Crochet or Knit

If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, either are skills that are very easily self-taught. Opinions vary on which is easier and my personal opinion is crochet. I cannot seem to get my hands to cooperate when I try to knit! Grab a how-to book, some needles or hooks and a ball of worsted weight yarn and teach yourself one or two basic stitches. Believe it or not, that’s all you need to make a beautiful scarf or afghan! Fold your afghan, place a pair of slippers on top and wrap it with a wide ribbon. You’ll give a gift of cozy for the chilly season.

Soap

The biggest expense in making homemade soap will be in the molds you choose to purchase. Keep in mind, you don’t have to buy more than a few: melt-and-pour soap is set enough to remove in five to eight hours. To make soap you’ll need plain soap, a glass or ceramic bowl, scented oil safe for body products and any oatmeal, herb or dried flower you’d like to add to your mixture. Simply melt your soap in the microwave according to directions, stir in your scented oil and additives and pour your mixture into your molds. Set the molds on the counter or put them in the fridge for faster curing. Wrap them in plain brown mailing paper, set on a lovely soap dish and tie it all together with raffia.

Tarts

Nope, not the kind you eat; the kind you smell! Scented wax tarts are hugely popular and you can make hundreds in a few hours. All you need is something to melt your wax in, a candy thermometer, scented candle oil, wax dye and Dixie cups. Melt your wax to about 150 degrees F, add your wax dye, pour in your scent and pour about ½ inch of wax into each Dixie cup. You can buy all that you need at your local craft store or at an online candle supply store. Five pounds of wax and 16 oz. of oil typically net me about 150 tarts. End cost: 10 cents a tart! Put a dozen in a Mason jar, and not only will your loved ones have beautiful scents to fill their homes, they’ll have a new mason jar to use!

Pet Biscuits

People love their pets! You can find recipes for dog and cat ‘cookies’ all over the Internet. The only money you’ll spend will be on ingredients and a pet themed cookie cutter. Make a dozen or so cookies for each pet your gift recipient has, package them in a cellophane bag or pretty cardboard bakery box. For an added touch, print the recipe out on a postcard, punch a hole in the corner and tie it to the bag or box with a lovely ribbon. Place the package in a pet treat container and you’re ready to make someone’s holiday.

Christmas is only as expensive as you make it. Homemade gifts are not only more personal than anything store-bought but they are much more budget friendly. Try your hand at a new craft this season, or give an old craft new life! You’ll delight your friends and family and save money at the same time.

Author’s Bio

As a mom blogger and an avid couponer, Mary Blanchard saves money whenever she can. Her latest find is discount codes for GoDaddy on Coupon Croc.

The most important luxury travel accessory that you must purchase is a high-quality weekend or overnight bag. The Tumi Alpha Business Overnight Expandable Boarding Briefcase is an excellent option for the traveler who wants to use one bag for everything. Not only is this bag made from high-quality nylon, but it has compartments to fit your laptop, files, a change of clothes and grooming needs. If you are looking for a classic style that will always remain popular, then look at the Safari Bag by Mulholland. This bag is all leather, made from the finest materials, and is available in three colours. Make this bag even more sophisticated by adding monogrammed initials. This is the type of bag that will last a lifetime, so it is certainly worth the price tag.

A comfortable and easy-to-use neck pillow is another must. Magellan makes an excellent choice. Their Luxe Inflatable Neck Pillow comes with its own travel bag, and inflates and deflates quickly and easily. With just a few breaths, you can relax while on a long flight to Europe or a short jaunt to do business in a nearby state. Magellan offers many other great products to ensure your comfort such as airplane blankets and the G-Seat Light, a small, lightweight seat cushion that is discreet and easy-to-carry.

Not only should you travel in style, but your iPad deserves the same treatment. There are many designer cases out there that do not do anything to protect your iPad, or require you to completely remove your iPad to use them. If you are looking for a classy case that still provides function, then look no further than Tod’s Alligator Skin Covers. These have hefty price tag at $4,900, but you are paying for the finest in handcrafted alligator skin. Another fully functional, still luxurious, yet more affordable option is the Piel Frama iPad Case. Prices range from $140-$225 and provide function and style. The cases have either a magnetic or snap closure, document storage, and display of your iPad.

Make sure if you are packing your electronics that you also pack converters. The Tumi Electric Adaptor with Ballistic Case is a classy way to ensure your devices will work in 150 countries. At only $50, this is an easy item to add to your travel bag. The Dynex International Travel Adapter is another option that is compact and will work with most portable devices.

Traveling in luxury is easy with a few simple choices. Make sure you have the best bag and accessories, both for function and comfort and your next trip will be incredible.

Author’s Bio

Chloe Vasquez is a luxury fashion writer and online Costa Rica vacations agent. Her idea of the perfect trip should include ease, comfort and of course the latest fashion trends.

Planning

First, choose a date for the party. Because the Christmas season is filled with everything from pageants to carolling, it’s important to choose this early and send the Christmas party invitations out well in advance: at least three weeks. Around the same time, you’ll want to settle on a theme for your party whether that be grandma’s baking or Christmas in Hawaii.
With the theme chosen, you can begin to plan party food, activities, and decorations. Will you be hiring a caterer or making everything from scratch? Will you ask your family or your guests to bring dishes? Are you going to use your boxes of ornaments saved up from Christmases past to trim the tree or will you be buying new tinsel and lights to bring off that holiday glow? Plan for cost and time spent doing or making each item or dish, and if something is too expensive or too time-consuming, consider going without.

Preparation

About a week before the party, gather all your decorations, whether from the attic or the store, to check for broken or non-working items. Buy or construct things that you’re missing. A simple way to make a party look fabulous and unified is to choose one eye-catching centerpiece and then repeat colours and motifs from that throughout the rest of your decorations.
If you’re making the party food yourself, start cooking two or three days before the big event. Do things a little at a time to avoid stress, and try to prepare what you can in advance. For example, if you must have warm cookies, make the dough beforehand and freeze it. When preparing food, keep in mind how it will be served and what your guests will be wearing: if everyone is going to show up in holiday dresses, you may want to skip on the messy fondues. Check with your “helpers,” if you have any, to make sure that they remember their food assignments and to see if they need any assistance. Also, you can get someone to take pictures of the “preparation”. Friends and family usually expect the traditional, albeit boring, Christmas card. Try something different and send out “behind the scenes” christmas cards. That should catch them off guard, and give them something conversation-worthy to decorate their fridge with!

Party Time!

On the day of the party try to have everything set up about an hour in advance of party time so that you will have enough time to get yourself ready for the party and greet guests as they begin to arrive. This tactic has another advantage: if the food is ready to go, you won’t have to keep going back to the kitchen to check on it, and you’ll have more time to spend with your guests.
The most important thing you can do to throw a successful Christmas party is to relax and have a good time chatting and catching up with friends and family. It is likely that not everything will go off exactly as planned, but keep everything in perspective and enjoy the fabulous celebration that you planned!

If you’re already scanning the racks of your favourite boutique for sexy summer fashions, don’t forget about your best e-friend. No self-respecting diva would ever let their tweeting partner-in-crime be seen in last-year’s outfit or, even worse, in stark plastic nakedness.

Pimping your cute little Netbook (everything from new netbook sleeves, to using regular printers so you can print your own design) could raise this mobile device from a geeky sidekick to a trendsetting bling-book.

Choose from these hot, Netbook fashions for Summer 2011 to make sure you’re both the center of attention:

The Sky is the Limit

Divas who aren’t on a budget may be able to use charms to convince UFO Hayashi, a famous Japanese artist who specializes in electronic imagery, to decorate a favourite electronic toy.

His Netbook work of art featured delicate floral patterns in the style of “kyo-yu-zen,” a traditional Japanese Zen painting technique. The masterpiece sold on eBay for $3,000.

Form-Fitting Skins

If your inner diva craves form-fitting clothing, dress your Netbook to match with a stylish new skin. These thin coatings cling right to the plastic case of your electronic device to instantly give it a whole new personality.

The price is so affordable that you can supply your mini-machine with an entire wardrobe. Retailers offer a multitude of designs to fit many different tastes, or, you can easily design your own for a one-of-a-kind look with an ink printer.

If you’re handy with a camera, or you’re in love with your own headshot, skin makers can easily convert any photo into a durable Netbook sheath. This summer, why not skin your Netbook in a tropical scene? You could even use a picture of yourself in your favourite little bikini if you dare.

PhotoGiddy

For a Little More Coverage

Of course, some divas appreciate a little more coverage. If you’d like a little more protection for your Netbook, take a look at the shells made by Hard Candy. These shiny plastic cases come in basic black, stylish silver, tranquil blue and hot pink.

In addition to providing a new look to your electronic device, the shell protects it from scrapes and scratches. Simply snap it on, and you’ll both be ready for a day of shopping, or a night out at the club.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

The traditional computer bag offers space for every accessory, in addition to your phone and Netbook. The only problem is that it’s distinctly un-diva-ish.

The Case Logic Urban Messenger Pak is a welcome alternative; it not only looks stylish, but no one would ever guess it was designed for anything as nerdy as a computer.

It’s a Pinder

Pinder, the premier maker of designer laptop bags, makes diva-worthy 12-inch totes for Netbooks. The water-resistant material and wide range of colour choices make this Netbook bag both fashionable and practical.

A DigitTrade Summer

Although this Netbook sleeve designer offers a multitude of attractive patterns, “Summer” is especially appropriate for the warm-weather months. Made from a sunny yellow neoprene material, this two-toned pattern features the silhouette of a fluttering butterfly as it approaches wildflowers.

Of course, this company also offers more dramatic models including the Oriental-inspired Sakura, the exotic Zebra, and the overly-caffeinated Mocha. If you’re daring enough to choose the shocking “Love Hurts” bag, you’ll certainly earn a few second glances.

Don’t Overlook Target

Although most of these bags are affordable enough for any diva on a budget, no one looking for low-priced style should overlook Target. This upscale discount store sells totes and shells to fit the Netbook and most other electronic devices.

One favourite bag offered by Target is the funky Three Chic Flower Netbook sleeve. This design features a stark black background with purple flowers reminiscent of those old Spiro graph designs.

Hippy Chic and Eco-Friendly

If you aren’t satisfied with any of the off-the-rack Netbook cases or you’re committed to the green movement (and, what diva doesn’t follow the latest trends?), make your own out of new or recycled materials. If you can sew, your little Netbook will be cuter than ever in no time.

Doesn’t Your Netbook Deserve a Home of its Own?

No diva wants to lug this one around all day, but it’s a great choice for protecting your Netbook while it’s at home and not in use. The contemporary style of the Belkin Laptop Hideaway looks perfect with any home decor scheme, and provides a safe, convenient place to tuck away the laptop, power adapter, and any other peripheral equipment.

In fact, you can even store a manual, or fashion magazine or two in there, as well. From expensive designer fashions to do-it-yourself styles, your Netbook will look better than ever this summer. How do you plan on dressing up your favourite electronic accessory?

Hands-Free Access

Ford has thought of everything for the woman on the go with the Ford C-Max Energi! This car is an all-electric, plug-in vehicle with a hatchback that pops open with the wave of a foot. Of course, we’re sure your hand will also work, but just imagine how convenient this will be when your arms are full.

Whether you’re loading up groceries, the kids’ sports equipment, or a few essential items from your favourite designer boutique, the C-Max Energi offers easy access and plenty of space! Although the Energi means that you can bypass the expensive gas stations, the C-Max also comes in a hybrid version if you’re not completely comfortable with an all-electric car.

The Freedom of the Open Road

There’s nothing sexier than a woman in a Jeep with the top off—off of the Jeep that is, not the woman. Now that the Wrangler has been updated with more current instruments and electronics plus a better steering wheel, it’s a little more driver friendly.

So throw on your shorts and tank top, put your hair back in a ponytail, and slip on your favourite shades! This summer is the perfect time to take your new Jeep Wrangler out topless with your favourite girlfriend for a day of freedom on the open road.

Unparalleled Luxury at an Affordable Price

If you love the comfort of a luxury car, but you’re not so wild about an oversized sedan, the new Buick Verano might be the perfect car for you! This luxury compact is small enough to easily park in the tightest mall parking lot, but still offers many of the same amenities as the much larger models in this upscale niche.

With a European suspension, the Buick Verano handles just as well on the open highway as it does in a crowded shopping center. What more could anyone ask?

Who Says Girls Can’t Get It Done on the Track?

If you’d like to go green and attract attention, Porsche has the answer. As you pull off the lot in the new Porsche 918 RSR racer with the classic styling this brand is known for and a 560 horsepower engine hidden under the hood, no one would ever guess that this beauty is actually a hybrid.

Although this car isn’t really designed for the road, who says a woman can’t enjoy her own time on the track? If you love speed, don’t ever settle for the passenger seat.

Whether you’re spending wisely and looking for a traditional family car, a sporty utility vehicle, or a sexy sports car, today’s woman has plenty of choices in the 2011 auto market- sites like Edmunds will help you contrast and compare.

What will you be driving this year?

Author’s Bio

Christina Jenkins (fondly known as Jenkies) is a stay at home mom who has recently turned to blogging on her favorite topics to keep her sanity in this new era of her life. She’s extremely interested in design, blogging and tech. Her Twitter is @OhJenkies

1. GAP 1969 Jeans

Love the GAP? Then you will love their special app, which allows you to look at products, put together outfits, brows current collections and shop. You can also find information on past releases and even get behind the scenes fashion coverage that allows you to check out the latest shows hosting GAP apparel. Be sure to look at their section of celebrities sporting their styles.

2. Ebay

There is next to no chance that you haven’t shopped Ebay before. But now you can do it from your iPad with the click of a button. Browse, search, buy and even sell through your device. The great thing about this app is that it utilizes the screen size of the iPad, providing large pictures of the items you are bidding on. Therefore, there is no ambiguity when it comes to the product.

3. CouponSherpa

Coupon Sherpa features print coupons and online coupons from many retailers that are exclusive to Coupon Sherpa users. Just a few of the nifty features include:

• Browse through hundreds of in-store coupons
• Find coupons by category or store name
• Email coupons to friends
• Create your own Favorites list of stores
• Find the nearest store location to you
• Find exclusive coupons that can’t be found elsewhere
• Find new coupons added daily

4. Style.com

Style.com is already a staple for fashion news, especially when it comes to coverage on the runway. Now you can check up on the latest trends from New York to London, or Paris to Milan. Find out news first on your favorite designers, get videos and pictures from high fashion runway shows, see the most current photoshoots and browse the latest fashions. Don’t miss a moment this season.

5. Gilt Groupe

Gilt is one of the most gorgeous high fashion designers in the world, and they have brought their sophisticated styles to the iPad. Get updates on the latest season’s releases, browse their current catalog or set up alerts for sales. You can also zoom in on items, so you don’t miss a single detail. Drag and drop to your cart for a quick and seamless shopping experience.

6. ShopStyle

Want to keep track of all of your favorite stores? ShopStyle will keep all of your updates in one place, allowing you to search through their app, get alerts and shop from your iPad. They have 300 retailers on file, currently. You can also look at products via search, in categories, or by store.

Even More to Love!

These are only a few of the many apps out there to help you with your fashion needs. Checking the iTunes store will lead you to dozens more for free or cheap, which can make your shopping on your iPad better than it ever was on your computer. Welcome to the new age of shopping!

Author’s Bio

This is a guest post by Annie Wallace, geeky housewife and blogger on viral marketing for moms.

These are our tips to help you have a truly unforgettable holiday – in a good way!

Travel in comfort

No matter if you are traveling by airplane, car, train, or bus, pregnancy will probably throw in some unexpected surprises. Calculate the length of the journey, and consider the conditions. Every mode of transport comes with its very own set of pros and cons. Air travel, for instance, has the advantage of being the fastest way to get around. Toilets are readily available on planes too, something you can’t say for your car! On the other hand, flying increases the risk of varicose veins, and there is a lot of waiting around at the airport before your flight too. Whatever you think is the most comfortable way to travel, go with that!

Get a good hotel

Comfort is at least as important during your stay as it is while you travel! Now is not the time for cheap hostels or camping. Get a good hotel that is comfortable with king sized beds, and with a spa on the premises if at all possible. Pregnancy signs like insomnia and back pain are bad enough without uncomfortable rooms or tents.

Be well-equipped

Wherever you go, take a change of clothes with you. Morning sickness can rear its ugly head at any time during your journey, and you never know when you will need another outfit. While exploring your destination always make sure to take drinking water with you, especially if you are going somewhere warm. Carry your relevant medical documents and identity papers at all times as well, and look into local hospitals or doctors before you travel, just in case.

Know what to avoid

Some popular holiday destinations require travel vaccinations that are not safe for pregnant women, so those countries are obviously out of the running. Also avoid lying in the hot sun for long periods of time, as this can cause the baby’s temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Skiing or other active holidays that carry a real danger of breaking bones are also not the most wonderful idea when you are expecting a baby.

1.       Cocktail dress and strappy heels.  If you’re doing it right, you’re staying at a resort.  This means you’ll want to dress appropriately for dinner.  The bathrobe is fine if you’re ordering room service, but you’re going to need something a bit classier for the dining room.  So bring a flirty little cocktail dress and some heels that make your legs look a mile long.  Your new husband won’t be able to wait to get back to the room.

2.       Swimsuit.  Nothing is more luxurious than spending a day by the pool, catching some rays, taking a dip, and snoozing in the sun to release the tension built up from months of wedding planning.  So make sure you hit the deck in style with some of the latest suits of the season (one-piece bikinis are particularly popular, but you may want to get a base tan before you go, and slather on the sunblock poolside to avoid unsightly tan lines).

3.       Beach bag.  Get yourself a cute little shoulder bag to house sunglasses, sunblock, flip-flops, a towel, a floppy hat, a good book, and basically anything you might need to make your days roaming around the island a breeze.

4.       Bubble bath.  As honeymoon accessories go, you can’t get much better than a lightly scented, moisturizing bubble bath.  Ease sore muscles and relax with your man in a tub that is likely much larger than the one you’ve got at home (courtesy of the honeymoon suite).  If he’s not in the mood for love after seeing you adorned with nothing but foamy froth, you might want to check him for a pulse.

5.       Lingerie.  You’ve got your wedding-night ensemble all worked out, but you don’t want to send it to the laundry every day so you have something to wear to bed each night.  Instead, invest in a nice array of lingerie.  Make sure to go for quality since these pieces could last you a good long while if you spend wisely.  Buy a variety of items (from high-class corsets to a couple of see-through numbers) to make sure your man has a lot of visual stimuli.  This will ensure that your honeymoon delivers on the promise of a lifetime.

Sarah Danielson writes for InStyle Swimwear where you can find Vix bikini and other popular brands.

Slowing down is critical for getting into the mindset of luxury living. When you are wrapped up in work or speeding through your days, you don’t have time to appreciate the rich textures of your 1,000 thread count sheets or the sheen from your granite countertops. Taking a few moments each day to marvel at the fine designs you’ve purchased for your home, wardrobe, and vehicle, will help you appreciate them all the more.

The next step is learning to think selectively about the luxuries in your life. Instead of focusing on the pieces that are missing from your luxury collection, focus in on the fantastic pieces that you already have. This will keep you from sucking the joy out of your collection with unwarranted longing, and help you remember that you don’t need to have it all – you just need to have a few of the right things to enjoy a luxurious life.

A final step for getting into the mindset of luxurious living is treasuring the memories associated with each product. You remember the work you went to in order to get that fine art for the wall, or the special sale that let you bring the lush floor running into your living room. By focusing on the joy of the acquisition, you can preserve your accumulated delight in your possessions and keep your psyche charged up for accepting nothing less than the unique, the special, and the truly luxurious for your life.

In Argentina, you have the opportunity to experience tango – real tango – in the barrios of Buenos Aires. This surprisingly European capital city has fine dining, upscale shopping, and a collection of museums that span the centuries. You will also find that the favourable exchange rate with the Canadian Loonie lets you live it up without breaking the bank!

Crossing over to Ecuador, you are presented with a wonderful choice of beach or mountains. The mountains of Ecuador offer stunning volcanic trails and hiking opportunities free of snow thanks to the country’s position on the equator. If you choose the beach route, you have the Ruta del Sol with its world class surf breaks and the Galapagos Islands to explore.

Brazil also offers you multiple entertainment options. Rio de Janeiro is internationally renowned, but locals in the know are flocking to Fortaleza’s beaches in the north of the country. The rainforest offers eco-tourism as well as hidden sculptural installations and tribal villages. You can choose how rustic or how luxuriously you want to go with your trip, as most Brazilian tours are fully customizable.

Thus, why go looking for your next southern vacation destination in the United States? Let your eyes drift much further south in order to open up a world of destinations. Direct flights can be found from Vancouver or Toronto, with connecting service available from Canada’s other major cities to all points way south of the border.