"Found Myself"- An online community serving the art and artists

There are many places at the net where you can buy or sell art, but you are asked to pay fee or commission to the site, but "Found Myself" is a community which serves art and artists by offering a free to join place for them. You can submit, sell or buy paintings, digital photos, illustration and sculpture work at the site.

Found Myself has a forum (4986 members) dedicated to people with something to say or something to show, and provides a forum for their artwork or hobbies.

Here you can buy art and sell your work commission free. Post your feelings on painting, photography, design, movies, sports, music, or whatever else in the art community message board/art forum. Upload your work to the image gallery, where artists' creations are showcased. You can even get and style your own personal online art gallery.

Foundmyself currently gets more than 50,000 visitors per month, with 200,000+ page views. They provide an audience and the tools necessary for selling your art, but the sale is between the seller and the buyer.

They show no ads, and continually work to improve the community. The entire system is based on trust.

What they need in exchange for their services?

If after using our services for a few months you find that they're beneficial to your life and/or career as an artist, we would expect you to donate some money to help keep the site going. If you sell a painting through the site, or find a client through the site, we would also expect a donation relative to the money you make. They expect an active participation and a minimum 20% donation for the site, otherwise there are no commissions or hidden charges around.

Every person with a free account can sell their art, view statistics, style their gallery, and use all the tools and goodies on Foundmyself. Individual gallery size has been increased to one gigabyte (1,000 megabytes) per person. That's thousands of large images.

Check the help section for more information.

They have another exciting tool 'Online painting program' where you can draw anything and then share it with others. It is interesting to see other member's drawings at the same place.
Link page: "draw"

Note: The pictures shown in this post are taken from the forum gallery.

Online Calligraphy Learning resources

There are many online links from where you can learn calligraphy for free. You don't need to spend lot of money for this hobby as the material you need to learn or practive is easily available from a stationary or art/craft shops or you can buy it online as well.

You need to be patience if you want to learn this 'art of lettering' or writing. (Note that calligraphy is called 'art of lettering') If you are passionate about writing and have a little bit knowledge of drawing then you can easily adopt this hobby to improve your skills.

There are some places where you would be asked for some fee or donation, but if you don't want to take it as a career, then don't waste money and use the free links to learn it.

Calligraphy Learning resources:

* Learn Calligraphy.co.uk is a place where you can learn basic lessons of calligraphy like, How to use the calligraphy pen, which inks to use, how to build up the letters and how to plan and decorate your calligraphy project.

* Free calligraphy lessons from Chuck McGavren's site

* An online resource with easy to learn articles: Learn Calligraphy

* Read an online magazine for calligraphers 'Pen People" but it is not free.

* The Edward Johnson Foundation is a research centre for calligraphy and the lettering arts. It is dedicated to the promotion of public awareness of calligraphy, not only as an art form in its own right but also as the seed and reference point for many other lettering disciplines including modern typeface design. Based in Ditchling, Sussex the birthplace of the modern revival of calligraphy, the Foundation is working towards the establishment of a permanent centre for learning, research and education in the lettering arts.

Calligraphy - An art of beautiful writing

I have been concerned some way with the topics 'I have written at this blog' about various hobbies. One of may favourite hobby is calligraphy. I have learned Arabic calligraphy from a tv tutorial. As Urdu is my mother tonue, Arabic calligraphy was easier for me to learn. Later I bought a book and other calligraphy material to keep practicing for Urdu and English calligraphy. I am proud to say that due to my interest in calligraphy I am one of the teachers who's writing and art skills are appreciated well.

I am including all useful links and resources which would help you learn the basics of this hobby. You can use your calligraphic skills to make many things which would show your art/drawing skills, your innovation, and creativity as well.

Few Things You Can Create With Calligraphy:
Scriptures and inspirational quotations, Poems, Invitations, Greeting Cards, Business Cards, Announcements, Maps, Posters, Certificates, Awards, etc.

Calligraphy (from Greek kallos "beauty" + graphẽ "writing") is the art of writing and the meaning of this word shows the simple definition of this term "beautiful writing" - Another definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner"

Before the invention of the printing press some 500 years ago, it was the way books were made, each copy being written out by hand by a scribe in a scriptorium on materials like vellum or parchment with a quill in one of the period bookhands like rustic, carolingian, blackletter, etc.

The principal tools for a calligrapher are the pen, which may be flat- or round-nibbed, and the brush. For some decorative purposes, multi-nibbed pens—steel brushes—can be used. However, works have also been made with felt-tip and ballpoint pens, although these works do not employ angled lines. Ink for writing is usually water-based and much less viscous than the oil based inks used in printing. High quality paper, which has good consistency of porosity, will enable cleaner lines.

Arabic calligraphy, is the art of beautiful or elegant handwriting as exhibited by the correct formation of characters, the ordering of the various parts, and harmony of proportions.

In the Islamic world, calligraphy has traditionally been held in high regard. The high esteem accorded to the copying of the Quran, and the aesthetic energy that was devoted to it, raised Arabic calligraphy to the status of an art.

Useful resources:
* 'Calligraphy' article at "Wikipedia"

* Society of Scribes is a non-profit educational organization which promotes the study, teaching and practice of calligraphy and related disciplines. It was founded in 1974 in New York city.

* An article from John Stevens of "Caligraphy Centre"

* "Calligraphic Islamic" A site dedicated to Arabic and Islamic calligraphy.

* Cynscribe Directory is a resource for calligraphers,lettering artists, papermakers, typographers, graphic designers, paper decorators, scrapbookers, rubberstampers,greeting card makers,book designers and artist bookmakers.

Get Scrapbooking Tips and Tutorials at- "A Cherry On Top"

I love scrapbooking as a creative hobby and after searching the net for "scrapbooking" resources and links, I was simply amazed to see many wonderful sites with scrapbooking ideas, tips and layouts. And most amazing thing is that most of the stuff is FREE.

is one of the sites which offer scrapbooking, paper craft, stamping tips and tutorials absolutely free of cost.

What more you can get from "A Cherry on Top"?

* It is a place to find contests, challenges and online crops, so you
can win prizes, getting exposure of your work through their contests.

* Search the Gallery to view digital layout, photograph, crafts and
card pictures to get thousands of ideas for your scrapbooking
projects.

* Join the ACOT Community with 35600 members. It is the place where
you can get in touch with other hobbyists, get tips, ideas and share
your suggestions with all.

It is one of the hobby sites with largest collection of scrapbooking products. When you are inspired by any layout or project, simply
search the database for scrapbooking products.

Sign up for our Newsletter to get weekly newsletter with layout ideas,
thoughts and product information. Get general scrapbooking or digital
scrapbooking newsletters by registering FREE.

Learn free online photography tips and techniques

Inernet has become a rich source of information for hobbies. You can search and get hobby ideas which helps you learn and choose them as your pastime. You don't need to join any course or read books to learn photography, world wide web has offered many useful resources and links where you can learn photogaphy tips and techniques for free.

* Photo.net is an online community with hundreds of thousands of active members and many more casual viewers visiting daily. It started in 1993 helping people who wish to become better photographers.

* Photography.comPhotography.com is a comprehensive online source of information for amateur and professional photographers alike. Providing in-depth articles on everything from equipment to techniques. Product reviews help users make important decisions on how and where to spend their money. Photography.com also offers an extensive collection of stock photos that can easily be searched and sorted to quickly find exactly what you're looking for

* Photography tips is intended to help beginners get started in photography, and become so good at it that they turn into advanced amateurs. It also offers useful tips and hints for accomplished photographers. You have to be a member if you want to access whole site content. But still you can access many site features.

Free Online Photography Course

Photography is one of the popular hobbies which is a profession as well. I still love to take pictures and it is one of the hobbies I enjoy most. As photography is directly linked to scrapbooking, you can easily use your photos to make artistic projects. I remember taking pictures with my first 'Yashica' camera. Now I have 'Sony'cybershot, 8 mega pixol which my 9 year old son can handle very easily. Even my cell phone has camera can take 2 mega pixol pictures and the pictures are really nice. I believe that despite of huge development in technology, you still need to learn about photography. Digital cameras has made 'photography' a child's play, as you can take high difinition pictures within seconds. Learning photography has become easier due to latest digital cameras, and by applying some tips and techniques you can create wonderful pictures.
This post is about a FREE online photography course and as it is from a professional photographer, you can learn it easily while sitting at the comfort of your home. Either photography is your hobby or not, you can still learn from this online tutorial.

Jodies Coston's Free Online Photography Course

Freelance photographer Jodie Coston offers a free online course in photography, covering everything from aperture to zoom.

The course is divided into 10 lessons, each presented with loads of sample photos and assignments at the end. Coston employs a friendly, personal style and provides plain-English descriptions of complicated subjects. Even better, host site morgueFile maintains a separate discussion board for each of the lessons, so you can ask questions, share info with your "classmates," etc.
This course is actually a couple years old, but it's still an excellent introduction to photography.
(You can't download the lessons as PDFs they're in HTML)

Site link: Site link

Interesting related posts:

- Photography tutorials at 'YouTube'

- Rick Sammon's Top Ten Digital Photography Tips at YouTube

- 30 Photos That Inspired Me to Learn Photography

(Note: Both pictures of this post are taken by me, with a 2 mega pixol Nokia N70 camera)

Everything starts with reading - 2008 National Year of Reading

I don't remember from which age I started reading story books, but I can recall the memories of my love for books. I am a reading lover and although I don't get time to read paper books and digital media has taken it's place. But I am sure to say that reading is one of my most favourite hobby of all times. Due to my reading habit, I people around me know me as an informed and skilled person. I have more knowledge and creative skills as compare to my colleagues and all credit goes to my 'reading habits' for sure. I love blogging because it has given me both reading and publishing (which is a form of writing) opportunities.
Many people don't know that 2008 is being celebrated as a national year of reading. Site 'http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/'communicates the importance of reading featuring literacy initiatives and resources.

Why this celebration?

"The National Year of Reading (NYR) is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It aims to increase awareness of the many values of reading – anything, anytime, anyplace – for children, families and adult learners alike." It aims to help build a greater national passion for reading in England – for children, families and adult learners alike.

As an educator and a parent, I feel like supporting the reading habit among our young genenration. Digital media has its own power and technology age has provided so much iformation and sources for them that they have forgotten to touch paper books, or magazines.



Among other benefits of reading is an important factor that it can keep your mind active and engaged well at old age. Developing good reading habits from a small age would help us get the benefits of reading. But today's parents shouldn't forget that children take reading habits from their parents first and then from other sources.

Reading doesn't always mean reading books, but everyone would agree that everything in life starts with reading. Books are an extremely valuable source of knowledge and enjoyment. Children and adults can read to develop their language, vocabulary, and all round comprehension skills. Spelling and writing skills are also improved by regular reading.

Beside academic learning, reading also offers a wide range of other life skills. Books can help children learn more about the world around them. They can read and learn about morals, friendship, love and family.

"We Scrap" A Community dedicated for promotion of scrapbooking

Scarpbooking is one of those popular hobbies which provides you opportunity to be an artist. It is a combination of art and crafts because when you create beautiful scrap pages or books, it resembles to a piece of art. A simple picture or photo becomes many grades higher attractive and appealing to all. Scapbookers who are passionate about this hobby can get more ideas and tips by participating in scrapbooking clubs, communities or forums. You get inspiration, ideas and opportunites to make your work more appealling and of course you get chances to earn from your hobby as well.

"We Scrap" is a community based site which is dedicated for the promotion of scrapbooking. You can find useful resources, tips, ideas and suggesions at the site. You also get guidance if you are interested to make money from your hobby.

What you can get from this site?

- If you are a learner and want to take classes of scrapbooking, this is the place to start.

- Scrapbooking Directory: A comprehensive and searchable directory of scrapbooking stores, consultants, retreats and scrapbooker's for hire.

- Resources page has many resources like articles, tutorials, tips, tricks, and other tools which are helpful for this hobby.
- You can also learn how to make money with your hobby as you can get help from this community. On every step you get help from this community to make money from your hobby.

You can check their forum for contest news, tips and tricks and lots of stuff which you would love to browse. There are paid membership options with more facilities, but you can also get free membership as a guest.

Useful Scrapbooking resources and links

Srcapbooking is a wonderful hobby that is favourite pastime of millions. This post would help you learn about scrapbooking as a beginner and for experienced scrapbookers there are many useful links and resources.

According to 'Wikipedia': Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia contained in decorated albums, or scrapbooks.

In addition to preserving memories, the hobby is popular for the strong social network that scrapbooking can provide. Hobbyists, known as "scrappers" or "scrapbookers," get together and scrapbook at each other's homes, local scrapbook stores, scrapbooking conventions, retreat centers, and even on cruises. The attendees share tips and ideas as well as enjoying a social outlet.

Modern scrapbooking began in the early 1980s when the first scrapbooking store opened in Utah. But the hobby really exploded about 10 years ago, turning into a $2.5 billion annual industry. Scrapbooking is bigger than golf; 'addicts' say the hobby enables them to document their family stories.

One in four households has a scrapbooker, compared with one in five households with a golfer, according to Creating Keepsakes magazine.

As the hobby has grown, it has evolved. It provides a growing market for women entrepreneurs, a way to celebrate faith and a way to raise money for charities.

Scrapbooking also provides a spiritual outlet for a growing number of people.
Scrapbooking has long had a strong spiritual component, said Brent Plate, an assistant professor of religion and visual arts at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

We live in a world that has gotten rid of many of its rituals, Plate said. Scrapbooking has provided a new kind of ritual.

Sources:
- WikiPedia
- The Freelance Star

Useful links for scrappers:

* A search engine for scrapbookers: 'Creative Klix'

* "Better Homes and Gardens" pages for scrapbooking

* "Scrapbooking ideas for kids"

* Information for beginners "Learn 2 scrapbook"

* Helpful tips and tricks for using your computer to enhance your scrapbooking. Free scrapbooking clip art, fonts and page layouts available. 'Computer Scrapbooking'

* Dmoz Directory 'scrapbooking sites'

* Dmoz Directory 'Scrapbooking Chats and forums'

* Scrap of mind is an online magazine for paper, digital and Hybrid Scrpbookers.

Scrapbooking ideas and tips

Scrapbooking ideas and tips can help us learn more about this fascinating hobby. The more we are involved in creating projects from it, I believe more ideas would come to mind and the process of creativity would be very satisfying. This article would help you learn from other peoples and sites enabling you to start this hobby or develop more ideas for scrapbooking. Beside many benefits of this craft or hobby, scrapbooking maintains links among the past, present and future.

Scrapbooking ideas:

Cheryl Menders is one of the women who have broken into the scrapbooking business. Two years ago, the longtime scrapbooker created the Croppin' Companion--plastic folders for pages in progress. They have a large pocket for storing a scrapbook page and two smaller pockets--one at the top and one at the bottom--for photos, memorabilia and other items.

The mother of three runs the business from her Stafford County basement. The folders are available at croppincom panion.com.

Menders, who has a master's degree in physical therapy, never expected to become a business owner. But she's glad scrapbooking has provided the opportunity.

"It's a God-sized project. It's been his since the beginning," she said. "I couldn't do it on my own."

• DO scrapbook the pictures you most recently developed and then work backward as you get more comfortable.
• DON'T buy too many supplies before you actually need them.
• DO be sure all materials including the adhesive are acid free and photo safe. 
• DON'T scrapbook every photo--just use the ones that help you tell your story. File the rest.
• DO make photos the focus of the page. Be careful when choosing decorative papers and embellishments like stickers, which can easily overwhelm the photos.
• DON'T forget to include not only details like the place, date and the people involved but also emotions attached to the photos, when appropriate.
• DO use photo corners to position photos or documents--like birth certificates--you might want to take out of your books later.
• DON'T be afraid to crop your photos to emphasize the person or detail in them.
• DO scan or take photos of 3-D items like trophies, medals or school projects so they can be used in your books without adding bulk.
• DON'T wait until you think you have enough time--start today. 

Scrapbooking trends:
The trend these days is toward simple and clean pages, said Kanak of The Cropper's Corner. Many scrapbookers are using fewer photos and fewer embellishments per page, she said.
The emphasis is on photos and backgrounds that capture a feeling. "It's the less-is-more approach," she said.
Black and white pictures and geometric shapes are other big trends, said Theresa Buzsta, a manager and buyer for Scrapdoodles in Central Park.
Embellishments made with felt and velvet ribbons are also popular now, Buzsta said.

Source: Fredericksburg

Sites with scrapbooking ideas and tips

* All Scrapbooking Ideas offers useful stuff for not only beginners but for intermediat level scrapbookers who are in need of new ideas or tips for their favourite hobby. There are catagorized ideas like as baby, christmas, military, wedding, vacation, computer, graduation, and valentine.

* Scrapbooking Ideas provides ideas and tips for many occasions.

* Your Scrapbooking Tips has around 100 tips for scrapbooking.

* 'Texas Scrap Mania'

* A scap Affair A blog for scapbooking lovers.

* "We Scrap" is an online scrapbooking community with full of resources providing wholesale discounts to members and promote scrapbooking in a fun, friendly environment.

"Computer scrapbooking" - A creative way for scrapbookers

Scrapbooking is a combination or art and crafts as you can create many scrapbooking projects with a little help. Sometimes your imagination and a bit of creativity is enough to create a project.

You can easily use computer for your scrapbooking hobby, which is called computer or digital scrapbooking. Computers bring all kinds of new possibilities to scrapbooking letting you create everything from simple journaling to entire scrapbook pages.

Advantages of Computer Scrapbooking

- Computer Scrapbooking is cheaper than traditional paper-based scrapbooking.
- You can correct your mistakes
- There is unlimited supply of scrapbooking materials
- Computer scrapbooking means that whatever you make, it's already going to be in an electronic format that is suitable for electronic distribution, so you can email it to your friends without even needing to go near a scanner.

"Computer Scrapbooking" is an online resource which is about computer scrapbooking. There are articles, fonts, layouts and links to other sites helping you with your scrapbooking hobby.

What is computer scrapbooking?
(In their words)

Computer Scrapbooking is anything related to using a computer to enhance or create scrapbook pages!

Print, Cut, and Paste
Most people begin the adventure into Computer Scrapbooking by using their computer to create design elements that are printed, cut out, and then attached to regular scrapbook pages. Creating text for journaling (captions) and toppers (headlines) is an easy first step. There is a huge variety of computer fonts available that are great for scrapbooking. Using computer clip art is also very popular and economical too. Two big advantages with both computer fonts and clip art is that their supply is unlimited (you can always print more) and that there is much more flexibility in sizing them to best fit the scrapbook page designs.
For more details: Articles archive

Related post: Creating Your First Computer Layout

- Digital Scrapbooking – Scrapbook with a computer!

How to save money with your holiday 'Shopping' ?

Holiday shopping is an occasion when we have to spend big amount of money for gifts, parties, gatherings and may be for our travel and other expenses. It is mostly difficult to keep our expenses in the budget range, but still we can try to save money with our holiday shopping.

Cash back credit cards can be a good way to earn money while you spend! Instead of making your everyday purchases with standard cards, you may apply for credit cards with cash back bonus, as with these plastics you will get some money spent on purchases back.


Cash back cards with credit rewards are different. Make sure that you have read all the terms and conditions to learn what cash back percentage you will get, whether there is a limit that can be earned in a year and so on.

More tips to save money with holiday shopping

- Visit the stores online of offline with a list of exactly what you need.
- For every holiday season budget household and other expenses. Make special envelopes for every spending.
- It is advised to not watch television shopping channels or visit sales or discount news.
- Pay for your purchases by cash or cheque. Use plastics for big purchase or where you get cash back offer.

- Shop online: Many websites have exclusive holiday sales that aren't available in stores. To get the most bang for your buck, many sites offer free shipping -- even on returns.

- Scour the web for coupons: Type the name of your chosen retailer plus the phrase "coupon code" into your search browser, and you're likely to find deals that range from a percentage off the total purchase to gratis shipping.

"Etsy" - A place to buy or sell home made products

There are many people who love the home made products. Some say that homemade gift is a special one, because it is made with care and personal touch. Many make products to sell online or offline. I also search the net for home made products as those products are different and due to a love for uncommon and crafty stuff I prefer to buy those items online.

Etsy is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies.

Their mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers. Since their launch in June, 2005, over 100,000 sellers from around the world have opened up Etsy shops.

The catagories of home made products you can sell or buy from the site are:
Accessories, Art, Bags and Purses, Bath and Beauty, Books and Zines, Candles, Ceramics and Pottery, Children, Clothing, Crochet, Dolls and Miniatures, Everything Else, Furniture, Geekery, Glass, Holidays, Housewares, Jewelry, Knitting, Music, Needlecraft, Paper Goods, Patterns, Pets, Plants and Edibles, Quilts, Supplies, Toys, Vintage, Weddings, Woodworking.

To know more about the site: 'Help guide'

Registration is free, 'Sign up'

"What the craft" - A place for sewing and crafts lovers

"Sewing" comes into the do-it-yourself catagory, and it is one of my favourite hobbies which I am enjoying from an early age. Sewing any cloth or piece of craft is like creating something. Sewing yourself also gives you a satisfaction of saving money which you have to spend for tailoring or ready made garments. Sewing is one of the favourite hobby of many women who love to spend time with this creative activity.

"What the craft" is a site for sewing and craft lovers who like "Do-it-yourself" projects. You can find many step by step Free tutorials and craft resources at the site. What the craft is from Alexis who is self taught seamstress and crafter.

You can learn sewing basics and many handy tips+ guides from the site. Few titles are:
bleaching
painting
stencilling
screenprinting
fabric markers and pastels
Measuring, fitting, patternmaking
Seam allowances
Back stitching

- Tutorials and guide page

- The forum has 1479 members and you can share your tips with other members.
- The blog from the writer is also a place to search for updated posts

Prepare your 'Checklist' before you plan for your travel

It is very important that you plan ahead for your travel and make a list of all the stuff which you might need at the time of travel, reaching at the destination and coming back to home. You would notice that even a very minor but important thing could create a problem for you, for example "toothbrush". I usually forget my toothbrush while visiting our relatives (staying for two or more days) and because I use specific brand of toothbrush, I have to buy other brand if I don't get the same at the nearest store.

I was very happy to find the site "Don't Forget Your Toothbrush" as it plays a role like a personal assisstant who helps you to plan ahead with the checklist before vacation or travel. And the service offered from the site is absolutely FREE. It helps you to check

- Things to do before you go
- What to pack

And it is emailed to your inbox.

How it works?

You need to sign up first and then log in. Click on the tabs for your type of holiday such as:
Beach Holiday
Winter Sports
Foreign Driving Holiday
Camping or Caravan Holiday
Cruising

and you will get pages of reminders. At "Planning List" there are catagories like as 'In advance', '2 weeks before' and more and you have to check the appropriate boxes.

Then 'Click' onto the "Packing Lists" and you will get pages of packing list suggestions and reminders. Tick the boxes you want to print and there is a link button for useful websites to help you.

They will send you reminder e-mails at preset "peace of mind" intervals so you won't forget the really vital "things to do" such as:

getting those jabs in good time
pre-ordering any special medication
getting the dog booked in at the kennels
cancelling the papers in good time

You will get an email :
As soon as you've created your list
2 weeks before your holiday
1 week before your holiday
48 hours before your holiday (plus packing list


- U.S site 'Checklist'

Register with DFYT

"The Family Travel Files" - Ideas for travel with family

Travel with family is a fun trip, but you need to learn and search a lot before planning for your family vacations. There are many destinations which are suitable only for singles or couples and you need special arrangements or preparation if you want to plan a trip with your family.

The Family Travel Files offers family vacation ideas, travel articles, family vacation advice, news, deals, specials and family vacation packages.

They focus on those leisure destinations that provide exceptional family vacation opportunities.

FamilyTravelFiles.com was established in 1998 and one of the reliable source of information from many years.

Why is a website dedicated to family travel important?
Adults with kids living at home do not have time to spend searching for family vacation ideas. While large travel booking sites provide dozens of travel “deals,” few are really for families and those that are provide limited information about the vacation experience.

What they say about themselves?

'Our pages showcase family vacation ideas 24/7 and 365. We do not book tickets or make reservations. Instead our business model maximizes vertical linking providing the best experience for our readers and the maximum results for our travel partners.

We research, travel, and interview, with the intent of improving the online planning experience for families. The information is showcased several ways. Our homepage is an electronic magazine with new and interesting vacation ideas for families. Our vacation directory is loaded with members which are part of the family travel niche. They offer family vacations and family vacation packages that are truly for families.'

"Travel Ideas For Women" - A place to get travel ideas for women

The concept that women cannot travel alone has become a fantasy. New age women have learned to enjoy their lives with or without partners. Travel is one of the recreation activities, they can now afford and manage themselves. There are many site around the net which offer tips, ideas and advice for travelers and women traveler as well.

Travel Ideas for Women is created with the female traveler in mind.

Travel Ideas for Women is an online resource for many useful ideas and tips when women travel alone or with other women. It provides common sense information that every woman needs to know before crossing the county line or the world.

You can find travel safety tips, tips on what to wear, advice on what to pack, travel secrets and travel safely. Searching online for a travel guide is made easy with Travel Ideas for Women.

In 'Travel Safety' section they suggest:

'For drivers, you should start your trip by checking the air pressure levels in your tires and your spare (even in a rental). Also make sure that you have the proper equipment to change a spare if needed. If you have roadside assistance, make sure all of your information can be found easily.

Whether you drive, ride, or fly, you should arrive at your destination in daylight. This will ensure you can find where you are going, and be able to enter all buildings safely. Be careful talking on the phone when you are walking to or from your car. This distraction can make you a prime target for theft or abduction.

Always make sure your keys are in your hand. If your purse is snatched with your keys in it, you can't get in your car or home. When you are on vacation, only bring a small handbag that you can keep close to your body.

Only carry a minimal amount of valuables with you on a trip. It is not necessary to bring all of your jewelry, electronics, etc. If you do have valuables, store them in the hotel safe that is provided.'

'Travel Questions and Answers' - Get Tips and Ideas about travelling

Travelling is a kind of recreation which everybody needs to refresh the mind and soul. The first step towards travel planning is probably your budget and then the place to choose. Usually you get advice, tips or ideas about travel from friends, or people around you who have previous experience. We also search the net for information and it is the easiest way to get useful information about the places we plan to visit or travel. There are many sites which help you in this regard and "Travel Q&A" is one of those links.

Travel Questions and Answers is a blog from 'The New York Times' and answers your questions about 'travel'. You can submit your questions about where to go, and where to stay, get ideas for new trips, and share your tips with others.

There are many useful posts, where you can find the information you are probably looking for your next travel. Like in the post ' How to Make Phone Calls When Traveling in Europe', the guidance and links offered in the post are very practical and handy.

In another post 'Options for a Woman Traveling Alone' a women questions: "I want to take a trip by myself, but I have no idea where to go! I would like it to be outside the United States, relatively safe (I’m a 24-year-old female) and with enough to explore but with options for places to go and relax. I understand there are some risks in traveling alone, but it’s an experience I would like to have while still young"
The answer of this inquiry can satisfied many other women already having same situation or questions. Moreover there useful tips at comments section. 'New York Times' is a very popular and well read newspaper, their blogs get good number of readers. So the information you would get about 'travel' is fresh, valuable and reliable.

"Hobby Ride" - A guide to various hobbies

Hobby ride is a hobby site, offering useful information about variety of hobbies. Banner of the site says, 'Complete guide to hobbies, scrap booking,jewelry making and more', and as it shows that the site is not very old, we hope to see more useful stuff there.
The topics covered are:

- Best Scrapbooking Layouts
- Digital Scrapbooking Software
- Helpful Drawing Tips
- Face Painting Designs
- Jewelry and CollectiblesJewelry Making Techniques
- Making Bead Jewelry
- Antique Jewelry Collection
- Doll Collection Strategies
- Stitching & KnittingEffective Knitting Instructions
- Knitting vs. Crocheting
- Cross Stitching Patterns
- Custom Embroidery Designs
- Types of Quilting
- Learn About Gardening
- Candle Making Steps
- Top Woodworking Plans
- Pottery Making Techniques
- About Origami Models
- Learning Graffiti Styles

So for hobbyists there is a lot to learn and get ideas about various hobbies.
The definition of 'hobby'described at the site is:

'What Is A Hobby?
Webster defines a hobby as "a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation." In other words, a hobby is something someone does outside of his or her profession in order to relax and to relieve stress. A hobby is usually something the person enjoys doing very much.

People choose to pursue hobbies for many different reasons. One reason is for relaxation. Today's work-world puts a large amount of stress on the average person. A hobby provides a needed escape from the stress of modern life. Others may pursue a hobby where the end result is creating something in order to gain a sense of accomplishment. The act of producing something that is of value - either intrinsic or person - generates a sense of success and pride. The bottom line is that people pursue a hobby for their own personal enjoyment. Many people, however, do enjoy their jobs, so what sets a hobby apart from a profession?'

You can subscribe to their newsletter to get updates of 'hobbies'by submitting your email at the site.

Have Fun While Saving Money at - "Thrifty Fun"

"Thrifty Fun" have a slogan 'Have fun while saving money' and while saving money you are in touch with like minded people. The site also offers a lots of hobby ideas, projects and tips. Browsing the site is itself fun as there are many ideas and tips to save money as well.

Their goal:

"Our goal at ThriftyFun.com is to provide valuable information to help people save money, save time and solve problems. ThriftyFun and its predecessors have been online since 1997. ThriftyFun has grown from modest beginnings to become a vibrant online community. Today, ThriftyFun.com is an interactive Web site where you can post questions and contribute answers to others who are trying to have fun while saving money."

* In 'Craft Project' I found many interesting crafts ideas and you can search for these relating topics:

- Baby Items
- Bath & Beauty
- Beadwork
- Candlemaking
- Centerpieces
- Christmas
- Clothing
- Crafts for Kids
- Crochet
- Decoupage
- Doll making
- Easter
- Floral
- Framing
- Furniture
- Garden & Yard
- Gifts
- Halloween
- Home Decor
- Jewelry
- Knitting
- Needlepoint
- Painting
- Paper
- Party
- Pottery
- Quilting
- Recycled
- Rugs
- Sewing
- Soapmaking
- Thanksgiving
- Toys
- Valentine's Day
- Wedding
- Wood Burning

I really enjoyed browsing the "Craft Tips" section becasue there is a lot of hobby stuff. The list is long so better if you check the link yourself and remember to check the left side bar links. Each link takes you to more article links.

Subscribing to their newsletter is a good idea to keep in touch with tips and ideas about saving money and fun craft or hobby stuff.

FREE Newsletters offered by the site!

- Tip of the Day: A new thrifty tip sent out every day, 7 days a week.

- ThriftyFun Crafts: A weekly crafts newsletter full of tips, ideas and requests. A must read for frugal crafters!

- ThriftyFun Recipes: The ThriftyFun Recipes is published weekdays, Monday through Friday. We feature between 5 and 10 recipes submitted by our readers as well as recipe requests.

- Daily Thrifty Tips: The Daily Thrifty Tips is published weekdays, Monday through Friday. We publish tips, photos, craft ideas and requests that have been submitted by our readers.

- Saving Money On Newsletter: The Saving Money On... Newsletter is published weekly. Every week we pick a new topic and look for ways to save money!

- Happy Garden Newsletter: Weekly gardening newsletter is full of gardening advice and growing guides as well as gardening requests from readers.

To subscribe to their newsletters click at this link

Gardeing For Kids

If you ask adult gardeners when they start learning 'gardening', their answer in most cased would be "from their childhood as a hobby". We should encourage kids to be involved in this healthy activity as this the perfect age to start this amazing hobby. Contact with the natural world can be wonderfully nurturing for children, as they make connections with natural environment, learn about the cyclic nature of the seasons, and begin to find out more about where their food comes from.



Plants have the power to change our lives. They enable the simple and therapeutic pleasure of working in one’s own garden. They play a basic role in providing clean air and serve as a nutritious basis for healthy living. And they are uniquely effective teaching tools.

The satisfying experiences of planting, cultivating, and harvesting fruits and vegetables creates a lifelong appreciation for healthy living. Gardens are a microcosm of the environment. Landscaping with water, native plants, and habitat-friendly gardens is a portal for understanding concepts and issues in environmental education both at home and at school.

This post offers reviews of useful links/sites which can guide you in this connection:

* The Kids Garden

TheKidsGarden was formed to offer a unique reference point on creative gardening for children, providing interesting features and practical advice on this subject.

"This site introduces your child to the wonders of nature through gardening. With a range of scents and colours, your kids can create a place of discovery."
There are about 70 articles which are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area.

Link: TheKidsGarden.co.uk - creative gardening for children

* Kids Gardening

The National Gardening Association (NGA), founded in 1973, is a nonprofit leader in plant-based education. For more than 30 years, NGA has been working to renew and sustain the essential connection between people, plants, and the environment through
gardening.
About (In their own words)
'We serve a national audience with timely materials designed to foster an appreciation for the benefits of gardening.
Our programs and initiatives highlight the opportunities for plant-based education in schools, communities, and backyards across the country. We serve as a bridge to connect people to gardening in five core fields: plant-based education, health and wellness, environmental stewardship, community development, and responsible home gardening.'

Link: Kids gardening.org

* Gardening With Kids
Helps parents to teach the kids about gardening.
Link: Gardening with kids

* Composting for Kids
It is an interactive site for kids. Simple slide presentation is very interesting and informative for young kids.
Link: Composting for Kids

* My First Garden
'University of Illinois extention' offers this site for kids. This website is meant for 4th grade students to learn about the beauty of gardens, and the care involved in planning, nurturing and enjoying the benefits of gardening in a variety of spaces and places. Kids can find gardening fundamentals, basics, and planning of gardening.

Link: My first garden

* Kids Valley Garden
A gardening resource for kids, where you can get all the necessary information about caring, herbs, flowers, shrubs, plants, vegetables, and glossary of gardening terms.
Link: Kids valley garden

Americans consistently rank gardening as a favorite hobby.

Online Travel Scams

Travel scams are the second most reported fraud after online auctions. As online shopping habits have become a part of our lives due to comfort and time saving, we tend to search for online travel agents. But it really pains when you are deceived by travel agent or online sites, because holidays are the times when you plan to relax and spend some time outside your city or country. This article would become very lengthy if I quote many travel frauds and scams around us, so at the bottom of the post you can see related studies which can further help us learn about it.

According to the National Fraud Information Center, the average loss due to fraud in 2004 was $803 per incident.
According to a post at 'msnbc.msn.com' 5 top travel scams are:

1. Discount travel clubs:
If your travel club is asking for more than a few dollars for membership, they are probably scamming you. They will offer a discounted menu of trips only available to members.
For this membership, you get the privilege of booking the trip, probably a substandard product and a newsletter. They get your money plus the commission paid by the travel supplier.

2. Become a travel agent
Once you pay a fee to a company, it will issue “credentials” allowing you access to travel agent freebies and discounts and commissions on selling travel.

3. Deceptive pricing

Look at any major airline ad and you will see their too good to be true fares. Be sure you read all of the fine print before you hand over the credit card or click on the “buy” button.

4. Timeshares
Most timeshare offers are made while you are already on vacation and your guard is down, but many are from contest entry forms where you fill out a form while waiting for your Chinese take-out. Very simply, never agree to a meeting or a presentation. Ask that any information be sent to you.

5. Out of business

'Think glink' describes most common travel scams in detail:

Travel scam #1:
The fax comes in and it sounds too good to be true – a trip to Mexico or Florida including airfare, hotel and transfers for only $99, $199, or perhaps $299 per person. What happens when you call to book the trip? Nothing will be available on the dates you want at the magic price point. But for another $400 or more, you can get the hotel you want, the dates you want – well, you get the picture.

Watch out for: extra fees, upgrade charges, sales pressure tactics

Travel scam #2:
Free vacation to Florida or Arizona
The kicker behind these so-called “free” vacations is a tough sales presentation for timeshares. The worst part about timeshares is they are virtually impossible to get rid of once you buy one. So you’re stuck paying the maintenance fee forever.

Watch out for: timeshare sales presentation

Travel scam #3:
Discount travel clubs
An honest travel club will be started by someone with loads of experience in the travel industry. The dishonest ones are run by companies out to make a fast buck but aren’t offering anything real for the cash.

The concept behind a travel club is that you pay a few dollars, get a newsletter, and then get the opportunity to sign up for unique trips or specially discounted trips. But if your travel club is asking for more than a few bucks, it could be a scam.

Watch out for: huge “initiation” fees, overpriced or substandard trips, and newsletter. No real deals here.

Travel scam #4:
Identity theft

Unfortunately, identity theft has touched us all. So far in 2005, nearly 50 million people have had their personal information compromised. Now, complaints are rising about identity theft stemming from things we do while on vacation or traveling for business.

Hotel rooms seem to be the focus of some complaints. Take care not to leave any personal information lying around your hotel room, whether it is receipts, credit cards or passports, personal computers (unless they are heavily password protected), or other detailed information. Use the hotel room safe. If your room doesn’t have a safe, ask the hotel if it provides one elsewhere.

Watch out for: don’t leave personal information lying around; use hotel safe in room; password protect computer;

According to the U.S. Department of Consumer Affairs, there are some ways to protect yourself:

- Beware of travel companies that misrepresent information about booking and travel costs.
- Remember the old maxim: if it sounds too good to be true – it is.
- Wherever you are, don’t let anyone take your credit card out of your sight, not even for a minute. The latest rage in Europe is a credit card machine that can be brought to your table.
- Make sure you ask for, and read, all travel brochures, flyers, and any printed information about a package trip before you sign on the dotted line.
- Do all the background research you can. The Internet will be especially helpful in looking for people who have had poor experiences and are vocal about it.
Make sure you check out the travel company at Better Business Bureau www.bbbonline.org.
- If someone is pressuring you, or tells you you’ll “lose the trip if you don’t act now,” hang up.
- If someone calls you on the phone and tells you about a special deal too good to pass up, take 10 seconds and think about why the salesperson on the phone isn’t offering the deal to his or her mother.
- Make sure you receive paperwork that includes the “final” or “total” price of a deal or package. Keep all of your paperwork until you’re back from the trip, safe and sound.

You can get more information at the Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov/

More studies:

* Travel frauds

* A post from 'Scam Busters.org3 big travel scams

* Online travel scams

* The 13 best travel scams

Benefits of Gardening

During primary and high school level, we were usually asked to write essays on some typical topics like 'my favourite hobby', 'my school' or 'my favorite hobby' etc and 'gardening' was a common topic among them. So benefits of gardening are known to many of us for years. Being a nature lover I always liked observing nature and gardening is no doubt an ideal activity to go close to nature.

This post helps you learn benefits of gardening which you may know before or may be not.

Steve Upson, horticulturist for the Ardmore-based Noble Foundation says, 'The older I get, the more aware I become of the importance of physical activity in maintaining my health," Upson said. "Numerous studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, and certain types of cancer."

Gardening contributes to physical health, since activities such as digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting are all part of three types of physical activity: endurance, flexibility, and strength.

"Gardening is a labor of love. Exercise is just plain labor," Upson observed. "Human nature suggests that you're going to do something you love much more frequently than something you don’t love. Given the choice between a treadmill and gardening, I'll take the garden anytime."

The benefits of gardening are not all in the body; they're also in the mind. Tending your garden is a real stress buster, helping relieve feelings of anxiety and providing a break from the general rush of life. Because the work involved is mainly physical, gardeners have a chance to think about their concerns, meditate, or just spend a few hours daydreaming. They can also feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done.

"While I'm gardening, I'm thinking not so much about the health benefits as I am about consuming some great-tasting food," Upson noted. "The thought of feasting on fresh roasted sweet corn, a vine ripe tomato, or a cold slice of melon is what really motivates me. Is this quality of life or what!"

Scientists have built a strong body of evidence that shows that fruits and vegetables promote general good health and may protect against heart disease and several types of cancer. Besides being low in calories and fat, fruits and vegetables contain many essential vitamins and minerals.

They also contain substances referred to as phytochemicals, which are usually related to plant pigments. Yellow, orange, red, green, and purple colored fruits and vegetables generally contain the most phytochemicals. More than 900 different phytochemicals have been found in plant foods, and more will likely be discovered. Phytochemicals work in concert with other nutrients to protect against disease. Supplements and pills contain large doses of only one or two phytochemicals and have not proven effective, Upson explained.

Growing produce for market is an excellent way to generate additional income. However, don't underestimate the myriad other benefits gardening can provide.

"Ever wonder why God placed Adam and Eve in a garden?" Upson said. "The reason is that gardening is good for you!".

Source: The Benefits of Gardening

Related studies:

- Benefits of gardening (pdf report)

Your Online Gardening Resource - 'Garden Guides'

Gardening is one of the healthy hobbies which is considered a good stress reliever.

Minnie Aumonier expressed it eloquently with,

“When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the Garden.”

Gardening is a key tool for improved health by providing exercise, stress reduction, and relaxation. From the medical perspective, researchers have documented that people who interact with plants recover more quickly fromeveryday stress and mental fatigue.

For many, the garden is their escape from the pressures of the job and family responsibilities. This relaxation technique reduces stress levels and related issues like heart disease.

Garden Guides.com is a FREE online resource which can guide you well for this healthy hobby.

Mission: 'To be the best online resource for gardening enthusiasts.'
(In their own words)
'We have been a popular internet resource for many years, due to our collection of top-quality gardening information, including gardening how-to's by top garden writers, plant fact sheets and guide sheets, seasonal tips and garden techniques, garden recipes, and much more.'
'Garden Guides' have a wide range of expertise, which helps us make sure Garden Guides is a resource for all types of gardeners, from novices to experts.

Whether you are new to gardening, or a seasoned gardening pro, Garden Guides has everything you need. For more than eight years, Garden Guides has been a leader in online gardening information, providing thousands of pages of detailed and extensive information on plants, pests, gardening tips & techniques, gardening recipes, seeds & bulbs, gardening books, nurseries & landscapers, and much more.

Other features of the site:

* Resources: In the Garden Guides' resources section you will find listings for more than 13,000 nurseries and more than 7,500 landscapers located in the United States. You can also find definitions of close to 10,000 key gardening terms in our extensive botanical dictionary or locate a great public garden to visit in our garden walks listings.

* Ask and answer questions, and have in depth discussions with a community of thousands of gardeners.
- Community

* Garden Guides gives you all the gardening tips, techniques & tricks to help your green thumb improve. It offers:
Basic Gardening Tips
Container & Indoor Gardening Tips
Over 1,000 Recipes
All Gardening Tips
- How to's

* In the Garden Guides' garden supplies section you will find detailed and in depth information on seeds, bulbs, and gardening books and pamphlets.
- Garden Supplies

A Fun Photo Site- 'This Makes Me Laugh'

Fun and humour are essential part of life and brings spice to our lives. Internet offers lots of sites providing fun and humour stuff. There are many sites with jokes, quotes, stories or other stuff. But I like to visit the sites offering fun news around the world.

This makes me laugh is a fun photo site. You can find fun pictures at the site.

Catagories of fun photos:
Adverts
Animals
Books
Cars
Classified ads
Computers
Food
Graffiti
In the street
People
Shops
Signs
Websites

You can add your photo at the site.

There are many photos which really bring smile to your face.

Tips To Apply For Credit Cards

Although this blog deals in stuff related to hobby, leisure, recreation and fun topics, but my post "Tips to Deal With Bad Credit Cards" was very appreciated and I can understand that these money or finance related posts are also read with interest. Today's post would help you learn the tips and techniques before applying for credit cards.

Tips to maximize the chance of getting approved on credit card

1- Don't apply for multiple credit cards over a short period of time.

2- Don't apply for a card you're not likely to get.

3- Applying for a credit cards and being declined only damages you credit.

4- Know Your Credit Score before you apply.

READ BEFORE APPLYING FOR CREDIT CARD

The 0% application provided with balance transfer credit deals can make you a happy holder of bank cards with 0 balance transfers. Applying for credit cards, remember -- the best balance transfer ones charge higher rates afterwards. Balance transfer may be rate free for 6 to 12 months. Chase credit deal for balance transfer will be a good choice then.

Compare all 0 money transmission options properly. The online credit applications include offers for fair credit (and never the deals for no payment history).
We do not offer secured business plastics, or the platinum one, as well as the best balance transfer deals to bad payment history people. So read the terms carefully.
Low balance transfer deals can carry high penalties. Some 0% APR balance transfer card applications can make you choose a credit product with a low APR, charging high balance transfer fees.

So before inserting a 0% application, you should anticipate if this 0% APR balance transfer credit application suits you. Before submitting the application online, first study the details of the plastics with money transmissions.

Besides credit application for 0% APR, you will find applications for the other types of plastic such as cash back rewards deals, gasoline deals and credit deals for the student.
Tips provided by:
apply credit

Importance Of Hobbies For Kids

It's been more than 25 years ago, most of the children around our neighbor or among my friends had some sort of hobbies. Reading books was the favourite hobby among good students. Stamp, coin or currency note collecting, photography, gardening were some of the popular hobbies. Not to mention, penpal or penfriendship was one of the popular hobbies. At our school there was an essay writing assessment and my favourite topic was to write about 'My favourite pastime/hobby'. And important part of the essay was related to the importance or benefits of that particular hobby. As stamps/ coin collecting and penfriendship were my favourite hobbies, I wrote about them as a class assignment and was awarded good marks for my description and writing.    

Today our kids spend most of their time watching television and playing video games. Many are involved in participating social networking sites and spend a lot of time there.

I strongly feel that hobbies, leisure activities and pastimes are very important for our kids. Hobbies are expressions of personal accomplishment and a means of self-discovery, hobbies help build self-esteem.

Hobbies are educational tools, as well. For example, a child who becomes interested in rocketry -- one of the most popular hobbies, by the way -- learns about propulsion and aerodynamics. By working on hobbies, children learn to set goals, make decisions, and solve all sorts of problems. Finally, hobbies often mature into lifelong interests, even careers.

Hobbies benefit children in numerous ways.


Benefits of hobbies:
- Hohhies Give children confidence -hobbies provide a sense of personal accomplishment, bolstering self-esteem. If children get positive feedback from their skills and hobbies, they’re less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for comfort.

- Encourage reading - Hobbies are the gateway to learning, as well as transforming even lazy readers into avid ones. Most often, kids don’t enjoy reading because they’re not interested in the books put before them. However, once you discover their passions, reading just falls into place naturally, when they read about their hobbies.

- Educate - While reading about their hobbies, children develop a hunger for knowledge, maybe without even realizing it. For example, take rock collecting. After collecting some rocks and shells, your junior geologist will most likely want to know more about her (or his) collection, as she researches and studies.

- Teach goal-setting - Children learn to set goals and make their own decisions when they get absorbed in hobbies.

- Can lead to lifetime careers - Hobbies not only mature kids, but also can lead to lifetime career choices. When James G. of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida got his first racing bike in middle school, he went on to work in a bike shop and today, in his mid-twenties, he manages the shop.

Hobbies and collections are a great way to have fun, learn, and make friends. Most hobbies have clubs kids can join or kids can just do a hobby by themselves. Hobbies can bring some interest and spice to to our life beyond TV and video games.

Here are some fun hobbies which your kids may like:

- Stamp Collecting
- Barbie Dolls
- Coin Collecting
- Lego Building
- Trading Cards (i.e Baseball or pokemon cards)
- Photography
- Scrapbooking

Relates posts:

* Hobbies and crafts for kids at "Indian Child"

* Benefits of hobbies and leisures

"Addicted To Travel" - A Site For Adventure Travel Lovers

Travel is a recreation and leisure activity which every one enjoys. There are lot of poeple who love to travel and consider it an adventurous hobby. Some search for special 'adventure travel' destinations.

Most of the travel related sites offer only travel destination package deals and searching for the right place to travel is really time consuming. Adventure travel is another catagory of travel, but where to search for the right information?
'Addicted to travel' is the Facebook of the adventure travel world. This site is not only a source of information for travellers but it is a social networking place where you can find likeminded persons and exchange your views with them.

More features of the site

It is a dynamic online meeting place for enthusiasts of experiential, adventurous and responsible travel. A website providing a service for people with a passion for travel who explore the most amazing places on planet earth. With easy navigation, comprehensive destination guides, colourful maps, and rapidly growing user-generated content, addictedtotravel.com enables independently-minded travellers to communicate and transact directly with travel specialists and quality product providers through our bespoke enquiry system.


- A wealth of travel knowledge, local expertise and first-hand traveller experiences can be shared by contributing feedback, blogging, rating and reviewing products, forum interaction, chatting or posting images of the world’s most remarkable places.

- Our intuitive search engine enables pinpoint browsing from a growing choice of destinations, great places to visit, local attractions, trips and tours, great places to stay and a range of inspiring activities – all promoted directly by (and booked directly with) local travel specialists and product owners..

- Database of products covers a multitude of different Trip and Tour experiences from culture and discovery or walking and trekking trips, to family adventures or expedition cruises. For travellers addicted to fun in the sky, on snow, in or on water, or with their feet firmly on land, select from over 100 different types of Inspiring Activities that can be enjoyed in a day or less – from easy to extreme – there should be something for everyone.

- Free access to comprehensive travel guides

For each major destination addictedtotravel.com features a country guide with a wealth of information accessed through an easily navigable menu. With the menu remaining consistent from one country to the next, you’ll quickly become familiar with where to find the information you are looking for.

There also offer essential travel information such as advice on the best time to go, entry and exit requirements and local traditions, providing detail comprehensive background facts and figures.

For the really big decision of deciding where to go next you’ll find a rapidly growing selection of great places to visit and local attractions, each detailing need to know information and a gallery of photo’s to help you decide.

To know more:
- faq

- Travel guides

Tips to Deal With Bad Credit Cards

Weekly we 3 friends have a meeting either on phone, via internet or sometimes we plan to be at coffee shop near to our houses. Our routine is continued from few months and we are happy to be with each other, because it is due to our mental adjustment that we share our family or financial matters with each other.

For few weeks the main discussion topic is money or finances and one of my friend is asking suggestion regarding her credit card debts, because she needed a big sum of money for some family emergencies. I am also a learner regarding financial terms, but due to research for the finance topics, I learned a lot. And I was happy to guide my friend about different catagories of 'credit cards'. I adviced her that to save money we should use credit cards for emergencies or significant purchases, and should look for the products of low interest rate allowing us to carry the balance without wasting money.

Tips to deal with bad credit cards

- Credit companies basically design their best credit cards for customers with good and high credit rating. Consequently, these products have lowest possible APR, no annual fee and lavish rewards only few can resist.

- Not all best credit deals are equally good for you. If you don't know where to look first, determine the purposes for which you are going to use your future plastic.
- Balance transfer deals are for those who want to pay off their debt on 0% interest and receive new opportunities like points or low fees.
- In the category of the best credit deals one can also find deals with instant approval or no fees. Instant approval credit card application is necessary if you need a credit as soon as possible, no fees being a means to save on annual charges
- You should select credit card deals according to your spending habits

Today I received my friend's call that she was happy to fix her bad credits with the help of credit card company.