A make-up mirror is something that many women neglect to always keep in their handbags. It’s extremely helpful for checking for food in your teeth, checking your make-up, and even for checking the back of your hair with the help of a bathroom mirror. It should be large enough, yet not so large that it will only fit in your largest handbag. I really love the Cath Kidston Circle Ditsy Mirror in blue. It’s a pocket mirror with a lovely vintage look to it and its slim design makes it easy to carry.

It may not be every day that you wear stocking tights, but on the occasions that you do wear them and get a run in your stockings, you will really wish that you had an extra pair stashed in your handbag. Since they don’t take up much room, it’s just easier to get in the habit of always carrying an extra pair. Perhaps even two extra pairs: one nude and one black pair. I recommend the Marisota Pack of 3 Gusset Free Tights. They are as convenient as tights while being as hygienic as stockings.

There are so many instances when the need for a pen arises, and of course there are none to be found in your handbag during those times. Always be prepared for those instances and stash a few felt tip pens in your handbag. They are perfect for writing as well as sketching, drawing, or simply keeping your children entertained when you need them to be quiet. I love the Pack of 12 Staedtler Felt Tip Pens. The quality is great, yet they are inexpensive.

Sunglasses are a definite necessity, even during winter. It’s so important to protect your eyes from the brightness of the sun and from squinting. Plus, they’re fun fashion accessories as well. I love Persol sunglasses because they’re such high quality and chic as well. All Persol sunglasses come equipped with polycarbonate lenses, which are 35% lighter and thinner and ten times more resistant to impact than other plastics or glass. Plus, they offer complete protection from the sun’s UV rays.

During these cold months, even while wearing gloves or mittens, your hands can become uncomfortably cold. A fabulous remedy, especially when you need to remove your gloves or your hands get wet, is a hand warmer. I recommend keeping several of them in your handbag, as they’re pretty small. I like the DGUK Golf Hand Warmers. There are two warmers in each packet.

There are many more items that you should probably always have with you, besides the obvious wallet, keys and phone, but you can add to this list as you see fit.

Did you know?

Tights appeared in the 1960s and they provided a convenient alternative to stockings.

-Tari

A motorcycle jacket, also sometimes known as a biker jacket, was traditionally worn by motorcyclists in order to minimize impact and protect them when they fell from their bikes. The signature cut and distressed leather look has since evolved into one of the most distinct fashion styles in history. Along with blue jeans, ray bans, and white-shirts, a leather biker jacket is one of the few timeless pieces of fashion that has proven the test of time.

If your style is more geared towards outdoor living, then check out some of the jackets by Rab. Rab Jackets are perfect for someone who finds themselves outdoors or is constantly the victim of inclement weather. Just because your jacket is heavy-duty and built for the elements doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Rab Jackets have a casual and cool appearance and come in a multitude of colours and designs.

Give a few different styles and fits a try and see which one best fits you and your personality!

Did you know?
That I’m actually American.

-Brendan

Bird Feeder

Nothing signals the arrival of spring like the chirping of baby bird being fed by their mother. If your garden is lacking in avian creatures, then consider getting a bird feeder to entice our feathered friends to come pay a visit.

Gazebo

If you have enough space in your yard or garden and like entertaining guests, then a Gazebo is the perfect structure for you. Stylish craftsmanship and sturdy construction provide a shaded area for you and your friends to relax, eat, drink, and be merry all while enjoying the splendor of spring outside. You can decorate it with potted plants, or even set up wireless internet if you so choose.

Flower Box

If you are having a hard time growing flowers out of the soil, then consider trying some flower boxes. Flower boxes provide the soil and nutrients plants need to grow in a contained environment that discourages harmful bacteria, mold, and other detrimental causes of plant decay.

Hammock

It doesn’t get much better than reading a good book while sipping on cold lemonade outside, unless of course you have a hammock. All you need is two posts (or trees) to hang up your hammock and you are all set to go.

Did you know?
Zen Rock Gardens require very little watering.

-Brendan

If you wash your hair too often, it’ll become dry, yet no one can stand when it becomes greasy after a couple of days. You have a couple of options: you can either wash your hair with a shampoo that targets and treats a greasy scalp, or you can use a dry shampoo on the days in between washes. If you choose to use a shampoo for greasy hair, I recommend Wella Lifetex Balanced Anti-Grease Shampoo. It normalises the sebum balance of a greasy scalp while gently cleansing. It also combats dandruff, hair loss, and soothes sensitive scalps. If you choose to use a dry shampoo between washes, I recommend Alterna Caviar Dry Shampoo. The talc-free product gently absorbs excess oil and product build-up. Rhodiola extract, which is rich in anti-oxidants, protects hair and scalp from damage and colour fade that’s caused by thermal styling.

Most women desire a head full of thick, luxurious hair. But hair in unwanted places is a huge nuisance. Take nose hair, for example. You can keep it out of sight with a nose hair trimmer. Philips Nose-Ear-Eyebrow-Moustache Trimmer should do the trick. It’s washable and can even be used in the shower, and it’s guaranteed not to pull the hair.

Your smile is one of the most noticeable things about you. While coffee and tea are practically essential and impart many health benefits, they definitely don’t do any favours for your teeth, unfortunately. Most people’s teeth are stained from coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, but there are many teeth whitening products that can lift the stains and restore your teeth to sparkling white! Namely, Simplesmile Tooth Whitening Startkit. It contains two bleaching trays to impress upon your teetch, 10ml of whitening gel, which lasts for about 15 to 20 treatments, and a box to store your bleaching trays.

Did you know?

A child’s deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that come in later.

-Tari

Spa Treatment

A spa isn’t just facials, manicures, eye masks  and gossip. A spa visit can consists of virtually any relaxing and pampering treatment you can think of. Want to unwind and loosen up? Try a deep tissue massage. Want to relax and eliminate outside distraction? Try a session in a float chamber. A spa is the perfect place to start treating yourself.

Gucci Watch

One of the most recognised luxury brands in the entire world, Gucci spares no expense (and neither will you) in creating a stylish and sophisticated timepiece. Take a look at the different Gucci watches available.

Wine and Dine

A quality meal at a nice restaurant and a fine bottle of wine is one of the best ways to treat yourself.  Whether you fancy lobster, tacos, or lobster tacos make sure to pair it with a quality bottle of wine.

Satin Shoes

Satin Shoes say “I’m fabulous. Deal with it.” If you don’t already have a pair (or three), then treat yourself to the luxury of these suave and comfortable shoes.

Velvet Robe

A velvet robe is a great way to appear as if you belong in a higher tax bracket.

Did you know?
Over 20% of the World’s population doesn’t have clean drinking water.

-Brendan

If you have sensitive skin it is important to take some extra steps in the shaving process so as not to get irritated skin. This includes using shaving oil first, applying lather with a shaving brush, using the right blade you feel comfortable with, and finally using a skin treatment or aftershave. All these steps will dramatically reduce redness and inflammation on even the most sensitive faces.

Just as men all have different skin types, they also have different types of facial hair growth.  Some have fine and patchy facial hair, while others may have thick and curly. Regardless of hair type, the technique you use to shave is very important. Always go with the grain (the direction in which the hair is growing) with the first strokes of the blade. If you want a closer shave, subsequent strokes should be made against the grain. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and irritated skin.

If you are the type of guy who is always on the go, then you may want to get an electric razor. Electric razors don’t usually give as close a shave as razor or a straight edge blade, but they are quick, easy to use, and portable. So if you are running late, just bring your electric razor with you and shave on your way to work. Philips electric shavers are affordable and ready to use out of the box.

Did you know?
Alexander the Great promoted shaving among his troops to avoid dangerous beard-grabbing in combat.

-Brendan

• Energy Star-qualified Light Bulb – These are the funny-looking bulbs. The part that attaches to the socket is the same as that of the traditional bulbs you’ve used for years. These bulbs last longer and are far more energy-efficient than the ones invented by Edison. According to the official Energy Star site, if every home-owner replaced one light bulb with an energy-efficient version, an additional 3 million homes could be lit for a year with the money saved. As long as you’re at it, replace flashlights and outdoor lights with longer-lasting LED lights.

• Recycled Construction Materials – Doing a little remodelling? Consider replacing countertops or floor tiles with ones made from recycled materials. Many construction companies are making the effort to go green and offer you the option of purchasing products for your home with recycled materials. The quality is exactly the same. In fact, nobody will know, unless you want to share the secret. Think about glass tables or natural wood tables to further boost your green factor. As long as you are in the remodelling mood, consider using formaldehyde-free, acetone-free and zero or low VOC paints when repainting rooms.

• Cookware Made from Natural Materials – Switch to cookware made from clay, stainless steel, glass or other natural materials. The benefits for cooking are the same as traditional cookware. The only difference is that your food is free of potentially harmful chemicals that may be found in non-stick cookware. Additionally, cookware made from natural materials tends to last longer. Once the non-stick surface wears off of a pan with a coating, it is pretty much useless. Serve up a delicious meal with extra green pride by adding recycled tableware and cloth napkins to your table.

• Non-toxic Cleaning Products – We all have to clean our home on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many of the products used in the cleaning effort can be downright toxic to the environment. Look for products made from mostly all-natural ingredients or consider using vinegar or soap and water to tackle some of your cleaning tasks. You won’t notice much of a difference in the overall cleaning power. People cleaned with natural products long before the days of chemicals and special cleaning agents. Don’t forget to look for biodegradable dish and laundry detergent and plant-derived trash bags.

• Sustainable Wood Furniture – Add a touch of green to your furniture by purchasing natural, sustainable wood sofas, beds, kitchen tables, and bookcases. Logging, mining, and plastic production can really leave some giant carbon footprints. Sustainable wood furniture is designed to last longer, often two to three times longer than traditional furniture made with processed wood and plastic.

• Baby Clothes and Diapers – Consider switching from plastic diapers to cloth diapers. If you do go with plastic diapers, there are brands on the market that are made from organic, biodegradable, or recycled materials. Even the clothes you choose for your baby can be a little greener. Organic cotton is much closer to natural cotton than the typical processed cotton used for most of the clothes we wear everyday. Most toys for your baby are made of painted plastic. Kick it into green mode with toys made from unbleached organic cotton or minimally-processed renewable resources.

• Heating, Cooling, and Energy-efficient Lighting – Most of the energy wasted in your home is from inefficient heating and cooling. The first step is to use eco-friendly insulation to keep hot air outside and cool air inside. Consider solar panels to cut your electric bill and go green at the same time. A sky light is another way to naturally warm up your house in winter and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Instead of using an electric space heater for extra warmth, consider using a solar module or energy-efficient space heater. Consider a window-less room air conditioner as an alternative to whole-house air conditioning.

Guest Blogger: Tom Demers writes for HeatingOilShopper.com, a leading source of information on a range of topics related to heating oil and home heating options, enabling consumers to find the best Quincy heating oil prices.

Did you know?

Russian Oleg Vladimirovich Losev reported creation of the first LED in 1927.

-Tari

One way to reduce stress in a household is to eliminate clutter. The best way to keep clutter at bay is with a minimalist approach, general cleaning and tidying, and proper storage. One of the most notorious areas where clutter accumulates is the bathroom. If you can conquer organising the restroom, then the rest of the house will be simple.  Bathroom shelving and shower caddies will keep all those cosmetic and hygienic products in their place, and will allow you give the bathroom a thorough cleaning.

For living areas or kitchens that may be limited in terms of space, a good way to give the room a new feel with colour or mirrors. A new paint job of lighter colours can give the sense of greater space in a room, while an accent wall gives a personal touch to any room you choose. The use of mirrors is not only decorative, but functional in adding to the illusion of more space.

Did you know?
Roman Baths were not only a place for bathing, but also an important place for socialising.

-Brendan

One of the best ways to help boost your immune system and stay healthy is to make sure you are getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals. In addition to daily meals, it might be a good idea to take a multivitamin or health supplement. It is also a good idea to limit your contact with children. Think of children as the modern day rats that carried the fleas which were the vectors of the Black Death. If you are to come in to contact with children, be sure to have plenty of antibacterial hand sanitiser available.

If you are to fall ill to the cold or flu, then the best thing to do is rest. It is also beneficial to drink a lot of liquids to help flush out the bug and to eat bland and simple meals. If you are extremely congested, nasal spray will help clear your nasal passages and make breathing monumentally easier.

Did you know?
Licking doorknobs is a surefire way to get sick.

-Brendan

Lighting

Every car owner needs high-output lighting inside of his garage. This gives him enough brightness to be able to work during any part of the day. Most experts suggest using fluorescent lights because they are bright and don’t consume that much energy- which can save you tons of money in the long run. Bad lighting can distort the colour of a vehicle, so brightness in your garage is essential. You can expect to pay between £2,000 and £65,000 for lighting. This number really depends on what you are searching for and how much you are willing to spend.

Floor

Cement floors are definitely recommended for anyone’s dream garage. The main reason for this is that cars can leak oil. For entertainment purposes, you could opt to go with tile floors. However, these are much more expensive and more prone to damage than cement floors. Most individuals who have experience building their dream garage advise that you shouldn’t get too creative with the design of your floor because eventually you’ll become bored with it.

Heating

Your dream garage should definitely have some sort of heating system built into it. There are several options somebody could take to keep his garage warm. He could choose heated floors but those can be very expensive. A traditional system can also cost somewhere in the ballpark of £90,000. Don’t expect this number to change too much unless you have a very small garage.

Air

To maintain the vehicles inside of your dream garage, something called an “Air Purifying Dehumidifier (ADP) is recommended. The good news is that it won’t take a huge investment to make yours. You also have many options- you can choose to have it as a stand-alone system or you can choose the more complex approach and have one with a variety of controls and dials.

Windows

This may or may not be a good option for your dream garage. It really depends on your preferences. Most individuals who collect vehicles don’t want their prized possessions sitting under the sun all day so they remove windows altogether. However, some experts suggest getting motorised skylights built into your garage so that you can open and close your windows by the press of a button.

Security

Once you have your dream garage built, you’ll want to spend those few extra bucks to ensure that it’s protected from thieves. This is one area where you don’t want to be frugal- a quality security system can mean the difference between having a safe garage and having all of your vehicles stolen. Basic systems cost a few thousand pounds while more sophisticated systems (with motion sensors and video monitoring) cost close to two hundred thousand pounds.

Entertainment

Finally, what’s the point of having a dream garage if you aren’t enjoying it? If you are a true auto enthusiast, chances are that you’ll be spending a lot of time in your garage. To some people, it almost becomes like a second home. If you are smart, you’ll definitely consider adding some sort of entrainment inside of your dream garage. Not only will this look cool, but it’ll also help keep you sane.

Quality sound systems are an excellent option for dream garages. The good ones cost several thousand pounds though. Some owners have been known to build mini-bars inside of their garages and add 3D TVs too. Heck, your dream garage can end up turning into the next big hang out spot!

Guest Blogger: Melissa Cameron loves surfing the Internet. As a matter of fact, her husband calls her the walking infomercial. Her hobbies include surfing for deals, learning new things, and teaching consumers about online car insurance comparisons. Her money saving tips and valuable insight on confusing topics makes her an authority figure in her field.

Did you know?

Hewlett-Packard, in the Silicon Valley, started its business in a garage, which is now a landmark.

-Tari