Shopping Tips and Guides

Most women, although not all, love shopping. I’d be lying if I did not place myself in the category of women who love almost nothing more than a great day or two of shopping. There are too many great things about shopping for me to ever stop liking it so much.

For me, one of the biggest reasons I love shopping is because of how relaxing it is. We all know how busy days become busy weeks that become busy months, and once in a while I like to get away from it all by spending an afternoon shopping. Shopping allows me to unwind and to take my mind off all of the more serious things that are happening in life. I can just wander through stores and think about the color of shirt or shoes I am looking for. Of course, living in this sort of dream world would not be healthy all of the time, but once in a while I think it is healthy to escape. Shopping is definitely my preferred method of escape.

Another thing I love about shopping is that it is exciting almost all of the time. I can set out on a shopping trip with one item in mind and end up discovering several other items that I hadn’t thought to buy before. I rarely if ever wander into a store without being pleasantly surprised by at least one item that they have for sale. Shopping is as exciting for me as watching basketball is to my husband. I just cannot get enough of it.

Shopping is a great way for me to connect with friends that I do not often see. Because all of my girlfriends have a love for shopping in common, shopping becomes a great way for us to spend some time together after weeks or months apart. I love that I can go shopping for endless hours with my girlfriends without getting bored. It is fun to shop with people that have unique tastes. I find myself learning from the style of my friends and I gather new ideas for future shopping every time I am with them. Shopping provides us with enough time to share great conversation as well. We never let shopping rush us or distract us from being together, we just shop as we reconnect.

And of course, I must mention that I love shopping because I find great things to wear, to give away, and to decorate my home with whenever I shop. I love to replace old things with new things and to update my style every so often.

It’s official: I, like most women, love shopping. I’m quite sure that it will never be any other way.

France offers you an enormous choice of goods, but the quintessential French purchase is clothing, especially designer fashions. If you’re on a budget, window shop at the great fashion houses to get a feel of what you want. Then head for the markets and budget shops to do your actual shopping.

Shopping In Paris

Paris is divided into quarters or arrondissements, each with its own shopping opportunities. Marais is the place for elegance, St-Germain for international fashion brands and Montmartre is dripping with romance.

Paris is of course home to the large French department stores, les grands magasins such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps and you can spend whole days browsing them. But the sheer joy of shopping in Paris comes from visiting the galleries or passages, the 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades that just ooze charm and transform rainy days into shopping adventures.

Bear in mind that most stores in Paris close on Sundays which gives you the opportunity to explore one of the citys many flea markets.

Shopping In Bordeaux

Few people outside Europe realise what a shopper’s paradise Bordeaux truly is. There are some of the world’s most popular brand names on parade here: Cartier, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Christian Lacroix, Rolex and Tartine et Chocolat.

The pinnacle of shopping in Bordeaux is the Golden Triangle of the Alles de Tourny, the Cours de l’Intendance and the Cours Clemenceau. This triangle contains the Place des Grands-Hommes, home to the city’s most prestigious shops vending everything from foodstuffs the latest fashions.

You don’t have to shell out your last dollar on upscale designer shops, however. There are plenty of cheaper French chain stores here for you to choose from along with countless locally-owned boutiques where you can get something special at a reasonable price.

And of course don’t forget the wine. The whole Bordeaux region offer their local vintages for sale by the case and at very favorable prices.

Few people give shopping the same energy, enthusiasm and thought as the French. Whether it’s a trip to the market for lunch ingredients or to an elegant boutique for a new evening gown, they give it their all. For you to truly enjoy the French shopping scene have to do the same.

France is home to a multitude of grand department stores, chain stores, small boutiques and flea markets. But a new concept in French shopping is the parapharmacie. It’s a mixture of chemist shop, health-care store, and beauty product vendor. Factory outlets are also becoming very popular selling off discounted items in boutique-like shops.

Shopping In Paris

It’s easy to spend all your time in Paris browsing at the boutiques and chain stores but for a real Paris shopping experience, you really have to head to the flea markets of which Paris has three. The former haven of gypsies and hustlers, Paris’s flea markets of Paris are visited by everyone in search of a bargain and a lucky find.

The flea market at Porte de Montreuil is one of the cheaper ones. It specialises in old garments, furniture and other household objects. Porte de Vanves flea market sells a bit of everything. The flea market at Saint-Ouen / Porte de Clignancourt is the most celebrated and is often just referred to as the Paris Flea Market. This is the best place to buy antiques. It’s location in a low-rent area so costs are low. Plus it’s a cash only business. This makes it a great place to pick up a bargain but you really need to know what you’re doing.

Flea markets are best visited in the morning when they’re quieter and have more goods available.

Shopping In Nice

Nice is a haven for the jet set and the well-heeled tourist, and the shops, boutiques and markets are ready to cater for them.

The heart of chic shopping in Nice is rue Paradis is a pedestrianised road running north-south linking Place Magenta with Avenue de Verdun. All the luxury designer and jewellery shops are located here making it a window shoppers’ paradise.

For a more relaxed outdoor shopping atmosphere head for the Cours Soleya market in the old town of Nice. This colourful pedestrian district is a favourite meeting place for locals. The streets are lined with stalls and terraced cafes and restaurants. Tuesday to Sunday sees the flower market and fruit and vegetable market, and there’s an antiques fair on Mondays. On summer evenings there’s a nightly arts and crafts market catering mainly for tourists.

Other markets worth visiting in Nice include the March aux Fleurs flower market and March la Brocante, the main flea market. Another flea market at place Robilante on the port opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

Christmas can be a pretty stressful time as we are all rushing around trying to make sure we have everything in hand for when the great occasion arrives. Now though with the aid of the internet the chore of buying all those Christmas gifts for your loved ones can be done with both speed,ease and sometimes at a fraction of the cost.

Before we would simply walk into a store and match a product to whoever we were buying it for. Now with the help of the internet we can within minutes track down the product that we “know” a person will want and in theory our shopping time should be shortened and the end result should be a present that is truly wanted and received with great joy. The other benefit of Christmas gift shopping via the internet is the fact that we can easily and swiftly compare the different prices that the various vendors have on their websites. It is not unheard of to find a price difference of up to fifty percent so do not be rushed into buying the very first product your eyes lay focus on as you could surely be paying a far lower price elsewhere.

The trick with all internet shopping and one that many folk forget is “save that site to your favorites” , This single action alone can save you a fortune. How many times on the past have you found a product or service never to see it again? why? simply because you visited a few different websites and could not remember how you found the item/product in the first place. Christmas gift shopping entails visiting far more sites than usual so simply create a new folder in your “favorites” folder and add the sites as you go.

Another advantage of this is that if you do this well before Christmas you can even line up a variety of different Christmas gifts in order that when you do decide to buy you will not be stuck for choice. You will not believe how easy this can make your online Christmas shopping experience and no longer will you dread the Christmas gift hunting season as it approaches.

In addition to using your “favorites” folder as your secret Christmas shopping weapon the next tip is this. Start your online information gathering as early as you think you can handle. Start in October and build up a list of different gift options, Work on one person at a time and if possible even sound them out regarding what it is that they might wish Santa to bring them for the jolly old Christmas occasion.

Also remember this. At this time of year there are so many stores and businesses fighting for your custom that bargains will be plentiful and the need to buy the very first time you see a target item should be absolutely the last thing on your mind.

remember these key points and you won’t go far wrong.

Start as early as possible.

Use your favorites to store website and product details.

Sound your friends and relatives out to see just what they would wish for at Christmas.

Do not buy from the very first website you visit, Shop around.

With all this information your Christmas chores should be far easier than once they were and the presents you buy will be more gratefully received.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new year….. I think I hear sleigh bells.

We’re not talking anything as gauche as pretending you’ll be out of town so you can buy everyone’s presents at after-Christmas sales. No, we’re talking ways to get more bang out of the bucks you do spend on holiday-related items. With the National Retail Federation reporting that the average shopper will spend nearly $750 on holiday-related items, every little bit of saving can help.

Here are some ideas you may not have thought of:

* Download retailers’ discount apps/newsletters. Many retailers now offer special mobile apps that you can download for exclusive discounts and offers on not only specific items, but even your entire purchase. Others have free email newsletters that send weekly digital coupons you can use. And since they’re on your mobile phone, you don’t need to bring in flyers or coupons!

* Sell or trade in your old electronics and video games. You’re sitting on found money if you have some unloved gadget collecting dust in a drawer. A website like BuyMyTronics.com will pay you via PayPal or check for products as old as a clunky Sidekick, while the retail giant GameStop (www.gamestop.com) gives you cold, hard cash or trade-in credits for video games and systems, as well as iPods, iPads and iPhones you or someone else on your list has been asking for.

* Build Gift Baskets. When even the wealthy “have fewer qualms” about shopping at discount stores, as CNN Money recently noted, maybe it’s time to hit the racks and create a beauty case filled with body butter, oils and a thick loofa. The custom touch will go a long way, as will the extra savings.

* Take advantage of exclusive deals for gamers. Continuing the trade-in theme, GameStop has a special deal going that lets you score any new $59.99 video game — yes, that includes the latest “Call of Duty: Ghosts” — for just $9.99 by swapping two eligible ones you’ve probably already beaten like, well… “Call of Duty: Black Ops II.” Check out www.gamestop.com/trade2 for details.

“We believe in giving gamers the opportunity to expand their entertainment experiences,” says Ashley Sheetz, the company’s chief marketing officer.

With Black Friday behind us and the December gift-giving season at its height, shopping gets pretty extreme in these parts. Whether you’re fixated on fashion or seek bargains and basics, you’ll find it all in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pa.

Attracting 4 million visitors in November and December alone, the King of Prussia Mall boasts more than 400 luxury retailers. Having a tough time deciding? Make an appointment with the mall-wide personal shopper, putting a sharp-eyed style maven at your side.

Bargain hunters are in luck at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, where discounts are steep. This Neoclassic architecturally themed outdoor village creates an inviting setting for a full day of shopping.

The Plymouth Meeting Mall now features not only all major retail brands but also a 65,000 sq. ft. Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods. Need some downtime? Lose yourself in the white noise of the peaceful circular fountain.

Montgomery Mall features four major department stores and 150 specialty shops. For something truly unique, check out the home décor gift ideas the Montgomery Art Expo on the lower level.

Willow Grove Park Mall arose from the site of a well-loved 19th-century amusement park. If your little ones get antsy waiting for Santa pictures, take them for a ride on the carousel, reminiscent of one manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in the 1800s.

The shops at Suburban Square, Ardmore, combine open-air quaintness with the upscale feel of the Main Line. The attached farmer’s market eases the art of entertaining, with its meats, sweets, cheeses, produce and even a spray of seasonal flowers to complete a festive table.

For gifts of a truly unique nature, the selection at Skippack Village cannot be beat. Miss Riddle’s Candy Shop, for example, offers an impressive array of retro candy, the perfect stocking fillers for fans of vintage goodies.

For even more places to shop ’til you drop in Montgomery County and its environs this holiday season, and great places to stay while doing so, visit www.valleyforge.org.

Gas prices have more than doubled since last year, the housing and financial markets are in turmoil and the cost of food has skyrocketed, leaving many Americans scrambling to buy holiday gifts without breaking the bank.

According to Professor Dan Horne of Providence College, buying gift cards for the people on your list can be a smart way to shop. “Gift cards have been growing in popularity each year,” Horne says. “Because they are so practical, they have become a very acceptable gift among family and friends.”

This is particularly true for branded gift cards, like American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa, where you can choose the exact amount for a card that can be redeemed almost anywhere and for any type of item.

“Branded gift cards have become increasingly popular because you can choose the exact amount for the gift, making it easier to stick to a budget,” says Horne. “They are also a great way to ensure that the recipient enjoys their gift because they can buy something special or make a purchase they have been putting off.”

But do people really want gift cards? According to a survey of 8,000 adults conducted by the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association, the answer is a resounding “Yes.” The survey revealed that more than 75 percent of Americans prefer to select their own gift, while almost 65 percent thought that branded gift cards were better than traditional presents. “People enjoy fantasizing about what to buy and then enjoy the experience of a ‘free’ day of shopping,” added Horne.

Here are some other tips for Americans who need to limit their holiday spending:

– Make a spending plan. Start out knowing how much you can spend on your holiday purchases. Consider presents, food, entertainment and travel, then tally the costs.

– Know your limits. Make a list of recipients and decide how much you want to spend on each person. If you’re unable to spend as much this year, prioritize whom you really want to buy gifts for or reduce the amount per gift.

– Follow the money. After you’ve made a spending plan, track where your dollars go. Obtaining a prepaid spending card with your total holiday-budget money loaded on it is an easy way to ensure you don’t go over budget, and you can easily track your balance over the phone or online.

Do you want a new computer, gadget or electronic “toy” this holiday season? If so, then listen up! Here are tips for shoppers looking to purchase new electronics:

– Know what you want. Does your travelling partner need a smart phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) to access contacts, memos and e-mail from the road?

Perhaps your college-aged daughter wants a laptop that she can use for photos, music and videos. Knowing what an electronic device needs to do will determine the features and memory required.

– Just the facts. Each season, new gadgets and computers flood the market with bells and whistles designed to catch your eye, and your wallet. Shop smart. Before heading to the store, prioritize add-ons separating the features you need from those that “might be nice.”

If your brother “might” need GPS on his new cellphone, skip it. Ignore extras that are tempting but not necessary, no matter what a salesperson says.

– Trust the pros. Read reviews to find out what gadgets live up to their hype. Check out reviews on Consumer Reports’ (www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/index.htm), a non-profit, independent organization that tests products and services.

For technology equipment, visit computer-industry Web sites like CNET (www.cnet.com), PC World (www.pcworld.com) and PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com).

– Keep it all together. Mind the components and manuals that come with new gadgets. If the device needs to be returned to the manufacturer or store within the first 30 to 60 days, it might need to be repackaged exactly the way it came. Knowing where everything is also helps with troubleshooting and resale.

– Give the gift that gives back. For new computers especially, it’s a nice touch to help loved ones protect their digital assets -; music, movies, photographs and documents. Consider software like Acronis True Image Home (www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/), which for $49.99 automatically backs up hard drives.

If there is a virus or other breakdown, backup software allows you to restore digital memories in a matter of minutes. When shopping, look for features that allow easy file transfer to a new device, and that will wipe an old device clean to remove sensitive information before it’s recycled or donated.

Once again, millions of parents and kids are hitting stores for the annual back-to-school shopping season, complete with long lines and even longer receipts. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average person spent about $603 on everything from school supplies and apparel to electronics and footwear for back-to-school last year.

The NRF also cites a BIGinsight study that found that 80.4 percent of people with school-aged children say the economy will impact their spending plans this year. For parents, finding ways to cut corners on back-to-school spending can be challenging, but there are simple, easy-to-follow ways to reduce the impact on your wallet.

Make a list of what you actually need

To get started, combine lists your kids’ school has provided, including classroom supplies, gym clothes and extracurricular needs. Then, take inventory of what is still useable from last year, including pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, soccer shin guards and other equipment.

The resources for saving on school supplies are many, and the key is to find ways that work best for you. From shopping online to taking advantage of post-back-to-school clearance or “off-season” sales, knowing what you need and where to look for deals will help you save.

Share the wealth

Now that you have a solid plan, share what you learned with your kids. Learning about money, budgeting and saving is a lifelong journey, so use the back-to-school planning and shopping experience as an opportunity to start your child’s financial development.

While school teachers take on the responsibility to educate children about math, science, language, history, etc., financial literacy is not a mandatory in-school curriculum in all states.

Some companies, like TD Bank, offer free financial literacy classes in schools and online. TD Bank’s WOW!Zone (www.tdbank.com/wowzone) provides online courses, games and parent and teacher curriculum guides to financial literacy lessons for grades K-12.

Using available resources, such as the WOW!Zone, along with discussions about back-to-school budgeting and finances, not only helps your children understand why saving money is important, but also teaches them how to get started on a path to financial success.