shopping|tag- villagegatenews.com

W

Shopping For Flower Hair Accessories

On January 15, 2012, in hair Flowers, by Luke Judge

Flower hair accessories come in just about every shape and size imaginable. in most situations, having that kind of choice is a great thing, but with hair flowers it can be overwhelming. if you aren’t sure what you want, or what looks good with your hairstyle, you’re going to have a hard time finding the perfect match for you. This article will take a look at how different sizes and shapes of hair flowers work with different hairstyles.

When you find a place that sells flower hair accessories it’s really easy to get carried away. first, chill out and take a deep breath. You’re going to need your wits to make this work as well as possible

The most important thing to consider when shopping for these is what your hair is normally like. Different hairstyles will accommodate a hair flower differently. Long hair generally works great with large flowers, but if the hair is both long and straight you may not be able to use the same size. Large up do’s work the best with the larger flowers. a flower that looks great and balanced in a wedding up do can look like a hat on someone with short hair.

Flower for short hair is a bit different. if you have short hair you’re going to have a hard time finding a regular sized flower that doesn’t make your head look really big. in this situation, use a flower hair clip like an accessory instead of a hair piece. find two smaller flowers and use one on each side for a good balanced feel.

Finding the look that’s best for you either boils down to trial and error or instinct. if you’re new to wearing flowers in your hair you’re probably going to have to try a few before you get the hang of what works the best. After you’ve been doing it for a while, you’ll know the second you see a flower whether or not it will look good.

Tagged with: deep breath • different hairstyles • hair Accessories • hairstyle • shape • shopping

W

How to Correctly Determine Antique Pricing When You Shop

On January 12, 2012, in Liebig Cards Collectables, by Luke Judge

If you’re either shopping for or want to put a preliminary price on your own antiques for sale, it can be difficult if not impossible to do your own antique pricing. if you overprice the antiques you’re selling, they’re not going to sell, and if you don’t know the correct price when you want to buy, you can end up paying too much.

This is where antique-pricing guides can be incredibly helpful. Antique pricing guides will give you the necessary guidelines to either price your own antique possessions for sale, or will give you the ability to pay the proper price (not too much) for the antiques you want to buy.

Pricing guides determine price values in general for particular items. that is, price values for a particular item are given as a range, not as a fixed price. Antique dealers vary in how they determine their own antique pricing, and there are also differences in how antiques are priced depending on where they are sold. When you’re buying or selling, a price value will give you an estimated current market value for a particular item. other things are also taken into consideration besides region and market value, including the condition of the item in question.

If an antique collectible has been restored or repaired, this is generally going to increase its value versus leaving it untouched. It’s also helpful to you as a potential seller because if you can repair an item, you can sell it for more. Pricing guides will generally give you information about craftsmen that can repair your item for you. be advised that repaired or restored antique items can certainly still sell for a very good price if they’ve been restored carefully, although they won’t generally command the same price as an identical item kept in pristine condition.

Pricing guides will also give information on items that have been reissued or reproduced. Many times, companies reissue items even decades after their original counterparts were manufactured. Reissued or reproduced products will usually have different markings than those on the originals. For example if you want to take a look at an antique wardrobe, you will need to make sure that the wood is free from makings on the wood. A good guide will give you information on the markings so that you can tell it’s a reissue or reproduction of the original item; in some cases, manufacturers do use original molds to reproduce the items, which can make it more difficult to spot as a reproduction.

Therefore, if you are collecting items, learn what you can about the antiques in question so that you’ll pay a fair market price for reproductions and reissues, as opposed to paying a higher price for an original in pristine condition.

Antique pricing guides can also assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of antique shopping, whereby you might purchase a reproduction or reissued that is passed off as an original. because oftentimes, these mistakes (whether unintentional or deliberate) aren’t caught until well after the incident, it’s generally not possible to return such an item so as to get your money back. Therefore, pricing guides can give you the knowledge you need to have so that you can avoid purchasing reproductions that have been passed off as originals.

Finally, take your pricing guides with you when you shop, because you can find your antiques much more easily that way. it shows a dealer that you’re serious about your antique purchases, as well. in addition, you may be able to use the pricing guide to negotiate a much better price for yourself when it comes time to haggle.

Tagged with: current market • shopping

W

Internet Radio – The Power to Influence

On January 12, 2012, in internet Related, by Luke Judge

Innovation is the most powerful tool of any marketing professional. Tied up with creativity, it has been proven to propel any new products or services. Performed through the internet, it has multiplied the profitability opportunity of every marketing creative idea. Have you ever imagined the power of internet radio to influence any prospect especially from the internet?

Numerous ways of marketing strategies have been implemented by most marketing professionals to promote their new products and services. most of these were done using the internet. It has been considered as the most powerful tool of marketing since its beginning. a lot of successful product launch has been attributed to it. indeed, the internet has brought different successful results to business entrepreneurs. Since most of us have begun utilizing the internet, most businessmen have considered it as their channel to advertise new products and services. It is believe that most of business and personal transactions can now be performed online including but not limited to banking, shopping, and even leisure.

Even before the launch of the internet, the radio has been included in the list of the most powerful tools which serves numerous advantages particularly advertisement and entertainment. Although not everyone could afford to buy radios, it is understood that the sound that a radio makes can be shared for free. You will hear music from a radio in public transportation and installations like groceries and shops. this fact has made it to produce incredible effect to its listeners. Information are readily available to just anyone.

You can imagine the impact that can be created when these two powerful media are combined. It could result to exponential opportunities. the launch of internet radio has paved the way to the new face of advertisement and entertainment. in most residential and commercial installations, the internet is readily available nowadays. You will find different online radio sites when you browse the internet. Mostly are broadcasting through live streaming while some are recorded. Just like the usual radio stations, you will hear advertisements from time to time. There are some online radios that give archive of recorded music. these are the stations that play continuous music without any advertisement in between songs. You will see ad banners on the website itself. this feature gives convenience to listeners.

Either way, internet radio has proven the impact that it could create in advertisement and entertainment. It is readily available to anyone who has access to the internet. these days, what percentage of consumer population has access to it? the answer truly excites entrepreneurs and people from the music industry. the moment you visit the online radio website you will see different banners of sponsors. this gives the power of advertisement. Then you choose your type of music or station, this gives the power of entertainment. that said; what can be more powerful in creating the impact to any consumer? Every online radio has seen the effect hence most of them have started to take advantage of its availability. in addition to marketing their own website, they have started contracting internet radio sites to promote their business. Not to mention the music industry professionals, everyone would want to be involved in online radio.

Tagged with: business entrepreneurs • shopping

W

Bonfire Snowboarding Jackets

On January 10, 2012, in womens Jackets, by Luke Judge

Choosing a women’s snowboarding jacket is often times confusing and a tough task. there are so many designs, colors and styles to choose from. However, thanks to the internet, you can get plenty of information on different types of snowboarding jackets. You can also compare brands, prices and styles online. this makes shopping online so much easier. with the women’s Bonfire jackets, you cannot go wrong. They offer both functionality and style. They are long-lasting and of great quality.

You need a jacket that can serve you on the slopes as well as on the town. Bonfire jackets can answer both issues with a cool look and a warm body. They are durable and long-lasting, and they are stylish.

The top of this line of jackets, the Bonfire Arena is a dual-acting jacket that will take you anywhere fashionably.

Large herringbone weave
Waterproof rating of 20,000mm
Breathability rating of 15,000g
Fully taped for extra durability
Snap-to-pants feature
Pass and goggle pocket
Lift ticket loop
Inset fleece collar

Cover that Head

When are we going to learn that our body heat goes right up and out of our uncovered head? We’ve known it for years, and yet vanity seems to stand in the way of warmth when doing all of the sports that you enjoy on the slopes. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore. The Bonfire jackets make covering your head look flattering. The hood is detachable, but on the slopes it is amazingly warm because it’s lined with fuzzy faux fur. It also has a special adjusting feature that makes each fit just right.

This isn’t an easy hurdle. there are lots of really pretty colors in the line of Bonfire Snowboarding jackets. You can choose citron (a pretty yellow-green), bark (medium brown), black, glacier (a pretty shade of aqua) and silk, which is a winter white.

OK, so you’ve chosen a Bonfire Snowboarding jacket and a color. now you need to measure to make sure your fit is perfect.

Size Extra Small Small Medium Large Extra Large
Bust 31-33 34-36 36-38 39-41 42-44
Waist 22-24 25-27 27-29 30-32 33-35
Sleeve 30 35-37 37-40 41-43 44-46
Hip 32-34 35-37 37-40 41-43 44-46

You really cannot go wrong with this awesome Bonfire Snowboarding jacket. Regardless of what you are doing in the winter, you will be in the right clothes. Lots of colors means lots of matching with your inside clothes. there is really nothing to argue about

Bonfire snowboarding jackets spell quality and there are plenty of women out there who are happy to have invested in these jackets. These jackets are durable, versatile but most importantly feminine. after all what woman wants to wear a snowboarding jacket that covers all her curves and makes her look manly. with women’s Bonfire snowboarding jackets you can be assured of feeling as feminine as possible with their fantastic style catered to women. now all you have to do is pick your choice of a Bonfire snowboarding jacket.

Tagged with: bonfire jackets • herringbone • inset • shopping • snowboarding jackets • weave

W

sfplustransceiver » all the so-called different types of SFP transceivers

On January 2, 2012, in transceivers, by Luke Judge

The Tiny Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) Gigabit Screen Ripper tools was created simply by Cisco which is the actual industry conventional.X2-10GB-CX4 your GLC SX MM is actually a hot-swappable device that will connects to a Gigabit Ethernet interface and also video machine, back linking the main harbour with the multilevel. SFPs work extremely well and also interchanged on the wide variety of products and services and may always be intermixed on the port-by-port basis. when shopping for a GBIC it is very important be aware that some brands, specifically Cisco, favor the application of adventures that will be appropriate for their very own gear.it is often far better to come across frequently Cisco and also Cisco works GLC adventures whenever using all of them Cisco gear. whenever a GLC SX MM transceiver is certainly attached to a typical SFP video machine, your machine normally auto-detects the extender and also components works promptly if your marketing is certainly hooked up. This may cause these type of adventures truly hot-swappable in each and every a sense of the idea of. You need a transceiver designed to meet your needs so taking the perfect GLC LH SM is important. Finding a transceiver which is to be appropriate for your body is definitely normally painless. there are lots of solutions for yourself while gazing designed for GLC LH SM. yet how to find the correct bit for ones technique can be quite tough. it is required to locate a excellent business enterprise designed to surely direct you towards providing a works SFP transceiver. do you know much about either the glc lh sm or the glc sx mm?any X2-10GB-ER transceiver is really a device containing the variety of the two individual in addition to a transceiver executed in a solitary bundle posting a frequent build. Transceivers come across application form throughout cordless pieces, cellular phones, radios which have been two-way etc. consequently using transceiver is usually throughout r / c technology, Ethernet and also telephone. for you to definitely anticipate to hook up to a Cisco device such as using their company multilevel device and also wan connects, you will need a technology of their SFP soluble fiber optic transceiver which is also obtained the theory since glc lh sm. In case you own a more moderen model of Cisco changes, you will identify that they often use this specific SFP transceiver. This particular SFP employs the LC kind of software that will has a very substantial body lesser soluble fiber optic connection. the LC machine can be identified by a connection which is only the measurements to your pinkie. X2-10GB-ZR was made to machine with a multilevel cord and also improve multilevel connectivity. however the GLC LH SM was made simply by Cisco, matchup is likely to not really be an issue for any person who seem to develops SFP connects.GLC LH SM presents distinctive different types of transmitter and also individual and this also lets consumers to select the greatest answer that operates for their problem. If you are a multilevel up grade then this Cisco labeled GLC LH SM is a right one for you. Just try a data facility, then it is extremely important to determine if a GLC SX MM is compatible with your programs. In this article, We’ll explain to you some aspects to consider if you want finding out irrespective of whether GLC SX MM is a correct choice for your multilevel.

Tagged with: cisco works • gbic • marketing • shopping • video machine

W

Guest Post: The American’s Guide To Shopping In Britain

On December 27, 2011, in documents Maps Collectables, by Luke Judge

photo credit: net_efekt

We do have shops outside London!

It might surprise American readers, but I’m a Brit who’s never been to London. Yes, we do exist! while I’m sure London is lovely, it’s certainly not the only place in the UK worth visiting if you’re on a shopping trip. there are gems all over the UK, it’s just a matter of doing some research before you go!

I live near a charming city called Chester, which has a colourful Roman heritage and is one of the few remaining ‘walled’ cities in the country. That’s exactly as it sounds; the city centre is surrounded by 2 miles of defensive wall, started around 70 AD by the Romans and completed around the 12th century by the Normans.

The shops on the main streets in Chester are known as The Rows, and you’ll see why in the picture below:

The bottom row of shops sinks just below ground level while the covered upper row is about 12 feet up and accessed by stairs dotted in between some of the lower shops. The Rows date back to the 14th century and are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Chester.

Another great shopping place that I’m guessing most non-Brits won’t have heard of is Halifax, a town in Yorkshire. most of the town is like any other northern shopping centre, but Halifax also has the Piece Hall, a large open courtyard surrounded by 2 or 3 rows of shops and cafes.

The shops are more ‘specialist’ than the ones you’d find on the high street; alternative and burlesque clothing, vintage homewares, new-age/pagan accessories and collectables like Betty Boop, Todd McFarlane figures and the ever-present bad Taste Bears!

Charity shops are everywhere

The British love charity shops, as they can be a good way to get cheap clothes, books and toys as well as offload the things you no longer want. anyone under the age of about 18 would think it ‘uncool’ to be seen in a charity shop, and in fact I remember my disgust at being dragged into one by my mum when I was 15!

Now I think nothing of going in and having a good rummage, even though it’s rare to actually find garments which would suit someone under the age of 50. They’re great for books though, and most of mine come from a charity shop as brand new books are getting more and more expensive.

Markets, Markets, Markets

Indoor markets are still a big part of the British shopping experience, and most towns and cities have at least one. not to be confused with a shopping centre (mall), the market is a permanent collection of independent stalls under one roof, and you can usually find bargains here that you wouldn’t get in regular shops.

Invariably, a market will include 3 or 4 clothing stalls offering smaller-sized clothing (if you’re above a UK size 12 you probably won’t find anything to fit); a homemade food stall selling umpteen cheeses and chutneys; sweet stalls covered with Pick-n-Mix tubs containing a hundred different sweets; a beauty stall with cheaper-brand makeup and cheap copies of popular perfumes, and a haberdashery stall with rows and rows of buttons, ribbons, zips and weird-looking gizmos which apparently do something useful (I’ve never been able to identify more than half the things on these stalls).

There’s also going to be at least one café, probably populated by elderly women having a natter over a cup of tea and a scone or stressed-out parents hastily gulping down a pie and chips while attempting to placate a sticky toddler with toast and jam (I know, I’m usually one of them!).

Car boot sales

A car boot sale is not, as I used to think when I was 7, just a place to buy parts for your car. It’s the British version of a garage or yard sale, and they tend to take place in large car parks (parking lots) or fields throughout the summer. There’s always food vans selling greasy burgers at inflated prices, and at larger ones there’s portable toilets – hold your nose!

Sellers will get up unfeasibly early (most car boot sales start at 6am on Sundays), park their cars in rows, set up pasting tables alongside, and pile them full of the unwanted stuff from their houses. you can quite literally buy anything from a boot sale, and you usually get great bargains too. And it’s here more than anywhere that the great British pastime of haggling comes in handy. ‘Booters’ expect their prices to be challenged and often price their goods higher to meet this.

Although the good stuff tends to get sold early on, the closer it gets to ‘pack-up time’ (around 2pm), the more likely the Booters are to accept lower prices. They’ve loaded all that gear into the car and they don’t want to take it home again!

Anyone can have a stall at a car boot sale so provided you’re willing to stay up the night before pricing everything, only to get up 3 hours later to load the car and drive there, you can actually make quite a bit of money by clearing your house out. You’ll have to pay a pitch price which is normally around £7, but unless you have an exceptionally bad day you’ll make enough to cover this.

We queue. A lot.

I’m not sure if the British queue more or less than the rest of the world, but as this is an article about shopping in Britain I felt I had to include some reference to it!

It’s true that we do seem to queue a lot, but while our attitude used to be ‘stand there and put up with it’, nowadays we’re much less tolerant and you’ll see lots of foot-tapping, watch-checking and eye-rolling, punctuated by the occasional sigh of frustration.

In especially long queues you also see the odd drop-out who’ll storm off in a rage muttering curses under their breath, much to the amusement of the others in the queue!

Some of the supermarkets and larger stores in Britain have introduced self-service checkouts. They’re primarily for people buying a few items as opposed to a trolley-load of groceries, thus speeding up the queues a little on the assisted checkouts. they do work but I always end up arguing with them as they insist on ‘talking’ in a loud, patronising voice whenever I don’t put my just-scanned item in the bagging area immediately.

If you pay with real money, you’re looked at funny

Since the introduction of ‘Chip and PIN’ in the UK in 2003, pretty much everyone pays with plastic. most shops support the chip and pin technology and have special card readers attached to each till. all debit and credit cards have microchips attached to them, and when you come to pay, you put your card into the reader, enter your PIN, and your payment is done.

Being Britain, there were lots of grumbling and complaining when the system was first announced, but now everyone with a bank card has been forced to accept it’s here to stay, although I do know a few elderly people who refuse to use them, and will only shop at the stores which still allow signature payments!

I find it amusing to buy something in a store which has a teenage cashier, as they often struggle to make change when faced with actual money. If they’re not on a till which tells them what change to give, be prepared to have to help them, or be in for a long wait while they work it out!

Final note: Bring your own bags (if you go to Wales)

If you visit Wales, don’t expect to be given a bag for your purchases automatically in any shop, including places like McDonalds. since 1st October 2011 every shop in Wales has to charge a minimum of 5p for bags. It’s to encourage recycling and reusing of bags, so remember to bring a stockpile with you. not those brown paper grocery bags though, you’ll get funny looks!.

Tagged with: 14th century • american readers • defensive wall • gems • shopping • surprise

W

WTOL.com: News, Weather and Sport for Toledo, OhioShoppers say ‘ho-hum’ not ‘ho-ho-ho’ to sales

On December 25, 2011, in computer Memory, by Luke Judge

By CHRISTINA REXRODE and SARAH SKIDMOREAP Retail Writers

Used to be, customers would come running when stores cut prices. but these days, more Americans are becoming blasé about bargains.

Jennifer Beasley recently left a Toys R Us in Cary, N.C., unimpressed by the retailer's offers that day of 50 percent discounts on things like a $150 Sylvania tablet computer and a $45 My Baby Alive Doll.

“The sales just aren't as good this year,” says Beasley, 30, who has three children. “It's almost not worth getting up.”

People have been shopping more than ever this holiday season, largely because of a flood of sales. but Americans have become so used to deep discounts in the weak economy that they expect each sale to be bigger and better than the last. That means retailers will likely have to keep slashing prices, which could hurt their bottom line.

“I think they're going to have to continue to do the kind of 'come on' pricing that you saw on Black Friday,” or the day after Thanksgiving, says Alison Paul, head of consulting firm Deloitte's U.S. retail practice.

Merchants already are rolling out big holiday sales. the Body Shop is letting customers spin a wheel of chance to win different discounts, including offers of “buy three, get three.” the Gap is selling many of its pajamas, kids' hoodies and men's cardigans for 50 percent off. and Target has Barbie, Thomas the Tank Engine and many of its other toy brands for “buy one, get one half off.”

But some shoppers are yawning at deals that once excited them.

“The ads and the sales – I think it's all hype,” says Karen Finch of Gresham, Ore., who is waiting to buy a tablet for her son until closer to Christmas Day because she thinks the discounts on Amazon.com – 48 percent off a $500 Blackberry version, for instance – aren't good enough. “There's no substance.”

To be sure, consumers' perceptions of deals don't always jibe with reality. Most retailers decline to discuss their pricing strategy because of competitive reasons, but research by analysts at Jefferies & co. and other firms found that many deals this year are as good as – if not better than – last year's.

For instance, American Eagle offered 40 percent off everything all day on Black Friday – better than the 20 percent off until noon that it offered for the past two years, according to Jefferies analysts. the average discount at best Buy on Black Friday was almost 45 percent, up from about 34 percent last year. the average discount at Wal-Mart was about 47 percent, better than last year's average of 43 percent.

And anyway, what shoppers say and do often are two different things. Consumers told Deloitte in September that they planned to spend about 5 percent less on Christmas this year. but the reality so far is different: Americans spent $52.4 billion over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the highest total ever recorded for that period and 16 percent greater than last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

“You can't always listen to what they say,” says Allen Adamson, managing director at the branding company Landor Associates. “What counts is what they do at checkout.”

Indeed, Atty Zschau of Portland, Ore., has been disappointed with the holiday sales she's seen so far this year. but instead of going home empty-handed on Black Friday, she shelled out $800 – full price – for a Dell laptop that will be shared among her family.

“We're normally 'deal' people,” says Zschau, an acupuncturist. but, “All the stuff that was on sale was not what we wanted.”

The discontent with discounts comes at a time when many Americans are struggling with job losses and stagnant wages. Many shoppers simply have less money to spend this holiday season: the median U.S. household income was $49,445 last year, down from $50,303 two years before.

And deals just don't seem as good if the iPad tablet computer you want is still outside of your budget. A $1,000 TV marked down 20 percent might seem like a good deal for a shopper who has $800 to spend. but it's not such a fab find for someone with only $700 in his pocket.

“Discounts are supposed to mean, 'I can get it,'” says Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in consumer psychology. “So if you can't get it, it doesn't feel like a very good discount.”

Cost-conscious shoppers also have a long memory about the better sales they've seen in the last few years, says Alison Jatlow Levy, retail strategist with consulting firm Kurt Salmon. For instance, teen retailer Aeropostale offered discounts on Black Friday of 50 percent off everything and another 20 percent off until mid-afternoon. but that may not have been enough for Aeropostale shoppers who remember that the chain slashed prices up to 70 percent all day in previous years.

“Customers probably remember that last year things were 60 percent off, and this year maybe they're only 25 or 40 percent off,” Levy says of some store discounts. “But those things probably weren't 60 percent off until closer to Christmas.”

Rebecca Walden of Birmingham, Ala., learned that lesson the hard way. last year, she and her husband stayed up late on Thanksgiving night buying Christmas gifts online for their daughter, who was then one-years-old. they were patting themselves on the back about the discounts of 10 to 20 percent off they got on toys like a rocking horse, a play kitchen and a set of 150 building blocks. That is, until they found many of those same items on sale for half off later in the season.

Walden, 33, decided not to repeat that mistake. So she's done virtually none of her Christmas shopping yet. She's waiting it out for a deal on a few items, like a sale on a Wiggles guitar, which generally runs at least $65.

“I'm not convinced they've hit rock-bottom prices yet and Christmas is still several weeks away,” Walden says. “I think the phrase is 'playing chicken.'”

Sarah Skidmore reported from Portland, Ore. Christina Rexrode reported from new York.

Follow AP retail coverage at twitter.com/AP_Retail.

Tagged with: alison • bargains • shopping

W

On Demand

On December 21, 2011, in barney Toys, by Luke Judge

W

Reviews on Top 3 PDA Cell Phones

On December 20, 2011, in Pda Accessories, by Luke Judge

When it comes to deciding on a PDA cell phone, the options available in the market are as big as your imagination can handle, so stopping for a while to compare some the different handset models before shopping will always be a wise decision.

Characteristics of a cell phone with PDA capabilities include connectivity with numerous PDA accessories especially designed for such as a smartphone. With this fact in mind, go ahead with your plans to find handheld accessories that might be those you need for improving your communications in the future.

Most people buy a PDA cell phone for making phone calls and to hold some personal information. These features are the entry point most of the times. however, as soon as you are getting familiar with your smartphone, a number of features can be missed in the model of your preference or the need of a special accessory, including those providing connectivity, such as the Bluetooth technology.

If you want to make sure that a smarthphone gives you the best, go for one of the three top PDA cell phones available on the market, from which Motorola PDA cell phone is among the favorites, enabled for the next hook-up.

Motorola’s PDA accessories make it possible for almost anything in mobile technology, being also a leader in handheld accessories and the most wanted smartphone when it comes to business productivity

Dell PDA cell phone is another of the top choices in mobile technology, with the background of a desktop computer system that makes it possible for a better understanding of the final user’s needs, and the importance of keeping connectivity between smartphones and other devices.

Dell’s PDA accessories include battery replacements and travelers kits, making easier the transition from traditional handheld accessories to phone hook up technology.

Nextel PDA cell phone is closely competing with i-Mate on the top chart of PDA-enable smarthphones, being both one of the most affordable options to access the Internet as well. Like most PDA devices, Nextel and i-Mate offer a number of PDA accessories, along with the functions that everyone can expect for a portable organizer.

Whatever brand is your choice, make sure that your PDA cell phone has full WiFi compatibility and enough handheld accessories so it becomes an investment instead of just an expense. As technology evolves, more and more features may be needed so go for the smartphone with the most options and you will never regret your purchase.

In addition, of course, if you want to go with the majority of people, try Palm. Although with phone capabilities, Palm One and Palm Treo are basically considered PDA devices that guarantee you are getting the full range of functionality and connectivity with other mobile and desktop devices.

Tagged with: bluetooth technology • handset • shopping

W

How Dollface Beauty School is Tapping into Something New

On December 18, 2011, in bath Brushes Sponges, by Luke Judge

Beauty might only be skin deep, but there’s a plethora of business opportunities just beneath the surface. Entrepreneur Jenny Patinkin recognized a market void in makeup education and founded Dollface Beauty School in Lincoln Park. by channeling her attention and energy into a field of personal interest, Jenny has built a business that puts its best face forward. here, she explains how.

What motivated you to create Dollface Beauty School?

Jenny Patinkin: Dollface Beauty School evolved out of what I saw as a need for a pared down makeup experience for regular women who just want to get out the door looking and feeling great. Shopping for makeup can be confusing and overwhelming, and knowing how to put in on can be even more so. I started Dollface Beauty School so I could demystify the process and promote my “lazy Perfection” mantra: if you understand your skin, learn about your features and stay true to yourself, the whole makeup process becomes much simpler and more rewarding.

How did you translate a personal passion into a viable business?

Jenny Patinkin: I have always loved makeup but after having been home with my kids for 11 years, I was anxious to get back into the workforce. creating DBS was an ideal way for me to continue working with makeup while still having control over my schedule.

Where did you turn for advice on building a business? What was the most helpful?

Jenny Patinkin: I have to admit that I’ve really been winging it: following my instincts, taking risks, and kind of making it up as I go along. I’m so fortunate to have an amazing husband whose business insights are spot-on and who is unfailingly supportive, and I have a wonderful network of friends I can call on who have a tremendous collective business experience.

How did you lay the groundwork for starting your own company?

Jenny Patinkin: In 2008 I was vetting a totally different business concept, related to makeup but not actually applying it on other people myself. While I was putting together my business plan, I met a makeup artist who recognized my artistry skills and encouraged me to do professional training. I did an intensive course here in Chicago and then two weeks later got signed by Artists by Timothy Priano, which is a big international agency for makeup, hair and fashion stylists.

After doing several test shoots for them, I quickly realized that what really got me enthused was working with everyday women and being a beauty advocate for them. My Dollface business plan emerged from there with a focus on the "curriculum" I could offer. I came up with a core set of classes with fun, non-intimidating names and a don’t-take-it-all-so-seriously approach and then hung out my shingle in the form of my web site. It caught fire pretty much immediately.

How important is social media in growing your business and attracting clients?

Jenny Patinkin: Most of my business comes from word-of-mouth or referrals, so social media have not been a significant part of my business growth so far. I’m intrigued by the marketing opportunities social media can create and the way in which it could help define my brand, but I’m not quite ready to go there yet. I use it now as a way to push out product reviews, opinions and insights and technical tips mostly to people who already use or know of my services.

What were the specific challenges you had to overcome in creating DBS?

Jenny Patinkin: The biggest challenge in creating DBS has been more about what I can’t do vs. what I can. I’m still a mom and my kids still take priority in my life, so I have had to turn down a lot of jobs for wedding and/or event makeup because it’s conflicted with my kids’ needs. The wedding market is huge, and I missed out on having that avenue as a way to build more name recognition in Chicago. But it was a conscious decision in the best interest of my family and I don’t have any real regrets.

What are your long-term goals for Dollface?

Jenny Patinkin: I have many long-term goals for DBS! After a year in development, I am about to launch my own line of makeup brushes. I’ve just begun work on a book about makeup that’s framed in a very unique and practical way. I’d love to see Dollface turn into a storefront brand — a combination event and education space — where women can come to learn and experiment in a safe, non-threatening, no-pressure environment.

If you could do it all over, what would you have done differently?

Jenny Patinkin: At heart, I think I’m a frustrated beauty editor. I get such a thrill out of discovering new products, new lines and new techniques, so if I could go back 20 years and start my professional life all over again it would be on that side of the industry. in the more immediate past it probably would have been great for me to focus some of my time and energy on writing a blog and building industry contacts that way. I love having inside information or product previews that I can share with my clients, and they love feeling like they are "in the know." Now I am slowly but surely building a broader range of contacts.

By making a hobby into your job, has it changed the way you feel about it? Do you still find the same sense of enjoyment now that it’s also your occupation?

Jenny Patinkin: I have always been a makeup junkie and don’t see that ever changing! The biggest difference I find now is that when I talk to people socially, I turn off my professional eye so that I can really focus on them, and not be distracted by their makeup. But my biggest occupational hazard is feeling pressure to always look good — my concealer and I have developed a very co-dependent relationship!

Rachel Gillman has an insatiable appetite for dining out and an obsession with the restaurant industry. She’s also fascinated by entrepreneurs and enjoys uncovering the story behind building a business from scratch. You can follow her on Twitter @RachelGillman.

Tagged with: business opportunities • lincoln park • makeup • plethora • shopping

shopping