but stick with it and you will begin to warm to the wedding dance spoof that features some credible (and not so credible) look-a-likies.

Delights of New York

2011-04-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sight Seeing & Shopping in New York

One of the biggest delights in visiting New York is to see its wonderful skyscrapers, many of which, in their time held the record for the tallest building. A great day out can be had going on a skyscraper safari and climbing to the tops of some of the most iconic buildings around. The Chrysler Tower, Empire State Building and the Woolworth Building are a must.

Although the United Arab Emirates now stake claim to some of the tallest buildings in the world and cities such as Dubai have shopping malls that are the envy of the world New York still has an attraction for visitors from the UAE. Non stop flights to New York from Abu Dhabi have now been scheduled by Etihad and operate daily.

Another reason for a New York holiday is purely to shop, the famous department store of Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks will always have some bargains. There are also the boutique shops and designer stores around Madison Avenue, Times Square and 57th Avenue. If trawling the racks and shelves is your idea of fun, New York is your paradise.

Why You Should Hire A Van

2011-03-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

Great footage of a family trying to move home on the cheap. Shunning the very idea of hiring a van they have managed to precariously pile the contents of their home on the top of a family saloon car. Can you guess what happens next.....? Watch the video

Support New Zealand Tourism

2011-03-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

A month folowing the earthquake that rocked Christchurch bloggers are being encouraged to raise awareness of the wonderful things to do and place st o visit in New Zealand.

Tipping sheep it would appear is off the agenda

Bank Smarter - Switch Bank Accounts

2011-03-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

New Bank Accounts

More and more coverage about the depressed rates that savings accounts attract at the moment have prompted many to consider switching from their existing accounts and looking to open new current and savings accounts.

In Ireland high street bank customers are being targeted by Ulster Bank to check out their Switch & Save bank accounts.

Potential customers are presented with a downloadable guide that explains each step of the switching process.

In this day and age of internet banking it is good to see that the bank also offer a free helpline for customers who wish to activate the switching systyem -

To help you switch your bank account to Ulster Bank we have a specialist switching team in place to make your switch as smooth as possible by calling 1800 251 053.

If all goes to plan you could have successfully switched to an Ulster Bank current account in 10 days.

Video About Public Liability Claims

2011-03-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

A Solicitor Explains Public Liability

In this video Paul Morrison a solicitor with Access Legal explains public liability

If you’ve had the misfortune to suffer an accident in a public place, don’t worry, many thousands of people suffer an accident in a public place every year. There are too many accident circumstances to start listing the public places which those accidents occurred. What you should do as soon as you've had an accident is make a note of the date, time and location of that accident.

Slipping and Tripping

If you've slipped or tripped, you should take a photograph of the area where you did slip or trip. If you slipped, make a note of what you actually slipped on. If you tripped measure what caused you to trip, and take a photograph of that measurement.

When measuring what caused you to trip, not everyone has a ruler with them, so you might want to use a coin, a matchbox, or pack of cigarettes, everyone knows what size they are, which then puts that into context. What you should also do is report the accident to whom you think is responsible. Its also important to obtain the name of the person you spoke to when reporting that accident. What you should also to is obtain the names of any witnesses to the accident, who can support what you have to say, about what actually occurred, should there be any subsequent dispute about that.

Finally, you should seek medical treatment, so there is a record of the injury you sustained as a result of this accident. If you make a claim and you successful you will be entitled to compensation for the actual injuries sustained, any financial losses incurred and any financial losses you are likely to incur in the future.

You only have a period of three years from the date of an accident within to issue court proceedings. There is a lot to do in that three year period, you have to try and agree the issue of liability, which is responsibility for the accident, with you opponent. And you also need to gather all the necessary medical evidence and reports, and details of all the financial losses you have incurred, to try and negotiate a settlement of your claim.

It is therefore essential to obtain early advice. We at Access Legal from shoosmiths have teams of people who can help you with this. Please do not hesitate to call.

Shoes to Fall in love with

2011-02-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

Every day thousands of women slip their feet into Hotter comfort concept shoes.

In this video we hear what women love about Hotter Shoes

Video By comfortable shoes

Donate to Oxfam During February Using Paypal

2011-02-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Oxfam and Paypal have teamed up to announce that during February you can donate to charity and give 100%

Normally part of the money given through donations goes towards the essential running costs of the charities that people give to.

For the month of February any donations to Oxfam GB made using the online payment system Paypal will be topped up by Paypal to meet these costs

Shopping in the UAE - Focus on Dubai

2011-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Previously we did a short feature on Dubai for Sweet-tooths.

The United Arab Emirates has become a must visit place on the world shopping map with a mixture of traditional markets right through the shopping spectrum of vast state-of-the-art arcades and impressive glitzy malls such as the Wafi Mall pictured here

One thing Dubai is famous for is its shopping, from the hustle and bustle of bargaining in a traditional souk market to ultra-modern shopping precincts. There are over 70 marble pillared, air-conditioned shopping malls to choose from and you will find every major brand name, designer fashion houses and of course extensive gold and jewellery stores.

The shear variety and competitive pricing of goods in Dubai makes it an attractive destination but added to its Arabic flavour, desert location and opulent surrounds it is a unique experience.

Even when preparing to leave the city the shopping opportunities continue with extensive retail outlets in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports which both serve Dubai

Passengers who choose to fly from Dubai to London with Etihad Airways will actually drive to nearby Abu Dhabi Airport and catch flights to London from Abu Dhabi

Once visited never forgotten, the UAE has so much to discover - if you can drag yourself away from the shops!

How To - Open Champagne without a twist

2011-01-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

Celebrations will never be the same if this method of opening abottle of champagne catches on...

Responsibility to prevent accidents and personal injury due to snow and ice.

2010-12-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

The responsibility of shops, supermarkets and other public places when snow and ice make areas unsafe.

The following is based on a document about slipping on snow and ice published on the Access Legal website - a firm of solicitors that deal with personal injury claims

The Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 states that certain measures must be taken to insure that visitors to institutions or retailers are safe while using or passing through those premises.

This legal requirement is not just for indoor areas but extends into ensuring that all the immediate outdoor areas are cleared of potentially dangerous weather hazards caused by seasonal conditions.

However, on occasion the weather is so severe that it becomes unreasonable, or even impossible for areas to be totally cleared of snow, and ice. Though this should never be an excuse to do nothing, as a few minor tasks such as shovelling or gritting can be done quickly and cheaply, resulting in safer walking (and working) conditions for all.

As a common rule the larger the shopping centre, supermarket, park, etc, more people will be expected, so more effort is to be taken.

Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure walking areas are clear of snow and ice, resulting in your injury, means they are liable for compensation.

Personal Injury Solicitors

You should seek professional legal advice if you think you have just grounds for making a personal injury claim.

Christmas Spending

2010-12-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

What will be the number one Christmas gadget for 2010?

The great Christmas battle for consumer spending this year will not be children's toys, but instead, cutting edge electronics. Many market speculator's feel that the gadgets, such as phone's, music player's, camera's, hand held computer's as well as home electronics such as TV’s, video game consoles, and Bluray player's will all begin going through a substantial price reduction from now on the run up to Christmas. Its rumoured that HD Televisions will see cuts of up to 30%

And it's no wonder, despite the economic struggles of the year, 2010 is projected to hit a 17 year high for the sales of new consumer electronics. Up 5 percent from last year alone. Electronic fever is sweeping the nation, as almost 70% of adults commented that their Christmas buying list includes consumer electronics as gift's this year, up by 6% from last year.

The real question is though, with consumer electronics on the whole making their way on most Christmas shopping lists, what is the one item that stands above.

I don't think it should come as too much of a surprise to see that Apple Products are among the most desirable.

“A consumer survey of 3000 UK people has revealed that Apple products will be at the top of more peoples Christmas lists than any other gadget this year. According to the vouchercodes.co.uk survey 37% of the people questioned voted the Apple iPad to be the most desirable gift that they would like to receive.

The chart topping iPad was closely followed by the iPhone 4 with 27% of the votes. The poll took place in October to discover the most sought after gadgets for Christmas. Third place was taken by the ever popular Amazon Kindle and fourth place by TomTom – we guess people still need to find there way around.

Fifth position was taken by the Playstation Move, the survey was taken in October so this is still a pretty impressive achievement for Sony, we wonder how different the survey would have been if it was taken this month or even early December – I bet the PS3 Move and Xbox kinect would have featured higher up the list.

The Kinect actually received 5% of the votes; the research suggested this was due to the devices requirements with 56% of people saying the 6 foot radius needed for optimal game play would stop them buying the Kinect with 1 in 10 of these people choosing the Sony Move instead.

An important fact to remember is the Xbox 360 Kinect wss not released in the UK until November 10th, people were judging it before seeing it in action – this may go some way in swaying their opinions and buying patterns.

Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk, commented: “Dominating the top spots in our poll, Apple’s products offer a multitude of functions without skimping on style. However, proving that style isn’t everything, the Xbox Kinect’s cutting-edge technology seems to be a step too far for many consumers. “

Although the Apple ipad is the most desirable gift of the year, it remains to be seen wither or not it will be ranked as a high selling Christmas item, or if it's expensive price tag will put off many consumers.

The Night Before Christmas - Children's Christmas Gift Hamper

2010-12-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

Childrens Christmas Hampers

If you are looking for something to make your Christmas Eve that little bit special here is a little gift hamper that is a bit of fun and will really engage with children. What is great about hampers is that you've got all the foodies at M&S putting together all the beautiful products into one box and delivering them to you. Chosen from the selection of M&S Christmas Hampers this hamper is called The night before Christmas and it should be great for children.

According to this article on Playpennies.com the hamper is now half price

Getting ready for Christmas

This little hamper sets the scene - a plate for cookies to leave out for santa, gingerbread men, hot chocolate to make before you go to bed and a sweet bed time story - The Night Before Christmas

Also in the hamper, in the little red box, are mini marsh mellows to go with the hot choc and to go along side some mini chocolate santas.

What better than recieving a gift that you can open before Christmas and this hamper is the Christams eve treat - see the video for more information

How Car Insurance Prices Are Worked Out - An Infograhic

2010-12-07T02:36:00.000-08:00

A huge infographic from Confused.com

We are seeing more and more infographics being made available on the web. A picture, they say, paints a thousand words - so here's picture with added words from Confused.com an insurance comparison site. Many drivers are indeed confused at why the quotes they get for car insurance varies widely. Some spend many hours refining the online applications to see what impact annual mileage, number of drivers and where the car is kept overnight will have on the cost of their insurance renewal. Some of the basic elements that affect the cost of car insurance is available on this infographic below:

Leather Sofas Are Back In Living Rooms

2010-11-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

An article at the beginning of the year talked about the return of the leather sofa. But did it ever really go away.

Land of Leather is dead (who will fill those January Sales advertising slots?); long live the leather sofa!

Many people associate leather sofas with naff bachelor pads, posh gentlemen’s clubs or pretentious wine bars and pub refurbishments.

But they are now told to think again. From high spec homes to the retail park show rooms, the leather sofa has become one of the hottest trends in living room furniture.

Leather sofas are also the biggest sellers at some of the UK's largest chains. Interior design and furnishing shops are expanding their leather or faux-leather sofa ranges constantly to satisfy the growing demands of shoppers.

Reports from upholstery departments across the UK are that demand for leather furniture has soared - sales of leather sofas have jumped by almost 90 percent last year.

Furniture Choice announced that it is is expanding its range in time for Christmas. Mark Saville, Operations Manager at Furniture Choice said: "We have paid close attention to customer demand over the past year and seen a steady shift towards higher priced items. Leather sofas upholstered in more expensive hides along with leather recliners and corner sofas have all seen improving sales. We have therefore started to bring in new products to cater to this changing customer demand."

“Leather is very strong right now,” says an upholstery buyer for a furniture store that sells over fifty different leather sofas. “This is a real trend, because these are established sofas; it’s not just because we’ve launched something new. This is a very big increase. Last week leather sofas accounted for over half of all of our upholstered furniture sales and this is expected to be surpassed during the sale which will feature some of our best selling products”

So why leather and why now?

Some attribute the trend to the perception of leather furniture as an investment purchase and the attraction that holds to the post-recession mindset.

“People have held off buying sofas for 18 months because of the economic situation. Now they can see light at the end of the tunnel. But the difference is that they now want to invest in decent furniture that will last, rather than throwaway stuff — the recovery has been strongest in premium leather sofas.”

Tights from the high street

2010-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

The great tights test by guest writer Lilly

Compare tights from the high street v luxury designer tights

it’s a minefield of thicknesses, finishes and fabrics

I recently had an epiphany in the Marks & Spencer tights department. You’d have thought that epiphanies should take place somewhere inspiring, and be about something substantive – the meaning of life, say, in York Minster. But mine was about black opaque tights, at Marble Arch. Was it worthwhile educating me? Probably not.

The problem is that it used to be simple: Marks & Spencer had one sort and you bought those. Now, it’s a minefield of thicknesses, finishes and fabrics: 30, 40, 60 or 100 denier, woolly ?or nylon, slimming fit or body-sensor temperature control blah. Marks & Spencer alone produces 17 different types – two 30 denier, six each in 40 and 60, and two in 100 denier, and that’s what prompted my epiphany: that I needed ?to road-test as many plain black opaques as possible and report back. So this week it’s under-£10 high street and Marks & Spencer; next week, designer. I make no apologies for it being Marks & Spencer-heavy, because the sheer amount of choice there is confusing – well, it confused me, but I’m quite stupid. It’s also, I imagine, where most of us turn in our hour of opaque need as well as to spice up the underwear drawer.

First, the answer to “What denier?” is 60; 30 and 40 are just too thin. Tights should be either very thick or very sheer, not in-between. Second, the tighter your budget, the thicker the tight you should go for. For instance, Marks & Spencer’s 40 denier Outstanding Value 3-pack (£3.50; marksandspencer.com) felt very thin and flimsy, but the 60 denier Outstanding Value 3-pack, £3.50, were marvellous, and pretty much the answer for everyday. If you can step up to £8, then the 3-pack of 60 denier Black Opaques are a lot softer and more luxurious. But cream of the Marks & Spencer crop, and well worth it if you’re getting your pins out – and I am, since you ask – are the wonderful 60 denier Luxury Velvet Touch Tights or (hurray!) hold-ups, which are so good they give Wolford a run for its money.

If you like a fine, woolly tight (I don’t they remind me of school), then the 60 denier Autograph Luxury Cotton Cashmere tightsare the ones; the 100 denier Autograph Luxury Merino Wool are very woolly, yet bizarrely thin and see-through. If you like a properly thick, woolly tight, go for the cosy 100 denier Cotton Rich Thermals
Elsewhere, Levante 50 denier Suede Matte opaques (£6; mytights.com) are excellent basics, and I liked the Aristoc 60 denier Velveteens (£6; mytights.com). John Lewis own-brand ?60 and 80 denier opaques are comfy, with a lovely, soft thickness to them, but they have a sheen that I can do without, while Pretty Polly XXtra opaques (£8; mytights.com) are OK, but I can’t really see why you’d pay £8 for one pair when the same amount will get you a very nice three-pack at Marks & Spencer. And that, for the record, is as deep as my thinking ever gets.

Splitting a bouquet of flowers into several arrangements

2010-10-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Make the most from a bunch of flowers.

This is a video that features a professional florist explaining how to get the maximum value from a bouquet of fowers. If you are lucky enough to be given a bouquet of fresh flowers this video has some neat ideas about how to make more than one professional looking flower arrangement from a single bouquet when some of the stems have gone past their best.

We especially like the idea about using houshold object to disply single stems like the sunflowers at the end of the video.

The Joy of Saving ISAs Set to Rise

2010-10-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

Isa limit to rise but a third of Britons could not survive to weekend on the amount held in their savings accounts.

The Isa limit is set to increase by £470 from £10,200 to £10,670 next year in line with inflation.

The Government has yet to officially announce the new Isa allowance for the 2011/12 tax year, but it is due to increase in line with September’s retail prices index of 4.6 per cent, which would take it to £10,670.

The news of the increased Isa limit comes as research suggests that nearly a third of UK adults could not survive to the weekend on their instant access savings accounts.

The survey by HSBC indicates that 30 per cent of Britons have put aside less than £249 as a financial safety net, which is the equivalent of five days average take home pay. In order to cover bills and other costs in the event of a financial emergency, experts recommend that people keep a financial cushion of three months’ take home pay - or an average £4,683.

The research also found that a fifth of adults had no savings at all. Those aged between 25 and 34 are the least prepared for a financial emergency, as 41 per cent of people in this age group have less than £249 saved and 25 per cent have nothing at all.

Women are less financially prepared than men, as 33 per cent of women have less than £249 in savings, while 26 per cent of men have less than this amount in savings.

Looking at the UK as a whole, people in the North West were the least likely to have a financial cushion in place as 25 per cent had no safety net at all.

Richard Brown, head of savings for HSBC said: “These findings demonstrate a worrying lack of preparation amongst UK residents. With the current climate of uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that people are setting aside a realistic sum of money to be used in emergencies.”

Rob Fisher, head of personal investments at Fidelity Investment Managers, urges savers to make full use of the increased Isa allowance.

He said: “A couple will be able to save £21,340 per year in their Isas and enjoy tax free returns.

“With rising taxes, savers and investors really should make sure they put as much as they can in their Isa each year. Over 42 per cent of the UK population is still not taking up their Isa allowance. Isas are an all year round use-it-or-lose it tax perk and a perfect way to avoid giving hard earned money straight back to the tax man.”

Where Marks and Spencer Lead John Lewis follow

2010-09-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

If John Lewis now wants to be fashion central it probably shows how fashion literate British women have become. Where Marks and Spencer lead John Lewis follow.

John Lewis — the discerning shopper’s favourite store for everything apart from fashion — hopes to rectify that with a £10 million refit of the fashion floor of its Oxford Street store in London that opens this week. Don’t expect the scary or the edgy. This is not Colette, the dauntingly haughty boutique in Paris. But it is the place to come to for all those more accessible labels with flair that form the cornerstone of so many women’s wardrobes. Whistles, Jaeger, Hobbs, Mulberry: well-heeled rather than adventurous.

To be honest, I was in two minds about the makeover. On the one hand, I’m all for making shopping a sybaritic streamlined glossy experience — I’m just not sure that I want it to be in John Lewis.

Marks and Spencer is where I used to get my school uniforms. It’s where I bought my children’s uniforms before they went to senior school and were allowed to express their individuality by buying the same Topshop jeans as everyone else in the class. It has an extensive home furniture department, the most reliable selection of Egyptian cotton, the knowledgable lingerie advisers and it’s still the first port of call when you’re looking for a good brolly or socks.

Both M&S and John Lewis are well respected British institutions

But I fully acknowledge that my ambivalence comes from a very selfish place — my desire to feel as though I’m in undiscovered retail terrain every time that I find myself browsing the old-style fashion floor on my way up to the bed linen. It’s hardly as though I was dredging through a souk in Istanbul, but because no one my age ever seemed to be shopping there, it felt weirdly exotic. But that’s set to change, and if John Lewis now wants to be fashion central for the kind of women who can’t be doing with pretentious, snooty attitudes, but aren’t ready to sink into the saggy embrace of elasticated trousers just yet — except linen ones from Nicole Farhi — then so be it. It’s probably indicative of how fashion literate British women have become. And that’s a good thing.

So John Lewis has beefed up its stock, added low level flattering lighting (although I’m not sure about the dark shiny floors and ceiling — it looks like an executive club lounge) and put some space between the collections. Best of all are the designer collaborations — one-off pieces created by Osman Yousefzada (such as this gorgeous red dress), Philip Treacy, Terry de Havilland, the shoe designer, and William Tempest, with the first of them going into the Oxford Street store exclusively next week. Unlike all too many partnerships between designers and the high street that culminate in disappointingly cheap looking versions of the designer’s original vision, these are high-quality pieces that while not cheap (£250 for the red dress compared with around £600 for a long dress from Osman’s own collection ; £325 for the Philip Treacy hat), represent value for money.

Free cards to come to an end?

2010-09-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Many other card issuers are likely to follow the lead of Sainsbury’s Finance (GSO/Getty) The era of free credit cards could be coming to an end after Sainsbury’s Finance last week launched a mainstream card with a monthly fee.

Sainsbury’s Gold card costs £5 a month and is aimed at holidaymakers. It offers family travel insurance, which Sainsbury’s claims is worth up to £250 a year, no foreign exchange fees or cash advance fees in Britain or abroad.

Private banks monthly fees

Customers of private banks and those who have prestigious black or gold credit cards, such as those offered by NatWest or Coutts Private Bank, pay a monthly or annual fee for their card. Benefits for these private banking customers typically include access to airport lounges, concierge services and airmiles.

However, of the mainstream deals, only Capital One and Egg Money levy yearly fees of £18 and £12 respectively on their World Mastercards, but this cost is in effect cancelled out by the cashback reward scheme — provided you spend enough.

End of an era for free cards

David Black at Defaqto, the data firm, said: “Credit card providers are facing a number of hits on their established income streams and I am in little doubt that we will see deals become less attractive — either in the form of higher interest rates, new charges or less generous introductory offers and rewards.

“I would therefore expect to see more cards levying a monthly or annual fee.”

The Sainsbury’s Gold card charges 9.94% on purchases and balance transfers and offers double Nectar reward points on Sainsbury’s shopping, although there are no introductory 0% offers available.

While the card literature states customers benefit from interest-free cash withdrawals, this applies only if you clear your balance in full each month — otherwise you will be charged a punitive 24.9% from the day you withdraw the money.

If you want to avoid credit card fees while abroad, Justin Modray at Candid Money, the financial website, likes the Halifax Clarity card, which has no foreign currency loading or cash withdrawal charges. There is no annual fee and it charges 12.9% on purchases and cash. Avoid ATM withdrawals as you are charged interest immediately.

Nevertheless, the Sainsbury’s card offers a good deal for families and couples who require annual worldwide travel insurance as it provides cover for two adults and up to six children and also personal baggage and winter sports cover.

Figures from Candid Money show that buying a similar policy would cost at least £60, which is the annual cost of the card. It is less attractive if you are single, though, as you can buy similar cover for about £35 a year, said Candid Money.

Modray said: “Customers should be aware that, while the cover offered by the card is comprehensive, the policy excesses on the travel insurance are about £100 to £150.

“This is not excessive but it means you are unlikely to make a small claim compared with policies with excesses in the region of £50.

“I can see more mainstream credit card providers following this example and launching paid-for credit cards that offer things like travel insurance.

“By buying insurance at wholesale prices, providers can charge monthly fees while still offering good perceived value.”

However, you should always check the level of cover and the excess of any travel insurance deal very carefully and establish its true worth with a quick search on a price comparison site before signing up.

Paris Taxi Drivers Are Rude

2010-09-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

The taxi drivers of Paris have given a Gallic shrug to news that travellers rate them as the rudest in the world. “I’m unpleasant and so what?” said Frédérique Messmer, a cabby in his 50s, as he smoked by his Peugeot in western Paris. Similar responses came from his colleagues after a global survey that for the second year in a row ranked the city’s notoriously sour drivers last for friendliness. There was some consolation: New York’s yellow cab drivers were equal finalists.

The rating, by 1,900 respondents to the hotels.com site, put London’s black cabs top for service as well as first of the all-round top 10 ranking. Paris, which hosts more tourists than any city in the world, came 10th in the overall ranking for the second year in a row. Most problems occur when passengers on flights to Paris leave the airport teminals and seek taxi rides into the city.

That suggested that Mayor Bertrand Delanoe is not making much progress in a long campaign to brighten the service of a closed shop profession that has this year already staged three strikes against reforms.

The union of owner-drivers, the Csat, called the ranking unfair and came up with excuses. A handful of surly conducteurs are giving the profession a bad name, said Christian Delomel, head of the Csat. London cabbies could afford to be nice because they had an easy time, he added. “They have an urban toll system. The traffic there moves while the drivers here spend hours in jams. I think they come out of it well,” Mr Delomel told Le Parisien newspaper.

However, to improve service, the Csat is pushing for a tighter licence test, including the requirement for a minimum grasp of English. The drivers’ lack of English has long been one of the main sources of complaint from foreign visitors.

Good French helps passengers understand the abuse to which they are subjected. A Parisian woman yesterday recalled a recent trip with a bad-tempered woman driver. “I looked at my hands and she turned round and snapped at me, ‘you’re not going to cut your nails are you?’”

Other gripes include the near impossibility of hailing a cab rather than going to a rank and the lack of taxis at night. Mayor Delanoe has been trying to remedy that by putting more on the road, but the profession is resisting with the argument that they will lose income and the value of their vehicle licenses. These trade for about €200,00. Paris still has only 15,500 taxis, compared with 25,000 in the 1920s. London, a bigger city, has 80,000, including minicabs. France still still bans those.

Mr Delanoe may not have persuaded drivers to smile, accept competition or drive vehicles painted to look like taxis rather than ordinary cars, but he has just made headway on one point. The cabs are being equipped with red and green roof lights which for the first time enable people to tell whether they are free for hire.

Tesco Trickery

2010-09-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Tesco secretly bought a town centre through a front company and let it become essentially derelict as it tried to secure a landmark regeneration deal, The Times has learnt.

Britain’s biggest supermarket group won applause from councillors and local people three years ago when it bought the centre of Linwood, in Renfrewshire, and promised to redevelop its crumbling 1960s shopping precinct.

Its acquisition from the Edinburgh-based Balmore Properties came after a “Boot out Balmore” campaign by community leaders who complained that under its ownership, the precinct had deteriorated so badly that it was dubbed Scotland’s Basra.

But The Times has established through documentary evidence that Balmore, which bought the centre in 2001, was intertwined with Tesco from its inception. One property insider said the deal was designed to give Tesco a stronger case for securing approval for a lucrative regeneration, while ensuring a lower price.

The Linwood episode sheds fresh light on the surreptitious deals supermarkets hatch to find new sites in a fiercely competitive market. Tesco, in particular, is turning to redevelopment projects incorporating homes and offices as greenfield sites dry up.

It is common for supermarkets to buy land through agents to ensure confidentiality. But the Linwood case is different because the decline of the town centre under Balmore’s management was a key factor used by Tesco — and the council — to justify its redevelopment plan. Shop closures and the deterioration of the centre were “seriously detracting from the amenity of the town as a whole”, Renfrewshire’s chief planner wrote. A website set up by Tesco to promote the scheme states: “Vacant units have become a magnet for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.”

Balmore Properties was founded by Dallas Rhodes, a Glasgow businessman, in 2000, shortly before it bought the Linwood centre for about £1.7 million. It was incorporated by Semple Fraser, Tesco’s law firm in Scotland and was wound down shortly after the centre was sold. Of 17 property vehicles founded by Mr Rhodes, only one other appears to have been incorporated by Semple Fraser — and it, too, was later sold to Tesco.

Semple Fraser acted for Balmore when it bought the property and later for Tesco. Eric Young & Co, Tesco’s property agent in Scotland, also acted for both Balmore and Tesco. Development Property Planning, Tesco’s planning consultant, made representations to the authorities for both companies.

It is unclear how much Tesco paid for the precinct, though it was reported at the time that it was a similar sum to that paid by Balmore six years earlier.

One big loser was the Church of Scotland, which swapped a former church hall with Balmore for another property. Solicitors valued the site at £200,000 at the time, but when the property was transferred from Balmore to Tesco three years later, its value had rocketed to £2.3 million. The hall is on land that Tesco wants to develop, but the Church was unaware that Balmore was connected to Tesco.

Wendy Alexander, the local MSP, said: “Balmore’s stewardship was simply a disgrace. They refused to meet the community or elected representatives. Tesco gave no indication to the community of any long-standing relationship.”

Campaigners for small shops yesterday seized on the secret Linwood deal to argue against handing supermarket groups the power to redevelop town centres. John Drummond, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said: “It is quite wrong for one business, with obvious vested interests, to control the redevelopment of this or any other site.”

Former tenants in the shopping centre said that Balmore was unresponsive and unwilling to invest in the centre. Joe Lappin, owner of Linwood Carpets, which has since moved to a nearby street, said: “They were very non-committal. I had six months left on the lease and asked ‘Can I extend, can I do this place up?’ In the end they let me walk away from the lease.”

Tesco’s defenders say that it is alone in taking on complex regeneration projects and that such projects require confidentiality.

A Tesco spokesman said: “Our plans will regenerate Linwood, bringing not only a Tesco store but many jobs for the long-term unempolyed and a new health centre and library. Linwood town centre has been in decline for years, before our involvement, or the involvement of Balmore, and it is our plans that will reverse this and bring investment back to the area. Our carefully considered plans have been granted planning permission on their obvious merits and will create modern retail facilities for local people.”

Bikini Woman Wonder

2010-08-18T03:31:00.000-07:00

According to the swimwear designer Mel, Elle Macpherson is the ultimate Bikini Woman. “Okay, she is an amazon, but she gets it right every time. She always does the right colours; she gets the look spot-on.”

You know Bikini Woman. You’ve seen her on the beaches of St Barts and St Tropez, and lounging on yachts in the background of all those paparazzi shots. She has brushed past you at the Blue Marlin, all swirling latest designs of dresses, glistening skin and perfectly tousled Medusa locks. Her man is the one brokering deals on his BlackBerry from his sun lounger, and she smells of cocoa butter and cash. You get the impression that this exotic creature spends at least six months of the year in swimwear, but, says Odabash, there is a Bikini Woman in all of us, just waiting for the perfect moment to bust out a jewelled couture monokini (like the one she dressed Cheryl Cole in for her “comeback” holiday with Ashley last year).

Bikini or Lingerie Video

You know Bikini Woman. You’ve seen her on the beaches of St Barts and St Tropez, and lounging on yachts in the background of all those paparazzi shots But while she may embody all the trappings of a life of leisure (not to mention a life of pleasure), being a Bikini Woman is no stroll around the block. “Don’t think for a minute that Elle Macpherson isn't working out seven days a week.
Don’t think that she isn’t eating healthily every day. It’s a lifestyle, a discipline,” says Mel, a former leading lingerie model herself, with 15 years’ experience of making suits for the international jet set. The reality is that no Bikini Woman looks this hot on the beach without putting in some serious prep time and effort — be it in the gym, the spa or when planning her extensive bikini wardrobe.
First, there are the outfits. At the Heidi Klein boutique in Chelsea, the manager, Laura Thirtle, explained:
“The women who are going away with their husbands on business — well, it’s a holiday for them — are some of our best customers. They need to be decked out with everything. Because it’s not just about the suits. A woman going away for a week will typically buy four or five swimsuits, and then there are the cover-ups, the jewellery, the sunglasses — they want to be OUTfitted.”
Thirtle says when she first started in the bikini business “people would just throw on a pair of shorts over their suit. But it’s different now. People are actually accessorising and getting dressed up for the beach”. As Odabash (who holidayed with Elton John and the Le Bon clan in the south of France last summer) puts it: “The restaurants in St Tropez are like one big fashion show: it’s all about the bikini, the matching kaftan, the heels. Although, please, make it a wedge.” Odabash prefers a flat, however — when she recently showed her SS11 collection at the W hotel in South Beach, Miami, her models strutted down the catwalk in gold leather high-rise gladiator sandals, like mini Wonder Women. She says her first bikini muse was her mother. “She was very glam, always in leopard print and Gucci. She used to go on holiday with my father every year and come back so tanned. I was always, like, wow.”
Really working the Bikini Woman look (see Britain’s own premier BW, Kelly Brook) is about channelling every last ounce of your sex appeal, and as much as the right bikini can help you tap into the confidence to do that, the bod beneath has to be up to scratch. Heidi Klein’s Notting Hill outpost, all sand-washed floorboards and so-soft lighting, is your last-stop pre-holiday shop for such needs, with an on-site spa offering everything from spray tans to pedicures, waxing and massage. Odabash spells out what else she believes it takes: “Twenty minutes’ exercise every day, jogging or on a bike, push-ups on your bathroom floor every morning, and always eating organic.” But never fear, BW has plenty of tricks up her kaftan (see box) to help us mere mortals cheat our way through the summer.

Sun Holidays in September - When the Crowds have gONE

2010-08-10T01:16:00.000-07:00

It’s August, and half of Britain seems to have decamped to roast on the Med. And we mean really roast: Cyprus is pushing 40C. Heston Blumenthal doesn’t need much more than that to cook a chicken. If you like your holiday heat set at “balmy”, not “blistering”, you need to hang on. September’s the golden month across much of the Mediterranean. The weather’s perfect, the hordes are back at their desks and — we like this — it’s much better value.

Sure, you’ve got to choose carefully. And the weather’s turning a touch unreliable in the more northerly sun spots. That’s why we’ve picked out bikini-friendly places where you’re pretty much guaranteed just the right degree of warmth, and found breaks to suit all tastes and budgets: romantic hotels and foodie farmstays, world-class sailing and walking, budget camping and private castles. So, if you’d sooner bask than broil, here’s where to do it. Unless stated, prices are per person for a week. Where included, flights are from London; contact the tour operator for details of regional flights. Prices were correct at the time of going to press.

Spain

Things are on the turn on the Costa Brava, but down in Andalusia, the rain’s still weeks away and you’re looking at 27C on the coast, or a shade less higher up.

Much of the coast is a study in concrete, but the interior’s still wild and wonderful, so head for the hills. Finca el Moro (00 34 959 501079, www.fincaelmoro.com) is a shaggy-chic farmstead in the Sierra de Aracena, with prettily restored cottages among fig and olive groves, and lots of chickens, horses and sheep. A one-bedroom cottage starts at £415, with three-bedders from £664. Fly to Seville with Vueling (vueling.com) or Ryanair (0871 246 0000, www.ryanair.com).

For something similar but toddler-friendly, there’s Las Nuevas (www.lasnuevas.co.uk), in the hills near Alora. It’s four pretty cottages carved from a restored cortijo — minus the menagerie, but it has toys, games, tea parties, baby-sitting, and a lovely little pool. A one-bedroom flat costs £332, a four-bedroom house £659. Fly to Malaga with Flybe (0871 700 2000, www.flybe.com) or Monarch (0871 940 5040, www.monarch.co.uk).

It’s great riding weather. In the Saddle (01299 272997, www.inthesaddle.com) still has places left on its villa-based weeks in La Breña National Park, by a rare stretch of coast that’s escaped the JCBs. Riding spirited Spanish-Arab crosses, you’ll need to be comfortable at all paces and prepared for four hours’ riding a day, with lots of lazy lunch stops, and an afternoon or two chilling by the pool. Departing on August 29 or September 5, the price is £995, full-board; fly to Gibraltar with British Airways (0844 493 0787, www.ba.com) or EasyJet (www.easyjet.co.uk).

Italy

All points north are cooling fast, so the further south, the better. Sicily and Sardinia average 25C.

For a mix of authenticity and comfort, go for an agriturismo. Harvest will be in full swing at Baglio Fontanasalsa, a working farm in western Sicily. It produces its own olive oil and wine — both of which you can sample, along with plenty more local produce, in the dining area overlooking the orange grove. There’s a pool, but overall it’s folksy not flash, and great value at £575, B&B, with Real Holidays (020 7359 3938, www.realholidays.co.uk). The price includes flights and a car, so you can reach the beaches and archeological sites.

If money’s tight, but you want guaranteed sunshine, you won’t get cheaper than this: a mobile home in Sicily for £198. Between six. And no, it’s not a hellhole; you’ll hear the railway occasionally, but the Camping Sporting Club is friendly, the restaurant’s surprisingly good, the pool ditto, there’s a sandy beach 300yd away and it’s packed with stuff to do, including tennis, basketball, cycle hire and a big playground for tots. Book with Vacansoleil (0333 700 5050, www.vacansoleil.co.uk). Ryanair (0871 246 0000, www.ryanair.com) flies to Trapani.

At the other end of the scale, how about your own castle? Really — 1,000 years old, towers, battlements, a ghost, the lot. Built circa the 11th century by the local emir, Al Jafar is now meticulously restored, with an eagle eye for historical accuracy. Well, apart from the swimming pool. And the modern kitchen, comfy bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and discreet solar panels. Sleeping seven, it costs a princely £6,202 — or, as the owners put it, £886pp — with Think Sicily (020 7377 8518, www.thinksicily.com). Fly to Trapani with Ryanair, as above.

September’s a good time to stimulate the grey matter (August just fries it), but Sicily’s remarkable tangle of art history — threads from the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Moors and more — will bewilder without an erudite guide. Ace Cultural Tours (01233 835055, www.acestudytours.co.uk) offers an eight-day cultural journey with the accomplished Alex Koller PhD to unravel the temples at Agrigento and Segesta, Roger II’s Palatine Chapel and Goethe’s “patch of paradise” in Taormina. It costs £1,760, half-board, including flights.

Over in Sardinia, it’s coolest on the water, which will come in handy on a week’s sea-kayaking exploration with Wilderness Journeys (0131 625 6635, www.wildernessjourneys.com). You paddle the Gulf of Orosei, past rocky headlands into deep coves and sea caves; by night, it’s wild camping under the stars here, bedding down in an agriturismo there. The price is £1,150, including kayaks, kit, guides and most meals, but not flights. Fly to Olbia with Jet2 (0871 226 1737, www.jet2.com) or EasyJet (www.easyjet.com).

Greece

Okay, it’s a special case this year. With a rash of strikes and a small but unnerving threat of unrest, it’s up to you whether Greece is still on your agenda. Thousands of Brits are still happy to go — if you’re one of them, September’s a great time, and the offers should get better and better.

The weather
Depends where you go. Towards the end of the month, temperatures tend to drop and the rain starts to fall in the northern Aegean. But down in the southern island conditions are fine — mid-20s and cloudless.

It’s just cool enough to get active. If you’re after watersports, Sunsail (0844 463 6578, www.sunsail.co.uk) knows what it’s doing, but have you seen its prices in August? Scary. Happily, they plummet after the school hols. Departing on September 12, a week of dinghy sailing, windsurfing, mountain-biking, tennis and general running about at Club Vounaki, on the Ionian coast, starts at £649, half-board, including all your equipment and flights — it’d be twice that a month earlier. The winds can be light — it’s better for beginners and intermediates — but the weather should hold nicely all month.

If you’d like to brush up on your tennis, head over to Mark Warner (0871 703 3887, markwarner.co.uk), which has a specialist tennis week starting on September 25. As well as receiving intensive coaching from LTA pros, you’ll get to play with two British Davis Cup veterans, Danny Sapsford and James Auckland. Held at the company’s San Agostino resort, in the Peloponnese, it costs £814, half-board, including all tuition — and plenty of watersports, if you’ve any energy left.

Island-hopping the Cyclades is a classic trip, but have you thought of doing it by bike? The backroads of Syros, Tinos and Kea make for superb cycling, well off the tourist trail. On an eight-day guided sail-and-bike tour with Utracks (0845 241 7599, www.utracks.com), you sleep on a comfy motor yacht and break out the 21-speed trekking bikes at each port. Good basic fitness is required — it’s ideal for weekend cyclists — and there are departures on September 18 and 25, when the weather should be perfect. The price is £1,380, including most meals, but not flights; the tour starts in Athens, served by Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com) and EasyJet (www.easyjet.com). Walking takes a little less effort and a lot less cash. A week exploring the mule tracks and mountain villages of Corfu and Paxos, in the footsteps of the Durrells, costs £699, half-board, including luggage transfers, with HF Holidays (0845 470 7558, www.hfholidays.co.uk). Fly with Jet2 (0871 226 1737, www.jet2.com) or Thomson Airways (www.flights.thomson.co.uk).

Something more intimate? Romance on a budget is never an easy one to pull off, but this might just do it. Hidden down the end of a long, long lane on the Pelion peninsula, Pounda Paou is a simple but sweet little pension by the Pagasitic Gulf, with just 12 rooms, a cute pool, good home cooking and no kids allowed.

There’s nobody else about, except fishermen and dolphins, and nothing to do, so you’ll have to make your own entertainment. You’ll manage. A week is £551, B&B, including flights, with Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays (020 8459 0777, www.ionianislandholidays.com), and they throw in a car or a motorboat in case you need a change of scene. Can’t think why you would.

Cyprus

30C, blue skies; hell, that pool looks tempting.

You should play to a destination’s strengths. Forget anything cultural and slob out in style at a posh hotel. Deal of the month so far looks like the Annabelle, in Paphos. It’s a straight-up resort hotel, four stars edging towards five, and you already know what it’s like: restaurants, bars, tennis, a gym, a pair of pools and a full complement of palm trees in six acres of grounds. For September and October, they’re knocking off 20% and throwing in half-board, too: a week starts at £785, including flights, with W&O (0845 277 3304, www.wandotravel.com).

Move a few miles out of town, add half a star and an 18-hole golf course, and you’ve got Aphrodite Hills. It’s bigger and a bit more sporty, with a good spa; it’s not on the beach, but there’s a shuttle to a private stretch of sand. The price is £959, B&B, including flights, with Olympic Holidays (0844 576 2386, www.olympicholidays.com).

If you’ve got a tot in tow, go for the Almyra. Its designer minimalism might be looking a bit quaint now, but it’s crisp, clean and hyper-child-friendly, — baby kit from nappies to sterilisers on call, a creche, play areas and a shaded kids’ pool. With Bailey Robinson (01488 689700, www.baileyrobinson.com) it’s £895, B&B, including flights — and you pay only the air fare for one child sharing your room.

Turkey

Blue skies and typical highs of 29C. Ideal.

You don’t want the big resorts — they’re busier than ever this year, and can be oppressive even in September. You want sophisticated and boutiquey, which Turkey is getting awfully good at. The Elixir Art hotel fits the bill. The location’s fabulous: a remote hillside on the coast, accessed by boat from the sleepy village of Bozburun. The rooms (just 15) are understated but stylish, with dark-wood floors, white walls, modern four-posters and wonderful verandas over the water. It has an infinity pool and a treetop massage suite, and dinner can be served on a private raft — the waiter comes over on a dinghy. The price is £990, B&B, including flights and an upgrade to a swish suite, with Elixir (020 7722 2288, www.elixirholidays.com).

Beyaz Yunus Faralya is smaller and remoter still. Okay, there’s a road, sort of: they pick you up in a 4WD and take you to a cove where seven rooms perch over the water. The style’s less designer, more eco-folksy, with rough, wooden verandas, organic produce from the garden, kayaks at the jetty, and free guided walks along the nearby Lycian Way (with a boat ride home after lunch). Seven nights, half-board, cost £850, including flights and a day’s gulet cruise, with Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500, www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk).

The craggy coastline around the Gulf of Gulluk is made for sailing, all hidden coves and pine woods, and the winds are steady all the way to October. Charter a sleek, modern catamaran and you can explore the remoter spots, and even nip over to the Greek islands of Nisyros and Symi. Can’t sail? No problem: get a skipper to do all the tricky stuff. A Broadblue 435, sleeping seven (and the captain) in five cabins, costs £3,320 with Journey Anatolia (020 8761 5605, journeyanatolia.com). With no skipper, it’s just £2,760. Fly to Bodrum with EasyJet (www.easyjet.co.uk) or Thomson Airways (flights.thomson.co.uk).

Egypt

It’s still too hot for temple-bashing along the Nile. On the Red Sea, though, the land’s a touch cooler (31C) and the sea at its warmest (26C).

A yoga and diving holiday — why didn’t anyone think of that before? The first is about breathing, concentration and inner calm, which is just what you need to enjoy the second. Go Learn To (0844 502 0445, www.golearnto.com) has a week’s course based in a simple but friendly two-star at Dahab, with daily yoga classes and eight diving lessons on the area’s superb reefs — after that lot, you’ll have no problem chanting your mantra at 60ft down. The price is £570, B&B, including all kit and tuition. Fly to Sharm el Sheikh with Jet2 (www.jet2.com) or Monarch (0871 940 5040, www.monarch.co.uk).

For straightforward diving, take your pick from buckets of good-value packages. Regaldive (01353 659999, www.regaldive.co.uk) has a week at the Menaville hotel, in Safaga — great wall dives on the offshore reefs — from £583, half-board, including flights; dive packs from £33 a day. Tropical Sky (0845 543 2184, www.holidays4scubadiving.co.uk) has the four-star Sierra Hotel, in Sharm, for £599, full-board, including flights; try-dives cost £60, 10 boat dives £168.

Salt Sense

2010-08-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

For those out there that don't have a chance to read the peer-reviewed medical literature about salt and blood pressure please note:

1) The longest lived societies consume the most salt (Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, USA) - no short life for salt consumers.
2) The shortest lived societies consume the least salt (Yanomamo, Xingu rainforest dwellers) - lifelong elevated renin-aldosterone levels to prevent small amount of sodium from leaving the body.
3) The proven cardiovascular-positive Mediterranean diet is very high in salt because the salads and vegetables that contribute so much to good health are much more palatable for most people when a good deal of salt is added.
4) The most recent medical literature indicates that low sodium diets result in far higher death rates for congestive heart failure patients than regular sodium diets.
5) Reduced salt in food will worsen the obesity crisis as individuals will consume more simply to satisfy their sodium appetite and their hunger for taste satisfaction.
6) Young children and the 25% of the adult population that are supertasters will make worse food choices because the nutritionally-superior bitter phytochemicals found in dark green vegetables will not be palatable with lowsalt intakes.
7) The latest market figures in the UK indicate that table salt sales have skyrocketed by 18-28% in the last year, countering all their claimed reductions in processed foods and the notion that people’s tastes can be changed by some bureaucratic fiat.
8) Peer-reviewed evidence suggests the unintended consequences of salt reduction are cognitive impairment, adverseinfant neurodevelopment and increased attention deficits and falls in the elderly

How and Where to Grow Flowers

2010-07-08T04:24:00.000-07:00

All you really need is a comprehensive Plant Guide or Encyclopedia of plants and flowers for your region of the country.

These books are usually broken down by types and/or size of plants and easy to use.

You need a small tree that will be sitting in a full sun, but windy area? No problem.

Xeriscaping for low maintenance/low water use? No problem.

They offer sections on diseases and infestation control, as well as proper planting, pruning and maintenance techniques.

And, they list all variations within a specific plant (such as a rose, giving the scietific names as well as the common ones).

Amazon is the place to browse for the best ones. User comments help with your decision, easily.

For further research, jump to the web.

Ahoy Banter About Ki Fit

2010-06-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

In what was quickly accused of being a blatent product advertorial the Independent recently feature the Ki Fit

Here's some of the resultnat banter:

I've already got one and have to confess that I'm obsessed with Ki Fit but use it for fighting fatigue rather than fighting fat or fuelling sex and shopping.

I would love to burn 3-4 calories a minute with Jo although that would probably only lose me about 10 in total :o) Not sure where anyone managed to buy these devices for £99 - they retail on Amazon for at least £150.

I lost at least 7 calories reading that comment, Ahoy!

The price was sent to me by the Ki Fit peeps. I must not give you any more info or we'll rattle Tom's cage again (he's convinced I'm working undercover for the people who make the armband, like a fluffy, airheaded version of the suspected Russian spies).

I bought some cheap, comfortable headphones recently. I think they'll help me lose weight.

Want to lose weight? Try the Burmese Peasant diet - it works for millions.

Want to lose weight? Try sex and shopping
But not concurrently.

I dunno, I'd be willing to give it a go.

Fair enough: see you in Harrod's then?

Harrods?? Are you kidding me?

Forget that expense, just join wantaquickie for cheap casual sex!!

Women's Underwear Guide - Bra Fitting

2010-06-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

There are loads of pages explaining how to fit a bra; if you read the instructions supplied with women's underwear, you'll notice that the cup size is determined by the number of inches difference between the measurement below the bust and at the fullest point. It's not a percentage sort of thing. It's not scaled to the overall size of the person.

This is why, e.g., a C looks big on a woman who's quite petite, but small on a similarly proportioned but taller woman. And it's also why, with more tall women in our population, more of them need bras with larger cup sizes.

Related articles about women's underwear

You: Why are breasts getting bigger? (guardian.co.uk)
Cool and comfy lingerie for moms (slideshare.net)

Healthcare and Food

2010-06-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

I'm saddened by many of the comments criticising Jamie for highlighting major public health issues.

The fact is that many millions of people in Western countries (both old and new world) are killing themselves out of ignorance, laziness, or a combination of both.

It wouldn't bother me so much, after all the planet is somewhat overpopulated as it is, but people appear to be absolutely unwilling to take responsibility for their own choices. You may note that "pizza for breakfast is what freedom is all about...", but don't expect others (this applies to countries with a universal government-funded health service, obviously!) to pick up the healthcare tab!

Bouquet of the Month - June Flowers

2010-06-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

June Flowers - A Summer Bouquet

We're in June and we have quintessential English flowers to create a summer bouquet using peonies with beautiful big blousy heads, pink roses, alstroemeria and two fantastic fragrant foliages - lavender silvery grey, great scent and also eucalyptus.

Make bouquets with June flowers

Start by putting peonies around some lavender foliage adding some alstroemeria in between the gaps.

Odd number always works better than even when you are arranging flowers.

Bulk up the bouquet with the eucalyptus then add some of the summery pink roses.

Wrap the bouquet with tissue paper that compliments the flowers and voila you have a beautiful bouquet of flowers to give or have delivered.

Visit Fort Lauderdale

2010-05-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

Fort Lauderdale

Florida - the sunshine state.

The city of Fort Lauderdale is situated on the south-east coast of Florida, just north of Miami, and is often referred to as “the Venice of America”, thanks to its canal system and waterfront homes. Greater Fort Lauderdale has more than 23 miles of beaches, including Deerfield Beach, Hollywood Beach and Hillsboro Beach.

Explore the beaches

Look out for deals on car hire in Florida as Fort Lauderdale is a great place to use as a base from which to explore the many miles of beaches and many other attractions in Florida.

Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for attracting the wealthy and has ample shops to satisfy the most enthusiastic shoppers. Its marinas are usually filled with expensive yachts and you can take a closer look at these on a sightseeing cruise. For arts and entertainment, head for the Riverwalk in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, where you’ll attractions such as the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science, as well as restaurants, shops and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Other Fort Lauderdale attractions include the Beachfront Promenade, and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.

Food Glorious Food

2010-05-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

UK Food Festivals June 2010

The UK celebrates its love of food and drink during Summer. Here is a list of some of the best food events.

Visitors from overseas can enjoy the best nosh and slosh Britain can offer. Fingers are crossed that the volcanic ash disruption subsides allowing flights into the UK to make 2010 one of the best years for food.

With a keen eye on diets and health these events attract many visitors

12-27, Eat! Newcastle & Gateshead Food & Drink Festival
A celebration of the finest food in the North-East, this event includes a pop-up secret restaurant, for five days only, and dining in the dark to increase sensory awareness.

16-20, BBC Good Food Summer Show, The NEC, Birmingham NEC
A fun-filled foodie extravaganza featuring the best in food and drink, and entertainment from top chefs including the Hairy Bikers and James Martin.
10 gastropubs with Michelin stars

17-20, Taste of London, Regent's Park
Brush shoulders with London's finest and pick up some gourmet ingredients at the same time during this top summer festival.

17-20, Flavour of Shetland, Lerwick
A major event showcasing the best of Shetland’s crafts and culture, where local purveyors demonstrate the versatility of Britain’s northernmost produce.

18-20, Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1SD (01242 227 979)
Features a tantalising line-up of some of the country's top food and drink talents.

26 June - 4 July, Pembrokeshire Fish Week, (01437 776 168)
This 11-year-old festival week includes gourmet seafood evenings, fresh mackerel barbecues, lobster lunches and even the chance to cook your own catch. Fish of course is an an excellent source of Omega 3 oil.

Smart Lingerie With No Visible Panty Line

2010-05-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Today we will be taking a look at the C String as seen on GMTV (link to site)

This lovely lingerie is certain to grab some attention.

Attention grabbing lingerie

The sexy C String is a stunning way to cover your sexy area, showing no visible panty lines.

It has a unique structure that fits snuggly and discreetly taking into consideration a secure fit, style and comfort.

Looking at the front its hard to believe that its not any normal lingerie, however, if you look at the back you will see it only has a thin strap that actually hugs the contours of the posterior while the sides are left totally naked.

The gorgeous C String can be worn under jeans, skirts, summer dresses etc or can be part of your favourite beachwear and give a perfect all round tan.

The C String is available in several different colours - we have white, baby pink, polka dot and black patterned alce and are available in small and medium

Seasonal Flowers - Prices Expected to Fall

2010-04-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

Although Spring ahs certanly arrived there is still a month or so before UK gardeners will be able to begin to cut flowers for arranging in the home (daffodils and tulips aside).

Mean while having experienced the expensive prices of flowers for celebration ssuch as valentines day, Mothers Day and now even Easter all of which appear to be associated more with greeting cards and giving flowers, UK shoppers will find some floral bargains during May.

The recent no fly over Europe following the Volcano ash cloud menat that hundreds of tonnes of fresh flowers failed to be delivered and were composted - Marks and Spencer even served an apology via its flowers online page and explained that more locally grom blooms would be sourced to fill the gaps left.

Growers in Kenya, one of the exporters worst affected by the volcanic ash, have increased growing to make up for the shortfall.

A combination of more local flowers and an inundation of imported stems is likely to see competetive pricing.

How to make flowers last longer

VW VAN JAM PACKED VIDEO

2010-04-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

Time was when a good old cockney rag and bone man would tour the streets of merry old England with a horse and cart shouting "any old iron any old iron".

Now the gentlemen of the scrap trade make initial tours with shiney brand new smart vehicles or top of the range used vans and pickup trucks.

Whats with the van fixation - well take a peek at this - pretty and cool I'd say.

VW Van Video

With increasing efforts to maximise recycling the return of the rag and bone man is a welcome sight - someone happy to take away your old stuff saving you the journey to the local recycling centre and spending dead tim waiting your turn.

If you are not blessed with a regular Rag n Bone scrap collection the shoppertastic idea is to assemble as much clutter as you can and choose a time to get van hire arranged and make a single big journey to the dump.

Marathon - Kickers to Snickers

2010-03-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

UK Shoppers Have Your Say

Like many UK consumers we at shopping information are becoming frustrated with the renaming of out famous brands. The oil of Ulay (sometimes called oil of ol'hay - thanks for that suggestion fizzy) is now Oi of Ole, the ever popular travel sweet - Opal Fruits hav ebeen molested into Starbursts and the splendid marathon chocolate bar is currently offered as a nonsensical Snicker.

Raising the Marathon Bar

More power to the marathon bar.

Kickers to Snickers - we want the confectionary bar to convey all that the word marathon means - endurance, excitement, challenging and fulfillment.

London Marathon

This years London Marathon looks set once again to attract runners from around the world. Those who are well prepared have their flights to London and savvy spectators have prebooked flights on the London Eye to see the race on the streets below.

Summer Coming - Latest Dresses and Lingerie Fashions

2010-02-26T02:39:00.000-08:00

Women's Summer Clothing

Dresses

This seasons summer dresses are going to be plain and simple. Cut short for comfort they should be worn with carefully chosen lingerie. Many of the dresses available on the high street during the hot summer months will have been influenced by Mediterranean designers who have styled dresses for all the shapes and sizes of women to feel comfortable in the sizzling heat.

Lingerie

Attention to detail is essential for summertime lingerie - you may think that thongs are an obvious choice - hiding visible panty line that is so easily revealed by thin light coloured dresses but consider the "wick effect". Smarter choices would be tangas or brazillian briefs which offer a full gusset - sexy and sensible. To make the look complete make sure your lingerie selection offer matching pants and bras - and think cotton.

Corsets

Often thought of as a boudoir garment many women are finding comfort and joy in wering a corset throught the day - see this choose a corset video. You should be able to find ranges of lingerie including corsets that can be comfortably worn beneath summer dresses but look outstanding when the dress comes off.

Manchester - Shopping for Flying Visitors

2010-02-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

Manchester is the second largest city in the UK but one of the least visited by vistors to England. Travellers booking flights to the UK are most likely to choose London focussed airports - Heathrow and Gatwick and spend their tim in the Capital.

Most UK regional airports are not able to welcome large transatlantic flights but Manchester has a truly International Airport and it is planned that a full schedule of flights to Manchester from the US (and worldwide) will be operational next year.

A US airline polled its transatlantic passengers during their flights to London to find out the primary reasons for visiting the UK. Clearly the history and culture topped the poll but not far behind was shopping.

Shopping in London has become a drag in the past few years the main shopping streets have turned into extended version os Anytown with chains of clothing retailers interspersed with novelty London UK gift shops.

The airline then researched shopping hotspots in the UK and quickly learned that Manchester and Leeds in the north of England offered original style and quality for shopperholics. Flights to these cities are available but are nowhere near as competetive as flights to London.

So in the words of the the Smiths Front man Morrisey - Suffer little Shoppers - oh Manchester so much to offer - if only you are prepared to Hit the North

Special Valentine Gifts

2010-02-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

If you know your Valentine really well, you could break with convention and buy a valentine gift other than the obvious. Just remember: every girl loves something that makes her feel special, so avoid anything too practical or anything that she might think you really wanted for yourself (and yes, that includes PS3 games) so sending flowers and giving perfume are easy ideas but with a little more thought you can wow someone special.

If your partner is an adrenalin junky, for example, you could consider booking yourselves a Lovers' Leap Tandem Bungee Jump, offered through specialist gift ideas websites and ideal to combine with fundraising as one of many charity events. Davebuckets price comparison site also offers a good choice of unusual Valentine's gifts, from personalised luxury champagne, more flowers, calendars or jelly moulds, to retro sweet hampers and a 'Message in a bottle'.

Off to Spain? Malaga Ole! Cheap Car Hire Hurray!!

2010-01-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

This year they're all off to sunny Spain.

With package holidays to the Costa del Sol at incredibly low prices lots of UK holiday bargain hunters are grabbing astonishing deals on out of season holidays. Packages for under two hundred pounds are common flying into Malaga the gateway to the delights of Costa del Sol and the rest of wonderful Andalucia. Well prepared travellers already arranged car hire at Malaga airport although some prefer to settle in to a resort before checking out the deals available for car hire in Spain - the supply of cars out of season far exceeds demand so even greater deals can be had by negotiating directly with car rental companies and brokers throughout Spain.

There is plenty of information available to help you decide where to visit in Andalucia this blog post features top places and ideas for trips in malaga itself and this video guide to Andulucia is well worth checking out.

It was interesting to read an article which revealed the increasing trend for fundraising charity events to be held in holiday locations - see the Malaga marathon page which explains the benefits of holding running and other charity events in the warmth of the mediterranean Spain.

Don't be put off giving to Haiti Earthquake fund

2010-01-15T02:47:00.000-08:00

Reports that aid is not being distributed to help the people suffering tremendous loss as a result of the Haiti earthquake should not deter people from making donations to the haiti earthquake relief appeals.

Headlines say there is no food, no water, no aid, but underneath on the homepage another story says "aid starts to arrive in Haiti?" Yet stories also report that there is no help in sight?

Unfortunately, the Aid Effort appears at the moment to consist chiefly of Rescue units equipped only with what they can carry. Of course, the only things the Haitians are NOT short of is manpower and hand-tools. Whilst all splendidly well-meant what is actually required most of all are those boring things like Airport and Port Control Parties to actually get heavy equipment in and Engineer groups to re-establish some kind of water supply and sewerage system before typhus arrives in the aftermath of the earthquakes in haiti.

Make donations, make a difference

How to Get Into a Terrys Chocolate Orange

2010-01-06T03:35:00.000-08:00

Can you improve on Dom Jolly's method of getting into a Terry's Chocolate Orange?

Whack and unwrap?

Christmas Shopping in Spain | Marbella

2009-11-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shopping Abroad

Another casualty of the recession is that the trend for Christmas shopping trips to cutesy European Christmas markets and extravagent trips across the Atlantic has dwindled. The fairy tales settings of Christmas markets in Europe are sweet but offer little different to the markets held in the UK and with the appalling exchange rate the idea of visiting New York for Christmas shopping is unlikely.

This year reportds have been that a greater number of travellers are taking advantage of cheap holiday packages to Spain where they can combine the winter sunshine with their seasonal shopping requirements.

Cheap flights to Malaga and lots of bargains for package holidays on the Costa del Sol are being taken advantage of by those who are able to get away during the weeks before Christmas.

Huge weekly markets in Fuengirola and elsewhere offer cheap novelty gifts and with an excellent public transport system serving the coast to malaga it's easy to get lots of gift ideas without the fuss of driving for miles and or shivering in the freezing cold winds of northern Europe.

Glitzy Marbella

For those in search of more glamourous gifts Marbella is a shoppers paradise.

If you are prepared to make the short drive along the Motorway from the cheaper Costa del Sol resorts - check out the low season deals for car hire marbella - the boutiques and fashion super stores of marbella are open late throughout December for your shopping pleasure.

News that Marks & Spencer are joining othe international stores to add to the international variety has been welcomed by the local press. As one reporter noted:

With this new super sized M&S locals and holidaymakers alike will be in shopping heaven

Other shops of note in Marbella are listed here so think about a finding a cheap package holiday to the Costa Del Sol and do your Christmas shopping in the sun this year.

Sweet Shopping Dubai Delights

2009-11-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Dubai - More than Eye Candy

Satisfy your sweet tooth when you take a trip to the United Arab Emeirates.

As more travellers European holidaymakers find cheap flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport which serves Dubai they return with tales of a city built to impress.

Dubai has a reputation of excess beyond belief so it is unsurprising that it now boasts a monster sweet shop

Those with a sweet tooth can't miss a visit to the world's biggest sweet shop, Candylicious, which is one of the latest shops to open at Dubai Mall. Positioned right in front of the mall's aquarium, it's hard to resist the vibrant rows upon rows of sweets and chocolate. Whatever sugary treat you're craving, you should find it in the aisles of this 10,000 square foot shop.

http://www.candyliciousshop.com/

Mobile Broadband | Pay as You Go

2009-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Mobile Broadband | Pay as You Go

Arguments about available mobile broadband bandwidth have little relevance to residential and commercial fixed broadband. In these applications, the number of providers is limited and they are attempting to use price discrimination to capture a greater portion of available profits from the content providers. Network neutrality isn't an issue solely for mobile services.

All the carries and ISPs have to do is charge for download instead of straight bandwidth. That's it, problem solved. No government involvement, no new regulations, and "neutral".

Broadband Swindle?

What's that? The carriers would rather be allowed to throttle specific services in the background so I don't know I'm not getting the bandwidth I paid for?

I am one of the people who thinks that they should just allow me to do what ever I want with the service that I purchase (assuming it is legal). I wouldn't mind usage-based pricing - pay as you go mobile broadband for example.

Usage-based pricing = the end of spam mail! Yay!

Not yay. Spam originates overseas and if they don't have to pay per megabyte, they'll still send it. Usage-based pricing = more money spent on spam.

File Share Abusers Cut Off?

Why not limit access to the part of the internet that they abused? A first step would be blocking ports used by the file sharing programs and limiting their daily/weekly/monthly download and upload volume at the ISP. If they continue to find ways to abuse the system, then limit them at the ISP level to a few thousand approved web sites and download of email.

Charity Shops - Charity Gifts and Christmas Cards

2009-10-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

One of my obsessions is the objectionable way that some charity shops are run.

There's something very fishy in the charity shop model. Indeed, it is even the case that a charity shop is only required ot hand over 15% of its turnover to charity. Hence the vast proliferation of charity shops on the high street.

Charity Gifts

Where are the profits going? 'Area managers', company cars, huge middle-management wages, re-shop fittings and the like - charity gifts - for those in most need?

In the past week charity shops UK has had a refit. Every three years, as routine, wether it's needed or not, which has necessitated every single one of them being closed for a week..

Our local Charity Shop was beatifully laid out and excellently run. Its refit has left it exactly the same as before except for a new laminate floor.

Charity Christmas Cards

I am deeply suspicious of charity shops. And such as the Christmas charity cards, who only return 5p in the pound to the charities. Talk about a scam! What a fabulous marketing idea - 'we're a charity supporting mental health, or the homeless, or people in Africa or whatever' - which brings people eager to help flooding into the shops. And yet they give a tiny proportion of the income from charity Christmas cards to the charity in question.

Are charity shops just big business with a fabulous business model: free stock, great image, perfect marketing angle - and unfettered capitalism behind the scenes?

PS3 FAIL - XBox 360 vs Playstation 3 Modern Warfare

2009-10-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

Is the PS3 flopping so badly?

This is a bit of an overstatement. I don't have the time to check, but I believe worldwide ps3 is doing fine to say the least and possibly doing better than Xbox 360 overall.

A price cut is absolutely needed to get hardware ownership numbers comparable to 360.

The PS3's big bonus is not necessarily the Blu-Ray player, its the fact that once you have it, at most all you need to buy is a 2nd controller. Once you add in the cost of a wireless adapter, hard-drive, making the controller rechargeable, online play, and other things, Microsoft's product comes across as deceptively cheap in my opinion. PS3 may want to consider a similar approach to stay competitive rather than offer an "expensive" and "more expensive" option. The comparison should really be made between the Xbox Pro/Premium unit vs. the PS3, not the Arcade unit.

Aside from Modern Warfare 2, both platforms "exclusive" offerings seem fairly weak this season.

This is my opinion as someone who has and likes both systems but it sounds like this article was written by someone that may only have an XBox 360 :-)

In Reply

Spoken like a true fanboy! Why do people keep writing complete drivel in such a way as to make it appear like they are informed and knowledgeable on the subject. This article fails on so many levels it's laughable!

Here are some FACTS on the so-called "failing" PS3:

In the last 12 months PS3 sales have improved 69% compared to the previous 12 months sales.
In the last 12 months Xbox 360 sales have improved by just 35% (largely due to the price cut)
The console install base of the PS3 since the start of 2008 has increased by 98%
The console install base of the 360 since the start of 2008 has increased by just 53%
The average global monthly sales for the PS3 based on the number of months available in each region is 780,000 units a month
The average global monthly sales for the 360 based on the number of months available in each region is 672,000 units month
Comparing Global lifecycle adjusted sales shows that the PS3 has outsold the 360.

Even ignoring the 360's large headstart the PS3 has already overtaken it in Europe and Japan despite it's early lack of games and relatively high price. The PS3 has outsold the 360 by 300,000 units in Europe and outsold it in Japan by 1.74M units.

Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2

Also the 360 received an artificial boost in Nov thanks to Modern Warfare 2 (people buy 360's for two things - Halo sequels and Gears sequels) and also from their recent 3rd year price cut.

PS3 numbers will not be boosted by a 3rd year price cut until next November, it's unlikely MS will have any counter to this as they have already played all their cards (short of repeat their XBox strategy and just bring out their next model)

It amazes me what can be spread on the net...

Dresses For Models Only

2009-10-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

Designing dresses for less

Reports of soap dodging Karl Largerfeld making proposterous claims about the dresses he "designs" are only fir for thin models - Nice one Carl

It's quite simple. Yes, this is fuelled by misogyny but it's also clearly motivated by sheer laziness. It is far simpler to design dresses for a human clothes hanger than it is to spend the effort necessary to design something for a woman who, God forbid, has some womanly curves. The 'ideal' woman used to be 36-24-36 or an hourglass not an ironing board. What is so scary about curves?

Precisely: "the world of fashion" has nothing to do with the reality of most peoples' lives but merely peddles dreams and illusions for idiots with too much money to indulge in.

Why do these fashionistas believe that anyone in their right mind wants to see women with legs and arms like sticks? With skinny hips and no bums - their dresses loosly fitng like a bad bandage?

What lot of complete nonesense from Lagerfeld !

Women choose dresses for themselves

Contrary to what a lot of men on here may think, how many women view themselves may be more about how they view themselves and their dresses rather than how a man views them. This may be as much influenced by other women as by men. Sorry but it is not all about the male gaze. This of course may be hard for many men to accept, poor dears. Otherwise, we would see a lot more thigh boots and microminis about town.

However, as some other contributers have hinted this debate isn't really about sexual attraction and what looks 'sexy' to men; it's about selling clothes, dresses and sexy lingerie to women.

If there is one thing for sure most people want to remain young, and the size zero figure is a figure normally naturally found on an adolescent girl... this is what size zero is about; flogging a dream of flawless everlasting youth - not really about what looks 'sexy'.

Apps - Good Old Print Rules

2009-10-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

Media organisations turn to mobile phone applications to raise revenue

Mobile phones are going through the same cycle as PCs went through ten or more years ago - for apps read the idea of dedicated clients like AOL/Compuserve and 'portals' being able to generate a 'loyal' following that can generate revenue.

Mobile suppliers have been reluctant to follow the ISP route to be generic comms providers and insisted on 'walled gardens' for far longer than was healthy.

It's not going to last. The real function of these 'apps' is to overcome the current limitations on processor power that make a more generalised solution slow. That and because the general purpose web site has drifted into high bandwidth content for broadband users which is a poor design for the mobile screen. A fully functional caching browser and websites that are designed for the smaller format will make all these content based 'apps' obsolete.

Much as I love my iPhone, it's not the best device to read text - and certainly not a lot of it. The apps I use most often have small amounts of useful data such as Mint, the Weather Channel app or a currency converter. Even apps with large amounts of data such as iPod navigate down to what you're after pretty quickly. A netbook or a tablet would be better, but when I'm on the move, I find the best journal format is the good old print print edition.

Guardian Competition FAIL

2009-09-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Guardian Competition FAIL

The national newspaper ran an online competition which offered M&S gift vouchers for the best ideas "what to do with unwnated clothes" suggested by readers in the comments as a response to a report that found tons of clothing simply are added to land fill each year

Fabulous, an article on our throw-away, spendaholic nature - with a competition to win vouchers to,, wait for it.....buy more clothes.
special.

We did like this one though -

I unscrewed the panel from the side of my bath and packed all the old clothes and towels/blankets that were unfit for the dog shelter around the side of the bath, before screwing the panel back on.
The free insulation keeps my bath water lovely and hot and saves on energy bills because I don't need a top-up halfway through a good soak! I checked a couple of days later to make sure they were all still dry - I didn't need damp clothes sitting on my floorboards - and they were - so now I feel less guilty about using the extra energy to indulge in an occasional soak. And with the money saved on the gas bill, I can treat myself to a nice bottle of wine or luxury indulgent hamper from M&S to enjoy while I'm relaxing!

Better choice of prize - goat or a hamper?

Would a better, more ethical incentive be to donate clothes via marks and Spencer and they then send M&S hampers or a goat to people around the world who really need help.

The majority of mine go to either Freecycle or charity gifts shops, but sometimes you have the old, ragged, loved-to-death clothes that really aren't fit to be given to anyone - such a waste - having all this material from old t-shirts and leggings - just to put it in the recycle bag.

Lidl Vs Tesco

2009-08-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Tesco stoop to selling live animals in China

Running scared of European competition from Lidl et al Tesco now turn to the barbaric chinese for a stab at turning a profit - selling live turtles.

Lidl Vs Tesco

When I buy a 20p (or whatever the current price is) can of Ald/Lidl chopped tomatoes I get a can of lovely thick chopped tomatoes.

When I buy a 20p can of chopped tomatoes in Tesco (which would be in their value range) I get a can of red water.

To get Aldi/Lidl quality in Tesco I would have to buy branded or from the Tesco main product range.

The same is repeated for the vast majority of everyday basic products.

The likes of Aldi and Lidl achieve this by not having expensive PR campaigns and by not attempting to supply everything all the time.

If they can't get it at the right price, they don't stock it.

Also they employ 3 hardworking staff where Tesco would have 6, who generally stand around discussing their personal lives in front of the customers (sorry, consumers).

For the equivalent price, Aldi/ Lidl are far higher quality than any main supermarket.

Why then are these stores not included in price comparison results?

The main leading supermarkets get away with it by using various methods to lock us in to shopping with them, thereby preventing us from comparing them with other retailers.

I can't recall the last time I shopped in Tesco, it was that long ago.

First Aid: Kit and Training

2009-08-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

First Aid

At one time or another we all have cause to administer some first aid. Even if its just a plaster on a small cut a little basic first aid knowledge can really help the effectiveness of any treatment given. For bigger problems it is best to leave for specially trained people to assess and recommend action (most workplaces have a trained first aiders)

First Aid Kit

Health and safety now require workplaces to have a HSE compliant first aid kit available.

First Aid Training

Training is essential and when completed the chance to join a First Aid team is available.

The SH&E office is looking for volunteers to train and join our First Aid Team. The 'First Aid at Work' training certificate concentrates on a wide range of scenarios so that dedicated staff can react confidentially in the event of a first aid situation. Topics covered are:-

How to act in the event of an emergency
CPR ( cardio-pulmonary resuscitation )
Unconscious casualty
Wounds & bleeding
Burns & scalds
Injuries to bones, muscles and joint
.......................and many more.

The course will last for 3 days (19th, 20th & 21st October), after which there will be a short assessment. It is hoped that Certified First Aiders will join our dedicated team to provide their First Aid services to the University site. First Aid equipment, including kit bags and radios, will be provided.

Pay for archive football content online?

2009-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing, certain brands are inevitably going to start charging for content. Of course there is a model for charging for specialist content as shown by the FT as well as the likes of the NMA, but this comes from the principle that people will pay for something if it’s unique which runs contrary to Rupert Murdoch’s model where he plans to charge for all content across his newspaper and broadcast brands all of which contain content that people can easily find somewhere else.

Other brands such as the Guardian and Telegraph have mooted (great word) the idea of “clubs” where most content is free but those who pay a subscription get access to exclusives, possibly divided by category such as sport or business. The problem with that is that all content was previously free, so what can media owners come up with that people will be prepared to pay for when they got it for nothing before? I am sure some will, but traffic would surely go down significantly.

It is a model that may work better for the Guardian which (aside from the struggling Independent) has the lowest readership of any UK national newspaper largely because of its political views.

In the US, the political spectrum of newspapers is even more restricted that the UK and as a result of both of these factors the Guardian gets a lot of traffic from English speakers at both home and abroad looking for a liberal view on news items, as well as more irreverent comment, that they can’t find anywhere else. This makes the Guardian a reasonably unique brand and as a result plenty of people use the site who don’t buy the paper making Guardian.co.uk the most popular online newspaper site in the world.

Another factor is that as well as political bent, or maybe partly because of it, many Guardian users are young people and/or work in more creative industries (it certainly has the best media section of any paper) and are so more naturally predisposed to use the web. I am not sure the Telegraph’s, or indeed any other paper’s, audience would flock to their site in the same way for paid for content and comment that you could get for free somewhere else, let alone the brand being unique enough to attract users from abroad.

So what are the other options for papers?

The link http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/10/mirrorfootball-website-adverts contains a video of the new advert that the Trinity Mirror Group are putting out for their Mirror Football website, the first in a possible series of websites in specialist verticals, the next one rumoured to be a celebrity site under the ‘3am Girls’ brand.

Trinity Mirror’s CEO Sly Bailey has admitted that they may end up charging for some of the content on these sites, especially their “unique” football footage archive:

“The important thing for us is to develop the brand with the right content that engages a passionate audience, and therefore to have a diversified model that isn’t just about advertising. We think that is the next stage, and whether over time that gives you the opportunity to think about whether there are areas you can charge for, that’s an open discussion - but you have to create that content overall in order to have that option.”

But, again, why would you pay for something that you could previously get for free or that you can more or less get from somewhere else (i.e. You Tube)?

Paying for News?

2009-08-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

After the huge financial losses just announced by News Corp, Murdoch has decreed that, probably from next year, he will charge for all his newspaper websites including The Times and The Sun. It is not clear whether this will extend to broadcast news websites such as Sky News.

It has been clear for some time that the newspaper industry is at a crossroads. The old model of drawing in as much traffic as possible to gain revenue from display advertising has been found to be unsustainable and further to News Corp, the Telegraph, Guardian and Mirror Groups have all mooted charging for content but as Michael Beecroft, head of digital trading at Mediaedge:cia Global, concedes: "In many ways the horse has already bolted, and trying to close the door on it now will be very tricky indeed."

This model work for some specialist content, such as the FT or the Media section of The Guardian, but in general why would anyone pay for content they can get for free elsewhere?

Murdoch, Sly Bailey and others speak about how quality journalism is not cheap but what denotes “quality” and who is the judge of that other than the audience? In a world where the media landscape is increasingly fragmenting, why would you pay for frontline heavyweight news items when the BBC will always provide that for free? And when it comes to the so called celebrity ‘news’ that the tabloids pedal so well, why would you pay for The Sun when you can go to Perez Hilton? Why go to newspapers for sport news when you can go to Cricinfo, Football 365 or Planet Rugby?

Even most of the content from the Guardian’s Media section can also be found with a subscription to the NMA or Media Week.

Just last week, Chris Anderson, the editor of Wired said in an interview to German news website Spiegel:

“In the past, the media was a full-time job. But maybe the media is going to be a part time job. Maybe media won't be a job at all, but will instead be a hobby. There is no law that says that industries have to remain at any given size. Once there were blacksmiths and there were steel workers, but things change. The question is not should journalists have jobs. The question is can people get the information they want, the way they want it? The marketplace will sort this out. If we continue to add value to the Internet we'll find a way to make money. But not everything we do has to make money.”

The UK has always had more national newspapers than any other country, and the arrival of digital has just exacerbated the situation to the point where the market is unbearably crowded.

The Independent, with the lowest readership of any national, has been under threat for some time following huge losses with the Daily Mail & General Trust rumoured to be interested in rescuing it, though the lack of such a move so far probably says more about The Independent that anything else.

Moreover, The Observer, the oldest Sunday newspaper in the UK, published since 1791, is facing the threat of either closure by the Guardian Media Group or being re formatted into a weekly magazine following similar heavy losses as suffered by the other papers. As a dedicated Observer reader, I would find this extremely sad, more so as no other Sunday paper quite caters for the same readership (though this may yet be its saving grace- Guardian Media Group is owned by a not-quite-for-profit organisation for a reason) but we all should come to the realization that in the next ten years a lot of household newspaper names will either change beyond recognition or disappear completely.

Tiring of Hiring - Get a Donkey Ride

2009-07-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Frighening Car Hire Scare

It's that time of the year when scaremongerers begin to spread the rumour that people are at risk of having their summer holiday spoilt by failing to have car rental arranged in advance and that the longer you leave booking a hire car the less chance there will be that a car is available due to a predicted car hire shortage.

Car hire shortage - fact of fiction?

Is the shortage of hire cars a big dollop of donkey pooh?

Following various travel blogs and major car hire websites there is panic breaking out across Europe and beyond that the chronic shortage of cars will create havoc and cause misery for many thousands of disappointed holidaymakers this summer. It appears that the public transport systems of Spain will be stretched to breaking point as holiday makers fail to get hold of a hire car and take the bus instead.

Alternatives to Car Hire

Problems are expected too elsewhere around Europe and some innovative companies have already begun to offer an alternative to car hire. In cyprus for example kebab-autos.com have a drop down menu that includes donkey, golf cart and motorbility scooter - all of these will comfortably get holiday makers around the island.

In Croatia - due to the tail off of building activity many under employed traders are offering their vans for hire. A smart move during the blistering heat when builders would rather be enjoying the good weather at the beach or lazing by the swimming pool checking out the latest swimwear fashions whilst they know that they are earning a few bob from their van hire activities.

All this talk of vans - tiome for a little light entertainement - here's 10 dirty van jokes - http://www.10to1.com/entertainment/Dirty_Van_Jokes the amusement scribbling on the side on a dirty van never ceases to fail.

"Clean Me" - Priceless!

Save Money - Voucher Codes and Cashback Deals

2009-07-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

Online Shopping Bargains - Save Money

In this feature we examine various ways to save money when shopping online - cashback sites like Squidco Shopping and Greasy Monkey split their affiliate revenue with their customers while they shop around for online bargains.

Lately a furore about the sharp advertising practices of Voucher Code sites has highligheted how popular these sites are becoming.

Vouncher codes are available for most things on sale online - discount vouchers for electrical goods usually offer between 2 and 5 percent off. Other vouchers reduce or remove the delivery charges and can save you money. Some items incur hefty dleiver charges. large Bed superstores can help subsidise the showroom prices safe in the knowledge that you'll have to have the bed delivered to your home. Single beds are charged the same as king sized beds which really isn't fair but without taking the trouble and cost of arranging van hire the bed shops have you over a barrel.

Car hire voucher codes

During the peak car hire during summer 2009 it has been predicted that car rental companies will run out of cars. What better time to check out the car hire voucher codes available and make sure you get the car you want cheaper by booking in advance?

Other money saving methods are:

Using price comparison sites
Putting sensible bids on Auction Sites
Looking for "Fence sites"
Typing the wrong details into the checkout page

Don't be a dummy - save lots of money - shop online.

Send Your Children to Bed

2009-07-03T02:27:00.000-07:00

Furniture for the Bedrooms – Children's Beds

Elena Price writes
If you are looking for new furniture for a child’s bedroom, the most important decision to make will be the type of bed that you want. Once your child has progressed from sleeping in cots and beds designed for toddlers, there are a whole range of different types of bed available. You could choose to buy a traditional single bed, but it’s also worth looking at other types of bed, such as bunk beds, hideaway beds and sleep stations.

We’ve put together a guide to some of the different types of children’s beds that you can choose from:

Bunk beds

If your children are sharing a room or are likely to have friends to say, bunk beds could be the perfect space-saving solution. A bunk bed is a single piece of furniture which consists of two beds, one above the other. The top bed is usually accessible via a small ladder.

Bunk beds are particularly good if you want to make the most of a narrow bedroom, and many kids love the design. However, if you are considering buying bunk beds for your kids, it’s important to bear your children’s ages in mind. Top bunks are usually not suitable for children under six years of age, and as your children get older, they may start to think that bunk beds are “babyish”, so make sure that they are likely to get enough use out of them before you buy. Some bunk beds are designed so that they can be separated and used as individual beds, so this may be something that you might want to consider.

Make sure that you choose high-quality, sturdy bunk beds and that the furniture complies with the relevant British Safety Standards. The top bunk should have a guard rail on each side, and the mattress should fit securely in place, at least 10cm below the guard rail. It’s also important to make sure that your children understand how to use the top bunk safely.

Camp Beds

Traditionally camp beds have been though of as an uncomfortable temporary sleeping solution but more and more families are finding the versatility and affordability of inflatable mattresses are ideal for kids who love to pretend they are camping out for the night - tucked up in a sleeping bag and reading by torch light.

A benefit of getting your children to sleep on a camp bed is that you don't have to find sheets and duvet covers - just buy reasonable priced, easy wash sleeping bags and there's no more making the bed every morning.

One great way to make the camping experience even more realistic is to play birdsongs quietly in the background both before going to sleep and again when awakening

Hideaway beds

Hideaway beds are great for children who like to have friends or family members to stay, as a hideaway bed consists of one bed with a pull-out bed within the base. Hideaway beds can be the perfect choice for a teenager’s bedroom and will save on space when the second bed isn’t in use. If you’re thinking about buying a hideaway bed, make sure that you measure up carefully to make sure that there is enough space when the second bed is pulled out, so that it won’t be it difficult for people to manoeuvre around the room and the bed won’t block doorways.

Sleep Station

If storage space is an issue in your child’s bedroom, a sleep station may be the perfect solution. A sleep station usually consists of a single bed which is raised, allowing for the inclusion of cupboards, drawers, shelving, and sometimes even a pull-out desk within the unit. Sleep stations tend to be fairly bulky, so make sure that you measure up carefully to make sure that you will be able to fit one in your child’s room before deciding to buy one.

As with bunk beds, you should choose a high quality, stable and sturdy sleep station and ensure that there are guard rails around the bed.

Storage beds - Toy Storyage

If you’d prefer to have a traditional bed in your child’s bedroom or don’t have room for a sleep station, you can still make the most of the space that you have by choosing a storage bed. This type of bed has drawers in the base, so your child can store clothes, toys or other items in it, freeing up space elsewhere in the room.

Toys are a nuisance

All parents know the perils of toys scattered around the house - but buy choosing a storage bed for children you can make the associationbetween toys and bed-time - a tactic that will backfire on you later.

You can buy children’s beds from many different retailers, and you can sometimes get great deals by shopping online.

More Ideas for Giving - Charity Gifts

2009-06-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Gift Ideas That Do Good

The recent PR announcement that Oxfam have persuaded may of the musicians and artists at 2009 Glastonbury Festival to pain their faces blue as a gesture of support for their work to help suffering around the world caused by global warming made us think twice about writing another post about gift ideas for summer. We have tried to offer a variety of suggestions for gifts to send to friends and family or even simply to treat yourself see christmas gifts and gift experiences. We are proud of these gift suggestions but they pale in comparison to these funky gift ideas to give charity gifts to help thoese in need around the world.

Charity Gifts - Give Something Different

Thats the strapline of this online charity gift shop that offers a variety of gift ideas all chosen because they are desperately needed by someone suffering somewhere around the world.

Browsing the shop is easy and you aren't exposed to images of suffering and poverty to encourage you to hand over your money. Instead the benefits of giving charity gifts are clearly stated.

Best Selling Charity Gift - A Goat

Top of the best sellers chart is currently a billy goat. The gift of a goat or goats to poor communities provides milk for much needed nutrition and in interesting by product from the goat is droppings which feed the land for crops to yeild better. Giving a goat is a splendid gesture - you buy it, someone whe really appreciates it recieves it and if you wish you can send a card to someone for whose behalf you bought it.

You don't have to specify that your gift is a specific product - you can always tick the box which authorises the charity to direct the money to where it considers it is needed most.

Charity Wedding List

For example a couple who set up a charity wedding list may begin their married life together at a time of a terrible natural disaster. Each year the Bangladesh floods hit the headlines and should their wedding list have been set up at this time all funds will go to help the unfortunate people suffering in Bangladesh they can at least take some comfort that those less fortunate will benefit in some way from the generosity of their wedding guests.

Flower Power

2009-06-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Cultural Significance of Flowers and the Ascent of Man

By Elena Price
Humanity has always had a natural affinity with flora and fauna. Prehistoric man evolved into a tribal hunter-gatherer society that relied upon its connection with nature and the world around it. Man has always relied upon nature to provide himself with food and resources. However, nature’s resources were not always used in construction or to feed the expanding population.

Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these resources were used for art, decoration, communication and social entertainment. Wall paintings and cave drawings show that mankind has always had an eye for aesthetics. Art, literature, design, song and verse have been instrumental in the development of civilization throughout man’s evolution, and flowers have provided inspiration for these devices of social development and interaction throughout history. Who could forget Van Gogh’s Sunflowers or Monet’s Water-Lilies? Indeed, who could forget Shakespeare’s immortal line in Romeo and Juliet:

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (II, ii, 1-2)

Flowers, with their connection with beauty and nature, and their meanings within society, have been used as inspiration for all mediums of art, and have played an intrinsic part in the development of human civilization.

Flowers have also played an important role in burial customs throughout history. In the 1950s, an excavation was carried out in a site known as Shanidar Cave, situated in Northern Iraq, and nine Neanderthal skeletons, dating from between 60-80,000 years BP, were discovered. An analysis of soil samples taken from the area around the fourth skeleton, Shanidar 4, showed that there were pollen grains from various flowers around the body, suggesting that the flowers had been placed there deliberately, either for medicinal or ritual purposes.

In Egypt, as far back as 3,000 BC, flowers were an essential part of burial customs. For example, a sarcophagus discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 2006 was found to contain many woven flower garlands. There are also numerous tomb paintings and friezes depicting the importance of flowers within Egyptian life. Family members and mourners are believed to have worn garlands and left flowers at the tombs of loved ones, much as we do today.

Flowers were also seen as a symbol of prosperity. Coins from the Ptolemaic dynasty often depict the Cornucopia, or the Horn of Plenty, which is filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables, and was considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige.

As well as being symbols of prosperity, grief and artistic inspiration, many ancient cultures considered flowers to be a suitable gift to symbolise prestige and honour. Flowers and wreaths were often presented to the champions of both Pan-Hellenic and Roman festivals, and victorious military generals were given wreaths when they marched through the streets of Rome. Archaeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that there were thriving flower garland businesses in Roman cities during both the Republic and the Principate eras.

History shows that flowers have always been an important part of human existence. Today, flowers online are used for many occasions, as declarations of love and respect and even just for simple enjoyment or decoration. It is certain that flowers will continue to be a significant source of inspiration and joy to us for many years to come.

Many of today's luxury cosmetics still rely on flowers for their unique fragrances and skin care properties. Exclusive top of the range lotions such as creme de la mer are well rated for their floral fragrances and soothing effects. As primarily high end retailers stock pros=duct s from companies such as creme de la mer the price tag is hefty perhaps using a shopping comparison site could find less expensive samples.

New Car, Old Car or Hire a Car

2009-05-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

New Money for Old Cars

With the current furore about UK MP expenses the team at Shooping Information are a tad sceptical about the governments latest ploy to kick start the economy.

Following their enormously successful reduction in VAT - boy that 2.5% reduction really did have us all out spending like crazy - this new incentive to encourage us to get our wallets out is the recently announced car scrappage scheme.

£2000 to scrap your old car!

The headline cannot be ignored - two thousand pounds for any car over ten years old - don't get caught in the stampede. What's the catch?

However it turns out that not only is the scrappage scheme more likely to boost the sales of overseas manufacturers but the complience and requirements to qualify for this scrappage bonus is very much in the hands of dealerships - and we all have absolute trust in car salesmen.

Alternantives to buying a new car

The BBC reports that two carmakers are alrea dy delaying their involvement in the scrappage scheme so if you are running a clapped out old car but would like to drive a new car from Ford or Honda consider hiring a car until they are ready to offer the scrappage incentive.

There is unexpected side effect of the reduction of cars being produced.

Travel operators are suggesting a shortage of hire cars this summer with the most popular holiday locations being "in a state of car rental crisis".

Seaching for car hire in spain resorts and airports I was amazed by just how few cars are expected to be available according the the rental agencies who all urge us to book early and avoid disppointment - hmm we smell a rat and hope that people aren't duped into booking unecessarily well in advance and paying over the odds just to secure a vehicle for their holiday.

Fun with Furniture - Coffee Table

2009-04-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Almost two years ago since we discussed coffee. During the discussion about coffee machines vs instant coffee we spotted the coffee jar lid scandal - oh merry shlurping days...

Now the gorgeous Ms Price casts her view about home furniture - focussing on the coffee table. As Elena says "You can buy coffee tables from a range of online furniture retailers, so you should be able to find the perfect coffee table for your living room by shopping online."

Choosing a Coffee Table

A coffee table can be a practical and attractive addition to your living room furniture. Here are some hints and tips on what to look for when choosing a coffee table.

Size matters

As with other types of furniture, the first thing to consider when buying a new coffee table is the size of table that you need. Decide where you would like to place your coffee table and measure up, remembering to leave plenty of space around the coffee table so that you can walk around it.

If you have spacious living room, it’s usually better to go for a larger coffee table than a smaller one, so that you can be sure that there will be enough room on it for everything that you want to put on it. However, it’s also important to take the size of the rest of your living room furniture into account when making your decision. Make sure that your new coffee table isn’t so small that it seems dwarfed by the rest of your furniture but isn’t so big that it dominates your living room.

If you are happy for people to put their feet up on it, make sure that it’s at a height that makes it comfortable for them to do so – if you don’t want them to do this, buy a higher coffee table and consider buying a footstool or two as well!

Coffee Table Designs

Coffee tables are available in many shapes and styles, and you may find that an oval or circular coffee table fits into your room more easily than a square or rectangular one. If you have young children, choose a coffee table with smooth and rounded edges rather than sharp corners, for peace of mind.

Many coffee tables have shelves, which are great for using to keep books and magazines on, and some contain drawers, providing you with additional storage space and helping you to give your living room an uncluttered look.

Decide whether a contemporary coffee table, such as one made from metal or glass, or a more traditional wooden coffee table would match the rest of your living room furniture best. If your living room is small and contemporary in style, a glass coffee table will help to create the illusion of space. If you are considering a glass or glass-topped coffee table, however, make sure that will be a practical choice for your home – it may not be the best choice if you have children, for example, and if you aren’t particularly proud of your carpet or flooring, glass-topped tables are best avoided.

If you are looking for a wooden coffee table make sure that it matches the rest of your living room furniture in both style and colour. If you don’t get much natural light in your living room, it’s best to avoid heavy, dark wooden furniture, as this can make a room look even darker.

It’s also important to ensure that your new coffee table is sturdy enough for your needs, particularly if you are likely to be placing a number of objects on it, such as books, magazines, remote controls and ornaments. If you have a large family or are likely to have a number of guests in your home at once, you may want to consider buying matching coffee table and side table set or a nest of tables.

Holiday Time - Swimwear

2009-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

At last spring has arrived and thoughts turn to holidays. In the first of our series about shopping for your holidays we take a look at swimwear. Shopping for summer holidays is much more fun than the frustration of choosing christmas gifts.

Swimwear

By Elena Price

If you’re planning on a beach holiday this year, then you’ll probably want to buy some new swimwear. Here is a summary of the different types of swimwear available together with some hints and tips to help you choose the right item for you.

Types of Swimwear – Swimsuits

Traditional one-piece swimsuits are still are popular option and you’ll find a wide range of different designs to choose from.

The type of swimsuit that will suit you will depend on your body shape. If you are a classic pear shape (with small shoulders and a wider waist), for example, a swimsuit with a halterneck can help to draw attention to the top half of your body and therefore look more flattering, whereas if you are an “apple” shape (with board shoulders and a smaller waist), a swimsuit with a high neck line can help to draw attention towards your waist, making your figure look more balanced. If you are slim and want to create the effect of having more curves, opt for a swimsuit with cut-out sections or a belt at the waist.

It’s also important to choose a swimsuit in a colour that suits you. If you’re already fairly tanned, a brightly coloured swimsuit will show your tan off effectively, whilst a dark coloured swimsuit will look better on people without a tan. If you are slender, swimsuits with all-over patterns can look great, but if you are looking for a swimsuit that has a slimming effect, choose a plain, darker coloured swimsuit.

Types of Swimwear – Bikinis

Bikinis have been popular ever since Bridgette Bardot wore one in the 1957 movie “And God Created Woman”, and you can now buy bikinis in many different styles. You can buy bikini sets, but you can also buy separate bikini tops and bikini briefs, so you should be able to find a bikini that suits your body shape perfectly.

You can buy underwired bikini tops for additional support, for example, or padded bikini tops to help you to create more shape. If you want a less revealing and sportier bikini top, you could try a bikini crop top. Bikini briefs also come in a range of styles, including hipster briefs, which look great on women with long legs, and tie briefs, which you can adjust to fit you.

Types of Swimwear – Tankinis

The tankini is a modern addition to swimwear and consists of a short, sleeveless top and bikini bottoms. Tankinis are less revealing than bikinis, so are great for women who aren’t confident about showing off their bodies, and the two-piece design also means that they can be more practical than a swimsuit. As with swimsuits and bikinis, tankinis are available in a range of styles. You can choose from a number of different styles of tankini tops, including halterneck, underwired and sports-style tops, and the range of tankini briefs available includes high leg, low leg, and low rise briefs, together with plain briefs or briefs which feature detail such as ties or rings.

Other Types of Beachwear

Once you have chosen your new swimsuit, bikini or tankini, you might find that you want some other beachwear to go with it. Kaftans or beach dresses, for example, are perfect for covering up with after your swim, and are both practical and stylish. Beach trousers or holiday shorts are great for wearing on your journey to and from the beach - be sure to select beach trousers that aren't seee through should you remove your wet swimwear and return to your hotel wearing no knickers.

You can buy swimwear and beachwear from a number of online retailers who sell a great range of swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, kaftans, beach dresses, shorts and beach trousers.

Sofa So Good - A Guide to Choosing Sofas

2009-03-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sofas

by Elena Price

Buy sofas online from John Lewis

– Sofa Sizes

Your sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your living room so, when you’re buying a new one, it makes sense to take some time to choose exactly the right sofa for you. One of the most important things to think about when choosing a new sofa is the size that you require. Here are some hints and tips to help you to choose the most appropriately sized sofa for your home.

Choosing Sofas – Measuring Up

The first thing to do when choosing a new sofa is to measure up to see how much space you have available. However, it’s also important to ensure that your new sofa will fit through your front door, your hallway and any connecting doors as well, so don’t forget to measure these too.

If you aren’t sure whether or not a particular sofa will fit in your living room, or you would like to try positioning your new sofa in a different position from your old one, you might find it useful to use a large piece of paper or cardboard and cut it to the dimensions of the sofa that you’re considering. This will allow you to see whether or not the sofa will fit in different places in your room.

Sofa Sizes

Sofas come in a number of different sizes, from small two-seater sofas that are perfect for people with limited space in their homes to large three-seaters for family homes or for people who like to really stretch out, so you will need to work out which type of sofa best suits your household.

It’s also important to think about the rest of the seating in your living room as well – do you want one main sofa or two smaller sofas? Would a small sofa with matching chairs be more practical than a large sofa? If you live in a small house or flat, a sofa bed might allow you to make the most of your space whereas, if you need a lot of seats, you might find that buying a corner group is a more suitable solution.

It’s not just the length of a sofa that can affect its comfort – the depth and height of the sofa is also significant. Deeper sofas are usually more comfortable for tall people, whereas shorter people may find that shallower sofas suit them better.

Choosing Sofas – Your Living Room and Other Furniture

When trying to work out the most suitable sofa size for your home, you should also take the design of your living room and the size of the rest of your furniture into consideration.

If your living room is spacious and has a high ceiling, a high-backed sofa with wide arms could look very effective, and positioning your sofa and any matching chairs towards the centre of the room rather than up against the walls can make the room look even bigger. However, if you have a smaller room with a low ceiling, opt for a sofa with a lower back and slimmer arms. It’s also important to make sure that your sofa is in proportion with the rest of your furniture.

Most online sofa suppliers offer a wide range of sofas in - for example, includes 2-seater sofas, 3-seater sofas, large 2-seater sofas, sofa beds and corner groups.

Buy sofas online from John Lewis

Eco-Beds – Sleeping With A Clear Conscience.

2009-03-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

It’s time to start going green people, everyone’s doing it. Even politicians, superstars and big companies are riding the new climate change wave by diversifying into new avenues and markets. It’s truly amazing how quick consumer trends can move. Within the last 5 years Eco-friendly items have become all the rage. Sales of these items are quickly outpacing their less environmental counterparts and this is forcing manufacturers to change and adapt.

The good news is that consumer demand is driving the prices of these goods down and down. So if you’re like me and affected by a growing green conscience why not take the extra time and look for a better, more environmentally friendly option when shopping. You can find green alternatives for nearly everything nowadays from beds, to cars, to furniture and even computers.

I recently had to look for a new bed, my old one was pretty shagged (pun) and one of the legs was broken and propped up with a stack of books; it turns out that Tolstoy’s War and Peace does have a use after all. So I decided to look up beds on the net to see if I could find a more Eco-friendly option, rather than go through the usual flat-pack nightmare.

After a quick search I found numerous sites offering all sorts of Eco-friendly beds and mattresses. Some of these companies like Green Wood pride themselves in making top quality beds from reclaimed and sustainable resources. Other companies like Nest have spent considerable amounts of time and money developing Eco-friendly mattresses. Nest’s new Eden mattress was designed in conjunction with Leeds University and took 3 years to develop and manufacture.

It’s great to see companies really making an effort to change and diversify into greener products and technology. With so much attention and publicity surely the futures bright, the futures green.

Global Warming - Hot Shopping

2009-02-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

After a disappointing Valentine Day shops are hoping to attract much needed custom during the traditionally lean months to keep the tills ringing and reassure staff that their jobs are safe.

Recent closures of established high street shops means fewer jobs in the retail sector and shopping web sites are looking to diversify their ranges and attract new customers.

A site here for shopping nutters - Kaboodle. Not only can you have fun shopping with friends the site introduction says, you can discover and share new things. Some users are even offering their services as virtual personal shoppers - nice work if you can get it.

More and more are adopting a new approach to the stock they promote. Expensive electronic goods that consumers in economic downturn can choose to put off buying turning to more practical devices such as health care equipment.

Thoughtful Spending

More significantly the trends show that forward thinking people are choosing to show how much they care - whole sections are dedicated to ethical gifts to demonstrate awareness of the needs of the planet. Choose from T Shirts that demand action against climate change, badges about badgers, a goat and merchandise to support the campaign to stop global warming galore.

Global warming gear is set to be this years hot fashion must have as the 2009 climate change summit in December gets closer.

You can wear the message or opt for a more subtle way of doing your bit with carbon neutral gifts.

Perhaps even more considerate would be to fund organisations and projects that will directly help those affected. Consider making a charity donation. Here is a simple guide to giving donations to green charities.

Global warming and climate change makes life for poor people around the world unbearable. It takes their jobs, wrecks their homes, and destroys their food supplies.

Climate Change Act Global - Shop Local

2009-02-10T03:50:00.000-08:00

Climate Change - Time to Act

2009 is an important year for climate change.

With the continual reports of global warming and climate change being caused by mass consumerism we take a look at how by changing shopping habits we can all do our bit to address the issues of climate change and hopefully prevent the devastating effects it is having.

Much noise has been made about the environmental benefits of eating locally produced food. Local food tastes better as it is fresher when it is in season. It also creates local employment and when done organically keeps the cultivated land and surrounding countryside in good shape. It lets mother nature do her bit to work with a changing climate.

Easy to remember local food but let's not forget the huge amount of greenhouse gas contributions the fresh flower business creates. Our eagerness to brighten our homes and work places with ever more exotic and tropical flowers means flying in flowers from around the world.
Ironic that flowers grown and flown in from warmer climates innocently contibute to climate change and global warming - can we not find similar beauty in local indigenous flowers?

Show Your Support

Many leading organisations are committed to bringing the issues of global warming and climate change to the top of international agendas. You can make charity donation for these organisations to continue their efforts and campaigns for action on climate change.

More and more organisations are venturing into online trading to generate income for their causes. Some innovative designs are available - t shirts that spread the message, eco freindly products and ethical gifts that will both please and educate.

Resperate | Lower Blood Pressure

2009-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Now our batteries are fully recharged after the Christmas break we enter the New Year with enthusiasm and optimism.

All around some of the biggest names on the High Street are closing and although this provides opportunities to grab a bargain in the closing down sales the benefits are short lived and we lament the passing of great names such as Woolies, MFI and Zavvi (who?)

How on earth Debenhams remained buoyant is a mystery - their pre Christmas sales actually increased - well done them.

Rather than linger over the poor end to last year we'll look ahead to 2009 and first up is to check out what is predicted to be a home health best seller - RESPeRATE - a device that aims to lower blood pressure naturally.

Resperate, manufactured by Intercure, has been widely available in America where it was cleared by the Food & Drug Administration in 2002 and attracted much attention from those who look to lower blood pressure naturally.

Now it is being heavily marketed in the UK the resperate device is under close scrutiny - with critics claiming that it is merely an expensive walkman and that any "biofeedback" is achievable by ordinary deep relaxed breathing exercises.

Supporters argue that if people find that using Resperate to help lower their blood pressure in conjunction to their existing methods then further research should be undertaken in the hope that one day blood pressure can be controlled by using the Resperate machine on a regular basis and become less dependent on prescription medicines.

Resperate is available from chemists although online health care supply sites such as Medisave will almost certainly beat any high street shop price.

Chistmas Gift Ideas - More Festive Fab Gifts

2008-11-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas fast approaches and once again we are able to offer more ideas for Christmas Gifts.

Last year we highlighted buying toys online. Toys are traditional christmas gifts for children and more and more toys are being bought online. Now almost all the big name toy shops for children's toys and with a little research online you should be able to quickly find the best price and buy this years top toys quickly online and get them delivered to your door.

Now its the turn of adults - Christmas isn't just for children of course.

Gift ideas for Her and Gifts for Men

Every year men ask the question "what to buy for a woman" and begin to search online for gift ideas.

Gifts for her.

Perfumes are an easy choice and theres lots of sitres offering hints and tip about choosing perfumes. The perfume guide looks at four types of perfumes and fragrances and matches brands and designer labels of fragrances - Luxury Brands, Boutique Fragrances, Celebrity and Designer perfume. A useful tip is that at Christmas many perfumes are availble in perfume gift sets and are great value as not only do they include extras such as perfume creams, body lotions and powders they are easy to wrap smartly but also often have free gifts.

Another "crime" that a man cannot be accused of enough is to consider giving luxury chocolates and wines. Our top tip here is spend a little extra combining various food and drinks to create personalised food hampers. Not only can you choose what items ar included when you order personal food hampers but you can have them delivered to your home of office for convenience.

Gifts for Men

The food hamper mentioned above can also be selected as a great gift for a man - just find out his favourite beer and nibbles and its job done. Men are easy to please but for a really cool gift consider getting a Beer T-Shirt.

Beer Tees are always popular with the drinking man and the range of shirts at http://www.wearyourbeer.com means there's something for every man (and woman). For Simpsons fans there's a range of Duff t-shirts, caps and shorts.

With slogans such as "Will work for Beer" (Homer Simpson) and "Born to Rum" (Captain Morgan) you'll be hard pushed not tot order more than on of these Beer Tees and make the most of any shipping charge.

Cheers me hearties

Unusual Experience Gifts - Christmas Gift Ideas

2008-11-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Gift ideas

Time for serious shoppers to begin thinking about Christmas gift ideas. The usual suspects are once again leading the best sellers lists, Nintendo Wii, iPods and Dr Who voice changers.

Segway

Segway Experience - This is only currently available in Hertfordshire but those prepared to travell will get a chance to complete a rally on Segways. The segway made popular by Niles Crane in Frasier allows smooth 2 wheel travel whilst standing up - ideal for large offices or stadium staff.

Land Rover

Land Rover Experience - Choose from any of the classic Land Rover models - Freelander, Discovery and Land Rover top-of-the-range Range Rover and go off road for a thrilling experience. Instructors are available to guide you through the abilities of the vehicles but if you are able to lose them you'll have much more fun.

Driving

Driving experience give the opportunity to hire a car that would be out of reach for many - an unusual car hire gift would be a including family cars to sports cars and high performance racing cars.

Travel

City Breaks - book now and give a Christmas present that also doubles as a Valentines Day gift - a romantic trip to Paris. Europe Autos has a great article about the various attraction in and around Paris so you will get the most from your experience in the French Capital.

Finally this unusual gift experience is not for the feint hearted - the credit crunch experience.

Work, Rest and Play

2008-10-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

As credit crunch continues to bite (ouch) more and more people are looking for second jobs or return to work part time.

We discussed looking for a job some months back and now we turn to investigate Christmas jobs.

The festive period sees many new job opportunities for part-time and temporary work. On the build up to Christmas shops, restaurants and bars all took to recruit extra staff. Job sites are often overlooked as the commissions paid would not make recruitment for such short periods worth while. Local jobs are often advertised on free ads sites where advertisers can write their own descriptions - for example who wouldn't be intrigued by this recent job ad:

Listing Summary | Location: New York, Lincolnshire

Salary: £1,005,000.00 | A Global online services marketplace connecting businesses, freelancers & professionals through a community driven knowledge platform.

Of course its most likely a typo but worth a punt if you want to make money.

High on many peoples priorities is that the workplace should be fun. That can include being able to listen to personal stereos, ipods or mp3 players - many IT workers have their iPods plugged into their pc's and with the prices of the latest iPod Touch now at all time low we expect to see a surge in sales of both the iconic ipod classic and the latest iPod Touch players as gifts for office workers who want to have music and games of their choice at their workstation.

Fun Place to work

We couldn't fail to see the irony in this recent post about Land Rover being a fun place to work
which coincided with the news that Land Rover were going to shed 200 jobs up and down the UK. Whilst the remaining staff celebrate the good publicity that the new Freelander is attracting playing games like Top Trumps and Darts Quiz to learn more about their vehicles others less fortunate are tightening their belts with the grim prospect of an expensive Christmas without work.

Freelander Fuel Savings | Cheap Petrol & Cheap Perfume

2008-10-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press from the Land Rover publicity machine is the news that the latest production models of Freelander that will be available in 2009 are to feature a revolutionary stop - start technology that tests have shown reduced fuel consumption by up to 10% in heavy urban driving. The news brought to us by the proud publicity people of land rover also takes the opportunity to boast of their commitment to the Land Rover Our Planet explaining that not only will the fuel savings make the Freelander cheaper to run than many other popular SUVs but will also be greener as there will be a considerable reduction of Carbon Dioxide emissions from the vehicles indeed as the press release states there will be zero emissions when the vehicle engine is not running - amazing.

Cheap Petrol or Cheap Perfume

On a lighter note a search for [buy petrol online] returned an intriguing result - www.petroldirect.com which is Britain's first internet only petrol retailer offering cheap petrol, diesel and specialist fuels at amazing prices and delivered to your door.

Suspicions of the too good to be true variety were raised when it was noticed that one of the biofuels offered retailed at £300 per 15ml - more than most pure perfumes. The sample of the economy version smelled very much like cheap perfume - the kind found on backstreet market stalls up and down the country.

Finding Online Deals

2008-09-23T07:15:00.001-07:00

Choose words carefully to find the best online

Some interesting research published recently shows how the composition of phrases differ whilst searching for various products and services online.

Compare

Those looking to find financial products - insurance, savings accounts and mortgages are aware of the huge range of products and expect these to be highly competitive so tend to favour 'compare' in the hope that they will find an all singing all dancing price comparison site to compare products to find the best prices.

Bargains

Those interested in picking up second-hand / reconditioned consumer electronics will use 'bargains' and streetwise searchers will include 'best deals' as though they're at a market or car boot sale.

Cheap

When looking for holiday bargains "cheap" tends to be the traveller's prefix of choice - frequently searching for - cheap flights, cheap hotels and cheap car hire.

Sometimes savy travellers rely on the recommendations of trusted blogs who include hand picked choices from their personal experiences - this can be of enormous value far outweighing and money savings. Recently the Shop til you Drop guide began to look for places to enjoy Halloween and came across this marvelous Top Halloween Holiday Destinations post on Smart Traveller which offers unique suggestions to various "attractions" around the world.

Better

Often the word 'better' is used with a job type - Jobsite the uk jobs site explain that many of their visitors see job hunting as shopping for jobs with an eye out for improved pay and conditions.

It would be interesting to see the effect of mixing these phrases whilst checking out prices online - the results for 'cheap car hire' differ enormously from 'better care hire' although it would be expected that better would be more expensive what customer would NOT want better?

As we can see the results you get will vary with the words you use when researching products and services online. Vary your words and phrases to ge the most from your online shopping experience.

Hello Tosh Got Toshiba? - 'ello tosh got a toshiba?

2008-09-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Toshiba

Over twenty years ago Toshiba rocked us with their cutting edge advert for their Hi Fi systems "Ello Tosh Got a Toshiba?" in which they repeatedly told us that they had a 'fair old bit of power' and mockerny cockery voice over 'we are talkin' quality' concluding with the command to 'get yer ears round that'

Toshiba Laptops

Today Toshiba remain leading manufacturers of Audio Visual Consumer products and have gained an excellent reputation for their range of laptop computers. This blog post laptop review gives a thumbs up to Toshiba Laptops highlighting their reliability and another post suggests looking for the best price using price comparison of toshiba laptops which recommends thorough searching of online shops to get great deals on laptops and identified this uk price comparison site for Toshiba laptops.

Moni-saving-spurt has various threads relating to laptops and it is perhaps a warning to watch out for Windows Vista which according to Yahoo Answers is the only operating system available now which is disappointing but little surprises us these days when it comes to Microsoft forcing its products upon the world.

Recommend Stethoscope for Medical School Students

2008-08-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

The new academic year is almost upon us and this years intake of medical students are preparing to begin their studies at Medical Schools up and down the country.

Documents instructing required equipment for individual schools and teaching hospitals will have arrived and some will be disappointed to see that the stethoscopes they were given as gifts when family members heard the announcement of being awarded a place are not recommended by the school and now face difficult decisions about which stethoscope to buy.

What Colour Stethoscope

Even serious medical equipment has succumbed to the frills of marketing and now top of the range stethoscopes are available in various colours. Classic stethoscopes are still very popular - the earnest black and chrome of Littmann Classic II remains a best seller both in the UK and USA.

Littmann Stethoscopes including Littmann Cardiology III the and Master Cardiology models are available in burgundy, navy blue, plum, chocolate and hunter green as shown here. On the Student Doctor Forum it appears that there is even a demand for pink stethoscopes

Whilst the sound quality, length and comfort remains a priority more and more medical students see their stethoscopes as fashion accessories - of course its their first personal piece of medical equipment that makes a visible statement about them and if choosen correctly and looked after should last many years.

A Stethoscope as a gift

Online Medical Equipment specialists Medisave currently offer free laser engraving with Littmann Stethoscopes ordered online and combined with the stylish colours it looks great! This also makes an ideal personalised gift

Top quality stethoscopes suitable for clinical practice and medical students at affordable prices are available from online medical equipment specialist Medisave both at Medisave UK and Medisave.net in USA

Love Peas and Harmony

2008-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Summer festivals often bring the peace and love out in everyone. Rural activists mix with green campaigners and join hands with urban warriors in acts of human kindness. Tapping into this market has to be the highly imaginative cafepress business Give Peas a Chance who are offering an extensive range of pun tastic merchandise all playing with the similarity in pronunciation of peas and peace.

Anyone wearing a Peas on Earth logo immediately brings calm and happiness to the room.

Go on give Peas a Chance.

As the temperatures soar even the office needs a calming. This damning description of the revolting smell from a Subway Melt shows just how food can be trouble. Subway have managed to squeeze their foot length offerings onto every high street but it would be considerate if they were to refrain from selling "stinky food" such as the melt during early mornings. Either that or insist the whiffy offers are consumed on the premises and not be allowed to pollute workspaces.

Four by Four Bargains - Easy on the Gas

2008-07-11T04:06:00.001-07:00

Various recent events have seen the demand for 4X4 SUVs and off road vehicles plummet.

A combination of soaring fuel prices and tax penalties on some of the UKs most popular vehicles - family estate cars and compact SUVs (read freelander's take on the vehicle excise duty imposed on his Freelander and even an eye on the environment has seen a noticeable drop in the price of secondhand 4X4s as the market has become saturated with buyers choosing "sensible" economic smaller cars.

However some of these Sport Utility Vehicles have picked up the tag 'gas guzzling monsters' which is perhaps unfair. Modern engineering and designs have brought them in line with todays acceptable standards that consumers expect.

Motoring and motor sport specialist sites now have glowing reviews of some of the latest 4X4s on the road and its not just the versatility and comfort of the drive.

This review from Tiscali Motoring of Land Rover's Freelander 2.2 HSE TD4 reports its fuel consumption to be a not so thirsty 37 miles per gallon and is proving to be a hit in the US where even the American driver is facing excruciating fuel price increases.

One small note was the discovery that Autotrader only managed to squeeze 33 mpg during its testing of the Freelander bringing it in line with the Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Visia however the carbon emissions and superior safety of the freelander were in no doubt with its long list of primary safety features includes the latest Electronic Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System and Land Rover´s unique Terrain Response™ system. Seven airbags - two full-length curtain, two front, two upper-body and a driver´s knee bag - offer invaluable protection should you ever need it.

Shopping for Jobs - Looking for a new Job Online

2008-06-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

After two years of selfless dedication to informing shoppers of whats up and coming, the best offers and where to get them as well as things to avoid it is surprising that no job offers or potential employment opportunities have arrived. It could be that this blog has no contact form and in this day and age of spam attacks only the foolhardy would put their email up for all to see and abuse.

If the mountain won't come to the blogger then I will have to approach the mountain.

Mirroring the shopping growth, online recruitment has also become a regular tool for job hunters and employees. The number of UK job sites offering vacancies with interactive questionnaires, cv submission and regular rss feed is growing to reflect the changing job market and even with the economic trends creating insecurity appear to be well populated with a wide variety of jobs in many different sectors.

Finding a new job is very much like shopping - both the employers and applicants want to know if they are a good fit or match, is the money appropriate, what about aftercare service, are there any guarantees are in place and as all good shoppers have come to expect what negotiations can be explored and perks thrown in?

When searching for shopping jobs the results returned reveal opportunities to apply for jobs as mystery shoppers. I dabbled with this joining Grass Roots Mystery Shopping three years ago. Not only was I sent to small local branches of Lloyds TSB in remote Devon villages to find they were not open every day but that the job involved completing enormous forms and writing detailed reports which when added to the actual mystery visit totaled 3½ hours - for twenty quid!

Well other than my tremendous insight into shopping I thought I should look to utilise my training in finance and checked out what accountancy jobs were currently available - the result? lots - but like a shopper hunting a good deal I remembered that a bargain is only a bargain if its something you wanted - and seeing the dreary positions for control accountants and book keepers I soon realised that it wasn't time for my return to that profession.

Top tips for when looking for a new job online:

Register with several online job sites
Select and review keywords carfully - locations such as "south west" will return Devon Cornwall and South West London.
Stuff your cv with the latest buz phrases and words - quality, proactive, communicator, team etc as the scanning and subsequent entry onto databases will favour these.

Happy job hunting.

Land Rover Freelander or true British Bentley - the drive of your life

2008-06-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hats of to Mel B aka Scary Spice for letting it slip that she drives a Bentley whilst living in LA. Good to hear that in these uncertain economic times our celebrities are flying the flag for our precious exports.

Mel commented "While it's beautiful, fast and only for the rich, some hairs on the back of the neck still stay down" and asked.. "is it because it's four-wheel drive?"

Much as we love the Spice Girls number one hairy (Scary Spice) one has she not considered the usefulness of a four wheel drive on the flat, straight streets of California?

Whatever Next - All Terrain SUVs dominating the States? You only need to see this video clip that demonstrates the style and grace of the freelander in a variety of circumstances - driving conditions, terrains and challenges.

Well the "Shopping Info Guide" is hardly qualified to discuss the merits of four wheels - we touched on the subject of the exceptional tyres that allowed a Landrover Freelander to circumnavigate the world and following the recent Royal endorsement from Sara Phillips of the Freelander we decided to have a closer - if Land Rovers Freelander is the hottest selling compact SUV we think it worthy of inclusion in our guide to help visitors make and informed decision before they buy.

So what doe the Freelander offer that adds those extra thousnads to the price tag?

Safety first

The Euro safety report award the Freelander maximum marks on many of its critical tests

Comfort zone

The UK broadsheet newspaper The Independent's let its motoring journalist Roger And-Out take the Freelander 2 for a comprehensive test drive and the resultant write up was one that described the sheer comfort for both driver and passenger whilst off road and emphasised the smooth traveling whilst on the road.

All Round Performance

Finally the motoring institution Top Gear summed up the vehicle -
"The Land Rover Freelander is a capable SUV, with more off-road ability than its rivals and a more grown up mini-Discovery."

Fuel Economy - glug

Top Gear was the only review that offered the helpful suggestion that "Diesel engine suits it best, petrol version is thirsty" worth bearing in mind as we see oil prices continue to inexplicable rise.

Quick Simple & Easy Style Solutions - Bedding

2008-05-22T02:18:00.000-07:00

Barbie House Wiff a friend from across the pond picked up that we were running a set of features about home decoration - already looking at interior designs for windows - looking at both curtains and blinds and pointed out that a quick simple and easy way to give a bedroom a new look is to invest in a new bedding set as detailed in her post of the same.

Music to our ears - quick, simple and easy - but will it meet all of our four favourite criteria - is it cheap?

Quick trip over to our new found Euro Shopping Directory Elib to find a selection of online suppliers and to check what's available and recommended this listing a one stop shop for curtains, blinds and bedding.

Once you enter the world of home fabrics the choices presented are overwhelming and if your not careful you could easily find yourself ordering enough free fabric samples to assemble a patchwork quilt.

So Whats on Offer?

The fabric warehouse displays a wide range of bedding sets and duvet covers that are available for most of the standard bed sizes - single, double, kingsize and super dooper kingsize and no sooner than you can say "quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" you'll be arguing which of the styles you're going to order.

For those who shy away from using duvets in favour of more traditional bedding due to the notorious difficulty in putting them on we found this video - how to put on a duvet cover that may be helpful. For site link details opening times and directions see the Brownbook listing.