For the Makers subscription would be a great gift for the DIY enthusiast in your life.

An “of-the-month” club membership is a classic gift that has been exchanged between friends and family members for decades. One of these memberships has generally served as a gift when ideas were scarce. Fruit of the Month, Jam of the Month, Wine of the Month – there is certainly something for every foodie! However, “of-the-month” clubs have recently gotten a few fabulous makeovers. No longer are these clubs just for food lovers (although, a chocolate of the month club would make anyone happy)! Beauty and fashion sites have been built with the sole purpose of bringing people great products on a monthly basis, generally at reduced costs. While these make wonderful subscriptions for friends or family, they also make perfect gifts for yourself. Check out the below options, and see if anything appeals to you:

JustFab.com: JustFab.com brings ladies trendy selections of shoes and handbags each and every month for just $39.95. What girl wouldn’t love this? Not only are hundreds of new selections added each month, but they’ve made returns and exchanges a breeze. Since not every pair of shoes fits perfectly, this makes your life a little easier! With a President and Creative Director like Kimora Lee Simmons, we would of course expect nothing less than all the hot stylish options that JustFab.com offers. Style experts such as Jessica Paster, George Kotsiopoulos, and Nina Lenders help curate the looks, and subscribers are left with cute fashionable picks. If you’re tight on cash, JustFab.com allows you to easily skip a month as well.

Beauty Fix: In addition to shoes, women also swoon over beauty products. For those of you who love to try the latest beauty products, Beauty Fix is for you. Instead of a monthly subscription, this is a quarterly option that provides its subscribers the absolute most amazing makeup, skincare, and hair products. For $49.95 (including shipping) each quarter, users pick eight high-end products that they would like to try. Products are generally full size (with travel sizes available), and range from lipstick to high-end hairspray. Since subscribers pick their own products, the savings vary, but users generally save hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of dollars each quarter. If you’d prefer to skip a quarter, you can easily do so as well.

For the Makers: For the DIY divas out there, For the Makers gives you the chance to learn incredible projects each and every month. For $29, subscribers can expect a new box of materials for four DIY projects each month. While most projects consist of fabulous off-the-runway accessories, there are also home and gift projects as well. This is a great idea not just for yourself, but if something you make happens to not fit your style, you’ve got a head start on Christmas, Hanukkah, or birthday shopping. How clever!

Of-the-month clubs are no longer just for those with a discerning taste palette. Brands are tapping into ladies’ heartstrings with options centered around beauty and fashion products, without the need to leave the comfort of their own home. You will start to eagerly anticipate the arrival of your mail each month!

Your dad has been there from the very beginning, give him the gift he deserves.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching.  Are you ready for it?  Year after year, dads everywhere are left with “interesting” ties; things their wives or children think they “should” like, or worse, items their wives and children actually like and will get use out of as well. This year, why not make every effort to keep dad happy, with gifts he actually loves? Get great gift ideas below along with three tips certain to make dad happy!

Best Buy has great electronics and gadgets dad will adore that fit within every budget. Obviously, you can never go wrong with his favorite classic movie or CD. Other great ideas the fit within a lower budget are protective phone cases to help keep his smartphone safe, or even Streaming TV Players.  This easily allows dad to stream his favorite movies from Netflix and many more right to his TV. If dad is into fitness, at a slightly higher price, the Ekho® FiT-19 Heart Rate Monitor keeps track of your fitness activities and is waterproof! Of course, you could also opt for hot new electronics, such as a tablet or Plasma TV.  Best Buy certainly has everything you need to find for any budget to make dad smile.

If you have outdoor DIY fix-up projects, SearsOutlet will not only help you find a great deal, but possibly give you some ideas. Why not fix up his outdoor space with some new patio furniture?  A table and chairs, some cushioned ottomans or even a relaxing hammock for when dad actually has some downtime will certainly be appreciated. Maybe surprise him with a fresh coat of paint or stain applied by you. It’s one more thing he doesn’t feel obligated to do this summer. Instead he can spend that time relaxing with a book or magazine while lounging in that new hammock!

You might not understand it, but many men have an extreme love for their favorite sports teams. Even if they have hundreds of tee shirts or sweatshirts touting their allegiance, they somehow always appreciate more. Whether your dad cheers for the Yankees or the Red Sox, the Pacers or the Heat, a new piece of clothing is certain to make him happy. This Father’s Day there is no need to spend money on a neck tie that you will be politely thanked for. Instead, give him a piece of sports clothing he really wants, like a team sweatshirt or tee shirt.

Whether the above suggestions work for you or not, they are all centered around the following tips:

• Remember that it’s not about you, it’s all about dad!  We can easily start purchasing the newest gadgets and electronics that we love, but be sure to ask yourself, “will dad love it too?”
• Your father will love it if you tackle a project he was otherwise going to have to find time for, such as painting the deck or fixing those old porch steps.
• Even when you don’t understand why he wants more of something, humor him with a shirt from his favorite sports team!

Start shopping now!  We’re confidant the above tips and ideas will help assure a happy Father’s Day in 2013!

Find great summer fashion that fits your sense of style.

Each summer new trends abound and it’s up to us to determine which ones to shop and which ones to avoid.  If you’re currently confused on what to buy and how to wear it, we’ve compiled a few tips that should help. Remember that fashion is ever changing so stay true to your style while experimenting with this season’s trends.

First, ask yourself, “does it fit?”  And this time we’re not referring to the size!  Does the trend and particular piece fit your personal style?  For example, if you tend to dress on the classic or even conservative side, yet are dying to try out one of the new hot cutout dresses we’re currently seeing, try it in small doses.  A leather sheath dress with side waist cutouts might make you feel a bit uneasy, causing you to disregard the trend when it’s really just the particular design.  Instead, look for something more “you.”  An a-line dress with arm or shoulder cutouts allows you to show off the trend while still remaining true to your style.

Next, when you’re first trying out a new trend, unless you are absolutely 100% sure it’s for you, don’t break the bank on it.  There are plenty of sites offering nice, quality pieces that won’t make you feel guilty about your purchases. Fashionesta.com is one such destination.  Maybe you want to don one of the season’s hottest prints, either florals or tribal. Fashionesta.com is the perfect place to attempt a new trend, at extremely affordable prices.

Of course, selecting the right size is critical when wearing a new trend, and sometimes requires a moment of truth.  We all want to be a size 2 or 4, but the reality is, most of us aren’t that tiny. Women are famous for the “one size down trick.”  For example you’re a size 10, but your mind really wants to be a size 8, so you order a smaller size hoping to fit into it.  Sometimes, we can squeeze into the smaller size, but it isn’t becoming to our shapes, and we choose to wear it anyways.  The fact that you know it doesn’t really fit keeps you uncomfortable for the entire day or evening.  Sometimes we purposefully order a size down hoping that serves as motivation to lose 10 pounds.  Most of the time, all we’re left with is a cute unworn dress in our closet.  Be smart and order your actual size!

Lastly, and the biggest tip of all, make sure you’re comfortable in the trend or garment. We should all experiment a little bit with fashion, but not so much that we’re uncomfortable, left trying to hide behind friends when out. Instead, try a trend out minimally. If you like the high-low skirts and dresses, for example, sport one with a smaller gap between the front and the back hems versus a huge length difference.

This summer, test out a new fashion trend you’re completely comfortable with by following the above shopping tips.  You’ll end up with a great new piece you’re certain to wear all summer long!

First, ask yourself what kind of wedding it is?  Formal or informal?  Weddings are no longer always held on Saturday afternoons and as a general rule of thumb, the later the time, the more formal the attire.  For a Friday night wedding, you should likely be more dressed up than for Saturday afternoon nuptials.

Of course, you also have to ask yourself where the wedding is taking place.  A church or an outdoor park?  Maybe even the beach?  Each of those locations should serve as inspiration for the type of dress you purchase.  For a church wedding you may want to be dress a little more conservatively.  Meanwhile, a casual sundress and flat sandals are perfectly appropriate for an outdoor wedding at a park or beach.

Also, keep in mind the personal tastes of the couple, the bride especially.  While she doesn’t have to “approve” of the dress list prior to the big day, you also don’t want to offend her.  If she’s extremely on trend and up on the latest fashions, you can push the envelope a little bit.  Conversely, if she is a little more on the plain side, pick a more simplistic piece.  Remember, it’s her day, you’re just there as a guest!

Keeping all of that in mind, where can you find a dress that embodies everything you’re looking for?  Start at a place you’re sure offers all of the possible styles.  With the huge variety offered there, even if you don’t get the dress from that specific store, it will at the very least, generate some ideas for you.

Besides the specific style of the dress, there are other things to keep in mind as well. For example, you need to be absolutely sure, you’re comfortable in the dress. Don’t just stand in front of the mirror posing, make sure you can sit in it and that it’s not so snug that you can’t eat your cake without trying to hide your gut!  Be absolutely sure as well that you don’t fall in love so much with the style that you put up blinders to how it actually appears on you.  Nothing is worse than seeing someone in a cute dress that doesn’t work for them.  Actually, nothing is worse than being the person in a cute dress that doesn’t work for you!

Finally, make sure to accessorize. This part is easy and can even be done by making an inexpensive purchase online. Comfortable shoes can be a girls best friend at a wedding, and so they are not to be forgotten.

It’s never too early to find the dress perfect for the wedding (or weddings) you’re attending this summer.  By taking all of the above into account, you’re certain to find the dress best suited for you!

Online shopping has gotten a whole lot easier!

Maybe it’s the fact that everything seems to be new all around us.  Or possibly it’s because bright colors are once again happily abounding.  Whatever the reason, there’s something about spring that makes us want to shop, even more than normal.  And if you don’t want to break the bank or spend an entire paycheck, there are ways to save a few bucks on the items you are wanting.  If you intend on spending anyways, shopping online is a great way to save dough, and if you’ve been good and set a budget, that extra dough can net you a few more items.

How exactly can you save online versus going to the store itself?  First and foremost, you’re saving not just your time, but on the gas it actually takes to get to the physical location.  Let’s say you’re in the market for some of the season’s hottest electronics.  You of course will no-doubt be thinking about a trip to Best Buy.  Many of you might not have a Best Buy in your town, or even your neighboring town.  Even if Best Buy is a short distance from your home and only a few miles away, there’s also the waiting in traffic and waiting for every light to turn and waiting for a parking spot and waiting for assistance and waiting in line.  You get the picture.  A “quick” trip is a gas and time waster where as an online purchase can be done in minutes.

Do you also know that online shopping usually means a tax savings?  That’s right, unless you live in the same state as the store headquarters, you won’t pay sales tax on your purchase.  So, let’s say you’re in the market for a fabulous new dress for an upcoming event.  You head to bebe where the dress of your dreams awaits you.  Although sales tax varies from state to state, if you purchase a $100 dress online versus in the store itself, you would generally be saving between $4 and $9.  Watch for shipping charges, but anymore, most stores are now offering free shipping.  Another benefit to purchasing online is the fact that if you’re not happy with your purchase after receiving it, many sites even offer free shipping and returns back to where your item came from!

Saving online doesn’t stop with just time, gas and taxes.  Before you purchase anything, be sure to look online for coupon codes, which are abounding.  Sometimes they’re listed on the store website.  Other times they can be found on niche coupon sites.  Sometimes stores will even team up with influential bloggers to create custom coupon codes.  Regardless of where you find them, coupon codes are readily available for your use with just a little bit of searching.

Online shopping can prove to be a huge time and money saver.  With so many stores and sites offering great online deals as well as free shipping and plenty of reviews, you can stretch your dollar to its fullest capacities!

Don't forget these shopping tips.

No matter what day it is, girls are always in the mood to go shopping.  Whether you have a set item in mind, or you’re just in the mood to browse, here are some tips to remember when you’re shopping for clothing.

Now depending on what clothing shops you frequent the most, there are almost always coupons that can be found and used to save you money.  Before you head out, make sure to check the internet, the stores website, or even download their app on your smart phone (if they have one), to make sure that you get any coupons that they might offer.

Always make sure you know the return policy for some stores – they vary, and many time Sale items cannot be returned.  Make sure you’re aware of this when you purchase something.

Depending on what you’ve set out to buy, it’s always good to look for deals on other things that you might need in the future.  Sales on things like plain t-shirts and skinny jeans are a deal, so make sure you take advantage of them.

Also be sure that when you’re shopping for clothing, that you keep in mind that sizes are different depending on the store.  Some stores use European measurements to size their clothing, but many stores make their clothes differently, so be opened minded about the change in sizes.

Always remember that you wear the clothes!  They don’t wear you.  If something doesn’t fit or doesn’t look right, put it down and move on.

But make sure that when you’re shopping, to be weary of ‘shopper’s remorse’.  If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.   But if you love it and have to have it, now that’s a different story.  There is nothing wrong with leaving a store empty handed – it just lets you save your money for something better that might come along.

While fresh veggies are better, consider buying frozen veggies instead. They keep for much longer, you can defrost them pretty easily, and they cost much less than the fresh stuff. Minimize your trips to the store and your costs by always saving leftovers – you can bring them back to life for lunch or dinner the next day! Try to save with coupons on different products, and cut your costs even more. If you’re really looking to save money, don’t buy expensive juices and sodas – just drink tap water. Although that sounds boring, it will add up to a ton of saved money in the long run. In addition, it’ll save you calories! Also, if you have children, it might be wise to not have them accompany you on your grocery shopping excursion. Chances are that they’ll see things that they really want, and pester you the whole time to stray away from your shopping list or budget.

Shopping for groceries doesn’t have to be a huge drain on your wallet! Take these tips with you next time you hit the aisles, and save yourself some money.

Whatever your taste when it comes to bikes and gear, RevZilla is a site you should not pass up. Street biking, Adventure/touring cycling, or offroading, you can find the very best in gear and bike parts with RevZilla. That’s just their mission: to be able to provide the best and highest-quality products for motorcycle enthusiasts online. For a guy like me, this was a lifesaver.  It’s not just that they have things like helmets, apparel, accessories, etc. It’s the fact that they have a HUGE selection and make your shopping experience agreeable and easy. Take motorcycle jackets as an example. Not only do they have a great selection of traditional leather jackets, but they’ve also got a killer inventory of textile and mesh-fabric models as well. When you shop with RevZilla, any order over $39.99 gets free shipping, and you can bet that purchase is handled with care and given great attention – it’s what they do.  Those jackets will get to you quick and in great condition.

There’s obviously a lot more to their inventory – custom gear, helmet designs, boots, etc. – but there’s a lot more than just solid selection to this site. A thing that they do that really makes a difference for me (stuck way out in the boonies, might I remind you) is their video reviews of products:  HD spots a few minutes long that give me the lowdown on products and models that I can’t test out firsthand. It’s the kind of dedication that only RevZilla has, a site for bikers by bikers.

There’s a lot more, too –  TeamZilla Cash Back, Price Match Guarantee and RevZilla coupons, and other things that make the website a legitimate business and not just an enthusiast blog. But by now you should already know that this is the site for you if you’re a biker, no matter what your location.  Hit the site and see for yourself the selection of brands and materials they have, and even if you don’t end up staying on for a membership, at least give the site a tour. It’s a well-built machine, and any biker knows that’s worth checking out.

Visit RevZilla today!

I never realized what a hassle my country lifestyle could be until it came time to buy a new pair of eyeglasses. I had owned the same pair for years, until one morning I accidentally sat down on them and they snapped clean in half! It was then that I realized I hadn’t the slightest idea of where to go for a new pair of lens. With my blurry vision, I opened up my laptop and did a quick internet search to realize the closest store was an hour away! Unfortunately, I just don’t have that kind of time. However, my search did led me to ZenniOptical.com, which would soon turn into my solution for finding a great new pair of glasses.

I was thrilled to see that I could buy prescription eyeglasses from $6.95 – I’ve never been a big spender, so this sounded great to me! In addition, they had a great selection of different colors and style that I could choose from. I really don’t like anything too elaborate, but I was able to pick out a pair in a style that fit my personality. ZenniOptical.com also sells polarized clip-on shades, that can turn any glasses into a pair of perfectly functional sunglasses. I was thrilled! I often find myself needing to wear sunglasses, but I can’t take off my regular glasses to put them on. However, ZenniOptical.com’s sunshade frames easily solved my problems.

After getting everything I needed, I checked out and used a ZenniOptical.com coupon to make things even more affordable. Within 15 minutes, I was completely done! All there was left to do was to wait the 7-14 business days it would take for my order to arrive. I was completely satisfied with my shopping experience at ZenniOptical.com, and I know you will be too.

Check out ZenniOptical.com today!

Shopping for anything always seem to be an elaborate task. Never mind shopping for cosmetics- that’s an adventure within itself. There are countless websites that boast the best beauty products, but none seem to compare to LUSH.

While many online beauty stores claim to have the greatest market of products, none seem to offer products made from fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, as well as the finest oils like LUSH does.

Just as the name states, all of LUSH’s products are just that- LUSH. LUSH offers a wide variety of products, including bubble bars, bath melts, shower gels and soap, shampoos and conditioners, hair treatments and styling gels, face cleansers, toners, perfumes, and body lotions. Not to mention all of the gifts that LUSH offers in their exclusive gift collection. LUSH can gift wrap any product and their boxes and wrappings are 100% recycled. They have pre-made wrapped gifts that you can order, that range in price and occasion, from birthdays, to weddings, to other celebrations. Each wrapped gift helps to say “thank you”, “Happy Birthday!”, or “I love you”, and comes with their best selling bath bombs, bubble bars, or other best selling products.

LUSH invents their own products and fragrances and only believes in buying ingredients from companies that do not commission tests on animals. They make each product by hand with little to no preservative or packing. They only use vegetarian ingredients and tell you in detail how each product was made.

LUSH has one of the best customer services in the beauty industry. Their website covers any basic questions you might have, but their staff is knowledgeable and friendly and know everything there is to know about organic cosmetics.

Not only is LUSH dedicated to making and producing the best organic cosmetics on the market, they are also dedicated to stop animal testing and are dedicated to promoting cruelty-free cosmetics. They are firmly committed to their policy that inhibits testing their products and ingredients on animals.

If you’re looking to get exclusive offers, product announcements, LUSH coupons, event information, and helpful skincare and haircare advice, LUSH offers a monthly, emailed newsletter. You can also sign up for their printed catalog, which is mailed exclusively to their subscribers. It is sent out every couple of months and each edition is full of the latest and greatest news about any and everything LUSH. The catalog is a great way to stay updated on the new products that LUSH comes out with regularly.

LUSH also offers gift cards, which are the perfect gift for anyone, ranging in denominations from $5 to $500. These gift cards can be redeemed online, by phone, or in any of their retail stores in North America. LUSH offers online promotions and promotional codes, too, that help to give you the best discounts on the items that you are purchasing.

Everyone wants to live a lush lifestyle, so make your cosmetics collection a little more extravagant and choose LUSH.

Shop LUSH now for the best organic cosmetics!