Five Tips to Simplify your Holiday Shopping on any Budget

(ARA) - The holiday season is upon us. That means the stress that comes with shopping for that perfect gift is not far behind. So, what's the best way to go about making a list, checking it twice and sticking to a budget?Audrey McClelland is the founder of Mom Generations, an online destination for moms. She is an expert at holiday shopping for her tech-savvy husband, four boys all younger than 6, and a large extended family.
McClelland offers her top five holiday shopping tips and gift ideas that will help you conquer your holiday shopping - on budget - for everyone on your list.1. Keep a master list. It can get overwhelming around the holidays when you are trying to decide whom to shop for. Outline everyone you need a gift for, and remember to incorporate any unexpected last-minute gifts. Then write down a realistic number on what you want to spend on each person and stick to it. Seeing it on paper will make it easier to knock items off your list while keeping your budget in check.2. Be sure to have gifts on hand that can be given to anyone … regardless of their tastes. For example, Staples carries colorful Omnitech mini speaker pods in jewel tones for only $10 that can plug into any iPod, Sony PSP, or MP3 player, and are perfect for kids and grown-ups on the go. Digital photo ornaments in the shape of decorative balls or snowflakes make another universally likeable gift for less than $15. These are also time-savers to have on hand for office Yankee swaps, hostess gifts or any unanticipated presents you may need.3. Don't waste time rushing from store to store. Try condensing your shopping visits to the fewest number of stores possible. Pick a shopping destination or two, and commit to buying as many gifts as you can for your list there. If you're looking for the newest tech items, Staples stores offer interactive displays that allow you to get a feel of the newest tech products before you buy, whether you're considering a Kindle for your mother-in-law or a Flip video camera for that next family vacation.4. It's a digital world - follow your favorite shopping places on Facebook and Twitter. Many stores reward their followers with up-to-the-minute deals via these social media outlets. Stores occasionally post exclusive print-out coupons and deals specifically for their Facebook friends, and let you know about upcoming events ahead of time.5. Check out the websites of the stores that you plan to visit before heading into the actual store. You may be surprised by the variety of products some stores offer. It also helps you to become acquainted with the product selection and can help you to nail down specific items for each person on your list, making your trip more efficient. You may even decide to purchase some items directly on the website and have them shipped to the recipient to avoid a trip to the store or post office. For example, Staples.com offers free shipment on items over $50."Every year, inevitably, I get caught up in the frenzy of the season," says McClelland. "However, by sticking to these tips, I can focus on the joy of gift giving and the satisfaction of knowing I did it all under budget."
This article is taken from- http://www.rentaldecorating.com/10-seasonal/simpleholidayshopping1210.html

Family Christmas Gifts and Shopping Online

Christmas is starting to show in the shops already even though there are still many months to go before the Day. And the age old question arises, what should I buy for Christmas gifts? Out comes the Christmas list, who is on it and who is not this year. One thing is for certain your family Moms, Dads, daughters, sons, babies and believe it or not Pets, that is apart from friends and other relations; It is quite a lot of presents when totted up. So what is the best way to tackle this problem? Simple, start early and start ordering online so as to make savings and not have to go ploughing through Christmas shopping malls like a pack mule.
The question still remains, who to buy for and what to buy. What I personally used to do with the children is to sit them down with a toy catalogue and ask them to choose 20 items they would like for Christmas, with the proviso that they would not necessarily get all of them so an order of preference was needed. And that this exercise was just so that I could inform Santa and give him an idea as to what they would like. It works.
When it comes to Christmas Gifts older children and grownups this was more difficult. Especially when the answer to the question, what would you like for Christmas, was greeted with, Oh I don't know surprise me; Great help. So to take some of the burden away for you I have put together a Family Christmas Gift Ideas web site; highlighting some of the gifts that I personally would feel comfortable giving as Christmas presents. Obviously tastes will differ but if you see the kind of thing that might suit your recipient click on the item and you will find many more ideas with regard to colour, size and design. What I've put on the site is to give you an Idea of what you could give to friends and family.
I have separated the pages so that there is a Moms page and pages for Dads, Kids, baby and pets. I presume Grandparents would come under Moms and Dads, but to cover them also I have included a Miscellaneous Page with more, shall we say, Gran and Grandpa things. I realise it is difficult, not to end up rushing around the shops at the last minute, pushing your way through other Christmas Shoppers; But what I have to say is there is another way, Shop online; It beats shopping malls hands down, and if you start early you can spread the cost of Christmas over a longer period so it does not hit all at once. And you will not miss out on that favourite toy, so no disappointed children.

The site is Family Christmas Gifts.weebly.com and that's what it is Family Christmas Gifts for the whole family, full of ideas to make it easier for you to choose Christmas Gifts. My name is Ken Aindow and I will be adding to this site on a regular basis; I also have another site, mainly for Moms and daughters, there is some blue in there also, called "Pink Christmas Gifts" I hope these sites will help you in your search for your Family Gifts. Merry Christmas.
this article is taken from- http://ezinearticles.com/?Family-Christmas-Gifts-and-ShoppingOnline&id=4906071

Puma Sneakers & Puma Shoes - Most Popular Among Young Generation

With so many varieties available in shoes, sneaker shoes are still rich and famous in the shoe industry. Now they are more than enough for jogging activities. They can be used for casual wear when you are out running errands, leisure sports or serious fitness training. Whether you are running, jogging, weight lifting, playing tennis, or taking aerobic classes, they are just perfect for every activity. In the current time, there are so many brand names that are offering their version of street, comfortable or whatever detail you may be looking for kind of sneaker. Among these top rated brands, puma sneakers have that spunk to offer wearer great comfort and style.
When it comes to blending fashion with sports, puma shoes bid to be the most enviable and recognizable brand. Consequently, you'll see many sports celebrities and famous athletes sporting the brand both on and off the field. Puma is leading brands of most of soccer teams. PUMA is tied up with many top soccer teams of the world. PUMA's other famous shoes involve shoes designed for sports like running, basketball and most importantly football. They are also main sponsors of Formula 1 teams like Ferrari and BMW and have released their PUMA - Ferrari and PUMA - BMW apparel series. However, most of people who have hardly any interest in sports or athletics still prefer puma sneakers and shoes just because they look stylish and comfortable.

Apart from soccer and football, puma shoe products are also popular within the running, motor sports, BMX, golf, and sailing industries. Now puma sneakers are available in so much variety and style that you can select your choice sneaker according to your preferences. The variety is so huge in puma sneakers that sneakers shoes can be taken from the gym to a night out on the town, as long as you know how to wear them. You can also mix and match them with blue jeans or a khaki green pair of cargos. You might have tough time in finding a large selection of Puma shoes in local stores but you might be able to try on a couple different pairs to see what size feels best.
If you are looking for a good piece of puma sneaker which is not only stylish and fashionable, but also provide maximum comfort, then go straight to online sneaker shoes stores. On these stores you can find huge variety in sneaker shoes. Plus, on these stores, you can find a lot of great deals on the many styles of Puma sneakers. You can select sneakers in bold mixture of colors, peerless and high quality sneaker fashioned with high-gloss overlays in different style and size. To end with, Puma sneakers have that timbre to satisfy your every need.

This article is taken from- http://ezinearticles.com/?Puma-Sneakers-and-Puma-Shoes---Most-Popular-Among-Young-Generation&id=3055803

AN EXOTIC FIND - GREEN SAPPHIRE IMPORTS

Adorn yourself in exotic one-of-a-kind sustainable eco jewels from the Amazon rainforest.
Regina Landim Noppe is a Brazilian Canadian now living in Canada who has a degree in international trade and ever since moving to Canada has wanted to import exotic and sassy Brazilian fashion into the Canadian fashion market.
Noppe, founder of Green Sapphire Imports, currently represents 3 brands; Green Sapphire Jewellery by Patricia Moura, Eden Organics and a new line of clutches made from palm tree bark.
Regina explains that in Brazil, close relationships even of a business nature are very important as it results in long term relationship building with the brands she represents.
Green Sapphire Jewellery is designed by Patricia Moura, a well known designer from the North of Brazil. Every piece is hand-crafted with variances in colour and shape contributing to one-of-a-kind pieces, several styles being exclusive to Green Sapphire. These exotic pieces promote ecologically sound harvesting and sustainability. One of the primary materials used in Green Sapphire jewelry is Jarina seeds, which originate from palm trees and are collected from the soil of the forests without harming the environment. Other materials used include semiprecious stones, acai berry, coconut, wood, mother-of- pearl, sea shells, abalone, ceramics and bamboo. These exotic fair trade accessories tell a story. Celebrities such as Alicia Silverstone, celebrity television stylist Tracy Richardson, and Gisele Bundchen all own Green Sapphire pieces.

  Patricia Moura is also an instructor in a social project and therapeutic program called "Rendarte," in which cancer patients learn how to make jewelry. Moura's specialty is teaching patients how to make sisal flowers out of rami, a natural, sustainable fibre. One patient, Marliene, became so good at making the jewelry that the Moura enlisted her as a teaching assistant and in her recovery Marliene has become a supplier. She thanks the program for changing her life.
Green Sapphire Jewellery and jewellery from the Rendarte program are all available at Body Politic in Vancouver or can be purchased online.
Eden Organics Menswear took the runway this year at Eco Fashion Week Vancouver. Eden items are made from 100% organic cotton grown on their own farm, where they also do their own natural fabric dying. Eden's NOW (Natural Organic World) stamp guarantees that all the raw materials used in the production of organic cotton comply with international organic standards. Without exception, all Eden finished products are manufactured using small scale practices and using dyes with vegetable extracts and natural pigments. EDEN garments are free of agro-toxics that damage our environment.
EDEN's production cycles from the plant to distribution to the retail market are inspected and certified by IBD. In Brazil, the IBD (Biodynamic Institute) is one of the few international institutions that certifies and inspects organic products and all aspects of the production chain. Since 2004, the Coexis Organic Program in partnership with IBD, have been building commercially ethical relations with all production players. In this way the legitimacy of the organic label is guaranteed.
  Green Sapphire now also carries a unique line of clutches made with palm tree bark. A perfect choice for a Christmas gift this season!
I had the chance to interview Regina recently. Here is what she had to share with us:
EFW: So nice to meet you at the first Eco Fashion Week here in Vancouver this fall. What part of the event really stood out to you?
RLN: I loved every single moment of it! I definitely can point out two special moments for me. One was to see all the people applauding after the EDEN runway show; that was a big dream for me... Also, to see how the industry/media reacted right after the show, congratulating me and wanting to know where they could find the products. It reassured me that I am doing the right thing and Canadians love the Brazilian fashion! Green Sapphire just sent Gisele Bundchen a thank you package for being involved with Eco Fashion Week.
EFW: I know you mentioned that you often hear people talking about "shop local." How can Canadians best support international brands like the type of Brazilian businesses you represent?
RLN: I think that buying local is awesome! Canada is such a multicultural country where most of us come from somewhere else; it's important to open the eco-market to the world. I think the focus shouldn't be on WHERE the product is made, but HOW it's made. In this way, we encourage people around the world to do it right! We are still supporting our local community by buying from merchants here. Most importantly, we are telling the world how beautiful and conscientious eco-fashion can be.
EFW: Currently you represent 3 Brazilian brands. Do you plan on expanding to represent more lines?
RLN: I want to bring more lines to Canada for sure as I find that Canadians love Brazilian fashion, it's just a question of finding the best lines and suppliers as we have a lot of diversity and this process takes a lot of time. The Brazilian designers are so creative and there's always something new. I can't wait to go to Brazil at the end of November to search for new lines!
EFW: When we met, you mentioned Green Sapphire designer Patricia Moura is an instructor for Rendarte, a social project and therapeutic program in which cancer patients in Brazil can learn how to make jewellery. You said that you would like to get involved in supporting cancer projects in Canada as well. What sort of ideas do you have in mind?
RLN: I intend to contribute to The Canadian Cancer Society by donating part of my sales to their cause. I plan on having events where the focal point is to raise money for them. Unfortunately, I don't have the design skills that Patricia Moura has to teach others! We also want to help the David Suzuki Foundation. In the past, we have been a part of events like "shop for a cause" at Body Politic, where they donated part of the sales to the foundation. The main idea is that we want to be involved as much as possible in everything related to make our world a better place.
EFW: Are you involved in any upcoming events or projects?
RLN: Green Sapphire just donated an item to the Gala Sea of Possibilities silent auction for the Women In Leadership Foundation and hope to get involved somehow with the Earth Summit in Vancouver.
EFW: Thanks for sharing Regina!
If you are in Vancouver, check out the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on November 18. Part of profits will go to chosen charities. Green Sapphire will be donating 5% of all sales to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
This article is taken from- http://www.ecofashionworld.com/Fashion-Lines/AN-EXOTIC-FIND-GREEN-SAPPHIRE-IMPORTS.html

Traditional Kurta Pyjama for Bhai Dooj

An important part of the entire five-day long Diwali celebration, Bhai Dooj is a day for brothers and sisters to celebrate their sweet relationship. While contemporary fashion and modern trends have become prevalent amongst youngsters and others, festivals are the time when everybody gets a chance to savour the richness of tradition, which includes traditional Indian Clothing as well. On the day of Bhai Dooj, brothers and sisters don new clothes and observe the required rituals in every household. Sisters are required to pray for their brothers along with putting a tilak on their forehead and performing aarti whereas brothers reciprocate by offering them fabulous gift items. Every festival becomes even more special if the right ambience or atmosphere is created. The right clothes contribute a lot towards achieving the right feel. Men dressed in traditional Kurta Pyjama or Churidar Kurta awaiting their sister's tilak and aarti truly makes the day perfect. Since Bhai Dooj is more of a traditional ritual rather than a full fledged festival, it's best to go for simple and elegant traditional clothes for men. Designer Kurta Pyjamas, Designer Churidar Kurtas, Pathani Suits, etc featuring subtle zari woven pattern or embroidered necklines look best. Alternatively, pleasing embroidered motifs or self woven pattern imparting a rich texture proves to be equally ideal. However, really gorgeous Kurta Pyjamas flaunting ornate embellished pattern might end up looking over the top. Therefore, Kurta Pyjamas, Churidar Kurtas, Pathani Suits, etc made of cotton, light jacquard or blended silks seem suitable instead of lush fabrics such as brocade, pure silks, velvet, etc. Since Bhai Dooj rituals are mostly performed in the morning, light and pleasing colors would be preferable over dark and rich colors. Besides men opting for traditional Kurta Pyjamas to be worn on Bhai Dooj, sisters can also present their loving brothers with wonderful Designer Kurta Pyjamas and Designer Churidar Kurtas on Bhai Dooj as a token of their love!

This article is taken from-
http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/traditional-kurta-pyjama-for-bhai-dooj-3608318.html

Shopping in Paris: Top 10 Best Splurges

Fodorites' Favorite Splurges
Table Linens
"I like to purchase a table linen made by Le Jacquard Francais. They are sold in the
department stores such as Galleries Lafayette but there are also 2 shops that sell just
these linens. I love them and use them a lot—they wash up really nicely." –cls2paris
"For Provencal table linens at moderate prices, I suggest you look in the flower market
stalls on Ile de la Cite near Notre Dame. I do not know the shop's name but if you are
wandering in the area, you should be able to see the stacks of brightly colored cloth
from outside the shop. I had bought there eight years ago and found the place again
without any trouble. This year I got a medium rectangle (table for 6) for 35 Euros—red
poppies and lavender sprigs on a brilliant yellow background." –kayd
Odile Gilbert Hair Pin
"Upstairs, I fall in love with the Odile Gilbert hair pin. A very simple little
brass-toned thing, but as gracefully and ergonomically curved as a museum piece, and it
holds up a twist or chignon with just the one single pin. What a lovely name too,
conjuring two different swans. No price tag. I don't expect anything upstairs at
Colette to be cheap, but the salesgirl's answer is about double my guess! I thank her
and put it back, but downstairs before reaching the front door, all kinds of excuses
and justification, some valid some lame, pop into my head: 'haven't shopped much on
this trip; people easily spend more than this on a haircut or dinner; my apartment for
the whole week is less than what cousin Z pays for one night at the Hyatt; the exchange
rate is decent this week....' Back upstairs to treat myself to the little splurge."
–MademoiselleFifi
Vintage Hermes Scarf
"My favorite splurge was a vintage Hermes scarf that I found on the Internet and
tracked down as soon as my plane landed in Paris. It was 'Les Perroquets' (the parrots)
and was 195E in 2007. I bought it at Les 3 Marches de Catherine B on rue Guisarde. It's
my favorite Hermes scarf because, well, parrots are the love of my life!" –theflock
Art Switcheroo
"One of my favorite splurges actually cost very little at first. I love to find a piece
of artwork when I travel—a basic watercolor or a pen and ink... when in paris I found a
pair of sketches in one of those stalls along the river. They cost nothing and no doubt
were hugely mass produced, but I loved them and because they were a bargain—maybe $10
apiece—I didn't hesitate to snatch them up. Once home the splurge began... I debated
the framing forever and finally let the framer talk me into a really beautiful frame
that was more than I had planned on spending. When I went to pick them up I was
floored. They were gorgeous and now hang in my family room and remind me daily of the
trip, but also of that moment." –motherofthree
To know more.... follow- http://www.fodors.com/news/story_4022.html