I DO Like Mondays. How About You?

The Boomtown Rats released a poignant song back in 1979 entitled "I Don't Like Mondays." The piano intro and the melody stuck to me like an itch that would not leave. I love the song but I also love Mondays. 



You wouldn't even begin to understand why Mondays are awesome days unless you're a performer, musician, or an entertainer. (I should include freelancer in this list.) It's probably the most peaceful day of the week for us.

In our vocabulary TGIF does not mean rest and recreation. It's the start of a hectic stream of work, rehearsals, and performances.

During my student days, I volunteered as a church musician. Fridays and Saturdays were spent on choir rehearsals, personal rehearsals had to be done in between classes and academic homework. On Sundays, musicians have to be in church from 6am till 9pm to serve on all services.


On Fridays and Saturdays many of us are teaching private lessons. Yes, it is fun; but dealing with 10-15 different personalities in day can be very physically and mentally draining.

Come Monday, everything is quiet. When the 9-5 corporate people have gone off to work, we sleep and wake up late. After a hearty breakfast without the pressures of rushing to the bundy clock, we can now head to the market or grocery. You'd appreciate how peaceful a supermarket is without long lines at the parking lot and cashier.

Even the park is eerily quiet; but I love it that way. It's time to gather new inspirations for work and writing.

Mondays are truly magical for me. 


#Mondays

image by David Castillo Dominici /freedigitalphotos.net

Home Decorating Ideas Using Vintage Posters

Vintage posters have popular and enduring charms because of the connections from a departed era.  The nostalgia they emanate is valued up to the present age.


Vintage posters are growing in popularity and the demand is steadily growing during the recent years. Its rarity in the marketplace adds to the high value of authentic vintage posters.  Besides being a collector’s fantasy, vintage posters are bought for their unique aesthetic charm that they add to the overall look of a room. It is that certain classical spirit in each piece that makes it an impressive staple to various establishments such as diners, eating places, museums, theaters, or homes.

If you search for the "vintage posters" on the internet, and you will find an astonishing number of leads - a good number of these sites either offer to buy or are selling vintage posters.


Some well-known museums that display a significant amount of authentic vintage posters, include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre in Paris,  the Museum of Modern in New York, and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.  Of course, the most practical way of viewing and getting information on these rare items is to browse about vintage posters online.

There are two major classes of vintage posters.  The first type is the authentic vintage poster-- the master copy itself.  Authentic vintage posters are priced high due to of the low availability factor in the market and, of course, among collectors. Often, one would notice that the price gets higher with the age of the poster. Just imagine how much a 19th century poster from Europe would cost you. It is quite difficult to get hold of posters that were contemporaries of the legendary poster maker, Jules Cheret, because almost all of these were damaged through time by environmental elements. Posters made in the 19th century did not have the advantages of modern printing technologies that we are presently enjoying.




The second form of vintage poster is called "vintage" not in reference to its age, but is based on its style. Several artists of this era are concentrating exclusively on vintage art. If you would visit an art gallery or baroque themed establishments, you'll most probably come across vintage style art pieces as part of the decor. Famous artists focusing on vintage art include Dennis Loren, Julia Head, Kenneth Shoesmith, and Eugene Grassetare.





In fact, you can produce a vintage style poster with the use of software or just with regular art materials done by hand.  What differentiates one from the other software user is the level of creative talent and skill which would render the final product, whether hands- on or through the computer.

----------------------

More on decorating:

Use Artwork to Make a Small Room Look Bigger

Best Responses for the Most Common Tactless Party Greeting

What is the most common party greeting after "hi" and "hello?" I don't know how it goes in other countries or cultures, but among Filipinos, it is most often like this:

Hi! "Tumaba ka" or "ang taba mo" (you're fat)
or
Hi! "Ang payat mo" (you're thin)



Whether in the Philippines or outside of the country, you can easily spot many Filipinos greeting each other this way - tactlessness at its finest. It has become an infamously normal greeting among many folks, women in particular.

This expression of impropriety has to come from somewhere. It was formed from a deeper social core - family.  Some people just find it difficult to say something nice. You just have to understand that they may have grown to be criticized all their life, or they are simply unethical and insecure about you. 




How do you reply to these unethical remarks?
I have thought of some which you can use:

Greeter : "Ang taba mo" (you're fat)
You: "Yes, I know. I can afford to eat whatever I want now"
Greeter: "Uy tumaba ka" (you've become fatter)
You: "Because I'm rich now. It's a sign of affluence"

Greeter: "Ang taba mo na" (you're now fat)
You: "I've been chosen to model for a full-figured women magazine. Many find full women sexier, haven't you heard?... Oh you're so outdated!"

Greeter : "Ang taba mo" (you're fat)
You: "Oh, yes! and I'm happy, too. My hot husband / boyfriend spoils me so much."

Greeter : "Ang taba mo" (you're fat)
You: "Yes, I'd rather have this than yours!"

The list can go on endlessly, but this is all for now. Love your figure as long as you're healthy and happy, you'll do fine! Enjoy the party! 

If you are not happy about it, maybe you can also consider losing the unwanted weight and come back to the next beach party in your sexiest clothes as a revenge. 



image from Sattva/ freedigitalphotos.net

3 Simple Ways to Cure Procrastination

People procrastinate for many reasons. According to psychologists, there are four basic reasons for this behavior pattern.
  1. They view the task before them as unpleasant or boring.
  2. They lack knowledge in managing their time and responsibilities.
  3. They feel overwhelmed by the task to be done.
  4. They cannot see the any immediate results or benefits.

What should be done?

Get it over with.
When faced with an unpleasant assignment, act on it as soon as possible.  Try to do it first and get it over with.  Do not spoil the whole day constantly thinking about this dreaded thing to be done.  In an organization setting, you may delegate the task to someone else.

Divide and conquer.
For assignments that seem to complex or too large, divide the work into small components, then tackle each individually.  Focus on one step at a time. This way, you won’t be paralyzed with fear at the enormity of an assignment.



Reward yourself.
If the reason is that you cannot see any immediate reward, set up your own reward when the task is completed.  This personal incentive that you set up will serve to motivate you to finish the task.


More about tasks and goals:

8 Steps To Help You Prepare for the College Application Process

Why Should Racism Still Exist in this Internet Age?



Regardless of race, social strata, religion, economic status, we all are driven by our attitude. We act on something because we were driven by our gut feel or a mindset. We have our own biases; and our instinct dictates our judgment. 

Let's focus on something close to our common experience - the online writing communities and job boards. I have contemplated on these matters myself, so I'd like to share these questions with you as well.

When we join a website and see many members join, do we see that as a sign of growth or something that will lead to its downfall? Do we see a new member as an opportunities for growth or a competition?

When we meet other people who are not of our race, do we shut them out or welcome them. For what reason - because we tend think this or that race is friendlier, or kinder, or more obnoxious, or a bunch of bigots?  


If I Should Make A Mother's Day Tribute...

I believe that everyday is mother's day because the presence of moms, especially those who have and are continuously fulfilling their lifetime motherly roles, deserve to be honored daily. But today is extra special, and I shall try to conform with the traditions of the day. Before you raise an eyebrow, I like to tell you that I got that no-drama attitude from my mom, too.

My mom's extent of benevolence and understanding knows no bounds. Her strength of character and willpower defy her physical limitations. Always resourceful and enterprising, mom saw to it that we can experience more than the mere basics of life. 

I remember that she gave up a promising career of managing a chain of department stores in the Philippines to stay home and take on the unglamorous and underpaid job of being a hands-on parent to my brother and I - a role not all mothers, especially in the Philippines, are willing to embrace.

We were not an affluent family, but I wanted to be a musician. What a contradicting dream for a daughter of an employee in a third world country, right? But she found a way to acquire a piano and she searched the rural areas for a piano teacher. I eventually became a musician and a piano teacher. I owe this success to her unstoppable determination.

Her enterprising spirit was not held back by being a housewife. I remember coming home from my college dormitory on weekends being greeted by a house filled with factory workers and engineers who were already living in our ground floor  The vacant rooms of our house were transformed into bedspace rentals.  I guess being a superintendent runs in her blood way before that title was even invented.

Mommy, I still have lots to say but I'll stop here and we'll continue our talks and our internal jokes through chat. I just want to tell the whole world how blessed we are for having you as a mom. Your courage and faith in the face of trials remain unwavering. We miss you and we hope to see you soon.

Happy mother's day, mommy.


Top 10 TV Anti-Heroes



It's a guilty pleasure to be watching and loving these TV anti-heroes many of us have grown to love. The popularity of these types of characters have grown so much that it is becoming harder to delineate which side is the hero and which side leans toward the villain character. Many popular anti-heroes like Dexter Morgan and Walter White are fictional, while some are based on the lives of actual historical characters such as Nucky Thompson and Rodrigo Borgia.

Something about each one of them is so irresistible that's why we keep coming back for more, week after week. Perhaps because they portray and live that dark side of us in the fantasy world. In the comfort of our couches, we watch them do their stuff without physical accountability on our side; and the best part of it is that the anti-heroes end up winning, more often than not (or so we'd like to think), unless the TV series gets cancelled or unless history has recorded their downfall.

In no particular order, these are my top 10 anti-heroes of from my favorite TV series.

1. Dexter Morgan of Dexter - Showtime
2. Pope Alexander VI of Borgias - Showtime
3. Nucky Thompson of Boardwalk Empire - HBO
4. Walter White a.k.a. Heisenberg of Breaking Bad - ANC
5. Tony Soprano of The Sopranos - HBO
6. Dr. House from House, M.D. - Fox
7. Kenshin Himura of Samurai X - Fuji TV (?)
8. Sherlock Holmes of Sherlock - PBS
9. Nicholas Brody of Homeland - Showtime
10. Bugs Bunny of Looney Tunes - Warner Bros.


There you have it. That's my list and these are mainly the shows I watch since I have very limited time for TV. I know you also have your own choices. Feel free to recommend your chosen anti-heroes.


image credit: Sin Amigos
under Creative Commons License
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) 

Product Review: A4tech N-70FX Padless Mouse

Not all computer mice are created equal. Even for simple computer tasks such as word processing and browsing, you will always want a reliable tool. Don't make the same mistake I committed not too long ago. With the intention to save some buck, I bought the low-price brands from store outlets in nearby malls. After having to replace 4 computer mice in only a few month's time, I learned my lesson.

I bought this A4tech N-70FX Wired Mouse July 1, 2012 and it has been serving me well up to this day (for 1 year, 7 months and counting), still in tip top shape. This are the actual photos of my mouse which I have been using daily for 17 months as of this time of writing.

There are lots of cheap computer mouse brands everywhere, often China-made. Out of frustration from using 4 mice priced at around $2 each in just a span of 1 year, I finally gave up and decided to buy a branded mouse.

I got this padless mouse for $8 from a certified A4 Tech store. The V-Track technology uses vertical ray which makes it versatile enough to run on any surface including fur, cloth, glass, and even on dusty areas without a mouse pad. True to its claim, I have saved money by not buying any of those expensive mouse pads from computer accessory stores.

The size of 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches is just right for my small hands. It does not stress my pointer finger unnecessarily since the distance of the buttons from the palm area keeps my fingers in a natural curve.
One of the special features of the N-70FX is its screen capture function which can be operated using the software that's downloadable from the A 4Tech website. Other functions accessible from the screen capture tool include the Tutor Pen, 4-way wheel, multimedia, 16-in-one, and host of other programmable tasks that can be done using this mouse.

The DPI button on top allows the user to select from 4 settings 800, 1,000, 1,200, and 1,600 DPI. The double-click orange button is my favorite function as it lessens finger stress. I programmed the two side buttons for zoom-in and zoom-out functions.

So far, so good. I'm a very satisfied A4Tech mouse user. After 17 months of use, this has no signs of malfunction. I'm never going back to those cheap mouse brands ever!

Shopping for Baby Clothes as Baby Shower Gifts

Baby showers are great opportunities to help the mother-to-be prepare for the arrival of her baby by adding some much-needed essentials to her nursery. Excited parents may have shopped in advance for the infant's needs but there can never be too many of these basic things to give the mother.

A new mom will not have a lot of free time to wash the baby's clothes. It would be great to provide any or a set of these items:




1) onesies or bodysuits - After the umbilical cord has fallen, the onesies will keep the baby snug and warm with this one-piece garment.
2) washable diapers - It's natural, environmental, and prevent a lot of rashes.
3) baby tees - Also consider giving these types of shirts with toddler sizes. These can save a lot of the parents' money when the baby grows a bit bigger in a few months.



4) baby mittens - Mittens are always useful especially in countries with cooler climates.
5) baby socks - Buy the bigger sizes. Many would probably give the infant-sized ones. The child's feet grow fast and will be needing larger ones soon.

These quick and handy tips for buying baby clothes can help you shop wisely so that your gifts will not go to waste sooner than expected.



image courtesy of Supertrooper / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fashion Trends: Overalls are Making a Sexy Comeback

It looks like fashionistas, particularly the fans of jumpers and overalls won't be spending a lot this year. Designers are bringing back overalls to the runway and to the streets. Come to think of it, did overalls really leave us at all? Well, not really; but this time overalls are getting a sexier twist.



Overall styles are more body-hugging than the usual sloppy-looking and loose-fitting utility wear. The wide-legged styles will still remain but undershirt will have to go, leaving a strappy look that still appears tough while maintaining enough bare arms and shoulders for a sexier look. Prints will remain in vogue.

If this is the case, we may expect to see more people flocking to thrift shops for basic material and dressmakers for alterations.

We'll be seeing traces of 70s and 80s fashion coming into play. Nothing's really new after all.

image credit:
www.flickr.com/photos/brehantoddjewelry/5347621102
under Creative Commons License
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Choose the Best Waffle Maker and Waffle Iron for Your Lifestyle


When was the last time you made a waffle for yourself? Did it come out the way you wanted it? If you have an old unit, chances are they no longer perform like the way they used to. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a look at these different waffle irons that just might give you that perfect waffle you've been dreaming to make.

Rome's #1100 Old Fashioned Waffle Iron, Cast Iron



Made by Rome Industries. a family camping specialty company, Rome's cast iron waffle iron is designed after the traditional style that grandma used to use. Made for gas burner stoves and camping stoves. It has a 6.75" diameter cooking surface and a 10" overall length. The company has been making the Original Pie Iron sandwich cooker since 1964.

Oster CKSTWF40 4-Slice Waffle Maker, Black


Enjoy busy weekday mornings with a plate of homemade waffles with the help of this waffle maker by the Oster brand. The Oster CKSTWF40 4-Slice Waffle Maker can cook up four square-shaped waffles in just minutes. It accepts both store-bought mixes and home made batters. Create healthy whole-wheat waffles with slices of banana on top or more decadent waffles during the weekend-complete with butter and warm maple syrup. If you're always in a hurry, make waffles ahead of time and freeze them for quick reheating later-a nice alternative to cold breakfast cereal. The unit's cooking plates create the familiar waffle pockets that help trap a variety of favorite toppings. It has a nonstick surface to help ensure effortless food release and speedy cleanup. It features an automatic shut-off for safety, locking handle that stays cool to the touch, and a flat base that allows you to stand the unit upright when not in use. This Oster waffle maker comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Black & Decker Flip Waffle Maker

 


With the Black & Decker Flip Waffle Maker, you can create thick, fluffy waffles that soak up syrup and work perfectly with any topping. Equipped with a flip handle, this gives you a rotate and cook system that makes for perfectly formed waffles. There is a waffle ready indicator light letting you know when the waffles are cooked and ready to be served.

One of these could be a good replacement to your aging waffle iron, or simply complement your existing one. These are also perfect holiday gifts this season.


Be Your Own Barista with a Cappuccino and Espresso Maker

Do you sometimes wish you have your own espresso maker handy? You know how it is when you crave for that perfectly flavored coffee, and realize how much effort it would take just to have that coffee fix? Why not have that latte inside your home and enjoy it each and everytime you want that hot, freshly made cappuccino right in your living room. Here are some espresso and cappuccino makers that would make that into a reality.

De'Longhi BAR32 Retro 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

With the DeLonghi BAR32 Pump Espresso Maker, you can achieve authentic Italian espresso flavor . Espresso preparation is made simple and fast when you use convenient pods or ground coffee with the patented dual function filter holder. It's possible to brew great espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature with two separate thermostats that allows for water and steam pressure to be controlled independently. Prepare latte and cappuccino like a coffee master using the built-in swivel jet frother. A stainless steel boiler and 15-bar pump make perfect espresso each and every time.
The BAR32's is equipped with a self-priming function which eliminate annoying start-up preparation. You get your coffee faster with less waiting for the element and boiler to reach the correct temperature. Clean up is a breeze with a removable 35-ounce water tank with indicator light, and a detachable drip tray. It's easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble so you can go back to creating perfect drinks fast.

Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine


Perfect for high-pressure brewed espresso and making cappuccino. It has a stainless-steel lined ThermoBlock that allows you to make gourmet coffee beverages quickly and easily. With two frothing positions, frothing and steaming milk, as well as making lattes or cappuccinos are made simpler. It has a removable 46 oz. water container for easy filling, a self-locking filter holder with thumbguard, two sieves for making one or two rich, thick crema espressos at a time, and an easy to clean removable stainless drip tray. It comes with a one year limited warranty.

Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel

This espresso maker is top notch. It has all the good stuff you would expect from a Cuisinart espresso maker, like a 15 bar pump, commercial steam wand, removable dip tray with grate and stainless frothing pitcher. But what sets this apart from your average espresso maker is the large cup warming plate. You can heat the cups on them just like how the pros do it. Featured also is its portafilter holder, which can be used with ground or pod espresso.

If you are ready to brew like the pros, doing so would be as easy as grabbing one of these espresso makers. Enjoy your favorite cappuccino with friends, family, or simply whenever you feel like it.


Five Great Gift Ideas for Kids from Crayola Under $20

For more than 100 years, Crayola has always been helpful in raising creativity of children all over the world. Parents and educators alike have enjoyed the creativity that Crayola products bring out in children, both in school or at home. Since the first box of eight crayons rolled out in 1903, the Crayola brand has evolved into a range of products like crafting activities, creative toys, and  art tools that bring out the best in children's imagination.


Save up to 30% off retail on Crayola® at Discount School Supply. 

Whether during the holiday seasons or for any occasion, you may be considering practical and innovative gifts for children while on a budget. Crayola would be an excellent choice to start choosing great gift ideas for your children. Here are five awesome gift ideas that are mostly under $20.

Telescoping Crayon Tower

 This product has a 3-tier telescoping tower of 150 crayons. It's specially designed case collapses for easy storage. A promotional code can be found inside and enter those at the Play Zone you will find at the Crayola® web site. This code transform you or your kids into a cartoon and you can create, print and color your own story. This Tower contains 118 regular crayons, 16 metallic FX crayons and 16 glitter crayons.

Crayola® Tabletop Portfolio Style Easel

 The Crayola Tabletop Easel can be easily set up wherever you sit. You can use regular paper or the dry-erase surface. Inside you'll find an easel, 2 slide pouches, 5 dry-erase crayons, 20 supertip markers, an EZ-Erase mitt, a double-sided dry-erase board and 10 sheets of white paper. For ages 3 and up.

Crayola® Cutter

 This is the new and improved Crayola Cutter allows kids to cut all types of complicated shapes safely and easily. The cutting wand can be used like a pen that makes cutting fun and easy as tracing. This kit includes a Crayola Cutter with refill cutting tip, 4 sheets of craft foam and a project idea book. For ages 8 and up.

Crayola® Glow Station On the Go

 This product gives you the ability to produce astonishing illustrations using light. The light wand can be used like a pen to make luminous freehand drawings. Included stencils can also be used to make different glowing shapes and scenes. Package contains a light wand, 1 stencil sheet, 6 stencil tracer shapes and 1 light texture sheet.

Color Wonder® Floor Puzzle
Your kids will love putting together 12 oversized, easy-to-handle pieces and seeing wonderful, fun images take form. Measuring 2-foot by 3-foot, the Crayola Color Wonder Floor Puzzle has lots of hidden surprises. Hidden images appear as you color them. For ages 3 and up.

256534_Save on Crayola At DiscountSchoolSupply.com!

© by Tip Writer November 11, 2012

Discount School Supply Online Buying Guide at discountschoolsupply.com

Discount School Supply company mainly aims to offer the best school supply products at bargain prices, backed up by high quality level of service.


Discount School Supply® is a website which offers a wide array of products and resources for schools, teachers, and families. With a catalog of over 500 pages containing more than 5,000 products from more than 25 various categories, this is truly a one-stop shop for school supplies. The company has established itself as a leading supplier of Arts & Crafts products, including large selections in other categories such as Dramatic Play; Active Play; Infant & Toddlers; Furniture, Storage & Equipment; Math; Science; Language; and Special Needs. They also regularly release specialty catalogs to expand their most popular categories.

Discount School Supply

What does Discount Supply sell?
Their product categories include the following:
Arts & Crafts
Infant & Toddler
Dramatic Play
Active Play
Furniture
Manipulatives

256534_Shop Inspirational Values for Vacation Bible School and Sunday School Crafts! DiscountSchoolSupply   

They carry several quality brands such as Colorations®, “The Brand Teachers Choose,” our line of top-quality Arts & Crafts materials; and BioColor® paint, “Creativity in a Bottle," Crayola®, Elmer’s®, Fiskars®, Duplo®, Lego®, HighScope®, Angeles®, Carpets for Kids®, Children’s Factory®, and Jonti-Craft® .

Aside from products, they also provide services such as curriculum support and curriculum resources for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Other curriculum support products are Pocket Charts & Stands, Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Montessori, HighScope®, Books, Music Curriculum Resources, and Creative Curriculum for Toddlers.

Another area worth exploring on their website is the Free Resources page where you can find the following:
Head Start Program
New Center Openings
Circle Time
Free Grant Database

Shipping Information
Discount School Supply - Free Shipping on orders over $79

Discount School Supply® offers free shipping on orders over $79 worth of products within the 48 contiguous United States. Orders under $79 have a minimum charge of $5.00. For shipments outside the 48 contiguous United States, including APOs and FPOs, customers will need to contact the customer service for details and instructions at 1-800-627-2829 or contact by email for a quote.

What forms of payment are accepted by Discount School Supply?
The payment options include credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa) and PayPal.  Institutions such as schools or local government agencies and other business establishments may apply for a credit line.

Does Discount School Supply® offer further discounted items or coupons?
Discount School Supply® has a clearance section which features products such as arts and crafts, active play, furniture, curriculum resources, manipulatives, dramatic play, teacher resources and others at reduced prices. It is regularly updated, so it is best to check back often to find new discounted products added to the list.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

Groupon Deals and Customer Buying Guide


Groupon is a website where discounts on products, dining, travel, recreation, and other exciting deals are featured daily. Groupon deals are available in 48 countries worldwide.  Shoppers save time hunting for deals and discounts because Groupon does the job of negotiating discount rates with business establishments. Deals are updated daily and are sent to thousands of Groupon subscribers by email.



Groupon offers these exciting features to their customers.
Personalized Deals -With the relevant information provided by the cusomer (zip code, gender, and age), Groupon can suggest better deals to fit the customers' interests and location.
Buy & Redeem Groupons on Mobile Devices
Groupon Gift Cards - Groupon members have an option to buy gift cards in electronic of physical card type. Groupon gift cards are sent to the recipient through email or regular mailbox. Customers may add a personal touch and choose the delivery date of the Groupon Gift Cards.
Business Partnerships - Business owners have the opportunity to reach more potential customers by partnering with Groupon. Being with the Groupon network means more product exposure and more focused target market daily.

Returns and Refunds
When a customer experiences problems in claiming coupons, Groupon assures to correct the error or return the purchase. If the business linked to the deal closes down permanently, Groupon will refund unredeemed Groupons.

What warranties are offered on products sold through Groupon?
All products distributed through Groupon are sold AS IS. Products sold on Groupon come with manufacturer's warranties. If some problem should arise, the customer should get in touch with the manufacturer directly.

Groupon Customer Service Contact Details
Groupon has assigned customer representatives per country where Groupon operates.  The main office of Groupon is located in Chicago. Their other offices are in Palo Alto California.  Regional offices are located throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and in many countries around the world. More contact details can be found in their customer support page.

The Help Center hotline number is 1 (888) 375-5777 available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST.

What other incentives does Groupon offer apart from discounts?
Groupon offers an affiliate program for website owners which allow them to place relevant, dynamic website content or galleries. Depending on the country of operation, Groupon members may be rewarded with either points or cash for referring new members to Groupon.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

StrawberryNET Cosmetics, Perfumes, and Skin Care Online Shop

StrawberryNET is a one-stop shop for brand name cosmetics, perfumes, and skincare products at marked-down prices.  The company serves over 190 countries offering more than 20,000 types of products from over 2,700 brand names on their website.


The products offered on the website are classified into the following groups for easy browsing:

  • SKIN CARE
  • MAKE UP
  • HAIR CARE
  • WOMEN'S FRAGRANCES
  • MEN'S SKIN CARE
  • MEN'S FRAGRANCES
  • GIFTS AND SPECIALS
  • NEW PRODUCTS

Shoppers who are looking for top brand cosmetics would be glad to know that these can be found at StrawberryNET.  Brands available include: Adrien Arpel, Aveda, Anna Sui, Bloom, Biotherm, Borghese,  Bvlgari, Britney Spears, Bobbi Brown, Calvin Klein, Cellex C, Chanel, Christian Dior, Clinique, Clarins, Darphin, Dermalogica, Decleor,  Elizabeth Arden, Garnier, Estee Lauder, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Guinot,  Glycel,  Guerlain, Gucci, Kinerase, H2O+, Kanebo,  La Mer, La Prairie, Lancome,  Lancaster, L'Oreal, Lierac, NARS, MAC,  Monteil, Nina Ricci, Max Factor, Obagi, Orlane, Origins, Payot, Revlon, Perricone MD, Sisley, Shiseido, SK II, Shu Uemura, Swissline, Squina, Valmont, Stila, Ultima,  Versace, Z. Bigatti, YSL, and many others.

Customers have different payment options.  StrawberryNET accepts major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.  They may also pay thru PayPal.

StrawberryNET Return Policies
If a product delivered does not satisfy the customer, the item in question may be returned to StrawberryNET  within 14 days of receipt for replacement or refund. The customer should contact the customer service within 14 days after receiving the item and return it in its original, unopened, and unused condition.

Shipping
StrawberryNET accepts orders and delivers products to more than 200 countries all over the world.  However, they do not ship to Italy, France, Germany, and Monaco.

Are StrawberryNET products authentic?
 StrawberryNET sells 100% genuine brand items by the original manufacturer.  Being sourced from various places internationally, the product packaging may slightly differ from other similar products. To ensure freshness, products are stored in temperature-controlled areas. 

StrawberryNET Customer Service Contact Details
A Customer Service page is available on the site for easy access should customers need to contact a representative of StrawberryNET.
Other contact details are as follows:
email:  info@StrawberryNET.com. 
Phone:  +852 2591 0300 or +852 2811 5399 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Address:
StrawberryNet
Strawberry Fields
No.4, A Kung Ngam Village Road
Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong.

StrawberryNET Discounts and Promotions
The Gifts and Specials page has several discount offers

  • Coupon Deals
  • Top 20 Specials
  • Extra Special Discounts
  • Special Purchase
  • Unboxed Specials
  • Fragrance Super Specials
  • Special Loyalty Discounts
  • Special Volume Discounts

Furniture and Interior Designs for Children’s Room from ABaby.com


ABaby.com is an online source and one-stop shop for branded furniture for infants and children. Since the founding of the online company in 1998 it grew and expanded to a bigger store which offers an extensive range of outstanding designer products to cater to the needs of parents and babies.


The selection of products offered by ABaby.com website can be surfed by categories:
·           Baby Furniture
·           Children’s Furniture    
·           Bedding          
·           Nursery Decor
·           Bassinets & Cradles   
·           Mattresses      
·           Play-Time       
·           Personalized Gifts

Return and Exchange Procedures
If for some reason a customer is not satisfied with an item ordered, it may be returned for refund or exchange within 30 days upon receipt. Items may be accepted for return are long as they are in the original condition and packaging, unused, with tags still attached, and with a valid return authorization form (which can be requested by email at ra@ababy.com). For larger items, a 15% restocking fee will be charged. However, only non-custom items will be accepted for return.
The customer pays return shipping fees including those labeled as "free shipping." Items for return must be handled only by insured couriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS Parcel Post).

Does ABaby.com ship internationally?
ABaby.com accepts and ships orders worldwide including APO/FPO addresses via UPS, FedEx, and USPS. Merchandise which require special handling, such as large and breakable items, an additional shipping fee may be added. White Glove Delivery shipping option is also another service offered with a higher fee. This is most appropriate for shipping oversized items. This service included the unpacking, placing the furniture in the designated room, assembly of merchandise (except cribs and beds), and discarding of the packaging materials all done by the delivery White Glove delivery staff. Assembly of cribs and beds, however are not part of this service.

Customer Service Contact Details
customer service hotlines: 1-877-55-ABABY and 1-877-55-2222
email: info@ababy.com9.
For inquiries or replacements
email: sales@ababy.com
toll free 1-877-55-ABABY Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST.
ABaby may also be reached by mail:
aBaby.com
1958-59th Street
Brooklyn,NY11204

ABaby.com Discounts and Coupons
ABaby.com a page dedicate to marked down items. This is the Sales & Promotions section. Also offered on this page are Deal of the Day, Weekly Specials, Clearance Sales, and Free Shipping. For email subscribers, exclusive deals and offers are regularly given. ABaby discount coupon codes can be found on different online merchants. Discounts are applied upon entering the coupon code during checkout.

Clarins Skin Care and Beauty Products Online Shopping Guide


Clarins is a well-known brand of for skin care and cosmetic products, which has been offering a broad selection of treatments for all types of skins since 1954. Clarins products has natural ingredients such as natural plant extracts and essential oils which are formulated to treat skin problems such as dry skin, acne breakouts, skin aging, hyper pigmentation, sun damage, crow’s feet, fine lines, irritation, and wrinkles.

The Clarins website serves not only to display the products but also offers beauty and skin care advice as well. The site has pages for Expert Beauty Advice and Application methods. Downloadable guides are also available and online consultations are also offered. 

Clarins skin-care products and makeup collection are available both in retail outlets worldwide and online. The main product families offered are:

Face
Body
Make-up
Sun
Well Being
Clarins Men
Gifts & Sets
Fragrance
Special Offers
What are the return policies of Clarins?
Items purchased from the website of Clarins may be returned within 30 days of shipment. Clarins will only accept unused items purchased on the website. Opened items may only qualify for returns if proven damaged or defective.

What guarantee does Clarins offer?
All Clarins products have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What are the shipping options available for Clarins?
Clarins offers these shipping options: Standard Delivery, Express Delivery, and Overnight Delivery.  Orders over $75 qualify for Free Shipping.
Free Standard Shipping on all orders over $75 - no code necessary!

Is international shipping available?
Orders made on Clarins.com may only be delivered to the contiguous 50 states. There are no available shipping services to PO Boxes, military addresses, or international destinations.

Where can Clarins store outlets be located?
Clarins has retail outlet in 150 countries worldwide, and is networked with 20 subsidiaries.  Clarins products are available in most skin care an cosmetic sections of department stores or drugstores. A Store Locator is provided on the website to help customers find the nearest Clarins retail outlet.

How can customers contact Clarins Customer Service Department? 
For inquiries and concerns, customers may Clarins hotline at 1-866-325-2746. The office of Clarins is located at 4 rue Berteaux Dumas, 92 200 Neuilly sur Seine, FRANCE.  Customers may also email Clarins via the Contact Us page of the website. 

Are there discounts and coupons offered by Clarins?
Clarins has a SPECIAL OFFER page on their website. In addition, Clarins also offers Reward points for purchases made on the website. Registration is needed to participate in the rewards program. Customers get three free samples of their choice for every order made.

FEED your skin, FEED your soul

© Athena Goodlight 2012