Ways to save on a trip!

Found on forbes.com

1. Do Your Research
What would you really like to do? Hit the beach? Go shopping? Climb a mountain? Visit a museum?
If you don't know where to begin, talk to friends who travel on a similar budget, contact a travel agency for educated opinions, or scour the internet for chat rooms and honest discussion on your vacation topic. A combination of these resources should give you a framework for your vacation itinerary and perhaps provide you with some tips on accommodations, places to dine and things to do.

Thorough research might also provide you with time-saving tips, help you avoid "tourist traps" and save you from miscellaneous hazards and hassles.

Online travel sites have lots of information and often can help would-be travelers find reasonable fares on hotels, cruises, flights, hotels and coupons!

2. Look for Deals or Coupons
Peruse newspapers, magazines and websites for advertised deals (or coupons) on items like hotels, rental cars or other methods of transportation you'll be using.

Always check out visitor information centres for coupon books for local shops!

3. Pack a Lunch
Odds are that you will be spending a great deal of your money on dining. Instead of eating at restaurants every day while on your trip, consider packing a cooler with your favorite lunch items, or a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich if that's your thing. When on a longer trip, visit the local supermarket each day to shop for your meals. Both of these ideas have the potential to save you lots of money over the length of your trip.

4. Consider Joining CAA
The Canadian Automobile Association is a group that offers roadside assistance if necessary (for a price), but it also provides some great travel deals. This is a large organization, so it can offer lower rates on hotels, cruises and other travel-related items through its 135 travel agency locations across Canada. In addition, it offers discounts at a wide array of retailers, from shoe stores to theme parks, so you can use it to get lower rates on things you buy even when you’re not on vacation.

5. Find the Value in Non-Peak Seasons
Traveling when everybody wants to travel can be quite expensive, because merchants generally ratchet up their prices during these peak seasons.

When conducting your research, determine the peak season for the destination you're considering, and then, if possible try to avoid going at that time. This can help you cut the cost of your trip by 10-50%.

Also, consider the time of day for doing certain activities. Some things cost more at different times of day. For example, golfing is less expensive at twilight than in the middle of the day and a theater matinée is cheaper than the price at night. The time of day can also affect the cost of air travel, so keep this in mind when you search for flight information.

Sun and Skin Care Myths

- SPF in your foundation does NOT protect you from getting burnt
- Vitamin C and E does help to ward off sun damage
- Even the highest SPF won't stop you from getting wrinkles
- The effects of a single sunburn CAN last a lifetime
- You can still burn with a base tan
- A lightweight sunscreen mist works just as well as heavy cream
- An SPF 30 is not twice as strong as a SPF 15. 15 filters out 93% of UV radiation, while a 30 filters out 97%
- Tanning beds do not offer health benefits such as vitamin D

What your doorknob says about you!

Weiser Lock tells you what the following door knobs finishes say about you:

A Venetian Bronze finish is a throw back to yesteryear, it suits someone who is nostalgic, paints their home in warm roses and cream colours and has a soft spot for classic Victorian décor. Personality traits of these individuals include: conscientious, dependable, steady and conservative. Their hobbies might include classical music, fine dining, designer clothes and trips to Rome.

A Satin Stainless Steel finish is for someone who likes clean, polished and modern looks. Their home is very simple, bright and airy, probably with a lot of windows and open spaces. Symbolic of this individual would be innocence, purity and naivete. People who chose this finish are probably into alternative or indie rock, wearing jeans with a t-shirt, vacationing on the beach and chowing down on sushi.

A Rustic Pewter finish is chosen by someone who prefers an average suburban house to a modern mansion. This person often has a good business sense but tends to work too much. They love classic rock, attending sporting events, eating cheeseburgers and taking camping trips at national parks.

An Iron Black finish evokes a very mysterious feel. Door knobs which are all black represent a dignified and impressive look, without being showy. These people most likely love emo music, visiting Eastern bloc countries, wearing all black wardrobes and eating at ethnic restaurants.

A Bright Brass finish has yellow undertones, representing happiness and imagination. The people who choose this have sunny personalities and a great sense of humour. Hobbies of this person include, visiting glitzy Las Vegas, wearing bright clothing and accessories, listening to pop music and dining at chain restaurants.

Holiday Scams

Here's the latest Holiday Scams that are not spreading the holiday cheer!
(Found on MSN Travel)

1. Hotel Catastrophe
An 'employee' with a clipboard knocks on your hotel door and needs to do an inventory of your room and to determine that every appliance is working properly. They will probably ask you for a hand in checking the taps in the bathroom for leaks - but has left your door off the latch and, while you're busy in the bathroom, their accomplices will have swarmed in and fled with your belongings.

2. The Thoughtful Single
Someone approaches you in the street, a bit lost in the city, and after a while suggests a drink to calm down. More likely than not, the bar they've selected will turn out to be without windows and be guarded at the exit by hefty doormen. It goes without saying that you will be practically bankrupted by the bill for both of your drinks. Istanbul, Moscow and Soho in London are among such honey entrapment blackspots at the moment.

3. Commotion Pick Pocketer
Watch your pockets when a big commotion is going on around you, while you're distracted, it will make it much easier for thieves.

4. Ticket Collector
Particularly prevalent around Paris Metro ticket machines, a friendly local offers to help you obtain your seven-day pass. He gets the right option up on the screen, but your card mysteriously won't work. No matter, he will use his and you can pay him back in cash. Only after performing the transaction and watching him speed off down an escalator do you realise you have paid him 100 CAD for a single-use ticket.

5. Body Contact
Ketchup in Ecuador or apparent bird faeces in Barcelona lands on your back. A couple of people rush up and clean it off with tissues. They also clean your pockets out while your eyes are directed to the sky or in search of your condiment-squirting assailant. In Bologna, hoodlum kids throw cardbox in your direction to distract you, while in Barcelona or Rome you might find a passing street football scrum leaves you lighter.

6. TAT
In Thai airports and on the street, backpackers will often be approached by uniformed TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) officers, with official-looking badges and access to a fancy agency office where you can book tours and guesthouses. It's an elaborate con. These "official" guides will take you to select "government" gem shops for plastic jewels. They might even try to force you to book accommodation upfront at inflated prices for seven nights minimum, claiming it is the law. TAT exists, but not as an agency or booker - it merely promotes tourism.

7. The Hire Car Jack
You didn't spot the criminals eyeing your possessions as you filled out the form at the hire-car stand. A few miles down the road, just after you've stopped at a red light, your tire bursts. Generously, the motorcyclists that were alongside your vehicle at the lights offer their aid in changing the slashed tire - and snatch all your belongings while you're struggling with the jack. Most common in the touristy parts of Spain, but it also occurs in Thailand.

8. Gifthorses
A trick employed in souks and markets everywhere is to thrust apparent samples, or surpluses, of sweets, fabric or tobacco at you and then claim you misunderstood the transaction and you have to pay, over the odds, for the "gift". Or shoeshiners. You pick up a shoeshiner's brush that he dropped in the road, and he is so grateful you have saved his livelihood he insists on shining your shoes - for free, of course, you think. Wrong! Fellow shoeshiners soon appear to help to reinforce his claim. This routine has reached virtual plague proportions in Istanbul.

FREE Mothers Day Gifts!

* Take her to a beauty counter make-over
* Make her a 'chore' coupon book
* Write her a letter
* Make her dinner
* Create a photo album or scrapbook
* Make a scavenger hunt for her, with the prize being on the couch with a movie
* Personalize her internet, get together all her fav sites
* Make her a mixed CD
* Create some jewelery for her

6 Used Car Scams

1. Odometer Rollback

Most cars should have an average of 15,000-20,000 km a year. If it's much lower than that, check the vehicle's history, check that the numbers line up correctly and that there aren't any scratches or fingerprints under the glass. Also, check the condition of the interior, and specifically all the parts that come in contact with people. Are the seats really worn? Does the steering wheel show too much use? How about the rubber pedal covers? Look under the hood for any tags or stickers that indicate when major services were done.

2. Finance Scams

One of the biggest threats to those with poor credit relates to getting financing approved through the manufacturer. Once terms are agreed to, the salesperson encourages the buyer to take the car home, saying that the dealer will take care of the financing. A few days later, they call back, saying that the initial deal fell through (even though it was never processed in the first place) and that the buyer needs to come back to sign a new - and much more expensive - financing deal. Avoid this by getting your own financing approved and organized before you go car shopping. If the dealership does have the best offer, never take the car home immediately. Wait a day or two to give the paperwork a chance to process properly, which also gives ample time for any possible problems to arise.

3. Window Etching

If a used-car dealer offers to have the car's serial numbers etched into the window glass, don't bother. You can do this yourself with a very inexpensive kit found at most auto parts stores.

4. Mystery Charges

Read the final charges outlined on the purchase agreement before you sign anything. If there is a large administrative charge that the salesperson can't explain easily, have them remove it or credit the fee back to you farther down the page. Numerous dealerships have what's termed a "cottage fee" - a $200 charge, allegedly for the paperwork and prep done before you pick up the vehicle, that in reality is just pure profit from a greedy dealer. Some provinces require that those associated costs are rolled into the sticker price of the vehicle, including if the vehicle required a safety inspection or emissions test.

5. Extended Warranties

If you are tempted to purchase some protection, understand that there is no warranty - from the manufacturer or not - that comes anywhere close to the original coverage given when the car was new. Second, read the fine print to see exactly what will and will not be covered under warranty, and whether the warranties restricts where you have any service done. Third, if you do buy a warranty, make sure to keep all your service receipts, and stick to the manufacturer's service schedule - if you don't, that gives the warranty company an opportunity to deny any future claims. Finally, do not fall for the line that an extended warranty is required because the original manufacturer warranty runs out before your finance contract expires.

6. Vehicle Inspections

Always have it inspected by a third party. If a dealership doesn't have anything to hide, they won't protest you taking it to your mechanic for a quick check-up. Stories of one car really being the front and rear of two different cars welded together are true. Check the vehicle identification numbers anywhere you can find them: on the dash, owner's manual, the front of the engine block, the car's frame, underneath the spare tire, and in the driver's door jam. If one doesn't match, run far, far away! See any vehicle you're interested in during daylight, when problems are easier to spot.

Found on MSN Auto's

Today is Slow Down Day

I'll admit, I'm not the most patient person.
Apparently the Book "The Power of Patience: How to Slow Down the Rush and Enjoy More Happiness, Success, and Peace of Mind Every Day." Author M.J. Ryan offers seven exercises to help you slow down and enjoy life to the max:

• When you find yourself tensing up, go on a mental vacation! Visualize yourself in a place you find relaxing.
• Enjoy the experience. Whatever it may be!
  
• If something irritates you, find an easy way to fix it.
  
• Use the pebble-in-the-pocket trick. When you start to feel irritated, move a pebble from one pocket to the other to interrupt the anger cycle, which will give you a chance to regroup your thoughts and emotions.
• Ask for help. Swallow your pride and ask!
  
• Use inspirations to keep you inspired and patient.
  
• Encourage others to be patient, too. Instead of grumbling, strike up a conversation while standing in line. Time will fly and you may meet someone interesting.

Benefits of a massage

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

12 Dirtiest Fruits and or Veggies

The Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen list is out!

Compiled every year, EWG’s list includes the produce subject to the highest numbers of pesticides – more than 60 pesticides, in some cases – and suggests alternatives if organic options aren’t available.

Of course, it’s always smart to wash all your produce.

1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell peppers
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes

Safest on the list? The humble yet dependable onion.

Don’t let the Dirty Dozen intimidate you. Eat your veggies.