Recent comments

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    The best gifts in my opinion, are personalised ones. Think photos of you together on objects, or a photo of a place you went together. I've made photo pictures on mugs, coasters, pack of cards, mouse-mats and jigsaws.
    Some of my favourite gifts I have given to the wonderful women in my life are;
    A painting I've made for them on canvass
    A treasure hunt for my mum around the house with maths puzzles and riddles.
    Adopting a cow (this could be done with all animals and also donating to children in someone's name)
    A hand written poem in a frame (I've also made a bookmark)
    A hand made bird house for the garden
    I ''bought a star'' you have it named after someone.
    A CD of a relevant playlist.

    Other gifts to buy are:-
    Herbs and plants(a big deal in my house)
    How to make kits (jewellery)
    Spa days
    Days to the zoo or theme parks
    A garden gnome :)
    Paying for planting a tree on behalf of someone

    Well there are some ideas, I guess it depends on what the person is like!

    Happy hunting!

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I would say a massage. I think every woman would want that.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    Well, this obviously isn't for everyone, but I LOVE a sephora gift card. Makeup can really feel like a splurge, so it's nice to be able to get something new and fun without having to worry too much about what it costs.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    The best gift I ever received probably cost $20, but a lot of thought. One or two weeks into dating a certain fellow, I brought him to our crazy downtown farmer's market. A million items to behold, we stop at a small-time photographers table, where I habitually and instinctively flip through his portfolio book to my favorite shot: a busy street shot in Rome, and in the foreground an itsy bitsy nun, dressed in pale blue, eating an ice cream cone, peaceful amongst the commotion, and indulging. That was that, next table, next goods and fresh fruit to ogle over. The best present I ever received was on my birthday, six months down the road: the photo, framed, from the certain fellow who had stuck around for the long haul. We hadn't looked at that photo since, nor was another peep even spoken about it. We hadn't been to the farmer's market together since then; I didn't even remember I liked the photo! But now, no doubt, I loved that photo. The gift made me cry tears out of my eyeballs! (Which is a good thing, men :) ) So my advice: not to buy a photograph of a nun eating ice cream, but to pay attention to a little something that the female in your life expresses love for, be it your wife or your wonderful coworker. Who knows, it might even cost ya only a buck or two- icing on da cake. So open those eyeballs and ears and get to miniature mental note-taking! Happy frugal shopping everyone!

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    The best gift is one that shows you thought specifically about her. The present doesn't have to cost a dime either. It could be a day of help in the yard, or taking her kids for an afternoon, while she relaxes in a bubble bath. You could bring her favorite lunch, the bubbles, a nice candle, and a new magazine. If you are her partner, how about a massage, cook dinner, do a dreaded household chore, spend a day shopping with her (no complaining!!!!) or anything that help her. Whatever you do, do not get her a tool or appliance, UNLESS she has asked for it. If that's the case, go a step further and get something nice to complement it, such as new plants to go with garden tools.

    The most important thing is to LISTEN to her and HEAR what she really wants!

  • Beyond Goodwill: The Different Types of Thrift Stores   13 years 48 weeks ago

    Nice article! It ha a fantastic point! Not all thrift stores are the same. Did you know that by shopping at your local Goodwill, you are not only getting great finds at great deals, but you are also supporting your local community? My local Goodwill store provides employment services and training and 26 other programs and services provided to the community free of charge. All supported by donations of used clothing and household items. I like shopping at many different thrift stores, but I love shopping at Goodwill. It is a way to give back to your community with your donations of used items and by shopping!

  • 15 Ways to Reuse Detergent Bottles   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I have dozens of blue plastic Maxwell House coffee containers. I have used some as planters and some to store misc. shop items like nuts, bolts and small tools. Most of them are currently sitting empty in the attic. I was disappointed when they changed to a smaller container design recently.

  • 9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight   13 years 48 weeks ago

    These are some great tips! The busy lives that we live may only allow for one or two extra income options.

    Something to consider is starting a blog. You can earn money through advertisements if you create enough traffic. A good article to read: http://www.financialfixers.net/the-real-costs-of-running-a-blog-business/

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    My birthday is in the fall, so I always like getting a new hat/glove set. I knit for a lot of other people, but never get a chance to make anything for myself. Even though the items are store bought I like having something new to wear.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago
  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I liked you and your post on Facebook.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    For me, the best gifts are the ones I get 'just because'; not for a holiday etc. If my husband comes home with a pair of socks he thought I'd like from KMart, it means more than a diamond on my birthday.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I think about what they're passionate about and find unique gifts related to that. For example, my mom is a big supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I look for rare St. Jude items on eBay that she can add to her display case. I've given her everything from old books about the hospital to Precious Moments figurines designed specifically for St. Jude, and she's loved every item a thousand times more than she'd love a gift card to the mall or new make-up.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    time alone. take the kids & go away for a whole day.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    Nice running or work out clothes/gear. That stuff gets expensive so it's always great to get it as gifts!

  • Reverse Bucket List: Look Back Before Looking Forward   13 years 48 weeks ago

    the reverse bucket list--brilliant! Although, I was already doing this in my current bucket list; I simply mark things I've already done as "crossed off."

    It is great to look back at that list and see photos of those experiences. Whenever I have a rainy day, I tried to do this. Draws a big smile on my face :)

    - Maria Alexandra

  • How to Answer 23 of the Most Common Interview Questions   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I believe you need to just go to different interviews, and you'll improve.(:
    I will not be rude, and say you cannot spell, or that you're 'stupid'. I will give you actual advice that can benefit you, and your goals in life. Keep up the good work, and do well in search for a job, Alya!

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    My husband shops as though he has never met me - I sould love to occassionally have him take me to dinner and a movie!

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I know the best gift given to me was my favorite book. A guy I knew saw me reading all the time and caught on to my favorite author. On my birthday he gave me a small wrap package. It turned out to be my favorite book by that author. It showed that this guy was taking time to pick out the details about me.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    One of my favorite gifts to give is a little gift pack with a new book, their favorite candy, and a gift card to their favorite salon. OR tickets to something we can do together - that's always a great gift.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    My wife enjoys small luxuries, such as massages, mani/pedicures and fine dining. Gift cards for any of these are always a hit. Also in the experience category, concert tickets are appreciated too.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    I love it when the boy buys me dresses that are both flattering and versatile (wear to work and out afterwards). This year, he's buying me the Heartbreaker Fashion Super Spy dress for Christmas. We're at that point in our relationship where I send him both a link to what I want for Christmas/birthday and a coupon code. Valentine's and anniversaries are still surprises, generally.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    The best gift for women is anything that has thought and effort behind it. Remembering an important event and paying tribute to it is always nice. Something as simple as taking her to dinner at the restaurant you had your first date.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    Whatever SHE wants! Today is my birthday and I love the fact that people shop off my Amazon list, since the things I put on there are really wanted and well thought out. Guessing what you think I'll like doesn't always work.

  • Ask the Readers: What Are the Best Gifts for Women?   13 years 48 weeks ago

    The best gift you can give a woman is something from the heart that you've thought out and know that she likes -- perfume, jewelry, a massage spa day.