Protecting yourself from identity theft

Identity theft is one of the most personally insidious things that can happen to an individual. The FTC estimates that currently there are about 9 million new cases every year. Everyone likes to think that they are much too savvy to fall victim to identity theft but chances are, if it hasn't already happened to you, it has happened to someone you know.

There are some things that you can and should do to lessen your chances of falling victim to these predators and thus protecting yourself from identity theft.

Never give out personal information

We all know better than to leave our social security card laying around or giving out our credit card number to strangers over the phone but what about to seemingly legitimate vendors on the internet. There are many bogus websites and web vendors who will take your information and use it to empty your bank accounts and also set up new accounts in your name without your permission.

Check your credit report

Your best safeguard against identity theft is to be vigilant in protecting your credit. You need to get frequent copies of your credit reports. There are three major credit reporting agencies, you are entitled to one free credit report from each every year.

That means that if you check every four months you can do this without charge. If you want to better protect yourself, it might be wise to pay for more frequent checks or to be notified if there is any significant action on your credit report, you can get your free credit report from:

• http://www.equifax.com Equifax
• http://www.experian.com-Experian
• http://www.transunion.com  TransUnion

Credit Karma is also free and easy to access. It is just not as detailed as the other three but can be accessed as often as needed. 

Become a shredder

Be very careful what you throw into your garbage. Once you put your garbage at the street it is available for anyone who wants to rummage through it. If you are throwing away credit card receipts, bank statements, check stubs or any piece of paper that may have personal information on it about you, you might as well hand it to identity thieves. If you don't currently own a shredder this needs to be something that you invest in. You need to have a shredder that cross shreds so that there is no way to be able to put the pieces back together. Shred all credit card offers and anything that might be used by a thief to steal your identity.

Be wary of Phishing

There are many scams out there now to steal your identity on the Internet. If you have ever done any business with PayPal chances are you will be getting a phishing scam letter from someone telling you that there is a problem with your PayPal account. It looks like an official letter from PayPal, but it isn't. If you follow this link and give them your information they are going to empty your PayPal account and/or use your account to purchase all sorts of things.

You may also get an email from your credit card company telling you that they need you to verify your mother's maiden name, this is another scam. Most people don't consider their mother's maiden a personal record but since it is used by most credit card companies to verify who you are, it is indeed a vital piece of information that can and will be used against you if it gets into the wrong hands.

In these days of easy credit and Internet shopping it has become even more important that you are always on your guard and if you get a bad feeling about someone or something don't give out any information. Protecting your identity from theft may seem like a lot of work but compared to what will be involved in repairing the damage done by theft, it is minimal.

Saving money at the gas pump

Even with the decreases at the gas pump, people are looking for ways to lower their gas consumption and the price. Finding ways to save money at the gas pump is high on most people's agenda. What most people want is a solution that is going to go beyond just this one fill-up. Shopping for the best prices in your area is the easiest way to save in the minute but beyond that what can you do?

Some grocery stores are offering 10 cents off a gallon at selected stations for every $50 or $100 dollars that you purchase from their store. Other are offering a lot more for buying certain combinations of products. This can add up to a free tank of gas for just doing your regular grocery shopping. If the store is close by and also if the gas station is close by, this is an excellent way to save.

The FTC offers a few strategies that can help you to save on fuel every day all year long.

Use public transportation

If it is available to you this is one sure fire way to cut your cost at the pump. Take the bus, ride the train and get into a van pool. If these are not available in the area where you live, you may want to see if you can ride share. Look for someone either at your job or who works nearby who you can car pool with. While this curtails your ability to do things before and after work, the savings can be large enough to warrant the inconvenience.

Maintain your vehicle

This involves everything from using the correct octane recommend by the manufacturer to choosing to use motor oil that has the words energy conserving on the label. Reducing the friction on your engine will increase its efficiency and the more efficient your engine, the less gas it will use. Change your air filter often, it has been shown that a clogged air filter can cause you to expend up to 10 percent more fuel.

Tire pressure and alignment

Tire pressure is also a very important consideration in fuel efficiency. Check the manufactures specifications for your car and go along with what they suggest. You also need to keep your car properly aligned, not only will this help your tires to last longer but combined with the correct tire pressure, it can save you up to 3 percent at the pumps.

Control your speed

The most efficient speed for your car is 60 miles per hour. Mileage decreases significantly for every mile above 60. The problem with this is if you drive 60 miles per hour on the highway, you will be a scorned driver and the angry looks and horns are hard to deal with. Try driving at least the speed limit whatever that may be and maintain a consistent speed, use cruise control or overdrive if you have them available.

Change your driving habits

Avoid idling your car, these days it isn't necessary to let your car warm up and if you are stuck in traffic, turn your car off. Avoid stopping and starting as much as possible. By allowing yourself a good distance between cars you can avoid having to change your speed. When you have to stop don't try to accelerate too quickly when you take off again, this wastes fuel.

Empty your trunk of anything you don't need to be carrying with you, take luggage racks off of your car, combine your trips as much as possible and yes pray for the gas prices to go down. While we have little control over the price of gas at the pump we do have control over how much we need to use. Most importantly, if you are driving a gas guzzler, it may be time to reconsider that option and get a more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you use these tips, you will save money at the gas pump.

Holiday gifts for the woman who has everything

We all know her, the woman who has everything. She is our Christmas gift buying challenge. This is not going to be easy but if you take the time to use what you know about her, you will be able to get her a gift that even she will be delighted with.

The gift of entertainment

Consider getting two tickets to a performance that you know she will love. It can be a rock concert, a Broadway musical, a football or baseball game or any performance that will bring a smile to her face. If you are really lucky she will want to bring you along.

The gift of the arts

Tickets to an exhibit at an art museum or gallery are something that can please the art-loving woman. You can get her the latest exhibit catalog from her favorite artist. If you can afford it an art print from her favorite artist is a wonderful choice. If she loves photography a framed photo is the perfect gift.

The gift of pampering

A gift certificate to a full-service day spa is just that. By purchasing a www.spafinder.com gift certificate you allow her to choose the procedures that she would enjoy and where she would like to have them performed.  Some woman may not be comfortable with a full body massage or a body scrub but would just die to get a facial and have make-up applied. A full-service day spa will offer everything from haircuts and color to microdermabrasion and Botox injections.

For the more sports-minded woman, a deep tissue massage will be a gift from heaven. If she has body issues they also offer manicures and pedicures. There truly will be something for every woman even the one who already has everything.

The gift of relaxation

How about getting her a maid for a day? Is there a woman in the world who wouldn’t like to have someone come in and scrub her bathroom/s from top to bottom or wash her kitchen floor or windows? Go to the website merrymaids.com and find a location near where she lives. The woman in your life will be very grateful.

The gift that keeps giving

How about a flower arrangement or a fruit basket every month, a coffee or tea basket, the list is endless. You just have to match the gift to her likes and her personality. When ordering something like a fruit basket keep her family size in mind. If she lives alone don’t send her more fruit than she could eat in a month. Websites like ftd.com, harryanddavid.com, and greenmountaincoffee.com can help you find just the right club.

The gift of dinner

Today’s woman is so busy that having the time to cook a good home cooked meal is often difficult. Why not have one delivered to her. There are several nationwide sites that can provide this service. One of them is www.familychef.com  Can you think of a better gift than having a gourmet dinner delivered on a night when you know you won’t have time to prepare one?

The gift of charity

Many people these days, choose to make a donation to a favorite charity as a holiday gift. Just be sure that it is her favorite charity, not yours. The charity will provide you with a gift card that will state that a donation has been made in her name.

These are just a few suggestions for holiday gifts for the woman who has everything. Just think outside the box and choose gifts that will make her life easier or better not more cluttered.

Just because you have everything doesn’t mean that there aren’t any gifts that are enjoyable to receive and to use. In some cases, it may even be the gift of your time, visiting and spending time with her may be just the answer to the gift giving dilemma.

Christmas gift shopping for the clueless male

 Are you one of those men who procrastinates until the last minute when it comes to Christmas shopping? Can’t come up with a gift idea that is sure to please? Get ready to change your habits this year, you will no longer be clueless.

Okay men, those of you who are gift shopping need to pay attention, here are a few hints on what women want.

We want you to know us enough to pick something we will enjoy. Wow us by actually paying attention to what we like.

Buy us a book from our favorite author or if you are afraid we might already have it choose a new author in the same genre. Add a pretty bookmark and a gift certificate and we will be impressed. Don’t buy us a book that you want to read, that won’t impress us at all.

Notice which brand of perfume we use and buy us the shower gel or purse size perfume to carry with us. Don’t ask the clerk at the store what we would like, she doesn’t know us and will most likely sell you the most expensive brand she has.

Pay attention to what brand of clothing we wear and the style and color we prefer. You can actually check some pieces that we own if you are unsure. Buy us what you know we wear. Don’t try to turn us into a sex goddess if that isn’t what we are comfortable with. By the same token if we are fashionistas don’t get us over-sized tees or sports logo sweats.

Give us a visit to the spa. If you are not sure about the spas in your area you can check on spafinder.com and buy a gift certificate. What woman doesn’t like to be pampered and this one will reap many benefits for the savvy man.

If we wear any jewelry, we will love getting a piece that you picked for us. Again notice what will match the person that we are. Don’t go big and gaudy if we are a diamond stud kind of person. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it has to be thoughtful.

Pay attention to our hobbies. We always love to get things that are related to these. If you are not sure what to get, go with a gift certificate and a small token item. Some examples of this are if she is a scrapbooker, get a gift certificate to the local scrapbooking store and pick up some stickers or scissors to put with it. This will work for any hobby. Another option would be a magazine subscription for that hobby.

While we appreciate the fact that you think we are sexy please don’t buy us lingerie that would look great on a hooker but will make us feel very uncomfortable. Tasteful and sexy are not incompatible. How about a Victoria’s Secret Gift certificate?

We want you to put some thought into our gift. Running to the local Walgreen’s on Christmas Eve is not going to make us happy. Just remember, if we aren’t happy you won’t be happy.

No matter what we say, we really don’t want a vacuum cleaner for Christmas. While we may need a vacuum cleaner it can’t be our only gift. If you must be practical, make sure that you add some small very thoughtful additional gift to show that we an important as your significant other not just as the house frau.

Learn to enjoy shopping for us. Don’t wait until the last minute and it will be a lot less stressful. Begin thinking about Christmas in September, become a private investigator and search for what will be the perfect gift for us.

Okay clueless men everywhere, you now have a few tools to help you make Christmas this year the best ever. Just don’t wait until December 24th to look at these suggestions.

Charities to donate to at Christmas time

Christmas is a time when most people are feeling generous. Many charities are asking for donations. It is not possible to donate to all of them; you have to decide which ones are the best fit for you and which ones support causes in which you really believe.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in the mid-19th century. He walked through the poorest of London’s neighborhoods to bring the word of Jesus to those in the most need. He was unconventional and that brought him into conflict with more conventional religious leaders of the day. His followers were the dregs of society, prostitutes, and drunkards.

Today, the Salvation Army still serves those who are most in need through all of its many outreach programs. They are one of the most visible charities during the Christmas season when their kettles are common sights at most shopping centers and major stores. Whether you decide to make a substantial donation or just drop your spare change into the kettle you can be sure that it will go to a good cause. During the holidays, the Salvation Army provides Christmas dinners and gifts to those who are in need. Volunteers will go out into hospitals and nursing homes with gifts and they have many shelters where there will be a full-course Christmas dinner served. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities

It is always terrible to have a sick child and even more so during the holidays. One of the things that Ronald McDonald House Charities does is to provide a place for families to stay together when one of the children is receiving treatment for an illness or injury. The housing is offered for little or no cost and accommodates the entire family including other children.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Christmas is all about children and so is St. Jude’s. Founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, the entertainer’s daughter Marlo is still very active in promoting the facility. St, Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes and many of the children that come here have cancer that before the founding of St. Jude’s would have been hopeless. The research that the hospital has done, especially in the area of leukemia, has made many forms of this disease not only treatable but curable. If you love children and want to give to a charity that offers hope to families with a very sick child, this is the perfect place to make a donation.

 There is hunger all over the world and even in rich and modern countries, there are families who are going to bed on an empty stomach. As you are considering what you will be serving at your Christmas celebration, consider those in need right in your own area. Pick up an extra one of all the items that you will be serving as well as a bag of non-perishable food items and drop them off at the local food bank or church which may have a food pantry.

Christmas is one of the most giving times of the year. There are many charities which need your help. Choose one or choose several and share the bounty that you have enjoyed this year. Even if you don’t have a lot, sharing a little is a great way to really enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.

Preparing for a weekend with the grandkids

Nothing makes grandparents happier than spending time with grandchildren. Getting to spend an entire weekend with them is something that may be looked forward to with great anticipation and also a little concern. If the grandchildren are going to be spending the weekend at your home, there are things that may need to be done. If you are going to their home or taking them away for a weekend, there are a different set of possible concerns.

Here are a few tips to help prepare for a weekend with the grandchildren,  something that both you and they will want to repeat again, soon.

Hazards

A lot of the preparation for a visit is age specific. If you have young grandchildren then you need to childproof your home before the kids arrive. Get rid of breakable knickknacks, put the chemicals and cleaners in a high cupboard or get childproof door locks. It may have been a while since you have had a child in the house, look at anything that may be a hazard and remove it.

Food

Feeding the grandkids can be a very big deal especially if you have picky eaters or any food allergies. If you are not used to feeding them, talk to the kids beforehand or their parents at the very least. Teens and tweens can be equally as picky as younger children. It is better to be prepared with their favorite foods than to spoil a visit trying to feed them something that they hate or have never tried before.

It is always fun to get them to help prepare a meal if they are old enough and once they are comfortable you can try to introduce something new, or maybe not but knowing their likes and dislikes will help make the visit go smoother.

Activities

Have some sort of a plan for what you will be doing. Making memories with the grandchildren is something that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. A trip to the zoo or aquarium, making cookies together, picking apples or blueberries, you get the idea. Try to do something that is new for them, something they will remember. Play catch or jump rope, get out the Wii and play tennis, go to storytime at the local library or take them on an adventure. Whatever you enjoy, if presented right, they will enjoy.

Equipment 

Be sure you have all the correct car seats and equipment you may need for the visit. Having a bicycle that you picked up at a tag sale is not a bad idea. Just in case the weather turns bad have indoor activities planned. Get some coloring books, movies, lots of popcorn and even a good old-fashioned board or card game.

Ask the parents lots of questions especially if this is something that doesn’t happen very often. If it is a regular occurrence to have the grandchildren for a weekend visit, then you already know what to do but it never hurts to talk about anything that is new.

As tempting as it may be to feed the kids loads of junk food and keep them up way too late, try to control yourself. If you do this on the first day, all of you will suffer the second day. A little indulgence is what grandparenting is all about but too much of a good thing can cause everyone to be unhappy.

Now that you have read these tips, use them to give yourself some ideas about how to enjoy your weekend. Every family is different and what works for one may not work for others. Make your grandchildren feel special, enjoy yourself and they will have a great time and look forward to coming back to grandma and grandpa's house for another weekend.

Pros and cons of being a granny nanny

When one of your children needs a nanny so that they can get back to their career, what is a grandma to do? If you are lucky enough to be at a point in your own career where you are available you can become the newest phenomenon, the granny nanny. 

Like so many of life’s decisions, this one comes with both pros and cons. Before discussing the pros and cons, however, there are many things that have to be considered.

One of the most important decisions you need to make is where are you going to do the childcare. Do you want to use your home or your child’s home?

There are some excellent reasons for either choice. Your home is where you are the most comfortable and it will mean that during nap time you will be able to accomplish a few things in your home. It also means that you need to get all the equipment required for childcare and that you must child proof your home. Sticky little fingers don’t mix well with expensive and adult designed furniture. At your child’s home, the equipment is already there so there is less disruption for you and any messes will not be in your home. The problem is, you have to try not be judgmental about the housekeeping or how things are done in someone else’s home.

Another challenge is getting on to the same page as your child when it comes to food, discipline and house rules. You have to remember that now you are an employee and your job is to follow the instructions you receive from your employer. Being a granny nanny and a mother-in-law are both difficult but if you can find the perfect balance, this can be a dream job.

Be sure to outline what you and your child expect from you. Have a heart to heart discussion including pay, expectations and how to handle emergencies. It is better to talk about everything upfront so no one is surprised or disappointed.

Make sure that you allow time for yourself and the things that are important to you. Plan some time out of the house with your grandchild. Go to the library, for a walk, to the park or just have lunch out together. You don’t have to be tied to the house as long as you have a car seat, a stroller and lots of patience and energy.

You are going to have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with your grandchild or children. This is what most grandmother’s dream of. Come prepared with a plan to entertain the children but remember, it isn’t all fun and games. There are schedules to adhere to and you want everything to run smoothly.

Childcare is exhausting and doing it every day can be a lot. It is hard to imagine that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, but you need to realize that it may be too much for you to do 5 days a week. Don’t be afraid to admit it if you need to cut back to less than full time. Everyone has their limits.

A granny nanny is a great option when it works out. The children are cared for by someone who loves them and the granny gets lots of sticky kisses, it is pretty much a win-win situation as long as everyone understands what they are getting into. The most important thing to remember is communication. Discuss small issues immediately so that they don’t end up affecting the family relationship. I was a granny nanny for two years for my grandson Jack and it was an amazing experience.

To share ideas with other granny nannies, try the  Granny Nanny News.

Countries that celebrate Thanksgiving

We often think of the United States as that only country which celebrates Thanksgiving. That isn't really true, while celebrations differ,  there are several other countries that celebrate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in the fall of 1621. The Pilgrims usually gave thanksgiving in a religious way. This first Thanksgiving was a secular event that brought the colonist together with some friendly Native Americans in a feast that lasted for a week. The good harvest and the game they were able to kill provide abundant food. 

The Pilgrims had survived a very harsh winter and those who were still alive had gone on to plant and harvest their first crops. It was as boisterous and enjoyable a time as these sometimes dour religious settlers ever enjoyed.

Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be the official holiday. During the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, it was decided that the last Thursday was not a good idea since it sometimes was the 5th Thursday of the month and people didn’t Christmas shop until after Thanksgiving. 

When Thanksgiving fell on the 30th of November, it hurt business which since the country was coming out of the Great Depression, wasn’t a good idea. In 1941, Congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday of November and it has remained the same ever since.

Canada on the other hand celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday in October. It has a totally different history than that of the United States. The main reason that it is celebrated earlier in the year is Canada’s location to the north. It gets colder much earlier in Canada than it does in most of the United States. Thanksgiving officially began in Canada in 1879. 

The first Thanksgiving in Canada dates to even earlier than that of the US. It was held by English explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578 in Newfoundland to celebrate the fact that he and his crew had survived the journey. 

Over the years French colonists and Americans who moved north after the Revolutionary War brought their traditions to add to what was already being observed. It wasn’t until 1957 that the date for Thanksgiving Day was officially set on the second Monday in October. Many similarities exist between celebrations in Canada and the U.S. including the inclusion of pumpkin pie in the festivities.

Another country that celebrates Thanksgiving is Liberia in West Africa. It was originally settled by freed slaves from the United States so it is not surprising that they have also adopted this tradition. Their celebration, however, is in thanksgiving for the freeing of the slaves in addition to being thankful for good things that have happened in the past year. 

The feast usually includes a roasted chicken and mashed cassava. It is definitely a day to gather with family and enjoy music and dancing and of course eating. It is celebrated on November 3rd and is a public holiday.

Many other countries celebrate the fall harvest but most of the celebrations are not national and are not on a fixed date. They are celebrated locally as religious events or with fairs and entertainment. The common thread in all of these Thanksgiving Days is giving thanks to a supreme power for the bounty that the harvest has provided and that is a universal theme.

Best foods to donate to a Thanksgiving food drive

Thanksgiving is a time of plenty. Many people want to share the bounty of the season with those who would not be able to have a Thanksgiving dinner without the food that is donated in Thanksgiving food drives. There is a great need in our country for people to participate in these food drives and there are many foods that will be gratefully received. 

The most important food that you can donate to the local Thanksgiving food drive is a frozen turkey. These drives are usually carried on for several weeks before the holiday and a frozen turkey is easy to store and to deliver. There is often need for very large turkeys for families but there is also a need for a small turkey or a roasting chicken for singles, the elderly and couples. Don’t forget those who may be alone for the holidays.

Potatoes are another food that is important to donate. This can be fresh potatoes; a five-pound bag is a good donation. If it is too much for one meal, it can be used for additional meals in the days following Thanksgiving. You might prefer to give a box of potatoes, these can be scalloped, au gratin or mashed.

Stuffing or dressing is a traditional food for Thanksgiving. Several companies produce boxed or bagged stuffing that needs very little work or additional ingredients to make it into a delicious side dish.

Fresh vegetables are much appreciation and desired. Celery, onions, carrots, turnips and squash are good choices. You want to choose vegetables that will last a while. You can also include some canned vegetables such as corn, peas and green beans which are almost universally liked.

Cranberry sauce is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner. Including a few cans is always a good idea. You can also include a can or a jar of gravy.

Dinner rolls are a nice addition to the food donations. You can also include loaves of sliced bread which many people like to have with their Thanksgiving dinner.

In order to have a complete meal,  it is important to donate things like shelf stable milk or fresh milk, butter, cream, and eggs. Most people who will get a basket or bag of food for Thanksgiving appreciate getting these items.

Watch for sales at your local grocery store and pick up a pumpkin or apple pie. Dessert is part of the whole holiday meal. You can also include a cake or a brownie mix.

Dinner on Thanksgiving isn’t the only meal of the day. There is breakfast. To make the day extra special for a family in need why not consider donating some cold cereal, oatmeal, complete pancake mix and syrup, hot chocolate mix, coffee and tea.

Some staples that every food bank can use on their shelves are canned tuna fish, peanut butter, spaghetti and macaroni, canned soup, spaghetti sauce and meals in a can like baked beans, stews, and chili.

All of these foods will be welcomed at a Thanksgiving food drive. Sharing your good fortune with those who have less is a great way to get into the spirit of what the first Thanksgiving was all about. Don’t forget the food bank the rest of the year, there is a need all year.

Black Friday lure or lore

It is getting to be that time of year again when the Black Friday lure will be calling out to consumers everywhere. Is the lure real or is it lore? For many of today's savvy shoppers, it is a combination. While fliers will be touting great deals, many shoppers will not be willing to either give up their Thanksgiving evening or get up at 2 a.m. to be at a retailer at 3 a.m. to either get in line or to fight the crowds. How much is saving money worth to you?

Deals

The deals that seem to attract the most attention every year are popular electronics. It may be a large screen TV or the latest game console. Best Buy is a popular destination for these kinds of deals. They will offer specials and doorbusters but they will be in very limited quantity. Best Buy's website offers some strategies to make the most out of your Black Friday experience. Among the things they suggest are having a list so that when the limited quantity items sell out you will have your backup plan with you.  

If you are going to be shopping for items other than those that are drastically reduced why are you going to get up before the light of day and go shopping? Wouldn't it be better to just stay home and enjoy the Thanksgiving afterglow and brave the holiday shoppers in a few days when the craziness has subsided? 

Another of their suggestions is to get there early, even on Thanksgiving for stores that will be open. What is wrong with this picture? You getting up from the table and getting in line for a game console? Is that really what the holidays are all about? Apparently, at Best Buy it is. What about those employees who will not be able to have Thanksgiving dinner with their family so that you can have a lower priced TV?  Again, is this the lure of Black Friday?

Probably the best of the suggestions they offer is to take advantage of Cyber Monday and order some of the items that you want online. Amazon is already offering Black Friday deals on their website and others will be turning up in the coming weeks.

Lore

Is it true that the best deals will only be found on Black Friday? The best way to answer that question is to go out to the stores or online starting as early in November as possible and know what the actual price every day is for the items you are looking for. Great pricing will be showing up all along the way and even if you don't get the best price, you can still get a great price and not sacrifice your time, family and holiday spirit to do it.

The lure of Black Friday is not going anywhere. Retailers count on shoppers being enticed by their few outstanding deals. They know from experience that once they have you in the store you will spend money even if you are not one of the lucky few who get the special deal. So is Black Friday lure or lore, mostly lure with some lore thrown in for good measure.

Baby Halloween costume ideas-

Is there anything cuter than a baby in a Halloween costume? If you have a little one and are looking for some ideas for a really cute Halloween costume, here are a few that may be just what you are looking for.

If your baby is just as cute as a bug, why not go for a ladybug costume. This will work well for a boy or a girl and red is a flattering color when paired with rosy little baby cheeks. These costumes are readily available or you could make on yourself if you like to sew. 

A more traditional costume which will be as popular this year as it is every year is a pumpkin costume. Babies lend themselves to this by being rather pumpkin shaped and with a little stem hat with an elastic beneath the chin. This is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Small animal costumes are always very popular with babies. There is always the great puppy or kitten costume but some people prefer something a little wilder like a lion, tiger or a zebra. A very cute option is a turtle with the adorable shell. If you would rather choose an animal that is a character Winnie the Pooh and Tigger are timeless choices that are as popular this year as they were 25 years ago. Peppa the pig is a beloved as is Olivia and both costumes are readily available. Peppa's brother George who is just as adorable as can be. 

Flower costumes will get everyone oohing and ahhing. The babies little face is the center of the petals and no one can resist those adorable little daisies or sunflower. Some of the costumes include the pot as the body covering and others are a bunting that is cost and warm.

For little boys, there is a wide variety of superhero costumes available even in baby size. He can be your superman or he can be Captain America among others. There is even Wonder Woman available if you want your baby girl to be able to show off her super attractions.

These are just a few of the hundreds of costumes that are available for babies. You can even make your own with a store-bought tiara and a tutu or a little cowboy hat and a bandana . It doesn't have to cost much to make your baby just as cute as can be for Halloween.

Where to find the best Fair Isle knitwear

There is only one place on earth that real Fair Isle knitwear can come from and that is the Scottish island of Fair Isle which is in the Shetland Islands. It can take over one hundred hours for a sweater to be hand-knitted. When you own a genuine Fair Isle sweater, you own something very unique and handmade. The majority of what you see in the marketplace is Fair Isle-style, not real Fair Isle. There are very few places where you can find the real deal.

Thistle and Broom is attempting to preserve the authentic craft of knitting Fair Isle items and promoting this very special craft. You can get a made to order Fair Isle sweater from one of their knitters and help to keep the economy of the Shetland Islands viable. The website introduces you to the individual craftspeople and their designs. If you won’t settle for anything but the real thing, this is the way to go.

The Spirit of Shetland Collection is another website that sells only authentic Fair Isle sweaters and cardigans. The prices are very reasonable when you take into consideration the hand-knitted nature of these items. A variety of patterns, including Oxna, which is offered in not only sweaters but in hats and gloves and vests are offered. There are ten different patterns if you are looking for a handmade fashion statement. Capes and ponchos are also offered. They have a shop at the Spiders Web or you can order from their website.

Anderson and Company offers a variety of items from the Shetland Islands and no such collection would be complete if it didn’t offer some items that were in the Fair Isle pattern. Here they are offered in the All Over Fair Isle pattern with sweaters, jumpers, and scarves available. The all over patterns each have a name and distinctive colors. All the prices include delivery which is a nice option. In addition to the beautiful wooden knitted sweaters, this website also offers hand-knitted shawls and baby christening blankets in what looks like a beautiful pattern of hand-knitted lambs' wool lace. It would be a perfect gift for a newborn baby.

The Shetland Collection offers a variety of items from some very talented knitters on the Shetland Islands.

Designers such as the late Alexander McQueen had Fair Isle-style sweaters as part of their designer collections. They are much more expensive than the ones that are hand-knitted in the Shetland Islands. Most of those Fair Isle-style sweaters are machine-made and definitely not in Scotland.

There are many places where you can purchase Fair Isle style sweaters, but very few where you can get the real thing. These three offer original Fair Isle knitwear made in the Shetland Islands. Support the local economy by purchasing the real thing and help keep this wonderful craft alive.

Best socks for fall

After wearing sandals and flip flops all summer, it is hard to get back to wearing socks on your feet. It is getting cooler colder and nothing makes your whole body feel colder than having cold feet. That means that you have to find socks that are both warm and stylish. This means finding the best socks for fall.

In addition, they have to fit comfortable inside of your shoes or boots. It is always a wise idea to wear the thickness of sock that you plan to wear every day when you are going to purchase your boots or shoes. If you like a thick sock you may need to buy a larger size or a wider width.

White socks

The white sock is a year-round staple to wear in an athletic shoe. It can be ankle height or it can be below the shoe level. Some are much thicker than others but they are generally used to keep your feet comfortable and sweat free when you are exercising.

Warm socks

When you are wearing a sturdy hiking type boot or a warm tie shoe it is often appropriate to wear a thicker sock. These come in wool, cashmere, cotton and in blends. They come in tweed, argyle or in a wide variety of pretty colors. They protect your feet both from the cold and from the rubbing of the shoe. These type of socks are also great in a clog or a winter mule. They help to make the clogs or mules fit better. I love my slip on Berkenstock opeen back shoes and these chunky socks are the best.

Knee high socks

Knee high socks are often thought of in terms of being worn with a uniform such as the "Catholic school girl" look with a kilt type plaid skirt and a knee sock. They also work with a longer split skirt or winter shorts or knickers. These also come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials. Knickers look especially good with a chunky knee high sock.

Thigh high socks

If you are young and have great legs, thigh high socks are a very cute look with shorts or a short skirt. These can be most any color but are usually not bulky or thick. Thigh high socks can also be layered over the top of tights or tight jeans.

Trouser socks

If you are a wearing a dressy shoe with your trousers and don’t want to go bare foot, wear pantyhose or knee high nylons, trouser socks are the way to go. They are usually very thin knitted material and should be worn in a coordinating color so that they are invisible. These are not made to stand out and make a statement.

I have to admit that I am a gold toe girl, I find that they keep their shape, wear well and are reasonably affordable especially with a 30 percent off coupon at Kohls. 

At the end of the day, there are many types of socks that may be the best socks for fall. The best socks are the ones that make you comfortable while you are wearing your shoes or boots and that keep your feet happy as well.

Ways to use your summer clothes in the fall

As we get into the dog days of summer we start to think about our fall wardrobe. Whether it is back to school or just updating our work outfits we all looking for ways to use our summer clothes in the fall. 

Transitioning summer clothes into fall is a good way to extend your wardrobe. Some pieces will need to be cleaned and packed away so that they can be pulled out next spring but there are many beloved pieces of summer-wear that can be transitioned over into fall.

Shorts

Shorts are big in the summer but depending on the color, material and length can be paired with tights and have a whole new life in the fall. Steer clear of the white shorts and the pastels. Denim, black, navy, olive, and camel are all fall appropriate and of course, choose ones that have a little more substantial construction, you really don’t want to look like you are wearing summer short with tights, you want them to look new and fresh.

Crop jean

This summer staple can become one of your go-to pieces in the fall. You just need to trade in your flip-flops for great boots. Ankle boots will work but tall boots are great as well. If the legs are very slim, tuck the jeans inside a riding boot and you are up to the minute fashion wise.

T-shirt

A T-shirt is a staple wardrobe piece year round and even sleeveless or short sleeves can be worn under a blazer or sweater in the fall. For a more casual look, try getting a great woven or flannel plaid shirt to put over your T-shirt.

Summer skirt

If you have a favorite summer skirt, if it is not too flimsy of a material or too light of a pastel color, it can be worn in the fall with the addition of leggings or tights. Add an ankle or knee high boot and a sweater and you can transition even a floral skirt into a fall classic.

Accessories

Some of your summer accessories will add a great pop of unexpected color to your fall wardrobe. You can use a light or bright scarf to add pizzazz to a dark or dull fall palate. Pink, in particular, looks wonderful with olive or gray and turquoise is a great combination with dark brown or black.

If you are dreading packing away some of your favorite summer wardrobe pieces, don’t. Use your summer favorites to supplement and add a little bright or light color to your fall fashion. Be creative, make sure you are warm enough and them mix and match your fall and summer fashion staples. You can transition your summer clothes into fall.

Fall neutral fashion colors

Fall is the season of the neutral. Neutral is a color trend that happens in every season but this fall there is more variety in the neutrals that are being offered. The neutral colors for fall can be found in all aspects of fashion as well, in outerwear, accessories, shoes and boots and everyday wear.

Camel

Camel is one of the hottest neutral for fall. With the retro 70s look being so popular, the long camel coat is a natural to bring back. Today’s camel coat will trendier than it 1970s counterpart and may have faux fur cuffs, collar, or both. Camel can also be found in great woolen slacks, wide belts, leather purses and suede or furry boots. Camel is a flattering color for most women to wear and matches well with most other colors. 

Olive

Anyone who ever thought that olive was a drab color has to rethink that with all the great military looks that are so fashionable for fall. Olive comes in a variety of tones and all of them are good looking. They combine very well with many jewel tones and can be found in clothing, outerwear, and accessories. Trust me, you are not going to think of fatigues when you see a great olive coat with a bright purple scarf.

Black

One neutral that is always in style is black. The little black dress is as much a fashion statement in the fall as it is in any other season. This year the shapes are softer and sharper at the same time. You will see a little lace or a more structured look, it is all part of the current trend. A black trench style long coat, a short black leather bomber jacket or the quintessential black cardigan are all available at just about any store for fall.

Winter white

Winter white is always a classy look and so different from the bright white of summer. The creamy tone is so flattering to most women and it brings a feeling of lightness to what can be quite a drab season. If you are not brave enough to wear a winter white coat consider a hat and scarf or boots and purse.

Gray

One of the most popular neutrals of fall is gray. It can be a soft gray or a gunmetal gray and metallic is as popular as ever. Leggings are offered in gray and can be worn with colorful tunics or a little black dress. Shiny silver gray is a popular accessory color as well as great suede shoes in the many tones of gray.

Five of the most popular neutral colors for fall are black, gray, olive, winter white and camel. They can be worn alone or in combination with all the other popular colors of the season. For several years adding faux fur in any of these colors has been very aux current and it continues to be very on trend.

Scoring a great fall coat

As summer begins to wind down it is time to start thinking about fall and along with that comes a new fall coat. Choosing a great fall coat is not as easy as it sounds, there are so many things to consider. What style are you looking for? What would you like it to be made out of and what color do you prefer? With some careful thought and following these tips, you should be able to find a coat that will serve you well.

When it comes to style, you need to decide if you want to be trendy or classic. This fall we are seeing over-sized styles and to go along with that cropped coats so you have a smaller and a larger version to choose from.

If, however, you are looking for a more classic style, the trench, and the pea coat are always spot on and all the major fashion houses include them. Leather never goes out of style as long as the design is not too trendy. You can go maxi or mini, buttoned or fly-away just be sure to choose a style that is flattering to both your build and your height. Coat sizing is not exactly the same as dress sizing so it is important to try things on.

Choosing the correct color for a fall coat offers lots of possibilities. Neutral is always a good fall option. Black, camel, gray, navy and the new neutral olive. Neutrals will go with just about any outfit that you have. Most of the time your coat is not the major focal point of your outfit it is more of an accessory. You can add color to a neutral coat with a great scarf in a trendy color like teal or red. Always keep your skin color in mind and choose a color that is flattering.

When it comes to what material you want your coat made of, wool and cashmere are eco-friendly options. Always check the care tag of any coat you are considering. Unless you really want to do a lot of dry cleaning, machine washable is a good way to go.

Set a budget before you go looking for your coat. Use the Internet to check prices at a variety of retailers and then watch for sales or coupons to help you make your budget go farther. Kohl’s offers almost non-stop deals and coupons not to mention Kohl’s Cash.

Sales will be better later in the fall season. If you can wait until then you will get a better deal. If you don’t mind having last year's style, you can check out a resale shop that specializes in high-end coats from designers that have been gently worn. You never know what you will find, you can get lucky and score a great designer coat at a great price.

If you are a fashionista who wants the latest trendy style and color then go for a less expensive great fall coat. It will be a one-year investment. If you want to wear your coat for several years then consider it an investment and go for a classic.