Lakeside Collection Blog

As a regular or occasional drinker of wine, you may have found yourself wondering what the difference is between red and white wine glasses. Perhaps you just want to avoid an embarrassing social faux pas. The red wine glass is just a little wider – why does it matter if you pick one shape of glass over another? The truth is, you should select the correct wine glass shape as it affects the experience of the tasting.

Red Wine Glass
The bowl of a red wine glass is taller, wider and rounder in shape because this allows for more oxygen to come into contact with the liquid. This helps to enhance both the taste and the smell of the wine – and also why you should give red wine time to breathe once you’ve opened a bottle. The bowl of a red wine glass is wider so that it can be held comfortably in the palm of your hand, as when drinking red wine it does not matter if your body temperature affects the temperature of the wine.

White Wine Glass
White wine glasses tend to have a smaller bowl as they don’t require oxidation like red wine does. In fact, oxidation is likely to mask the delicate overtones of the wine. This means that many white wine glasses have a smaller mouth to reduce the surface area, to preserve a crisper clean flavor. White wine should be drank by holding the stem – as it is often served chilled it helps to prevent the temperature being affected by warm hands.

Champange Glass
Sparkling champagne will be served in flutes, which are designed to be even thinner – this is so that it is exposed to even less oxygen so that it will retain its fizz for longer.

Size and Shape
You’ll notice the differences that the size and shape of a glass make to the flavor and smell of a drink if you test it with a drink you’re more familiar with on a daily basis. For example, if you try your normal tea or coffee in a plastic or polystyrene cup, you’ll notice the experience is not as enjoyable. The material of your cup or mug will affect the taste, the smell and possibly its coloring.

So when choosing a wine glass to buy, if in doubt, think about how your senses will be affected during the tasting experience. For example a clear, colorless glass will allow you to fully appreciate the color of your drink, while a large glass will allow you to value the aroma. Choose wine glasses with a large enough stem to hold when serving so that you don’t leave fingerprints on the stem. Forever Crystal is a good bet for wine glasses to suit any taste and budget – from contemporary to traditional, they’ve got it covered.

Wine Club
If you’re a new wine drinker, the Sunday Times Wine Club will be able to answer many other questions you may have, such as the best way to taste wine, the ideal temperature to serve and how to store your wine properly.

By Gemma Benning. This post was been written in partnership with Forevercrystal.co.uk and Gemma, to bring you the best advice on wine etiquette. Gemma has been working in events and promotions for the last three years and is currently working on a super yatch.

A quick search in Google for best-selling books of all time will yield more results than one could imagine. Depending on what you are searching for, the list changes considerably. You can find best non-fiction books, best fiction books, best book in a series—it can get very granular.

For the sake of this post, we will look at the best-selling books of all time in the broadest sense. These books would have made more than one top selling list—and are worth noting. So without further ado, here are the top 10 selling books of all time.

The Bible
Copies Sold: 2,500,000,000+
It’s no surprise this tops almost every list out there. The Bible has been around for thousands of years and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With being one of the oldest books ever written, it’s no surprise it’s one of the best-selling books of all time.

Quotations from Chairman Mao
Copies Sold: 800,000,000+
This book you may or may not be as familiar with. Quotations from Chairman Mao was published in the late sixties and it was mandatory for all people living in China to carry a copy. This might not top everyone’s favorite book of all-time list, but it has been sold more times than not.

A Tale of Two Cites
Copies Sold: 200,000,000
One of Charles Dicken’s most popular novels, this book has been sold again and again. A favorite among literary circles, it’s not hard to imagine why it’s sold so many copies. Wikipedia also sites this book has been made into a movie seven times—three of which were silent films.

Le Petite Prince (The Little Prince)
Copies Sold: 200,000,000
This book is also credited with being the most read and translated book in the French language. According to Fun on the Net, “It’s about a delightful little prince who sets off on a journey across all the planets so see if he can find a friend. He has no luck until he falls to Earth. It was first published in 1943.”

The Lord of the Rings
Copies Sold: 150,00,000
With the popularity of the epic blockbuster trilogy it’s not a surprise this book by J. R. R. Tolkien makes the top ten. Written from 1937-1949, Tolkien draws us in with his great writing and makes us want to be part of the journey to destroy the evil ring. This is definitely one of most entertaining books ever written.

The Hobbit
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
Written before the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R Tolkien hit it big with The Hobbit. Wikipedia reports, “Encouraged by the book’s critical and financial success, the publisher requested a sequel. As Tolkien’s work on the successor The Lord of the Rings progressed, he made retrospective accommodations for it in The Hobbit. These few but significant changes were integrated into the second edition. Further editions followed with minor emendations, including those reflecting Tolkien’s changing concept of the world into which Bilbo stumbled. The work has never been out of print.”

The Dream of the Red Chamber
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
Another book sprung out of China, The Dream of the Red Chamber is considered one of four classic Chinese novels. Outlining the rise and eventual fall of the Qing Dynasty, this book is said to be semi-autobiographical. The author alludes to his own family during this time.

And Then There Were None
Copies Sold: 100,000,000
The only female author to break the top ten, Agatha Christine’s And Then There Were None is said to be the best murder mystery book of all time. If you haven’t had a chance to pick this book up, it’s time you did.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Copies Sold: 85,000,000
Available to buy in 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has grabbed the attention of children and adults ever since. Now considered one of the best books for kids ever published, it has been translated in over 47 different languages. This book doesn’t seem to be losing steam over 60 years later.

She: A History of Adventure
Copies Sold: 83,000,000
Written by Henry Rider Haggard, this book rounds out our top ten list. According to Wikipedia, She is, “a first-person narrative that follows the journey of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey to a lost kingdom in the African interior. There, they encounter a primitive race of natives and a mysterious white queen, Ayesha, who reigns as the all-powerful “She”.”

Have you read any of these books on the list? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

Image Credit: The Producer’s Prospective 

The debate around whether you should or shouldn’t take your cell phone to the beach is still open. The arguments against it are strong: you risk damaging or losing it, you will probably spend a huge part of your beach day talking to the friends or checking for updates from your work, and there will be little time to recharge and rest when your cell phone is with you. But on the other hand, you will be able to take pictures and share your moments with your friends, you’re ready if you’re waiting on important news, and in case of any emergency you can call for help – which are very good reasons as well; so let’s see what you can do to reduce the risks and to keep your cell phone safe from sun, water, sand, thieves, and what you can do to correct the mishaps.

1. Put it in a zip lock sandwich bag. It will be safe from the moisture and sand scratches; but you have to make sure that both the bag and your cell are completely dry, unless you want to turn the bag into a steamer.

2. Put it in your beach bag, but place it under your underwear and socks – hopefully they will serve as a deterrent.

3. Leave it in a locker, but carry the locker key with you when you swim. You can put the key in your shorts (if they have zipped pockets), in your water shoes if you wear them, or tie it to your bathing suit or around your wrist. Even the cooler is an option if you get really desperate.

4. Password protect your cell phone when you go to the beach.

5. If you see that your cell is overheating (some phones will display the warning message), put it in a cool place (if there’s nothing at the beach, place it under your towel or bag), or switch it off. Never handle it when it’s too hot to touch. Never.

6. Download the beach waves ringtone and use it if you don’t want to switch the ringtone off. This way it won’t be drawing attention when it rings. And you won’t be irritating the people around you (unless you have that bad habit of speaking loudly on the phone – if you do, kill it immediately!).

7. Add your home number as “01 Return to” to your contacts list. If you’re lucky enough and the person who found it wants to get in touch with you, this way it will be easy for him to find out who to call.

8. If you have dropped it in the water, there may be a way to salvage it if it hasn’t been in the water for too long. Dry it off and place it in a plastic bag filled with dry rice – it can help to absorb the remaining moisture, but you’ll have to keep it like that overnight.

9. Just in case, have a chit chat with a few people around you at the beach. Make sure that they remember you, so no one else can pretend that it’s their belongings, while you’re in the water.

10. Take an old lotion bottle, clean it well, cut the top part almost entirely (it should stay attached to the bottle on one end) and put your cell phone, keys, money in it. Keep the bottle in your bag, so that the possible thieves can’t see where you’re pulling the phone from. This way, no one will notice that you have any valuables with you.

It’s good to be free to carry your cell phone with you everywhere you go, but it’s also a good idea to make sure it’s safe. If you have anything to add, please share your tips!

Do it yourself options are great for many things—it saves money, gives you the satisfaction that yes, you put in that kitchen sink and in some cases gives you eco-friendly alternatives. Household cleaners clean your home, but also bring in toxic chemicals. Check out these five DIY house cleaning options that save you money and chemical use.

Bathtub Cleaner
The bathroom is one of those rooms that you want spotless, yet it always seems dirty. Instead of bleaching, and spraying toxic chemicals in the tub, try this option instead. It does a great job and you will save money while benefiting your health.

Ingredients: 2/3 cup baking soda

½ cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap

2 tablespoons vinegar

In a spray bottle (or similar container) combine the above ingredients together and shake well. You can apply with a sponge or cloth. Make sure to rinse well, the vinegar and baking soda tend to leave a light film if not rinsed thoroughly.

Tile Cleaner
There are a few options here—each work just as well, just depends on your preference. For more great ideas like the ones below check out The Daily Green.

Ingredients: Baking Soda
Lemon Juice
Vinegar
Tea Tree Oil

Baking Soda and Water: Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.

Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.

Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It’s easy!

Kitchen Cleaner
If the bathroom is a room that needs constant attention, the kitchen is the second most time-consuming. Between preparing meals and eating, it can get messy fast. My Own Ideas gives a great option for kitchen cleaners.

Ingredients: 1 part distilled vinegar
1 part warm water
2-3 drops tea tree oil

Funnel the ingredients into a clean, empty squirt bottle and gently swirl the liquid around to mix. Vinegar and tea tree oil are mild disinfectants, so this solution works great a kitchen surface cleaner. Avoid surfaces with finished wood, however, because the vinegar ratio is high enough that it can strip wood stain.

Wood Furniture Polish
According to the EPA chemicals in furniture polish, “may irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract (that is your throat, lungs and wind pipe). If ingested, furniture polish can cause nausea, vomiting, and medical help should be sought.” Avoid all of this with the DIY option below.

Ingredients: 1 Cup olive oil
½ Cup lemon juice

Mix ingredients into a spray bottle, mist into a soft cloth and polish away! The olive oil moisturizes your wood while the lemon juice cleans the furniture. The nice lemon smell lofting in the air afterwards is another great perk.

Window Cleaner
Glass and windows can be a pain to clean. You don’t want to leave a streaky mess, but the cost of window/glass cleaners can add up fast. Check out this DIY option that will leave your windows shiny.

Ingredients: ¼ Cup white vinegar
¼ Cup rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Cups warm water

Combine all elements and shake well. Spray away and see the fantastic results. Fabulously Frugal suggests shaking well before EACH use.

Have you concocted a great DIY cleaner? Share your DIY cleaner in the comments below.

Image Credit: Flickr

As a family nurse practitioner with a special interest in dermatology, I frequently have people ask me how they can not only prevent skin cancer on their faces, but how to keep their skin looking youthful.

The list of age-defying products, foods, tips, and “secrets” is endless. Typically they involve expensive lotions and creams, eating foods that contain antioxidants, or even sometimes rubbing those foods on your face. But here are some simple, everyday changes that can alter your look without altering your lifestyle or significantly impacting your budget.

1) Use daily moisturizer with sunscreen on your face all year round.

Everyone already knows that to prevent premature aging, they should protect themselves from harmful UV rays from the sun.  But think about it. How do you typically use sunscreen? You arrive at the beach and proceed to put it on. What about your drive there, though? It’s likely that the sun was beating down on your face as you wended your way down the road from your house to the beach, daydreaming of your toes in the sand. You should apply sunscreen before you leave the house. There are many facial moisturizers that contain between 15 to 50 SPF that are available in discount pharmacies as well as department stores. Higher price doesn’t necessarily mean more sun protection.

Image Credit: Flickr

Since my private practice is in the state of Washington, many patients say to me, “but we don’t have sun here in the winter.” Any amount of sun can be damaging to your skin, leading to age spots, wrinkles and cancer. Just like you should brush and floss your teeth daily, developing a daily habit of year-round sunscreen is best. See your healthcare professional or cosmetic dermatology practice to discuss treatments available to remove sun spots, skin cancer and minimize wrinkles. Using daily sunscreen can minimize the return of these aging effects of the sun.

Image Credit: Flickr

2) Just as less makeup is more youthful 

In most situations, less scrubbing will help protect your skin from damage. Dab – don’t wipe – your face with a towel to dry it off. I have seen women who, although using age defying cosmetics, are absolutely brutal with their face when it comes to removing the very makeup they are hoping will keep them looking youthful. And don’t forget, your daily makeup applying and removing rituals aren’t the only times you interact with your face!

Many times throughout the day we touch our faces without even thinking, breaking down the elasticity of our skin and creating perfect homes for wrinkles. Try to be conscious of when you touch your face;  fold your hands in your lap when you are tempted to rub your temples or rest your chin on your hand, and be gentle when using a napkin.

3) Sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin.

Sun protective clothing, gloves and hats are all great ways to block the sun’s rays.  Each day I see men with cancer or precancerous lesions on their ears, temples, cheeks and neck, even though they have worn a baseball cap every day for most of their lives. You need to wear a broad brimmed hat to fully protect your face, ears and neck. Since I have fair skin, I make sure to wear a hat with UV50+ sun protection year-round, even when the sunshine is not as intense. Cowboys and people on the prairie learned this lesson a long time ago, and sun protection can be a fashion statement as well as a health decision.

Image Credit: Flickr

With just a few tiny adjustments, you will be well on your way to maintaining a youthful appearance. Like other things in life, I believe it’s the little things like these, that when compounded over time, can make the most profound difference.

Susan J Jones, ARNP is a registered Family Nurse Practitioner. She now runs her own family practice on Whidbey Island, Washington. In 2011, Susan was awarded the Hometown Hero award for her medical work, both domestically and in Latin America.

A home is the single largest asset most people will ever own. In tough economic times, that fact takes on new meaning. Millions of Americans lost their homes during the Great Recession (2007-2009), which made those that managed to hang on to their houses appreciate them that much more. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in home improvement projects in recent years. Even if they have never sanded a floor or put up wallpaper, new homeowners are tackling DIY projects at an unprecedented pace, especially when it comes to home decorating.

Why are they doing it?

As we mentioned, home remodeling and redecorating is more popular than ever, thanks to the do-it-yourselfer. These hardworking homeowners typically undertake new projects in order to save money, but soon discover they actually enjoy the challenge a new project presents. Having complete creative control is another obvious advantage of decorating your home on your own.

Where to start?

Major remodeling projects are best left to the professionals. But if you want to save a little money without the input of a third party, you might opt to paint or wallpaper at least a few of the rooms in your abode. The most challenging aspect of this DIY project is finding the right color scheme for a main room. Whether we refer to this space as a living room, dining room, or hallway, this area often sets the tone for the entire home.

Choosing a color

There are many different way to select the right hue, from the visceral to the sophisticated. None of the following suggestions are absolutely right or absolutely wrong. It all depends on your taste and mindset. With that said, let us take a moment to discuss them individually.

Pick your favorite color

It seems simple enough. If you go with your favorite color, you really can’t go wrong…right? Well, maybe. Colors tend to reflect the dominant mood or personality of the viewer. Folks who are generally energetic and upbeat tend to be drawn to brighter colors, such as yellow and red. But those who are more easygoing often prefer calmer colors like blue, pink, and green. It is no wonder neutral colors (white, gray, brown, and black) are the most popular, since they don’t provoke a strong response.

Choose colors based on the largest pattern in the room

If you have a treasured Oriental rug, large painting, or an upholstered piece of furniture that you want to use in the space, it is often a good idea to match the dominant color in any of the aforementioned with that of your paint or wallpaper. At the very least, you must make certain that these two colors do not clash.

Stick with classic combos

The single most common mistake do-it-yourself decorators make is that they try new color combinations that simply don’t work. You can’t go wrong with red and brow, green and blue, blue and white, and other tried-and-true classics–they help the flow of your home look more cohesive. If you would like to spice them up a bit, do it with accents, rather than dominate color combinations.

Set an atmosphere

When someone walks into the main room of your home, how do you want them to feel? Do you want them to feel relaxed, excited, or engaged? As we mentioned earlier, color has a very real and measurable effect on our moods. It can make us feel calm and cozy or somber and serious. If the owner wants a more formal arrangement, she might select duller, darker colors, such as burgundy or forest green. But if she wants a calmer more inviting atmosphere, she might choose more relaxing white and beige tones in her main room.

This post was provided by Martha, who is working with custom writing service for many years. She enjoys sharing her experience on essay writing and her posts will be of good help to anyone.

Having a get together for Mother’s Day is a great option. You can avoid large crowds (not to mention wait times) at restaurants and focus on what is important–Mom. Here are some quick tips to make a great brunch party she’ll never forget.

Plan a Menu
Let’s face it, the center of any brunch party is the food. It’s one of the biggest parts of the get together. Since this brunch party is focused on Mother’s Day decide what Mom’s favorite meal is and start there. The rest of the food will fall into place once the main dish has been decided.

Decorate with Purpose
Sometimes we can get caught up in the smaller details of a party. What color do you want the flowers to be? Do I need streamers? What about pictures. Instead, ask yourself what the purpose of those decorations are—then decide what is needed. For example, if you are honoring more than one mom this Mother’s Day, find some great photos of each mom the day they became a mom. Hang those around the house and add a pop of color with some flowers and you have got a great look without adding too much décor.

Designate a Play Place
Since there will be a few kiddos at the party (it is Mother’s Day after all) designate some areas that are just for the children to play in. If the weather cooperates, outside is always a great option. Grab some sidewalk chalk, and they’ll be set for hours of colorful fun. Put out some tables so the adults can monitor from a safe distance, but still have their adult time as well. A good planned flow will make it nice for all involved.

When in Doubt Delegate
Depending on the amount of people invited, you might need some help—and that’s OK. Don’t have time to cook, clean and get ice? Ask one of the guests to bring it, there is nothing wrong with that. Asking for help isn’t passé, it is a quick and easy fix to some of those pesky problems that pop up last minute. Don’t have time to add those picnic table covers? See if one of your guests can stop in a few minutes early to help. Remember, you are only one person.

Have Fun
This is a party after all, make sure you pencil in some time to have fun as well. Mom’s know all too well that you can plan and plan, but sometimes things just go astray. It’s ok, just go with the flow and make the most of what you’ve got. The less stress you have the more fun you and your guests will have on the big day.

Are you planning a brunch party this Mother’s Day? Let us know your brunch tips in the comments below.

What would you say is the world’s most popular pastime? What do the greatest numbers of people enjoy doing in their free time? Is it reading? It probably used to be in some places but now is more likely to be watching television. But apart from these couch potato activities, the world’s most common leisure activity is surely shopping.

As the world becomes more and more industrialized and urbanized, more and more people have access to consumer shopping as we have come to know it. 

Things we can find shopping:

– Fashion accessories
– Cosmetics
— Cell phones
– More fashion accessories and cosmetics

The clothing and make-up products such as lipstick, eye shadow, mascara, and blush are all fun products to buy on a casual Saturday afternoon. 

Not Just About Spending
Spending money on things such as a cute purse, bathroom rug or even a kitchen dinning room set doesn’t  mean you have to spend tons and tons of money. Shopping smart and sticking to a budget is possible. Make sure your friends are on the same page when venturing out for a day of shopping. They can keep you in check if you decide to rack up the cash in one spending spree.

Wise Investments
Jewelry is certainly not necessary in terms of absolute survival, feeding and clothing ourselves, but at least it may last a life time and be considered an investment. Indeed, a lot of jewelry has lasted a lot longer than any of its owners. An art deco diamond ring, for instance, may have been owned by someone’s grandmother and mother and might in turn be owned by another generation or three. Precious stones may not be necessary in terms of clothing, sheltering and feeding one’s family, but a valuable ruby could be a life saver during times of hardship. 

Shopping For Fun
For very many people in very many places, shopping has become the most popular leisure activity. People go to shopping centers or retail parks to meet friends, get together and socialize. They may buy nothing more than a drink and yet spend a couple of hours wondering around, chatting, looking at all those consumer goods. Shopping is not only about buying. Recreation is a big part of it, too.

Why So Popular?
At the end of the day shopping is something we can all enjoy. For some it relieves stress, for other’s it’s a great social activity. Whatever the reason, shopping is a great pastime for anyone and all ages. Just make sure  your bank account agrees before going out for that next big splurge–you’ll wallet will thank you. 

Author Bio: This article was written by Misty Angel for Kalmar Antiques. She loves shopping antique jewelry online. 

So you’ve decided to grow herbs indoors and have fresh herbs at your disposal—that’s fantastic! Fresh herbs are aromatic, flavorful, and healthy additions to any recipe. But your kitchen space is valuable and should be maximized; you may only have a windowsill or small strip of counter space to work with, and it’s unlikely you have an entire greenhouse at your disposal.

So, now that you’ve bought your pots, soil, and LED grow lights, it’s time to pick out what you’ll be growing. Here are the five healthiest herbs for your growing space—and they’re so tasty too!

Basil
It’s delicious and fragrant, so rejoice, all ye Italian-food-lovers! Basil also has a surprisingly high number of health benefits. It’s full of beta-carotene, which is a highly potent form of vitamin A, and it helps cholesterol to not build up on blood vessel walls by not allowing it to oxidize.

It also is full of Vitamin K, which can prevent nerve cell death, which in turn decreases your chances of Alzheimer’s disease. It also contains a chemical called eugenol, which works as an anti-inflammatory and comes with all the benefits of anti-inflammatories (good for asthma, heart problems, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions).

It also happens to boost the health of your hair, skin, and immune system. Between that, how nice it smells, and how delicious it is in practically anything, there’s no reason for you not to have fresh basil on hand all the time.

Peppermint
This herb has been used for thousands of years—dried mint leaves have been found in Egyptian tombs alongside mummies! And why not? Mint leaves help with congestion and inflammation that asthma and allergy sufferers deal with every day. Besides that, they ease stomachaches, nausea, and even headaches.

Peppermint leaves, picked up and dropped into boiling water as tea, alleviate a variety of ills and are very soothing in any instance. This is partially due to the fact that mint is soothing to your stomach, but it also effectively helps your muscles release tension that would otherwise prevent you from relaxing and falling asleep.

Oregano
The “pizza herb” rose to mass popularity in America after WWII G.I.’s carried it back in their hearts after tasting it in Italy. It’s been used in Italian cooking for centuries, and may be one of the healthiest things about pizza! Oregano has amazingly high antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties—think of it as Scrubbing Bubbles for your bloodstream.

It is also high in fiber, vitamin K, and minerals. There’s no going wrong there.

Rosemary
Like so many of the other herbs, it prevents cancer; recent research shows that a compound called carnasol, found in rosemary, may be an effective anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results in studies of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer.

But it also improves both mood and memory, relieves pain (including stubborn migraine pain!), and improves the health of your stomach and digestive system.

Thyme
Another natural anti-inflammatory, this delectable herb aids in heart and respiratory health and is another antibacterial herb. Besides that, it is high in antioxidants and iron and improves bone and skin health through its nutritional content and antimicrobial properties.

Now, if you happen to have a little more room left over, there are many herbs and spices that will be healthy additions to your diet. However, these five are a nutritious and delicious place to start.

Nina Hiatt currently lives with her husband, Bill, and she enjoys blogging about her many interests, which include gardening, ice hockey, and baking.

Image Credit: Useofherbs.com

We may be a far cry from the days when people used yay, nay, thy and thou in day to day language, but that doesn’t mean that times aren’t as tough as they were back then. Despite the economic challenges faced by millions of families and homeowners across the USA, UK, and Europe the great news is that modern technology, such as the Internet, can enable us to make frugal purchases.

The common belief is the Internet is always the best source for economical penny saving purchases, but this isn’t always the case. It’s just as easy (if not easier) to overspend online as it is in the store. In this article we’ll look at the top money saving tips to ensure saving money while shopping online.

Avoid Big Brands and Search for Discount Retailers
We all love to buy a well known brand, especially when it comes to clothing items and fashionable accessories, but heading straight to the websites of your favorite brands could be costing you more money than you really need to spend.

Image Credit: InCharge

Instead, search for websites that can give you access to the brands you love for less. Discount retailers can offer great prices because they sell stock that can’t be sold in store and that is slightly out of season.

However, this is where there are some serious bargains to be had, and the savvy online shopper can grab some great deals from online discount retailers.

Before you start searching for discount retailers is sure to curve your spending before it’s even begun by following these top tips:

–Write a list of what you actually want and need. This will stop you overspending online.

–Give yourself a budget and stick to it. If you think you may give in to temptation then make sure someone shops online with you to keep you’re spending in check.

–Before you pay online you should have a chance to review your purchases. Use this opportunity to review your basket and again ask yourself if you’re really getting a great deal.

Sign up for Email Updates and Shop during Online Sales

Even internet stores have sales, and the best way stay up to date with the latest sales and bargains is to subscribe to your favorite online shopping websites.

This can be a double sided coin, as getting updates on a regular basis can encourage you to spend more than you need, but if you think you can execute the self control then subscribe to newsletters and treat yourself when the online sales start!

Online sales may include:

–Reduced prices on items
–Free shipping for a certain period
–Discounts when you spend over X amount
–Discounts on end of season items
–bird discounts

Image Credit: Extreme Coupon Clipping

Auction Websites, Private Online Sales and Recycling Sites
More and more people are selling their unwanted items on auction websites, giving you the opportunity to grab a bargain.

Again, it’s all too easy to go overboard on an auction website, so set a budget and stick to your limit!

Private online sales are the equivalent of ads in the newspaper. Search online for local listings to see if you can find a bargain near you!

Image Credit: Global Good Group

Recycling websites are the height of fab frugal shopping online. Using recycle websites users can swap items or give away items for free! From clothes to furniture to garden items, you’ll be surprised what you can find for free online!

Frugal Shopping Online – Live Luxuriously for Less
With Internet shopping being frugal doesn’t mean you have to live a life void of luxury.

These days the frugal life is the best way to make every dollar and ever cent stretch as far as possible; giving you the lifestyle you want at a price you can afford!

Just remember to keep your spending habits in check and you’ll reap the benefits of frugal shopping online!

Author Bio: The article is contributed by Peter Smith who is in the writing industry from past 5 years. He is also working with the site promocode4share, where you can get discount coupons for your online shopping.