tips – Page 9 – A Shopping Queen's Blog

Fancy Hitting The Ski Slopes This Winter? Then Head To The US!

Although summer is over, that doesn’t mean that we have to wait until next year to get away. There are plenty of destinations that offer the most amazing winter breaks. Of course, the most popular winter break is skiing. Something that has gained more and more popularity over the past few years.

Even if you’ve never hit the slopes before, skiing can make a fantastic winter break. It may be somewhat daunting putting on skies for the first time. However, skiing really is a lot of fun and is something that everyone should try at some point or another. If you’re going to go skiing, the best place to go has to be the US, as it has so many different skiing resorts to choose from.

If the idea of going skiing sounds like it could be fun, here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare for your trip.

Pick your travel buddies

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The first thing that you need to do is decide who you want to go with. It might be that you want to make it a romantic trip for yourself and your partner, or perhaps you’d prefer to travel as part of a larger group. If you decide to travel as part of a larger group, make sure to be choosy about who you invite. The last thing you want is clashing personalities ruining the trip for everyone. So make sure that everyone who wants to come along gets on well with each other.

Book your plane ticket and get your travel documents in order

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Once you’ve decided which ski resort is best, the next step is to book your plane tickets and get your travel documents in order. Check that your passport is in date and has at least six months left on it – if not you will need to renew it. It’s also important to get to grips with the US entry requirements. While you may not need a visa to get into the country, you may need an ESTA. To find out more about the American ESTA requirements, take the time to do your research. This is important, as without the right documentation, you won’t be able to enter the country. It’s a good idea to also check that everyone that you’re traveling with has also got the right documentation in place.

Research all the best resorts

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Once you’ve chosen your travel buddies, the next step is to research all the best resorts. The US has some amazing skiing resorts, it’s just a case of finding the one that is best suited to your budget and needs. Four of the most popular skiing destinations in the US are Lake Tahoe, Aspen, Vail, and Park City. Take a look at the facilities on offer at each resort, as well as the prices. This should give you an idea of which resort is best suited to you. Don’t forget to take the types of slopes they have into account – ideally, you want to choose a resort that has a mixture of slopes. As that way, everyone is happy.

If you’re planning to head to the US this winter for a skiing trip, the tips above should help to make the planning process a little easier.

Turn Your Home Into Fort Knox With These Simple DIY Security Hacks Anyone Can Do!

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We all want to make sure our homes are secure and prevent unauthorized people from entering them. The trouble is, some folks aren’t aware of what they can do to achieve that goal. Don’t worry because there are simple home security hacks you can do yourself! DIYers, here is what you can do today:

Upgrade your door locks

The sad truth is that many homes get fitted with door locks that can easily get breached with little effort. If you’ve got such locks, it’s quite easy to replace them with stronger ones. Plus, it’s a job you can carry out yourself with just a set of screwdrivers!

Install some window locks

Does your home have sash windows? Perhaps it’s got some newer energy-efficient ones? In any event, if your windows don’t have locks on them, you can fit some yourself. The advantage of doing so is they are hard to open without a key!

Install a security camera by your front door

Did you know that most burglars will enter and exit a home through the front door? A security camera is a good visual deterrent. Plus, it’s a useful way of seeing who is knocking at your front door. For covert surveillance, you can fit cameras hidden inside door bells, believe it or not.

Fit an alarm system

Last, but not least, a fully-featured alarm system will protect your entire house. It’s also a practical way to alert nearby householders and the police of a break-in if you’re not there.

Infographic By Choosing a home alarm system simplified

How To Master The Flatlay For Instagram

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I have developed a sudden interest in flatlays lately. I am an Instagram addict so I want my photos to look nice and pretty. I love how the people I follow in Instagram post photos of their food, clothes and etc. They are really inspiring. I have been watching Youtube videos on how to get a good flatlay. I got myself a white board, wooden desk and pallet to be used as background for my theme. Some of the tips that I have learnt are :-

1) Always take photos in natural light i.e. in the morning or afternoon.

2) Leave enough space between objects to balance out the image.

3) Pick a theme

4) Get as high up as possible to shoot the flatlay. Climb on a chair if you must.

5) Try different layout

6) Use props that are related or add colours to the flatlay.

Eyeliner Drawing Tips

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Eyeliner can give your eyes definition and the va-va-voom effect. However, I have yet to master the art of drawing flawless eyeliner on my eyes eventhough I draw my eyes a few times a week. Well, they say practice makes perfect so I am going to follow the steps below.

I love the winged style as it makes the eyes look bigger

Can’t wait to try this double arrow style

Gift Ideas For Expecting Moms

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Are you planning a baby shower for a dear friend or your loved ones? Giving moms a gift that is specifically for her is a great way to acknowledge just how special she is. Well, not sure what to get for her? Here are a few gift ideas which I believe every mom to be would love.

Time for Mom Pampering Box from NotOnTheHighStreet.com. Pregnancy takes a huge toll on a woman physically, mentally, and emotionally. A pampering gift allows soon-to-be-mom to take time to relax and feel refreshed.

Boppy Nursing Pillow from Boppy.com

Many pregnant women suffer from edema during pregnancy. This is a common occurrence and elevating the legs with a leg rest while sleeping helps to reduce the swelling.

Gift card from SpaFinder.com. A spa treatment that can help her unwind.

How To Wear Baggy Tunics Trend

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There are certain fashions that many, including me, would avoid as they are not very flattering to the body. The latest trend seems to be the baggy tunics or oversize blouses. They are so popular right now that I want to get one for myself.

However, there are ways that these pieces can work for practically everyone. The baggy tunics should be paired with slim trousers or leggings. Wearing a skirt with the tunic is a big no-no because that would add volume to the body. If you feel that the baggy top is making you feel shapeless, you can throw on a belt or a big statement necklace. The belt can define a waist and the necklace will affect the way the top falls over the bust. So how do you like to wear your baggy tunics?

image via Styledumonde

How to Pick the Right Kind of Gift for Your Husband

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There are many different types of gift that you can get for your husband. So, I’ve separated the best ideas into different categories. Each category provides a gift that is a little different from the rest.

Something Practical

The great thing about buying a gift that has a practical application is that’s more likely to be useful to the person that you’re buying for. There are loads of practical items that make good gifts for men. If they have a particular hobby, you could get something that helps them carry it out. Or you could get something simple like a new leather wallet or somewhere to hang their keys, so they don’t lose them. All these ideas are very practical, and they all make great gifts for busy men with a lot of important stuff to do.

Something They Love

You can’t go too far wrong if you buy a gift that relates to something that they love in life. Maybe they’re a fan of a specific sports team, for example. If this is the case, you should buy them some tickets to a big game or a jersey with their name on the back of it. It’s a pretty straightforward gift. But the great thing about it is that it’s sure to go down well with your husband. Or you could get them something that they enjoy as a treat. This could mean some pipe tobacco or maybe a bottle of their favourite alcoholic drink. Or you could take them out for an evening at their favourite restaurant with their friends and family.

Something Unforgettable

If you want your gift to be as great as it possibly can be, it should be something that your husband will never forget. Many gifts are forgotten about within half a year. But some of the best can provide memories that last for a lifetime. For example, you could give them flying lessons or the chance to do a bungee jump. If they have something like that on their bucket list but haven’t done it yet, you should give them the chance. It’s sure to be something that stays with them for a very long time. It costs a little more money to buy this kind of gift, but it could be worth it if they remember it forever.

Something Unexpected

You don’t have to stick to the conventional ideas or the things that your husband will expect. Often, the best gifts are the ones that come out of the blue. Your husband might not even know that they want the gift you get them into they’ve actually got it. In many ways, this is the best answer. For this option, you have to think outside the box and find ways to get to the bottom of what gift will be bother appreciated and unexpected by your husband. Only you can up with the answer! It should be something that you think would work for them even though they don’t know it yet.

Christmas Nail Art Ideas

barbara

Have you found your favourite themed nail art this holiday season? Do you like Santa, reindeers and snowman designs on your nails? Or you prefer just a simple snowflake design? I like simple designs as I feel that it is more easy to match my outfit.

How To Break In New Shoes

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Here is a tip I read online on how to break in your new pair of shoes. I have had splinters on the back of my leg when I wear my new shoes. It is worse if the shoe is made of leather. Hope this trick helps. All you need to do is wear some thick socks, then stretch the shoes onto your feet. While wearing like, heat the shoes with a a hair dryer for about 10 minutes. Aim the hairdryer on the tight section for a few seconds. It is that easy.

image via hercampus.com

How To Wear Cuff Jeans

barbara

Don’t we all have this question from time to time? I remember the first time when I wore a pair of denim with ankle boots. I didn’t know how I should style it. Leave the cuff to cover part of the boot? Or should I fold it? Here are some tips I found on Pinterest.

Don’t stuff your jeans into your boots nor pull it over the boots unless it’s bootcut or flared jeans.