Boots are one of my favorite things about winter – once the novelty of snow and sweaters has worn off, anyway.

Boots can be practical or sexy, although rarely both in the salt-laden streets of harsh winter climates. Speaking of which…

While it may often seem like store clerks are just trying to boost their commissions by ringing up protective sprays and gels, their sales gimmick is not totally bogus.

It is essential to understand that not all boots are created equal. The word ‘boot’ is not synonymous with water-proof or snow-friendly. Respect your fashion investment by weather-protecting and cleaning all of your winter footwear regularly.

Realize that protective and restorative shoe applications cannot perform miracles. Have the common sense to know when to air on the side of practicality and not to wear your suede stiletto calf-cut boots. Salt and water produce damaging, lasting stains which – in addition to ruining boots’ finish – actually corrode the integrity of genuine suede, leather and fabric. Purchase a swank boot bag in which to tote your trendy footwear to work in nasty winter conditions while opting for damage-proof snow or rain boots while en route.

Boot Tip: If you remember nothing else: Be seasonally consistent when putting an outfit together. Do not wear boots and a skirt with bare legs; tights, nylons, or even flesh colored fishnet stockings help bridge the (thermal & fashion) gap between your knees and your hemline.

Ankle Boots

Very funky footwear when worn with tights and a skirt. Avoid wearing ankle boots with long skirts past the knee – this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Mid-Calf Boots

A unique cut that looks great with skirts of all lengths. This style accentuates your calf muscle and stands out from the crowd of knee-high boots. Very sexy, indeed.

Tall Boots

The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits snugly around your leg; if the boot gapes open you may need to have it altered for a more chic look—a standard procedure at most cobblers.

Fur-Lined Boots & UGGs

Narrow, fur-lined lace-up tall boots are a sweet accompaniment to a flirty short skirt. For a funky casual style, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek (ever so slightly) over the top of your boot. This look works best if your socks and tights are contrasting colors.

UGGs have become all the rage as the surfer-type’s (and urban wanna-be surfer type’s) winter foot-wear of choice. These robust, wooly sheepskin boots have been fashioned for years by Australian craftsmen, and were first mass introduced to North America in 1978 by Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer seeking to spread the UGG-love across the United States.

Twenty-five years later, and while UGGs aren’t exactly the height of chic sophistication or glamorous sexiness, they are hailed by wearers as the ultimate in comfort and warmth at 30 below.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.GKFA.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online magazine for the ‘Sex and the City’ generation of women.

This article describes where to look, what to look for, and how to choose day-hiking boots. Knowing where to look and what to look for, you can be sure to get the high-quality hiking boots you need without paying extra for features you don’t need.

Day-hiking boots range anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00. The high end of that range is beginning to cross into backpacking boots, but anything below that range is either an exceptionally good deal or an imitation hiking boot that will disappoint you badly.

So, let’s talk about the kinds of places to shop for hiking boots, features to look for, pitfalls to avoid, and techniques to make sure you have the right fit.

Where to Shop for Hiking Boots

If you have never done any serious hiking, you will want to buy your first serious hiking boots in a hands-on experience. I’m being honest here (habit of mine). Yes, it is in my interest to persuade you to buy your hiking boots through my Web site, but I won’t do that if it is not appropriate for you. Even aside from ethical considerations, it would be bad business for me to create a lot of dissatisfied customers telling their friends about their bad experience. No, I’m just being honest. I don’t want to take your money and leave you unhappy. Buy your first pair of hiking boots at a brick-and-mortar store where you can handle the boots and try them for proper fit. Then, when you have enough experience to know what you want in your second pair of hiking boots (or third, or …), you can take advantage of the lower prices available on the Web.

When shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store rather than a shoe store. The sales clerks in a general shoe store are not likely to know the difference between real hiking boots and fashion imitations of hiking boots. You might pay more money at an outdoor equipment store, but you will realize the savings out on the trail.

Once you’re in the store, ask about some of the things you read in this article. If the sales clerk doesn’t know what a scree collar is or why soft outer soles are better than hard, look for another sales clerk, or another store.

If you are ready to buy your hiking boots on the Web, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can buy from a high-volume store that has the best prices, but first get your advice, recommendations, and reviews from affiliated Web sites that specialize in hiking equipment.

Wherever you choose to buy your hiking boots, make sure there is a reliable, knowledgeable person in the loop somewhere. If the sales clerk or Web site seems too eager about making the sale and not interested enough in discussing and comparing features, you should look somewhere else before you make a final decision.

Especially when you are shopping the Web sites, you may need to pay attention to brands. Certain brands have a well-deserved reputation for good quality, and you should not ignore that. On the other hand, some brands have an overblown reputation that often has more to do with fashion than with genuine quality. The only way to know the difference, and to find the quality you need without paying for fashion that you don’t care about, is to talk to those who know the difference and to read reviews from people who have actually used the hiking boots in the field.

Features to Look For in Day-Hiking Boots

Here is what you need to look for:

* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.

* Appropriate height (just above the ankle).

* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon).

* Fiberglass shank. Steel is okay, but fiberglass is better in day-hiking boots because it’s lighter. Full-length is preferred, but shorter shanks may be acceptable if you are planning more moderate hiking.

* Tongue attached at least up to the top of the foot, or higher if you plan on crossing streams frequently.

* Crampon attachments (good, but not essential, unless you do a lot of hiking in icy conditions).

* Hooks for the laces above the top of the foot.

* Choose eyelets, D-rings, or webbing for the lower lace attachment points as a matter of personal taste. My experience does not indicate any one to be better than the others for day-hiking boots.

* Good insulation and padding all around, firm on the bottom, with a tough but smooth lining.

* Double stitching on all visible seams.

* More leather and less fabric is better. Split leather is fine (and you’ll almost never find full-grain leather in a day-hiking boot), but not full suede.

* Fewer seams is better.

Most of these features are self-evident, but here are a few techniques for evaluating specific features.

* Tread should be at least two fifths of the total thickness of the sole.

* Measure the softness of the tread surface by pressing your thumbnail into it. You should be able to make a visible indentation that springs out in a second or so.

* Measure the stiffness of the shank by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, and twisting the sole. You should not be able to twist it at all.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Hiking Boots

The biggest problem you’re likely to find in shopping for day-hiking boots is cheaply-made “imitation” hiking boots. They look like hiking boots, but they’re not built to stand up to trail conditions. They will not last long, and they will not give you the traction and water resistance you need.

You can tell an “imitation” hiking boot from the real thing by these characteristics:

* Mild tread, less than about two-fifths the thickness of the sole.

* Hard tread surface that you can barely indent with your fingernail.

* Non-attached tongue.

* Non-rigid sole that you can twist by hand.

* No scree collar. There may be patches of leather or a different color of fabric that look like a scree collar, but if it doesn’t have thick, soft padding around the top, it’s not a real hiking boot. It won’t keep the pebbles out, and it might chafe or constrict your Achilles tendon.

Fitting your Hiking Boots

You must fit your hiking boots with any orthopedic inserts, off-the-shelf insoles, and the hiking socks you intend to wear with them. A good rule of thumb is to start with one full size larger than your regular street shoes.

With all the inserts and insoles in place and your hiking socks on, but with no laces in the boot, put the boot on and push your foot all the way forward until your toes touch the front. You should have just enough room behind the heel to slide your finger all the way in.

Next, lace the boot up snugly and walk around. The boots will be stiff and uncomfortable because they’re not broken in, but they should not allow your foot to slide or rub.

Stand on a steep slope with your toes pointing down. (Use the fitting horse where you’re supposed to put your foot to lace the shoe while sitting. Go ahead and stand on it.) You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they should not touch the front of the boots.

If you bought the boots via the Web, do this fit-test as soon as you get them. Even if you think you know your size, boots from different manufacturers might fit differently. Check the size and fit immediately, and return them for a replacement if they don’t fit right.

Conclusion

If you are looking for your first pair of serious hiking boots, you must do your shopping in an outdoor equipment store where you can handle the boots and talk to knowledgeable sales staff. Only if you have some experience with day-hiking boots, take advantage of the bargains available on the Web.

Check for the features that identify a quality hiking boot, and avoid “fake” hiking boots.

Bring all the inserts and socks you will wear with your hiking boots, and check for a firm but comfortable fit with no rubbing or sliding.

Look for quality, and expect to pay for it, but don’t pay more than you have to for features that don’t contribute to the durability and comfort of your hiking boots.

Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/Gear/HikingGear.htm

Most of us enjoy a whiff of a delicious perfume, either on ourselves or on somebody else. Instead of buying just any perfume for an anniversary, why not get one that directly has something to do with the theme of the celebrated anniversary? There are infinite amounts of options out there, so you do have to know about your partner’s preferences. If a woman like musky notes, don’t bring home a fruity perfume! To play it safe, I would recommend that you buy the smallest size possible, so it’s not that much of a loss if he or she doesn’t like it (and people sometimes have adverse reactions to certain scents). Plus that way, he or she will have used it up by the next anniversary and you can go out and buy more!

Anniversary 1 is Paper: We start out pretty lame, since I could not find any perfume that contained the word “paper” in it. But, there are cards with perfumed inserts, which might be most appropriate for women.

Anniversary 2 is Cotton and we have a few more options here. Cotton is associated with the scent of freshly washed linen, so most of the perfumes have a lighter note. For a woman get Cotton Splash Perfume by Marc Jacobs, White Linen Breeze by Estee Lauder or Crisp Cotton Perfume Oil sold in The Body Shop. For men there are not that many options; you could go with Cotton Candy Perfume by Demeter for men and women, or Lucky You by Liz Claiborne, since one of its ingredients is Cotton flower.

Anniversary 3 is Leather. A scent mostly associated with men (because of the whole cowboy thing, I guess), you have a lot of option for the guys: Containing the word leather in it’s name are a series of English Leather by Dana, English Leather Wind Drift, English Leather Timberline and English Leather Musk.

The following fragrances for men carry a note of leather: John Varvatos, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Carlos Santana, Chaps by Ralph Lauren, Dunhill Fresh by Alfred Dunhill, Gentleman by Givenchy, Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci, Nicole Miller for Men, Safari by Ralph Lauren and many, many more. You can always ask for more fragrances with a leather note at the perfume store, should none of these appeal to you.

For women it’s the same thing: there are only few perfumes that have the word itself in the name. The only ones I found are Leather for Women by Demeter and Aigner in Leather by Etienne Aigner. But when it comes to perfumes with a note of leather, you have more options: Cabochard by Parfums Gres, Fendi, Habanita by Molinard, Image by Nino Cerruti, No. 19 by Chanel, Caleche by Hermes and more.

For anniversary 4, Fruit or Flowers you will have so many options that I can’t possibly name all of them. Most of the perfumes have both flower and fruit notes, so if you want to go with one of the two only, you’ll have to speak with a knowledgeable salesperson in the perfume store.

Only a few options for her are Fruit de Bois by Jean Charles Brosseau, Jessica McClintock for women, Fruity Rythm by Adidas, Pacific Paradise and Island Kiss by Escada, Faconnable Femme by Faconnable, Guess for Women, Head Over Heals by Revlon, Incanto and Incanto Charm by Salvatore Ferragamo, Flower for Women by Kenzo, Spring Flower and Fantasia de Fleurs by Creed, Fleur de Diva by Ungaro, Fleur de Fleurs by Nina Ricci … let me just catch my breath! The list goes on and on, so you will have many options here. Make sure with your darling which fruit or flower she likes, else she just might get a headache!

Since men’s fragrances tend to be less fruity and sweet, you would think that you would have fewer options, compared to women’s fragrances, but don’t forget that almost all perfumes have a flower or a fruit thrown in somewhere. Some ideas for him are: Baldessarini by Hugo Boss, Black Code by Giorgio Armani, Neroli Sauvage by Creed, Curve by Liz Claiborne, Sport by Royal Copenhagen and Very Sexy for Men by Victoria’s Secret.

Now to the last theme of the first five anniversaries. Year 5 is Wood, so if you include fragrance notes like sandalwood, you are going to have a lot of options again. For women, get Glamourous by Ralph Lauren, Eau de Dior Relaxing by Christian Dior, Shi by Alfred Sung, Versace Woman by Versace, Sensi by Giorgio Armani, Black Cashmere by DKNY or Blush for Women by Marc Jacobs. Honestly, there are so many I could fill up a whole page, but these will give you an idea.

And finally, for men you have Black XS by Paco Rabanne, BLV Notte by Bulgari, Brit for Men by Burberry, Cacharel for Men by Cacharel, Dune by Christian Dior, Gravity by Coty and Gucci Pour Homme, just to name a few.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Anniversary Gifts

If your spouse is pregnant, this is the best time to start making a list of all the items your new baby will need. On top of the list is, of course, clothes for your baby. Here are some tips on getting good deals on baby clothes.

Tip 1: Hand-me-downs

Babies grow extremely fast and tend to outgrow their clothes in no time. If a close relative or friend has a child only slightly older than yours and has some baby clothes to pass on, go ahead and accept them. In all likelihood, the clothes have only been used a couple of times and will be as good as new. The best part of hand-me-downs? They don’t cost a cent.

Tip 2: Unused baby shower gifts

Baby clothes are a common gift given at baby showers. Often, women receive more clothes than their baby will ever use, which are either given away or sold cheap. The best way to spot these baby clothes is to scout around yard sales and look for clothing with the tags still attached.

Tip 3: End of season sales

Buying baby clothes during season-ending sales is a great way to save money on baby clothes, especially if you are partial to branded clothes. The key here is to plan your shopping well in advance. For example, if your spouse is due in summer, you can purchase winter clothes from newborn to 6 months during the previous winter end sale.

Tip 4: Reuse old clothes.

Since your baby is growing really fast, use your creativity and reuse old clothes to make new ones. For example, if your baby has outgrown his or her trousers, cut them to make shorts. Jackets whose sleeves are too short can become waistcoats if you cut the sleeves off.

Looking after young child involves managing a variety of tasks; one of the more pleasurable among these is buying baby clothes. However, shopping for children’s clothes requires careful thought. Find out more tips while selecting baby clothes.

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. He writes articles on pregnancy care, baby names, toilet training, parenting tips and many more topics related to dads.

Yeast infection mouth condition is commonly known as thrush. The cause of thrush is known to be candida albicans or monilia which is yeast. All people have a fair amount of yeast in their systems which is perfectly okay. However, when the yeast decides to overgrow, you will be stressed out and confused by the severe symptoms in the mouth. But, yeast does not just decide to multiply, there must be a favorable condition or conditions that facilitate the fungus to develop. In children or babies, yeast infection in the mouth is caused by an organism imbalance and this means that there are no sufficient bacteria that can fight the yeast from growing. Therefore, there are friendly bacteria that live in the mouth to check the yeast population.

A yeast infection mouth condition can also be caused by taking antibiotics which will again kill the good bacteria and leave you prone to infections. Other causes of yeast infection mouth are certain foods that favor the development of yeast like sugar and alcohol. Many have had the oral thrush due to poor feeding habits which will ensure that your immunity is down and you are not able to fight infections in your body. In women yeast infection mouth will also come about due to hormonal imbalance. Menstruation, birth control pills, menopause, pregnancy and hormonal replacement therapy are the leading causes of an imbalance. A woman should try her level best to ensure that her hormones are functioning in a natural way.

This might mean choosing another birth control method from oral pills. Other drugs that will cause yeast infection mouth are antidepressants which will interfere with the normal flow of saliva hence causing the infection. When you need to take the drugs, consult a doctor for more insight on the side effects. With so many causes, you also need to know the signs of yeast infection in the mouth. The most common are white patches which are extremely painful if left untreated for some time. There is also redness and soreness on the lining in the mouth. Oral thrush will have you craving for sweet things and foods that contain alcohol.

There are many treatments for thrush and they range from traditional to more modern cures. The contemporary treatments are anti fungal drugs which can be for oral administration. Nystatin is commonly known for fighting the infection and it is an anti fungal antibiotic with very powerful action. Yeast usually does not become resistant to the treatment. Some examples of the more traditional or home remedies include the use of grape fruit seed extract, grape seed oil, gentian violet and the list goes on. Yeast infection can be very stubborn and you need to find a good and effective cure to relieve the condition. Make sure you consult a qualified doctor before you self medicate. This is for the purpose of ruling out other illnesses as well as knowing some underlying factors that may be causing the condition. They many be diseases like diabetes or AIDS and when the cause is known, you can manage the treatment well knowing that you have taken all factors into consideration.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yeast Infection for Years. For More Information on Yeast Infection Mouth, Visit His Site at YEAST INFECTION MOUTH You Can Also Post Pour Views About Yeast Infection Mouth On My Blog Here YEAST INFECTION MOUTH

This article describes where to look, what to look for, and how to choose day-hiking boots. Knowing where to look and what to look for, you can be sure to get the high-quality hiking boots you need without paying extra for features you don’t need.

Day-hiking boots range anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00. The high end of that range is beginning to cross into backpacking boots, but anything below that range is either an exceptionally good deal or an imitation hiking boot that will disappoint you badly.

So, let’s talk about the kinds of places to shop for hiking boots, features to look for, pitfalls to avoid, and techniques to make sure you have the right fit.

Where to Shop for Hiking Boots

If you have never done any serious hiking, you will want to buy your first serious hiking boots in a hands-on experience. I’m being honest here (habit of mine). Yes, it is in my interest to persuade you to buy your hiking boots through my Web site, but I won’t do that if it is not appropriate for you. Even aside from ethical considerations, it would be bad business for me to create a lot of dissatisfied customers telling their friends about their bad experience. No, I’m just being honest. I don’t want to take your money and leave you unhappy. Buy your first pair of hiking boots at a brick-and-mortar store where you can handle the boots and try them for proper fit. Then, when you have enough experience to know what you want in your second pair of hiking boots (or third, or …), you can take advantage of the lower prices available on the Web.

When shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store rather than a shoe store. The sales clerks in a general shoe store are not likely to know the difference between real hiking boots and fashion imitations of hiking boots. You might pay more money at an outdoor equipment store, but you will realize the savings out on the trail.

Once you’re in the store, ask about some of the things you read in this article. If the sales clerk doesn’t know what a scree collar is or why soft outer soles are better than hard, look for another sales clerk, or another store.

If you are ready to buy your hiking boots on the Web, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can buy from a high-volume store that has the best prices, but first get your advice, recommendations, and reviews from affiliated Web sites that specialize in hiking equipment.

Wherever you choose to buy your hiking boots, make sure there is a reliable, knowledgeable person in the loop somewhere. If the sales clerk or Web site seems too eager about making the sale and not interested enough in discussing and comparing features, you should look somewhere else before you make a final decision.

Especially when you are shopping the Web sites, you may need to pay attention to brands. Certain brands have a well-deserved reputation for good quality, and you should not ignore that. On the other hand, some brands have an overblown reputation that often has more to do with fashion than with genuine quality. The only way to know the difference, and to find the quality you need without paying for fashion that you don’t care about, is to talk to those who know the difference and to read reviews from people who have actually used the hiking boots in the field.

Features to Look For in Day-Hiking Boots

Here is what you need to look for:

* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.

* Appropriate height (just above the ankle).

* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon).

* Fiberglass shank. Steel is okay, but fiberglass is better in day-hiking boots because it’s lighter. Full-length is preferred, but shorter shanks may be acceptable if you are planning more moderate hiking.

* Tongue attached at least up to the top of the foot, or higher if you plan on crossing streams frequently.

* Crampon attachments (good, but not essential, unless you do a lot of hiking in icy conditions).

* Hooks for the laces above the top of the foot.

* Choose eyelets, D-rings, or webbing for the lower lace attachment points as a matter of personal taste. My experience does not indicate any one to be better than the others for day-hiking boots.

* Good insulation and padding all around, firm on the bottom, with a tough but smooth lining.

* Double stitching on all visible seams.

* More leather and less fabric is better. Split leather is fine (and you’ll almost never find full-grain leather in a day-hiking boot), but not full suede.

* Fewer seams is better.

Most of these features are self-evident, but here are a few techniques for evaluating specific features.

* Tread should be at least two fifths of the total thickness of the sole.

* Measure the softness of the tread surface by pressing your thumbnail into it. You should be able to make a visible indentation that springs out in a second or so.

* Measure the stiffness of the shank by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, and twisting the sole. You should not be able to twist it at all.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Hiking Boots

The biggest problem you’re likely to find in shopping for day-hiking boots is cheaply-made “imitation” hiking boots. They look like hiking boots, but they’re not built to stand up to trail conditions. They will not last long, and they will not give you the traction and water resistance you need.

You can tell an “imitation” hiking boot from the real thing by these characteristics:

* Mild tread, less than about two-fifths the thickness of the sole.

* Hard tread surface that you can barely indent with your fingernail.

* Non-attached tongue.

* Non-rigid sole that you can twist by hand.

* No scree collar. There may be patches of leather or a different color of fabric that look like a scree collar, but if it doesn’t have thick, soft padding around the top, it’s not a real hiking boot. It won’t keep the pebbles out, and it might chafe or constrict your Achilles tendon.

Fitting your Hiking Boots

You must fit your hiking boots with any orthopedic inserts, off-the-shelf insoles, and the hiking socks you intend to wear with them. A good rule of thumb is to start with one full size larger than your regular street shoes.

With all the inserts and insoles in place and your hiking socks on, but with no laces in the boot, put the boot on and push your foot all the way forward until your toes touch the front. You should have just enough room behind the heel to slide your finger all the way in.

Next, lace the boot up snugly and walk around. The boots will be stiff and uncomfortable because they’re not broken in, but they should not allow your foot to slide or rub.

Stand on a steep slope with your toes pointing down. (Use the fitting horse where you’re supposed to put your foot to lace the shoe while sitting. Go ahead and stand on it.) You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they should not touch the front of the boots.

If you bought the boots via the Web, do this fit-test as soon as you get them. Even if you think you know your size, boots from different manufacturers might fit differently. Check the size and fit immediately, and return them for a replacement if they don’t fit right.

Conclusion

If you are looking for your first pair of serious hiking boots, you must do your shopping in an outdoor equipment store where you can handle the boots and talk to knowledgeable sales staff. Only if you have some experience with day-hiking boots, take advantage of the bargains available on the Web.

Check for the features that identify a quality hiking boot, and avoid “fake” hiking boots.

Bring all the inserts and socks you will wear with your hiking boots, and check for a firm but comfortable fit with no rubbing or sliding.

Look for quality, and expect to pay for it, but don’t pay more than you have to for features that don’t contribute to the durability and comfort of your hiking boots.

Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/Gear/HikingGear.htm

It’s 08 – Are your packaged products ready for prime time? Here are a few insightful tips to help you out.

There are many packaging issues afloat in the minds of the consumer.
We just came off the traditional “wrap rage” cycle that stirs everyone into a frenzy around the holidays. Be aware that it’s still an issue to contend with in the minds of the consumer. Clamshells, twist ties and difficult to open packages still get mileage in the media.

Packaging has many detractors. We are getting serious scrutiny from everyone in the realm of environmental sustainability, less packaging, more environmentally friendly packaging, save the earth packaging and so on. Every week I read about a new packaging crusade that is supposed to solve our environmental woes. But I have been researching for an upcoming presentation Sustainable Packaging – From Green To Great. The lack of new packaging innovation to solve the problem is quite distressing. Most of what I am seeing revolves around the same supplier using the same packaging materials. Unfortunately, a lot of it is smoke and mirrors that touts “green” but does not back it up with true sustainable documentation. There are a few good examples of innovation. In researching environmentally friendly lipstick tube examples, the results were woefully inadequate. “Cargo Plant Love Biodegradable Lipstick” was the only company I discover (with a great marketing story I might add).

So, I pose these questions to all product packaging developers. How green are you? Do you want to be? Do your consumers and your target demographic even care whether you are green or not? This is going to be one of the prime time packaging issues in 08 so you better make some serious strides in deciding what you want your product packaging to reflect.

Another key matter will be product security, integrity and product origination. (AKA – The Made in China Syndrome) Currently the Made in China tag is becoming a political hot button. One of the trends I am starting to see is a China backlash. Products made and packaged in China are coming back to the US. Some companies are using China Free on their product packaging as a marketing tool — and it’s helping sales.

People are reading labels AND scrutinizing them. What it says on that label will influence whether they buy your product or not. I just read that cloned meat will be coming on the market in a few years. At present, the FDA won’t require food makers to label that their products came from cloned animals. ICK!! I’d want to know from the product packaging and, I believe, so would most consumers. The point being is that any high profile package or product will be looked at thoroughly by consumers. What you tell them better be the right message and true.

Watchdog groups about and they are on the lookout for your product to make a mistake. Whether they deem you are marketing to an inappropriate market (EX: Spykes marketing liquor to children) or that your packaging isn’t telling the whole truth (Ex: McDonald’s and all the other fast food companies and fat content), it’s sure to become newsworthy and in the worst case scenario could seriously impact your business.

Consumers are fickle. What is a hot issue today may be gone tomorrow. However, in the interim if you are not on target with the right packaging message you may alienate them or force them to buy a competitor’s product because your packaging is not sending the right packaging message.

So, before you embark on any new packaging campaign in 08 understand and incorporate into your product packaging what the consumer wants to know about the product. Be sure your packaging is ready for prime time to the right consumer with the right marketing message.

Need to know whose got the latest concepts in packaging innovation? I know that’s what I do-track packaging trends and innovation and how it is going to impact your business. Get
connected with me JoAnn Hines Packaging Diva through my websites listed below or by phone 1-678-594 6872.

I package people, products and services. Get started in the right direction packaging anything by visiting any one of my websites for free advice, articles or just plain help. You can ask a question to a packaging expert too, list your packaging request, subscribe to my complimentary newsletter Packaging News You Can Use or just visit my website to ask me your packaging question. I *will* find your perfect packaging solution!

Personal Website: http://packagingdiva.com/

Corporate Website: http://packaginguniversity.com/

Packaging Help: http://packagingcoach.com/

JoAnn Hines (The Packaging Diva) work is featured in Package Design magazine, Shelf Impact, Webpackaging and many other packaging portals and magazines. In the months of Sept. and Oct. her packaging commentary was used in Chicago Tribune (2), Entrepreneur Magazine and Cision. She is recognized as one 50 most influential packaging leaders in the 20th Century and the founder of Women in Packaging.

Have you ever been sitting on the beach watching the other girls walk by in their designer bikinis and wishing that was you wearing one? Maybe you have gone shopping on several occasions and have found that designer bikinis are just not within your budget and you feel you will never be able to afford one. The truth is most smart women shop for discount designer bikinis. Where can you find discount designer bikinis? There are several options to buying one.

The internet for example offers private shopping sprees that lead to top department stores who offer sale extravaganzas on just about any item you can think of. And yes, this includes finding discount designer bikinis! This is a nice way to shop for those who don’t live close to major department stores or malls. Or, for those who just prefer shopping within the privacy of their home. Designs from top designers such as Chloe’, Calvin Klein, Prada, and others can be found during these sales. But, you can expect to pay for shipping and handling when shopping in this fashion. Although, it may be a very convenient way of shopping, this might be something to think about when you are looking at your budget.

If you prefer spending a day at the mall with friends check out what the major department stores carry. Victoria’s Secret carries a large variety of designer bikinis that you can purchase on-line or in their stores. You can find designs by designers such as Becca by Rebecca Virtue, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and Roxy just to name a few. Like other stores Victoria’s Secret also have end of the season, or clearance sales, on most merchandise including offering customers discount designer bikinis to help fit those with a tight budget.

Bikinis are nothing new to society. They have been popular with women for decades. So what makes designer bikinis so popular even though you pay more? Most women willing to pay the extra money like that the designer has crafted the piece with a unique style for each. They are made with the latest cutting edges that can only be created by ideas within each designers mind. They begin with a sketch that turns into a piece of art that flatters each individual’s body allowing each woman to wear the design proudly bearing the designer’s name.

So if you really want to be the girl on the beach sporting a designer bikini next summer, start saving up and watch for those sale advertisements on discount designer bikinis. You will find that with a little patience and perseverance you will find the style that fits your budget and happily wear a bikini that not only shows off your curves, but comes with the proud name of a world famous designer.

Ivy Johnson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about discount bikinis, please visit Designer Bikinis for current articles and discussions.

The Sex and the City New York City movie premiere was held on Tuesday, May 27th at Radio City Music Hall. Anyone who is anyone hit the red carpets to view the premiere and then mingle with the socialites at the Rockefeller Center after-party. The party was supposed to be at the MoMa, but apparently it wasn’t big enough. Seriously, how is a museum not big enough!? But anyways, that’s how big this event was in the lives of so many Manhattan higher-ups.

Seeing that the Sex and the City movie’s main focal point is fashion — and brought designers and fashionista-wanna-be’s by the droves to the theaters — everyone’s eye was (obviously) on Sarah Jessica Parker at the premiere. People were dying to see what she would wear. So imagine her surprise when she found out that her beautiful Nina Ricci gown was worn not once, but twice before! Some may say that Sarah Jessica Parker reacted snobbishly, but I highly disagree. When you are viewed as a fashion icon, and all eyes are constantly on you to see what you are going to wear, it is not cool to be wearing a third-hand dress.

Apparently, SJP was assured by the gown’s designer, Olivier Theyskens, that the dress had never been worn. In truth, it had been photographed on socialite Lauren Santo Domingo at the Metropolitan Museum ball gala in New York City less than a month earlier, and was also worn by Lindsay Lohan for a photo shoot in Los Angeles last winter. I fully support Ms. Parker for being just a teensy bit upset.

In all the mayhem I did notice one very glorious thing about Sarah Jessica’s ensemble at the NYC premiere — the necklaces! At her neck, SJP wore three antique necklaces by Fred Leighton — a 19th-century diamond riviere necklace, a 19th-century diamond and pearl fringe necklace and a 19th-century gold diamond snake necklace. You might not be able to find such vintage pieces at your local boutique, seeing as this jewelry is owned by the American Folk Art Museum, but you can bet that the ever-popular layered look will continue to be a trend and that fringe-style gold necklaces will soon be seen hitting the streets!

Alexandra is the Head of Marketing and Sales for Mademoiselle Jewelry – a company that was founded on the principal that jewelry is art. Mademoiselle Jewelry specializes in unique jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, and designer jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is hand selected for quality, uniqueness, and creativity. Mademoiselle Jewelry also carries jewelry lines specifically designed for men and children.

The giving of business gifts is a deeply embedded practice in many companies. These gifts may range from the cheap key chains, notepads, ballpoint pens, T-shirts, and sports caps, to the valuable executive business gifts like the sleek card holders, pencil holders, cuff links, photo frames, and paperweights.

There are many reasons for giving business gifts. Let us count the ways:

1. Companies give out business gifts to advertise their brands or services. One of the many reasons businesses give out promotional products is brand awareness. If these business gifts are wearables such as T-shirts, jerseys, bags, or caps, recipients will seen wearing them in many places and that means more people will be seeing your logo.

2. Business gifts are good purchase incentives. One way of increasing sales is to offer a free item in exchange for purchases. For example, if you’re a coffee shop, you might want to bundle a ceramic mug and a bag of coffee beans together. Another way of using business gifts is to offer them as a reward for multiple purchases. This is what most coffee shops do. In some countries, for example, Starbucks and Seattle’s Best offer planners at the end of the year as a reward when consumers accumulate a number of stickers on a purchase card. It’s a good way of increasing revenue as well.

3. Use business gifts to launch a product. Corporate gifts are also used to inform consumers about new products. Invitees to the event usually leave with a sample of the product carrying the company’s logo and contact details. There’s no better way to introduce a brand than to allow consumers to try it out. If your product is good, you can rely on word-of-mouth to spread the good news.

4. Build long-lasting relationships with business gifts. Many companies make it a point to send their business clients a thank-you gift when a deal has been closed or as a way of introducing themselves. Other incidents of the giving of corporate gifts occur during the holidays, the client’s birthday or any other important event in his life, and when the company has made a major milestone. It’s simply a way of thanking those you have done business with, because without them, your company wouldn’t be as successful.

5. Show appreciation to employees with business gifts. In this instance, it’s most often called corporate gifts. Christmases or end-of-the-year celebrations are not the only reason for giving away corporate gifts. Thank your employees for a job well done, or award them for their loyalty to the company. If the company is celebrating its anniversary, send out thank-you corporate gifts to employees, because if it weren’t for their blood and sweat, your company will be nowhere. They are the people you rely on every day, and every day is an appropriate time to show your gratitude.

If the budget allows it, why not give out an incentive bonus to your employee. Indeed, they are paid to do their job, but the motivation must come elsewhere. These ways are a good way to boost company morale.

About the Author:

Celine Benjamin dispenses content on corporate gifts, marketing, cheap business gifts, business, and new media. You can find her at http://blog.branders.com. Visit branders.com for more details.