Hoodies are sweatshirts with attached hoods. In the past, athletes wearing hoodies with their team logos printed on the front or back were a regular site. Presently, hoodies are not only worn by athletes, but also by anybody who finds it comfortable and stylish in oversized sweatshirts. Just like a t-shirt, hoodies often have images, slogans and expressions printed or embroidered on them. Online graphic printing stores have made it possible to order fully customized hoodies for you or as a gift.

The first, and probably the simplest way to design your own hoodie would be to purchase a plain hoodie according to your color preference. One can pick these up at the local clothing store or many arts and craft stores.

Some iron in transfers that are generally found in the electronics department of stores, or at arts and crafts stores should be procured. The print can be designed using paint or photo editing program on the computer.

Another way to design your own hoodie is to use a website that offers a variety of hoodies one can customize and also provides an online program where one can design a hoodie with text, clip art and names. Though this option is a little expensive but can be utilized when they are needed in a bulk.

To utilize this online option to customize first one needs to select an online store that sells customizable hoodies. One can find an array of websites that offer this type of service. Company’s reviews help in getting an insight into previous customer’s experiences with their service and thus in knowing the suitability of the site for you.

The next step is to select the size and color of your hoodie. Upload a graphic or design that you want printed on your hoodie from your hard drive to the website. You may also choose stock images from the website or use a text box to write in a word or phrase if these options are available.

Before finalizing one should always preview the design before. Then one can move on to payment options available on the site which usually. A lock appearing in the bottom, right-hand corner of your browser assures that the website is secure and that one can provide personal information. A correct shipping address ascertains that your newly personalised hoodies arrives by mail at the correct destination.

About the guest author: Sachin writes article on a range of topics related to different business sectors like fashion and clothing. He is an enthusiastic writer who is fond of teaching and reading as well.

We all witness the tug-of-war our family members get into with the local grocery vendor, to save a hard earned rupee. Families tend to be at their wit’s end and cross the sound limits permissible in a flea market. All you can hear is buzz about negotiations.

However, you will find that people put on their best behaviour the moment they walk into a mall. It’s probably the mannequins donning high end brands and luxury items that perform certain sorcery to captivate shoppers and put them in a trance. It is a moment of irony as well as amusing to see a person who has the ability to tear a shopkeeper apart if he dupes her or him, succumbing to the sight of “mall rates”.

Marketing magnets and bigwigs found this behaviour odd and were dumbfounded for years. They could not come up with a solution to tap into purses and wallets. And one fine day it hit them; bargainers aka value-seekers were not keen on buying branded goods. They were proud of their bargaining skill and flaunted them in a crowded market. They wanted to boast about the profits made or the ‘money saved’ with the help of their screeching voices.

Brand is important, but the value seekers find the price tag more important and influential. Cultured and class driven places are simply avoided by bargainers as they need to remain hushed. There is no way they would boldly ask ‘dene ka bhau bolo na’.

As soon as this concept was understood, marketers started offering brands on discounts. Since technology is married to convenience, they gave birth to discount coupons. Discount coupons have not long been on the scene, but they definitely have made a huge difference to a bland shopping experience. With discount coupons available online, you can even save a precious rupee or more when shopping online.

With discounts and coupons being showered everyday, you can make merry. Buying the best brands costs nothing more than switching on the computer. Moreover, websites provide you with the best experience no other shop ever did. Apart from consumer items, spas and restaurants also accept coupons. What more you say? You need not raise your voice to negotiate prices.  With discount coupons you can shop and still not drop with the exhaustion of running between different stores.

One of the best things about online shopping with or without coupons is that you can choose to pay in any way that is convenient for you. Whether it is through debit card, credit card or cash on delivery, this is a win-win situation for everyone.

The following is the necessary information that you need to know to do your tax planning properly for financial year 2012-13 and Assessment year 2013-14:

Tax Slabs

1) In Case of General Assesses (Both Male & Female):

2) In Case of Senior Citizens (Age above 60 years but below 80 years):

3) In Case of Very Senior Citizens (Age 80 years and above):

* On final tax amount, a surcharge of 3 %
**No surcharge above 10 lacs.

Tax Exemptions:

1) Section 80 C Limit Unchanged (Rs. 1,00,000)

• Deduction on life insurance policy, taken after 1 April 2012, will be allowed only if yearly premium is less than 10% of sum assured.
• ELSS
• PPF
• EPF
• FD for 5 years
• Pension Plans
• NSC
• Post Office SB
• Infrastructure Bonds
• Expenditure on Children Education (Upto Rs. 200 per month for upto 2 children)
• Tuition fees (Only Tuition fees excluding Development Fees, Donations, etc. Maximum allowed: Rs. 24,000/-)
• Housing loan principal
• Deferred Annuity
• Approved Super Annuation Fund

2) Section 80 CCF – Additional Rs. 20,000 on investments towards approved Infrastructure bonds  (withdrawn)

3) Section 80CCD:
Contribution to NPS and returns on NPS tax free, but withdrawal still taxable.

4) Section 80 D
Deduction under section 80D

• Deduction of Rs. 15000/- is allowed if the same is paid as premium for Medical Insurance taken for self / dependents or towards preventive health check-up (max Rs. 5000). In case any of self / dependents is a senior citizen, the deduction allowed is Rs. 20000/-
• Additional Rs. 15000/- is allowed as deduction if the same is paid as premium for Medical Insurance taken for parents. In case the parent is a senior citizen, the deduction allowed is Rs. 20000/-

5) Section 80DD
Deduction under section 80DD

• Exemption given for Expenditure made for a disabled dependant towards Medical Treatment/Training/Rehabilitation. It also includes the LIC/Insurance premium paid towards maintenance of such dependant.
• Maximum deduction allowed is Rs. 50,000/- in case of normal disability and Rs. 1 Lakh in case of severe disability.

6) Section 80DDB
Deduction under section 80DDB

• Exemption given for expenditure incurred on specified disease or ailments such as cancer/aids.
• Maximum deduction allowed is Rs. 40,000/-. In case of Senior Citizens, maximum deduction allowed is Rs. 60,000/-

7) Section 80E
Deduction under section 80E
Deduction is allowed for repayment of interest component of Higher Education loan. All education after Class 12 is allowed, either vocational or Fulltime. But should be from a school/institute/university recognized by the government.

8 ) Section 80G

• Contribution to exempt charities – 25/50/75/100% depending on the charity and as per approval
• 100% exemption on donation to political parties

9) Section 80U
Deduction under section 80U

• Deduction upto Rs. 50,000/- is allowed in case of Permanent Disability.
• In case of Permanent Disability exceeding 80%, maximum deduction allowed is Rs. 75,000/-.

10) Section 24(1)(vi)

• Housing loan interest.Maximum Investment Limit – Rs. 1,50,000 (for loans taken after 1 April 1999, for loans before that Maximum Investment Limit 30,000).

11) Superannuation – Any contribution made by a company to superannuation fund upto Rs. 1,00,000 tax free in the hands of the employee.

12) Conveyance/Transport Allowance – Any Conveyance / Transport Allowance given to an employee is tax free upto Rs. 9,600 /- (No Supporting Bills required).

13) Medical Allowance – Any Medical Allowance given to an employee is tax free upto Rs. 15,000 /- (Supporting Bills required).

14) HRA – Any House Rent Allowance given to an employee is tax free upto the minimum value of the following conditions (subject to – when an employee can produce rent paid receipts from landlord for the period and if the employee has not availed of tax exemptions for home loan interest / principal repayment):
a) 50% of Annual Basic (40% of Annual Basic in case of non-metros)
b) Actual HRA received
c) Rent Paid – (10% of Annual Basic)

15) Professional Tax – Any Professional Tax deducted from an employee’s salary can be reduced from the annual salary income to arrive at taxable salary.

16) Provident Fund – Provident Fund contributions (under section 80 C and subject to an overall investment limit of Rs. 1,00,000 ) deducted from an employee’s salary are tax exempt.

17)Direct Equity Investment – Under ‘Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme’ – a new equity investor will be able to claiom 50% of his investment in direct equity as deduction subject to maximum investment of Rs. 50,000 and provided his taxable income is below Rs. 10 lacs. The investment will be subject to 3 years lock-in. (Read in a newspaper on 2 Apr 2012 that the 3 year lock-in may be reduced to 1 year. Clarification will be release by the government soon)

18) Savings Bank Interest  - No tax will be charged on interest earned on balance in savings bank account subject to a maximum of Rs. 10,000 per year.

Any queries? Have we missed anything? Do you know any other way to save tax? Let us know in comments below.

Make it Hot with Tantalizing Lingerie

Most women would admit to having a fetish of sorts for these bare minimums. If you find yourself succumbing to those charming bras and nightwear at malls then you’re no different. If you’d rather invest in lingerie that leaves you feeling sexy over smart attire then you most definitely have a huge fetish for lingerie. You will never get enough of them. We know we can’t parade our glorious inner things the way Lady Gaga does. Nevertheless, the thrill remains and now that we have that settled, let’s talk retail therapy baby!

The art of buying Branded Lingerie for Dirt-Cheap!

Now we all know that local lingerie brands are so passé and will never give us the same pleasure of donning a luxurious pair of knickers or bra by Victoria’s Secret or La Senza. It’s just not the same. However, the spiked prices scare us off their outlets. With the advent of ecommerce you can now avail of all those plush bras, panties, thongs, garters, stockings, baby-dolls, corsets and other ladies underwear for much less than the outlet rates. Many ecommerce websites like Fashionandyou.com have famous brand listings for lingerie where they offer discounted rates at any given time of the year. They also give out coupons which can further bring the prices to rock bottom low. Fashionandyou.com organizes regular listings from brands like Bewitched, Playboy and Wolf and the listings hold till stocks last. Further shipping charges aren’t levied if you choose to play via net banking, debit or credit card over cash on delivery.

Other websites like Yebhi.com, myntra.com and pepperfry.com have comprehensive catalogues for branded bras, panties to name a few categories within their lingerie collection and not to mention those lush swimwear listing for hot summer. Many foreign brands like Victorias Sceret, La Senza, Enamor, etc have their own online shopping portals along with a strong presence in the social media. You can stay updated about clearance and seasonal sales by connecting to their social media profiles where they notify everyone on a regular basis along with giving out coupons laced with attractive discounts! It doesn’t get more convenient than this! Check out all the coupons and offers here, here and here.

The art of buying Lingerie without feeling shy

This section has been dedicated to men who feel nervous about visiting those lingerie outlets in fear of fetching wide eyed stares from fellow shoppers. Fear not. Shop online and shop generously for your better half. Go all out in picking some sassy stuff for your lady love and take pleasure in doing so.

Like the sound of lingerie shopping on the World Wide Web? Ditto us! Have something you wish to share with us? Leave in your comments!

They are adorable little things, our children. However, it reaches a point where the entire shopping routine that was initially exciting and cute gradually turns tiring. Then you have problems like availability of specific clothing, sizes, exasperating travel issues and more. With a gamut of brand outlets situated at various places around the city, you sure have a lot to choose from. Meanwhile, the little tot is slowly growing up. There’s barely any time to keep up. You can’t even forgo fashion in the bargain. Kids are choosy about what they wear too and if you help them follow trends they will grow to be very well dressed personalities. So if you’re a working parent hassled by the modern day pressures of shopping for kids’ clothes, here’s what you do. Shop Online.

Let’s begin by clearing the cloud of misconceptions. Online shopping is extremely safe in case you haven’t tried it yet. You also have a choice of paying via net banking, debit or credit cards or the convenient option of cash on delivery. If you are worried about misestimating your child’s size, the helpful customer services tend to your queries with instant responses and exchange policies. With shipping periods as short as a day or two and a maximum of a week, you will never have to visit the brick and mortar shops again. Products like shoes can be ordered in two sizes, wherein the one that didn’t quite fit can be returned to the courier agent there and then.

Many online websites like Firstcry.com, Babyoye.com, Hoopos.com among the more popular sites offer a wide range of kids clothes and accessories with discounts and coupons. By availing these coupons (Firstcry discount coupons, Babyoye discount coupons, Hoopos discount coupons) you can purchase branded apparel for kids with lofty discounts. There’s plenty to choose from.

The bigger picture here is that all your favorite brands for junior clothes, all the styles you hope to see your child don, all of that is captured under one roof that is the online media. This makes for a very organized shopping experience. From current trends to bright hues and materials, they’ve got it all covered.

Moreover, shipping charges are inclusive of the rates offered to you at ecommerce websites.  You may think it should make products more expensive, but in truth the overall expenditures plummet downwards thanks to discounts and money saved by not having to travel around.  Not to mention, you save heavily on your precious energy levels too.

Hear, hear! Very soon you will be able to shop right from your mobile phones too. Mcommerce is the next magic word!

What do you think? Please add your comments below.

Kudos to her! She is the best example of a makeup junkie. Some defend using make-up or are apologetic about it. And look at her. She is the least apologetic about using makeup and being glamorous. But to each, its own! Lady Gaga and many like her let the world see their personality through makeup. Their style of makeup is a window to their personality and mood.

But it goes without saying that excessive use of makeup, which is loaded with chemicals does more harm than good. These makeup products cause allergic reactions in few such as pimples, rashes, and irritation on skin. The best way to keep all these skin issues at bay is to switch to mineral makeup.

There are lot of International mineral makeup brands in India. Here is a rundown about some of the most popular makeup brands based on some personal experience and inputs from other users and reviews.

Bare Minerals

If you are hunting for a perfect shade of foundation then Bare Minerals is good. They have as many as 20 shades! It is pretty expensive though. And many have complained that it causes breakouts, looks shiny after short period of time, cakey and intensifies look of dry skin. Another common complaint was that it is ‘messy’.

Mary Kay

I used this foundation personally. After hearing a lot of it, I finally gave in because of the hype around it.  Another reason was it was way more affordable then Bare Minerals. It seems to work for few and doesn’t for few. I am in the later group because it didn’t work for me. It did gave my skin an even skin tone. And it is light too, unlike other heavy mineral makeup. But the foundation was very chalky. Other flip points are it doesn’t have SPF and you need to buy the brush separately. Maybe that is why it is cheaper than others!

Sheer Cover

Sheer Cover is what you should opt for if you have acne prone skin like me. I used it myself and was quite amazed by the results. It is a bit too pricey and gets over pretty fast but it is worth paying because there is no cakey feeling after applying it. It is easy to apply, lasts long, and covers the problem areas effectively. The colour match was also better than other mineral makeup brands. Not to forget their brushes are soft and amazing!
 

L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation

L’Oreal Paris True Match Mineral Foundation is available in only three shades. The mineral powder is soft and is not cakey and lasts long. But the problem starts with the brush that comes along with the kit. The brush is way too hard, it can prick you. If you are required to buy a good quality soft brush from outside, you should rather buy another mineral makeup brand. Because good makeup brushes costs a fortune! Not for sensitive skin. Not at all! People with sensitive skin have complained about severe itching after applying it. Also it gives an orangish-pinkish hue when applied on few skin tones.

Out of ones that I have tried and have read reviews about, Sheer Cover appears to be the best mineral makeup kit. Especially for acne-prone, sensitive skin. At least for the time being, until another mineral makeup brand takes-over.

Last words of wisdom, don’t try any mineral makeup, if you are expecting magic! Because it is not going to happen. Keep your expectations realistic and be open to trying out makeup products yourself. Otherwise, you won’t know the results until you try it for yourself.

Read along to get a brief picture about some of the acne skin care products.

ZENMED Derma Cleanse

ZENMED offers a wide range of acne skin care products. ZENMED Derma Cleanse is a 3-step solution that tackles acne from inside out. The active ingredient used in this system is Salicylic Acid that exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores. But there are some people, whose acne prone skin doesn’t react to Salicylic acid. Also, though the results are good but it works very slowly on the skin and the product is also quite expensive as compared to other skin care products.

Proactiv Solution

Proactiv Solution is a 3-step skin care system formulated to deal with acne. The active ingredient used here is Benzoyl Peroxide. This ingredient is known to kill acne causing bacteria and repairs the damaged skin. People with extremely sensitive skin may experience dryness and redness on the skin in the initial few days due to the presence of Benzoyl Peroxide. But once the skin becomes tolerant towards the ingredient, the dryness and redness diminishes gradually.

Murad Acne Complex

The active ingredient in Murad Acne Complex 1.5% Salicylic Acid and besides that it also has retinol. The products are gentle on the skin; at the same time they are strong enough to fight stubborn acnes. But the combination of Salicylic Acid and Retinol can prove to be way too strong, especially for people with sensitive skin. The strong formulation can lead to further breakouts and rashes.

On a concluding note, look for skin care products that have Benzoyl Peroxide. Time and again Benzoyl Peroxide has been treated as a very powerful ingredient to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increases the skin regeneration process and clears pores. The key is to follow a skin care system as per the instructions and also to stick to a system at least for few months before giving it up.

Out of all the products we’ve listed, we think that the most effective acne treatment is Proactiv.

Types of bank accounts
Banks offer different kinds of accounts viz. savings bank account, current account, loan account, overdraft account, investment account, deposit account, etc etc. Out of these we’ll cover the current account in this article.

Current Account

Current accounts are transactional accounts opened for businesses (non-individuals). These accounts help businesses to collect payments from their customers and make payments to their vendors.

Things to look for when opening a current account:

Bank
How trustworthy is the bank? How good is its reputation? This is the most important parameter. Safety of your money is of utmost importance.

Overdraft facility
Business, especially small, are always short of working capital and look towards their bank to support them at reasonable interest rates.

Online Banking facility
With increasing popularity of internet, you’ll hardly find an office without computers and internet connection. Online banking is quick and convenient.  Online banking involves checking account balance, transferring funds, paying taxes and other normal banking services. This has become a hygiene factor while evaluating banking options these days.

Phone Banking facility
Ability to transact on your account over phone. This is also a useful facility. However, automated answering machines making you hold the line for hours before you can talk to an actual person  make it frustrating to use. Still, a good facility to have.

Mobile Banking facility
A few banks have started providing apps that can be downloaded on mobile phones. These apps allow a multitude of banking transactions over the mobile phone making it super convenient. However, the apps are still not very stable and highly unreliable.

Network
Number of branches and ATMs

Charges
In the current scenario, when all the banks are offering more or less the same facilities, their charges is what sets them apart.  The charges should be evaluated along with the quality and quantity of services the bank provides.

Having looked at the major parameters for evaluating banks for their current account offering, let’s look at which are the top banks in we’ve checked. We have had current accounts in the following banks (and hence will be able to give you our judgement only on them):

Citibank, HSBC, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, Bank of India and SBI.

In terms of charges, the multinational banks are at the most expensive. However, their services do not necessarily match their charges. A false feeling of exclusivity and status aside, we found these banks poor value for money.

Among the nationalised banks, we found Bank of India to be really good. Really low minimum account balance requirement, all the modern banking facilities, really low charges and above all, a personal touch and warmth that is missing in all modern private banks.

Among, the private Indian banks, it’s a tough fight between ICICI and HDFC. Both are almost equal in terms of services offered, charges, etc. However, ICICI scores over HDFC in terms of sheer number of branches and ATMs and hence the reach.

The final fight is between Bank of India and ICICI. The only key difference we see between the two is that ICICI is very well integrated with all merchant establishments and payment gateways though lacking the personal touch of Bank of India.

Tough decision but the final winner has to be ICICI Bank.

As we said earlier, this result is from the fixed list of banks that we have compared. It may well be possible that some bank that we have not included in the comparison may be better. If that is the case, we would like to know about it and all our readers will appreciate if you could share it in the comments below.

We would also like to know if we’ve missed any parameter or have gone wrong somewhere. Do share your feedback.