Category: Shopping Tips

Did you know that mommies-to-be who exercise regularly lower their risk of developing gestational diabetes by more than 27 percent? They also gain fewer excess pounds and experience less back pain. Since swimming’s one of the best low-impact maternity exercises, it’s time to invest in maternity swimwear.

Swimming and water aerobics also help you sleep better and stay more fit. And some doctors believe that regular training can even ease labor. Now, what expectant mom can’t get behind that?

But where to start? How do you find a bathing suit that makes you feel sexy and confident when you can’t even see your toes? Read on for our ultimate guide to maternity swimwear…

Where to Start

Maternity bathing suits, like other swimwear, come in countless styles, colors, and prints. And the best ones make you look and feel radiant. Finding the perfect fit for your changing body can be a little overwhelming at first, though.

But don’t fret! Maternity swimwear has come a long way over the years. Just check out the stylish, comfortable pieces at this site.

Today’s manufacturers provide easy-to-use size charts to ensure a great fit. Better yet, many base maternity sizing on pre-pregnancy sizing.

So, if you wore a size 8 before becoming an expectant mom, shop for a size 8 in bathing suits. But here’s the caveat. If you’re expecting twins, go up a size.

No matter the size, choose comfort, flexibility, and a little room to grow. Avoid swimwear that constricts your expanding belly or causes discomfort.

Quality maternity swimwear should grow with your curves over the course of your pregnancy. It should hug and support you in all the right spots while flattering your body type.

More on the Right Size

Look for swimsuits that offer comfort while fully and securely covering you. Now’s not the time to go down a size on principle. Besides discomfort, you risk a serious, confidence-shattering wardrobe malfunction.

Your breasts, tummy, and hips need expanding room. Don’t squeeze into tight swimwear, or you may find yourself in a compromising situation at the pool. Towel anyone?

Still feeling a bit anxious about finding the right size? Consult a salesperson in the maternity department where you’re shopping. They’ll be happy to offer assistance.

Look for Added Value

During pregnancy, your body adapts in miraculous ways. Good maternity swimwear should come with special features that guarantee stylish appeal and optimize comfort.

These extras provide additional value and ensure your bathing suit goes for the long haul. Look for the following:

• built-in shelf bras or molded cup bras with extra elastic support
• supportive yet comfortable materials like Spandex, Lycra, and Nylon
• adjustable straps at the neck or back
• versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched post-pregnancy
• a band of support around and under the belly
• two-piece suits that make bathroom breaks a cinch
• plenty of stretch in the tummy, breast, and hip areas

These are just a few of the design features that you’ll want to look for to ensure the optimal fit. But they will definitely increase the comfort and fashionability of your swimsuit. Besides looking for a great fit, always think comfort.

Look for Added Comfort

The next generation of maternity swimwear can be surprisingly comfortable. Especially if you know what to look for…

Choose maternity swimwear with thin mesh lining. Why? It offers extra support while helping you avoid the pulling and pinching that comes with poorly fitting or cheap swimwear.

When it comes to straps, be absolutely certain that they’re not too short. How will you know? They’ll gouge into your shoulders.

If you notice this, then go up a size or look for another suit. Adjustable straps are another option that will help you avoid maternity swimwear that’s simply too short for your torso. If you think it’s a little tight now, wait until your baby starts putting on weight during the third trimester!

Make sure that arm openings and leg openings fit well and aren’t too tight or rub the wrong way. There’s nothing more painful than a suit that chafes around your legs or armpits. So, nip this in the bud right now by paying attention to arm and leg openings.

If you opt for a swimsuit that has an underwire bra, make sure the underwires feature extra padding. Otherwise, the wires could dig into your skin causing painful chafing around your breasts. That’s no fun either…

Body Type Matters

It’s important to look for swimwear that complements your body type just as you did prior to pregnancy. But what does this mean in terms of maternity swimwear?

If you’re tall, consider wearing horizontal stripes. They’ll balance out your height giving you a more proportional appearance.

Likewise, if you’re less endowed in the height department, invest in vertical stripes. Vertical stripes will accent your torso making you look longer and leaner.

If you have large hips, choose suits with low-cut openings or a small skirt or flounce. These styles offer extra coverage where you need it most. Or, consider a bathing suit with vertical stripes that elongate your shape.

For mommies-to-be with short legs, look for higher-cut leg openings. Why? They create the illusion of legs that go on forever…

If you have ample cleavage, then a supportive shelf bra or built-in molded cup bra should be a top priority. Depending on your comfort level, you may wish to opt for a higher neck that provides extra coverage.

If you’re actively trying to minimize an ample upper body, choose a dark color on top and a lighter color on the bottom. This will trick the eyes while minimizing large busts.

If you’d like to enhance small breasts, go for a halter-style top to create instant cleavage. A plunging neckline will bring more attention to your upper body. Or, consider a top with ruffling, sparkles, or texture at the bust line to amplify your curva-licious charms.

Color Choices to Consider

When it comes to bathing suit colors, it’s hard to beat black–pregnant or not. It’s an amazing color that creates sleek, minimal lines and flatters ANY body type. Black slims and streamlines curves, making it a sophisticated, confidence-inspiring option.

Other hues, mixtures of color, or prints can also flatter your physique. Options abound, and some can even be related to your pregnancy. For example, some expectant moms go with bathing suit colors that relate to their child’s gender.

So, if you’re in the mood to get playful with it, why not go with a pink or blue suit? Or how about your favorite color? Above all else, pick a hue or print that makes you feel like the fierce, amazing creature that you are.

Types of Maternity Swimwear

One-piece swimsuits come with their charms. And for some moms, they offer the most compelling mixture of coverage and security. But they can be a pain to get in and out of every time you need to stop for a bathroom break.

A two-piece might sound a little scary if you’re feeling nervous about your pregnancy curves. But they’re stylish and practical. For example, a tankini still covers you thoroughly while allowing quick and easy access for bathroom breaks, which only get more and more necessary as your pregnancy progresses.

Not only are they handy, but they make you feel sleek. And they provide all important room for growing hips and your tummy. Finally, they can be mixed and matched with other pieces, and the tops can sometimes be reused post-pregnancy with a different pair of bottoms.

Besides tankinis, some two-pieces provide complimentary tummy covers. These protect pregnant skin from the sun when it’s more sensitive due to hormonal changes.

There are those brave, adorable mommies-to-be that slay in a bikini. And if you’re one of them, more power to you, Mama! But there are a few things you need to know about the differences between maternity bikinis and their non-maternity counterparts.

Maternity bikini bottoms should be cut low in the front and higher in the back. That way, they allow room for your growing tummy yet still provide ample derriere coverage. Remember that whole wardrobe malfunction thing?

Here are a few more things to think about when it comes to maternity swimwear ensembles. Look for maternity tops that tie in the back. They allow you to adjust the fit of your bust line over the course of your pregnancy.

While you might be tempted to stick with a non-maternity tie-back top, they aren’t actually designed to accommodate size expansion like their maternity counterparts. So, stick with mommy-to-be tops.

Some maternity swimwear allow you to tie your top at the neck, across the back, or both for added ease-of-fit. These are fabulous and make adjustment throughout your pregnancy as simple as retying.

Which Bathing Suit Fits You?

Which bathing suit is right for you? As you’ve read above, maternity swimwear has never offered more choices for a comfortable fit and a fashionable look. Shop online to access reviews from other expectant moms.

Online shopping also gives you access to helpful sizing information. And you can nix the annoying fitting room thing altogether by having suits shipped directly to your house. Simply return what doesn’t fit.

Just like maternity clothing, you can find the perfect fit at an affordable price. And you shouldn’t settle for anything less. So, dive into shopping with an eye for the factors that we’ve mentioned above.

When it comes to affordable, gorgeous maternity swimwear, we’ve got you covered. Interested in more tips for living frugally and beautifully? Check out our website where you’ll find loads of deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons.

How many times have you realized that you were out of toilet paper while sitting on the toilet?

Maybe you had a big date but forgot toothpaste or deodorant. If you’re someone who doesn’t buy bulk wholesale items, you’ve definitely experienced the sort of dread that comes when you’re out of your non-perishable necessities.

Buying bulk wholesale items is usually a hit or a miss. If you know how to approach buying in bulk, you save a lot of money. If you don’t, however, you may lose lots of money, storage space, and (let’s face it) pride.

If you’re trying to save loads of money buying wholesale items, there are a few ways to improve your skills.

How to Capitalize on Bulk Wholesale Items

There are thousands of ways to find deals that will save you sizable amounts of money. With that in mind, it’s important to realize that everything is good in moderation. It might not make sense to buy a lifetime’s amount of toilet paper just because you’re getting it at three cents a roll.

Ok, you’re probably not going to go that deep into a wholesale bender, but there are some things out there that do require good judgment.

Developing a knack for finding useful bulk wholesale items requires you to know your needs, know your weaknesses, and to always remember what you left the house to shop for in the first place!

Get an Idea of Where and When You’ll Shop

When you begin to consider buying in bulk, ask around to see what your friends have to say about local businesses that provide wholesale goods. You can also take a look online to find out what people are saying about where to buy bulk wholesale items.

Friends are going to be your best references when it comes to good places to shop. There are wholesale retailers out there who sell expired or near expiry items that will appear to be excellent deals. Before making a large purchase, make sure to check online for reviews from previous customers.

Explore websites like Buymerchant.com. This company has thousands of wholesale items that you wouldn’t remember to buy in the store.

Time of year is also an important factor when buying wholesale. Jackets, bathing suits, and sandals are all great seasonal items to buy in bulk. As long as you have the storage, you’ll be able to get fantastic wholesale items on out of season clothing.

Buying out of season items in bulk is perfect for camps, large families, or any other group that uses a lot of simple clothing items.

Think About What You Actually Need

Once you have an idea where to look, start considering which items you would like to buy in bulk. Begin with non-perishable items that you’re certain you’ll use. Imagine the toilet paper scenario, for example.

Consider foods that you can easily store and access later. Meats are one of the few perishable items that can be stored for long periods of time. Alcohol, pasta, rice, beans, and pet foods are also nonperishable food items to stock up on.

Of course, it doesn’t do any good to stock up if you aren’t going to use something, but there are a lot of healthy, useful foods that are practical to buy in bulk.

If the same bag of rice has been sitting in your pantry for the last six months, it doesn’t make sense to buy three 20 pound bags because they’re four dollars a piece.

Coordinate with friends and neighbors when you shop for bulk wholesale items. You may only need six month’s worth of pasta, but an excellent deal has 40 pounds of spaghetti for only eight dollars. Splitting that amount of merchandise among three friends will give you a huge quantity of food for almost nothing, and you’ll still have enough pantry space to hang onto that old bag of rice!

Buying non-food items in bulk may be the best thing you can do to save household money. Just think of the number of times you’ve purchased a single tube of toothpaste, or pack of batteries for ridiculous prices at convenience stores.

Consider items that you are certain you will use again and buy as much as you’ll be able to use before the expiration date. Some products to consider are toothpaste, batteries, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, razors, deodorant, and basic clothing like socks and underwear.

Have Enough Storage Space

When you bring home a 50-pound bag of socks, you’ll need somewhere to put it. Hopefully, you have a storage area tucked away to harbor the items. You might not use your bulk wholesale items for quite a while, so be sure to prepare enough space to stock them.

Investing in a storage unit may be wise. Depending on the deals that you find and the amount of money you’ll save, consider renting or buying a space to hold bulk wholesale items. Ask a friend who buys in bulk to share the cost of storage with you to save even more money.

Try Making Money by Buying in Bulk

If you think you have a pretty good knack for buying bulk wholesale items, consider taking it to the next level. If you need little extra money, consider starting a wholesale business.

Wholesalers buy goods in bulk and sell them for a markup. If you want to be your own boss, or just make extra money on the side, this might be an excellent way to do it through an online business!

Of course, in order to do this, you’ll need to get the required license and permits, but these might take only a couple of days for you to receive. Draw up a business plan, see what kind of storage you have, and consider which goods you would like to sell.

Take Your Time and Have Fun

Start doing your research now, so you have ideas in the back of your mind when the time comes to buy! There are a lot of wholesale merchants out there that have hundreds of deals that will save you thousands of dollars, so be on the lookout and keep an open mind.

If you have any questions about buying bulk wholesale items, be sure to ask them in the comments for further assistance.

Thrift shopping isn’t just for hipster college students and extreme penny pinchers. Getting clothes and accessories from thrift stores can be a fun scavenger hunt that will save you a significant amount of money.

But not all thrift store clothes are going to be gems or ones that are going to save you much in the long run. There are certain items, however, that are almost guaranteed to save you money in both the short and the long term.

Keep reading to learn about the 5 types of clothing that you should look out for when you’re thrifting if you’re looking to save money and look stylish.

1. Brand Name Clothes

High end and brand name clothes are usually quite expensive if you buy them new. Thrift shopping for brand name clothes can save you hundreds of dollars if you can find the brands you’re looking for.

Certain brands are quite trendy nowadays, like Ralph Lauren and Adidas for example. However, brand new clothes from these brands can start at $50 for a t-shirt or even hundreds of dollars for sweaters and jackets. You just can’t justify those prices if you’re on a budget.

These same brands can be found in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Usually, t-shirts can be as little as a few dollars and even jackets can cost less than 20.

Looking for and buying brand name clothes while thrift shopping can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you the high-quality and trendy brands you want.

2. Jewelry and Accessories

What outfit is complete without some jewelry or an accessory like a watch or a hat? But nice accessories, especially jewelry, are expensive.

Thrifting for jewelry and accessories is a great way to elevate your style while staying on a budget. While the jewels and metals might not be super high quality, it is often hard to differentiate. That means you can stock up on cheap jewelry and accessories without anyone really knowing that they came from a thrift shop.

Thrift shops usually have huge stocks of jewelry, which gives you access to a wide variety of styles and products. The jewelry at thrift stores is also exceptionally low priced because of the high stock they have.

You can find necklaces, bracelets, watches, vintage pins, brooches, hats, rings, and more all at one location. Take your time sorting through the large selection to find pieces that really stand out and that can add an element of style to any outfit.

3. Men’s and Women’s Clothes

A mistake a lot of beginner thrifters make is only looking in either the men’s or the women’s section. Women tend to avoid the men’s section and men definitely steer clear of the women’s section.

But the fact is, each section has certain gems that would be missed if you didn’t look in both places.

The men’s section is usually home to many interesting graphic t-shirts, sweaters, and athletic wear. The women’s section, on the other hand, is usually much larger than the men’s section, which might give you a wider variety. It is also home to what’s seen as “women’s only” clothing items like skirts, dresses, and more form-fitting and feminine t-shirts.

Check out this website to learn more about women’s t-shirts and clothing items.

4. High-Quality Fabrics and Materials

Besides brand names, another thing you can save big on by thrift shopping is clothes made of certain expensive materials. Real leather, cotton, denim, wool, and linen are all durable and high-quality fabrics that can be expensive if you buy them new.

Getting thrifted items made of these materials will save you a lot of money while also giving you items that will last. Buying cheap, thrifted clothes made of cheaper material might be good in the moment, but chances are those clothes won’t last very long.

You’re better off buying clothes from thrift stores that are made of good quality materials. You’ll save money on the price of the item and you’ll save by getting a product that will last a long time instead of needing to be replaced soon after it’s purchased.

5. Shop Seasonally

This tip is true for both thrift shopping and “regular” retail shopping. You’ll usually get great deals and discounts on seasonal items at the end of that season.

For example, the end of summer would be a good time to go shopping for shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. The end of winter will be the perfect time to look for thick winter sweaters, winter boots, and jackets.

If you think you get great seasonal deals at retail stores, then you’ll be amazed at the types of deals you’ll get at thrift stores. You’ll be getting huge discounts on already discounted items. You’ll be paying a fraction of what you would at a retail store and getting even more of a break because of the seasonal discounts.

A word of caution on this tip: the end of a season usually will bring a lot of people looking for seasonal deals. You want to get out to the thrift stores sooner rather than later to avoid everything being cleared out by other thrift shoppers.

Thrift Shopping Can Save You Money

Living on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t have great style. Thrift shopping means that high-quality and brand name clothes can be yours for a fraction of the retail price.

Thrift shopping isn’t always easy. You’ll probably have to go to a few different thrift shops many different times in order to find some things that are name brand, high-quality, and your style. It can take some dedication, but getting high quality and stylish clothes for a low cost is definitely worth it.

Check out our blog to find more tips on frugal living. You can also find lists of helpful deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons on our website.

The timeshare industry is a multi-billion dollar market, and it’s only expected to grow in the coming years.

If you’re interested in investing in a timeshare for your family, now is the time to buy.

If you want to know how to buy a timeshare cheap, read on for six great tips that will help you save money and find the perfect place for your next vacation.

Benefits of Owning a Timeshare

There are a number of benefits that come with owning a timeshare and using it as your primary vacation spot. Some of the main benefits include:

Amenities

Timeshares offer a lot more space than hotel rooms. They also come with extra features that make them more suitable for long stays. For example, even studio timeshares feature fully stocked kitchens so that you can save money by cooking your own meals.

Larger timeshares may also come with living rooms, bedroom suites, and fireplaces. You’ll also likely have access to a washer and dryer.

The resorts themselves also typically come with several other great amenities. There are usually pools, hot tubs, gyms, and game rooms to keep your family entertained all day long.

Easy Access to Attractions

Most timeshares are located close to popular attractions. For example, timeshares in Las Vegas make it easy for you to get to the strip, and Orlando timeshares give you easy access to Disney parks.

In some cases, the timeshares also have shuttle services that will help you get to the attractions you’re interested in seeing, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with traffic when you’re in a new place.

Value and Flexibility

Timeshares allow you to save a lot of money on vacations. There’s no worrying about the cost of hotel rooms, so you have more funds to allocate toward attractions and activities.

There’s also a lot of flexibility with timeshares. If you belong to a timeshare exchange, it’s easy to swap units and explore new locations. It’s also easier to change the timing of our vacation to fit your schedule or group weeks together for a longer trip.

How to Buy a Timeshare Cheap

When you start shopping, be sure to keep these tips in mind if you want to know how to buy a timeshare cheap.

1. Understand the Different Types of Timeshares

First things first, it’s important to understand the different types of timeshares you have to choose from.

Some of the most common types include:

• Deeded timeshares: This is an actual real estate investment, and after your purchase, you own 1/52 of a specific unit.
• Right-to-Use timeshares: There are no rights of ownership; you only have the right to occupy the unit at specific times (typically one week out of the year).

Right-to-use timeshares also vary when it comes to the times during which you’re able to use the unit.

Some work according to a fixed time model — this designates a specific time when you’re able to use the unit. Others work on a points-based system. This means you can purchase points and redeem them for stays at a specific time and place.

2. Know Where You Want to Vacation

It’s important to pay attention to location and choose a timeshare in a place you and your family will actually want to visit on a regular basis.

For example, if your family loves beach vacations, you might want to consider these timeshares.

Or, if ski trips are more your thing, you’ll be better off finding a timeshare in the mountains.

Once you figure out where you want your timeshare to be, look for resorts that are just a little off the beaten path. If you buy a timeshare at a resort a few blocks away from popular attractions, you’re more likely to get a better deal than if you buy one right on the oceanfront.

3. Don’t Buy From a Developer

One of the best pieces of advice out there for people who want to know how to buy a timeshare cheap is to avoid buying from a developer. If you buy through a development company you’ll almost always end up paying more than the unit is worth.

4. Check Out Resale Sites

Instead of buying from a developer, check out online timeshare resale sites. People who own timeshares and want to sell them post advertisements on these sites. They’re often the best places to go if you’re looking for a good deal.

Some resale sites broker the sales for a timeshare owner, and others let the owners list the timeshares themselves. You can also check out online auction sites and online classified ads, too.

5. Look at All the Costs

Remember, the price of the unit isn’t the only number you should pay attention to when you’re looking for a timeshare.

Other costs you need to take into account include:

• Assessment charges for renovations
• Maintenace fees
• Transfer taxes for deed timeshares
• Transfer fees if buying on the resale market

Factor all these costs in before making a purchase. This will help you get a better idea of how much you’re spending and allow you to find the best timeshare deal, not just the timeshare with the lowest listing price.

6. Pay in Cash if Possible

Finally, if at all possible, it’s best to pay for a timeshare in cash. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, interest rates for timeshare mortgage loans are significantly higher than traditional mortgages. They usually fall somewhere between twelve and eighteen percent.

Second, timeshares typically depreciate in value. This means, if you decide to sell it later on, you’re less likely to get as much back as you paid for it.

Bonus Tip

Since you’re saving money on your timeshare by following these tips, you have no excuse not to hire an attorney to review your contract. This is an essential step for people who want to avoid a timeshare scam.

An attorney will help you make sure you’re actually getting a good deal. They will also be able to thoroughly review the fine print. That way, you’ll be aware of any conditions that could end up costing you later on.

Want to Earn Extra Money to Put Toward Your Timeshare?

Now that you know how to buy a timeshare cheap, it’s time to start saving your money.

If you’re looking for some easy ways to earn extra money to put toward your timeshare, check out these tips today. There are tons of ways you can earn passive income to help you take the vacation of your dreams!

Believe it or not, it’s no need to spend a fortune on shampoos and fancy treatments to have beautiful hair. From coupons and online deals to multipurpose formulas, there are lots of great ways to save money on hair care. Plus, you can always go for DIY hair styling.

According to a recent survey, most American women spend about $80 a month on hair care products. That’s over $55,000 in a lifetime!

If you also go to a salon to get your hair done, the costs add up. Not to mention impulse purchases like that cool hair mask you’ve bought for the packaging alone!

A little planning goes a long way toward saving money. Here are some simple tips to find the best deals on hair styling products:

Stock Up on the Basics

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need dozens of products to keep your shiny and strong. A quality shampoo can truly work wonders for your tresses.

Depending on your needs and budget, invest in a premium shampoo and moisturizing deep conditioner.

Make your own hair masks and nourishing treatments using olive oil, argan oil, rosewater, and other natural ingredients.

Buy in Bulk

Once you find a hair product you love, buy the largest bottle. In general, hair styling products tend to be cheaper when purchased in bulk.

Most brands also offer discounts to those who buy two or more bottles at once. You could even get the second one for half the price! Also, look for special deals like “Buy one, get one free.”

Prioritize Quality

Whether you’re shopping for a new conditioner, hair mask, or mousse for curly hair, prioritize quality. It’s better to buy a premium organic or natural hair product rather 10 cheap products packed with chemicals.

Poor quality shampoos and treatments can ruin both your hair and scalp. For instance, they may trigger an allergic reaction that will cost hundreds to treat.

Things are even worse for those who are prone to dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or dermatitis. Certain chemicals in hair styling products can worsen their symptoms and trigger flare-ups.

Shop Around

The easiest way to save money on hair care products is to shop around.

Prices vary from one store to another, and from one brand to the next. The more you research your options, the higher your chances to find a good deal.

Let’s say you have a favorite hair mask. Check its price on the manufacturer’s website as well as on eBay, Amazon, and online beauty stores. Use a price comparison site to save time and money.

The same goes for brick-and-mortar stores. Visit several shops and check the prices before buying your go-to hair mask.

Be a Loyal Customer

Most hair care brands feature loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points for every purchase. Later, they can turn those points into money. Ulta and Birchbox are a good example.

On top of that, you could get discounts just by joining their email list. Companies reward their subscribers with secret deals and special offers that are not available in stores.

Save Big on Hair Styling Products

As you see, saving money on hair styling products isn’t rocket science. All it takes is a little planning. Think about what you need, prioritize quality, and shop around instead of making impulse purchases.

For further savings, look beyond brand names. Many drugstore products contain the same ingredients and work just as well as their more expensive counterparts.

Don’t forget to take advantage of annual and seasonal sales! Almost every brand has at least one major sale each year.

Do you have any tips to share? What’s the best deal you ever got on beauty products? Share your story below!