January 26, 2012

10 Ways to save money at Christmas time

Christmas can be a costly time for any family and you may feel that spending a little too much over the festive period is perfectly justifiable. There are some simple traps to be avoided however and by adopting some of these tips you can actually save some money at this time of year.

  1. Send tradition packing

There’s nothing more comical than walking into a supermarket on Christmas Eve and witnessing the panic buyers. If you’ve been drawn into bulk buying sprouts only to throw most of them away then why not just dispense with them altogether?

The same principle applies to any food from the most ghastly of vegetables to the most delicious of treats. If, for example, no-one in your family eats Christmas Pudding then don’t buy it.

  1. Compare shopping portals

Whether you prefer to do your shopping online or if you’re happy to join the scrums on the High Street, it pays to compare prices on all the presents that you’ve identified.

A quick search on the net will bring up a list of comparison portals and the cheapest known price at that given time. This can save you a considerable amount of money over the festive period and if you shop exclusively online you don’t have the additional problem of travelling to many individual stores in order to save some cash.

  1. Get some cashback

You can get cash back on many of your purchases either through the retailers themselves or from dedicated portals that act as a third party and give you a percentage back after a period of time.

These cashback sites are on the increase and many of the top online retailers offer some very good deals with as much as 10% being refunded to the purchaser in some cases.

  1. Alternatively just don’t buy anything…

You may want to pass over some of these tips depending on how much you want to emulate Ebeneezer Scrooge but this suggestion is worthy of a second look.

As far as the closest members of your family are concerned, it’s only right that you want to continue giving gifts but for aunts, uncles, cousins etc that you don’t see from one Christmas to the next, is it really worth bothering?

More and more families are setting up reciprocal agreements where they just don’t buy a gift at all. If you feel uncomfortable with this then by all means pass up the suggestion but remember that you don’t have to spend money just because you feel you have to.

  1. Eat out

At first glance, that may be seen as contrary advice for those looking to save money over the festive period but if you’ve ever hosted a large gathering on Christmas day then you’ll understand how expensive the whole business can be.

Unless you’re lucky enough to have friends and relatives who are happy to make a contribution, (assuming of course that you’re happy to accept it), then you will spend a small fortune on the turkey and it’s many trimmings.

As an alternative, suggesting that everyone heads to the nearest pub or restaurant at around £35.00 a head may not be the costly suggestion that it first seems.

  1. Make your own cards

Once again you may or may not be comfortable with this suggestion but if you have excellent craft making skills then why not put them to good use?

Many people are making their own cards at present or as an alternative, why not consider a digital Christmas card that you can send by e-mail to your recipient. Far from being impersonal, you can make it fun and include a warm greeting and best of all, it costs absolutely nothing!

  1. And wrapping paper too…

Gift wrap is another expense that many consider to be unnecessary so have a think about making your own. Off cuts of wallpaper are ideal and they are more sturdy and resistant to tears or prying hands too.

Alternatively, if you do feel the need to spend something then basic gift wrap without an overtly Christmas message may be a little cheaper to buy. However, if you really want to go back to basics then you could always look at buying some plain brown parcel paper from your local stationery store.

  1. Take a Booze Cruise

It’s still a good time to make savings on alcohol and a wide range of Christmas foods simply by taking a quick trip across the channel by ferry or on the Eurostar.

Needless to say, you’ll have to add in the cost of your trip itself and the petrol required to get down to Kent can be a big consideration depending on where you live in the UK.

However, if you’ve got a large party to cater for on Christmas Day or if you’re hosting several events over the festive season then a journey across to France can make perfect sense when you consider the potential savings on beers, wines and spirits in particular.

  1. Get a free letter from Santa

It’s sad to see that there are so many people looking to cash in on one of the most innocent and popular aspects of Christmas.

Some will charge up to ten pounds just to get a text or a letter from Santa but you may not be aware that you can get a reply from Father Christmas himself for the price of a postage stamp.

Simply write to Santa, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, SAN TA1 before the 15th of December each year and you will receive a reply in time for the big day.

  1. Recycle and sell

Christmas is the best time to sell all those unnecessary items that you’ve planning to get rid of all year.

So, before you spend any money you can recycle those old mobile phones, sell your unwanted CDs and DVDs and take the rest of your surplus items to a local car boot sale.

This can certainly be an expensive time of year but by planning ahead and taking some positive steps, you can reduce your Christmas bill quite considerably and if you’re very successful in selling your surplus stuff, you could even turn the festive season into a profit!

Guest post by FinanceChoices.co.uk

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January 23, 2012

Who benefits from clinical grade Omega 3?

 

Thanks to PuraEPA from Mind1st, everyone can finally make use of the most powerful, clinical grade Omega 3 supplement around in order to achieve some positive health benefits. But who stands to gain most from a product of this kind?

Clinical grade Omega 3 fish oil replicates results achieved by the very first set of clinical trials involving this amazing nutrient. Previously, only an inferior grade was possible in the many supplements that can be purchased from your chemist or supermarket and if you’ve had poor results from these in the past then you don’t have to suffer this frustration any longer.

Omega 3 can provide some amazing results in both mind and body but out of the overall population, who has most to gain from the strongest supplement available?

The answer to that puzzle is quite simple because we can all enjoy the amazing therapeutic qualities of Omega 3 from childhood right through every stage of adulthood. No matter what your age, you can only gain from adding PuraEPA into your daily routine.

Studies continually show that our children aren’t getting enough Omega 3 and even if your child is a fan of the mix of foods such as certain types of fish that are rich in this nutrient, you wouldn’t be able to feed them enough to make any real difference. With a lack of Omega 3 however, they can suffer from poor concentration at school and their moods can also be affected.

Until now, you would have to buy an ‘off the shelf’ product and exceed the recommended dose many times over. Clearly this isn’t going to happen but with PuraEPA, dosage is quick and convenient, leaving your child to enjoy their busy day and in time, concentration and mood balance will be restored.

Every adult can benefit from Omega 3 too and it has the potential to deliver some amazing results both mentally and physically. Overall, you should experience great improvements in your immune system and all the associated health benefits that come with it. Blood flow through the body will improve too and you could enjoy positive changes in your skin and hair at the same time.

Internally, your energy levels will be restored and you will just enjoy more ‘get up and go’ as you go about your daily life. In turn, you should also wake feeling more rested and refreshed and ready to tackle anything that the day can throw at you.

If you really want to experience these results then it is imperative that you choose only the strongest supplement around and that means coming to Mind1st. If you’ve used inferior products in the past then we urge you to try our PuraEPA as you will be amazed at what it can do for you.

Remember, Omega 3 is a nutrient for life and not an overnight miracle cure but if you stay patient and follow the recommended dose for a minimum period of three months then you can truly begin to experience these amazing results for yourself.

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January 14, 2012

Tips for Cheaper Self Build Log Cabins

Having a limited budget should not stop you from getting that log cabin that you have always dreamed of. Even if you do not have tons of money in your pocket, you will still be able to get your own cabin with self build log cabins. In fact, self build log cabins have become very popular over the past few years because they definitely make things possible for a lot of people. If you check the internet, you will actually find a lot of success stories from people who did not have a lot of money but were able to build their very own log cabins. When it comes to building cheaper self build log cabins, it is important to note that this does not mean scrimping on materials. It is always crucial to get the best types of materials for your project to guarantee the durability and reliability of your project. You should never sacrifice quality with the price because this definitely has a huge impact in the construction of your log home. To give you an idea on how to save money in your project, here are a few suggestions on how to make a cheaper log cabin project.

 

The design of your log cabin is one of the first few things that you should consider. Before you actually begin your project, you need to find a great design that would match the needs and preferences of your family. Finding a design for your log cabin is actually one aspect wherein you can save a lot of money. Some people might consider hiring the services of architects or other professional contractors just to create their own designs. However, you can simply browse the internet and look for cheap designs online. There are a lot of blog sits and websites that offer a wide range of log cabin designs. Most of these designs are very cheap, and will only cost you a few dollars. Some websites even offer simple and free designs, which will help you save more money in the process. If you have a relatively tight budget, you can always go for simple and basic designs that are relatively cheaper to complete.

 

Another way to save on your log cabin project is to make a few compromises and to keep those finishing touches at a minimum. Making a few compromises means choosing more affordable materials that are equally durable. You can always go with rough-looking timber that can still provide a great and durable structure for your log home. You should also keep those finishing materials to a minimum so as not to eat up a lot of your budget. For instance, if you need to look for additional fixtures, you can always stick with the most basic ones and simply add some more when you already have enough money. And if you have enough time, make sure to shop around for promotions and bargains because you just might find a cheaper but high quality fixture for your log cabin. Just remember to never sacrifice the quality of those materials because you will only end up spending a lot of money on repairs and maintenance procedures.

 

 

 

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January 11, 2012

How to boost your Omega 3 intake

 

Studies have shown that the vast majority of us just aren’t getting enough of Omega 3, a natural nutrient that can boost our immune system and provide us with a whole host of additional health benefits. But how can you boost your Omega 3 intake to a level where you can begin to enjoy all the results that it can provide?

Essentially, to fully appreciate all the therapeutic potential of Omega 3 you will need a powerful dietary supplement but it can help in the first instance to look at your diet and consider introducing foods that can give you an early boost. It’s widely known that certain types of oily fish are rich in this nutrient but Omega 3 can come from a whole host of other regular foods besides.

With regards to fish, some will provide better results than others and with this is mind you could be looking at Mackerel, Tuna, Cod, Snapper and others in order to boost your Omega 3 intake. While we’re not all fans of fish, you could also look at olive oil, flaxseed, walnuts and kidney beans as other natural sources of Omega 3.

As you can see, this is a varied list and it would be difficult to organise a diet plan around such a diverse set of ingredients. In any case, if you did want to have a go at eating fish and walnuts for tea, you would still need to look towards a supplement in order to boost your Omega 3 intake to the required levels.

This is a crucial stage of your plan however, and if you want to experience optimum benefits from this nutrient then you must look for the strongest Omega 3 product on the market. Not all fish oil supplements are the same and the sad fact is, when you buy on the high street chances are that those supplements simply aren’t strong enough.

The key component in the strength of those products is something called EPA, an essential fatty acid that has the potential to deliver all the health benefits that Omega 3 promises. These include a stronger immune system, improved circulation, stronger hair skin and nails and some improvements in your mood and overall energy levels.

With the majority of supplements, EPA is carried to levels of just 12% and this simply isn’t strong enough to deliver sustained results of this kind. Therefore, if you don’t want to risk wasting time and money, you should come to Mind1st, where our PuraEPA capsules contain more EPA than anyone else.

 

 

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December 31, 2011

3 Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes: For the Kid in All of Us

Show your friends and family just how sweet you think they are with easy-to-make homemade Christmas gifts. Wrap them up in adorable little boxes and you’re sure to put a smile on someone’s face. From pretzel bark to peanut-butter fudge, Christmas candy is always a great gift idea. Plus, it’s a lot more enjoyable to make Christmas gifts than to buy them. Let’s have a little fun in the kitchen!

 

1) Salted Chocolate-Covered Caramels

 

Servings: 10

Needed:

1 pkg. (14 oz.) caramel cubes

5 squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

1 Tbsp. sea salt

 

How to Make:

INSERT toothpick into 1 caramel; dip in chocolate, turning until completely coated. Shake gently to remove excess chocolate. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining caramels.

SPRINKLE with salt. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.

 

 

2) Layered Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fudge

 

Servings: 25

Needed:

1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

3/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, chopped

1 pkg. (6 squares) BAKER’S White Chocolate

1/4 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter

 

How to Make:

MICROWAVE semi-sweet chocolate and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in nuts. Spread onto bottom of foil-lined 8-inch square pan.

MICROWAVE white chocolate in separate microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add peanut butter; stir until melted. Spread over semi-sweet chocolate layer.

REFRIGERATE 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares.

 

3) Pretzel Bark

 

Servings: 10

Needed:

1 cup chopped pretzels

1/3 cup chopped toasted PLANTERS Pecans

1-1/2 pkg. (8 squares each) BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

 

How to Make:

STIR pretzels and nuts into chocolate; spread onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.

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December 15, 2011

Choosing contemporary sofas

While the market in traditional sofas remains healthy, innovative design has brought out a vast range of cool contemporary sofas to choose from. With stylish designs on all styles of sofa including corner units and sofa beds there’s never been a better time to add a modern feel to your home.

Choosing the right contemporary sofa is entirely down to the individual but with such an extensive selection on the market, you are certain to find one to fall in love with. However, when you’re looking to buy any item of furniture there are certain aspects that you should always look out for.

Firstly, will the colour match your home? It’s all very well looking online and searching through catalogues but as we all know, you can only really tell if a colour is right for you when you first see the sofa with your own eyes.

If you’d rather be sure that your new contemporary sofa is a match for the décor in your house then you can ask for fabric samples to be sent ahead of making a purchase. The vast majority of online retailers will be only too happy to send these along so don’t be afraid to ask for a range of swatches.

When they arrive, take your time to compare each piece with the style and colour of your room. In a short space of time you are likely to have made the right decision and just by getting these samples through you will have avoided an expensive mistake.

Size is another aspect of contemporary sofas that many consumers take for granted. There is an almost unending range of sizes on offer with modern designs and it’s important not to assume that they will come with the same dimensions as the existing furniture in your home.

So take your measuring tape and determine the dimensions of the space you have reserved for your new sofa. Be sure to leave enough room to walk around unhindered so that you’re not bumping into your sofa or other items of furniture as you pass through the room.

Now you can compare those measurements with the dimensions listed on the retailer’s website in order to ascertain whether there is ample space or not. If you’re happy then you can make a safe and secure purchase online and with fast delivery on offer, you could be enjoying your new sofa very shortly.

As for the style, that’s entirely down to you but the great thing about contemporary sofas is that the options are almost endless. With designs and styles that are so exclusive, you can be certain that any modern sofa you choose will be the focal point for your home and a real conversation piece for your guests.

Such a vast range calls for care and consideration when making your choice and by following this buying guide, you can have your dream sofa delivered to your door, leaving you with a stylish and colourful piece of furniture that will keep you in luxurious comfort for years to come.

 

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November 18, 2011

A beginner’s guide to booking car hire online

If you’re still unsure as to the process of arranging online car hire, you can rest assured that it has never been easier. There are also huge advantages in booking your car rental in this way as you can be certain of getting the best options at the best available price.

Arranging car hire used to be a time consuming business and often you would have to ring round a number of provider’s in order to get the best price. Alternatively, if you simply didn’t have the time to spare, you would be tempted to take the first quote offered and as we all know, chances are this wouldn’t have been the most competitive.

Furthermore, once you’d found a quotation that suited you, the whole deal could be off if you weren’t happy with some of the terms and conditions in the contract. As a result, you would have to start the lengthy process all over again.

When you head online however, it is a fast and easy procedure: You don’t even have to visit all of the individual car hire websites as there are comparison sites that can do all of the work for you. Simply input the city you need to collect the vehicle from, together with the dates of the hire itself and you’ll get a wide range of quotes from all of the major providers.

Naturally you’ll have to advise of any vital information such as motoring convictions and accidents before the quotes are confirmed but you have the essential information from which to make an informed decision.

Not only will you be met with a selection of figures, you can then head over to the individual hirer’s website and check the contract including all of the small print. You can take as much time as you want, in the comfort of your own home, to study all the relevant criteria and only when you are completely happy should you go ahead and arrange the car hire itself.

Be sure that you are happy with the requirements regarding fuel: It’s fairly standard these days for most hirers to provide you with a full tank of petrol and to ask that you return it in the same condition but this is a point that you should check before you sign.

Similarly, check on other aspects such as collision damage waiver and be certain that you are comfortable. Your hirer will doubtless run through all of this before you are given the keys but checking online means you are up to speed on all of the company’s requirements.

Finally, when you are absolutely, 100% certain that this is the right car hire for you, you can book safely and securely with your debit or credit card.

So if you’ve been hesitant about arranging car hire online, there really is no reason why you shouldn’t take the plunge! It’s quick, simple and in no time at all, you can find the vehicle rental that is right for your own individual needs.

 

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