random little things

Get a base shaper
Base shapers are typically made of plastic and fit perfectly into the bottom of your bag. Shapers do just what the name implies: they make a bag hold its shape and get rid of the “slouchy” look.

Invest in bags for your bag
Little bags not only keep you organized, they protect your investment.

Pack sparingly
Be careful how much you’re carrying and take time once a month to dump everything out of your bag and reassess.

{via http://www.bonanza.com/blog/}

We all know that make-ups are the very basic accessories of most girls as it can enhance their beauty every time they are wearing one, while for boys, we can say that boys’ make-ups are there neckties. These are the very basic accessories of every man that should always be found in their closet. Whether it is in a formal or less formal occasions, ties look very versatile and it can always go along with a plain colored polo or even with patterned long sleeves.

But even if most men use ties in very often, every man’s dilemma is choosing a perfect tie that will best suit their outfit. Usually, choosing a tie may somehow depends on the personality of the one who will wear it but most of the time, it depends on their entire outfit and occasion. With our fashion trends today, there have been a lot of styles, colors and patterns to choose from which add up to their dilemma in deciding what to buy and wear.

In choosing your perfect tie, always consider distinctive factors because these will help you have high quality ties that will last longer. Never consider the price as an indicator of its quality but rather take note of the more detailed ones to make sure that you own the best quality.

First thing that you have to consider is the cut of the tie. A fabric cut on a bias or has a diagonal cut will help you ensure in making you look very formal and neat. With its diagonal cut, you will be able to avoid having it twisted while you are wearing your tie.

Next should be the materials used. You always have to make sure that the fabric of your tie is soft and should perfectly match your chest. Mostly, silk neckties are the best option though it is quite expensive but you can be sure of the quality because its color never fades it doesn’t lose its shape. Never opt for a satin as an alternative. You can go with polyester of silk-polyester instead as this is pretty much affordable compared to the silk ones but it still won’t look as sophisticated and stunning as they do in silk. Investing with expensive silk ties will surely be worth it because you are sure of its quality and you won’t end up having loose threads and faded colors.

In addition, you also have to consider its lining because this will be one of the best features that will give a firm body to your tie as it adds thickness. Normally, each tie’s lining are mostly made of 100% wool, which will then makes it last longer than you expected.

Remember to test the quality of the tie by stretching it or by giving it a good thug. If it doesn’t lose its shape one plucked and relaxed your hands, then it is a perfect indicator that you currently possess a high quality tie. Ties should not end up twisted that’s why if you made a loop and it swivels in the air, then you should start looking for a better one.

Every time you buy a tie, do not settle for anything less. Be more observant and scrutinize every part of the tie so you can be sure that you are not wasting your money for a poor quality tie. Be more fashion forward and experiment with all the colors that you can see in the market but remember not to go overboard.

Keep in mind that your tie can help you boost your confidence and it will indeed catch everyone’s attention if you have the best quality tie.

It’s ironic posting this here when this is actually a shopping blog. But this is something I want to keep in mind. Sure I enjoy shopping and it’s something I love to do once in a while. But this doesn’t mean I just buy whatever I want. Everything I purchase must be carefully thought of, save for some items. Of course, in every rule there will always be an exception.

Anyway, here are the tips to help us want less.

Unsubscribe and avoid: ever notice how your kitchen looks that much older and dingier after flipping through a home decor magazine? To get over wanting new things don’t read magazines full of advertisements promising a happier life from stuff. Only step foot in a store if you have a list of what you need to buy. Do not shop when tired, hungry, stressed out or bored. Stop browsing online and in real life. Unsubscribe from retailers newsletters, catalogs, and emails.

Put up barriers: keep a list and wait 30 days before you buy something. Budget. Know what you can spend and stick to it. Try having a no-buy day each week where you leave your wallet at home. Only have enough cash on you for what you need. You’ll want that impulse purchase a lot less when you have to go home to get your credit card to pay for it.

Shift your focus: enjoy what’s free in your life. Fresh air, your family, phone calls on Skype, reading a book from the library. Remember that a satisfied and content life does not hinge on a sweater or an iPod. Build your days around relationships and activities that you can spend love and energy – not money – on. When you find your happiness in strong relationships, and rewarding activities, it’s easy to want less stuff.

Read more: http://www.minimalistathome.com/three-steps-to-wanting-less/.

Shop with a goal. Before you set foot in a supermarket, mall, or any other store, have a clear objective and a shopping list … and stick to it!

Stop and reflect. Stop and think for a minute, a day, a week, or even longer. Practice conscious consumerism and consider the life cycle of the product.

Approach sales calmly and rationally. Before purchasing something on sale or at a discount store, ask yourself whether you would buy it if it weren’t on sale. Is it on your list? Do you need it? What makes it a “good deal”?

Stay focused. Once you get to the store, there’s no need to meander; stick to the section(s) relevant to your list, make your purchases, and leave.

Buy what you need, borrow the rest. Books aren’t the only things you can borrow. Rather than purchasing infrequently used items (think tools, camping gear, maybe even dishes for a party), rent or borrow them from friends or services.

Streamline your decor. Realize that just because you like a chair/lamp, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will fit with the rest of your decor.

Learn to value experience over consumption. Participate in activities that don’t involve shopping. What ever your passion is, it is yours, which is much more meaningful than being a slave to fashion and advertising.

Read more: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/how-to-buy-only-what-you-love-and-need-113956.

Since Christmas is literally just around the corner, I think this post will be of help to most of us. How would you like to have your gifts wrapped in an eco-friendly way and this won’t cost you a dime.

Below are some tips from SimpleOrganic.net.
1. Reuse old wrapping paper, bows, and bags
2. Wrap with road maps…
3. …calendar pages…
4. …Sunday comics…
5. …or newspaper ads.
6. Get creative with cloth, preferably something old
7. Use old baby blankets or new towels
8. Get the kids involved
9. Reuse: turn wrapping paper into stuffing
10. Hold onto your boxes

1. Go to work
You still need to intentionally go to work when you are ready to start your day.

2. Create long, distraction-free periods
Shift your work hours to be be earlier or later in the day

3. Get good equipment
Make sure you have a decent, reliable computer and a good backup plan for dealing with inevitable technology malfunctions.

4. Dedicated office
You need a dedicated area–preferably with a door.

Read more: http://www.productivity501.com/work-from-home-tips/7707/.

Are you like me who has a pile of emails in your inbox that just looking at them makes you feel stressed and overwhelmed?

Simple Organized Living might just have the solution for us.

Phase 1: The Project
Declutter
Slow the Inflow
Create a Filing System
Prioritize

Phase 2: Maintenance
Don’t Just “Check” Your Email
Schedule Your Email Time
Take out the Trash

Read more: http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2010/10/05/clear-your-email-clutter/.

1. Maintain a spending journal.
2. Develop a passive income.
3. Make micropayments on outstanding debts.
4. Update your budget.
5. Read something educational every day.

Read more: http://frugaldad.com/2010/10/07/five-daily-activities-to-improve-your-finances/.

1. Breathe deeply
2. Hold your tummy tight
3. Stretch your arms out wide
4. Do some side bends
5. Lunge up the staircase
6. Do calf raises while waiting
7. Don’t drive thru – actually park and walk
8. Offer to help carry something (a neighbor’s groceries, co-worker’s bags, boxes that need to be moved)
9. Twist and punch to whittle the waist and move those arms
10. Rule of the next level: if you are sitting, stand. If you are standing, walk. If you are walking, run.

~via http://myinspirationlounge.squarespace.com/mistys-blog/.