Shopping Tips and Guides

Despite their best efforts, most women have had the experience of frantically digging into the bottom of a large purse or handbag for an essential item such as eyeglasses, cellphone, keys, or passport. A separate case to corral these important possessions makes sense, especially if it combines fashion with function.

Being able to protect, carry, and access these items in a reliable, convenient, safe way makes women’s lives easier and better, according to the creator of TravelEyez, a unique, stylish accessory that holds not only eyeglasses, but other essentials including phones and keys.

The TravelEyez products are double-sided and designed to zip around the strap or handle of any purse, handbag, or backpack.

This stylish accessory is available in black mesh with six different-colored zipper options, as well as black leather and caramel leather for a dressier look, and are sold in sets of two cases that may be zipped together or used separately. The designs are identical regardless of color, so they can mix and match, or stay consistent.

“Each TravelEyez case can hold a pair of glasses or car keys, money, credit cards, jewelry or a smart phone. You can zip cases together to connect as many as you need, and attach them to your purse or bag handle to keep your personal items organized and close at hand for easy access,” says Yvonne Graber, creator of TravelEyez.

TravelEyez also gives women peace of mind. The case cancels the need to keep valuables such as a phone or keys in a pants or jacket pocket where they might fall out.

Some of the most popular uses include:

– Travel. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the case provides a secure way to monitor a phone, wallet, credit cards and passport. Try it on a suitcase, travel tote, or carry-on bag.

– Shopping. As mundane as it may sound, don’t underestimate the value of a handy way to easily access your phone and wallet when shopping, especially for moms toting small children along.

– On the go. This is an ideal accessory for students, fitness fanatics, or those on the go. The cases attach easily to bike bars, gym bags, and backpack straps.

With the holidays just around the corner, TravelEyez also makes a great gift or stocking stuffer.

The patent on the TravelEyez design is pending.

For more information, visit traveleyez.com.

A mattress is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. You spend approximately one-third of your life in bed and how well you sleep can affect your health and well-being. But shopping for a mattress can be confusing for even the wisest consumers. Here are seven mistakes to avoid when you’re ready to shop for a mattress that will help you get the best night’s sleep possible:

1. Buying too small. Especially if you’re sharing a bed, you should buy at least a queen-size mattress. A healthy person moves 40 to 60 times a night and makes lots of full-body turns. For sound sleep, you need freedom of motion. A full-size mattress, for instance, only gives each partner about the same width as a crib!

2. Being too shy to try. When you shop, wear shoes you can easily slip off and comfortable clothes so you can lie down for a solid five to 10 minutes in your preferred sleep position. Finding a mattress that feels right is a personal choice. Taking the time to truly experience whether the mattress feels good to you is well worth it.

3. Confusing firmness with support. Gone are the days when a mattress had to be hard to provide adequate support. Look for a mattress that allows your spine to maintain its natural alignment while you’re lying down. A supportive mattress can have various types of upper-layer comfort, from very soft to not-so-soft.

4. Not reading reviews or getting referrals. Furniture stores, department stores, sleep specialty shops and online e-tailers all sell mattresses. Ask friends and family for referrals.

5. Trying to comparison shop. Model names vary from store to store, and many retailers offer certain models exclusively, so comparison shopping can be frustrating.

6. Forgetting to ask about return policies. Particularly if you buy a mattress online, you won’t have the chance to try it out, so read the reviews, carefully check return and shipping policies – and be certain there’s good customer support should a problem arise.

7. Assuming the foam is certified. Check to be sure your mattress contains conventional or memory foam that has been certified by the not-for-profit CertiPUR-US certification program. That’s your assurance that the foam meets rigorous standards for content, emissions and durability, and has been analyzed by independent, accredited testing laboratories.

The organization’s website has a directory of participating companies and brands at www.certipur.us.

A little prep work before you start mattress shopping will go a long way in helping you rest easy – in every sense of the word.

One popular misconception about organic foods is that making the switch is costly. But just like buying any groceries, you can save by being a savvy shopper.

To reap the benefits while staying on a budget, here are three cost-effective tips.

Buy in season. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak in terms of taste when you buy them in season. This is because the produce is typically grown locally and hasn’t travelled halfway across the world to reach your dinner table. Plus, it’s more abundant when in season, which always means lower prices. During the summer months, check to see what you can stock up on that can be cleaned, dried and frozen for later use.

Shop resourcefully. Each year, the Environmental Working Group releases a guide called the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen. The Clean 15 are fruits and vegetables that are not typically as contaminated by pesticide use, and the Dirty Dozen are those that are. Shopping while following these lists, you can prioritize which organic produce to buy.

Look beyond the produce aisles. You can find many non-perishable organic products at your local Canadian Health Food Association member health food store. To ensure that the products you’re buying are made of at least 95 per cent organic ingredients and up to Canada’s strict standards, simply look for the Canada Organic logo on the label.

Find more information online at chfa.ca.

Tired of grocery shopping in a crowded store where everyone is rushed; the produce is shipped in from halfway across the world; and natural, organic products are few and far between?

There are many benefits to shopping at your local health food store. Here are a few reasons to consider:

Find more organic and locally sourced products. The foods you buy often travel great distances before reaching your dinner table. By shopping locally, you’ll know where your food comes from and how fresh it is, and are able to trace local products back to their origins. Be sure to look for the Canada Organic logo — the small but important symbol guarantees that at least 95 per cent of the product you’re purchasing is made with organic products, and is up to the strict standards enforced in Canada.

Be the first to try new things. By being smaller and community-focused, your local health food store is more easily able to identify the types of products that its customers are looking for and bring them onto its shelves first. With all the innovative food options coming out of the natural health and organic industry, these independently owned stores are usually ahead of the big-box stores in getting the latest trends, meaning you’ll be able to find these products before anyone else.

Support your community. Your local health food store is more than just a grocery store. At the heart of the natural health community in your own neighbourhood, health stores are often family-run businesses that proudly serve the local population. Buying from these shops is an investment back into your own community that helps it continue to grow.

Find a Canadian Health Food Association member health food store in your neighbourhood online at chfa.ca.

Most of us are now looking forward to a nice hot summer full of barbecues, pool parties and outdoor entertaining. But hosting family and friends can add up.

There is huge trend on social media of people sharing their hauls. When you find great deals and you end up buying a lot, for a lot less, it’s called a haul! Those that haul know how to get the frill out of their bill.

We spoke to Joe Scire, a No Frills store owner who shares a little more about the grocery haul.

“Every week, my customers come into my store looking for the best value and how to get the most out of their budget.  They load up their shopping carts with fresh produce, meat and all of their essentials and proudly make their way to the cash to see how much they will save,” says Joe. Their friends and family might refer to them as savvy savers, but we call them haulers because they get the most bang for their buck and aren’t afraid to show off their purchases.

Joe also has some tips to help you be the hostess with the mostest without worrying about breaking the bank.

• Check the weekly flyer and stock up on sale items.
• Take advantage of any price match guarantees.
• Use PC Optimum to earn points and save money on your future grocery bill.
• Take advantage of in-store promotions.

Hot temperatures have us relying on air conditioning to keep us cool. And since we spend most of our energy dollars controlling our home’s temperature, if your unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade.

Use these tips from Hydro One to help you purchase an efficient model:

1. 1. Look for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) labels on air conditioners. Official Canadian EnerGuide labels display the model type and SEER, which measures how efficiently the system runs over the entire cooling season. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. Use this rating while you shop to compare the energy efficiency of different models.
2. 2. Consider investing in an air-source heat pump. It’ll serve you all year round, as it provides energy-efficient home heating and cooling. In the summer months, heat pumps cool your home efficiently by removing warm air and transferring it outside. They also act as a dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air indoors.
3. 3. Once you’ve purchased your new unit, make sure it is tuned up once a year. Proper maintenance can reduce your cooling costs by up to 10 per cent and increase the lifespan of your system.

For many gift buyers, the tax refund is that extra paycheck that arrives just in time to pay off holiday bills. However this year, new provisions under the PATH – Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes – Act will impact early tax season refund timing. For tax returns that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS will issue your refund no earlier than February 15, 2017. Last year, over 26 million Americans received EITC, meaning this change could surprise many who typically plan to get their refund early in the year.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is responding with a way to help hardworking Americans bridge the gap and get access to money. Taxpayers may prequalify for an Express Refund Advance, a no fee, 0 percent APR loan offered by Metabank available when clients file their taxes with Jackson Hewitt.

Those interested should visit www.ExpressRefundAdvance.com, answer a few simple questions, and within minutes see if they prequalify for up to $1300. There’s no credit check, and visitors may prequalify with a refund as low as $500.

“We are committed to helping our clients get early access to money,” said David Prokupek, Jackson Hewitt CEO. “With expected refund delays this year Express Refund Advance is important for millions of hard-working Americans.”

Starting December 15 when Jackson Hewitt offices begin to open, clients may get started using their last paystub, and receive between $200 and $400. The loan is automatically repaid when clients receive their tax refund from the IRS. Jackson Hewitt kiosks located inside of more than 3,000 Walmart stores will also offer Express Refund Advance, and will open beginning December 27.

To learn more or to make an appointment with a tax pro, visit www.JacksonHewitt.com.

The Express Refund Advance is a tax-related refund loan provided by MetaBank; it is not the actual tax refund. Available for a limited time and in participating locations. The amount of the advance will be deducted from tax refunds and reduce the amount that is paid directly to the taxpayer. Tax returns may be filed electronically without applying for this loan. Availability is subject to satisfaction of identity verification, eligibility criteria, application, approval, underwriting standards, and other terms and conditions. Only $200-$400 is available with a paystub (or other acceptable pre-year-end income verification), and remaining amounts are available with a W-2 and upon filing tax return with the IRS. IRS delays may affect the delivery timing of loan proceeds. Disbursement rules apply. Funds loaded onto a card within an hour and direct deposit the next business day. Ask tax pro for details.

We all know when the trick-or-treaters head home with their Halloween candy and the turkey comas set in after Thanksgiving dinner, the holiday season is right around the corner. Meant to be the happiest time of the year filled with joyous memories, the holiday season can quickly turn into an unwanted shopping nightmare as you try to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone special in your life. Getting all your bases covered when on a budget can seem like a daunting task, but when you’re making a list and checking it twice this year, keep in mind these fun and budget-friendly items to put a smile on all your loved ones faces, as well as in your wallet!

Between graduations, school dances, and family vacations, picture-perfect memories are always ready to be made and we all know that mom is the go-to photographer for that special occasion! So make sure the mother in your life has everything she needs to take great photos with the Vivitar VXX14 Selfie Camera ($39.96). When using this camera, mom can take crystal-clear pictures in superior high definition. Get up close with 4x digital zoom so mom can catch every unforgettable moment! The 180-degree screen rotation on this fun and easy-to-use camera allows you to see the shot before you snap the picture, guaranteeing the perfect selfie with every use. And with the included self-timer, mom can get in on a family photo every time!

Taking care of the kids while also setting some time aside for a little fun is on the to-do list for many fathers, making the Vivitar Air Defender X Drone ($99.99) the perfect gift idea. This Wi-Fi enabled drone has a 16.1 MP camera and high-definition recording abilities that ensure smooth and steady footage. Two integrated LiPo batteries deliver approximately 14 minutes of flight time per charge, as well as the ability to hover, flip, and fly upside down. In addition, the drone has a 360-degree view, 32 LED lights, and takes a 32 GB Micro SD card so every dad can stay on top of the latest technology advancements while exploring his inner kid at heart.

Don’t waste time searching for your son’s perfect holiday present when you can get the Sakar Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) enthusiast in your life the TMNT Smart Watch ($59.99). This 4-in-1 device lets your crime fighter-in-training wirelessly sync any device, track his activities, and includes 20 clock faces so your son can customize his watch to express his personal style. The interactive touch screen panel keeps any child on top of new and growing technology trends while providing a simple and easy-to-use functionality. This watch easily captures everyday moments with the built-in camera and microphone so your little ninja can record all his action-packed adventures, and it syncs activities and sleep patterns to the free, easy-to-use mobile app for hours of nonstop entertainment perfect for any superhero-in-training!

If you have a daughter who can’t get enough of Superhero High and loves to sing, let her inner rock star shine with the DC Superhero Girls Flashing Lights Disco Ball Karaoke ($59.96). This fun music device comes complete with a retro disco ball that dazzles and shines while she rocks out with Wonder Woman, Super Girl, and all her favorite powerful classmates. With the ability to connect to her favorite smartphone device, she can sing all her favorite songs the moment she presses play. It also includes a karaoke microphone so she has everything she needs to take center stage as well as a second audio jack input for connecting an additional microphone?perfect for a karaoke duo!

For the teenager in your life, you probably get a lot of closed doors, curfews tested, and most commonly, loud music that vibrates through the walls of your home, always threatening your favorite china. Give the young adult in your life the ability to escape to a world of great quality sound with the Altec Lansing Evolution 2 Bluetooth Headphones ($49.99). These must-have headphones boast superior audio with 40mm Neodymium Drivers, a rechargeable battery, 12 hours of battery life and a wireless range of 33 feet, allowing them to keep their phone safe while dancing around their room. The onboard microphone and song navigation/telephony buttons provide easy-to-use functionality and let them never miss an important call while providing hours of fun and comfortable listening.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, rest assured that this year you will fulfill all your family members’ desires while still staying within a reasonable budget and not having your credit cards beg for mercy. These quick and easy holiday finds are just what you need to get your shopping done while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive season with family and friends.

Have you ever had the problem of receiving so many “deals” in your email inbox that you don’t have time to sift through them all? Well, it turns out there’s a better way to find Internet deals you actually want without spending valuable time searching through the ones you don’t want.

“When companies push deals to users — whether they want them or not — they are wasting their time, and your time,” says John Casson, CEO and founder of Daily Deal Superstore — a deal aggregator that brings together discounts and offers from across the web and compiles emails tailored to your interests. “We designed Daily Deal Superstore so that the user is in control. DDS lets them to choose the cities and types of deals they want”

It’s this user control that allows customers to target the deals they want across a number of sites.

“If you wanted an Italian restaurant deal in Queens, and you found that LivingSocial didn’t have one, you may have missed out because there may have been one on Gilt City,” says Casson. “DailyDealSuperstore.com takes the stress out of searching through several deal companies. We show all those Italian restaurant deals from all the companies.”

From a collective search, including sites like Woot!, KGB Deals, Gilt City and Groupon, you can make your smartphone and Facebook page do the work for you. Daily Deal Superstore is a website that gathers deals from hundreds of deal companies, categorizes them, puts them in 10,000 different towns and cities and sends a customized email with offers relating to your interests and specified location.

Smartphone users can take advantage of this new platform too, and the easy-to-use Facebook app makes it even easier, as deals are curated based upon the user’s location, “likes” and interests.

“It will show you deals that relate to exactly where you are and what you like,” says Casson. “It’s simple and fast, and makes it easier not to miss out on deals.”

Better yet, users can earn points every time a friend buys a deal, forever (so long as they are a member). These points are redeemed for reward cards such as Amazon vouchers and iTunes gift cards.

From finding a scent, choosing between a perfume or an eau de toillete, to learning whether you should layer, there are many choices to consider when shopping for a fragrance.

But choosing a signature scent doesn’t have to be difficult. Jan Moran, the creator of the Sephora Fragrance Finder by Scentsa, a touch-screen technology that helps shoppers find and learn about perfume, offers the following tips:

– Know your scents. Scents are typically grouped into five categories — floral, fresh, spicy and warm, woody and earthy, and brisk aromatics. Different scent groups appeal to different personalities.

For example, fresh scents, which include citrus, aquatic and fruit aromas, speak to a sunny personality, while woody and earthy fragrances can seem soothing and calm. Sephora’s Scentsa offers a “Discover Your Signature Scent Style Quiz,” which can help you determine what scents will best appeal to you.

“With more than 500 new fragrances launched each year, you really have to be educated to find a scent that works for you,” says Moran. “Scentsa’s touch-screen application features current information on more than 6,000 fragrances, so it helps customers find confidence when shopping.”

– Try fragrance wardrobing. Once you know what scents you like, change your perfume for different occasions, moods and climates. Choose rich scents during the winter and lighter fragrances for summer. Relax with vanilla and lavender, energize with rose and tuberose.

– Choose a fragrance strength. Perfume is the most intense form of fragrance, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette and eau de cologne. Intensity, however, does not mean that the scent will be bold and strong, only that it will last longer on your skin.

– Apply fragrance at your pulse points. Your pulse points are behind your ears, at your throat and the nape of the neck, in the decolletage (collar), on your wrists, in the crook of your elbow, behind your knees and on your ankles. Spray fragrance for a more even application.

– Store your fragrance correctly. For maximum shelf life, store fragrances in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly secured. Keep fragrances away from direct sunlight.

Find out more about the Sephora Fragrance Finder by Scentsa by visiting your local Sephora store.