Shopping Tips and Guides

Unlike the subwoofers found in concert or theaters, car subwoofers are more subtle in their design. Ideal for being hidden because of space limitations, car subwoofers are often found in the doors or the trunk of an automobile. They are designed to be compact so that the automobile operator can still enjoy the same dramatic sound of their favorite song, but without the bulky nature of other subwoofers. Realistically, the same model that is used in a theater or concert could never fit inside of an automobile. This is why car subwoofers are small and subtle, in that the manufacturer does not want to take away from the interior appearance of the car by allowing a bulky audio product to be visible.

Unfortunately for many, some music enthusiasts are determined to create intense sounds with their car subwoofers, which can result in hearing loss for those inside the automobile. The most common way to do this is by turning up the bass sound and ‘jamming’ to the beats of a song. If exposed to extremely loud sound coming from the car subwoofers for a prolonged period, hearing loss is often severe. Therefore, these products should be used responsibly just as any other device inside of an automobile.

Car subwoofers can, however, enhance the car audio experience greatly. In addition, they can also be used to greatly enhance the unique look of a car. In this case, car subwoofers are designed to be seen as much as heard. They are designed in various sizes, including round, square, triangular, etc. Most auto enthusiasts prefer to install their own car subwoofers, while others opt for having them professionally installed.

When shopping for car subwoofers, there is no shortage on options. Specialty stores, including retail, auto and online shops carry a wide variety of audio products and feature a broad range of price tags to go with them. Car subwoofers, depending on the model and features, can be very expensive. However, this is the case with almost every automobile upgrade or product. The majority of car subwoofers carry some type of warranty, which should be clearly outlined on the packaging or by the retailer. It is a good idea to save any warranty information, which will be the only way to redeem the manufacturer’s services at no cost in the event of a problem. Warranties will vary depending on the manufacturer, but often are limited to defects that are a direct result of workmanship or materials. Misuse of a product is not normally covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’ve read about the pH miracle diet and you’ve decided to give it a try, you have a few tasks ahead of you. Depending on how committed you are the program you may begin with clearing out your pantry and your refrigerator of all highly acidic foods. If you live with others who won’t be on the diet with you, you may just want to remove the high acid treats that you find irresistible. Either way, whether you do a “kitchen purge” or just remove a few items from your shelves, you’ll need to go grocery shopping.

Shopping for the pH miracle diet can be done at any grocery store, but occasionally people find it easier to get specialty items at health foods stores or natural food chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. However, if you live in an area where there is no access to these types of stores, you can still easily purchase the items you need at a standard grocery store.

Before you make your shopping trip, you’ll need to start a list of items. You don’t want to walk into the grocery store blind and try to remember what you need to buy. Some people like to work from the alkaline food lists in the book. This is a good approach if you have a lot of money to spend and just want to fill your kitchen with these foods. However, a better and more organized approach is to first make out a menu list for the following week. When you shop from a planned menu and the recipes that go with those meal choices, you’ll only buy what you need. Additionally, many of the foods on the alkaline list are fresh vegetables. You’ll want to make sure that you actually need them before you buy them so you won’t risk wasting money.

Remember, when you first start, your diet doesn’t have to be 100% alkaline. In fact, even on strict versions of the pH miracle diet a balance between acid and alkaline is recommended. So when you make your menu and your grocery lists, keep that in mind. Foods that are slightly and moderately acidic include bananas, whole grain pasta, dried beans, eggs, milk, nuts and wheat bread. There are many others and you can consult different resources on the levels of acidity in foods. Strive to have balance in your daily diet of 70% alkaline to 30% acid.

When you arrive at the grocery store, with your list in hand, you’ll notice that you will be staying along the outer rim of the grocery store. Generally, the foods along the walls are fresher and more natural than the foods within the aisles. If you think about it, all of the foods in the center of the store are processed and packaged. The outer edges consist of the produce section, the dairy section and the deli and/or meat counter.

Produce, especially vegetables, is going to be the primary focus on your pH miracle diet shopping trip. Buy organic produce if you have the means to. However, the real importance is that you buy the vegetables and use them in your cooking. If you have to use conventionally grown produce or frozen produce that is better than using no produce at all.

The only word of caution is to avoid canned fruits and vegetables. The canning process has negative effects on the alkaline state of these foods. There is also a lot of sodium in canned fruits and vegetables. If you cannot buy fresh, look for frozen. Many stores that do not carry organic fresh produce will have organic frozen produce.

It’s best to purchase balance of alkaline and acid foods as you get used to this way of living and eating. If you go cold turkey on your favorite foods and believe that you have to be super strict in order to be healthy, you will end up rebounding back to you acidic ways of eating. Strive for mostly alkaline to begin with, and then you can move further up the alkaline spectrum and eliminate more acidic foods.

When you start the Atkins diet, you are entering a new world of eating. And nowhere is that more apparent than at the supermarket. Suddenly, all of your stand-by foods like macaroni and cheese, pasta and bread are no longer on your shopping list. When you go shopping for the first few times you may feel like a fish out of water. However, with a bit of practice you’ll feel just as comfortable as you were with your previous shopping lists.

Successful Atkins shopping starts before you reach the store. There are many resources for shopping lists online and in Atkins books. Before you head for the store, make a list of the week’s recipes and then decide what you’ll need to make each meal. Make sure to purchase low-carb snacks for in between meals.

Also, plan for modifications to the meals for other people in your home. You won’t be able to make totally different meals for yourself and your family for the long term. The best approach is to use the main meat dish for your meal for the entire family and then a carbohydrate side dish for your family. For example, if you are eating meatloaf you can add half a potato for the other members of your family.

Once you’ve made your meal plan for the week, its time to hit the store. When you arrive, buy your protein items and produce first. This may sound very simple and like it won’t make much difference, but it will. Once you’ve filled your cart with all of the acceptable foods, there won’t be room for much more.

Consider buying your meat in bulk. This will save you lots of money if you know where to get family sized packages of meat. When you buy meat in large quantities, you can also cook it in bulk as well. Taking time a few days per week to cook meat makes it simple to follow the Atkins plan. You can cook your meat before hand and have it ready to go when you need it. You can purchase ground beef, chicken pieces, small steaks and even seafood in bulk.

Cheese, if you can tolerate it, can also be purchased in bulk. Many stores offer store-brand cheese in large bricks. You’ll need to make sure to read the labels before you purchase any cheese. Make sure that when you eat cheese to eat some fiber (salad or raw veggies) as well. Having large blocks of your favorite cheeses on hand can make it easy to grab a quick snack between meals.

As you walk around the store, stick to the outer edges. The outer aisles have the freshest food. Think about your neighborhood grocery store. Most often the deli, the meat counter and the produce section are all along the sides of the store with the packaged items in the aisles. This is especially important if you are in the initial phases of the Atkins diet. You’ll want to stay away from all packaged foods during induction, even if they are low carb packaged foods. Once you add more carbohydrate grams to your daily limit, you can start to experiment with low-carb packaged foods.

That leads to the next important tip – read the labels! Just because an item says it is low carb, it may have hidden sugars. Do your investigative work at the grocery store so you won’t get home with products that cause you to gain weight.
Shopping for the Atkins diet will take some time to get used to. You’ll be navigating parts of the grocery store that you may not be familiar with. You’ll also be purchasing items you’ve never cooked before. However, with planning and dedication low carb shopping will become easier. Just remember to make a list before you visit the store and stay toward the outer aisles of the grocery store. In no time, you’ll be an experienced low carb shopper.

While Black Friday, the day when many retailers drastically reduce their prices in recognition of the first official day of the holiday shopping season, remains wildly popular among holiday shoppers, in recent years the day after Thanksgiving has gotten some competition in the way of Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving when many retailers, in particular those that are online-only, offer heavy discounts via their websites. Instead of Black Friday traditions like waiting outside stores in the wee hours of the morning, holiday shoppers who can wait until Cyber Monday to start buying gifts can do so from the comforts of their homes or offices.

Many Cyber Monday discounts are already set in stone. But savvy shoppers can employ a few additional strategies to make sure they’re saving as much money as possible.

· Be ready to buy. In the days leading up to Cyber Monday, make a list of what you want and, if possible, which retailers will have the best deals on those items (retailers may or may not advertise their Cyber Monday deals in advance). Some retailers only offer Cyber Monday deals during a relatively small window of time, so you don’t want to waste time comparing prices with other retailers and risk missing out on a great deal. Make sure such legwork is completed before the arrival of Cyber Monday. Knowing what you want also increases the likelihood that you will get what you want on Cyber Monday, which may enable you to take advantage of free shipping deals that won’t be available later in the season.

· Buy smart. When shopping on Cyber Monday, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by sticker prices. But even the most heavily discounted items may be subject to substantial fees, negating the savings and, in certain instances, costing you more money than if you were to simply buy the item in-store. Before making any purchases on Cyber Monday, determine the shipping and handling fees and any other additional costs that may offset the deal you think you’re getting. If a deal is simply too tempting to resist, see if there is an in-store pickup option to save you the cost of shipping and handling.

· Know the rules. Just because you won’t be waiting in line outside a store in the middle of the night on Black Friday does not necessarily mean you won’t have to get up early to take full advantage of Cyber Monday deals. In the course of doing your Cyber Monday homework, you may find certain items that you simply must have. When you find these deals, read the fine print so you know the rules regarding each specific deal. Some may say “while supplies last” or “limited supply.” In such instances, determine when the sale starts and be ready to go the moment the item goes on sale.

· Resist temptation. Cyber Monday deals are often hard to resist, but holiday shoppers should stay disciplined and buy only those gifts they need and not heavily discounted items they are unlikely to use. Buying items you don’t need can stretch your holiday budget and distract you from the shopping you need to do.

· Stack ’em up. Stacking is a term used to describe the use of multiple coupons or discount codes on a single purchase. Many retailers do not allow customers to stack discounts, but some do. Take advantage of those that do.

Cyber Monday has grown in popularity as more and more consumers do their holiday shopping online. But shoppers can save even more money if they employ a few saving strategies this Cyber Monday.

Shopping may be the last thing on the average person’s mind once the holiday season has ended. But January may be a great time to go bargain hunting.

Though sinking January temperatures can make winter seem endless, retailers already have spring on their minds when the calender turns, and many use the first month of the year to clear out inventory and make room for spring merchandise. If you’re ready to shop, the following items might be available at heavy discounts.

· Winter clothing: January can be a great time to get discounts on winter apparel. Sweaters and coats have been on display since September, and stores are ready to start displaying their spring collections. Use that accumulated Christmas cash to stock up on coats, sweatshirts and even snow boots.

· Exercise equipment: Many people resolve to get in shape come the new year, so it comes as no surprise that fitness gear and equipment is on sale in January. Look for deals on home gym equipment, workout wear and items for winter sports. If you are in the market for a gym membership, health clubs typically offer discounted fees and incentives to join in the first month of the year.

· Home furnishings: Several manufacturers release new furniture collections in February, and retailers must clean out their old inventory beforehand. If you are in the market for big-ticket home furnishings, hold off until after the holidays and your patience may just be rewarded with considerable savings.

· Holiday items: Now is the time to stock up on holiday décor as retailers reorganize for Valentine’s Day and spring holidays. Take inventory of any decorations that broke during the season as well as anything you are thinking of replacing. Purchase cards, wrapping paper and other holiday items now and pack them away until next year.

· Vehicles: January and February can be ideal times to find discounts on both new and preowned vehicles. Drivers may not to want to drive new vehicles through messy winter conditions, so they will usually wait to buy until spring. Dealerships recognize this and will drop prices on vehicles during the winter to try to entice shoppers to buy. You might find it easier to negotiate a better deal in January and February than you would later in the year when demand is higher.

· Big-ticket electronics: January is traditionally one of the best months to buy electronics because this time of year is when the Consumer Electronics Show unveils the newest technology. As people upgrade to new models and systems, last year’s merchandise is put on sale. Sports fans also may want to upgrade the size of their televisions now so come February they can watch the Super Bowl in style.

· Jewelry: January is slow for jewelry retailers, and that lull can be advantageous to buyers shopping in January. Splurge on jewelry now before prices spike for Valentine’s Day.

Bargain hunting consumers may want to brave the winter weather and shop till they drop this January, when retailers may be looking to unload inventory as they prepare for the spring shopping season.

Sheet shopping has become something of a numbers game. And it’s not the numbers in the price that are attracting attention, it’s the thread count.

The higher that number, the softer the sheet, right? Not necessarily. Characteristics such as fabric and weave can add significantly to a sheet’s quality and tactile appeal. In fact, in certain combinations, the fabric and weave can make a lower thread count feel softer than a higher thread count made of a different fiber in a different weave.

What’s most important to consider is that thread counts are sometimes overstated on a sheet’s packaging. And that’s something that has even caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Products.

What exactly is thread count? It’s the number of horizontal and vertical threads in 1 square inch of fabric. A 400-thread-count sheet will have 400 threads in that square inch. The plies, on the other hand, are what make up the yarn, and there are multiple plies in the yarn. When that number is used on packaging to describe a sheet, it can be misleading to consumers who have been trained to equate a high number with high quality. For instance, a sheet labeled 400 two-ply, or “twisted,” yarns is actually a 200-thread- count sheet.

The FTC has now taken steps to prevent this practice of thread- count exaggeration. It stated that “multiplying by ply is inappropriate” for a sheet maker, and in doing so the manufacturer is “stating an inflated thread count.” The FTC advised sheet makers to clearly label their products with the thread count, regardless of single or plied components, and then provide additional information on the yarn’s ply.

Consumers are warned to read the package carefully and let the price be a warning sign. If it looks like you’re getting the deal of a lifetime, it may be too good to be true.

“People have been trained to look to the number on a package of sheets as an immediate indicator of quality, but with today’s manufacturing capabilities it’s not that simple,” said Leslie Gillock, vice president of brand management for Wamsutta sheets, which supports the FTC’s recommendation.

“With the variety of fibers and different weaving techniques available to manufacturers, sheets come in a broad range of choices in softness, durability, crispness and care, so consumers should look carefully at the characteristics of a sheet,” Gillock said. “Above all, don’t be misled by high count two-ply sheets. Feel the sheet itself, and buy the one that’s best for you.”

Fabric is equally important in determining the sheet’s feel. A long-staple, premium cotton -; such as Egyptian or Pima cotton -; will create a softer sheet than a short-staple cotton or even a combed cotton, where shorter fibers have been “combed” away. Sheets made with a cotton-polyester blended fabric or with linen will be crisp to the touch, though the latter is likely to require dry cleaning and be more expensive in laundering. The benefits of man-made fibers such as polyester are that they wrinkle less and look sharp on the bed.

Lastly, pay attention to the weave. A percale’s smooth weave makes for a smooth sheet. A sheet made in a pinpoint weave boasts crispness. And a sateen weave adds softness and a lustrous look.

The best test, though, is touch. Your hands will tell you in an instant if the numbers add up to a sheet that’s right for you.

If you are a new parent, you likely have found yourself pressed for time in a major way. You probably feel as if you don’t have time to eat and sleep let alone to shop for items and merchandise for your baby.

In a related vein, if you are life most parents, when you have a newborn in the house, you also have found yourself having to watch your money more closely. Babies are costly. Being a parent is costly. Thus, if you are like most parents, you want to try and save money whenever it reasonably is possible.

There is a solution to the difficulties associated with being the parent of a newborn baby and having to make necessary purchases. The solution that many parents utilize is mail order companies. Through mail order companies, a parent can make the purchase of a wide array of products for his or her baby.

There are mail order companies that specialize in the sale of clothing for babies. Indeed, many parents in this day and age rely on mail order clothing operations for all of their baby’s clothing needs. There are mail order companies that specialize in active wear for babies, designer clothing items for babies and just about every other imaginable styling of baby clothing imaginable.

Toys are a big ticket item for the parents of a baby. Indeed, it is easy for a parent to overspend when it comes to buying toys for a baby. If you are like most typical parents, you certainly do want your child to have nice, entertaining toys. By relying upon mail order merchants, you can make the purchase of precisely those kinds of toys that will best benefit and entertain your child.

Keep in mind that there are some mail order companies that specialize in the selling of educational toys and related products for children, including for babies. Many experts agree that it is never too early to begin exposing a child — including a baby — to educational toys and related products. Through these mail order companies, you can make the purchase of age-appropriate educational toys for your babies.

Of course, in addition to having a great selection of products, using mail order companies can also be very convenient for an overworked and overbooked parent. Through mail order companies, and their toll free numbers, you can access products for your baby twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In the end, you can have more free time to spare to spend with your growing family.

In the 21st century, millions of people have turned to the Internet as a resource for shopping and to obtain a wide array of different types of services. If you recently have had a baby, you might want to take a look at shopping for your baby on the Internet. In this regard, there are some basic pointers that you should keep in mind when it comes to shopping for your baby on the Internet and World Wide Web.

There are many wonderful advantages to shopping on the Net — particularly for an overtaxed new parent. For example, shopping online for baby needs is extremely convenient. You can shop any time of the day or night from the comfort from your own home.

Do not underestimate the selection of merchandise as well as services that you can obtain for your baby on the Internet and World Wide Web. In the 21st century, you have the ability to purchase everything from food to clothing to toys for a youngster on the Internet. In addition, there are a growing number of services for children and infants now on the Internet and World Wide Web. You can access everything from medical care and related information to educational related services.

When it comes to shopping on the Net, there is a wide range of prices available to consumers. Through the Net, you can find bargains on baby goods and services. At the other extreme, you can have custom made clothing made for your baby if you are so inclined and if you have the money in the bank to do so.

If you are the parent of a new child, you would be well served taking the time to surf and explore what is available to you on the Internet in the way of baby products — clothing, toys, foods and other products. (Keep in mind that there are also an increasing number of services available to parents on newborn babies now available in cyberspace.)

Once again, by shopping online you will be able to free up some time in your already jam-packed schedule due to the convenience of the Net. In addition, if you are a bargain shopper when it comes to products and services for your young one, the Net certainly will prove to be fertile stomping grounds for you. The Internet likely will prove to be a wonderful resource for you and your baby.

Shopping is something most people love. But often the thrill, excitement, and absorption becomes such that an ordinary hobby or time filler becomes an addiction. A shopping addiction like drugs, alcohol, or gambling is a blinding thirst where the shopper is unable to see essential from non essential and over spend. They shop until they drop and run into debt spending on their credit cards up to and over its limit.

Shopping for many is escapism from the realities of life and its accompanying problems. It is but a temporary reprieve from depression, anxiety, or loneliness. What a shopper never understands is it is a false world which will not grant happiness or love, or self esteem. After the shopping binge the person will experience remorse. The unhappiness will intensify due to unmanageable financial disaster and debt. This will be further compounded by the displeasure earned from family members or financial consultants. Believe me over 80% of the purchases will never be used. An addict may have a hundred pairs of shoes, or bags, or coast, or glasses – the obsession being restricted to one kind of object.

Like alcoholics, compulsive shoppers go on binges when they are upset, lonely, depressed, or feeling out of sorts. Shopping is a “pick me up,” a temporary euphoria that lifts their spirits.

The possible repair of finances and cure of the addiction is possible only if the shopper accepts that an addiction exists. What helps is professional counseling and joining a self-healing group that is dealing with this addiction. A shopping addicts version or equivalent of alcoholics anonymous.

Guidelines:

1. First and foremost set small limits on all credit cards. Freezing the limits will help you limit your spending power.

2. Lock away all credit and debit cards.

3. Budget household and other expenses. Make specific envelopes and mark them clearly for what the money is earmarked for.

4. Sit with a family member or friend and make a list of bare essentials. Go shopping with a controlling companion one who will say “NO” is no uncertain terms.

5. Never visit sales or discount warehouses. Or, watch television shopping channels.

6. Do not subscribe to shopping catalogues.

7. Fill your day choc-a-bloc with activities. If you have no time to ‘stand and stare’ you won’t have a moment to think about shopping. Find interesting activities that absorb your interests and time.

8. Go to the mall or shopper’s paradise after they are all safely closed for the day. This way you can look at displays without being tempted to rush in and buy something.

9. If you feel the itch or urge to shop, resist it with all your strength and go out for a walk or to the gym exercise until you are too tired to do anything else.

10. Pay for all purchases by cash or cheque. Use a card only in emergencies.

Compulsive shopping is a serious addiction. It is escapism from realities and unhappiness. As serious as drug addictions and an illness, a compulsive shopper needs treatment that is similar to other addictions. Addictions of any kind need to be snipped at the very root before it reaches a point of no return.

Each day, from telemarketers to mail order catalogs and commercials we get read and hear these wonderful words such as clearance sales, zero interest payments and discount coupons. All geared to stop us from saving and makes us to spend on items that we really don’t need.

How can you spend wisely and have more savings. You should teach yourself to be a disciplined and intelligent buyer whereby you can accumulate savings instead of credit card debts.

1. You should ask yourself that is this item something I can’t do without?
2. Do I have something at home similar to this which I can use instead?
3. How long I need to work to pay for this?
4. Do I just want this or really need this?

These are some simple every day strategies that can help you in saving. When you buy on sale you save more so ask the store when the item will be on sale. Schedule your purchase of items during the time when the store has annual sales. This will generate you a saving of as much as 60% off the regular prices.

You should cut out discount coupons and use them which will give you as much as 20% savings. When there is a sale on staples that are consumed easily such as pasta, stockpile on such items. You will have more savings if you take the advantage of rebates and use the rebates given. You can use a frequency shopper card as this entitles you to rebates, freebies and discounts. Always prepare a shopping list before you buy or make duplicate purchases.

Remember the phrase “A penny saved is a penny earned” and follow this that will give you added savings.