As the days grow longer and the weather becomes warmer, spring ushers in a renewed sense of adventure and playfulness in children. At Vipon, we believe in nurturing this vibrant spirit with toys and games that not only entertain but also stimulate creativity and learning. Here’s our curated list of top toys and games for kids this season, guaranteed to provide endless hours of fun and development.

Creative Sketch Books

Encourage the little artists in your home with high-quality sketch books. These blank canvases are perfect for doodling, sketching, or painting, providing an outlet for kids to express their creativity. Look for sketchbooks with durable covers and quality paper that can handle a variety of mediums, from crayons and markers to watercolors.

Engaging Card Games

Card games are timeless treasures that offer both fun and learning opportunities. They can teach strategy, numbers, and even social skills as children play and interact with others. From classic games like “Go Fish” and “Old Maid” to newer, innovative games designed to challenge young minds, there’s a card game out there for every age and interest.

Thrilling Remote Control Toys

For action-packed play, remote control toys are a hit among kids of all ages. Drones, cars, and even robots that zip, zoom, and fly, bringing excitement and a bit of healthy competition to outdoor play. These toys not only provide hours of entertainment but also help develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Bubble Guns for Magical Fun

Nothing says spring like the whimsical sight of bubbles floating in the air. Bubble guns take the joy of bubble blowing to the next level, allowing kids to create a flurry of bubbles with the simple press of a trigger. They’re perfect for backyard play, picnics, or any outdoor gathering, adding a magical touch to any activity.

Garden Games for Outdoor Adventure

Encourage kids to soak up the sun and fresh air with garden games that make outdoor play irresistible. Giant versions of classic games like Jenga, Connect Four, or even bowling set up easily in the backyard for family fun. These games are not only entertaining but also encourage physical activity and teamwork.

Musical Toys to Hit the Right Notes

Introduce kids to the joy of music with toys that let them explore sound and rhythm. Whether it’s a toy drum set, a mini keyboard, or even a simple set of maracas, musical toys can spark an early interest in music and help develop a sense of rhythm and coordination.

Find the Best Deals on Kids’ Toys and Games at Vipon!

This spring, unleash your child’s imagination and zest for life with these top toys and games. Whether they’re creating a masterpiece, strategizing over a card game, or exploring the great outdoors with garden games, there’s something special for every child to enjoy. And remember, for the best deals on these kid-approved favorites, head over to Vipon. We offer a wide array of discounts and offers on Amazon, ensuring you get the best value for quality toys and games. Let the spring adventures begin!

Pets are like family members. With the growing trend of pet parenting, providing your pets with the best accessories has become a priority for many. At Vipon, we understand the needs of your furry companions.

Here’s a guide to the Top 7 pet accessories for your beloved pets, covering a range of needs for dogs, cats, and other pets. Remember to check out VIPON for the best deals for these trending accessories. 

1. Comfortable Pet Beds for Home and Car

A comfortable night’s sleep is as important for your pet as it is for you. Make sure to choose a bed that is the right size and shape for your pet. From plush beds for cats to orthopedic beds for older dogs, there are options to suit every pet’s needs. And when it comes to travel, car beds ensure your pet’s comfort and safety on the road. These beds are designed to fit perfectly in your car, providing a cozy and secure spot for your pet during long drives.

2. Convenient Pet Carriers

Whether you’re visiting the vet or embarking on a vacation, a reliable pet carrier is a must-have. Pet carriers come in various sizes and styles to suit different pets. For the jet-setting pet, you can get airline-approved carriers, while for daily commutes, there are ergonomic and breathable carriers make the journey comfortable for both you and your pet.

3. Automated Pet Feeding and Water Machines

In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring your pet is well-fed and hydrated while you’re away is a concern for many pet parents. Automated feeding and water machines are the perfect solution for making sure your pet has food and water while you are at work. These devices can be programmed to dispense food and fresh water at set times, ensuring your pet never misses a meal or a drink.

4. Pet Grooming Essentials

Grooming is a crucial aspect of pet care that goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s about maintaining your pet’s physical health as well as their appearance. Different breeds and coat types require specific grooming tools and techniques. Here’s a look at some of the top grooming accessories that are beneficial for a variety of pets.

For pets with longer coats or those that need regular haircuts, a good quality set of hair clippers is indispensable. Look for clippers that are specifically designed for pets, offering features like quiet motors to avoid startling your animal and adjustable blades to accommodate different hair lengths. Brushes are also a great accessory and serve different purposes from making your pet’s coat shine to skin health. With the right tools in hand, grooming can become a bonding experience, bringing comfort and happiness to both pets and their owners.

5. Fashionable Pet Clothes

Pet fashion has evolved significantly over the years, becoming more than just a statement. Today, it’s about combining style with practicality to enhance the comfort and well-being of our furry friends. From functional attire to fashionable accessories, the range of pet clothing available caters to a variety of needs and occasions. 

As temperatures drop, it’s crucial to ensure that our pets stay warm and cozy, especially those that are small, short-haired, or older. Winter outfits like insulated coats, sweaters, and even booties are designed to provide warmth and protection against the cold. These are particularly beneficial for breeds that are prone to the cold or for pets living in harsh weather conditions.

Pet costumes have become incredibly popular, especially during holidays and special occasions. Dressing up pets in fun and creative outfits can be a delightful way to include them in celebrations. However, it’s important to ensure that these costumes are comfortable and don’t restrict movement or the ability to relieve themselves.

6. Engaging Pet Toys

It’s so fun to play catch with your dog or tease your cat with a string toy. Toys are crucial for your pet’s physical and mental stimulation. Our collection includes everything from chew toys for teething puppies to interactive play toys for cats. Keep your pet entertained and active with fun, durable and safe toy options. 

7. Durable Pet Collars and Leads

Safety comes first, and a sturdy collar and lead are essential for outdoor adventures. A reliable collar and lead are more than just accessories; they are vital tools for managing and protecting your beloved animals during outdoor adventures. Choosing the right collar and lead for your pet is about balancing style, comfort, and safety. It’s important to consider the specific needs of your pet, including their size, breed, behavior, and the environment in which they will be using these accessories. 

Get The Best Deals On Vipon For Pet Accesories

At Vipon, we’re passionate about enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. With our selection of top pet accessories, we ensure your pet enjoys comfort, style, and fun. And the best part? You can get amazing deals on all these products. Choose from hundreds of Amazon coupons for trending pet products on Vipon and give your pet the quality they deserve without breaking the bank. Visit Vipon today and make your pet’s day!

Transforming your living space into a dream home or tackling that long-overdue DIY project can be an exhilarating experience. For many, the joy of home improvement lies in the process itself – envisioning, planning, and executing. But what truly elevates this journey is having the right tools and accessories at your fingertips.

This is where VIPON steps in, offering an array of astounding deals on tools and home improvement accessories that blend quality with affordability. Our curated selection of tools and accessories is tailored to empower both seasoned DIY enthusiasts and novices alike. With discounts that are hard to resist, VIPON is your go-to destination for sprucing up your toolbox without breaking the bank.

Dive into a World of Versatile Tools

Power Tools for Every Need:

Whether you’re looking to drill, cut, sand, or polish, our range of power tools is designed to meet diverse requirements. From high-performance drills and saws to versatile multi-tools, find equipment that makes light work of heavy-duty tasks.

Hand Tools for Precision and Mastery:

For tasks that demand precision and care, our collection of hand tools is a treasure trove. Discover everything from screwdrivers and hammers to pliers and wrenches, crafted for comfort, efficiency, and durability.

Innovative Accessories for a Smooth Workflow:

Enhance your efficiency with our range of tool accessories. Drill bits, saw blades, sanding pads, and more – each accessory is designed to complement your tools, ensuring a seamless workflow.

Home Improvement Accessories to Elevate Your Space

Organizational Tools for a Clutter-Free Environment:

Keeping your space organized is key to a productive work environment. Discover shelving units, tool organizers, and storage solutions that keep your tools and accessories neatly arranged and within easy reach.

Safety Gear for Ultimate Protection:

Safety is paramount in any home improvement project. Explore our selection of safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and helmets that ensure you stay protected while you work on your dream project.

Lighting Solutions to Brighten Your World

Transform the ambiance of your space with our range of lighting solutions. From sleek LED strips to elegant light fixtures, find options that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and functionality of your home. VIPON offers an array of lighting options to suit every need:

Ambient Bedroom Lighting:

Create a peaceful and serene bedroom environment with our selection of night lights and projector lamps. These soft lighting options are perfect for a relaxing ambiance, helping you unwind after a long day.

Decorative Lighting Solutions:

From elegant chandeliers to trendy LED strip lights, our decorative lighting range adds a touch of glamour and style to your home, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Functional Outdoor Lighting:

Illuminate your outdoor spaces with our durable and efficient outdoor lighting solutions. Whether it’s garden lights for a cozy patio or security lights for your driveway, find the ideal lighting to make your outdoor areas safe and inviting.

Home Security

In the era of smart homes, staying connected and secure has never been more important. VIPON’s range of electrical accessories ensures your home is at the forefront of technology:

Home Security Cameras:

Keep an eye on your property with our advanced home security cameras. With features like motion detection, night vision, and remote access, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is monitored and secure.

Smart Home Entry Systems:

Upgrade your home’s accessibility with smart home entry systems. From keyless door locks to smart doorbells, experience convenience and security at your fingertips.

Conclusion

Our exclusive discounts and offers are designed to provide maximum value, making it easier and more affordable to equip yourself with the best tools and accessories for your home improvement projects.

With our amazing deals on tools and home improvement accessories, you’re equipped not just with tools, but with the power to bring your vision to life. Explore our extensive range of deals and discover how VIPON can transform your home improvement dreams into reality.

The countdown is on for the biggest shopping event of the year! As November rolls around, the excitement builds up for one of the most awaited days for shoppers around the globe – Black Friday!

It’s your chance to get all the trending items, fashion accessories, products, and gifts you have been meaning to buy – all at fantastic prices! 

🌟 What’s in Store for You? 🌟

Our Black Friday Event isn’t your typical sale. It’s a celebration of unbelievable bargains and exciting prizes. 

Here’s a glimpse of what we have lined up.

🏆 Grand Prize Extravaganza: 

One lucky shopper will walk away with a whopping $500 prize, a total of $1500 in prizes!

💰 Exclusive Amazon Coupon Codes:

Get your hands on special coupon codes for incredible discounts that will make your shopping spree even more delightful.

💥 Direct Black Friday Sales:
No fuss with coupons; enjoy direct sale deals with prices already slashed on Amazon.

📅 Mark Your Calendars for 24-27 November! 📅

This year, VIPON is taking the Black Friday frenzy to new heights with our spectacular Black Friday Event,  starting on 24th November and running to 27th November 2023.  It’s not just a sale; it’s a huge selection of discounts, giveaways, and jawdropping deals that you simply can’t miss!

This is the moment to mark your calendars and set your reminders. The VIPON Black Friday Event is the perfect opportunity  to snag those items you’ve been eyeing all year.  Whether it’s tech gadgets, fashion accessories, or home essentials, we’ve got deals for every desire and need.

Get Great Deals On A Huge Range Of Products & Categories

• Fashion: Discover unbeatable deals on the latest trends in clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry to elevate your style game.

• Electronics: Dive into a world of cuttingedge gadgets, from smartphone accessories to speakers, at jaw-dropping prices.

• Home and Kitchen: Transform your living space with incredible offers on kitchen accessories,  cookware, and decor that turn your house into a dream home.

• Toys and Games: Unleash your inner child or treat your kids to a world of fun with a vast array of toys, board games, and video games.

• Sports and Outdoors: Elevate your active lifestyle with premium sports gear, activewear,  and outdoor equipment for your next adventure.

• Beauty and Grooming: Pamper yourself with highquality makeup, skincare,  and grooming essentials that enhance your natural beauty.

• Crafts and Hobbies: Fuel your creative passions with an array of supplies for various crafts and hobbies,  from knitting to model building.

• & More!

Shopping Guide 🛒

First, make a list of all the things you have wanted to buy – because very soon you will be able to get them with our great deals! 

When you are on the VIPON website or APP –  simply filter by your favorite categories, and you can even add a filter for the amount of discount or the price range. 

That way, you can ensure you get the very best deal. 

Set yourself a shopping budget –  then look out for the best deals for the items you have been looking for. 

Our deals and coupons mean that you will get the best price out there for top Amazon products. 

🚀 A Shopping Event Like No Other! 🚀

The VIPON Black Friday Event promises to be a shopping experience like no other.  With our unbeatable deals, you’re set to make the most of this Black Friday.  So, get ready to shop till you drop, win exciting prizes, and enjoy the biggest sale of the year!

🗓️ Save the event in your calendar, and Happy Black Friday Shopping! 🛍️

It’s that spooky time of year again, where goblins, witches, and zombies roam the streets in search of treats and fun. As we inch closer to Halloween, the hunt for the perfect costume and accessories intensifies. Luckily, Vipon has got you covered with a spook-tacular sale on top Halloween accessories!

The Essential Accessories for Your Costume
Every Halloween enthusiast knows that a costume is incomplete without its accessories. From the gleaming witch’s broom to the pirate’s menacing eye patch, Vipon’s sale has an extensive collection of add-ons to make your costume stand out. Don’t miss out on the Olivcker Elf Costume for Women, perfect for a fairy Halloween ball gown. (Click here to get the Elf Costume). Also, check out the ubehoow Halloween Skeleton Onesie which comes with a zipper hooded jumpsuit and a 3D skull mask. (Click here to get the Skeleton Onesie)

Haunting Home Décor
Set the mood for a hauntingly delightful Halloween party. With spider web table runners, glow-in-the-dark wall decals, eerie animated props, and the Halloween Decorations Indoor Set which includes an LED Boo Sign, 31pcs Halloween 3D Bats Sticker, Spider Web Fireplace Mantel Scarf, and a Happy Halloween Banner. (Click here to get the Halloween Decorations Set)

Halloween Toys and Goodies
Keep the little ones entertained with the Halloween Mochi Squishy Toys for Kids. This set comes with 24 PCS squishies and a pumpkin bucket, making it perfect for Halloween party favors and goodie bag stuffers. (Click here to get the Squishy Toys Set)

Light Up the Night
Illuminate your Halloween night with a variety of lighting options. Think pumpkin lanterns, LED-lit ghost strings, and even motion-activated floor mats that give your visitors a little jolt of surprise. Don’t forget the scaling women Halloween Decorations Outdoor Lights which includes LED string lights with a DIY pendant horror lamp. (Click here to get the Outdoor Lights)

Halloween Baking Accessories
Who says Halloween is just about dressing up? Whip up some spooky treats using Halloween-themed baking accessories. From ghost-shaped cookie cutters to pumpkin muffin molds, let your baked goods be a reflection of the spooky season. And for those who love air frying, the Bellamei 2 Pack Air Fryer Silicone Liners are a must-have. (Click here to get the Silicone Liners)

Halloween Jewelry and Trinkets
If dressing up isn’t your thing, but you still want to join in on the fun, Halloween-themed jewelry might be for you. Think bat earrings, skull pendants, and spider web bracelets – subtle, yet perfectly in tune with the season.

Why Shop at Vipon?
The Halloween sale on Vipon isn’t just about variety, but also quality. With amazing discounts and a trusted platform, you’re guaranteed to get value for your money. Plus, the easy navigation of their website means your shopping experience will be as smooth as a ghost floating through walls.

Ready to dive into the world of Halloween delights? Check out Vipon’s massive sale on top Halloween accessories here. Hurry, as these deals are so good they might just vanish into thin air!

Make this Halloween memorable with the right accessories. After all, it’s the little details that make the biggest difference. So, gear up and let the spooky celebrations begin!

Happy Haunting!

Finding the perfect gift for the special men in our lives can be a delightful yet challenging task. Whether it’s your loving husband, supportive father, or amazing dad, they deserve a thoughtful gift that reflects their unique interests and shows appreciation for all they do.
We have curated a list of top gift ideas that will make their day memorable. From practical gadgets and stylish accessories to hobbies and experiences, these gift ideas cater to different personalities and celebrate the remarkable men in our lives. Let’s explore the world of thoughtful gift-giving!

Tech Gadgets and Accessories:
For tech-savvy men, consider gifting the latest gadgets or accessories that enhance their digital experiences. From smartwatches and wireless headphones to portable chargers and phone accessories, these gifts combine functionality with style.
Personalized Items:
Add a personal touch to your gift by opting for personalized items. Engrave their name on a wallet, custom-made cufflinks, or a monogrammed toiletry bag. These thoughtful gifts showcase their individuality and create lasting memories.
Grooming and Self-Care Products:
Help the men in your life look and feel their best with grooming and self-care products. Consider high-quality shaving kits, beard grooming sets, or skincare products tailored to their specific needs. These gifts promote self-care and a little pampering.

Hobby-Related Gifts:
Support their hobbies and passions with gifts that align with their interests. Whether it’s a golf accessory, fishing gear, cooking tools, or DIY equipment, these thoughtful gifts show that you appreciate their unique pursuits and encourage them to indulge in their favorite pastimes.
Fashionable Accessories:
Enhance their style with fashionable accessories. Consider a classy wristwatch, a sleek leather wallet, or a stylish tie. These timeless pieces elevate their fashion game and remind you of your love and appreciation.
Books and Literature:
For literary enthusiasts, explore books that cater to their interests. Whether it’s a gripping novel, a biography of their favorite personality, or a book on a specific topic of interest, these gifts offer knowledge, entertainment, and moments of relaxation.
Outdoor and Adventure Gear:
If the men in your life enjoy outdoor adventures, consider gifting them gear for their next escapade. From camping equipment and hiking essentials to fishing gear and sports accessories, these gifts fuel their adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors.

Home Bar Essentials:
For those who enjoy a good drink, gift them with home bar essentials. From whiskey glasses and cocktail shakers to personalized bar signs and mixology books, these gifts allow them to create their favorite beverages and entertain guests in style.
Experiential Gifts:
Create unforgettable memories by giving them experiential gifts. Plan a weekend getaway, a cooking class, a concert, or a sports event that aligns with their interests. These gifts provide opportunities for quality time and shared experiences.
Conclusion:
When it comes to gifting the special men in our lives, thoughtful consideration and understanding of their unique interests are key. The gift ideas mentioned above encompass a variety of options that cater to different personalities, hobbies, and preferences.
Remember to visit Vipon for amazing deals on Amazon products, ensuring you find the perfect gifts to make them feel loved, appreciated, and celebrated.

Having a home gym is a boon for fitness enthusiasts. It’s convenient, accessible, and, over time, saves money that would otherwise be spent on gym memberships. But to truly elevate your home gym experience, having the right accessories is paramount. These additions can enhance your workout, add variety, and keep your fitness journey interesting and effective. Here are the top six accessories that you should consider adding to your home gym.

Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells are versatile and an essential element for any fitness routine. Adjustable dumbbells, however, take it up a notch. They are space-efficient and offer a range of weight options, making them perfect for multiple exercises, from bicep curls to shoulder presses.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an underrated gem. They are extremely adaptable and can be used to add resistance to almost any exercise. Whether you’re looking to intensify your squats or trying out lateral band walks, these bands come in varied strengths and are a must-have for both strength training and flexibility.

Quality Yoga Mat
Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, or you need a comfortable surface for bodyweight exercises, a good quality yoga mat is indispensable. Look for a mat with sufficient cushioning and grip. A well-chosen mat can greatly enhance your comfort and stability during workouts.
Medicine Ball
Medicine balls are fantastic for adding an extra challenge to your workout. They are particularly beneficial for working on core strength and stability. You can use them for exercises like Russian twists, medicine ball slams, or even as a weight during squats.
Foam Roller
Recovery is a vital component of any fitness routine. A foam roller is an excellent tool for self-myofascial release, which helps in muscle recovery and increasing flexibility. Spending a few minutes post-workout with a foam roller can enhance muscle recovery and keep you ready for your next session.

Pull-Up Bar
Pull-ups are an incredibly effective exercise for upper body strength. A pull-up bar is a relatively simple piece of equipment but can add a whole new dimension to your fitness routine. Ensure that it is installed securely, and you’ll have an array of exercises – pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises – at your disposal.
Conclusion
A home gym can be your personal fitness sanctuary. Investing in the right accessories will not only enhance the quality of your workouts but will also keep you engaged and motivated. As you curate your space, focus on accessories that complement your fitness goals and add versatility to your regimen.
Remember that progress in fitness is not just about intensity but also about variety and consistency. With these accessories in your home gym, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your workouts dynamic and achieve your fitness goals. Be sure to check VIPON for the best deals on fitness accessories. Happy training!

Are you already looking forward to your vacation? Or just thinking about taking a weekend trip now the weather has brightened up?

Whatever your plans, you can make your travel easier and more pleasurable with just a few basic purchases.
For instance, an eye mask and earplugs can help you doze on a long flight, or block out the one guy in a campsite who snores, and has camped right next to you.
Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or just marooned in a one-motel town, a microfiber travel towel and a super-light ‘pocket blanket’ will help you stay comfortable. A sleeping bag liner is also a great help, as it’s so much easier to wash than a whole sleeping bag if you’re on an extended hike.
Investing in bags is a must. Even five-star frequent travelers don’t get great luggage allowances these days, so compression bags which can get more clothes into your suitcase are really useful. Watertight bags are another must; pack spillable toiletries in them, or use them to keep your electronics dry (and sand-free) when you’re on the beach. A fanny pack is super useful at airports, as you can keep your smartphone, boarding card and passport together and your hands free.
It’s well worth buying some empty liquid containers. Buying toothpaste or sunscreen in 100ml tubes is expensive; buy in bulk, then fill your containers to take on the plane. Another neat idea is a collapsible water bottle, which takes up next to no space once it’s empty. You can even get collapsible filter bottles if you’re visiting a country where drinking the water is risky.
Whatever class you travel, a mini power bank is a useful accessory. Rather than charging each gadget when you have access to power, charge the power bank and you’ll have energy for all your devices.

Even heading for the sun, you might find variable weather at your destination, so take a rain poncho rather than packing a rainproof coat or umbrella if you want to economize on space.
A final tip for enjoying your vacation; make sure you take clothes with plenty of pockets. A great purchase is a photographer’s vest, with capacious inside and outside pockets. Slip it on over your other clothes. Usually, you’ll find them in camouflage green or beige, but if you’re a fashionista, get a black one and you’ll be surprised how good it can look!
As always, Vipon has loads of hot deals for you, so check our site before you shop elsewhere.
Foam Roller
Recovery is a vital component of any fitness routine. A foam roller is an excellent tool for self-myofascial release, which helps in muscle recovery and increasing flexibility. Spending a few minutes post-workout with a foam roller can enhance muscle recovery and keep you ready for your next session.
Pull-Up Bar
Pull-ups are an incredibly effective exercise for upper body strength. A pull-up bar is a relatively simple piece of equipment but can add a whole new dimension to your fitness routine. Ensure that it is installed securely, and you’ll have an array of exercises – pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises – at your disposal.
Conclusion
A home gym can be your personal fitness sanctuary. Investing in the right accessories will not only enhance the quality of your workouts but will also keep you engaged and motivated. As you curate your space, focus on accessories that complement your fitness goals and add versatility to your regimen.
Remember that progress in fitness is not just about intensity but also about variety and consistency. With these accessories in your home gym, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your workouts dynamic and achieve your fitness goals. Be sure to check VIPON for the best deals on fitness accessories. Happy training!

The great outdoors is a treasure trove of fun, adventure, and learning for kids. From sparking creativity to building resilience, outdoor activities provide a multitude of benefits. However, to ensure that your little ones have a safe and enjoyable time, equipping them with the right accessories is essential.
Here are the top 7 outdoor activities for kids and the must-have accessories that accompany them!

Cycling
One of the best ways to encourage physical activity and explore the neighborhood is through cycling. Essential accessories include a well-fitted helmet for safety, a comfortable saddle, and reflective gear for visibility. Don’t forget a bell to warn pedestrians on their path!
Camping
Camping is a fantastic way to nurture a love for nature. A sturdy, easy-to-pitch tent is a must, along with a kid-friendly sleeping bag for those chilly nights. Also, consider a portable camping chair and a bright, durable flashlight.
Hiking
For those family hikes, equip your kids with light, supportive shoes and a small backpack for their essentials. Include a reusable water bottle, nutritious snacks, and a disposable camera to capture their unique perspective!

Picnics
A picnic is a perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. Pack a large, waterproof picnic blanket, a cooler for fresh snacks, and a frisbee or a ball for some fun, post-lunch games.
Bird-Watching
This is a calming and educational hobby. A kid-friendly binocular and a bird guide book would make for hours of bird spotting and learning. Take along a note book or painting set and let your kids enjoyign painting or drawing what they see too!
Gardening
Gardening can teach kids about patience and responsibility. Kid-sized gardening tools, seeds or starter plants, and a colorful pair of gardening gloves will make this activity super fun.

Beach Days
Nothing beats a day by the sea!
For those fun-filled beach days, don’t forget a large beach umbrella for shade, SPF sunscreen, beach toys like shovels and molds, and inflatable arm bands for safety in water.
Remember, every child is different and might enjoy different activities. So, it’s always a great idea to let them explore various options and discover their own favorites. These outdoor activities are not only fun but also offer a break from screen time and foster a love for nature.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your little adventurers ready, step outside, and have loads of fun! Just remember to leave no trace behind and respect the great outdoors! And be sure to check out VIPON for the best deals on these accessories!

The call of the wild is getting louder, and the mountains are beckoning! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an enthusiastic walker, being well-prepared for your outdoor adventure can make all the difference.
Sure, you’ve got your hiking boots and backpack, but have you considered these essential hiking and walking accessories that can enhance your outdoor experience?

Trekking Poles: These are a game-changer for challenging terrains or long-distance hikes. They not only provide stability but also reduce the impact on your knees and ankles. Opt for lightweight and collapsible ones for easy storage and carrying.
Water Filter or Purifier: Nature is unpredictable, and you may need to refill your water bottle from an outdoor source. A portable water filter or purifier ensures you always have clean, safe drinking water.
Navigation Tools: Even in the era of smartphones, a physical map and compass can be lifesavers in areas with poor signal. Also, consider a handheld GPS device for precision tracking.
Multi-tool Kit: From opening canned food to cutting cords, a multi-tool kit can help with numerous tasks on the trail. Some of these kits even include an emergency whistle or fire starter.

Quick-Dry Towel: A compact and lightweight towel that absorbs moisture quickly is a must-have. It’s ideal for wiping sweat or drying off after a refreshing dip in a mountain stream.
Weather-Resistant Clothing: A good waterproof jacket or poncho can shield you from unexpected showers, while moisture-wicking clothing helps keep you dry and comfortable during your hike.
First Aid Kit: A compact first aid kit equipped with bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and other basic medical supplies is a must for any hiker or walker. You never know when you might need it.
Insulated Flask or Bottle: Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial. An insulated flask or bottle will keep your water cool, and your hot drinks warm, ensuring you stay refreshed and energized.
Solar-Powered Charger: For long hikes and multi-day treks, a solar-powered charger can keep your devices powered up. That way, you can stay connected, capture beautiful moments, and keep your digital map handy.

Headlamp or Torch: A reliable source of light is indispensable for hiking or walking in the early morning or late evening hours. Opt for a headlamp to keep your hands free or a compact torch with a long battery life.
Lightweight Camping Hammock: For those impromptu rest breaks or an overnight stay in the great outdoors, a lightweight camping hammock is your portable bed. Look for ones that come with an integrated bug net for a peaceful sleep.
Biodegradable Wipes: They are perfect for freshening up on the trail. Opt for biodegradable ones to minimize your environmental impact.
Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from bites and stings with a good insect repellent. Natural or DEET-based options are available to suit various preferences.
Energy Snacks: Quick, convenient, and nutritious – energy bars or trail mixes can give you that much-needed boost of energy when you’re on the move.
So, are you ready to hit the trails? Make sure you’ve packed these hiking and walking accessories to get the most out of your adventure. Head over to Vipon for some great deals on these essentials. But remember, no accessory can replace the most important thing – respect for nature. So, hike responsibly, leave no trace, and enjoy your adventure to the fullest!

It’s nearly time to head for the beach… but you’d better be properly prepared.
You probably have a bathing costume, but life can be much more fun if you have some other good beach clothes. For instance, a sarong or wrap is much easier to shrug on than trying to put jeans on while you’re still wet. You also really need a bikini bag or similar waterproof bag where you can put your wet swimwear and anything else that’s got soaked.

If you’re heading for a gravelly beach, you might want a pair of water shoes, so you can head for the water without wincing! These tight waterproof shoes will protect your feet from the rocks while you can still swim in them.
Towels and mats are important; you need to get dry and you also need some way of ensuring everything doesn’t get covered in sand. Microfiber can be really handy, since it is highly absorbent and dries really quickly; get a towel with a carry bag, so it doesn’t get sand in it before you take it out to use.

You might also want some kind of beach shelter; a windy beach can be a real ordeal if you don’t have a windbreak. A beach umbrella is also a great accessory if you spend more time lazing than swimming, while if you have really young children, a pop-up shelter for them is a great purchase.
You don’t have to go as far as a folding table and chairs. Some families do, and if your joints are showing their age, you may appreciate it. For others, the whole point of going to the beach is sitting on the sand!
Don’t forget a cooler. There’s nothing worse than opening your can of Coca-Cola to find it’s warmed up! Wine bottle coolers and beer can koozies really help keep your drinks cold while you’re drinking, too.

Waterproof important stuff by getting waterproof camping bags, or a waterproof cover for your phone, camera or tablet.
And then have fun! Grab buckets and spades for the kids; these days you can even get silicone molds for making sandcastles. Or get some slyde handboards, for starter surfers, or snorkels, masks, and fins if you want to see below the water. Since the beach is usually windy for some of the day, why not buy a kite to fly?
Take a look on Vipon to see what you can grab at discount prices. And don’t forget the sun block!

The coronation of King Charles III of England happened recently, a ceremony full of splendor, amazing costumes and fascinating details. Granted, you didn’t have the good fortune to be born in the royal family, but can you still live like a king or queen?
The first thing you’re going to need to do is to make sure you breakfast like a king. Apparently Charles’s favorite is an egg with caviar, but scrambled eggs with smoked salmon is another royally luxurious dish. A glass of champagne, or another good sparkling wine, is also a key part of a truly regal breakfast, along with a pot of Earl Grey tea.

During the ceremony, Charles had to change his clothes several times. He arrived in a long cloak under which he wore a rather luscious pink detailed outfit, was disrobed for the anointing, and then dressed in a golden dalmatic of supertunica (like a long kaftan) with a golden sash and stole. Then, finally, he changed into imperial purple with gold stripes for the end of the ceremony and the procession back to Buckingham Palace.
So if you want a truly royal look, you’ll need plenty of crimson, pink, and purple, with golden accents. Plus really big jewelry like the chains of the chivalric orders worn by many of the participants. Or, of course, you could take Queen Camilla’s example and wear white; but luxurious, embroidered white, and with big diamonds (or Swarovski crystals, to be more realistic).
You’ll want a faux fur cape, too, which is absolutely the royal accessory. It used to be real fur, but Charles is a committed environmentalist so it’s now faux ermine, with huge floppy moiré silk ribbons on the shoulders.

Headgear is a must. You probably aren’t entitled to a crown, but there was plenty of great millinery on display, including Princess Anne’s bicorne hat with a huge red plume, and Katy Perry’s ‘satellite dish’ hat. The Queen of Lesotho, ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, won the stakes for understated style with a delightful white-feathered fascinator.
Let’s not forget the anointing with holy oil made from olives grown on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and perfumed with rose, jasmine, and orange blossom. Grab your own aromatherapy oils online and hold your anointing in the privacy of your own bathroom. Westminster Abbey didn’t have the right facilities, but you can follow it up with a good long soak or a refreshing shower!
Whether you want to buy a tiara, a cape, a fun fascinator, or a crystal necklace, check out Vipon first and you won’t have to pay a king’s ransom for your royal style!

This year I remembered, much too late, that you’re supposed to go out and wash your face in the dew on May Day if you want to be beautiful.
So in the absence of May Day dew, how do you keep your skin looking good?
It’s not just about products. You can spend $100 on a tiny pot of super-duper-name-brand night cream, but if you don’t use it regularly, you’ve wasted your money. It’s important to build up a routine and stick to it. Even if it’s a simple routine with quite inexpensive products, it will help your skin stay healthy.

Morning and evening, you need to cleanse and moisturize. Sure, you can add a toner or a serum, but cleansing and moisturizing are the real basics.
Choose your product to suit your skin and your age; as you grow older, your skin will likely become more fragile and dry, and will need you to put more goodness back into it.
Cleansing products come in different types, such as gels, balms, and creams. Don’t use regular soap; it’s too aggressive to use on your face. On the other hand, natural soaps which use coconut oil, shea butter, and other nourishing ingredients are now coming on the market, and these can be good for cleansing. Check the label for intended uses, though.

Getting a good moisturizer is key to having great skin. You’ll need a day cream, which should include basic sunscreen protections, and a night cream which aims at refreshing your skin as you sleep. The two formulations are actually different, so don’t try economizing by just using one of the two creams.
Again, choose your moisturizer for your skin type, and make sure your day cream includes sunscreen protection of SPF 30 or better.
Once you have established your routine you can add special products for particular reasons. For instance, serums can add Vitamin C for brightening your skin tone, or retinol and Vitamin B3 for producing collaging to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. If you have bags under your eyes, you might benefit from eye cream.

You probably don’t need to use a face mask, but it can be very relaxing to pamper yourself from time to time. You could go back to old-fashioned skincare by just making an oatmeal mask (oatmeal and water); apply it, let it nearly dry, then rinse off. A green tea rinse is another effective DIY treatment – green tea contains ECCG, Epigallocatechin gallate, which soothes your skin.
Don’t forget that if you’re looking for skincare products, you can find deep discounts on Vipon, so visit our site before you shell out elsewhere!

Your garden is an outdoor oasis, a place where you can relax, unwind, and cultivate your green thumb. To create the perfect garden, you need the right accessories that are both functional and stylish. At Vipon, we offer free coupons for top Amazon gardening products, ensuring you can find fantastic gardening accessories at unbeatable prices. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 10 gardening accessories for 2023 that will transform your garden.

Gardening Gloves: Protect Your Hands
High-quality gardening gloves are essential to protect your hands from dirt, cuts, and scratches while you work. Browse our selection of durable and comfortable gloves in various materials and designs. Remember to use our exclusive coupons for the best deals on these practical and stylish gardening essentials!
Pruning Shears: Keep Your Plants in Shape
A good pair of pruning shears is vital for maintaining your plants’ health and appearance. Choose from our range of high-quality shears that are designed for precision and ease of use. Don’t forget to use our coupons for extra savings!
Garden Tool Set: Equip Yourself for Success
A comprehensive garden tool set ensures you have everything you need to tend to your plants, from trowels and cultivators to rakes and weeders. Explore our selection of durable and ergonomic toolsets to find the perfect one for your gardening needs. Take advantage of our deals to get the best value for your money.

Watering Can: Hydrate Your Plants
A stylish and functional watering can is crucial for keeping your plants healthy and hydrated. Browse our collection of watering cans in various sizes, materials, and designs to suit your garden’s aesthetics. Use our exclusive coupons for unbeatable prices on these essential gardening accessories.
Plant Supports and Trellises: Guide Your Plants
Help your plants grow strong and tall with our selection of plant supports and trellises. Choose from various styles and materials to find the perfect support system for your climbing plants and flowers. Don’t forget to use our coupons for extra savings!
Garden Kneeler and Seat: Comfort While You Work
A garden kneeler and seat provide comfort and support while you work, saving your knees and back from strain. Browse our range of cushioned and foldable options that also offer convenient storage for your tools.
Garden Cart: Transport Your Tools
Make your gardening tasks easier with a versatile garden cart to transport your tools, plants, and supplies. Choose from our collection of durable and easy-to-maneuver carts to find the perfect match for your garden.

Outdoor Storage: Keep Your Accessories Organized
A well-organized garden is a happy garden. Explore our range of stylish and functional outdoor storage solutions, including sheds, storage benches, and cabinets. Some of our top choices even double as seating or potting areas, maximizing space and functionality in your garden.
Decorative Planters and Pots: Showcase Your Plants
Elevate your garden’s aesthetic with beautiful planters and pots that showcase your plants in style. Browse our selection of unique and eye-catching designs in various materials, colors, and sizes.
Garden Decor: Personalize Your Space
Add a touch of personality to your garden with our curated collection of garden decor, including statues, wind chimes, and solar lights. These accessories can transform your outdoor space into a charming and inviting retreat.
With these top gardening accessories, you’re set to create a garden that’s both beautiful and functional. Our deals website has handpicked the finest products and offers, guaranteeing a blooming, enjoyable, and efficient gardening experience without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to take advantage of our free coupons and exclusive deals on top Amazon products to bring your garden dreams to life. Happy gardening!

Your living room is the heart of your home, and it’s essential to create a space that’s both comfortable and inviting. If you’re looking for the perfect accessories to elevate your living room, you’ve come to the right place.
As a leading deals website, Vipon offers free coupons for top Amazon products, ensuring you can find fantastic living room accessories at unbeatable prices. In this blog post, we’ll share our top 7 living room accessories for 2023 that will transform your space.
Throw Pillows: Add Comfort and Style
Throw pillows are an easy way to bring color, texture, and personality to your living room. Browse our curated selection of plush, decorative pillows in various shapes, sizes, and patterns. Remember to use our exclusive coupons for the best deals on these cozy and stylish accents!

Area Rugs: Define Your Space
A well-chosen area rug can make a world of difference in your living room, providing warmth, comfort, and visual interest. Choose from our wide range of rugs in various materials, colors, and patterns to complement your decor. Don’t forget to use our coupons for extra savings!
Wall Art: Express Your Style
Make your living room walls come alive with stunning wall art that reflects your unique style. Our collection includes everything from modern abstract pieces to traditional landscapes, ensuring you’ll find the perfect artwork to enhance your space. Take advantage of our deals to get the best value for your money.
Decorative Lighting: Set the Mood
Illuminate your living room with the perfect lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Browse our selection of floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lights in various styles and designs. Use our exclusive coupons for unbeatable prices on these essential living room accessories.

Storage Solutions: Keep Clutter at Bay
A well-organized living room is a happy living room. Explore our range of stylish and functional storage solutions, including bookshelves, media consoles, and decorative storage baskets. Some of our top choices even double as statement pieces, adding visual interest while keeping your space tidy.
Cozy Blankets: Snuggle Up in Style
A luxurious throw blanket is essential for those chilly nights or lazy weekends spent lounging on the couch. Choose from our collection of soft, cozy blankets in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns to match your style. Don’t forget to use our coupons for extra savings on these must-have living room accessories.

Indoor Plants and Planters: Bring Nature Indoors
Indoor plants not only add a touch of greenery and life to your living room, but they also help purify the air. Browse our selection of low-maintenance indoor plants and stylish planters to create your own indoor oasis. Make the most of our fantastic deals and discounts for unbeatable savings.
With these top living room accessories, you’re set to create a space that’s both stylish and comfortable. Our deals website has handpicked the finest products and offers, guaranteeing a cozy, inviting, and enjoyable living room experience without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to take advantage of our free coupons and exclusive deals on top Amazon products.

The sun’s shining, and it’s time to hit the beach! If you’re looking for the perfect accessories to enhance your seaside experience, we’ve got your back. Our deals website offers free coupons for top Amazon products, providing you with a wide range of beach-friendly items at great prices. In this blog post, we’ll dive into our favorite summer accessories for the beach in 2023.
Sun Hats: Stylish and Protective
A fashionable sun hat is essential for any beachgoer. It not only shields your face and neck from harmful UV rays but also adds a chic touch to your outfit. Browse our handpicked collection of wide-brimmed sun hats, fashionable fedoras, and sleek visors for both men and women, and remember to use our exclusive coupons for the best deals!

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Music by the Waves
Nothing beats listening to your favorite tunes while lounging near the water. Choose a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that’s up to the task, withstanding sand, sun, and water. Prioritize models with extended battery life, impressive sound quality, and portability.
Beach Bags and Totes: Carry Your Essentials in Style
Pack everything you need in a fashionable beach bag or tote. Our selection includes timeless straw bags, roomy canvas totes, waterproof dry bags, and on-trend backpacks. Don’t forget to use our coupons for extra savings!

Beach Umbrellas and Pop-up Tents: Stay Cool and Protected
Keep yourself cool and shielded from thesun with our range of beach umbrellas and pop-up tents. Opt for lightweight, portable umbrellas with UV protection and wind resistance, or choose a pop-up tent for added privacy and shade. Take advantage of our deals to get the best value for your money.
Insulated Cooler Bags: Keep Your Refreshments Cool
Ensure your drinks and snacks stay chilled all day with an insulated cooler bag. Our top choices provide spacious storage, a lightweight design, and durable materials built to withstand the beach environment. Some even feature built-in bottle openers and extra compartments for organization.

Sand-free Beach Blankets and Towels: Comfort Without the Mess
Forget about pesky sand clinging to your blanket or towel with our collection of sand-free beach blankets and towels. These clever products repel sand, ensuring a comfortable, hassle-free day at the beach. Pick from various colors, patterns, and sizes to match your style.
Beach Toys and Games: Bring on the Fun
A day at the beach isn’t complete without some exciting toys and games! Our selection includes classic paddleball sets, frisbees, inflatable water toys, and beach volleyball sets—there’s something for everyone. Make the most of our fantastic deals and discounts for unbeatable savings.
With these top summer accessories, you’re set to have an unforgettable day at the beach. Our deals website has handpicked the finest products and offers, guaranteeing a stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable seaside experience without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to take advantage of our free coupons and exclusive deals on top Amazon products.

As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect accessories and gifts to enhance your summer experience. Whether you’re planning a vacation or staycation, here are some must-have items to make the most of your summer:
1 Beach Towel
A good quality beach towel is a summer essential. Not only does it provide a comfortable spot to lay on the sand, but it also doubles as a cover-up when you need to take a break from the sun. Choose a bright and fun design to add some personality to your beach day.
2 Sun Hat
Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with a stylish sun hat. Not only does it provide shade, but it also adds a fashionable touch to any summer outfit. Choose a wide-brimmed hat for maximum coverage or a trendy bucket hat for a more casual look.

3 Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during the hot summer months. Invest in a durable water bottle that can keep your drink cold for hours. Choose from a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes to suit your needs.
4 Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a summer staple. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, but they also add a touch of style to any outfit. Choose a classic aviator style or opt for something more trendy like cat-eye or oversized frames.
5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
No summer party is complete without some music. A portable Bluetooth speaker allows you to bring your tunes with you wherever you go. Choose a waterproof and durable design that can withstand the sand, sun, and water.

6 Outdoor Blanket
An outdoor blanket is a versatile accessory that can be used for picnics, beach days, and outdoor concerts. Choose a waterproof and sand-proof design that can withstand the elements. Look for a compact and lightweight option for easy portability.
7 BBQ Tools
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some outdoor cooking. Invest in a set of high-quality BBQ tools that can handle anything from burgers to veggies. Look for durable materials like stainless steel and choose a design that is easy to clean.
Conclusion
Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or staycation, these accessories and gifts will enhance your summer experience. From beach towels to BBQ tools, make sure you’re fully equipped for a season of fun in the sun. Check out Vipon for the best deals on summer accessories!

Vipon has a huge range of amazing bags at great prices. Whether you need a bag for everyday use or an eco shopping bag for running to the store, check out our deals. I use a tote bag when picking up grocrcies – they are great as they can be used for everything from shopping to trips to the beach.
You know you need a new tote when:
• things start dropping out of a hole in the bottom,
• the corners are a bit grubby,
• the handle is getting less and less secure,
• it starts to lose its shape, or
• you just look at the back and think, “I need a new tote”.

The tote is an essentially simple bag; at its most basic, it’s just a square stitched together with a handle. But that doesn’t mean it has to look boring. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheap, either.
One of the best is the delightful Longchamp pliable, which means ‘foldable’. The bag is just nylon, but the handles and flap are the luxurious leather for which Longchamp is famous. And it folds up into a tiny package, so it’s a great tote to pack for traveling or shopping, or when you’re not sure how much you’re going to want to bring home with you.
But the Longchamp pliable, like a lot of totes, doesn’t have any organizers inside. So it’s not great as a daily bag, because all your stuff is going to get jumbled up. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll want a bit more structure. There are some great canvas totes which have two or three dividers, and look really chic. Canvas is great for men’s bags, because it looks quite nautical.

Try a leather tote for a longer lasting and swanky looking bag. Leather will tend to be a bit heavier, but a good solid leather tote will last for ever with a bit of care, and even develop a bit of a ‘wabi sabi’ vibe with wear. If you don’t want animals to suffer for your style, there are some great vegan leather options nowadays, too.
One thing you’ll want to decide is whether you just want a handle, or want a cross-body or shoulder strap too. It can be a lot more comfortable to use a strap, and of course that also gives you the advertising of having your hands free, for instance if you’re going to a flea market.
Most totes are big enough for your shopping, your laptop, or even shoving a couple of antique vases into, so they’re real functional, as well as stylish. Best of all, you can grab a tote from bargain basement to luxury style – and whichever end of the scale you want to go, you can save a bit of money by searching Vipon for discounts!

Most people enjoy music, but not everybody gets the most out of it. You probably know someone who listens to music on crackly old speakers and has scratchy old CDs, and doesn’t realize how much better that music could sound. Or are you that someone?
Just getting better headphones or earbuds can make a vast difference. Get ones that are designed for great sound quality, not just for taking phone calls.
If you live in a noisy household and want to chill, a really good headphone set lets you soak up Beethoven or Leonard Cohen even if the kids are playing Peppa Pig at full volume. Bose, for instance, has noise cancellation built into its best music headphones, though admittedly at a high price.

Wireless earbuds are so much more convenient than wired. (If you want to take your pullover off, no wires to get in the way!) For workouts, try earbuds with ‘wings’ or hooked designs to keep your earbuds firmly secured while you run or push weights.
Good speakers are important, whether you’re looking for big speakers in the family room or just a couple of wireless speakers for your computer desk. What you listen to can dictate your choice; speakers with a good bass make rock music really rock, but you might want a different balance if you prefer classical.
You might even decide to take the step into playing a musical instrument. You’re (probably) not going to become Jimi Hendrix or Sister Rosetta Tharpe overnight, but there are plenty of ways to get started and work your way up. If you just want to add a bit of rhythm, start with egg shakers or maracas, and you can work your way through bongos or the djembe for a bigger sound, or into hang drums or tongue drums to start playing melodies.

Electronic keyboards are a great way to learn music and get into creating harmonies, and modern keyboards have good key action and fine musical tone. They’re slim, too, so if you don’t have a lot of room, they’ll stow way easily, and are portable if you want to play a gig with a band or just jam with some friends. Nice as grand pianos are, they’re not easy to move!
And above all, just keep your ears open. You never know, you might hear world famous violinist Joshua Bell playing free on the subway. (Yes, it actually happened!)
By the way, while you save up to go to conservatory, use Vipon to cut your costs by accessing the best discounts you can get.

So many bathrooms are just functional. They have a bath, a shower, a sink, a lavatory, a light over the sink, and that’s your lot. After all, it’s not a room you’ll spend much time in; at least, that’s what builders think.
Hotels know better. Luxury hotels go to town on their bathrooms because they know a properly relaxing bath is a real luxury. So follow the luxury hotel designer rather than the contract builder when you’re designing and equipping your bathroom.

Even the small things are important. Buy a more luxurious soap; an olive oil soap which will help moisturize your skin, soap scented with essential oils like orange flower, lemon or tea tree, or even donkey’s milk soap which may sound weird but is incredibly good for the skin (remember, Cleopatra bathed in asses’ milk). Bath bombs can also make a bath more fun.
Scents don’t have to be limited to soap. You might want to get some scented candles, potpourri, or just dab a drop of essential oil on each of your towels, so the bathroom smells great as soon as you open the door.
Storage is important; even a beautifully designed bathroom can look terrible if it has stuff scattered around. Get a couple of elegant bowls or dishes to hold supplies such as soap, cotton balls, and small bottles, and trays to hold your hairbrushes and other stuff. A set of shelves can help if you don’t have much space under the vanity.

Bars, rings, and hooks for hanging towels and dressing gowns will also change your storage abilities up a gear. In a small bathroom, an over-the-door set of hooks or mini shelves can add storage without taking up valuable space.
It’s never fun to use a thin, scratchy towel, so buy the best you can afford. Egyptian cotton is the softest you can get, in white for a hotel-fresh feel or colored to go with your decor.
Add some art on the walls. And get a better mirror; so often, mirrors are put in by the builders, who’ve bought the most basic and cheapest they can get at the depot. A French provincial style mirror can add luxury to the most basic bathroom. A better bath mat can help, too; you might even add a Persian rug, but make sure it’s colorfast.
And remember luxury doesn’t have to be expensive. Look on Vipon and you’ll find discounts that can get you much more luxury per dollar spent!

It may be a bit too early to rely on the weather being sunny and warm, but spring is definitely just around the corner. However, most of us miss getting the most out of our gardens in the early part of the year, because it’s still looking tired and grimy after the long winter.
Enjoy this spring properly by getting your garden into shape. Look around it now and see where a spot of color would spark some joy. A big ceramic pot or a bright sculpture could make a great accent even if the spring flowers are late.

This is the right time to think about where new plants could go, as well. For instance a red leafed grass, or a mass of tiny wild geraniums in varied purples and blues, could make a huge difference to your garden. If you don’t want to have to work for the effect every year, choose perennial plants that will naturalize.
Garden furniture is key to enjoying your garden. You might be happy with a few selected tree stumps you can sit on round your camp fire, but make sure they are cleaned and that you give them a coat of teak oil to stop them falling apart. Or you might want to make a little corner with French cottage style wrought iron chairs painted in white, with a little round table.
Remember, the style should work with what’s indoors as well as outdoors. A mid-century modern interior with a French cottage style garden will just clash; without will a Zen garden and bohemian interior.

We have a long way to go till the evenings are light, so make sure you can use your garden after dark by getting some great lighting. Solar lamps are really useful in the garden, giving you an extra three or four hours of light; or install strings of lights in the trees to pretty them up and give you some ambient lighting.
And of course there’s nothing quite as nice as candlelight, so get some nice candle or tea-light holders.
Finally, remember to give everything a good spring clean. Patios and decking all need a bit of care before they’ll look their best.
Looking for garden accessories? You can buy online instead of heading for the garden center, and get the hard work of transportation done for
you. Even better, head for Vipon to find some great discounts!

Most blogs about makeup are about what cosmetics and skincare items to buy, or how to use them.
But you rarely read about how to organize them. Which means 90 percent of women are coping with having some things in their handbags, some in the bedroom, some in the bathroom, and some… lost down the back of the couch, probably.

If you have a vanity with drawers, instead of filling the entire drawer up with different stuff, get yourself some drawer organizers. That way, you can have all your regular stuff for a day at work in one place, and your party glamor stuff in another; or all your mascaras in one place and your lipsticks organized by color. Smaller compartments are great for accessories like bobby pins and cotton balls.
Clear organizers are great news as you can see what you’re picking up. Whether you use a mason jar or clear box or tray, or, as a friend does, Ferrero Rocher boxes she’s been given for her birthday. (Yes, of course she eats the chocolates first.)

Get a proper holder for your makeup brushes, so they don’t lie around spreading powder or gathering dirt. A mug will do, but a purpose bought pot is much nicer.
A Lazy Susan can also make a great base for pots of your most commonly used products; it will keep them tidy but you’re not going to have to reach for what’s at the back, just flick the Lazy Susan round when you need to. It’s also a great way to make use of the corner of a vanity nearest the wall, where normally, you wouldn’t put stuff because it would be too far out of the way.
Don’t forget beauty products can be beautiful. Some people actually collect perfume bottles; the Lalique Trésor de la Mer 1936 limited edition for Saks sold at auction for over $200,000! If you have really beautiful products, even if they’re not collectors’ items, you might want to display them on a shelf, or even buy a shadow box to mount some of them on the wall. (Don’t do that with products you want to use every day, though!)

Mason jars or other glass jars can be great for keeping stuff like hair ties, cotton wool balls, and makeup pads. The lid will stop dust and dirt getting in, and you’ll be able to see what’s in them. Better still get a set of jars that come with a matching tray, so they’re kept neatly together.
On a slightly different tack you might want to keep your hairdryer out of sight when it’s not needed. Easily done – buy an over-the-door caddy and keep it tucked neatly in the bathroom cupboard!
However you decide to organize your stuff, before you splash the cash, take a look on Vipon. There are always loads of products going at a discount, and you can save your dollars to spend on that expensive lipstick you’ve been jonesing after for a while.

Wherever you’re traveling, you’ll need the right kind of luggage. That’s true whether you’re off on a business day trip or a round-the-world cruise, though of course, the specific kind of luggage you want will be different depending on the kind of travel you’re doing.
For complicated itineraries involving a lot of changes of transport, a backpack’s the best option. It leaves your hands free so you can deal with your tickets, money, boarding passes, and so on, and it’s better at stairs and uneven surfaces than a rolling suitcase.

One disadvantage of backpacks is that they can make you look like a student or a deadbeat. But luxury designer backpacks exist. So do rather clever backpacks which let you zip the straps into the luggage to convert it into a carry bag whenever you want to.
Duffel bags are another great way of lugging plenty of stuff around. They exist in every combination from cheap nylon to pure cotton canvas with brown leather accents.
Or you might just want to shove everything in a colorful tote, if for instance you’re taking a day to visit a local museum or do some antiquing. Kath Kidston’s cute, colorful bags are a joy, or you can look for totes with a message, or Hello Kitty bags which have become even more popular with parents than with their kids!

Trolley suitcases remain favorites with many travelers. Manufacturers make sure they fit most airlines’ size requirements for carry-on luggage, so they’re great if you’re a frequent flier making short trips. Check the reviews – the handles and wheels can be weak points, so it’s better to buy the best quality you can.
Then there are specific purpose bags, like camera bags for instance – made to protect your camera equipment against bumps and shocks. Anyone who takes their photography seriously will want a good camera bag, but remember if you use accessories like extra lenses for a DSLR, chargers, tripods and so on, you’ll want space for those too. Laptop cases, similarly, give your computer the protection it needs.

Good makeup bags make life easier, particularly if you have one ready packed that can just be chucked in your suitcase as soon as you know you’re going to be traveling.
However, there are two top tips which will really make your life so much easier. One is to buy foldable bags like luxury brand Longchamps’ ‘pliable’, which you can pack in case you buy too much stuff. The Longchamps bag has become a staple of Parisian style, folds down to the size of a tiny purse, and can handle a shopping trip, day at the beach, or picnic in the Jardin de Luxembourg.
And grab yourself some luggage tags so if you see twenty similar cases coming off a carousel, you know which is yours. Or buy bright purple and yellow bootlaces and tie them to the handle!

This winter has been hard, and it’s not over yet. There have been a few days that even with the heating turned up, the chill somehow gets in. And that means you need a cozy blanket.
But how to choose? There are so many different things to think about. What color? You might fancy a hot pink blanket, but will it go with the decor? Or don’t you mind? Grays and creamy whites are good for a minimalist or Scandinavian house, but make sure the white is creamy or there’s a little brown in the mix, so the underlying feel is warm rather than cold.

You might want plain. Juicy orange works well on its own. But you might prefer a pattern; stripes and checks are always in fashion. Or you might want a faux tiger skin. You could even get a blanket decorated with cute kittens or jolly dogs.
What about materials? The classic is pure wool; it’s really insulating and warm, and a hundred percent natural, too. But some brands now are using recycled fibers; recycled plastic bottles, surprisingly, can make a comfortable woven blanket, and you won’t have any problems with clothes moths.
Texture doesn’t have to be plain. One great look for a comfortable family room is a chunky knitted blanket. Loose knits also help to retain the warmth. Bouclé fabrics can also look great; the fuzzy, bobbly feel is both comfortable and stylish.

Alpaca, angora and cashmere are delightfully soft, but horribly expensive. If you’re after a throw for an elegant apartment, that’s great; if you have young kids, save cashmere for your best work scarf. And make sure you know what you’re buying; a lot of cashmere is mixed with regular wool, which isn’t as soft, or as good at retaining warmth.
Synthetic fleece and flannel are also worth thinking about. Polyester fibers retain heat pretty well, and you’ll find a lot of budget options. Some throws combine wool and poly together, which is a great mix; it can help you keep the clothes moths away, as well as saving money.
And while you’re trying to save money, why not take a look at Vipon before you head for the mall? Vipon has loads of extra-deep discount deals to give you a nice warm feeling, even before your blanket arrives!

We just opened our Valentine’s super sale, be sure to check it out for the best deals on amazing gift ideas. Hurry while stocks last, the sale closes 14th February.

Valentine’s Day can be a dreadful time for some people. There’s always one little girl in the class who doesn’t get a card. Or the ex who keeps sending increasingly hopeless vows of eternal love. Or the fact that your nearest and dearest really thinks you want a five-pack of skimpy bright red underwear instead of a new yoga mat?
Worse than all this, though, is the horrible array of choices facing you if you have to buy someone a Valentine’s Day present.

It’s impossible to say what’s right and what’s wrong. We could say “get personalized jewelry with both your names on it”, and some giftees will just love that. Others will think it’s vulgar. (One friend got his lawyer girlfriend a personalized necklace that says “I plead the Fifth”, though, and she loves it. She wears it to work all the time.)
Chocolates? Always acceptable – unless of course your beloved is trying to stick to a diet.
Romantic hearts and roses? Some people love them – others think they’re too cutesy.
If you want to get a gift that shows real affection, here are some other choices that could really work beautifully:
• A warm and pretty blanket or throw. Especially useful right now if there’s still snow outside, and you can add a hand written note saying “can we snuggle up?”

• Attractive stationery to use such as a journal or notebook, or some high quality writing paper (you might suggest you’d like a note from time to time).
• A herb or flower growing kit that can be started on Valentine’s Day. Herbs for the kitchen, or flowers for decoration and that can be planted outside once they’ve bloomed.
• A presentation box of herbal infusions or different flavored teas. Some boxes are so nice they can be used as jewelry boxes once the tea has all gone.
• A subscription for a pack of great coffee every month for the next year. (That’s real love, and good for a Valentine of either gender, which, let’s face it, fluffy slippers really aren’t.)

• You both love cocktails and you don’t have a cocktail shaker? That’s something you need to sort out!
• Don’t forget that sometimes small gestures are meaningful. That light-bulb that needs fixing, the grubby floor mat that needs replacing? If you have a few things like this on your list, get them done on February 13th!
And your friend in fixing all these things is Amazon, where you can find everything from LEDs to exotic teas. But look on Vipon first – we’re just Amazon with bigger discounts! Our Valentine’s sale is open NOW and runs through to 24th February, check it out here:
LINK：

https://m.myvipon.com/#/sale (for mobile phones)

https://www.myvipon.com/sale (for PC)

Never mind New Year’s resolutions, after spending so much time at home over the holidays, some of us are looking at our homes and thinking we need to get things in order.
For instance, you got a nice picture but you still don’t have a picture frame for it! It’s time to go shopping, and you can do that online. Take your dimensions and off you go! Or it may be you’ve got lovely photos of children and grandchildren and nowhere to put them; do yourself a favor and look for a pack of frames that will group them nicely together.

Lots of us have small collections. Modern sculpture or little tchotchkes, they get put on shelves but often you can’t really see them all that well, and they retreat into the background instead of being the highlights that they should be. It’s time to get some display lighting for your shelves. There’s plenty online, from classy brass fittings to hidden spotlights.
Got some books as presents? Get yourself a pair of bookends to stop them falling over, or to let you use the mantelpiece or the back of your desk as an impromptu bookcase. Some favorites we’ve seen recently are rustic cast iron ducks and chickens, art deco clear plastic, and adorable but expensive Fornasetti bookends in the shape of gorgeous Florentine palazzi.

A lot of people find cooking for the entire family over the holidays really shows up the deficiencies in their kitchens. First of all, if you don’t have a book rest for your cookery books (or iPad), get one; it makes following recipes so much easier. Clear up your counter; get a pot for your wooden spoons, hooks for hanging ladles and scoops, baskets for your napkins or cutlery.
If your kitchen (or doors, or furniture) just feels a bit drab, you don’t need to redecorate; just go shopping for new handles and knobs! Faceted glass knobs can add a bit of shiny glitz, and replacing old wooden knobs by contemporary chrome can bring a kitchen right up to date really easily.

If the holidays exposed a bit of clutter, you don’t have to do decluttering right now, but you might want to buy a few good storage containers to keep stuff out of sight till you’ve decided what to do with it. Or maybe it was just room to hang everyone’s coats you ran out of? That’s easy to fix by looking for a cute hook-board for your entryway or mudroom.
And it’s the January sales, so there’s no better time to go looking! But take a look on Vipon first, to check out the big discounts available on Amazon purchases.

The world of tools is divided into three kinds. First are the regulars, the tools you know you need; screwdrivers, kitchen knives, wrenches, and so on.
Secondly you have the really clever tools that do one thing really well and you wish you’d known about years ago.
And thirdly, you have the supposedly clever tool that someone invented last year, is selling like hot cakes this year, and will inevitably be selling for fifty cents at every yard sale next year.
The difficulty is telling categories two and three apart! If you look for ‘clever gadgets’ on a search engine, you’ll find tons of class three gizmos. Real clever tools are the ones where you say “I wish I’d known about that years ago!”
For instance, the French have a great way with garlic; a little ceramic dish with tiny sharp teeth. You rub the garlic on the plate, the teeth strip and mince, and you can just tip the chopped up garlic with all its juice into the dish you’re making.

The Gorilla gripper is another wonderfully useful answer to a common problem. If you’ve ever tried to carry a plywood sheet that’s so wide you can’t get your arm round it, the Gorilla gripper is what you need. It clamps to the edge of the wood, making a comfortable rubberized handle.
Shredding pulled pork with a couple of forks takes forever and the forks twist and turn in your hands and get clogged up with meat. The answer? Bear paws. Much easier to grip, with well spaced claws that don’t clog.
You may use fridge magnets and a magnetic knife rack. But move up into top gear with a magnet wristband, which will hold all the little nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other tiny pieces that will otherwise get lost. A magnetic tool holder that can grip to the side of your car is another great idea so you don’t lose tools when working outside.
And at home, grab a USB charging port that will let you use one electrical outlet for 6 USB chargers. That’s enough for everyone’s smartphone on the entryway table, or all your devices in your home office.
Other potentially life-changing gadgets are an LED headlamp for working in dark corners (like behind your desktop), oil and lemon juice spray bottles for the kitchen, and silicone baking mats.
And a potentially life-enhancing site is Vipon, of course. Get discounts from 10 to 50 percent, or even more, when you buy through the site!

Maybe you achieved your New Year’s resolutions last year. Or maybe you’re looking back at them and thinking darn, I failed.
You’re still going to make some this year, aren’t you? Let’s look at some of the more common resolutions, what makes them fail, and how to get kick-started so you coast through January without losing impetus.
A really common resolution is to get fit. People buy a gym membership. Then they don’t use the gym. You’re actually more likely to get fit if you have a simple, easy-to-use exercise at home. Get some free weights, or a yoga mat, or a Pilates ball.
When the weather’s nice, get a good pair of running shoes and get going – round the block, then round two blocks, and you’ll be getting fit in no time. Or get Nordic walking poles for a less speedy, but equally good workout, from your own front door.

Did you plan to do more creative stuff this year? Sometimes it can be daunting starting out on a new craft, but you can buy a project kit that has everything you need in it, plus the instructions. Or for instance if you want to start painting or drawing, look for a set of paints or pencils; it’s much cheaper than buying them one at a time, but also means you won’t waste time when you don’t have the right color to hand.
Want to lose weight? Besides getting fit, you might consider buying weight loss supplements or pills, or meal replacement powder. A prebiotic fiber supplement could also help.
A slightly different take on weight loss comes from a French chef who recommended buying plenty of herbs and spices; the more intense the flavor, the less you need to eat. Try it out and see if it works!

Some people vow every year to ‘get organized’. Make this the year it happens by buying some good storage units or boxes, and a bunch of sticky labels so you know what’s in each box. If it’s your time rather than your stuff that needs organizing, grab a planner. It can pay to research different styles of planner first, as different folks prefer different planners. The Hobonichi Techo, though, has a lot of fans, as does the undated to-do list planner from Ban.do.
And perhaps your resolution is to save money. There are quite a few ways to do this, but don’t forget that Vipon can help – whatever you’re looking for, check out Vipon for a discount before you look anywhere else!

There is nothing quite as annoying as having something basic break down in your home. Except that there’s one thing that’s even more annoying; having something break down, and not having the right tools to fix it!
A lot of things are easily fixable, or at least fixable enough to wait for the professionals to come round. For instance, if you have a dripping pipe, if you’ve got some PTFE tape you can at least stop it for the time being, though that’s not a permanent fix.

Have some basic tools and supplies on hand so you can deal with problems, and do a little DIY if you want to.
First of all, get some good glue. A lot of articles never mention glue, because it’s not a tool, but having superglue, wood glue, and sealant to hand is so useful for everyday breakages. If you have neoprene glue you can even use it to resole shoes. Putty is useful, too.
Secondly, get some wrenches, and make sure they are the right size for your taps and pipes. Or just – which is far easier – get a good set of wrenches, or a couple of adjustable wrenches (a small one and a big one), because you know if you only have one, inevitably the nut you need to tighten will be just a sixteenth of an inch too big or too small.

Screwdrivers are similar to wrenches – you’ll need an assortment. You can also get a multi bit screwdriver, which is good if you’re short on space; but make sure you don’t lose any of the bits, because the one you lose is going to be the one you’ll need!
A tape measure ought to come high up the list. Whenever you need to buy spares, or new shelves, or new furniture, you’ll want to measure up before you go to the store. Take your tape measure with you and you’ll always come back with the right size fittings.
Also high on the list is a level. You don’t have to be laying a wall to need one; if you’re hanging pictures, you’ll want to make sure they’re not askew. And if you’re hanging pictures, get a stud finder which can prevent you hammering a nail into an electric cable or a water pipe.

Get yourself a good multitool. This will give you pliers, a knife blade, basic screwdrivers, and other useful tools (including a bottle opener). And get a utility knife, plus a pack of replacement blades.
Grab a flashlight. Things that break or come undone always seem to be in a dark corner, or at the back of a closet.
And finally, get yourself a good toolbox to put your tools in, so that you know where they are when you need them.
This could cost you a lot. But of course, we’re going to recommend you look on Vipon first, and save yourself some money!

Join our special Christmas Video Competition to win up to $300 in prizes!
We will be giving prizes away to up to 3 lucky winners!

It is simple to enter! Just two steps!!

1. Upload your video to TikTok by 31st December Midnight (EST) and tag it with #ViponChristmas.
2. Make sure your video mentions Vipon.

The 3 videos with the most likes will win!
If under 10 people enter the competition, then only 1 winner will be selected.

The winner(s) will be announced in our Facebook Group and on our blog.
Prizes: $50 to $150

If you win, you will be able to redeem the prize for VIPON products!
That’s right, select any of our best deals!

Tips for your video:

1. Mention The Vipon Christmas Sale
2. Highlight some products or deals you like
3. Remember to add the hashtag #ViponChristmas

Good luck!
The Vipon Team

We just got a Facebook post from a friend in the Yukon. It made us shiver; snow, snow everywhere, knee-deep already!
Even if winter weather hasn’t caught up with you yet, it soon will. So this week let’s look at ways of staying warm, both inside and outside.
First of all, make sure you get a toasty night’s sleep by ensuring you have a warm bed. Electric blankets will help warm it up so you don’t have to get in between cold sheets. You’ll want a heavy-duty duvet; it really is worth paying for quality here, as the best duvets will keep the heat in much better than cheaper options.

Fleece and flannel sheets will also help to store warmth.
We all have chunky knits, pullovers, and fleeces, but real warmth comes right from the bottom layer with thermal underwear. You can get basic stuff like granddad used to wear, but you don’t have to; there are some really attractive designs available these days. Synthetics, wool or even luxurious silk are available; the very best is merino wool, which will keep you warm and wick away any moisture.
Don’t let your feet get cold. Big socks come into their own in wintry weather. Some people swear by yak wool socks; if they can keep Mongolians and Tibetans warm in their six-month-long winters, they’ll work for you. Merino wool offers similar advantages but with a softer feel. Look for socks with a pile-lined or fluffy interior, which gives you an added layer of insulation.
Look after your hands with a good pair of gloves. If you need to be able to use your fingertips, but you’re working in a cold shed or garage, get fingerless gloves which will still keep your hands warm and your circulation moving. Leather or wool used to be the main choice, but now you’ll find a lot of gloves using different layers, particularly for waterproofing.

Looking after your hands (and face) should also include using a good moisturizer when you get home. Winter air is often very dry and can crack your skin. Lip salve is a must-have when you’re out in the cold, as well.
Keeping warm can be expensive. Heating bills have gone way up this year, and a goose down duvet can cost you a few hundred dollars. So save a bit of your hard earned money by looking for a good deal on Vipon. That should give you a nice warm feeling!

If you hadn’t noticed, it’s time to pull out the plaid and the chunky knits. But pay attention! There are some interesting trends this fall that you might want to add to your wardrobe.
What was on the runway? There were loads of chunky knits, and there was a bit of glitz atmosphere with sequins, bold colors and even bolder prints. But if you look at what people are actually getting excited about on the street, some of the more outrageous ideas didn’t make the cut.
Leather is the big thing this season (sorry, vegans). From soft nappa leather coats to thick hide biker jackets, it’s everywhere. Bomber jackets are popular, too, and even leather trousers are making an appearance. Black, tan, or fawn, leather and suede are the ‘feel’ of this fall.
And actually, vegans, there are some great vegan leather options available now, so go with the look.
Faux fur is another big thing this fall. You don’t need to buy a faux fur coat, though; small accents, like a furry handbag or a shaggy cap, are enough to give that furry vibe with your regular outfit.
Long skirts are in. The maxi and midi have been trending for a while, but this fall mixes in a specific style, the cargo skirt. For those women who hate the fact that ninety percent of women’s clothes don’t have pockets, this is great news! Wear longer skirts with clogs or sneakers – footwear this season isn’t dainty so you can be comfortable as well as fashionable.
Knee high boots are part of the look (and go with a cowgirl trend if you wear them with leather), or clogs, particularly Birkenstocks.
Upcycled and vintage looks remain in fashion, so if you have treasured old tweeds, plaids and knits, mix and match them with this season’s favorites to create your own take on the trends.
On the other hand, if you dare, you could go ‘bikercore’. This style, derived from BMX culture, matches leather or PVC trousers (again!) with racing jackets and bright tee shirts. You can upgrade it with a bit of bling if you like. Very much street fashion, it’s perhaps not a style for soccer moms or anyone who has to work in an office.
If you’re looking for a few new glad rags for fall, or a couple of accessories to update your look, don’t forget to try Vipon first. Access to some of the best discounts on the web will let you look fabulous for a lot less.

So your best friend has a new baby! Or maybe you’ve just become a grandparent for the first time. A present is definitely in order, but what should you get for the lucky mom (and dad)?
Unless you’ve already talked about contributing basics like a baby food maker, crib, or bassinet, don’t get stuff they will already have purchased. Though an additional soft blanket or snug, or a stylish baby sling, will always be welcome; any new parent knows at least half of your entire baby wardrobe will be in the washing machine at any one time!
However, what people forget is that moms and dads actually used to have a life, before they had a baby. Maybe you can help them get that life back. Some things will just make life easier and more enjoyable, such as a thermos coffee mug so that hot drink is still hot when baby

emergency number 302,376 is over. And remember that shopping probably wasn’t high on the list of essentials in the last week or two before the birth, so buying a couple of packets of real good coffee could be a friendly gesture (make that decaf, if mom is breastfeeding, though).
A white noise generator may sound a weird gift, but what you’re actually giving the parents is the gift of a good night’s sleep. These machines are great for helping babies to sleep; in fact you can get ones specially made for that purpose. A night-light might also be a good idea.
Simplify the new parents’ lives by using Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature to gift a supply of diapers or other essentials. Just remember to fill in the right address! Gift cards for meal delivery are another helpful way to say you care.

Pregnancy really takes it out of the female body, so a little pampering or help to get back in form is always welcome. Beauty treatments, a spa day, hand lotion or a hair care kit, or aromatherapy oils and a diffuser, might all be gifts a new mom will receive with real gratitude. A new silk or linen scarf, a pretty headband, or even a new dress for your BFF, are other nice ideas, and a lot of women swear by Lululemon’s super-comfortable leggings.
Remember Dads are also involved! Everyone forgets they might be dealing with the diapers and having sleepless nights too. (Okay, they did not go through labor, but they still have work to do.) Noise canceling headphones can help one parent to sleep through the night (they’ll have to take it in turns) while comfortable athleisure wear is always acceptable.
If you want to be the best of all fairy godmothers (or fathers), take a look on Vipon to see if you can grab a good deal. You might be able to contribute a bit more if you can get it half price!

First, make a list of the things you really need and really want.
There are going to be hundreds of sales so make sure you know which to focus on. For example, if you are buying a TV, think a bit about the specs you need.
Or, if you’re going traveling around the world, for instance, you might need a dual-sim smartphone which lets you stay connected at home and get cheap calls and data abroad.
Next, research the products you are thinking of getting. If you want a new tablet, save the websites that sell them so you are ready to buy!

Some products may have huge discount if they are a slightly older model. New TVs come out every year, so a one-year-old TV might be good value compared to a newer one, and it is far more likely to be discounted.
Check out the price history of the products you’re looking at using a site like CamelCamelCamel. Sometimes, the Black Friday price isn’t really such a bargain, as the product has already been heavily discounted for a while. You might also use the Shopsavvy app to check bricks and mortar shop prices for products.
Black Friday can see websites overwhelmed and servers crashing, so it’s a good idea to have accounts open at several different sites and the relevant product pages bookmarked. If sites let you set up a wish list, use the facility to put your top intended purchases in the list.
Don’t wait for Friday! Lots of sites now start their sales several days early. Particularly if you want to buy a big-ticket item, you’ll want to be an early bird to have a chance of bagging it.
And don’t forget that if you couldn’t get exactly what you wanted, Cyber Monday will be along on the 28th for another chance to grab computers, smartphones and other electronics.
Finally, remember to check out Vipon to see if you can get an even better discount!

Although the paperless office was a great idea, very few of us have gone totally paperless. Perhaps we’re printing less out, and perhaps we run our diaries on our smartphones, but pen or pencil and paper still seem to come in useful for jotting, annotating, or simply doodling your way through one of your organization’s more boring meetings.

What perhaps has changed is that stationery no longer needs to be bland and functional; it can actually be fun. If you’re keeping a journal, it can be bound in leather, or it can have glitter all over it, or Hello Kitty on the front, and you can use a metallic gel pen, a glass pen with purple ink, scented ink, a highlighter, whatever you like, to write with. Bye bye black pen and lined paper! Hello individuality and enjoyment!

Different types of journals and planners run the gamut from project manager style planners to gratitude journals or notebooks with creative writing prompts. Some still prefer plain white paper sketchbooks, while many artists buy postcard-sized cards that they can work on.

If you’re not into washi tape, you should be. An absolute genius of a Japanese woman came up with the idea of masking tape made pretty, and it’s now a huge industry in itself. Whether you’re scrap booking, or just want some pretty tape to use for packing presents, washi tape is just the stuff.

Also a cute Japanese idea is the pen kimono – a tiny single pen case made of beautiful silk or cotton fabric. If you have a much loved and expensive pen, it needs to be properly dressed! Or choose a pen or pencil case from the numerous varieties available – from fold-out leather holders with elastic strips to hold ten or twenty pens, to denim or Harris tweed pencil cases.

In an increasingly digital world, going analogue is a style decision and it’s one that’s becoming increasingly popular. Fine writing lovers all over the world will be getting together in a couple of weeks at ‘Pelikan Hubs’ to share their love of Pelikan fine pens; older gentleman collectors will be joined by hipsters and millennials searching for the best italic nib or the shiniest glimmer ink.

Don’t forget though that style doesn’t have to be expensive. Take a look on Vipon for some incredible deals on stationery before you splash out!

Did you ever have a chemistry set? Or try the experiment of getting electricity out of half a lemon to work a light bulb?

The wonders of science are something kids love. Later in life, we often take its products for granted.

For instance, motion detectors integrated into lighting units can light that dim bit of the yard where you keep the trash can whenever you go out – no need to reach for a switch. Magic!

Perhaps it’s time to rediscover the magic. If you have children, why not share it with them?

A microscope or even just a large loupe or magnifying glass gives you access to a miniature world. Go bug-hunting and look a fly eye-to-eye, analyze the multiple life forms in a single square foot of garden, or explore the miniature landscapes of mosses and lichens.

Or look the other way, out into the universe, with a telescope pointed at the sky. You’ll want to get a couple of good books on astronomy, or an app like Sky Safari or Star Walk to navigate by.

Buy a Raspberry Pi or an electrical science kit to understand how electricity works and start programming your own computer. Keen mechanics may prefer such toys as Meccano, and you can even get kits to build your own steam engines and internal combustion engines. Beginners can start with LittleBits’ or SnapCircuits’ modular circuits to switch lights on and off; or grab the Lego Boost to create a robot, which is fully extendable if you have other Lego kit lying around.

Crystal kits allow you to grow crystal ‘trees’ and see how liquid solutions crystallize. They’re fascinating and beautiful, though some kids will enjoy the ‘stinks’ side of chemistry more (a full chemistry set should give you both options).

Meanwhile, budding biologists can build model skeletons or get the SmartLab Squishy Human Body, a disgustingly yukky skeleton which comes with removable organs tucked inside. Other ways to get involved with the animal world include growing silkworms, or even keeping bees, though the latter is possibly not a great idea if you live in an apartment.

And of course there remain all the things we did as kids, like growing mustard and cress seedlings on kitchen towel, or making a tiny vegetable garden. Though probably, “taking Dad’s watch apart” is not a great idea, although one of our team still claims it’s the single thing that taught him the most about how things work.

Look for cool gizmos on Vipon, and you’ll also benefit from a discount. That’s math, not science, but hey, there’s nothing wrong with math!

Are you bored with the way you look? Or just want to go way, way out of your comfort zone for a party? From small makeovers to complete disguise, you can order up a whole new you from Amazon.

For instance, those of us born with fine, flyaway hair can easily become rock gods or goddesses by simply buying a wig. That’s great news if you’re an accountant by day but play in a heavy metal band! Or you could use clip in hair extensions to get a bit more variety in your hairstyle, though you’ll need shoulder length hair for this to work.

You could simply change hair color. For those unsure of exactly what will suit them, temporary hair dyes offer a chance to try out a new color without having to commit to it long term, so if you always wanted to be a blond, try it out! Equally, if you want to go bright pink or purple or even neon green just for a night, temporary dyes are available.

You can even change the color of your eyes. Actors often use colored contact lenses for particular roles. You can go for werewolf red for a Halloween party, or simply darken your eyes; it’s quite safe to wear colored lenses every day, just like ordinary lenses. And false eyelashes could change you into an extreme vamp in one easy step!

Alternatively, go for really different eyeglasses to make a big impact. Even if you don’t need prescription eyeglasses, you could add sunglasses to change your style.

The options for men are a bit more limited than for women, but the results can be equally dramatic. A different hairstyle, more or less facial hair, and a different grooming regime like waxing your mustache can make a massive difference. Make sure you get really good shaving or beard trimming kit and watch some of the Youtube videos from good barbers or shaving brands to see just what’s possible!

You could change your complete style, including your entire wardrobe. Maybe try out a capsule wardrobe in the new style before you commit entirely, and buy street fashion rather than designer labels. If you like it, that’s the time to buy some more, and maybe donate your old stuff to a thrift store.

Whether you’re considering a big time makeover or just a way out costume for a party, look on Vipon for good deals. If your makeover is just too extreme, at least you won’t have broken the bank trying the look!

We’re coming up to Halloween and I’ve already got a supply of rats, snakes, worms and skulls in bright candy colors laid in for the Trick or Treaters. I like to be prepared.

You could have a traditional Halloween, like granddad did; apple bobbing, pumpkin jack’o’lanterns, spooks wearing bedsheets, and a few scary stories. But nowadays most of us want a bit more, from a few fake spiderwebs around the house to ten foot tall fluorescent skeletons.

You can even get a fully realistic, life size skeleton for the porch. Or just buy a few pairs of bony hands. A hand creeping round a door, out of a crack in the wall, or even worse out of the ground, is truly ghoulish!

Bats are actually rather cute creatures in the flesh, but at Halloween we’re thinking vampires. Bat decals on the windows, or bat mobiles, or rubber bats on elastic, are regular decorations. Spiders are also seasonal favorites, particularly great big ones – the biggest I could find was six feet across, which should be plenty large enough to put a scare into passers-by.

Orange and dark purple are the Halloween colors. Orange fairy lights cast a wicked glow; thread them through bare twigs for a spooky take on the Christmas tree. Or get a Halloween light projector that can make skulls and spooks appear all over the yard.

You might want a few witches around, as well. A besom tied with a bunch of herbs, a black cat, or a doll stabbed with pins, all suggest there’s one somewhere about … you might find her pointy hat, too.

The key to a good Halloween for the children is to make it spooky but not too scary, of course. For teenagers, or between adults, you can go a bit more in the scary direction. There’s some wonderfully realistic fake wounds and scars available, that you can apply to each other if you want to become real ghouls.

You might rent a couple of horror movies, and make some blood cocktails with tomato juice and the other ingredients of your choice. Or drink a bright green witches’ brew, made with Midori melon liqueur, Cointreau and lemon juice. (Kids can have a junior punch made of cranberry juice for the red color, apple juice, and ginger ale – add a tot of rum for grown-ups.)

Have a very spooky Halloween. And have an economical Halloween, too, by looking for your supplies on Vipon. See if you can snag a great deal!

Want to be the world’s greatest mixologist? Or just fancy a martini, shaken not stirred? You’ll need the right equipment, as well as some good ingredients.

For instance, no cocktail bar can exist without ice. First you have to make the ice. Your fridge ice maker might suffice, but then again, some people prefer round ice cubes, or you might want mini pineapples, so grab the ice cube tray of your choice.

You’ll also want an ice crusher for some cocktails. These range from the simple nutcracker-style crusher, fine if you’re just making cocktails for yourself and your partner, to heavy duty electronic crushers which any professional bar tender would approve.

Strainers to get those little bits of ice out of a cocktail once you’ve shaken it, and to remove small pieces of citrus or herbs, are also important. You’ll probably want more than one, from coarse to fine, as different cocktails have different requirements.

Hawthorne strainers are particularly useful in a cocktail bar. They have a spring running round the edge which is specially designed to catch small pieces of ice. A Hawthorne strainer will fit on your shaker, so you can serve and strain at the same time. On the other hand a julep strainer fits on top of the mixing glass.

A cocktail bar without a cocktail shaker is hardly worthy of the name. You can get a two-piece or three-piece shaker; the three-piece has a strainer built into it which makes your job a little easier. Of course you could, in extremis, use a jam jar or a Tupperware box, but really, that’s not the right way to make a cocktail and you know it.

You’ll also want a mixing glass for cocktails that are stirred (assuming you don’t agree with James Bond that your Martini should be shaken). Most bartenders choose heavy glass – Yarai is the industry standard – and put the glass in the fridge before using it. But double-walled metal shakers are also available, and will survive your dishwasher a lot longer. You could use an ordinary glass, but that has two disadvantages; it won’t be as thick, so won’t make the cocktail quite as cold, and it doesn’t have a pouring spout so you won’t be able to serve quite as neatly.

And there’s more. Setting up a home mixology department, you’ll need shot glasses, a jigger for measuring, a long stirring spoon, a knife and chopping board for lemon slices, a lemon squeezer or juicer. (Many bar tenders like ‘Mexican elbows’, hinged hand-held squeezers that come in lime green, lemon yellow, and orange, so you always pick the right one for the job.) A swivel peeler to make twists, a metal funnel, and some metal straws (because plastic is so yesterday).

It all adds up and when you see how expensive it can be, that $15 Long Island Ice Tea at the local bar starts to look incredibly good value! But of course, if you look on Vipon, you can cut the price of your cocktails by grabbing your equipment at a discount.

Lots of us exercise our bodies. But can we say the same for our brains?

There’s actually some good scientific evidence that as you grow older, actively exercising your brain cells does them good. But most of us still slump in front of the TV too many nights running, or spend time doomscrolling (which, by the way, has been linked to depression in teens).

Puzzles are one good way to keep your gray matter working. For instance, while you might think jigsaw puzzles are basic toys for young children, a really big jigsaw puzzle can be a fascinating challenge. The biggest in the world has over 40,000 pieces according to manufacturer Ravensburger. If classical tourist views aren’t your thing you can try a Keith Haring, Banksy or Andy Warhol jigsaw, dip into the world of fantasy or even complete a huge mandala.

You might find sudoku a good wake-up exercise. Sudoku books can be slipped into a purse or backpack for those odd moments on the subway or between meetings. If you enjoy sudoku you can explore further in the realms of kakuro and futoshiki. You can even buy a sudoku board game which lets you make your own sudoku.

If numbers are not your thing, try Scrabble for a similar experience using words instead. Vocabulary counts for a lot in this game, but so does being able to get your highest-ranking letters on squares that offer double or triple scores, so you’ll also need to be cunning if you want to win.

While keeping your brain active is a good thing, sometimes you may need to get it to settle down. If you’re a worrier, stressed, or feeling hassled, try a coloring book. Originally these books were for children, but a whole sector of mandala and meditation coloring books for adults has now developed, designed to help you relax and calm your mind.

Fidget spinners may be yesterday’s craze, but the idea of keeping your fingers busy to help relax your mind goes all the way back to Buddhist and Catholic rosaries. Beads, rubber balls, spinning tops and even Rubik’s cubes and similar toys can all help you conquer worries and stress.

Of course, you’ll want to look on Vipon before you head to Amazon to buy any of these cool gadgets. You might be lucky enough to score a big discount, as well as triple word score in Scrabble!

That message was being worn on a tee shirt at a recent maker fair, and although not everyone’s a dyed in the wool tool collector, it’s true that having the right tools is useful whether you’re doing basic DIY or fine woodworking.

Let’s start with the tools everyone forgets; work holders, that is, clamps and vices. You can never have enough clamps. For anything where you need to hold two pieces of wood together while you wait for the glue to set, clamps are vital. For any workpiece that needs holding securely while you saw or chisel or plane it, you’ll want clamps or a vice, or both.

The next thing people forget is that they need to measure and set out their work. There’s a huge range of measures, from micrometers that can measure the thickness of a metal sheet down to a tenth of a millimeter to tape measures and Vernier gauges. Setting out is much easier when you have a marking gauge that can set a line parallel to the edge of a board, or calipers and dividers for transferring measurements from one piece to another. You’ll also want a good set square to check that all your corners are right angles.

Carpenters say “Measure twice, cut once.” Mess up your measurements and you could have a shelf too big for your alcove or a counter that’s too small for your kitchen island.

A Dremel is a useful tool if you have small jobs to do. With a multitude of different accessories you can use it as a sander, metal cutter, saw, drill or carving tool. It even has table saw and router accessories. Think of making doll’s houses or working on jewelry, that’s the size it’s meant for.

If you’re hanging anything from pictures to radiators, it helps to have a stud finder that will show you where the solid struts beneath your drywall are located. A good one will stop you drilling into your electrics, as well.

You’ll need a drill. Cordless is definitely best – no more worrying about whether your cable is long enough to reach the right spot. And you’ll need a good set of drill bits – it’s generally easier and cheaper to buy a set than to buy individual bits each time you need a different size.

A circular saw is one of the most useful DIY tools for cutting plywood or OSB sheets or solid wood. But if you only do a small amount of DIY you may not need power tools at all. Japanese pull saws, which cut as you pull them towards you, are easy to use and often come with exchangeable or replaceable blades.

When you’re buying tools, remember to buy tools that suit your size. If you have small hands choose slightly smaller tools, if you have arthritis choose tools with ergonomic handles.

And if you’re doing DIY in the house, invest in a really good vacuum cleaner. You’ll need it!

But first, look on Vipon to see how much money you can save. There’s a Dremel half-price at the moment – will it still be there when you get round to looking?

I don’t know why we do ‘spring’ cleaning. It always seems to me that after spending a lot of the summer in the garden, it’s when the weather forces me back into the house that I find how cluttered it’s got and how small it is. And I can never find the little things I need.
This time of year isn’t a bad time to think about those useful little things. For instance, erasers. It’s not just for back-to-school; every time you want to draw directions, or a plan for something, you’ll find you need an eraser, and it’s disappeared.
And every time you want to jot down something on a sticky note – where have all the sticky notes gone? There’s another basic supply you want to put on your shopping list.

This year, hand sanitizer will be on a lot of lists as well as wet wipes, as we still have to cope with the pandemic. It might not be the cheapest way to go, but I’ll be getting lots of smaller bottles so we’re never without one; in the car, handbag, kitchen, wherever. Along with that go the little cleaning wipes for eyeglasses (should you wear them), and some spare microfiber cloths for general cleaning.
Everyone has electronic stuff to look after and recharge, so this year could see a power bank replace the dozens of different phone chargers around the place. Most phones now have induction charging so goodbye cables! On the other hand, hello to cables in the form of a couple of extra extension cords to add a bit of flexibility to the home office (or schoolwork on the kitchen table now it includes a laptop).
That probably means that cable clips and other ways of organizing electric cables should go on the shopping list too. And for the old paper based way of working, paper clips, staples, bulldog clips, and scotch tape, because paperless households haven’t arrived yet!

Phone and tablet stands are another useful supply to keep your electronics under control.
For home dinners or entertaining, tea-lights and candles need restocking. And if half your coasters have gone missing over the summer, it might be time to get a new set. Plus ice cube trays, new oven mitts if the old ones have started looking gross, and perhaps a new kitchen apron. You might even invest in a multi-function jar and bottle opener, for those ketchup bottles that just won’t open, or those jam jars that refuse to yield.
A magnetic strip for knives is another of those good ideas that will save space; of course you can use one for other things, too. They’re useful in the craft studio or the workshop, or even for pot lids.
But make sure you get your budget under control, so check Vipon for discounts before you splash the cash!

Some people have home gyms. They buy a stepper, a weight trainer, a treadmill, and more. That’s not just expensive, you need a lot of room for it.

But you can get enough exercise kit for a really good workout and still keep it in the closet, if you know the right things to buy. Here’s a quick guide to equipping your home for good, healthy, and interesting exercise.

First of all, grab a yoga mat. They’re not just for yoga; any kind of exercise that needs you to lie on the floor, from push-ups to planking, is better with a mat.

If you’re a tall person, check out the dimensions – a lot of yoga mats may be too short for you. And buy a heavier weight mat, which will give more stability than a lightweight one.

Free weights or kettlebells are great additions to your home exercise regime. You can integrate them with exercises such as squats, or you can do repetitions to exercise your arm muscles and core. Start small; a set of hand weights from 3 lb to 8 lb is probably best for beginners. Remember you’re aiming to be able to do a set of 10-20 reps, not just to be able to lift the weight.

A lot of people prefer the rubberized grips or neoprene covered weights to traditional metal dumbbells. The grip is better, particularly if you get sweaty.

Kettlebells can be used for lunges, squats, swings, and all kinds of aerobic training. They’ll give you a really good workout but if you’re in a small room, do watch out where you’re swinging them!

For resistance training, you have a few different options. Weights for your wrists and ankles give you a little more resistance while you’re doing your regular exercise, and take up almost no space.

Resistance bands can also help you with strength training. They provide a quite different kind of workout from weights, and because you need to use more stabilizer muscles to keep the band properly aligned, you’ll work out more different muscles at a time. You can stand on the band and grip the handles, attach the band to a door or post, wrap it round a sturdy chair, or exercise with it on the floor.

Grab a set of bands which provide different levels of resistance. And try to find bands with padded handles. Some sets will come with handles for each band, while others will have come with a single set of handles, so you’ll need to swap them over every so often.

Finally, consider getting a medicine ball. This will take up a bit more space, but can give you a completely different form of exercise which is about balancing and flexibility rather than strength. Make sure you get the right size. If you’re shorter than 5 feet 6 inches choose a 55 cm ball; if you’re taller than 6 feet 2, choose a 75 cm ball. (65cm will suit anyone in between.)

And make sure you check out Vipon for offers on exercise kit, so you exercise your muscles, not your pocketbook.

Purses, shoulder bags, totes … the world is full of fashion choices, and this is one of the worst. Even choosing a classic purse, you can be left looking out of date very easily.
Beyoncé has apparently retired her Hermès Birkin bag in favor of a vegan leather Telfar. It’s a bit more affordable – a couple of hundred dollars compared to over a thousand.

Is that the end of Hermès? Probably not – but it shows how tastes can change very fast.
Unless you’re really a fashionista, in which case you won’t need to read the rest of this blog, it’s better to look for something that’s right for you, and that you enjoy, rather than trying to compete on the catwalk. Not everyone has the same style so you’ll need to ask yourself some questions.
First of all: do you cosset your purse or does it get slung on the floor, overstuffed at the flea market, and generally given hard treatment? If you’re tough on your tote, then think about buying a strong leather bag or a nylon Longchamps pliage for every day. Quilted fabrics, silk, patent leather are going to be tougher to look after.

Then think about what you need to take with you. If you need room for a laptop, sketchbooks, a camera, get a big tote; if all you need is your keys, your credit card and your smartphone, you could get a tiny bag. Or get two! One of the big 2022 trends is bags with their own Mini-Me’s.
Next, think about whether you want a structured purse with hard lines, or a softer bag. You might even want furry, in which case the fall 2022 fashions are going to delight you. There’s going to be a lot of fake fur about.
But softer might also mean a padded or quilted design, like the crescent bags that are another key fall 2022 design. Some have the handle designed as part of the bag, others are slung on a chain for a slightly more formal look.
Extra large totes are another great look, and useful if you are a mom who works, rather than one of the ladies who lunch. For real luxury get a big tote in soft leather. The messenger bag, often worn as a crossbody bag, is a great look too. Some are really capacious canvas bags, others are smart, small vertical purses that retain a practical feel but come in soft leather.

Of course, you don’t have to restrict yourself to one bag. Have one for work and one for holidays, or bags in different colors to go with different outfits, or a purse and a tote and a backpack; the combinations are endless. Don’t forget to look on Vipon for discounts, though, because fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth!

It’s amazing how much difference a small accessory can make. Take the example of hats. A simple black trilby can be jazzed up in so many different ways; adding a brightly colored ribbon, a glitzy silver butterfly brooch, a feather, or even a studded dog collar.

You might choose a single statement piece. This is definitely a good way to go for men; a watch that really sums up your style, whether that’s Omega classic or a Swatch with rainbow stripes, or a really stylish man bag. For women, it’s often the handbag that does the hard work, but you might choose a chunky necklace or a pearl rope, for instance. One British judge prefers a gleaming spider brooch on a little black dress.

If you have an extrovert personality you might choose a different route and go for accessory overload. For instance, a lapel covered in brooches, or ten different pearl necklaces worn together, gives a really rich effect; or you could choose different bracelets and bangles to accompany your watch.

Belts are always good accessories. Broad sash style belts look great tied around coats or tunic dresses, for instance. Don’t forget the breadth of materials available – leather, tapestry, metal, or even a woolen scarf worn as a belt. Belts are particularly good accessories for men, but they’re very personal; a thin snake skin belt with an enamel snap fastener sends a very different message from a broad rawhide belt with a big brass buckle.

Don’t forget unusual accessories; silk flowers, for instance, feathers, or old lace. These look good with a bohemian style outfit, and can also match a country styling.

Glasses and sunglasses need to work with your outfit. Aviator or cat eye? Heart shaped or square? Pastel colored frames or metal? You might decide you need two pairs, one for work and one for playtime.

Accessories are often seen as the luxury in a wardrobe. In fact, they’re a good investment if you learn how to get the most out of your clothes by switching accessory stylings. For instance, a black dress with a silk scarf is fine for work; replace the scarf with a necklace, add a blingy belt or a big pair of earrings, and you’re ready to party. Just changing your accessories can take the same dress from Grace Kelly classic to bling-bling outrage in moments.

While an Omega Seamaster watch will set you back nearly $2,000, most accessories are a lot cheaper. Costume jewelry, in particular, you can find for next to nothing – particularly if you’re smart enough to check out the discounts at Vipon first!

It’s always the same. You come back from vacation. You look at your photos… and somehow they just don’t convey the excitement you felt, or the beauty of the surroundings. They look flat and dim and unconvincing.

If you want better photos sometimes all you need is a few extra accessories. For instance, if you want to take good night photos, you’ll want a tripod so you get a good sharp picture. It doesn’t have to be big, but even if you have a mini tripod and stand it on top of a parked car or a brick wall, it will give you better results than a hand-held shot.

Some tripods are grippy, with legs that can be wrapped around a pole or post, as well as used in the traditional way. These are really useful; you could attach your camera to your bike handlebars, or to a lamp post to take a time lapse video.

For smartphones, you’re a bit limited by the lens on the phone. But you can extend its capabilities by buying attachment lenses, either clip-on or magnetic. If you like to take photos of flowers, butterflies, or other small things, consider getting a macro lens attachment which will let you zoom in while keeping the focus needle sharp.

Wide angle lenses are useful if you enjoy taking landscapes or architectural shots. Phone manufacturers tend to concentrate on the market for people taking selfies and portraits, so their lenses are made for this. If you want to see more in the photo, grab a wide angle attachment.

Better lighting can really help improve your photos. Cameras’ inbuilt flash is useful, but can make a photo look rather flat. Get an LED panel and you can light a scene more artistically. You also get continuous softer light, rather than intense flash light that ‘freezes’ the action.

If you have a good compact camera, getting a good camera bag makes sense. Keeping your camera in your pocket or purse is convenient, but the LED screen can get scratched and dust can get into the lens. Besides, if you have a bag, you can keep your extra SD cards and a spare battery in the pouch.

But perhaps the accessory that makes the biggest difference is a simple microfiber cloth. Keeping your camera lens or smartphone clean takes a bit of care and attention; a speck of dust can wreck an otherwise great photo. Just make sure you keep the cloth in a bag or pouch when you’re not using it, so it doesn’t get dirty.

And make sure to check what’s on offer at Vipon before you open your wallet up!

Scrapbooking has become a very popular craft. Unlike, say, basket making or pottery, it allows you to create a beautiful history of your family and friends, as well as a craft work. That’s particularly attractive for new parents who want to scrapbook their little ones, and perhaps gift them the book for their 18th birthday.

Naturally, the first essential you’re going to need is a scrapbooking album. These come in all shapes and sizes, but a standard beginner size is a foot square (12″ x 12″). Make sure you buy one which has page protectors in Mylar, polypropylene or polyethylene – you don’t want your beautiful work being scratched or caught up by the page opposite, but you also don’t want inferior page protectors which will start to yellow or become fragile after a few years.

Next think about adhesives. No two scrapbookers will ever agree about their favorites. Back in the old days you’d have a glue pot full of liquid glue; nowadays most scrapbookers prefer glue sticks or glue pens, which are neater to use. Foam dots or glue dots and photo tape are also popular, as is Japanese washi tape.

Scissors, shape cutters, punches, or a swivel knife (though you may need to practice to learn how to use it) are all useful. Precision is important so using kitchen scissors isn’t going to give you the right results. You might also want to get tools with ergonomic handles.

Once you get to pens, you’ve got a huge variety to choose from. Metallic gel pens are particularly popular. Pens with pigment ink are best if you want vibrant color. You’ll also want cardstock in solid colors – make sure it’s solid core, not white inside, or it won’t look right. You’ll be able to print on this using an inkjet or laser printer, then use your piece in the scrapbook.

Many people now like to combine their scrapbooking with journaling or even sketching. If you’re just trying out the craft, you could get a scrapbooking supply kit containing a little of everything. These are a great way to get into scrapbooking and other arts, and you can add more materials and tools as you go on.

But don’t forget to check out Vipon’s coupon deals before you splurge. If you find a really good discount on craft materials, why not just double your order and make twice as much art for the same price?

The weather is getting hotter every day, or so it seems. Keeping cool is important both for comfort and for health.

There are some quite simple ways to keep cool in the sweltering temperatures and they don’t all involve turning the air conditioning up. For instance, just wetting your hair (or a bandanna) every half an hour, making sure you drink enough water, or putting up shades on your windows. Just opening the windows at night and closing them all day can help keep temperatures inside low. Close the doors of rooms you’re not using so the heat doesn’t come through from them to the rest of the house.

Use an electric fan. Put a bowl of ice cubes in front of it for a super cooling effect. You’ll find a huge variety of fans on the market, so choose carefully – you might want automatic oscillation, which means the fan can move from side to side, giving airflow to more areas of a room. You might also want several different speeds.

Ice packs and gel packs can be a real help if you’re feeling the heat. An ice pack will help you for up to two hours before it loses its cool.

You might also consider getting yourself an ice cream maker or icicle molds as a nice luxury to help get through the heatwave. One of the problems with store bought ice creams is that they usually contain huge amounts of sugar and fat; make your ice cream yourself and you can cut down on the sugar. And of course vacuum water bottles, or bottles with coozies, can help keep your water cool. It’s better to drink a small amount every ten or fifteen minutes than a large amount once or twice a day.

Finally, if you’re wearing synthetic materials, find some cotton or linen clothes fast. Natural materials will keep you cooler, because they are breathable; they also dry out quickly if they get damp. Cotton and linen sheets are best for sleeping on in summer, and you might even consider a buckwheat pillow, which won’t hold heat.

Don’t forget to look on Vipon for great discount deals before you head elsewhere, though. There’s nothing guaranteed to make you feel hotter under the collar than paying more than you need to!

“Come on baby light my fire”. That song by The Doors is still a classic. And more and more people have fires worth lighting, whether it’s fire pits or barbecues, outdoor pizza ovens, or even chimineas.

Summer evenings are great times to hang out in the garden, but as the evening gets later, temperatures drop. If you want to stay out as late as you can, having a fire pit is a great idea – the fire provides a focal point as well as some warmth. Of course, you don’t have to wait till the evening to light a barbecue. Any time you feel hungry it can be brought into action!

Some people build their own permanent fire pits. But you can also buy fire pits ready-made. Beaten copper is a great look, while others prefer the sturdy appeal of cast iron.  Traditional fire pits are huge open bowls; geometrical sculptural shapes can make interesting accents in a more contemporary garden.

You can also get miniature tabletop fire pits. Granted they probably won’t keep you very warm, but they’re cute tabletop accents and you can toast your marshmallows on them.

A chiminea is another way of providing heat, but it’s not as open as a fire pit. Generally, a chiminea is a good way of heating a partly covered space, or one close to the house, as the fire is more contained and under control.

Think about what fuel you want. If you have a homestead in the country, a wood burner is ideal; if your home has just a small back yard, having a gas fired chiminea might be more practical. For barbecues, too, you get a choice of fuel, though some people claim food cooked on a gas barbecue never tastes quite as good as when it’s cooked on a real fire.

Barbecue grills, like fire pits., come in all shapes and sizes. An advantage of smaller grills, and those on a wheeled cart, is that you can move them about – and put them in the garage or basement over the winter for safe storage.

And you’ll want lots of accessories like pit tongs, a wood storage rack, maybe wooden chairs and solar lights for the area round your fire pit, lighter torches, roasting sticks, grill gloves, even maybe a big Dutch oven to make potluck soup. Buying a fire extinguisher or fire blanket might not be a bad idea, either.

But remember to look on Vipon for discounted offers before you splash the cash, or you could be burning your money!

VIPON Flash Sale! Are you looking for the best discounts on Amazon?

Get these fantastic products at Prime sale prices! That’s right, save big on the best Amazon products.

Vipon’s sale is exclusive, of course; it’s for Vipon members only. They are used to a great selection of money-off offers, so Vipon has to really pull out the stops for its sale. That means plenty of deep, deep discounts. Will you use them for a one-off luxury, or to grab savings on basics? That’s up to you!

We’re going to concentrate on four areas where you can make a real difference: 

For bedroom products, home storage, pillows, chargers, and more:

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Air Beds, Camping Mats, Tents, Lunch Bags, Toys, Chargers, and more for huge discounts:

https://www.myvipon.com/post/747304/Deal-news-for-Prime-Day-amazon-coupons

Awesome LED Projection Lighting & Mood Lights At Pre-Prime Prices:

https://www.myvipon.com/post/747348/purple-amazon-coupons

Get headphones, computer accessories, Bluetooth headsets & more all at Prime prices:

https://www.myvipon.com/post/747300/Deal-news-for-Prime-Day-amazon-coupons

Most of us want to make our homes look nicer. Think about what’s missing and use the sale to fill the gaps. If you were frustrated last time you wanted to make cookies and your cookie cutter had disappeared, if your electric coffee grinder is dying or your dish towels are getting grubby, grab a discount offer! Or buy that French press you’ve been hankering for for a while.

You might want to take a leap up in quality and spring for a new Dutch oven, or a set of really good knives. Or you might re-equip your entire kitchen with new storage containers, to replace the motley collection of pots and jars that are cluttering your shelves.

Home decor will have lots of deep discounts, so deploy your funds on things that will make a real difference. Lighting, storage boxes, throws, pillows, and rugs are all ways to change your home environment without spending big money.

Buy a new accent lamp, or swap out your old bulbs for LEDs; or grab a light therapy lamp to get you through this winter without feeling that seasonal low. Use throws and runners to transform sofas, armchairs and dining tables; throws run from bright sunflower designs or green jungle leaves to faux fur, modern-looking stripes, or even skulls and Halloween pumpkins.

Pillow covers can make a big impact. If you have a mid century modern look, buy vintage style geometric patterns; if your apartment is a bit monochrome, grab something bright as an accent color.

Whatever you buy, enjoy the sale! And don’t forget… you can use those Vipon discounts to help cut the cost of your Christmas shopping too!

I remember the first time I bought a solar charger for traveling. That was back a few years, and I was disappointed to say the least. It took days to charge and my laptop used up all the juice within a couple of hours.
Things change fast in technology and while I still regard solar-powered baseball caps as a ridiculous fad, other solar-powered devices are a lot better than they used to be.
Solar lamps, for instance, are now cheap and effective. If you go camping or sometimes take the RV places where you might not get an electric hookup, a solar lamp transforms the evening’s activities from hunting for stuff with a torch or headlamp to sitting in a nice diffused glow and being able to relax. At least, it does if you remembered to charge the lamp.

Solar lamps are also great for the garden. You can get some really pretty colored glass lights to hang over a table or in a pergola, which are great for extending the evening a bit longer. No wires mean there’s nothing you can trip over, and hey, no utilities bill either.
More practically, small solar lights are useful for the edges of paths. You can get solar lamps activated by a motion sensor, too, which come in handy for areas you don’t use a lot after dark – for instance, a garden shed or other outbuilding.
Solar chargers for off the grid power have really advanced over the past few years. Which you choose will depend on whether you need them for hiking or camping, or for off-grid power for a garden room or RV. There are some great lightweight foldable charging panels for camping, and even some designed to fit on a backpack; as long as you’re not walking into the sun, you’ll charge as you go. Water-resistant chargers are best for hardcore hikers – though if you’re a fair-weather walker you won’t likely need one.

Remember, though, you’ll need a battery or a power bank to get the best out of the charger. And don’t forget to check the reviews – one reviewer worked out a common solar charger would take ten days of ten hour sunshine to charge fully!
More and more gadgets are going solar. I thought a wireless solar keyboard was a gimmick, but apparently not – keyboards are low power users, so as long as the battery charges up occasionally, you’ve stopped having to worry about pesky AAA batteries.
And you can get solar bluetooth speakers, which mean wherever you are, you can have music – out in the garden, in the boat, or at the beach.

Best of all for those of you with “sweet blood”, you can get solar powered bug zappers, so while you’re drinking your evening cocktail under those twinkly solar lamps, you don’t provide a meal for mosquitoes.
Even full RV solar kits can be ordered from Amazon these days – but before you head off to the site, check out the latest coupons at Vipon to see if you can save a bit of money.
By the way, in Mumbai right now a start-up is developing a solar powered streetlight and EV charger. Not available on Amazon as yet… but I reckon it’s a question of time!

The weather is getting hotter. So you’re going to want to keep cool. And you’re going to want to keep your food, and particularly your drinks, cool as well.

Even if you have an ice maker, you’ll want some ice cube trays. Ice is nice, but fancy ice cubes are even better. You can make ice cubes with coffee or fruit juice, or include lemon slices, rose petals, or herbs in the ice; or you can get an ice ball mold to make balls, which melt more slowly and look more stylish, rather than cubes.

You can also have fun with zip lock bags. Put wine in them, then put them in the freezer, and you’ll end up with lovely wine slush.

Alternatively, you could get some reusable ice cubes, whether those are soapstone or stainless steel cubes or plastic cubes full of silica gel or water, which will cool your drink down nicely without diluting it.

Or you might want to invest in insulated glasses instead. Vacuum flasks are yesterday’s product; nowadays you can get vacuum insulated low ball glasses and tumblers, or insulated coffee cups that will keep your ice coffee or ice tea cool now, and do double duty to keep your coffee hot when winter comes around.

Bottles and cans need a different approach and here, you might decide to buy a bottle cooler or a cooler bag, which can look very smart at a drinks party, or koozies for beer cans for a more informal gathering. Craft beer fans can even get an insulated growler that will let them pick up the draft beer of their choice and keep it the right temperature for drinking al fresco.

If you want to keep a whole picnic cool, you’ll want a cool box. That might be a thumping great camping cool box made of steel. Or you could get a lightweight cooler backpack if you’re going to be hiking out to your picnic site. There are even floating coolers that you can tow behind a kayak or dinghy.

A cool box that fits in the trunk of your car is also real useful when you’re headed to the grocery store. It’s particularly helpful when you’re buying frozen foods and need to get them home without them thawing out.

So grab some products to help keep your cool this summer. And don’t forget to check Vipon first to see if you can grab a deep discount, because if there’s one thing cooler than “Martini, shaken not stirred” it’s “Martini, half price”!

The dog next door has a lovely new outfit. Its human just bought it a bright red leather harness that’s just right to give a black Labrador a touch of glam. If you have a canine companion, you’ll want them to have the best, and there’s a lot to choose from.

First and foremost a dog needs a good collar and leash. Dogs often outgrow their collars, so check the fit.  A quick-release clasp helps ensure your dog’s safety, and you’ll want a sturdy ring to attach the leash. If you walk your dog after dark, neon or fluorescent collars will also keep him safe.

You might also consider swapping the collar for a harness. Dog harnesses are becoming more popular, as they transfer the pressure of the leash to the dog’s front quarters rather than pulling around its neck. They also look real smart.

A sturdy leash is another necessity; of course, how sturdy it needs to be depends on your dog; a chihuahua has less ‘pulling power’ than a Great Dane! Extendable leashes are much liked, but for urban walks a double handled leash with a loop half way down gives you tighter control in crowded situations.

The jury’s out on whether dogs need raincoats, but some short haired dogs aren’t well protected in low temperatures, while raincoats can also prevent shaggy and long haired dogs getting matted, dirty hair.

Dogs are energetic creatures, so dog toys are important to use up some of that excess energy. Kong toys are fun; they’re made of strong rubber, so when you put food inside your dog will spend hours trying to extricate it. Rubber balls, balls on a rope, and chew rings will also keep a dog interested. Make sure to read the reviews and buy long lasting toys that other dogs couldn’t destroy!

Necessities for the home include a dog bed, and a dog crate if you want to ensure your pup is kept out of trouble overnight. Messy eaters will need a silicone food mat to protect the floor from spills, and other messes can be avoided by using a litter tray or even a “dog doorbell” which lets your dog easily signal that he needs to use the outdoors. You might also need poop bags for when you go out.

But crucial to living with a dog is a good dog brush and a good brush for defurring your sofa, carpet and clothes. The FURminator brush comes recommended for giving your dog a really efficient grooming.

There are a couple of genius products available, too. For outdoors types, a dog water bottle which squeezes water into an integral drinking bowl is a great way to keep your mutt hydrated. And for indoors dogs and their owners, the Furbo is great. This electronic gizmo lets you spy on your dog all day, has a barking alert, and lets you toss treats on command, wherever you are. It doesn’t come cheap, though, at $170 or so.

Even if you don’t buy a Furbo, dogs can be expensive. So do yourself a favor and track down the best deals on Vipon. You can always split the saving by giving your faithful companion a few more dog treats.

It’s such a hassle when your vacuum cleaner cord is just a foot too short to reach where you’re trying to clean. Whoever thought of making cordless vacuum cleaners was a genius.

Early versions had limited power. You might say they sucked. That problem has been solved, and now the only thing you need to watch out for is the battery charge, which won’t last much more than an hour.

With no wires to worry about, there’s no trip hazard when you’re cleaning the stairs. And you won’t manage to pull over a vase of flowers on the coffee table with the cable.

It’s worth thinking about making other appliances cordless, too. In the kitchen, cordless mixers and blenders can save a lot of hassle and give you much more freedom to work wherever you need to. Small cordless choppers also make life easier: you can chop your tomatoes right next to the pan for a pasta sauce, for instance. Cordless devices are easily stowed after you use them.

In the office, cordless mice and keyboards are pretty much standard these days, but other computer peripherals are also better cordless. For instance, with cordless speakers you can put them where they sound best; not just where the cord reaches! That’s also a lot fewer cables to worry about (and they always seem to pick up far more dust than anything else in the office).

Using a cloud printer is another way to transform your life – particularly if several of you want to share. No more need to move data around with SD cards or emails; just use your wifi network to print from any of your devices.

Cordless fans are a boon in hot weather; whether you’re in the living room, home office, or bedroom, you can put cold air exactly where you need it. However, they may be limited in battery charge, so if you want a cool breeze all night you may be better off with a corded version.

And perhaps not exactly ‘cordless’, but solar lights for the garden give you the same benefits. There is no need to trail wire all over the place. And of course electric garden tools come in cordless versions, too.

So start liberating yourself from cables and cords, and take a look on Vipon to snag a great deal at the same time!

Father’s Day is coming up on June 19th. And most of us still haven’t got round to getting Dad (or Dads, in the case of some families) a present.

Buying for some Dads is difficult. You’re never quite sure what to get. Of course if Dad’s a sports fan or a connoisseur of great Bourbon, you know what to get him. And you probably get him the same thing every year. But why be predictable?

Why not buy some accessories for the fire pit, like tumbleweed fire starters, or a heavy duty meat thermometer, or a pair of really good barbecue gloves? Or a pack of different artisan made relishes to try? If you’re lucky, you get to share.

For keeping drinks cold, an insulated Koozie is a great idea; it can be used as a pint glass, or to fit a 12 or 16 oz can of beer. An insulated wine cooler sleeve also makes a good present. There is no need to grab ice cubes, just slip the sleeve over the bottle. (For keeping drinks hot, rather than cold, an insulated travel mug makes another nice present, get one that fits the car’s cup holder if you can.)

In the old days Dads never cooked. Modern Dads do. So look for something a bit special to bring some zing to the kitchen. A fermentation kit that will let Dad make his own kimchi, a sauce making kit, or a pack of different hot pepper sauces, for instance. You might think about getting him a bamboo chopping board or stirring spoons, or a really good sushi knife, or even a pasta maker.

For Dads who have a caffeine habit, a French press, a Chemex or Bodum pourover, a better coffee grinder (adjustable for different grinds, from fine espresso to coarse French press grind), or even a ruggedized and lightweight coffee grinder for hiking and camping use.

And … you know… I didn’t tell you this… but some men actually like chocolate. 80% pure cocoa single estate blend dark chocolate will hit all the right buttons.

But while Father’s Day comes once a year, you can deliver a present every month if you get Dad a subscription package. A crate of craft beer every month, for instance, or a pack of different coffees, or a subscription to National Geographic.

Now you don’t necessarily want to tell Dad you got a discount deal, but you probably want to take a look on Vipon before you head out to the mall or buy stuff over the web. After all, if you find something you couldn’t normally afford, but it’s half price, you can get him an even better present… and who knows, you might find a little something for yourself, as well.

Now it’s nearly summer it’s time for the grown ups to come out and play. For some, their exercise will be a standard sport but if you’re looking to have a bit of fun along the way, consider playing a game that’s geared to amusement rather than effort.

Yard Yahtzee, for instance, takes a regular indoor game but transfers it outdoors and you’ll get a bit of exercise throwing the super sized dice. Giant Jenga is huge fun, and compared to tabletop Jenga makes a really scary noise as it comes crashing down at the end.

Outdoors Twister is another game guaranteed to give you exercise. It’s better than a yoga classfor bending your body into weird shapes, and you can have a laugh which is something you might find in short supply at some yoga classes.

Or you could take some of the great European outdoor sports. Petanque is played in France where many villages still have a petanque pitch. The ‘cochonnet’ or ‘little pig’ is thrown on to the pitch first, then the players throw their larger balls to try to end up closest to the pig and the closest wins.

Bocce ball is better known in the US, but it has a different technique – the balls are bowled instead of tossed. The big advantage of petanque is that because the balls are tossed, you can play it on the lawn, on sand, or on gravel; it really doesn’t matter. With bocce ball, you need a smooth surface.

Croquet apparently was once the same game as golf before they went their different ways. It was the Scots who made it into golf, and the Irish who made it into modern croquet. Trying to drive the ball through all the hoops in turn and hit the post in the middle before the other team sounds easy, but don’t forget, the other team can hit your ball out of the way, so you’re always at risk of being sent right back to the beginning.

Kubb was allegedly invented by the Vikings and it’s noisy and brutal, the way it was played was that you throw wooden clubs at the skittles to try to fell them. You’ll probably want to play it on the lawn, but it can be played on any surface. Swedes play on snow and ice if they have to.

Come up to date with a game of laser tag, where you lie in wait to shoot your best friend or hold a shootout with your kids. Or if you really want a workout, get yourself a spikeball set. It’s like a cross between soccer keepy uppy and volleyball, you take it in turns to smash the ball into the net with your hands (or any other part of your body), and you win when the other team can’t return the volley. The playing area can be as big or as small as you like and unless you want to compete, you can change the rules to suit yourself.

Personally, I still think a good game of frisbee is the best exercise and the most fun you can get but you do need a lot of space to play it.

Whichever game you want to play this summer, you’ll find equipment on Amazon and you should definitely check out Vipon’s money off deals first. Spending less money on your game equipment means more money for half time refreshments!

The days of shaggy beards and straggly hair are over. Male grooming is a big thing these days, and companies like Blind Barber, Anthony, and Detroit Grooming Co have built that businesses on the modern male’s requirement for great hair and skincare. So let’s look at what’s available, and what you need, to be the best groomed man in the room.

If you have a beard to look after you can’t just snip the end every so often. You really do need a beard trimmer to give it some definition and keep it from getting straggly. You’ll also need a good small pair of scissors and a comb, particularly for keeping your mustache looking good.

Your beard, like your hair, needs nourishment as well as cleaning. That’s why many men use a beard conditioner; if your beard is scratchy, try some out and you may be surprised  what a difference it makes.

Your skin needs care as well. This is something men traditionally have not done, and most moisturizers on the market were aimed at women. But there’s no excuse today; there are loads of good moisturizers aimed at male customers. You’ll need to find the right moisturizer for your skin type, particularly if you have oily skin or dry skin; and remember that your skin can change its character over the years, becoming drier, so you might need to take that into account at some point.

Your skin needs care as well. This is something men traditionally have not done, and most moisturizers on the market were aimed at women. But there’s no excuse today; there are loads of good moisturizers aimed at male customers. You’ll need to find the right moisturizer for your skin type, particularly if you have oily skin or dry skin; and remember that your skin can change its character over the years, becoming drier, so you might need to take that into account at some point.
A good moisturizer should also come with sunscreen of SPF factor 30 upwards. It reduces wrinkles and also reduces the risk of skin cancers, so it’s not about looking good now, it’s about still being here and still looking good in a few decades’ time. Try brands like Aesop, Jaxon Lane, or Lab Series.

You should also remember to use a good moisturizer or cream on your hands. While you don’t want your finger pink and baby-soft, having flaky, rough skin on your knuckles is not masculine, it’s off-putting. And get a good pair of nail scissors and a file – again, you don’t need a full-on manicure and nail job, but having neatly trimmed nails should be part of every man’s basic grooming routine.
You should make a practice of giving yourself a good face scrub every week or so, too, to get rid of dead hair cells and stimulate your skin. Bullfrog and Tom Ford make good exfoliating scrubs, so treat yourself. You’ll feel great afterwards.
Use a good shampoo, and remember to use a conditioner – without it, you’re going to dry your hair out. And know what hair products you need and what you can – and even should- go without. Unruly hair needs wax or pomade; don’t use it on fine hair, which needs oil-free, matte finish. Plus, it goes without saying, don’t skimp your visits to the barber.

Yes, the barber costs money. So economize by looking for discounts on your grooming products. Why not take a look on Vipon for deep discount offers on Amazon products? Then you can get a great new haircut to go with the great new products!

If you were born with green fingers, but you live in an apartment or a townhouse with only a tiny yard, you may feel you’ve missed out on the chance to have a garden. But gardening without a garden isn’t impossible – you just need to find the right plants and the right way to grow them.

An obvious first start for many people is window boxes. Use a box as deep and wide as you can fit; that will help keep water in the soil and stop it drying out too fast. Window boxes are heavy, so make sure they are firmly attached to the window sill, or fixed on brackets, particularly if you are on an upper floor.

Some people use window boxes just for summer flowers, but you could have greenery all year round if you plant ferns, or evergreen plants such as alpines. You could also use window boxes to grow herbs, and even strawberries in summer – not having a garden doesn’t stop you growing your own food.

You can use your indoor windowsill too, of course. Because it’s a warm and sheltered place it’s a good home for succulents and cacti, which you’ll want to grow in a dry medium (mix compost with grit). Mix different styles of pot for a good display – you can even use teacups for the smallest plants!

If you have a balcony or a tiny yard which has been concreted, you can grow plants in containers. Use your imagination and there are some fantastic possibilities. You could try training climbing plants up the wall, hanging small containers on the wall or having them in tiers on a stand, or even hung from the rungs of a ladder to make a tiny herb garden. If you have a reasonably large watertight container you can even grow waterlilies. A strawberry pot lets you grow strawberry plants in several pockets on the side of the pot, making it easier to pick the fruit.

Bigger containers will let you grow small trees, or tall herbs like rosemary. Or you might decide to get slates or shallow pots for bonsai landscapes – though those take a lot of care to grow well. Use mosses, ferns and other evergreen plants to keep your ‘un-garden’ looking bright even in winter.

A terrarium is a fascinating indoor garden – start one in a bottle, a fish tank, a special terrarium vase, or even in the glass coffee jug from a filter coffee machine that’s died. Because a terrarium is pretty self-contained, it won’t need watering too often, and just needs a little liquid fertilizer from time to time.

Some plants don’t even need soil. ‘Lucky bamboo’, moss balls, coleus, spiderwort, and sweet potato vine will grow in just water – so will hyacinth bulbs; some plants will grow in air alone, though they’ll need a good soak in water for half an hour or so every week. (In nature, they live in conditions of high humidity and get what they need straight out of the mist.)

So the thing you really need is to get the right pots. Galvanized containers look beautiful against greenery, while glass vases can hold a cactus at the bottom in very little soil, while the sides protect the cactus from drafts (and you from the cactus!). ‘Pocket’ style pots are made to hang on a wall; some people prefer classic terracotta, others, blue or celadon glazed pots.

Take a look on Vipon to see what kind of containers are available at a discount right now, and get your garden-without-a-garden started!

What is your favorite plant? Comment down below to let us know! You might have a chance to win our garden kit!

Is your mom sporty, loves cooking, is mad about gardening?

Whatever mom’s hobby – we have tons of ideas to help you find a great gift that will make her smile on Mother’s day.

#1 Help your Mom stay beautiful

Every mom loves to be pampered.
If you are not sure what to get your mom on mother’s day then beauty products are always a winner!

Our favourites are manicure & pedicure sets, makeup brushes, eye masks. If you do not have much to spend fun nail polish, decals, or even a makeup holder are wonderful ideas. You could even get a new cosmetics bag – there are tons of funky designs to choose from.

Check out beauty gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?group=beauty&ref=menu_category

#2 Mum’s love to cook

Does your mom love to cook? From beautiful plates to fun gadgets there are dozens of gift ideas you can get her.

If you are on a tight budget a beautiful new apron or kitchen accessory makes a perfect gift. If you have a bit more to splash out on a gift for your mother then knife set, juicers, or kitchen gift sets are great.

Last year I got my mom a veggie spiralizer and she loved the healthy meals she could make with it.

Check out cooking gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?group=kitchen&ref=menu_category

#3 Gardening Gift Ideas for Mom

Does mom love her garden?

How about getting her some new gardening gloves, a lovely flower pot or even a pretty gardening tool set.

A really popular product that is trending right now is garden torches and lanterns. These look great in summer or winter. No garden? How about a new vase or flower pot for the window. These are really simple but will make mom happy!

Check out gardening gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?search=garden&group=

#4 Get something for home

Stuck on ideas for what to get your mom?

Anything that makes your home prettier will bring a smile on mother’s day.

Our favourite gift ideas include throws, cushions and fun home accessories. Recently essential oil diffusers have become super popular, they are not that expensive and turn every room from a plain room to a wonderful scent. If mom already has a diffuser then she would love some new essential oils.

Check out home gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?group=home&ref=menu_category

#5 Every mom loves to eat!

Every mom loves food. From fun table mats to a lovely new plate set – dining gifts are always popular. Get your mom a new mug, apron, salt & pepper shaker set. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a nice gift.

Something as simple as some new place mats or a colourful table cover will make mom happy. Have a look around your home or ask your friends moms for ideas on what to get for your mother.

Check out dining gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?search=dining&group=

#6 Fun Accessories for Mom

Moms love to be spoilt! You could get her a new fun accessory, like a belt, bracelet or top.

Socks are another great idea – warm cozy socks for mom to wear around the house. Bathrobes, earrings, necklaces are also great. They don’t have to be expensive to be nice!

Check out accessories gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?group=women-clothing&ref=menu_category

#7 For active Mom’s: Sports gift

Active mom?

She will love a sporty gift. From yoga mats to a new training gadget there are literally hundreds of things you could get. We recommend yoga pants, microfiber towels and running belts. These are all relatively cheap gifts but super practical!

A really cool product I got recently was stretch bands. They have really helped me become more flexible – and are perfect for runners, yoga lovers and all sporty moms!

Check out sports gift ideas here:

https://www.myvipon.com/promotion/index?group=sports-outdoors&ref=menu_category

Conclusion

Have a think about what you mom loves to do when she has a little bit of free time – we know how busy moms can get! Then try to think of a gift that matches her interests – it doesn’t have to be big but your mother will appreciate you thinking about her gift for this special day!

There are more ways to make money from home than ever before. So if you don’t like waking up to an alarm clock and answering to a boss, I want you to know – there’s a better way!

In today’s article I will show you 4 easy ways you can start making money from home right away.

Food and Grocery Delivery Service

For food delivery, apps like door dash, Grubhub, and Instacart, are all great places to start. All you have to do is go to the restaurant that your phone tells you to go to. They will then give you the food that’s been ordered, and you deliver it to the person who ordered it. follow the instructions on your phone to deliver it.

Grocery delivery is even more popular right now. You can use a service like Instacart to shop for people and drop it off safely to their home. This service is so popular right now, that I guarantee you will be fully booked all day if you have the capacity for it. This can help you save a considerable amount of money during this crisis.

Freelance Skills

These days, more and more companies are looking to outsource work. It’s a lot cheaper than paying for an entire office! If you have the type of skills they are looking for, this can not only be a great side gig, it can turn into a completely new career.

So what kind of skills are in demand? Well one of the most popular is freelance writing. Websites all over the world require millions of pages of content written every single day. although you might not consider yourself a writer, if you completed high school English, you’re good enough. In fact, many of the most popular writers are non-native English speakers. So if you have a decent grass with the language, and can write naturally, that puts you far ahead.

You could also be an editor. You can read others’ writings and correct them for spelling and grammar. If you’re a graphic designer, that skill is in high demand as well. As is web design and programming.

Don’t think you have any freelance skills? Well, head over to one of the more popular freelance websites and see for yourself. People are hiring for so many different jobs these days that I can practically guarantee you’ll find something you can do.

The best websites are Upwork.com, Fiverr.com, and Freelancer.com.

Sell Some of your Excess Stuff

This might not be considered a side gig, but it’s a great way to make some extra cash quick. The truth is, most of us have way more stuff than we need. If you really look through your stuff seriously, I know you’ll find a lot you can sell. In fact, you’ll be surprised at how much you can get rid of.

Even better, when you add all this together, it can add up to a decent chunk of change.

The best places to sell your extra stuff is Facebook marketplace and craigslist. The most important aspect of selling your goods fast is to take quality pictures. So go somewhere where the lighting is the best in order to get the best possible picture. Write a brief description and be sure to include what kind of quality the item is in.

Publish Content on the Vipon V Show

We recently released a brand-new feature to Vipon.com. It’s called the “V Show”. It’s a lot like YouTube. Anyone can upload great content. And then we’ll show it to our audience.

The difference? It’s a lot easier to earn money on the V Show than youtube! We pay based on likes. So if you get 10 likes to your video/article, you can earn $1. The better your video/article, the more likes you’ll get… and the more money you can make. If you can crack the code to our audience, you won’t just make money… you’ll get famous.

In Conclusion

This might seem like difficult and scary times. And while they are, every cloud has a silver lining. The silver lining to this crisis may be that you find a brand-new way to start making money. I hope this article gave you some concrete ways to get started. If you follow the advice I’ve given you, you’ll either find the right opportunity, or you’ll be in the right direction. Don’t give up and before you know it, you’ll be making more money on the side than you thought possible.

Are you looking to earn some extra money online? Vipon has an amazing new opportunity for you! And… you could even get famous.

As you know, millions of people are now making full-time incomes online. YouTubers, influencers, and internet celebrities at throwing their alarm clocks away, traveling the world, and getting paid handsomely to do so.

Now it’s your turn.

With Vipon’s new feature, the “V Show”, you’ll now have a real chance at earning a nice side income for making content! 

What is the V Show?

Every day, over 10s of thousands of people visit Vipon. We are one of the largest Amazon coupon websites in the world. And we continue to grow every single month.

Recently, we wanted to provide our visitors with more than just amazing deals. We also want to entertain them, teach them new skills, and improve their lives. The way we’re doing this is with the V Show.

With the V Show, anyone can upload a video or article. We will then feature it on our homepage. Then our daily visitors will see your content. If they “like” it, your content will be shown even more. Popular content creators can expect to get thousands of views very quickly. 

Get Paid For Your Content

We plan to reward our creators handsomely. For now, you can get paid $1 for every 10 “likes”. When your video is seen thousands of times, these likes add up quickly.

You can withdraw money from your account after the balance reaches $10. If you consistently upload high quality video, you can expect this to be a brand-new income stream that’s independent of your current job or location. Since many people are choosing to stay home right now, this is the perfect time to start your new career. 

Imagine having a blast recording a video… knowing it’s going to make you money. Imagine wanting to buy something, and knowing all you have to do is make a content and its yours. This kind of life is now possible for you with the all-new V Show!

What Kind of Content Can You Upload?

We intend for the V show to be a diverse entertainment network. You can write articles, post pictures, or videos. In general, videos will likely spread better.

You can also upload old videos that you’ve recorded. In other words, you don’t need to create brand new content. However, you cannot upload someone else’s content and claim it as your own. If we find you’ve done this, your video/article will be deleted, and any likes and money you’ve earned from it will be canceled. Also, if you create content that breaks our guidelines (is violent or adult oriented), we will remove the content and cancel the payments.

Other than that… it’s up to you what kind of content you want to upload!

A Way for Influencers to Exponentially Boost Their Audience

Are you already a well-known social media influencer? If so, the V Show can take your brand and career to the next level. By publishing great content, you can quickly add thousands of new views to your videos every single day. Of course we will tell people what your brand is, so it will grow your audience across every platform.

How to Upload Content？

Adding your content to the V show couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Register for a Vipon Shopper Account and verify it
2. Login to Vipon
3. Complete your profile
4. Upload your content by clicking Personal Center -> My Post -> New Post -> Upload article or video

Once your content is added, users will be able to watch it. The more people who “like” your content, the more we will show it. People will be able to share your content on social media websites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more. This means a good content will be seen by  many people all over the world.

In Conclusion

We believe that the show will quickly become the most popular part of our website. Even though we already get thousands of unique visitors every day, this could push that number to millions. We are in the very early stages of the V Show. Which means if you get in now, you can get a huge chunk of traffic, build an audience, and perfectly positioned yourself to grow your career as we grow too.

We will be spending significant resources promoting this section of our website. So don’t delay . Create your Vipon account right now and start uploading content. See what our audience responds to. See what people like. Get paid when people like your content. And change your life.

It’s true: the coronavirus is now a public health crisis.

We need to take immediate, drastic measures to make sure we’re not seeing the worst-case scenario. The good news? There’s still time.

In today’s article, I am going to give you a few tips to put the odds in your favor of getting through this disease.

It’s Time to Change Our Behavior

This virus spreads incredibly quickly. So much so that we have limited options to protect ourselves. Washing your hands is a simple weapon against the virus. But, believe it or not, there’s a right way and wrong way to do it. The wrong way is to splash soap on your hands and briefly wash it off. Instead, you should vigorously cover your hands with soap. Make sure to get your thumbs, in-between fingers, and the front and back of your home. Then, use the water to wash your hands vigorously for 20 seconds. It’s more thorough than you’re probably used to. But it’s the best way to keep yourself safe.

 However, there’s evidence the virus spreads through the air. If this is the case, we really only have ONE effective measure… avoid crowds.

Yes, it’s difficult. However, if you’re able to stay indoors much more than usual, you drop your odds of picking up the virus. Soon, of those who DO get the virus, many will recover. They will then see an immunity which will help stop the spread of the virus further.

Protect Vulnerable People

This virus CLEARLY affects older people more than young. Although young aren’t invulnerable, they seem to get over it quickly. And for many it’s like a basic cold more than anything. For this reason, if you are over the age of 60… or have family members who are over the age of 60… PLEASE impress on them the importance of avoiding crowds.

I don’t want to cause panic, but this could literally be life or death. This is not the time we can be casual. It’s an inconvenience. But we NEED to change. Now.

Emergency Prep Best Practices

The best way to get through an emergency is to be prepared. Although there is some good news with the virus, we still need to be prepared for the worse. It’s never a bad idea to have 2 weeks of spare food on hand. This can help buy time in the event of a worst case scenario.

Practice Meticulous Hygiene

It goes without saying that washing your hands is important. ANYTIME you leave the house, be sure you DO NOT touch your face until you’ve washed your hands thoroughly. Leave shoes in the entryway. If possible, immediately change into clean clothes and put dirty clothes into a trash bag for washing.

I know… it’s inconvenient. But the unfortunate reality is this is VERY serious. We will be inconvenienced. If you don’t want to experience that, I feel for you… but you are putting yourself and others at MAJOR risk.

Other Helpful Items

Soap and hand sanitizer is a must for killing the virus (generally speaking, you don’t need both). And there are some other items that can help protect you too. N95 masks have proven to be effective against the virus. However, those will likely be in short supply as we need those for healthcare workers first. Also, latex gloves will help protect the virus from getting in through devices everyone touches, like phones, atms, self-checkout, etc.

Medicine/Vaccine Development

We have scientists working around the clock right now trying to figure out how to fight this thing. The only problem is, even in the best case scenario, these medicines take time to roll out. If we rush it, we risk giving the public something that actually harms them more than the virus! Can you imagine if we vaccinated millions of people and it turned out to be worse? We can’t take that chance. For this reason, even with the fastest technology and most expedited process, we will not see a vaccine for at least a year.

Yes, it’s sobering… yet here’s the better news.

Right now, we have several anti-viral medications in clinical trials. We don’t know if these will work or not. Yet we do have some that have worked with other coronaviruses in the past. We will know in 30 days whether or not this medicine is effective. If it is, we can mass produce it and we could severely reduce how dangerous this virus is.

In Conclusion

I won’t lie to you… these are scary times. However, the fact is, it could be worse. Most people who get the virus recover from it. Please make sure to stock up on food and other necessary supplies while you can. Prepare for the worst… hope for the best.

Playing music is something that I believe everyone should do. Why? Well, studies show that people who play music are actually smarter than those who don’t. It has an effect on the brain that has been shown to help you with everything else in your life. Yet more importantly, playing music can be an incredible option for self-therapy. It’s an inexpensive way to make your life better.

In today’s article, I’m going to give you 5 simple tips that will help you learn a musical instrument much faster than you might think.

• Learn How to Practice Effectively

The number one reason why most people don’t learn a musical instrument, is because they don’t know how to practice. Practicing isn’t easy. It takes discipline and dedication. But here’s the thing…

if you’re not capable of practicing a musical instrument, you’re probably not capable of practicing anything else. This means for your entire life, you will underperform at virtually everything you do.

At the end of the day, practicing is simple. You take something you can’t do, and you start out extremely slow. You practice that thing over and over again, making sure that your attention is focused in the moment. Overtime you get better and better at it , until before you know it, you are unconsciously competent.

Now, if you’ve never practiced a musical instrument before, you need to learn how to do it. Which brings me to my next point.

• Get a Good Teacher

Thanks to YouTube and the Internet, you can learn a lot about music without ever having a teacher. But, you’ll miss the most important part. Without a teacher, you risk never learning how to practice in a way that is effective for you. In just a few lessons, a teacher can give you a practice foundation that helps you for your entire musical Life. For this reason, if you’re serious about music, get a teacher. You can find many quality teachers for as low as $20 to $30 an hour.

A great way to find a good music teacher is to simply ask people that you know are good at their instrument. If you admire someone and the way they play, ask them who their teacher was. Then you can know that you’re getting the best instruction possible.

• Believe In Yourself

This might seem kind of abstract. But the truth is, a musical instrument is not really that difficult. Most melodies are simple and can be played even by beginners. The reason why most people struggle with music is they are simply not confident. They may sit at a piano and feel nervous, not knowing what to play. Instead of trusting their ears and looking inward to see what they fill sounds good, they worry about what others will think of them instead. The truth is, some of the best and most famous musicians aren’t necessarily the most talented. Instead, they are simply the most confident in their abilities. They can get up on stage and trust their heart.

• Listen to (and Study) Music

If you think about good musicians throughout time, one name that will consistently pop up is Mozart. He was the very image of a child prodigy`. By the age of five he was already touring around Europe playing for Kings. For this reason, some people believe that Mozart was just gifted. He never had to study, and he never practiced.

Yet that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even Mozart himself said that nobody had studied the great Masters of the past as much as he did. And Joseph Haydn, himself a respectable, legendary composer, and Mozart’s teacher, said that the reason why he was such a good composer, was because of how much he listened to music.

When most people listen to music, they listened to relax and enjoy. Of course, I recommend you do this too. But, also take the time to study the music. Figure out what the writer is doing. You will find that they repeat certain sections. You will find that they take breaks or change the rhythm, to increase tension. When you really start to study music, you’ll find that it isn’t rocket science.

• Borrow Ideas From Your Favorites

“Bad artists copy. Great artists steal.” – Pablo Picasso

There’s a common misconception in the world of music then all the best musicians are totally original. In other words, everything they wrote was brand new and never written before. But when you actually start to study music, you realize this isn’t the case. In fact, virtually every famous artist copied or in some cases directly stole some of their best work.

Famously, the best-selling band Led Zeppelin stole many of their most famous songs. Even there hit “stairway to heaven”, was directly lifted from another musician. Of course, they made it their own, and their version is very far from the original. But it goes to show that when you listen to something you like you can imitate it in your own way. This will form the foundation to writing your own material in the future.

• In Conclusion

Learning music is a lifelong journey. Yet I promise you this: it is easier to get started than you think. If you can get over the initial practice hurdle, you’ll find yourself playing beautiful music. At this point you’ll gain real joy out of playing,  and it will be easy to continue and get better.

Thanks to the coronavirus, the world is freaking out. The truth is, these epidemics take us by surprise. No one knows how they work, and they take time to cure.

The good news is, the coronavirus is not the worst virus we’ve ever experienced. And in all likelihood, it will clear up in a few months.

In the meantime, I thought it would be interesting to write about some of the other major viruses that have taking humanity by surprise. I hope you find it as interesting as I did!

The Ebola Virus

In February of 2014, the Ebola virus was in all the headlines. Due to the exotic nature of this disease, it was one of the scariest epidemics the world has ever seen. The initial symptoms were fever, body aches comma and diarrhea. But as the virus spread throughout the body, it dealt significant damage to the immune system and organs.

In the final days of the virus, patients would suffer from severe, uncontrollable bleeding. What made this virus so scary, was the enormous death rate.

To put it into perspective, right now experts believe the coronavirus has around a 2% death rate. And because we don’t know how many minor cases there are, the reality is the death rate is probably quite a bit lower than that. Which means most people who get the coronavirus will survive. Ebola, on the other hand, originally had a near 100% death rate. Fortunately, we’ve learned a lot about the disease since 2014 comma and we can now treat it very effectively.

The Ebola virus did not end up spreading to developed countries as experts initially feared. And I think we can all be thankful for that!

The Rabies Virus

The rabies virus is incredibly rare. Yet it remains one of these scariest viruses. Why? well, for starters, there is no cure. There’s a vaccine you can get if you believe you have it. If you get this vaccine in time it will prevent it. The problem is, rabies may show zero symptoms for anywhere from 6 months to a year after you contracted it. and by the time you show symptoms, it’s already too late.

Rabies is contracted from being bit by an animal who also has the disease. Because of how serious this virus is, it is so important to get your rabies shots if an animal bite has broken your skin. Thankfully, in developed countries rabies is very, very rare.

The HIV Virus

The HIV virus is one of the most famous viruses of all time. When people first started getting infected in the late 80s, no one knew why. Unlike diseases like the cold and flu, it was initially impossible to figure out who you got it from. Scientists also had no idea how it spread. They didn’t know if it was airborne, required physical contact, or really anything else.

In addition, HIV is another virus that can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to start showing symptoms. Today, we have amazing treatments for patients with HIV. It’s no longer the death sentence it once was. And some experts say it could be completely eradicated from the USA just 10 years from now. Although the virus has been absolutely horrific, it has led to some of the most effective antiviral treatments we have.

The Dengue Virus

The dengue virus is a virus that affects poor, impoverished countries, much more than wealthy ones. First of all, this disease is spread by mosquitoes. In the United States and other developed countries, most mosquitoes are not carrying dengue. If you did happen to get it, with proper medical treatment, it’s mainly just a severe flu.

Yet if you live in an area without medical treatment comma the dengue virus has a mortality rate of 20%. The most common symptom is a severe fever, leading to the name dengue fever.

The Polio Virus

The polio virus represents one of the most frightening time periods in world history. Because of how the disease infects the spinal chord, leading to paralysis, it was an incredibly scary disease to be around for. Additionally, it would often infect children, who had their entire lives ahead of them.

That being said, 72 out of 100 people who contracted the polio virus showed no symptoms. So actual paralysis and death was rare. And even in those who did become paralyzed, most survived. Still, the idea of getting the disease caused mass spread panic.

Ironically, it’s believed that the better hygiene in the early 1900s actually led to the spread of this disease. Because if a child got polio very young, they still had help from their mother’s immune system comma and could easily defeat the disease, granting them immunity for life. Because of improved hygiene, children ended up getting the disease much later. Without the support of their mother’s immune system, it turned into a much bigger problem.

In Conclusion

Viruses are something we still deal with in our day-to-day lives today. Thankfully, medical advances have made it so the majority of us never need to worry about it. Although new viruses still happen, they lead to new developments that make us even safer. Who knows, in the future maybe our children won’t even know what the word virus means.

We all know we need to take a multi vitamin every day. Yet vitamins and minerals make up just a fraction of the nutrients our body needs to be healthy and thrive.

Most people know the berries and avocado are considered super foods. If you eat these often, study after study shows that you will be much closer to living at your highest healthy potential.

but I’m willing to bet you haven’t heard about the nutrients we will be talking about today. So without further ado, here are 7 super foods jam packed with vital nutrients that you probably have never heard of.

• Umeboshi Plum

When you talk about highly educated and ultra-healthy civilizations, Japan is near the Top. Featuring one of the longest average life spans in the world, the Japanese are known far and wide for being the picture of perfect health.

The Umeboshi plum Originates in Japan and has been used since ancient times to treat diseases like typhoid and dysentery. This super food is hard to beat when it comes to the elimination of toxins and the boosting of natural, crash free energy.

And when it comes to alkalizing your body, these plums are even more powerful than lemons. That’s insane!   

• Kaniwa

If you’re into super foods , you’ve probably heard of quinoa. But have you heard of Kaniwa? Most people haven’t.

This is a smaller darker and sweeter grain than quinoa. and while we’re just starting to discover the amazing healing power of kaniwa, recent studies are showing this to be a new powerhouse superfood.

Thanks to its high concentration of protein, carbs, and minerals, and its vanishingly small crude fat content, Kaniwa should be a staple of any diet. Especially vegetarian!

• Maca Root

Grown high up in the Andes mountains, maca root belongs to the same family of plants as cabbage and kale. Ever since ancient times, it’s been used as a libido boosting supplement with no equal. Yet that’s not all it can do.

Maca root is now being hailed as the most exciting discovery for naturally boosting your NRG an endurance. Some Olympic athletes even use this to improve their conditioning.

It’s also known as one of nature’s finest all natural mood boosters. Although it’s unlikely to make you bursting with joy, maca root can add a level of positivity that makes your days go by more pleasantly.

• Dandelion Roots

Thus far, all the Super foods we’ve discussed have been somewhat exotic in nature. Now we’re going to take it a lot closer to home.

if you’re anything like me, thinking about dandelions makes you think of kicking them in the lawn when you’re a kid. Yet you probably had no idea that the species you were kicking is over 30,000,000 years old.

The reason why it’s lasted so long Is because virtually every single Micron of this flower is packed with incredible nutrients. Although I wouldn’t suggest digging up your backyard, you can find dandelion teas in most grocery stores. Even though it offers almost countless health benefits, you may notice it the most in your digestion. This is because it is capable of making that entire system more efficient and comfortable.

• Deer Antler Velvet

This is another ancient supplement that is just barely gaining popularity in the western world. Deer antler velvet is especially effective for inducing growth in the muscle, skin, tendons, and bone.

It’s also used as a kidney tonic to improve the function of this vital organ. The harvesting of this velvet can be done in humane, caring, and sustainable ways. Just as antler velvet helps a deer grow antlers, it can help the building blocks of your body as well.  

• Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a sour Berry that you’ve probably never heard of. That’s because it grows deep inside one of the most dangerous ecosystems in the entire world: the Amazon rainforest.

like most berries, Camu Camu has incredible health benefits. The main reason why it’s considered a superfood is because it’s over abundance of powerful compounds. These compounds, like vitamin C, boost the immune system, and aid vital functions.

Camu Camu Also contains powerful anti oxidants. In fact it was even shown to lower the amount of stress damage caused by daily smoking. In a study, camu camu was shown to reduce his damage far more than vitamin C alone. Clearly, this is a powerful anti-aging tool that anyone who cares about preserving their health should look into.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, the world of super food is wide and diverse. On every single continent and the globe we’ve discovered foods that can play a vital role in helping you live the life you were meant to live. I hope you use these super foods to improve your day-to-day life!

It’s OFFICIALLY the most romantic time of the year. Cupid has his bow knocked. Candy hearts and red-hot candies can be found on store shelves and littering carpets. And love is most certainly in the air!

But have you ever stopped to wonder… why?

Why is it that every year in February, we celebrate love? Well, in today’s article, I’m going take you step-by-step through the historical events that transpired to bring us one of the most controversial holidays of the year: VALENTINE’S DAY.

The Priest Who Performed Forbidden Weddings

In the 3^rd century, Rome was the world power. A major reason why they were such a major power was due to the strength of their army. In conflict after conflict, the Roman army utterly destroyed its opponents.

The Roman emperor Claudius II believed that single men fought better than married. So he made a decree outlawing marriage for young men.

At this time, the catholic church was the major religion of the city. A priest of the catholic church, Valentine, believed Claudius’s decree was unjust. So, he would marry together young couples, defying the emperor’s law!

From Priest to Saint

Word spread fast. And soon, couples from all over were coming to Valentine to be married in secret. Yet word also spread in other places. And soon Claudius II received word of Valentine’s covert operation.

When Claudius found out, he flew into a rage, and ordered Valentine beheaded.

Because he was killed for helping his religion, Valentine became a martyr, and is now officially recognized by the Catholic church as St. Valentine.

The First Valentine

Although the story of St. Valentine is dramatic, the truth is historians don’t know how accurate it is. In fact, St. Valentine could be another man during that exact same period… who was also beheaded by Claudius II.

It’s said during this time period, a catholic named Valentine was imprisoned for helping other Christians escape prisons where they were harshly tortured. He fell in love with the jailor’s daughter, and sent her the world’s first valentine. A note, reading simply… “From your Valentine”.

An Ancient Bloody Cure for Fertility

This next part is a little brutal. But… history is brutal. So, for those with the stomach to continue, let’s talk about where Valentine’s day REALLY came from.

It just so happens that February is also when the pagan celebration Lupercalia takes place. This is a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture.

The festival was held in a secret cave. This was no ordinary cave. It was where the eventual founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were cared for and raised by a she-wolf!

At the start of the ritual, priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility. They would then skin the goats, dip them in blood, and emerge from the cave. Women would line up at their doors to be gently slapped with this blood-soaked goat hide, as they believed it would make them fertile.

It’s now believed that what we know as Valentine’s day was used by Christian’s to “cover-up” the festival of Lupercalia. And, it looks like it worked. Today, everyone knows about Valentine’s day. While fortunately… no one I know celebrates Lupercalia!

The Story of Cupid

Of course, no Valentine’s day history is complete without mention of Cupid. As it turns out, our picture of Cupid is far different from what he was originally… just like the holiday as a whole.

Cupid was clearly inspired by the Greek god of love, Eros. Eros was a tall, extremely handsome god, whose golden arrows could inspire incredible feelings of lust, romance, and passion in the hearts of any they pierced.  

According to the ancient poets, he used this power to manipulate them, as love and attraction are the most powerful human emotions.

Closing Thoughts

So, there you have it. The real history of Valentine’s day! Isn’t it interesting to see how today’s holidays evolved from ancient, seemingly insane traditions? And isn’t it even more interesting to see how the history… the very structure of society… can change based on who is currently in power?

Of course, this Valentine’s Day, I wish you the most beautiful day of love you’ve ever experienced. Whether with your partner or alone, we now have the opportunity to make Valentine’s day our own.

And whether it used to be about sacrificing goats or performing secret marriages… from now on… it’s about you. ️

One of my earliest memories is my teacher asking the whole class what our favorite food was. Almost everyone answered pizza! Whether it’s the hearty tomato sauce, the almost guilty use of cheese, or the tossed pizza dough… a good pizza has something for everyone.

In today’s article, I’m going to talk about the five most popular styles of pizza. If you find yourself in any of the areas where these are famous, do yourself a favor and make ordering a slice a priority.

1. New York Style

There is absolutely nothing like a real New York pizza. And for some reason, it doesn’t taste the same anywhere else – even if it has the same ingredients! New York style pizza is made for grab and go.

Generally, it’s sold by the massive slice. Piping hot and dripping with cheese. This pizza is made for people on the go. But do you know the history behind it? Most people don’t.

New York isn’t just the home of a delicious style of pizza… it’s basically the birthplace of American pizza as a whole! As legend has it, the first pizza in the USA was created by an Italian named Gennaro Lombardi.

Originally, the pizzas would sell by the whole pie. However, during hard times, people couldn’t afford the whole pie. So pizza companies invented the idea of selling their pizzas by the slice.

It’s also said that originally, the sauce was on top and the cheese was on the bottom. Whether this was once the case, it certainly isn’t any more.

• Chicago Style

Chicago… home of the deep-dish pizza, baby. Chicago has turned pizza into something of its own. Baked to perfection in a deep pan, Chicago pizza towers over any other kind. It’s often stuffed to the absolute brim with all kinds of toppings. Pepperoni, olives, peppers, sausage, onions, and meatballs commonly make up the inside of this behemoth.  

Even though Chicago is the deepest dish pizza, that’s just the start of what makes it unique. Because the crust is so thick, the pizza needs to be cooked between 30 – 45 minutes long. Ordinarily, this would burn the cheese. Because of this, a Chicago pizza is layered “upside down”. The cheese goes on the bottom. And all the other toppings go into the middle. Finally, it’s covered with an incredibly hearty tomato sauce. The end result is almost impossible to eat without a fork!

Now, we don’t know who invented the Chicago pizza. Many people report it was originally invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943.

When it comes to making pizza unique, Chicago can’t be beat.

• California Style

There’s something magical about California. From world-class beaches to Hollywood, everything in California has a special aura to it. And the pizza is no different!

California pizza is a fusion of New York and Italian styles. It generally features a very thin and light crust… perfect for enjoying on the beach. Somewhat of an opposite to Chicago style, there is generally less sauce and cheese, for an overall lighter experience. You will also find all kinds of unique toppings on California pizzas. From artichokes to broccoli, nothing is off limits on a delicious California pizza.

Unlike Chicago and New York Pizza, California pizza was invented in the 80s. by Ed LaDou (the “prince of Pizza”). He had originally learned how to make pizza in New York. After moving to California, he once again started to make pizza… but this time with his own creative twists. Today

Today, California pizza is popular all over the world.

• Sicilian Pizza

If you’re looking for a more traditional pizza, you can’t go wrong with Sicilian. Sicily is a large Mediterranean island off the cost of Italy.  The original Sicilian pizza was called Sfincione, which can be translated to “thick sponge”.

These pizzas are usually small, rectangular shapes. They are cut into 3-4 pieces in total. The original recipe for Sicilian Pizza likely used an Italian yeast bread, backed on a flat pan.

Then, in the early 1900s, when many Sicilians migrated to the USA, they brought their recipe with them. And now, it’s become one of the most popular pizzas in the world.

• Detroit Style

Detroit style pizza is made with a thick, crisp crust. It comes in a square with anywhere from 4-8 pieces per pie. It most commonly features meats like ham, sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables like mushrooms and olives.

The recipe originated from the heart of Detroit in 1946. The pizza was so delicious it spread far and wide throughout the city. And now, Detroit is famous for it.

Closing Thoughts

I’m a pizza lover, and chances are… you are too. If you can try any of these pizzas where they were invented, I can promise you – you are in for a treat!

When I was younger, my parents would tell me that the winter was a beautiful time of year. But I was so focused on the cold, I missed what they were talking about.

Now that I’m older, I finally get it. Winter may be cold, but that cold opens the door to some amazing activities that are impossible every other time of year. Especially when you have a significant other!

Use this list of romantic snow activities to make the season fly by. Who knows, maybe it will even become your favorite!

Go Hiking

There’s something amazing about hiking in the wintertime. It’s like all the familiar paths that you’ve been on in the summer get transformed into winter wonderlands. The scenery can look more like Narnia than planet Earth!

…which makes it the perfect place for a romantic outing!

Frozen waterfalls, snow covered evergreens, and deer peeking through the trees. It’s really a beautiful, magical experience. Especially when you’re sharing it with someone you love. The hike becomes an adventure that brings both of you closer. Just make sure you have the right gear. Do NOT do this until you understand layers. Don’t wear cotton. Make sure you have waterproof boots.

Go Ice Skating

Is there anything more romantic than ice skating? Gliding across the ice, hand in hand… it’s like a Christmas movie. Now, for ice skating, I recommend you go all out. For example, downtown in my city is a big ice rink. It’s dead center in the city and has all kinds of amazing activities to do around it.

I could go to the closest ice rink. Or I could take the extra time to go downtown and get an entirely different experience. If you have an iconic spot near you to skate, go check it out. I know you’ll love it.  

Go Sledding

Sledding is a ton of fun as a kid. And guess what? It’s just as much fun as an adult. It’s a lot cheaper than downhill skiing/snowboarding, too. Sledding is perfect to do right after snowfall. That way you get the fresh, fluffy powder to cruise down. I recommend finding a spot nearby.  

Make a trip out of it. Take the scenic route and walk to the slope. Then spend some time speeding down the hill. Cap it all off with a hot cup of cocoa. I promise – you’ll feel 10 years younger.

Watch Movies by the Fire

My favorite part of winter is getting cozy. There’s just no other feeling like it. With snow covering the land… and gentle flakes floating to the ground… while you’re sitting inside, warm, watching it all cuddled up with your partner on a cozy couch… it just doesn’t get better than that.

Personally, I love to watch long, dialogue heavy movies during this time. Like the Godfather or Pulp Fiction. You can really sink in and get involved in the movie.

Cook Some Amazing Hot Meals

There’s no better time to improve your cooking skills than the winter. Not only does it give you a fun way to pass the time indoors, the hot food you make will warm your body, heart, and soul!

I highly recommend you both try some French cooking. There are so many delicious hot soups you can make, it will blow your mind. Imagine the smell of cooking bacon, onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. Combining it all with chicken stock and a bunch of other veggies. Then serving it all up with toasted bread and cheese. It’s so simple. So warm. And so, so delicious.

(For some easy French recipes you can check out one of my favorite YouTube channels, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0lG3Ihe4LGV851lODRIS5g)

Art + Wine Night

This is a fun one. Go to an art store and get some canvas paper and paints. Watercolor is always an easy option if you’re not that good at painting. But feel free to ask the art store employees for suggestions.

Get a nice bottle of your favorite wine. Pour yourselves some generous glasses and start painting! You can watch some Bob Ross YouTube videos to get in the mood. Either work on your own projects or work together to create a masterpiece. Don’t forget to hang it up front and center in the front room! 😉

Go Shopping

Shopping is a great way to spend the winter – before or after Christmas. After Christmas, many outlets will have clearance and new year specials. So it’s the perfect time to go shopping together. Bonus points for dressing up fancy, shopping, and ending it all with a great night on the town.

In Conclusion

If you do any of these dates, I promise you… you will love spending the winter with your significant other. Before you know it the sun will be setting late again and spring will be here. And you may even find yourself wishing winter had lasted longer…

Is there anything better than being on the slopes? Dressed up warm and cozy, sitting on the lift as it takes you all the way to the top. And then… freedom. Speed. Adrenaline. Surrounded by the incredible beauty of the mountains.

In today’s article, we’re going to talk about the six best ski spots in the world. Go to any of these and expect nothing less than a world class skiing and resort experience.

1. Park City, Utah

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains is the small resort town Park City, Utah. It’s also home to the world-famous Sundance Film Festival. Every year, Hollywood stars grace the otherwise quiet locale.

When you hit the slopes of Park City, you immediately understand what all the hype is about. Utah claims “greatest snow on Earth”, and it’s for genuine reason. The cold, dry climate makes for powder unlike anywhere else.

Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire in a snug log cabin, or flying down one of the dozens of incredible slopes at Park City and Canyons resorts, you simply cannot go wrong visiting this spot!

• Whistler, British Columbia

Over 2,000,000 people visit Whistler annually. And when you ride the famous “peak 2 peak” gondola for the first time, you’ll see why.

That’s right – this gondola holds the world record for the longest and highest lift in the entire world! And it includes a 360 degree glass view that is absolutely breathtaking. Remember, that’s just the lift to the mountain.

Whistler boasts one of the best snowfalls in the entire world. This makes it almost perfect conditions for skiing.

• Zermatt, Switzerland

The Swiss are famous for their incredible detail. That’s how luxury Swiss watchmakers like Rolex and Patek-Phillipe can create watches worth tens of thousands of dollars. Tiny, intricate, extremely well connected pieces.

That attention to detail is alive and well in Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is one of the “greenest” resorts in the world. So not only will you have an amazing time, but your footprint on the planet will be minimized the entire time. Not bad!

If you’ve been to Disneyland, you know the ride the Matterhorn. Well, that actually comes from Zermatt! So you will be able to see this incredible mountain up close and personal.

• Courchevel, France

Courchevel France is the world’s largest alpine ski domain. It includes over 372 miles of ski runs crisscrossing between 10 different summits over 2,500 meters. You can get to every mile of this through a complicated system of over 60 lifts.

Courchevel has a reputation for being upscale, even as far as resort towns go. Yet it’s not without its reason. All of the snow on the resort is meticulously managed and groomed. And for expert skiers, it features what may be the most dangerous run in the world.  

• Aspen, Colorado

The famous saying about Aspen is, “it’s where normal people go to feel famous and famous people go to feel normal”. Aspen couples small town vibes with the glitz and glammor of celebrity. And they pair together so naturally it’s like no other place in the world.

Maybe that’s why Aspen has been mentioned in more Hollywood movies than any other ski resort… ever!

The “Aspen Snowmass” is so large, 36 Disneylands could fit inside it. Lucky individuals or devoted explorers can stumble upon four monuments inside these mountains, dedicated to John Denver, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Jerry Garcia.

There’s plenty to do outside of skiing as well, with over 100 different bars and restaurants sprinkled throughout the small town.

• Salzburg, Austria

Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is also an absolutely incredible ski city.

One of the best parts of skiing in Salzburg is taking the train to multiple resorts. This will showcase the incredible beauty of the city and the country, and allow you to ski on every part of the incredible Salzburg alps.

Salzburg is a large, modern city with plenty of accommodations outside of skiing. Eat some of the finest food in the world or tour what is one of the most historically important western countries of all time.

In Conclusion

These are six of the most jaw-dropping ski resorts in the entire world. If you can make it to any one of them, you will have a memory that lasts a lifetime. If you’re serious about skiing, make this list a “bucket list”. Make it a goal to visit every single one of them in your lifetime.

Because as you now know, each offers a completely different experience. Whether in the USA or out, this world has enough amazing snow experiences for 1,000 lifetimes.  

Want to know how to make winter your favorite season? Learn how to ski!

Skiing can either be the most relaxing, or most exhilarating experience you have all winter. The best part is, it’s not too difficult to get into.

Today’s article is a primer on basic ski technique. Read it before you hit the slopes and you’ll be prepared for whatever mother nature throws at you.

Dress Warmly With Layers 

The first step is to make sure you have the right equipment. It can get VERY cold out on the slopes. If you aren’t wearing the right clothes, you’re going to have a miserable time.

The most important point to remember with ski clothes is not to wear ANYTHING cotton. As you’re skiing, you’ll probably work up a sweat. If you’re wearing cotton, the sweat will stick to the fabric. First, this makes the cotton lose it’s ability to insulate. But even worse, it’s now created a very cold layer that will actually sap the warmth from your body.

If you wear cotton, even if you have a heavy down outer layer on, you’ll be freezing underneath it!

Renting vs Buying

If you’re a complete beginner, I recommend you rent skis instead of buying them brand-new. Skiing is a lot of fun but it’s not for everyone. Better to find that out the cheap way through renting some decent skis that’ll get you through the day.

Take a Lesson

Now, I’m going to describe some basic ski techniques to you in the next section. However, this is just a primer for the ski lesson I highly recommend you take. These are affordable and every ski resort offers them. Generally, they last just 30 minutes and can be the difference between confidence on the slopes, and feel like you fall down every second.

There are a lot of intricacies you need to learn to get on the lift safely. Taking the time to get a lesson will help keep you and the other skiers on the mountain safe.

Skiing Basics

Now for the fun part. Actually skiing!

Before you get to the slopes, you’re going to want to practice clipping your skis into your boots. First, do it in a dry area. Feel the unique bindings of your ski snap together. Then, if you have snow outside, put some snow into the ski to practice.

Once you’ve clipped your skis on, practice standing up and getting the balance.

Now, when you arrive at the resort, go to the side of the lift. Usually, there is a small hill that beginners can practice on.

Snowplow Stance

Snowplow stance is the easiest way to safely move with skis. First, put your feet shoulder width apart. Angle the skis inwards so you form an arrow. In this stance, you’ll find that you can easily control your speed. You’ll also feel the most secure and balanced.

Practice going down the small hill in this snowplow stance. When you feel comfortable, you can move onto the beginner hills. On small slopes, snowplow stance can help you slowly make your way down the hill.

Keep Your Knees Bent

Our knees are natural shock absorbers. When bent, they help absorb impact and keep us on our feet. When you first start skiing, you may want to tense up your knees. Initially, this can feel more secure.

However, if you look your knees you will fall very quickly and painfully. So make sure to always keep in mind that when your knees are bent, you’re stable.

Stay Away from Powder at First

You may have heard that powder is heaven for skiers. And, that’s absolutely true… once you have a hang of balancing and skiing down hill. Because if you fall in powder, you can get stuck. While not exactly painful, it can be difficult for a beginner to get back up and balanced. For this reason, stick to the beginner hills until you’re confident you can stay on your feet, turn, and stop reliably.

Don’t Look Down

As a beginner, you’ll likely look down to stabilize yourself. This is fine when you’re just getting your balance. But move away from this as quickly as possible. Looking straight ahead is the only way to safely ski. It allows you to see everything coming up and any other skiers in your path. Too often beginners worry about their skis crossing, so they look down… only to get hit by another skier they didn’t see. Don’t let it happen to you!

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve never skied before, you really have to try it. By following the basic tips outlined in today’s article, you’ll have the right mindsets before you hit the slopes. This will ensure you learn quickly and can get out on the slopes as quickly as possible. Who knows, maybe you’ve found your new passion!

Did you know that the average American tosses 4.4 lbs of trash per day?

It might not seem like that much. But since there are over 300 million people living in the USA, that’s roughly 728,000 TONS of daily garbage. Or enough to fill 63,000 garbage trucks.

So in today’s article, I’m going to give you some creative ways to reuse common items you’d normally think of as trash. I think you’ll be surprised by just how useful the stuff you throw away can be.

Toilet Paper Rolls

When the toilet paper runs out, replace it, and toss the old cardboard roll, right? WRONG. This little piece of cardboard is insanely useful around the house. Here are just a few things you can make with it.

Tie/Belt Hanger

It can be tough to keep all your belts and ties organized. This craft makes it simple. All you need is an empty toilet paper roll.

Use scissors to cut the roll into about 10 equal sized circles. Then, using glue, attach it to the bottom of the hanger. Make sure to place each circle right next to each other. Now, you can hang ties and belts through these circles, allowing you to put at least 10 in one easy location.

Yarn Spool

This is an easy one. Simply make a slit around 1/3^rd of the way down the roll. Then take one end of the yarn you want to wrap up. Slide it into the slit so it holds still. Then wrap a bit of it around one of the ends.

The idea is to roll all the yarn around the toilet paper roll, forming a spool. Yet this can take a long time. So, if you use a handheld mixer, you can stick the beater inside the tube. Then turn it on and watch as your yarn rolls up almost instantly!

Homemade Decorations

When you cut a toilet paper cardboard into individual circles, these circles can then be bent and glued together to make incredible designs. For example, if you want to make a flower, cut the roll into 10 equal sized pieces. Then crease them together so they are flat. Allow it to expand out again. By combining this shape in a star pattern, you’ll quickly have a makeshift flower. You can paint this and glue it together for a completely unique home decoration I can promise you won’t see anywhere else.

Silica Gel

These little packets are found in all kinds of products. You know the look – little bags of powder with large warnings of DO NOT EAT on them. These are almost always thrown away immediately.

Well, did you know they can actually save a wet phone? Keep them in a safe place. Then if you ever drop your phone into water, put it in a Ziplock bag with a handful of these. They will almost magically suck the water right out – in most cases, making your phone good as new. 

Silica Gel packets can also be used to de-fog a car windshield or bathroom mirror. Dry a wet swimsuit in a hurry. Prevent rust on razor blades. And even keep toiletry bags dry during travel.

Tic Tac Boxes

Like Tic Tacs? Don’t throw the boxes away!

These conveniently sized boxes can be used for all sorts of things. You can put a mini pencil sharpener inside, and when you sharpen the pencil the shavings will go right into the box. Or, you can put the head of your toothbrush in it while traveling to keep it clean and dry.

Tic Tac boxes can be used to store paperclips and other crafting materials. And you can even use it to keep spices stored and organized in the kitchen.

Soda Bottles

Soda bottles are made out of a durable, water resistant plastic. This kind of plastic can take centuries to erode naturally in nature. Which is why we should reuse them if possible. Thankfully, they make perfect soap containers. Simply buy a soap pump from the store… or even better, reuse one from an old bottle. Make sure it’s the correct size to fit on the bottle. Then fill the bottle up with soap.

This works even better with glass bottles. Especially the classic Coca-Cola look. Just imagine having a glass coke bottle that stores your soap, or anything else you need near the sink. It gives a vintage style and costs pennies. Best of all, it’ll be a great conversation starter, since I’m confident none of your guests will have ever seen anything like it.

In Conclusion

These are just a few simple ideas on how you can be less wasteful at home. As you can see, even though these items are commonly thrown away, they can have a lot more value if you use a little creativity. Have fun!

There’s nothing quite like a hot meal on a cold day. Which is why today, I’m going to share 3 of my favorite winter recipes with you.

These are simple to make and will make the whole family happy.

Cabbage and Pork Soup

This is an incredibly healthy and delicious meal. Best of all it takes just minutes to prepare. The following recipe is good to serve 4 people a full and complete meal. 

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Clean Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 medium size cabbage (savoy or white)

300 grams of smoked pork belly/bacon

1 medium size carrot

1 onion

3 cloves

8 cups clear chicken stock

1 tablespoon of butter

Salt and pepper

4 slices of bread

Instructions:

• Slice the cabbage in half. Then, slice each half in half again, creating quarters. Put the quarters in a pan and fill it to the top with cold water. Then put it on the stove and heat it until it boils. This is called blanching the cabbage.

• When cabbage is blanched, take out and cut lengthwise into slices.

• Slice the onion in half. In one half, insert 3 whole cloves. Cut the other half in half, creating 2 quarters.

• Slice the carrot into 1-2 cm pieces

• Cut the bacon/pork belly into 1-2 inch cubes

• Put 1 tbsp of butter into a large soup pot. Heat on medium

• When butter starts to pop, put in carrots and 2 onion quarters. Let cook 10-20 seconds.

• Add half of the cabbage.

• Layer the bacon/pork belly around the cabbage “bed”.

• Add the onion half with the cloves and cover with the rest of the cabbage.

• Pour in chicken stock

• Cover and simmer for 1:15

• Preheat oven to 375 F

• Put 4 slices of artisan bread on a flat oven pan and cook for 10 minutes (no oil needed)

• Serve full bowl of soup with toasted bread soaked in the broth.

Simple Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup was invented in Italy around 1875. The word is thought to come from a combination of two words. Loosely translated, this means “to remedy”. In other words, this is a hot, very healthy soup that will keep your immune system up and running strong.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Clean Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 small onion

2 cloves of garlic

1 zuccini

2 celery stocks

2 medium potatoes

1 carrot, julienne

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 can of cannellini beans

Oregano

Basil

Time

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a large pot in medium heat.

• Add onion and garlic and sauté for a 3-4 minutes.

• Add zucchini and celery.

• Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, beans.

• Add carrots and potatoes.

• Add spices.

• Stir everything thoroughly and then add 3 cups of hot water (add more or less water based on the consistency you want.

• Bring to a boil and then continue cooking over medium-low heat for 45 minutes.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic dish that is absolutely perfect for the winter season. The onions combined with the beef stock gives it an absolutely delicious, sweet taste. And topping with toasted bread and cheese makes a dish that is practically to die for. All prepped and ready in under an hour!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Clean Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

5 yellow/white onions

2 tbsp butter

1 tspn grapeseed oil

1 glass dry white wine

32 oz organic beef stock

1 tbsp flour

Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf

White cheese to taste

1 slice of robust bread

Instructions

• Mince onions

• Put pan on medium heat, add both butter and grapeseed oil

• Add all the onions (it should fill the pot almost to the top)

• Cook onions for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 or so. By the end, the consistency should be a light brown (caramelized)

• Add the white wine to deglaze the bottom of the pan

• Add flour, mix well and cook for 1 minute

• Add beef stock

• Add herbs

• Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes

• Preheat oven to 375

• Cook sliced bread for 10 minutes

• Add salt and pepper to soup to taste

• Fill a bowl to the top with soup. Add the toasted bread. Cover generously with cheese.

• Put the bowl in the oven on broil for 2 minutes (after oven is hot)

Closing Thoughts

As you can see these recipes are easy, cheap, and a lot of fun. Not to mention they’re healthy and delicious enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Try them out and leave us a comment letting us know which one you like the most.

Have you ever wondered which items sell the most on Amazon?

Well, wonder no more! In today’s article, I’ll show you 6 of the best-selling products on Amazon for 2019. I tried to find some products that are a little unique and unexpected. At the same time, they’re extremely popular. This is what everyone is buying. So I hope you find a new favorite product, or something that inspires you.

Leggings Depot High Waisted Leggings

https://www.amazon.com/Leggings-Depot-High-Waisted-Soft/dp/B07WW9BJ3Z?th=1

Reviews: 14,902

Star Rating: 4.5

It’s no secret that leggings are in style. And, they probably always will be. Thanks to their extreme comfort and the fact that they work for almost any occasion, I imagine these will be in high-demand for a long time.

The Leggings Depot leggings seem to stick out due to their quality of fabric. They are form hugging and sexy. Yet they don’t reveal panty lines, and they won’t rip if you’re doing squats in the gym.

We’ve also seen that plus-sized people gravitate towards this brand.

ZonLi 20 lbs Weighted Blanket

https://www.amazon.com/ZonLi-Weighted-Blanket-Cooling-180-220/dp/B075W94KB3

Reviews: 3,209

Star Rating: 4.5

Weighted blankets are a life saver for anyone suffering from insomnia. Most of us know the feeling. Lying awake while the thoughts race through our minds. The more we try and ignore them the louder they seem to get. Before we know it, it’s time to get up and we haven’t even slept yet.

Well, weighted blankets show a lot of promise for solving this. How? Well, they simulate the pressure we felt in the womb. This subconsciously calms us and helps use feel safe, which drastically lowers our anxiety. Ultimately, it’s our anxiety that causes our thoughts to race and prevents us from sleeping. So if you struggle with sleep at all… I can’t recommend this product enough.

Wyze Easy Set-Up Security Cam

https://www.amazon.com/Wyze-Indoor-Wireless-Detection-Assistant/dp/B076H3SRXG/

Reviews: 20,186

Star Rating: 4.5

Look: these days security cameras are so affordable… and so high-quality… I believe everyone should have one. The Wyze set-up cam streams to the cloud. Which means it is always recording, at no hassle to you. If anything happens, you’ll see right away. You can even set it up to alert you if it detects motion.

It has near perfect night vision, allowing you to keep track of valuable areas when they are most vulnerable. And, it’s incredibly easy to set up. Using the app, you can change directions, monitor the feed, hear audio, and even speak through the other end! Please do not leave your security up to chance. Get this Wyze camera and you’ll sleep better at night… I promise.

Kanoodle Educational Game

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGECAI

Reviews: 1,153

Star Rating: 4.5

Kanoodle is a new game that people of all ages can enjoy. Best of all, it’s educational and will help teach children important logic and reasoning skills.

It’s a puzzle game that requires a lot of thought and concentration to figure out. And most reviewers say it’s addicting. Although it starts out easy enough, by the time you get to the highest levels it’s incredibly difficult, even if you consider yourself a very smart person. Give it a try – I know you won’t regret it.

Natrogix Bliss Essential Oils

https://amazon.com/Natrogix-Bliss-Essential-Oils-Book/dp/B071RXT6N8

Reviews: 2,819

Star Rating: 4.5

Essential oils almost couldn’t be more popular right now. And for good reason. They have practically limitless uses. From aromatherapy to healing aches and pains, essential oils are having a remarkably positive impact in millions of lives across the world.

Natrogix Bliss is a special set of essential oils. First off, it contains 9 of the most popular oils on the planet. These include peppermint, frankincense, eucalyptus, sweet orange, rosemary, lemongrass, tea tree, lemon, and lavender. So, it’s a great starter set.

But what most reviewers really love about this set is the innovative packaging. Clearly made with a passionate artistic eye and a keen attention to detail, this packaging is a must-see. And it makes the natrogix bliss essential oils set an incredible gift!

Fujifilm Instamax Camera

https://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Instax-Mini-Instant-Camera/dp/B06WW64YM6

Reviews: 4,810

Star Rating: 4.5

We live in the era of the selfie. And if you love Instagram, then you’ll love this camera. Why? Well, it prints out pictures it takes in less than 60 seconds! So you can pose with yourself or with your friends and take a picture. Less than a minute later it will be printed out, ready to be put on the refrigerator or hung anywhere else your heart desires.

With this latest model, it even includes a built-in selfie mirror so, so you can see exactly what the printed picture will look like before you take it! This is not only the perfect product for someone who loves taking pictures with friends… it’s the perfect gift.

Closing Thoughts

All of these products are extremely popular. And, I did my best to find some unique ones as well. I hope I was able to spark some ideas on some new products to buy. And remember… on Vipon, we get 45,000 coupons every single day. So before shopping on Amazon for these products, check Vipon first. Odds are we have a 50%+ off coupon for whatever you’re looking for (although it might be a different brand).

Christmas is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a time of year. Just following Thanksgiving, there’s a little more cheer in the air.

One of the best ways to make Christmas more special and rememberable is to have family traditions. When you do these, they act like small rituals signifying the holiday. And they will create some of the strongest, best memories you’ll ever have.

Chances are you already have some Christmas traditions. In today’s article, we’re going to give you 7 of our favorites. Try them out!

1. Go Christmas Caroling

Christmas carolers help make the season bright. By going door to door, or singing in public, these carolers are integral to helping others feel that special Christmas charm. And, now you can be one of them.

When I was young, one of our favorite traditions was taking gifts to the neighbors while caroling. We’d bake some zucchini bread and hand it out with sparkling cider. We’d start singing right as the door opened.

We made unforgettable memories, as well as helped create a strong bond in the community.

2. Christmas Countdown

Part of the fun of Christmas is the anticipation. Having a Christmas countdown helps you see every single day as it draws near. Kids especially love seeing the countdown start at 25 at the start of the month and seeing it approach 1 – Christmas Eve.

Advent calendars are another way of doing this. They have chocolate inside for every day. So every day you can open another door and get a nice treat.

3. Christmas Pajamas

Christmas pajamas are a great way to up the family spirit. By getting a matching set of pajamas, the whole family has some cozy, special clothes for the holiday. When everyone is sitting around opening presents, listening to music, and wearing those matching jammies… it’s unforgettable.

Many different stores have Christmas pajamas on sale during the holiday. And on Vipon, we regularly have entire family sets of pajamas at 50% off or even more.

4. See a Christmas Concert

Another one of my favorite family traditions is going to a large cathedral downtown. There we’d listen to classic Christmas songs sung by a highly talented catholic choir. I’m willing to bet there’s a big church offering a free Christmas concert near you, too. These events are usually short and festive. In my hometown, the cathedral is packed full of cheerful people celebrating the holiday and uniting in brotherly love. Just be sure to get there early. If the concert is free, it will probably fill up almost immediately!

5. Help Those in Need

Christmas is a time of giving. And no one needs our help more during the holidays than others less fortunate. Fortunately, there are dozens of easy ways you can give back. Usually around this time, the post office will run a food drive. Here you can leave canned foods right by your mailbox, to be automatically picked up and donated by the USPS.

You can also volunteer. Soup kitchens always need help. And this lets you directly meet and talk to the people you’re helping. This is also the season for larger charity events and galas. So if you have a little more money you’d like to donate, these events can be a great place to meet new friends.

6. Watch a Christmas Movie

Another family tradition I had growing up is watching, “It’s a wonderful life” every Christmas eve. I always looked forward to this. Not because I loved the movie especially (I was young at the time)… but because watching it meant Christmas was almost here.

There are a lot of Christmas classics, so it should be easy to find something your whole family enjoys. Some of my favorites include a Christmas Story, Elf, The Santa Claus, Home Alone, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

7. Have a Cookie and Hot Chocolate Night

When it’s cold outside, every night is a hot chocolate night. Still, you can make an official day of it to make it even more special. Get the family together and bake cookies. Cover them with Christmas frosting and sprinkles. Look up a classic hot chocolate recipe online and really put some time into making it delicious.

8. Write Letters to Santa

Writing letters to Santa can be one of the most exciting parts of the year. Even for adults! This is your chance to really figure out what you want for Christmas this year. It gives parents and adults a shopping list… and gives kids the chance to join in on one of the world’s favorite Christmas traditions.

In Conclusion

These are 8 simple traditions that I know your family will love. If one sticks out to you, try it out. It could become your family’s new favorite tradition!

Winter can be depressing. It’s backed by science. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and tens of millions of Americans suffer from it.

Why does it happen? Well, with Daylight Saving’s time, it cuts the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to. Plus, during the winter, in cold places, people bundle up. And sunlight is critical to our health. So during the winter, we aren’t getting the natural Vitamin D we need to feel our best.

Then there’s the holidays and the stress those bring. So, if you historically get a little down during the winter, I have some good news. It’s treatable. And, it’s not too difficult either.

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

First, I’m going to give you a breakdown of seasonal depression symptoms. Now, very important: I am not a doctor. This is not health advice. These are just some average symptoms so you can see what your experience is. If you find yourself really suffering from some of these, you need to see a doctor ASAP.

• A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
• Weight gain
• A heavy feeling in the arms or legs
• A drop in energy level
• Fatigue
• A tendency to oversleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Avoidance of social situations—not wanting to go out

Source: aafp.org

Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

One of the biggest causes of SAD is lack of sunlight. Fortunately, we now have lamps that mimic the effect of sunlight on our skin. Which means if you use this light for even just 30 minutes a day, your body will create all the nutrients needed for you to be happy and feel great.

Very important: these lights are NOT the same as the lights in tanning beds. So you will not get the same benefits from a tanning bed! Don’t expose yourself to unnecessary skin risk by tanning to try and get rid of seasonal depression. It won’t have the desired effect.

Light Alarm Clock

Now we’re going to take the last tip to the next level. Mornings may be the most difficult part of winter. There’s nothing like having to wake up in the pitch black when you can practically see your breath.

If the thought of that makes you groan, I’ve got amazing news. They actually make lamps that go off to an alarm. Which means you can put this lamp in your bedroom. One hour before your wake-up time, the light slowly starts to turn on. It takes a whole hour to get 100% on, mimicking the rising sun. Not only that, but this is the kind of lamp that helps your body make Vitamin D too!

So not only are you waking up naturally, to a soft, growing light, you’re also getting the sun exposure you need to keep your happy hormones working. If you suffer from seasonal depression, just this one tip could be a complete and total game changer for you.

Get Very Warm Clothes

To enjoy winter, you have to get some dominion over the cold. If the cold scares you… if you hate the cold… you’re going to be miserable by default.

By far the most important way to overcome the cold is to master layers. Layers is a way of dressing where, as you might have guessed, you wear layers of clothes. On the bottom you have a thermal, long-underwear style. Then a fleece. Then top it off with a 900 fill down jacket.

Combine this with thermal long underwear under jeans, and you are going to be toasty… well looking great. It’s true – winter is a great time for fashion. And if you embrace that, and get warm clothing, you’ll find yourself actually looking forward to exploring the winter wonderland outside!

Get Your Heart Beating

Now for the icing on the cake: exercise. Look, when it’s cold outside, you need to balance that out. One of the best ways to do that is exercise. When you get your heart pumping, you increase your circulation. You get that nice, warm 98 degree blood pumping through your veins, warming you from the inside out.

Also, did you know you can burn up to 3x the calories in the cold? How? Shivering! Shivering is designed to warm you up ASAP. So it literally melts fat to be able to do so. When you have the right clothes, you may begin to love long walks outside. It’s great exercise. It’s simply beautiful. And you’re burning 3x the calories! Not bad…

Closing Thoughts

If you combine these 4 tips together, I know you’re going to see a marked improvement. In fact, you may even start to love winter. A lot of people do.

Winter makes the familiar look brand-new. Everyday streets and buildings become winter wonderlands full of surprises. Just being out in it all can be one of the most rewarding activities you do all year.

But if you really want to experience snow… in all its majesty, beauty, and fun… make sure to visit one of these cities during the winter. Make a trip of it. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

• Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is known worldwide as one of the most gorgeous spots on planet earth. It’s a valley cozily nestled between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. It features top-tier ski slopes and restaurants serving fresh fish and game meats from the surrounding area.

It’s also home to hundreds of world-class hiking trails and snowshoeing paths. Whether you’re in town at the local saloon, kicking it with all the other tourists… or cozying up in a cabin by the fire… or exploring the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong with Jackson Hole!

• Park City, Utah

Park City is most famous as the home of the Sundance Film Festival. During this festival, A-list celebrities, actors, and directors fly in from all around the world. They screen films… and hit the bars and slopes.

Park City is about 40 minutes away from the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City. It is a high-end resort town featuring 5-star dining and lodging experiences. There are several major ski resorts located right in town.

Utahns famously state that Utah has the greatest snow on Earth. Why? Because of the climate, the powder is able to stay dry without packing too much. This gives the powder an incredible feeling that must be experienced to be believed.

• Ouray, Colorado

Picture this scene. You’re out in the mountains. Looking forward, you see a frozen waterfall towering 45 feet in the air. Across the waterfall are people with icepicks, climbing to the top. To the right, you look and see the entrance to an abandoned mine. Welcome to Ouray, Colorado.

Ouray is a small town in the sprawling Rockies. It’s the perfect set-up for any outdoors activity in the snow. It’s most popular among climbers, who spend the day climbing and the night soaking away the soreness in hot tubs. But if you’re the kind of person who loves winter beauty… it’s for you.

• Stowe, Vermont

Everyone who has watched a Hollywood movie knows what a Vermont winter looks like. With picturesque covered bridges lining small country roads, Vermont is the ski capital of the East Coast.

The city of Stowe is covered in heavy snow, giving it a “snowed in” charm. Choose from dozens of different activities while in town, from skiing, to horseback riding, and even dog sledding.

• Santa Fe, New Mexico

When you think of New Mexico, snow is proably not the first thing that comes to your mind. And that’s part of why it’s such a great location for it. Although it doesn’t get the huge snowfalls of places like Colorado or New York, it gets enough to cover the red desert rock faces with a powder sugar like coat.

Long known as an oasis of spiritual energy, people visit from all over to feel the calming, healing vibes of this amazing city. Perfect for when you are looking to nature for a hard reset.

The locals who live in Santa Fe love Christmas, and have their own unique way of celebrating it. If you’re in the area during the holidays… it’s absolutely worth checking out.

• Minneapolis, Minnesota

This one is not for winter beginners. Minneapolis gets one of the heaviest snowfalls in the US. And there are few states that get even close to as cold, and stay that way for as long.

That being said, the people of Minnesota thrive in it. And if you want to visit a city that transforms in the winter… and skiing and ice skating become more of a way of life than a recreational activity… you will love this city.

• Anchorage, Alaska

Plane tickets to Anchorage are dirt cheap in the winter. This is because most people believe the capital of Alaska is way too cold to visit in the winter. But is it really? Actually, the lowest average temperature is 11 degrees Fahrenheit. Which is very cold… but, most of the other cities on this list are just as cold, if not colder.

Anchorage is home to some of the most gorgeous, awe-inspiring nature in the whole world. But that’s not all. During the winter, you can actually see the Northern Lights. It’s the only state in the USA where that’s possible!

People who live in Anchorage know how to survive and thrive in the winter. So, if you feel the call of the wild… take the trip and see for yourself.

Black Friday gets bigger and bigger every year. It’s a double-edged sword. You can absolutely get the items you’re looking for at rock bottom prices… if you can find the right deal.

So we wanted to make it easy for you this year. In today’s article, we’ll be going over some of the top retailers in the world. We’ll also tell you our top picks and why.

Let’s dive in.

Vipon Giveaways & Sweepstakes

We’ve worked hard to make Vipon the place to save money on Black Friday. In fact, if you time it right, Vipon will save you more than anywhere else this year.

Here’s why:

We’ll have an entire “Black Friday” section on our website from November 25^th to Dec 2^nd. Most of these products will have a coupon between 30% – 80%.

But here’s where it gets good…

On “giveaway” products, you have a chance to win a 99% discount. $89 products become $0.89. You get the idea. Your odds of winning are good. And even if you don’t win, you still get 30% – 80% off top-quality items.

Costco

Costco’s Black Friday events start November 28^th. They offer major discounts both in-store and online. Here are our top picks:

$200 Off Macbook Air 13.3”

Macbook Air may be the most convenient laptop on the planet. It’s featherlight and just millimeters thick. But that doesn’t stop it from being powerful. With this computer you can design, study, and even start a business.

$500 Off VIZEO 70” 4k tv

This TV is absolutely massive, and crystal clear. Your favorite shows have never looked so good. It’s a smart TV, meaning it features Netflix, Amazon video, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, and every other streaming app you love. And it’s a whopping $500 off…

$125 Off Trinity 72” Stainless Steel Workbench with Pegboard

If you are looking for a sturdy, modern, practical workbench that looks amazing… this is your deal. It’s simple and compact, yet you’ll be blown away by how much storage there is. With attention to detail obvious in every aspect, this is a deal we rate as can’t miss.

Lowes

Lowes has Black Friday deals available now. And many of them will be available through December 5^th. So, you can take your time on these great deals. Here are our recommendations:

$1,000 Samsung Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator

There’s something about a stainless-steel French door fridge. It adds a level of comfort and luxury to every setting it’s in. Modern and strong, stainless steel will be in vogue for years to come. And at $1,000 off… it’s tough to beat.

$100 Off Artificial Christmas Tree

Look… you might not think it, but Christmas Trees are a place where a little money goes a long way. With this deal, you can get a luxury level Christmas Tree. You’ll notice the difference. With the season coming up, I wanted to include this because it’s an excellent way to bright up your home, just in time for the holiday.

Playstation

If you’re a gamer… or have gamers in your family… you’ll love these Playstation deals. Playstation offers these Black Friday deals from Nov 24^th – Dec 2^nd.

$160 Off PS4 Bundle

This PS4 bundle comes with one of three platform-defining games. The Last of Us: Remastered, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn. Each game features a sprawling world and cinema quality storylines.

$160 Off PS4 Pro Bundle

Playstation 4 pro offers the best graphics of the generation. Featuring more processing and graphics power, PS4 pro games look and run better than the stock ps4. If you have a nice TV, you will want the Pro for higher resolution and better graphics.

$20 Off PS4 Controller

Playstation controllers can be expensive. Yet you’re going to want more than one if you ever want to play it with friends or family. And this $20 off deal is the perfect time to stock up and save big.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club has deals from Nov 29^th – Dec 1^st . Here are our top picks:

$70 Sonos Smart Soundbar

This soundbar fits perfectly under all modern TVs. The sound quality is pristine, featuring a booming bass and a loud, projecting sound. The levels are matched perfectly, allowing the right sounds to come out at the right time.

$100 Off Jackson Power Theater Chair

Part of the fun of watching TV and movies is relaxing. And there’s no better way to relax and watch tv than this power theater chair. Pop your popcorn and recline back in your chair. You’ve earned it!

$100 Off Xbox

We had our playstation deals. At Sam’s Club, you can get an xbox for $100 off. Xbox has a few exclusive games like Halo and Gears of War.

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with friends and family for a big Thanksgiving Dinner.

Of course, to get there is a whole different story. It can take untold hours to fix the meal, plus hundreds—if not thousands—just to get all the supplies and ingredients.

Which is why in today’s article, I’m going to give you 8 ways to save your bank account without sacrificing the quality of the day.

• Have a Budget

The first step is to define exactly how much you want to spend on Thanksgiving dinner. Why is this important? Well, if you don’t have a budget in mind, it’s easy for costs to quickly spiral out of control.

Without a budget, you’ll find yourself walking down the aisles of the store, putting various things in your basket. By the time you reach the checkout, you’re shocked with what the price of it all is. Of course, by that point, it’s usually too late.

On the other hand, when you have a budget, you’ll make sure to get the important things first. After that, you can add any extras on that still fit within the budget. If you find you budgeted too little, you can expand your budget. But by simply having it, you’ll keep costs contained.

• Cook What Food You Need

One of my favorite parts about Thanksgiving is leftovers. However, what leftovers mean is that you cooked—and bought—more food than you actually needed.

So, there’s room to save a lot of money here. Ask yourself how much leftovers you want… or if you need any at all. If not, you can buy a lot less food than normal, while still making sure everyone is full the day of.

Now, if you do end up with a lot of leftovers…

• Turn Leftovers into Hearty Post-Thanksgiving Dishes

These leftovers can turn into amazing future meals, saving you the cost and time it takes to make them. You can turn the turkey bones and excess meat into a delicious stew. You can make a casserole. Or, you can keep it simple and make a turkey sandwich.

• Go Light on the Extras

Thanksgiving is more than just a turkey. There are appetizers, decorations, and all sorts of accessories that go along with the holiday. If you are looking to save money, make sure to boil it all down to what you really need. Odds are, that’s a Turkey, potatoes and other veggies, and a pie. Sure, your home may not look as festive. But the money is going where it counts… on the table… and in your bank account.

• Have Guests Bring Dishes

There’s no reason why you should foot the bill for everyone at the dinner table. And most times, guests are more than happy to bring a dish… provided you give them instructions.

When it comes time for Thanksgiving, make a list of everyone who is going to come. Then figure out what they can bring based on what you know about them. Some may have speciality dishes they’ve prepared in the past – ask them if they can bring it. When you do this type of organizational work for people, it makes it easy for them to help. The more guests who bring dishes, the better (and cheaper!) the meal is for everyone.

Also, having your guests pitch in goes beyond food. You can even have people bring decorations. This is especially good for either people in your family who are good with crafts, or people who aren’t sure what else they can bring.

• Make Decorations from Leaves

With Fall in full bloom, the leaves outside are absolutely gorgeous. Why not use them as free decoration? If you press leaves in between books for a few weeks, you can frame them for one-of-a-kind artwork that costs almost nothing. You can also incorporate them into wreathes and other festive décor.

• Start Buying Now

If you are the type of person who leaves Thanksgiving until the last minute, not only is that causing you stress… it’s costing you big time! Giving yourself time to plan accomplishes a few things.

First, you can only buy the items you need when they’re on sale. Second, you can comparison shop to make sure you are getting the absolute best prices for every single item.

When you’re at the store, be sure to compare generic prices vs name brand. If you are buying only name brand, that will often cost a few dollars more per item. With an entire shopping cart full, this adds up big time.

• Put an Emphasis on FUN

Thanksgiving may be the biggest “food” holiday there is. So, the food has to be good. But as long as it meets the standard of good, it’s not what people will remember the most. No, they’ll remember the experience they had during Thanksgiving.

So, make it fun. Plan games that the whole family can enjoy. Gestures, ping-pong, and scavenger hunts are always big hits. Learn about the history of Thanksgiving and share it at the table. And before you dive into the meal, go around the table and have everyone list at least one thing they’re thankful for.

Did you know that the average person gains 5 – 10 lbs over the winter? That’s what happens when it’s cold out. We stay inside and we don’t move as much.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, new research suggests that exercising in the cold can be even more beneficial than when it’s warm. Why? For one, when your body shivers, you use 5x more energy than normal.

So if you’re jogging in the cold, parts of your exercising will be 5x more efficient. Now, although exercising in the cold has benefits, it needs to be done right. Otherwise, in a worst-case scenario, it could be dangerous.

How to Be Comfortable in Any Weather

For most of us, our ideal warm temperature is around 70 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets between 50 – 60, most of us like a jacket. And below 50 is when it really starts to get cold.

The colder it is, the more distance you’ll want to put between the frigid air and your skin. The best way to do this is to use the concept of layers.

As the name suggests, when layering, you wear several different layers of clothing. The colder it is, the more layers you’ll use… and the warmer materials those layers will consist of.

If it’s 50 degrees, you’ll be fine with a light fleece or a heavier sweater.

In 30 degrees, a wool shirt, fleece, and light down jacket will keep you incredibly toasty.

When It Gets Dangerous

Now, when layering, you need to pay attention to two things:

1. Types of materials
2. Activity level

Types of Materials

Different materials handle cold temperature differently. For example, you want to stay away from cotton at all costs. Why? Because when cotton gets wet, it loses all its ability to insulate and retain heat. Worse yet, it actually saps warmth from your body while wearing it.

When you jog or exercise, you’ll sweat… even if it’s freezing out. If you sweat with cotton on, suddenly it’ll be like you’re not wearing any protective gear on at all. It doesn’t matter if you have the heaviest fill down jacket on. With a cotton undershirt, you’re still freezing. 

Here are the kinds of materials you should look to wear in the winter:

1. Wool
2. Synthetic
3. Down

Wool is great for your lighter layers. Your shirts, fleece, and even pants if it’s cold enough. Synthetic is generally cheaper than wool and provides similar effects. Down is a heavy jacket that really keeps in warmth.

Adding or Shedding Layers

When it’s cold outside, you’ll gear up in your full winter garb. You might have a wool shirt, a fleece, and a down. Then you have some synthetic leggings and wool socks on. Since you’re exercising and building heat, this kind of outfit is good for temperatures as low as 5 – 10 degrees Fahrenheit!

No matter what kinds of material you’re wearing, you’ll want to be aware of your sweat. If possible, you want to avoid sweating at all. This is because no matter what kinds of materials you’re wearing, we want to avoid water in the cold.

As you’re exercising, the moment you feel a little bit hot, unzip your down jacket. Then, when you feel hot again, take it off. If you still feel hot after that… take off another layer. I recommend you take a small backpack with you, so you can easily store these layers. In this way, you will stay comfortable and warm your entire workout.

Types of Exercises to Do in the Winter

Now that you have your gear sorted, it’s time to get out and enjoy the cold. In general, cardio based exercises are the most effective to do in winter. Here are a few examples that we recommend.

Jogging

Jogging in the cold is one of the most meditative experiences. There’s something about the air when it’s below freezing. It’s quieter. And your thinking is clear. Generally at the start of your jog, you’ll be cold. You may start shivering… this is good. You’re burning a lot of calories. Of course, make sure that you check the conditions before leaving. If the streets are icy, that could be incredibly dangerous.

Hiking

This one is my personal favorite. I love to hike in any temperature. But the winter can’t be beat. When the snow falls, it’s like an entirely new world. Rivers freeze over and it is truly beautiful. Plus it’s amazing exercise. If you want to hike in the winter, I recommend a very solid pair of winter boots. Leather is great for the long-term, provided you treat it correctly. For a more modern take, Gore-Tex boots will stay waterproof in almost every environment.  

Fall is here. The leaves are changing colors and falling off. It’s beautiful… but it’s also a new chore!

Fortunately, there are upsides. It turns out there are a lot of amazing uses you can get out of those leaves. Leaves are packed with nutrients that your grass and soil love. If you take the time to recycle your leaves in the fall, you’ll have a beautiful yard come spring and summer.

Make a Mulch

The first step is to mulch your leaves. Why? Because if you just leaf them on the ground, they can smother the grass and plants underneath. And we don’t want that.

Instead, you can use the mulch setting on your lawnmower to shred those suckers up into ribbon-thin pieces. This makes it easy to cover the most surface area, and will let plenty of air and nutrients to the grass beneath.

If your leaves cover the grass evenly, you can just use the mulch setting without a bag on the lawnmower. If not, you’ll need to bag up the mulch, then spread it out. Even if the leaves cover the whole lawn though, you should still make a few bags of mulch for these next uses.

Important note: make sure you don’t mulch up seeds along with the leaves. Doing so could create a ton of new tiny plants come spring! 

Composting

If you already have a compost pile, that is an amazing place to put your mulched up leaves. It’s a match made in heaven. The shredded leaves will bake in with all the other delicious plant nutrients, turning your soil into a photosynthesis paradise!

If you don’t have a compost pile…

…you can till the leaves directly into your soil.

This mixes it all together where it will sit during the winter… letting it all settle like delicious plant stew. When the summer comes, that soil will be absolutely teeming with vitamins and minerals. Anything you plant in it will suck up all those nutrients and make them absolutely bursting with flavor. Flowers look more vivid, too.

Easier Than Compost: Leaf Mold

Leaf mold is another way to supercharge your soil. It doesn’t provide nutrients like a traditional compost, but it does make the soil a lot better at holding water. And, leaf mold is incredibly easy to make.

All you need to do is take a pile of leaves and put it into a container… and then leave it. When the leaves are fully rotted, that’s when you mix it into the soil.  It’s that easy.

Make a Blanket For Your Perennials

If you live somewhere winters can be harsh, your perennials could freeze in the winter. So, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with another few bags of mulched leaves. Gently spread them over your perennial flowerbeds, making sure to not cover it too tightly.

Just like that, your perennials now have a blanket for the winter. When it’s time for spring, you can remove the leaves as the temperature warms. Your flowerbeds are now the perfect temperature and your perennials will bloom again more beautiful than ever.

Other Great Ideas For Leaves

If you really want to bring a touch of fall to your home… use some of the leaves as decoration. The organic material looks beautiful on porches. If you’re crafty, you can even combine them into an autumn wreath.

But maybe my favorite way to use leaves is to press them. To do this, put individual leaves between two sheets of wax paper. Then pile heavy books on top of them. After two weeks, remove the books. You’ll see perfectly dried leaves that have taken on a subtle transparency. These can be framed on walls, where they form works of art. Straight from nature. You won’t believe how much detail you’ll see in these leaves if you really look at them.

Have Fun With It

When the leaves are raked up, jump in the piles and take family pictures. Speaking of pictures… when the leaves are at their peak… go on a hike and take some pictures. You’ll make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

If you follow the tips in this article, you’ll love what you can do with leaves. It will add a new layer to your fall. When you work this closely with the season itself, and use the leaves to enrich all the life around you, it’s a magical feeling. Who knows, it could even become a new tradition for you. I hope so!

It was one of Amazon’s best deals, ever:

A shiny brand-new 4k TV… $700 off.

This upcoming Black Friday, there will be even more deals like this. And if you know what you’re doing, you can save thousands on very nice products. Honestly, this Black Friday, you could upgrade your entire life.

So, let’s break down how to do it.

All The Best Deals Are Limited

The truth is, if you don’t plan for Black Friday, you won’t get the best deals. The best deals are highly limited in stock and are first come, first serve. You’ll find if you take Black Friday seriously, and follow the steps in this article, you’ll be able to save far more than you ever imagined possible. 

Figure Out What You Want

Can you think of 5 items you’d really like to be on sale this Black Friday? Write down the first five items that come to mind.

Now, all throughout this upcoming week, I want you to keep your eye open. Whenever you find something you’d love to save money on, write it down. It’s eye opening to see how many new ideas you get in one week.

By starting now, you’re able to really relax into the idea of saving big. And you can figure out what you really want. It’s a lot better than going out and “looking” for deals day of. (Because you will almost never find the best deals in broad daylight.)

Explore The Best Products In Each Category

Once you know what you want, here’s where it gets fun. Now you’re going to do some shopping. But you’re not going to buy anything.

So, let’s say you want a brand-new TV. Well, some TVs are better than others. And like the TV that was $700 off, on Black Friday, sometimes you really can get the best for cheap. So go online and browse around.

If you’re up to it, go to the store and test a few TVs out. Get the details and specifications. Decide on one you like. Then write down the brand name. Do this with all the items you really want.

Figure Out The Black Friday Policy Of The Brand

Once you have your brand names, go to Google. Type in the brand name and item name (if you know it) and “black Friday”. For example, “LG 4k tv black Friday”.

If there are a lot of articles and videos about past deals, there’s a good chance it will be on sale again this year.

We recommend you choose 4-5 brands for each of the products you want. So if you want a tv, do LG, Samsung, Philips, Vizeo, etc.

Save Each Website

As you’re doing your brand research, try and find the product on more than one retailer. For example, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Goodegg, Google Shopping, Best Buy. Find the item wherever you can.

Then, keep a bookmark folder called “Black Friday deals”. Bookmark each page you visit with the item. That way, when Black Friday comes, you can quickly check each website, and buy the one that has the best deal.

Check In The Weeks Leading Up

Many of the items you want will go on sale before Black Friday. We recommend checking your bookmarks regularly, especially as it gets closer. Also, Google the brands and “Black Friday” again. Usually news will come out leading up to Black Friday if that particular item will see a major reduction.

Take It To The Next Level With Smartphone Apps

With the right apps, you can compare even more retailers together at the same time. With some apps, you can even get Black Friday “leaks”, which actually show you deals before they happen.

Here are the top two we recommend:

1. TGI Black Friday 2019 – This app has a massive database of deals. You can use the search to filter through items quickly. And you can also browse thousands of different products to get brand new ideas. This app will show you sales that are happening before Black Friday, as well as the best deals on the products you want on the actual date.
2. ShopSavvy – This is one of the top deals apps on the planet. Not only will this app save you big on Black Friday, it will save you throughout the year. It even has a feature where you can scan barcodes in store, and ShopSavvy will tell you if there’s a better price for that item somewhere else! ShopSavvy will alert you of hot new Black Friday deals on the items you want most, and will help you compare deals in-store.

Closing Thoughts

Black Friday is the biggest chance to save all year. By following the steps in this article, you can make sure you take advantage of this and save huge on products that will really improve your life.

It may be Halloween, but that doesn’t mean your bank account should be scared. In fact, if you know what to do, Halloween can be one of the biggest savings months of your year.

In today’s article, I’m going to break down exactly how to make this year’s Halloween one of your best… and least expensive… ever!

Make A Budget

The first step I recommend is to make a budget of how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you think strategically. And with every purchase you make, you’ll know how much is left over for what you still need. By taking this simple step to plan ahead first, you ensure that you’ll be able to have a complete Halloween experience, and healthier finances than ever.

Use These Tips To Save On Costumes

One of the most exciting parts of Halloween are the costumes. But you’ve probably noticed… they can be expensive! Here are some ways you can save on costumes without sacrificing on quality.

• Visit a Thrift Store

During Halloween, the thrift stores near you will be packed with costumes. This is the first place I recommend looking, because you can often find exactly what you’re looking for right away.

This is especially true if you don’t already have a costume in mind. As you’re shopping, you’ll see something that you like and bam… you just solved two problems at once.

Dave Ramsey suggests a game you can play with your kids at the thrift store. Give each of them an envelope with $5 – $10 inside. Tell them they can get whatever they want for their costume, but it has to fit within that budget. Then watch as they go around the store and creatively put together a costume they’re proud to call their own.

• Talk to Your Neighbors

Halloween costumes are a little like prom dresses. Most people wear them once and never again. That means your neighbors probably have a lot of high-quality costumes laying around that they aren’t planning on using this year.

If you provide the leadership and organize a “costume swap”, you can get everyone in the neighborhood together to switch costumes.

• Make Your Own Costume

If you fancy yourself good at crafts, Halloween is the perfect time to let your talents fly. You can use apps like Instagram and TikTok and search the hashtags for Halloween costumes. See what’s trending and what other people are making. Then you can make the type of costume that can win a competition for pennies on the dollar… and with your own hand.

• Buy Costumes After Halloween

This won’t help you this year, but it could save you quite a bit next year. Right after Halloween, costumes will be on clearance. This is a great way to get an amazing, high-quality costume next year for about as cheap as it will get.

Other Halloween Savings Tips

Candy

Stores have major Halloween sales right before the holiday. So make sure you only buy candy that is specifically on sale. I especially recommend you go to a bulk food store like Costco or Sam’s club. Here you’ll be able to find massive boxes of great candy on sale.

Right after holiday is another time when stores have huge candy sales. This is a great time to load up on all the candy you’ll need for Christmas.

Decorations

Head to yard-sales, dollar stores, and even craigslist for inexpensive decorations. Use colored lightbulbs for a cheap way to get that eerie Halloween effect.

There are two schools of thought regarding decorations. You can either go cheap and rebuy every year, or you can buy more high-quality, expensive items that you reuse. Ultimately, after a few years, the high-quality décor will actually save you money. However, the one-use items will be far cheaper in the short-term, so use the strategy that works for your budget.

Entertainment

Make sure to attend free Halloween events around your city. This can include trunk-or-treats, cook offs, and other fun community experiences. To find out about these events, use Facebook events for October. Scroll through and specifically look for free events.

You can also check your city library or city council website for a list of city sponsored events (usually the most affordable and value packed).

And of course, there’s no better place to get free candy than trick-or-treating!

Retail Halloween Sales

Halloween is one of the biggest savings holidays of the year. This means you can buy all kinds of non-Halloween related goods for cheaper than usual. Most of your favorite retail stores will have some kind of fall/Halloween sale.

On Vipon.com, we have a huge list of Halloween coupons, as well as fall accessories that are on sale for 50% off or even more.

Do you own your finances, or do your finances own you?

The easiest way to tell is to check your credit score. This is basically your financial grade in life. And having a great score makes almost all major purchases in life easier and cheaper (including cars, houses, and business loans).

On the other hand, a low score shackles you, putting serious limits on your ability to do what you want, when you want to.

In today’s article, I’ll be discussing some techniques you can use to raise your credit score as quickly as possible. (If you don’t have any credit and are starting from scratch, make sure to read the beginner’s section at the end.)

What Goes Into Your Credit Score?

What makes up a good credit score? Here is what financial companies look at:

Credit History

Your credit history demonstrates how solid you are at repaying debt over the long-term. Since keeping good credit over time takes a lot of discipline, if you can do it, banks feel comfortable loaning money to you.

The longer your (positive) credit history, the better your score will be. Which is why it’s good to start using credit as soon as you believe you responsibly can.

Utilization Rate

Your utilization rate is how much money you use based on your limit. So if you have a limit of $10,000, using $3,000 is a utilization rate of 30%.

Banks prefer to lend to people who utilize less of their available credit. So if you want to quickly raise your credit score, make sure you’re keeping your utilization rate under 30%.

On Time Payments

This is the bread-and-butter of your credit score. The longer your history of making on-time payments is, the higher your credit score will be. For this reason, it’s crucially important that you only use your credit card for purchases you know you can afford.

Treat it like cash. Don’t spend if you can’t pay it off. The system is designed to make going into debt as lucrative as possible for credit card companies. In other words, the second you pay your bill off late, you’re in their system, playing by their rules.

These are multi-billion-dollar companies who have spent untold billions on learning consumer behavior. Please do not think you can outsmart them. Borrow only what you can afford to pay back.

Credit Variety

Banks want to lend to people who have a long history of paying off a variety of loans. This means if you have a car loan, mortgage, or other loan and pay it off regularly, your credit score will increase faster.

What To Do If You Don’t Have Credit

Because of how important credit history is, the sooner you start the better. However, if you’ve never had credit in your life, it can be difficult to get started. So here’s what you do:

Go to your local bank and get a secured credit card. To get this card, you’ll need to pay a deposit usually of around $300. The bank holds onto this as collateral in case you don’t make your payments.

Use your secured card on small purchases throughout the month, and ALWAYS pay it off on time.

After 6 months, you can sign up for a non-secured credit card. But keep the same strategy. After about a year of doing this, you can sign up for a charge card, which will allow you to build your credit even faster.

Common Credit Myths Busted

Now we’re going to talk about some credit card myths that a lot of people believe, even though they’re 100% false!

Myth #1: You need to pay interest or keep a balance to build credit

Some people think the only way to build credit is to be LATE on your payment, therefore paying interest. This is patently false. Paying interest has not been shown to raise your credit score, so why give the banks any more money than you have to?

Myth #2: It hurts your credit score to check it online

It does not hurt your credit score to check it. In fact, you can use a website like CreditKarma.com to check your credit score whenever you’d like. We recommend checking it at least once a month to make sure everything is going in the right direction.

Myth #3: Having Too Many Credit Cards Is Bad

Actually, having more than 1 credit card gives you more credit, which makes it easier to have a low utilization rate. For example, if you have 1 credit card with a limit of $10,000, and you use $3,000 of credit, your utilization rate is 30%. But if you have 10 credit cards each with a $10,000 limit, you have $100,000 credit and now only have a 3% utilization rate!

It’s not exactly a ‘sexy’ task, but it’s gotta be done at least once a year. If the thought of deep cleaning your kitchen makes you groan, don’t worry – this article will not only show you some innovative ways to easily deep clean your kitchen, it will show you how to save money the whole way through.

Ready? Let’s do it!

You Will Need…

Before we get started, I’m going to recommend a few very affordable tools. These will make your job a lot easier, and most of them cost just $1.

• Duster
• Spray Bottle
• Cleaning Cloth
• Microfiber Cloth
• Scrub Brush
• Clorox Mop

I recommend you search these on Vipon first, as we often have coupons for 50% off or more. If you can’t find a coupon, then go to your local Dollar Tree for the second cheapest option.

Making Your Cheap, All-Purpose, Natural Cleaner

To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of using harsh chemicals to clean. I hate how it makes my kitchen smell like chemicals for days. I also don’t like what it does to my hands. The cheap solution? I make my own cleaner with vinegar and water.

To make your solution, mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. You can now use this just about EVERYWHERE in your kitchen to kill all the germs, get rid of dirt and grime, and make the place spotless. Yes, it will smell a little like vinegar. Personally, I far prefer it to chemical cleaner.

Setting The Stage

Once you’ve made your cleaner, you want to clear off all the countertops and surfaces. If you keep pretty organized, this is an easy task. If not, well, what better time than the present! Wash all the dishes and put them away. Make sure every surface is clear.

Dust From The Top Down

First, we want to dust everything from the top down. Use a dollar tree duster to clean the top of the cabinets and the top of the fridge. Don’t forget the tops of your doors! If you have drapes on your windows, take them down and toss them in the washing machine.

By starting from the top, all the dust gradually falls onto the cabinets. Then, when you dust the cabinets, the dust falls to the floor, where it gets swept up. This means you never need to clean something twice!

Bust Out The Water + Vinegar

Now for the fun part. Take out your homemade cleaning solution and use a dollar tree cloth to clean the cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, and electrical outlets. The water + vinegar is simple, but it’s going to surprise you how effective it is! It’s true: you don’t need borderline radioactive chemicals to deep clean.

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel appliances like the fridge, use your solution with a dollar tree microfiber cloth. And here’s a special tip: if you want your stainless steel to look better than ever, put a tiny dab of olive oil on the microfiber cloth, then wipe it on the stainless steel for an incredible shine.

Oven Cleaning Hack

Now for what is usually the tough part: cleaning the oven. Now, most ovens come with a self-cleaning mode. But personally I don’t like how it heats and stinks up the whole house. So, I choose to use a baking soda + water paste. First, clean the oven of any food and crumbs that are easily picked up.

Then, mix soda + water together until it’s the consistency of toothpaste, and spread it all over the oven. Let it sit for about 30 minutes until it’s totally dry. Then, use a damp cloth and wipe it up. You’ll be shocked at just how much grime this mixture gets out of your oven, and it takes about 15 minutes cleaning time total. Not bad!

For the oven racks, here’s another trick. Put an old towel down in the bathtub and fill it up about halfway with hot water. Then put in half a cup of laundry detergent. Let sit for about 20 minutes. Use a dollar tree scrubber to scrub away all the grime. Again it’s going to come off immediately with virtually 0 effort. And you’ll be left with cleaner oven racks than you’ve ever had before!

Lastly, don’t forget to remove the oven filters from the top of your stove (where the fan is). Over time these get incredibly grimy. Don’t worry – you can put them in your dishwasher and they’ll be good as new.

Don’t Forget The Faucet

Last but not least, don’t forget your faucet! Take a zip-lock bag and fill it up with white wine vinegar. Then tie it around your faucet so the faucet is resting in the vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Again, it will look good as new with almost no effort!

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, deep cleaning your kitchen doesn’t have to be a nightmare. When you use all these tricks, it can actually be fun – and your kitchen will look better than ever. Best of all, by using these methods, you save a bunch of money, giving you a luxury clean feeling while hardly costing a dime!

We’re extremely proud to announce the biggest update to Vipon ever.

If you love to save on Amazon, then you will love these new features. 

Saving On Vipon Just Got Social

Vipon is now social! Under every deal, you’ll see comments from shoppers just like you. These comments will tell you everything you need to know about the deal. This gives you a second opinion on the value, saving you time and money.

And that’s not all. Now you can leave comments to help other shoppers. And you earn Vipon points by leaving comments. What are those? I’m glad you asked!

Earn Cash With Vipon Reward Points

Now when you visit Vipon, you’ll earn rewards just for using the platform. You can earn points for

• Register a shopper account and verify it
• Daily Login
• Leave comments
• Get coupons
• Complete your profile
• And more… 

After you have enough points, you can exchange them for product, or even cash. (If you choose cash, you can transfer it to your PayPal account once you hit the threshold.)

Save Even More Time and Money With The New Vipon App!

Now for the best news: we’re releasing an all new version of the Vipon app. This is the most customizable version of the app yet. You can customize your name and avatar. You can also change how deals show up to save you time and money, there’re two layouts available.

The all-new Vipon app seamlessly incorporates social activities into saving. Comments are easy to scroll through and highly readable. And leaving your own comments is as easy as swiping your finger.

In fact, with the new Vipon app, everything is now easier. We’ve put a major focus on refining the user experience, and we’re confident you will love the new design.

We’re Committed to Saving You Money On Amazon

Over 45,000 Amazon coupons are posted on Vipon every single day. We work hard to find the best sellers and bring their products to you at a better price than anywhere else.

With our new update, Vipon is now even better. Best of all, you can now be apart of Vipon in a new way. By leaving comments, you can help shoppers and earn rewards. So what are you waiting for? Download the new Vipon app today and start saving! 

If you understand how to book cheap plane tickets, the sky is the limit. You can go anywhere—even out of the country—for prices that might surprise you.

In today’s article, we’ll give you a few tips that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, on plane tickets from now on.

• Be Flexible

The best prices for flights often come when it’s not convenient. Last minute, odd dates, and unique locations. If you HAVE to go to a specific location, at a specific date, on a specific airline, you’re generally going to be very limited in what kinds of deals are available.

On the other hand, if you’re just looking to go somewhere, the world is your oyster. You can sign up for services that will alert you about random tickets (as we’ll discuss shortly). The prices on these tickets will be far lower than usual – sometimes by hundreds of dollars.

It can be exciting to go somewhere you never thought about going, too. When the price is right, you get the ticket. Then you look up different places to see. It’s an adventure. If you have this kind of attitude, you’ll find yourself with an abundance of travel opportunities, no matter what your budget.

• Use Incognito Mode

Most people buy their tickets online these days. If you buy the very first time you search for a flight, this is fine. However, if you like to search multiple times before choosing a ticket, you need to be aware of a somewhat shady industry practice.

All of the popular web browsers today track cookies. This means a website knows when you visit a website, and then visit again. To some extent, they are tracking your behavior. If an airline website sees you checking on a flight over and over again over the course of a week or so, they will often artificially inflate the price. This is to get you off the fence and give you the urgency you need to buy the ticket.

You can protect yourself by using either private or incognito browsing. In Google Chrome, you can open a private session by pushing cmd + shift + m (mac) or cntrl + shift + m (windows).

• Book Your Ticket on One of These Websites

To get the cheapest possible prices, you should use a plane ticket aggregate site. This is a website that searches multiple airlines at once, giving you the best possible price.

Here is a list of three of the best:

Kayak.com

Cheapoair.com

Skyscanner

If you can check one of these websites at least a month ahead of your travel date, you’ll generally save at least $100, and usually even more.

• Use a Ticket Alert App

If you’re open minded, a ticket alert app is by far the cheapest way to get great plane tickets. These apps will send you periodic notifications whenever a plane ticket to anywhere is cheap. For example, next weekend, there could be a plane ticket to Miami for 80% off the normal price.

With these kinds of apps, you can either set a location you want to visit, dates you want to visit, or keep it open ended. If you set a location, the app will alert you whenever that location is very low. If you set a date, the app will alert you of flights to anywhere leaving on that date at an amazing price.

A good example of this kind of app is called “Hitlist”. It’s free, and you can set it up in seconds.

• Know Your Budget Airlines

Certain airlines go above and beyond when it comes to cutting ticket prices. But, this comes at a cost. Most people are already uncomfortable when flying. But these budget airlines remove most of the remaining “luxuries”. This means less leg rooms, no snacks, and you may even have to print your own boarding pass or pay a fee!

If you’re willing to be uncomfortable for a few hours to save a lot, it can be worth it. If you do decide to fly a budget airline, be sure to read all the instructions and fine print carefully. Budget airlines will generally charge a fee for anything that is not explicitly stated as coming with the ticket price.

With that in mind, here are some top budget airlines based on their location:

USA: Southwest, Jet Blue, Frontier, Spirit.

Canada: Swoop, WOW Air, Porter.

Europe: Ryanair, Easyjet, Vueling.

Asia: Air Asia, Tiger Air, Jet star.

• Sign Up for Reward Programs

When you find an airline that you like, sign up for their rewards program. That way, every time you fly you add up miles that can later be exchanged for free flights. It takes just a few minutes and can pay off huge over time.

Best Wishes,

The Vipon Team.

What would you do with an extra $1,500? I bet you can think of a lot.

Well, that’s about as much as the average person can expect to get from hosting a successful garage/yard sale. In fact, you can probably make even more. It’s not uncommon to pull in $3,000+ from a single sale… especially if you’ve never had one before.

The truth is, most of us accumulate a lot of stuff over our lives that we just don’t need anymore. By selling it at a discount, you give people the opportunity to save a ton of money. You get rid of excess stuff that’s doing nothing more than taking up space. And you put a big chunk of change into your bank account!

Here are our top tips to make your garage sale a total success.

Have it Early in the Month

Most people get paid at the first of the month. So if you have your garage sale at the first of the month, people will have plenty of money to spend.

Usually, a weekend is the best time to host your sale, since that’s when most people are free. If you have enough items, you can host your sale throughout the weekend. This way, when people come to visit, they may see something their friend or other family member would love. If you have it over the entire weekend, they can bring that person the next day.

Also, make sure you don’t have your garage sale on a holiday weekend. Most people have plans on holiday weekends and going to a garage sale is the furthest thing on their mind.

Promote, Promote, Promote!

The success of your garage sale is directly tied to how well you promote it. After all, I can guarantee that there is somebody in your city who needs every single item you’re selling. If you can advertise it well enough to reach them, you ensure you will make the most money possible.

Also, the more people who are shopping, the higher the price you’ll get for most items. If only a handful of people show up, you’ll have to sell your items for what they’re willing to pay for them. If your sale is packed, on the other hand, if one person won’t buy due to the price, odds are, another person will.

There are two approaches to promoting your sale: online and offline. We recommend you use both. For offline marketing, grab some large neon colored signs from the store. Then get a big, fat, permanent marker. Write “YARD SALE” on the signs, with the date of the sale, and the address of the location. Look at them from a distance to make sure someone in a car will be able to clearly read them.

Then, post them up in the parts of your neighborhood with the most traffic.

For online advertising, you can search for Groups on Facebook where people buy/sell/swap items online. Post some clear pictures of some of the best goods you’re selling with the price to these groups. Be responsive to the comments and answer any questions.

By using these two simple approaches, you’ll have a flood of people buying your excess stuff.

Put Your Best Items Up Front

As you’re going through your stuff, you’ll find some items that you know are going to be hits. Be sure to put these front and center so they’re the first thing people see when they pull up.

Not only do these items grab attention, they’re also very easy for people to take pictures of and share with their friends. If they see a basketball hoop at an amazing price, they may post it on Facebook telling everyone where to find it.

Put Your Sales Hat On

If you’ve ever been to a store like Nordstrom, you’ll know that almost as soon as you set foot inside it, a salesperson is greeting you. They’ll ask you how your day is going and, importantly, what you’re looking for. By knowing why you’re in the store, the salesperson can direct you to all the items you may want to buy.

If you want to maximize your earnings in your own sale, adopt a similar approach. Talk to people and see why they’re at the sale. Ask them what they’re looking for. Get an idea about who they are. Then, trust your gut. If your gut tells you they may be interested in an item, recommend it to them. 

Offer bulk discounts if they want to buy multiple items. Or, if they want a discount, you can give it to them provided they share the sale on Facebook.

Final Thoughts

Having your own yard sale isn’t rocket science. And it’s one of the fastest, most sure-fire way to inject your bank account with a nice chunk of change. On top of this, you’re clearing out a lot of excess stuff that probably does nothing but cause you stress. That’s what we like to call a win-win-win!

Best Wishes,

The Vipon Team

When it comes to food, nothing tastes better than fresh.

Yet most of us rarely eat truly fresh food. We might buy something at the grocery store that’s traveled in a truck for days before reaching us. Or, we might pay for a meal in a high-end restaurant, without knowing when the food we’re eating arrived.

The fresher the food, the more it’s teeming with life and vital nutrients. The better it tastes. And the better you’ll feel. Best of all, if you know what you’re doing, this food can also be the cheapest.

The secret is to know how to take advantage of your local Farmer’s Market. So read on to learn a few tricks that will help you pay less than grocery store prices for produce better than high-end restaurants! 

Adopt a Flexible Cooking Style

One key to save at a Farmer’s Market is developing meals on the fly. For example, you may want to make a nice, fresh salad. So you go to the market. Romaine lettuce is just as much as the grocery. But you find a vendor selling Kale for a very good price. As you continue shopping, you find more deals on cheese and mushrooms.

When you finally leave the Farmer’s Market, you have all the ingredients for an incredible salad. It’s all in season and fresh as can be. If you are flexible enough at cooking to make a meal on the fly, not only will you save money, you’ll create unique, delicious meals that you’d normally never think of!

Ask the Vendor’s Questions

In a Farmer’s Market, vendors will often return for an entire season. Don’t be afraid to get to know them. Asking them what’s for sale or what’s in season is not just a way to save, but the potential start of a new relationship.

When you find a fair vendor, you can return every week for similar prices. The better you know them, the more they’ll clue you on to special deals. If you know them well enough, they may even give you a special price!

Know the Peak Season for Your Favorite Fruits + Veggies

You probably know that different fruits and veggies are “in season” at certain times of the year. When they’re in season, not only is the price lower, the food is as fresh as it’s ever going to get.

What you might know is that the price can change during the season. This is because most farmers want to be either the first or last person selling that food. If they’re the first-person selling Strawberries, they can set the price. If they have to compete with 50 other farmers, the market sets the price.

That’s why you’ll find the best deals during peak season. This is when every farmer is selling the same veggie.

The best way to find what veggies are in season in your area is to use a free tool provided by Seasonal Food Guide: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/

Run this tool before you go to the market. Then, only buy items that you see multiple vendors selling it. This means the produce is in peak season and will be the freshest—and cheapest.

Ask for “Ugly” Produce

Customers prefer their produce to look good. We want the crisp, clean apple over the bruised, malformed one. Yet the truth is, in most cases, ugly produce is just as delicious, if not more so, than pretty.

So when you’re shopping, you can specifically ask the vendor if they have uglier produce on sale for a discount. Take it home and cut off the bruises. I promise – it will taste just as fresh and delicious. And your bank account will love how little you paid for it!

Go on Bad Weather Days

When the weather is warm and sunny, everyone is out at the market. Vendors have plenty of customers. So they are much less likely to make a deal with you.

If you go when it’s raining, on the other hand, you might be uncomfortable, yet you’ll be one of the few customers there. If you’re shopping at a stall with a lot of goods and very few customers, don’t be afraid to ask for a deal. In most cases, the vendor would rather make less money than no money. And you can walk away from the market with tons of fresh goods.

Stay Until the End

At the end of the Farmer’s Market, vendors still want to make money. However, by this time most of the customers have left. This is the perfect time to go around asking for any last-minute specials. More often than not, vendors will be willing to give you a deal since you’re the last one around spending money.

Buy in Bulk

As a general rule, when you buy in bulk, you can save. This is even more true at Farmer’s Markets, where a vendor may be unsure if they will sell out of all their stock. If you have an extra freezer, this is the perfect way to stock up on delicious produce for a whole month or longer.

It’s a good idea to do this once you’ve visited the market a few times. By then you’ll know the vendors better. And you’ll know who is likely to give you the best price.

Best Wishes,

The Vipon Team

The Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want.”

And they’re right – especially if you’re on a budget. But you know what? You still deserve to live the good life. That’s why in today’s article, we’re going to give you 7 tips to get that luxury feel… without breaking the bank.

• Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil smells and tastes amazing. Plus, it’s one of the most useful natural substances on the planet!

It can moisturize your skin, making it soft and smooth. It can condition your hair, making it look like you just spent a fortune at a high-end salon. It can make your teeth whiter, fight infections, improve wound healing, boost bone health, and more.

Plus, it’s delicious to cook with! All for an extremely low and affordable price.

• Get Massages and Hair Cuts From Students

We all store tension in our bodies and massage is a great way to get it out. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive, with many masseuses charging $75 per hour at a minimum! That is, unless you go to a massage school.

Here, students are learning their technique, and are looking for someone to practice on. Although it probably won’t be as good as a professional, it will only cost a fraction of the price. Some schools will even give hour long massages for as low as $20!

The same technique works with haircuts. You can get professional cuts that would normally cost $100+ for $50 or even less.

• Rent

Whatever it is you want to buy, chances are you can rent it for a whole lot less. I’m not just talking about cars and houses. You can rent clothes, cameras, computers, skateboards… you name it.

For example, a high-end Canon camera will cost you north of $3,000. However, to use it for an entire day will generally only cost $80 – $100. A piano that costs $5,000 to buy may come to just $50 a month to rent.

• Mood Lighting

Part of getting that luxury feeling is being totally comfortable in your home. The fastest—and cheapest–way to do that is to get a few new lights. You don’t have to go crazy. There are many beautiful lights sold at Vipon for $10 – $20. When in doubt, you can always buy a string of Christmas lights to warm up any corner.

Set them up in strategic places and turn them on at night. I guarantee you will love the new feel!

• Check Facebook Events

Did you know that Facebook has a calendar? It’s true. You can use it to find thousands of events right in your area. And you can also see whether they require a ticket or are free (tons of them are free).

These events can range from painting lessons, poetry readings, art gallery strolls, lectures and more. I once attended a presentation on The Beatles. It totally changed how I view one of my favorite bands, and it was completely free!

This is a great way to meet new, like-minded friends, and get involved more in your local community.

• Buy Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

We all love the glitz and glimmer of diamonds. Yet few of us can afford to wear them regularly. Unless, of course, you buy Cubic Zirconia!

Cubic Zirconia is a man-made material that looks exactly like a diamond. And I mean exactly! In fact, when it was first invented, it was so cheap it threatened to put diamond retailers out of business.

Then diamond retailers came up with a plan. They noticed that Cubic Zirconia was actually more perfect than real diamonds. So they started saying that unless your diamond had flaws, it wasn’t worth anything!

Of course, you can only see those flaws under a high-powered jewelry microscope.

In other words, there is absolutely no way a human eye can tell the difference between a $2,000 diamond ring and a $29 cubic zirconium. So ball out!

• Drink More Water

Did you know that you’re 60% water? If you’re not getting enough, it will impact every aspect of your life. Being dehydrated, even just a little bit, can cause headaches, muscles aches, exhaustion, itchy skin, dry eyes… the list goes on and on.

Why not fill up a fresh glass right now? Take your time and enjoy it. Make sure you’re drinking enough throughout the day – especially if you like coffee (which dehydrates you). The rule of thumb is 8 glasses every day. And of course, water is free!

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, you don’t need a fortune to feel like a King or Queen. Try using these methods to get that luxury feel without feeling guilty. Meanwhile you can keep the savings and, eventually, use it for something you’ve always wanted.

Best Wishes,

The Vipon Team

Traveling the world is a wonderful thing. You get exposed to a brand-new culture that can transform your worldview. You see sights that absolutely blow you away and form memories that last a lifetime. And, it will even give you a new appreciation for your hometown when you return.

Sadly, many people believe that international vacations are out of their price range. But the truth is that some high-quality international vacations are cheaper than staying in the USA!

In today’s article, I’ll show you 4 of our personal favorites.

Barcelona, Spain

A Europe trip is often seen as an expensive proposition—and for good reason. France, Germany, Italy, and many other countries cost thousands of dollars per week. Spain, on the other hand, is not only an incredible vacation spot, it’s affordable.

You’ll love walking under the shade of the tall plane trees in Las Ramblas. Or, if you’re a foodie, you can’t miss seafood Paella right on the beach. And if you’re a lover of art, you’ll find the architecture of the Sagrada-Familia breathtaking.

And don’t forget the beach! With temperatures in the high 70s throughout the fall and a boardwalk that stretches for miles, you’re certain to get the perfect tan.

As with any international trip, the plane ticket makes up the bulk of the cost. Tickets to Barcelona are surprisingly cheap, though, with many deals for under $500 from San Francisco (as long as you avoid July and August—tourist hot months).

Guangzhou, China

When most people think of a vacation in China, they think of the Great Wall. Yet China has so much more to offer… and all at incredibly affordable prices. Best of all, most of the major cities are totally connected by fast, easy-to-use subway trains. This means you can travel all over, usually for less than $2 a day!

Guangzhou is the southern capital of China and home to the Cantonese people. It’s home to some of the most delicious food in Asia, including world-famous Dim Sum.

In Guangzhou, we recommend exploring the historic district. There you can see original, ancient brick roads, and enjoy some of the Cantonese street food.

If you’re not afraid of heights, you’re going to love Canton Tower. Prior to August of 2013, the Canton Tower was the tallest building in the world. The front of the elevator is made of glass, and watching the ground disappear as you rocket upwards is an amazing thrill.  

Roundtrip flight prices to Guangzhou can often be found for less than $500. And you can stay in a nice location and eat all the delicious Cantonese food you can handle for less than $30 a day.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When most people think of Thailand, they think of the beautiful tropical beaches—of which there are many. However, Thailand also has some of the most incredible mountain scenery on the planet. And most of it is found in the city of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest cities, so you have many of the amenities and comforts you expect in the USA. It also has a large expat community, so many of the citizens speak fluent English. The locals are always smiling and used to foreigners.

And the food is to die for.

Seriously. Thailand is known for some of the most delicious food in the world. Seafood, coconut curries, crispy pork, and more can be found for pennies on the dollar, often made to order right in front of you!

Plane tickets are cheapest between May and October. Fall is the best time to visit, since it’s after the incredibly rainy monsoon season that lasts the entire summer. After the plane ticket, you can expect to pay just $20 – $39 a day for a quality time in Chiang Mai. 

Bogota, Colombia

If you’re more adventurous at heart, you’ll never forget a vacation to Colombia! Known for its incredible nature, warm, welcoming people, and a vibrant night life that never quits, Bogota is quickly becoming a must-visit city.

The first thing you’re going to want to do in Bogota is explore La Candelaria. This is the historic center of the city. Walk the brick streets and enjoy the energy of the locals. Although Bogota is becoming more popular, it’s still semi-rare to see a tourist. As a result you’ll get many people looking at you with curiosity.

Ride the tram to the top of the Monserrate for a view of the entire city (and surrounding valley).

Round trip tickets are generally less than $500, making it one of the most affordable international vacations you can find. Once you land, you can live in a safe area and eat delicious food for $32 a day total. Not bad!

Best Wishes,
The Vipon Team

Every shopper’s favorite time of the year is right around the corner. The annual shopping holiday Amazon Prime Day is happening on July 15^th and 16^th and shopping lovers around the globe are getting ready for some serious shopping. And yes, it is reserved for Amazon’s Prime users only, but you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to take advantage of the best deal ahead of you.

Although Amazon Prime Day offers discounts and special prices on everything you might (or might not) need, it’s important that you shop smartly and avoid throwing your money away. If you’re not quite sure how to save money on Amazon Prime Day, the guide below will help you do it.

Let’s break it down together.  

• Avoid Fake Deals

You have to be aware that, during Amazon Prime Day, you’re not the only one looking for a great deal. More than 2 million sellers on Amazon will try to make the best out of these two days, and sell as many items as possible.

To enhance their chances, some Amazon sellers will use tricks and set up fake deals.

For example, they’ll change and increase the original price of an item, and then lower the price offering a fake discount.

This way, they’re tricking you into thinking you’ve found a great deal when you’re actually paying the regular price.

To avoid fake deals such as these you need to:

• check the price history of the item in question
• use apps to track the pricing of desired items
• double check any deal that sounds too good to be true

Don’t let them trick you with imaginary deals.

• Compare with Other Stores

Just because it’s Amazon Prime Day and you’ve found something that seems to be a great deal, you should still check other stores and compare the prices.

Therefore, you should stick to this routine:

• add items to your shopping list
• before you purchase, run a little investigation
• visit other stores and look for those exact items
• compare the prices to ensure you really did find a great deal
• purchase

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Sneak Peek Deals Notifications

You want to be well-prepared for Prime Day and find the best deals out there so as to save money.

To make sure you’re well-informed and know where to look first, you should:

• download the Amazon App
• enable personalized notifications
• get notified when sneak peek Prime Day deals start

This way, you’ll be one of the first to get the great deals and shop the items you desire at lower prices.

• Prime Day Launches

Amazon always walks the extra mile for its users, so for Prime Day, they offer special Prime Day Launches.

What are these?

• products never seen before
• available for a specific time period
• available to Prime users only

Check out Amazon’s Prime Day Launches section even before the actual Prime Day to get the best deals.

• Get Your Credit

If you plan on doing shopping via Amazon, it’s certainly the best idea for you to download their app. The app will make the whole process easier, but there’s more to it than just convenient shopping.

Let’s take a look at how you can get shopping credit on Amazon:

• download the Amazon App and sign up for the first time to get a $10 credit
• download the Amazon Assistant app and sign up for the first time to get another $10 credit
• spend at least $10on Whole Foods Market, and you’ll get a $10 discount on your next Amazon purchase

  Make the most out of your shopping and claim your credits and discounts.

• Twitch Sells Out

If you’re a gamer, then you must know about the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers called Twitch.

In collaboration with Amazon, they’ve prepared an event called Twitch Sells Out: A Prime Day Special Event, and it starts July 15 at 10 am PT.

Watch this stream to get notified about the best Prime Day deals for gamers and get in on all the incredible deals they’ve got lined up.

• Non-Tech Deals

Amazon Prime Day may be primarily focused on tech deals and allowing you to purchase all those gadgets you’ve always wanted at a lower price.

However, it’s not a tech-exclusive event.

On the contrary, you can find products and items of all kind so make sure you keep your eyes wide open for anything that comes to your mind

• Shop with Cashback

Another great way to save money while shopping on Amazon Prime Day is to use a cashback service for each of your purchases.

You can get a 10% or 15% of your purchase back or be awarded in coupons and gift cards.

Find a cashback service your trust and make sure to use it on Prime Day.

• Amazon Alexa

Finally, you can always use that extra set of hands to find just the items you’re looking for during Prime Day.

There’s no one better to help you out than Alexa.

Use Alexa to:

• find what you’re looking for
• search for best deals
• select items and make purchases
• set reminders to yourself

Get ahead of others with the help of Alexa and you’ll be the first one the find the best deals and save money.

Final Thoughts

With Amazon Prime Day 2019 coming up, you better get ready for shopping and saving your money. All you have to do is know what to look out for, how to find the best deals, and how to spend your money wisely.

Hopefully, this guide will help you shop smartly, save money, and enjoy your newly purchased items.

About the author: Daniela McVicker is an editor at Top Writers Review. She is fascinated by technology evolution and is constantly keeping an eye on corporations to check so that she can be the first to spread the news when a new product is launched.

The 4^th of July is almost here. Can you smell the fireworks?

Here are 7 easy ways to make this fourth of July the best you’ve ever had (for you and your family).

Go on a Picnic

The weather in July is notoriously good all across the nation. So there really isn’t a better time to pack some sandwiches up and have a picnic by the lake. During the picnic you can read famous stories about the holiday, like Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the Declaration of Independence or Valley Forge.

Lounge in the Pool

There’s no better antidote to the hot July sun than relaxing in a cool pool. Stretch out and improve your tan, lay on a pool floatie and read a book, or splash around with the kids. Just make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen!

Host a Block Party

July 4^th is the perfect time to get together with your friends and extended family. And there’s no better way to do that than hosting a block party. Arrange for people to bring their own food and dishes. While you’re firing up the grill, here are some fun games everyone can play:

• Red White & Blue Tag

Give everyone a strip of paper that is either red, white or blue. When you tag another person, you get their strip of paper. The first to have all three wins.

• American History Trivia

Test your knowledge of American history with a game of history trivia. Create questions relating to famous battles (like Lexington & Concord), famous people (like Patrick Henry and Ben Franklin), and famous locations (like Valley Forge).

• Bike Decorating Contest

Have all the kids decorate their bikes with red, white and blue streamers. When the bikes are decorated, go on a bike ride so they can show them off to everyone.

• Capture the American Flag

Just like capture the flag, only you use one blue flag and one red one. Put them at opposing ends of the field. If someone is tagged, they’re out. The team that brings the flag from one side of the field to the other wins!

• Water Balloon Dodge Ball

This one is perfect for especially hot days. Fill up a bunch of red, white, and blue balloons with water. Then set up two sides on a small field. Anyone who gets hit by a balloon is out for the remainder of the match. The team who manages to get all the opposing side out wins.

• Air Mail Ballots

Get a few red, white and blue frisbees. Then cut a slit in a cardboard box that’s big enough for them to fly through with relative ease. Decorate the cardboard box like a ballot box you would put votes in. Stand back 10 – 15 feet and try and throw the frisbees through the ballot box. The person who can throw the most in wins.

After you play these games and everyone gets their fill of the delicious food, you can bust out the fireworks for a magnificent closing display.

Make Your Own Festive Crafts

Let’s face it – red, white and blue looks good on everything! From painted pots to a revolutionary war inspired quilt, there are countless ways to add your own touch of patriotism around the house.

Make a Hot Dog Station

Who doesn’t love hot dogs? Take it to the next level this 4^th with a dedicated hot dog station. Include all the essentials like ketchup, mustard and buns. Take things to the next level with barbeque sauce, relish, chili, or anything else you can think of.

Watch a Parade

July 4^th may have the best parade of the year. With music, games, entertainment and food trucks galore, a 4^th of July parade is something the whole family can enjoy. Make sure to arrive at the parade grounds early to secure a good seat.

Take Independence Day Photos

Dress up like your favorite 4^th of July hero (don’t forget the fake beards) and take group photos together. Hold flags and pop confetti poppers for memories that will last a lifetime.

Go on a Trip

The 4^th of July is different all across the nation. Visit Washington D.C., and you can see the fireworks display right on the Lincoln Memorial (with every explosion reflecting in the pool below). Visit Seattle for a waterfront fireworks display that is one of the best in the nation. In San Diego, you can see the fireworks on the beach.

Philadelphia and Boston are both homes to a huge amount of colonial history. Schedule a tour of the city in the days leading up to the fourth, gain a new, deep appreciation for the history, and cap it all off with a brilliant display of fireworks. What’s not to love?  

Best wishes,
The Vipon Team.

With Fathers’ Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the activities to make this occasion a day to remember for your dad. But just because you are making Fathers’ Day extra special, it doesn’t mean you have to empty your piggy bank to do so.

Small and thoughtful gifts often evoke the best reactions when it comes to opening presents, and free activities are often the best way to connect the whole family for special events.

Make Sure He Looks the Part

You can’t let your dad walk around on this special day without letting the world know how special he is to you. A fun way to accomplish this is to buy him a T-shirt that accurately depicts his abilities as a parent.

Whether you choose this legendary shirt, or this cool graphic tee to show how great your dad is, everyone who sees him this Fathers’ Day will know just how proud you are of him.

Take the Family Out for a Picnic

Since most dads spend most of their waking hours at work to provide an income for you and your family, they cherish the time that you get to spend together as a family.

There’s no better free activity than taking your family out for a picnic.

So pile up your favorite food, snacks and drinks in this picnic lunchbox ,
wine tote bag and head out to either your local park or the beach to spend the day playing games, eating your favorite foods and supplying your dad with his favorite drinks.

Help Him Out Around the House

Let’s face it, there’s always one home improvement project that your father keeps putting off.

Whether that’s putting up some shelves or taking on something larger like fixing his old motorbike, these jobs often fall down the priority list when he devotes his time to making your weekend activities happen instead.

So why not give your time back by helping him with his latest DIY project? Many fathers would appreciate the help, as finishing the job will give them a great sense of satisfaction.

Help him to get organized before starting the work with this useful utility belt, which will keep all on the tools he needs in one place whilst you give him the help he needs to complete the job.

Find Steep Discounts On Vipon

It may be the case that you know exactly which gift to give your dad this Fathers’ Day. In which case, you are probably best served by shopping on Vipon to get the best possible price for the products you’re interested in purchasing.

Whether that’s a pair of new shoes, or a new pair of shades for the summer, Vipon has over 40,000 products to choose from. With discounts of up to 90%, you are sure to find yourself a bargain here at Vipon!

Fathers’ Day Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth

As we’ve shown you, you don’t have to rack up huge bills to make this year’s Fathers’ Day extra special. The old saying “It’s the thought that counts” is just as true today as it ever has been.

So plan a day full of meaningful activities, and of course grab a few discounted presents to make your dad feel good about himself on this special day.

Best wishes,

Vipon Team

The bottom 20% of American households ranked by income have no savings whatsoever — a shocking statistic when you think about how many unforeseen bills could pop up at any time. Luckily for you, there’s a whole host of everyday habits that you can break today that will help you save.

Eating far too much takeout food

Takeout food is so popular because it’s convenient, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for your wallet. It will typically cost several times as much as preparing the same meal at home. By all means, treat yourself, but don’t make it your go-to way of feeding yourself when you’re out and about.

“We actively try and avoid too much takeout in the office, and reserve it just for special occasions. That way we get a healthy lunch from home that enables us to be more productive, and we each save a little bit of money that soon adds up to a significant amount” — says Kate Turner, Head of HR department at Get Good Grade.

Not getting outside and working out

Working long hours is not necessarily going to be conducive to your long-term health, which in turn costs you money. Medical bills, sickness and illness, and even a reduced level of productivity are all results of poor physical fitness and low levels of daily activity. The best way to combat these issues is to invest in resources that enable you to work smarter, not harder.

Online tools like Canada Writers, Grammarly, and WriteLoad are great ways to do this by improving your productivity so that you can get more done in less time. Set a time you want to be finished by, and then use your new tools to ensure you make it happen.

Impulse buys that derail any long-term planning

Impulse buys are tempting, mostly because they are fun. To keep a close eye on things, we recommend introducing a 7-day waiting period. The chances are that by the time is up, you won’t even remember what it was you had to have that instant just 1 week ago.

Buying coffee on the way to work every day

Coffee is something millions of us buy but for the sake of a few dollars a day what are getting that you can’t get at home with a little practice? Calculate how much you will spend in a typical month, and then imagine this is the amount you’re being asked to pay for that first cup of coffee tomorrow morning. Then remember that if you walk on by, you’ll soon have all of that money sat in your savings.

“I’m a big coffee drinker, but I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve saved by cutting down. Now I just buy one cup on my way to work on payday as a little treat” — says Simon Lamper, Head of Finance at Paper Writing Service.

Opting to skip the bulk buying offers in the supermarket

Supermarkets offer bulk buys all the time, so why don’t you take advantage of them? The great thing about buying in bulk is that if you pick a couple of different things a week, you can easily build up a significant addition to your savings. Browsing the offers online before you go to the store is the best way to do it in a structured and targeted manner.

Not using Amazon’s subscribe and deals website

Subscribing and saving on Amazon is a great way to save money on those everyday household nonperishables like dishwasher tablets and laundry liquid. It only takes a couple of clicks, and you can start saving anywhere from 5-15% with every subsequent order. Plus, they’ll deliver it at a set time every month too. And don’t forget to take advantage of those deals website for great discounts and vouchers. There are over 40,000 discounted products between 30%-99% off on Vipon everyday, you will save dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars by shopping on Vipon.com.

Putting off small home maintenance jobs

Put off a small job, and it will just become a big job. The issue here is that it will then take 10 times as much time, money, and effort to fix as it would have done had you taken care of it straight away. Be pragmatic, and ensure you stay on top all these annoying little jobs.

Smoking and drinking

If you want to find a simple approach to saving, then you need to start examining all of those little habits you’ve gotten into over the years. Smoking and drinking are two of the most common examples, and yet millions of us would never think about quitting or cutting back purely to save money. If you calculate how much you’ll spend in a year, what you could spend it on instead, plus all of the health benefits, then it becomes something of a no-brainer.

Taking your phone to bed at night

When you get into bed, it’s really time to sleep. Taking your phone with you may seem like second nature, but why do you need to lie there on social media or YouTube for 2 hours? Your mind and body are tired, which means you need to disconnect and power down for the night. Buy an old school alarm clock, leave your charger in the living room, and get the uninterrupted full night’s sleep you need to be productive. 

Buying the most expensive clothes you can afford

Shopping for the most expensive outfit you can afford is natural because it will typically mean you get something of higher quality. What you need to think about, however, is whether or not it’s necessary. Give yourself a 7 day cooling off period, during which you only look at cheaper outfits from more affordable stores. This will often be all you need to persuade yourself that stuff on sale for half the price is just as good.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen 10 of the everyday habits that are costing you money, you need to start changing things. Make one change a day, and in less than 2 weeks you’ll notice a real change to the monthly outlay. Once you get it under control, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your savings start to grow.

Best Wishes,
Written by James Daily

Mothers Day is around the corner and we all know she deserves the best. What are you planning to do this Mothers Day? Every year, millions of families across the world take to the cities, parks, and beaches to celebrate the Day of Mothers. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg in order to have a Grade A adventure on Mothers Day. What makes this day special is your creativity, and passion for building a stronger bond. Like they say, “The Best Things in Life are Free”. If you are looking for some surefire ways to save money on Mothers Day, keep reading…

Have a Special Private Dinner at Home

Nothing beats having a deliciously cooked meal in the comfort of your own home. The privacy, and intimacy of your home can set the tone for a great night. Not only will you save money but delicious leftovers might be in your future. Spark a few candles, and lay out the full spread. Make sure you go big. A great way to surprise your mother is to throw in a special gift at the end of the night.

Enjoy Creative Activities

Enjoying activities as a family is a great way to pass the time and save money. The more creative you can be, the better time you will have. Take for example lunch on the beach. An assortment of sandwiches, and snacks can last a whole day on the beach, and cost virtually nothing. Don’t forget to bring along a waterproof Bluetooth Speaker to crank up the tunes. Staying on the beach until the sunset breaks past the horizon is a time honored activity. Have fun!

Bake a Special Creation for your Mother

Breakout the cake mix. Things are about to get sweet! Everyone loves a tasty treat. When you bake something for another person, it shows how much you love and care for them. Plan an entire ceremony around the unveiling of your cake. This micro fiesta can really turn your Mothers Day into a special evening. Take advantage of the hottest deals by giving a gift along with your cake. Something like these baking essentials will be an ironic, yet practical gift from the heart.

Choose Discounted Products on VIPON

Nothing says I love you more than a thoughtful gift from the heart. There are over 40,000 discounted products between 30%-99% off on VIPON everyday. Take advantage of these great discounts, and vouchers to give your mom the best gift possible. You will save dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars by shopping on Vipon.com. or buy a beautiful dress as gift to mom, come check out or selection now.

Now you have the secret for enjoying Mother’s Day without breaking the bank

As a mother, you don’t have to leave it up to the kids. Mothers can also take the initiative to bake a special cake, plan a trip to the beach, search online for discounted products, and find creative ways to save money during mother’s day. This blog is just a guide. There are more ways that you can have a great time without spending too much money. Use your creativity, and everything will work out!

Best wishes,
Vipon Team.

 

No matter the salary you make or your overall household income, chances are that saving comes to your mind frequently. After all, you never know when a rainy day might come and you will have to use some of your savings fund to stay afloat. This is where savings apps and budget planning come in handy, especially with 2019 well underway.

According to statistics published by CNBC, 57% of Americans have less than $1000 in their bank accounts with many of them claiming to be in debt due to one reason or another. Saving funds quickly became a necessity due to the high-speed modern world we live in. With that in mind, let’s take a look at several online money-saving tips which can help you make ends meet in 2019 and further down the line.

 

 

• Start a consistent savings habit: little and often is better than a lump sum

The first thing you should know about savings is that it doesn’t involve not eating or not going out ever again. Consistent saving is a great idea, especially at first. You can put small lumps of change aside and make a habit out of it.

Pat Fredshaw, head of the content department at Essay Supply had this to say on the matter: “We have a small plate next to the front door and we all try to put a few coins into it on a daily basis. At the end of the month, we tally up what we’ve gathered and put it into the family piggy-bank, satisfied with our spending restraint.”

 

• Buy in bulk: make use of discounts on bulk buys

Buying goods in bulk is much cheaper than buying a single product at a time. This is especially true for supermarket goods and general household necessities. You can save a lot of money each month by visiting the local market once or twice a month and buying goods in bulk. The same logic can be applied to second-hand clothing, fresh fruit, and vegetables as well as other expendable goods.

 

• Sign up to rewards cards: make money for being a loyal customer

Reward cards can provide you not only with discounts but free goods altogether. Retail establishments such as Starbucks and McDonald’s offer very tempting loyalty programs for recurring customers.

Veronica Wright, a CEO of resumescentre.com was quoted recently: “I’ve made sure that our company offers loyalty discounts and incentives for recurring clients to come back for more services. This has created a great second-hand revenue source for us, making the loyalty program’s existence a no-brainer.”

Collect stamps, points or whatever your favorite store has on offer on a regular basis. Reward cards can provide you with a nice plan B in terms of non-monetary savings. Cash in on your loyalty by using the reward cards in smart ways, especially when you are short on funds.

 

• Add a budgeting app on your phone: no more impulse buys

Thanks to the online revolution of the previous few years in terms of mobile application development, budgeting apps have become commonplace. Apps such as Mint and Wally are perfectly suited for small-time savings management as well as to help you keep track of debts and payments.

These apps are perfectly suited for impulse buyers and individuals who generally don’t think twice before buying something they like at first glance. Make sure to install an app of your choice and use it on a regular basis to get a hold of your spending and saving habits quickly.

 

• Monthly vs. annual charges: make use of lower annual charges for services

On-demand services such as Netflix or Lynda can become notorious if you want to keep track of your spending. They are particularly problematic if your savings take a hit because of a monthly fee or two you have pending. This can be avoided by using services which offer annual flat fees for their clients’ convenience.

You will not only breathe easier by paying once for a year in advance but you will also save a ton of money in doing so. This is because services often offer very lucrative discounts for customers who commit to them for extended periods.

 

 

• Purchase last year’s range: pay less for clothes that you still love

Depending on your fashion sense and the social circles you frequent, you can skip new clothing lines and opt for last year’s models. After all, no one will force you to wear the latest and greatest fashion lines, especially with money-saving troubles looming over you.

As we’ve previously mentioned, you can also check out local second-hand shops and discover very cool and well-kept clothing for a fraction of the price. Be a patient customer when it comes to clothing and apparel – your wallet will thank you for it immensely.

 

• Monitor flash sales: add big purchases and holidays to your cart, and signup for alerts

Flash sales can be great money-savers depending on what websites you like to buy from. Popular sales website such as Amazon feature flash deals, discounts, bulk deals, and last-minute sales campaigns almost daily.

Jessica Fender, a chief marketing officer at Online writers rating spoke on the matter: “We realize that flash deals and one-time discounts work wonders for online customers. It’s why we have very appealing, affordable and quality services on offer very frequently at competitive prices.”

Be sure to follow several websites in whichever item category you like and make sure to subscribe to email alerts. While you may not have your dream accessory or house appliance tomorrow, you might have it a week or two down the line for chunk change compared to the original price.

 

• Shop on comparison sites: save money on holidays, phones, etc.

Lastly, you should never make an online purchase without considering a comparison with other websites. Platforms such as Google Shopping are equipped to showcase competitive price ranges for items you may be interested in.

You can use this data to make a more informed and affordable decision when it comes to saving some money while shopping. Comparison websites show their true value during holiday sales seasons so make sure to keep checking for new offers every now and then.

 

In Conclusion

Combining these tips in 2019 and beyond should leave you with a hefty savings fund to look forward to. Think twice before making any purchase decision online, especially with so many competing websites and storefronts out there.

Before you know it, you will have a personal money-saving system to fall back on any time you become short on funds. Spend less today so that you can feel safer with your monetary wellbeing tomorrow. And don’t forget to check out some of our amazing Amazon deals while you are here at VIPON !

Best Wishes,

Written by James Daily

 

“Why do I always spend so much at the supermarket?” This question is asked countless times by countless others every day.

No matter how hard you try it seems like you’re always just a teeny bit over budget. Don’t worry Vipon is here to help you save money offline as well!

We have put together a list of some of our favorite hint & tips to help you save more on your weekly shop.

1. Never go food shopping when you are hungry. When we are hungry our mood changes, we make bad decisions, and we end up with a shopping basket full of chocolate cookies.

2. If there is a chance to buy in bulk then take it! Stock up when you see a deal and plan for the future. Having a cellar full of tinned tomatoes might raise an eyebrow from some of your friends but at least you’re prepared for anything!

3. Watch use-by dates carefully and freeze food that will be going out of date. The more you can reduce your food wastage the more you will save.

4. Shop around! Don’t just trust that your local Costco has the best deals, get out there and start comparing. Big chains are often very competitive with their pricing and you will definitely find some great deals.

5. Create a list of the top 20 things you buy every week and compare prices in your local stores. Smaller independent stores may be willing to adjust prices in order to keep your business.

6. Search for easy to cook and freeze recipes. Meal prepping can save you a huge amount of money in the long run.

7. Find a local butcher and try to buy non-pre-packaged meat. It’s often cheaper and better quality than its supermarket cousin.

8. Find out when the veggies you like are in season. Vegetables will often be placed on sale or cheaper when they are plentiful.

9. Create a herb garden! Not only is this a great hobby but it also will give you an almost endless supply of one of the top 10% most expensive shopping items.

10. Join store loyalty programs and sign up for VIP cards wherever you can.

11. Plan your meals for the week and create a concise shopping list. knowing when and what you are going to eat means less mid-week shops for missing items and fewer impulse buys.

12. Coupons! Write to your favorite brands and ask for coupons, cut them out of magazines, download them from the internet. Coupons will always be one of the most effective ways to find the best discount online and offline.

We hope this helps you to save a little more every day. Don’t forget to check out some of our amazing Amazon discounts and coupon codes while you are here!