Shopping Tips and Guides

When you think of your favorite accessories, the items you reach for again and again, what words come to mind? Easy, convenient and portable, to name a few. When shopping for accessories for day to day use, special events, or business travel, several key factors stand out. Keep some of these points in mind to help you identify accessories that will make your life easier.

* Easy: Ease of use is a top trait in everyone’s favorite, go-to accessories. Whether it is a wallet with just the right number of slots, a purse with pockets in just the right places, or a smartphone case that doubles as an ID holder, the right accessories make your life easier. If you are a smokeless tobacco user, a portable spittoon that can be open and shut with one hand makes it easy to enjoy smokeless tobacco on the go. The portable spittoon from Atlanta-based FLASR features a one-hand operational design for ease of use.

* Convenient: Everyone wants accessories that are convenient. Smokeless tobacco users seeking a convenient spittoon for on-the-go use will appreciate the latest product from FLASR. The 4-ounce portable spittoon is designed to stay securely shut to minimize the risk of spills and leaks when not in use, and the one-hand open/close feature is engineered to help maximize convenience and discreet use on-the-go.

* Portable: The right accessories should enhance your social life, not hinder it. Nothing gets in the way on a date, or at a party or other event like a poorly designed purse that falls open, a wallet that won’t close or a smartphone case that’s bulky. For smokeless tobacco users, portability is paramount if they want to have a subtle spittoon on hand in order to enjoy dip, chew or snuff at an event away from home. FLASR’s single-hand design and 4-ounce size is designed to fit in a pocket for easy, subtle storage that doesn’t attract attention.

* Personal: Of course, the best accessories are the ones that let you show some personal style, such as that unique handcrafted handbag or customized smartphone case. Smokeless tobacco users seeking a portable spittoon have a choice of several designs in the FLASR collection. For more information about the FLASR line of products, visit www.flasr.com.

Many men don’t spend a lot of time shopping to begin with, but in a tough economy, purchasing new clothes is even more likely to go by the wayside. When everything in the closet seems to be worn out, outdated or ill-fitting, the dread begins as it’s time to head to the store.

For these men, it’s not about fashion, but instead about finding an affordable price point for durable and comfortable clothes. If this sounds all too familiar, read on for shopping smart tips to make the process bearable.

Shop with ease: Find clothes where you are already shopping. You can find long-trusted brands offering top-quality clothing at the mass-market stores where you’re already shopping. Next time you make a trip to Wal-Mart, take a quick look at the men’s apparel section, and you’ll be surprised at what you see. Brands like Wrangler, for example, offer a variety of styles, all with a full warranty for a year, so you know what you get is worth the purchase. And one-stop shopping makes clothes-buying easier for even the most time-strapped consumers.

Shop necessity: Choose comfort and durability over flash and trends. Make sure anything you buy is made with premium fabrics and constructed to keep its shape. Higher-quality apparel lasts the longest, so you get the most for your money. When you find a quality brand, choose from any of its fits and finishes to get the style that works for you. Remember that traditional styles that fit well will always be in fashion.

Shop value: Look for the best deal. There’s no need to pay designer prices when you can buy what you want and need for a fraction of the cost. Wrangler clothing is priced right at less than $20 for jeans, pants, shorts and shirts at value-minded retailers nationwide. When you combine the price with the 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, you know you can count on Wrangler for quality, comfort and value.

For more information on smart shopping tips for men’s apparel, visit www.wrangler.com.

Americans will spend, on average, seven years of their lives in the bathroom. That’s way too much time to be dealing with a plunger.

“Today’s toilets virtually eliminate clogging,” says James Walsh, chinaware director for American Standard. “There are toilets that have been independently rated to flush 1,000 grams of solids with a single flush. That’s almost two and half pounds!”

Here’s how to find the finest in flushers:

1. Check the test scores. The Maximum Performance (MaP) Test is an independent report that tests how many grams of solids can be cleanly eliminated on a single flush. Developed by John Koehler and Veritec Consulting, the latest report is available for free at www.veritec.ca. Other independent flush test results are available from consumer ratings magazines.

2. Look for the widest trapway. Most toilets have a two-inch wide waterway snaking out the back of the bowl. The narrow trapway enhances the strength of the siphon, which is the pull-action that draws waste and water out of the bowl. While the difference between a two-inch and a two-and-three-eighths-inch trapway doesn’t sound like much, the additional width can handle 70 percent more mass.

3. Seek out power from above. Today’s top flushers harness bowl-cleaning energy when the water enters the bowl, not as it exits through the trapway. The top-rated Champion 4 toilet from American Standard has the widest opening between the tank and bowl at four inches. A patented, funnel-shaped flush valve accelerates the water as it leaves the tank.

4. Give peace and quiet a chance. Pressure-assisted toilets prevent clogging, but flush loudly. Gravity-fed toilets have a quieter flush, and the top performers are actually the quietest. The re-engineered waterways reduce water turbulence.

5. Look for fully-glazed waterways, because the porcelain glaze impedes sticking. Double-glazing that incorporates anti-microbial elements provides nano-level smoothness, and the added benefit of inhibiting stains and odors.

High-performance toilets are available from lower price points on up to high fashion styles, so there’s no reason not to toss your plunger. After all, it’s seven years.

Looking for a quick and easy way to freshen up your living room? Look no further than your sofa. A change of upholstery, especially a custom design, can change the look and feel of your room without a complex renovation.

Today’s sofa styles range from sleek and modern to traditional and timeless with a range of details like tufting and nailheads, shown in ready-to-ship fabrics, or you can pick from an expanded collection of fabric or leather to suit your style and budget.

When picking out your new sofa and giving it your own personal touch with a range of custom options, keep these design tips in mind:

* Fabric: There are so many pattern and texture options.
How do you decide between a menswear stripe, graphic floral, luxe leather or solid chenille? Gary Babcock, with Arhaus, a home furnishings store, says to look in your closet for guidance. “What color do you wear more? What’s your favorite pattern? Your home is like your wardrobe and you need to look good in it.”

* Tufting: It’s trending and so much so that entire sofas are tufted. But it does come in various degrees. The deeper the tuft, the more dramatic and glamorous the sofa, while a more subtle tuft with simple button detail is more conservative, contemporary and more suited for the minimalist.

* Frame: Rather than concealing the frame in the construction process, designers are exposing it, giving the wood timeworn details and a beautiful finish. Adding an architectural element to the piece, an exposed frame brings another level of style to your space particularly if it’s an open floor plan.

* Finish: The finish of the sofa frame, if exposed, and legs comprise another opportunity to showcase your individual style. With retailers like Arhaus, you have your choice of many finishes, ranging from a rich walnut to weathered barnwood.

* Finale: If an option, don’t overlook the nailhead detail-the finale to your sofa design. Use nailheads to accent a unique feature of the sofa such as a rolled arm or seatback. But be sure to browse the range of sizes and finishes, including old gold, stainless steel, pewter and gunmetal. Designers can further customize the look of your sofa by changing the spacing between each nailheads.

Home furnishings stores such as Arhaus offer a range of sofa styles, as well as complimentary design services to help you create a one-of-a-kind item. In-stock pieces can be delivered in two to four weeks, and custom pieces can be expected in 10 to 12.

For more information and design ideas, visit www.arhaus.com.

When shopping for shoes, there are many great places to look for bargains. There are outlet stores in the United States for all the well known brands from Nike to Birkenstocks. But where to go when a woman wants just great selection of truly unique shoe shops and the joy of shopping for shoes. Of course Milan springs to mind and in the United States, Fifth Avenue in NEW York and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles spring to mind. But Paris may still offer the ultimate shoe shopping experience.

Shopping is an art in Paris and shoe shops are everywhere, on every Rue, and every Boulevard. Parisians are fashion conscious people who dont shy away from walking blocks to a favorite bistro or caf. Shoes and fashion are equally important to them.

There is one entire street in Paris, the Rue Meslay that is devoted to shoe shops, nearly forty shops specializing in shoes for men, women and children and all styles. Of course there are a few bistros and some shops that specialize in costume jewellery, an over flow from the real heartland of costume jewellery, the Rue de Archives. Some of these shoe purveyors are not for retail and sell only wholesale, but the majority are open to the public. The Rue Meslay runs for over a kilometre through the third arrondisement, from the edge of the Marais and ends at the sketchy Blvd. St. Denis metro station. His area is one of the red light districts of Paris and you may be approached by one of the many ladies on the street that have more than shoe shopping on their minds, just at the moment at least. And, yes indeed, women do proposition other women in this city and these modern times.

Of all the great shoe shopping areas in Paris, including the area around the Madeline monument, probably the foremost is the roughly triangular shaped area of Saint Gemain de Pres that stretches from the Rue du Cherche Midi across the Boulevard Rennes down the Rue du Dragon and ending at the Boulevard Raspail. This is a virtual Bermuda Triangle of shoe shopping that, upon entry, the shoe shopper may not be glimpsed again until the expiration date on her credit card. Bridging the corner of the Rue Cherche Midi and the Blvd Rennes is the flagship store of Camper. These colorful, iconoclastic designs are the embodiment of offbeat city chic, natural fabrics, and comfort.

Across the street on the corner of the RUE Dragon are several more shoe stores, on of which, Mephisto offers high style and comfort, as does Arche, a prototypic example of Parisian shoe design. Next door is a moderately priced shoe store, Anouk that has high styled shoes at affordable prices and great sale. Mosquito, another shoe shop that specializes in unique and often offbeat styles is nearby.

The consumer has access a shoe shopping experience par excellence. What a great way to take a break from all those wonderful museums than to re-enter them in a new pair of comfy shoes?

Whether you’re shopping for a casual get together or stocking your home bar, your goal on the liquor aisle is usually the same: Find quality alcohol at a price that won’t break the bank.

To cut down your stress, look to the label for peace of mind when considering the quality level of spirits that fit your budget. Fancy packaging aside, the content provided on the label can be your best indication of the quality you can expect in the bottle.

Here are some tips to keep handy when navigating the booze aisle:

Tequila: The most important quality cue to look for when purchasing tequila is “100 percent agave tequila” on the label.

That’s your guarantee the tequila you are drinking is made from 100 percent pure agave with no additives, added flavor or color. Tequila labeled “Oro,” “Joven” or “Gold,” by comparison, indicates designation as a mixto; a lesser-quality tequila made with equal parts agave and cane sugar distillates that can often lead to hangovers.

There are a handful of quality, affordable 100 percent agave tequilas on the market today that sell for $20 or less. Look for Familia Camarena Tequila (www.tequilacamarena.com), a widely available, popular-priced tequila produced by the respected Camarena family of Mexico. With tequila industry experience spanning six generations, Familia Camarena makes both 100 percent agave silver tequila (unaged) and reposado tequila (slightly aged) delicious for sipping or mixing.

Vodka: Stay away from vodka made from corn and other cheap sources of starch, which often can taste harsh. Stick with vodkas made from pure, high-quality ingredients like potato, rye or wheat.
A great way to find affordable, high-quality vodka is to look for American-made vodka, which is often less expensive than higher-priced imports. Watch out for Blue Ice Vodka, a reliable and budget-friendly American potato vodka.
Whiskey: Remember that scotch, Irish whiskey and bourbon are all classified within the whiskey family, and all have great opportunities for budget-friendly bottlings.

Buy bottles at the lowest proof, or 80-proof (40 percent alcohol by volume). Distilleries often charge more for a higher proof, which can go as high as 160. Lower-proof bottles tend to be lighter and smoother in taste.
Instead of expensive single malts, pay attention to more economical blended whiskies, which blend malt whiskey with less-expensive neutral grain spirits. For superior-quality blended whiskies, look for those with a malt percentage that exceeds the grain percentage.

When the economy nosedived, and companies had reason to be scared, a few businesses got resourceful.

Low incomes and record job losses pushed consumers toward trends like buying in bulk and using group discount websites. And where there was demand, supply soon followed.

In came the success of wholesalers like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s. But warehouse clubs weren’t the only stores seeing growth in bulk sales. Farmers markets, co-ops and natural food stores observed more supersized shopping. Whole Foods said bulk food purchases were growing by approximately 25 percent every year.

That wasn’t the only buying trend to emerge, however.

“The Groupon following led to an explosion of similar sites, like LivingSocial and Dealfind, not to mention all of the city-specific ones,” says Joe Kalfa, the leader of a new movement of group buying called All Our Power.

“You can buy virtually any commodity in bulk and get all kinds of group discounts on spas, restaurants and vacations galore, but what about monthly expenses like car insurance, gas and health care? It seems to me like there’s room for some improvement,” adds Kalfa.

Well, maybe there is.

According to Time magazine’s Moneyland, warehouse club members can save 25 to 35 percent on their food budget. Shoppers who forego packaging altogether and buy food from bins or dispensers save anywhere from 30 to 90 percent over prepackaged products.

Imagine those types of savings applied to insurance policies, gas prices, medical bills, cell phone plans and more.

All Our Power, which seeks to rally 10 million members and secure membership discounts from all kinds of service providers and retailers, could be the next group-buying trend to take flight.

A buzz has already formed around the young movement as consumers worldwide realize the potential benefits of a free membership with access to serious negotiating power.

Are you tired of paying too much for car insurance or gas? You’re not the only one. Sign up and learn more about your buying power at www.allourpower.com. Or, see what others are saying on Twitter @allourpower.

As spring blooms, it may be a great chance to escape with the family for an extended weekend getaway. Whether you’re visiting relatives for the Easter holiday or taking advantage of the kids’ break from school, spring travel is a great way to celebrate the start of warm weather. But depending on schedules and budgets, spring vacations aren’t always very affordable. Save your money for fun events and shopping excursions, not logistics and hotels.

As CEO of CheapAir.com Jeff Klee pointed out, college students flock to the majority of ideal beach destinations, causing airfare spikes and overcrowding. If your heart isn’t set on the ocean, Klee advises travelers to consider exciting urban cities like Chicago, or, go rural and relax in a country setting.

Both Valley Forge National Historical Park and the King of Prussia Mall are among the most popular travel destinations in Montgomery County, Penn.; the former as a pivotal site in the Revolutionary War, and the latter as a shopping mecca. The rural area also offers plenty of family fun.

Once you’ve had your fill of history lessons and sales tags, visit these lesser-known but equally worthy alternatives.

* The John James Audubon Center celebrates artist John James Audubon, preserving his first U.S. home and highlighting its role in his formation as a naturalist.

* Bits of the 18th century live on at Peter Wentz Farmstead, Pottsgrove Manor and Pennypacker Mills. Learn the long-lost arts of weaving, sheep-shearing and hay-mowing through hands-on demonstrations.

* The Stoogeum — the world’s only museum dedicated to the Three Stooges — has three floors of memorabilia and a theatre featuring short films.

* The Wharton Esherick Studio Museum is nestled in the woods like a storybook cottage, an apt setting for a craftsman-artist who combined whimsy and practicality. Climbing Esherick’s hand-carved spiral staircase is a highlight: The banister is made from a mastodon tusk.

* The American Treasure Tour is your grandma’s attic on steroids. The collection of musical instruments, store animations, signage, album sleeves, movie posters and classic automobiles is so extensive that you ride in a tram to see it.

* The castle-like Glencairn Museum evokes the age of chivalry, knights and fair ladies. Its 90 rooms hold spiritually inspired artwork from throughout the ages.

If these activities sound too sedate, some adrenaline-pumping alternatives are right around the corner. Spring Mountain Adventures has year-round thrills like skiing, zip-lining, mountain biking and geocaching. Find more spring travel ideas at www.valleyforge.org.