Shopping and Merchandise – Sasha Says…

Brain Wave, Money matters, Shopping and Merchandise

How To Make High-Quality Fashion More Affordable

May 10, 2023 No Comments

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It’s the oldest cliche in the book, but looking good really does make us feel good. Right now, the benefits of achieving this are greater than ever. However, nobody wants to spend a fortune on fashion choices, regardless of how great they make us feel.

Thankfully, cutting costs needn’t force you to compromise on quality. Here are some top tips to help make high-quality fashion more affordable and accessible with stunning results.

#1. Make Savings Elsewhere

Firstly, managing your finances is all about balance. So, if you wish to spend more money on fashion, spending less money on other expenses will allow you to do this. Saving money on your weekly food shopping bill, for example, could generate the savings to pay for a new outfit each month. Other options include negotiating better deals on your home insurance, energy rates, or cell phone package.

In short, it’ll enable you to increase your clothes budget without impacting your overall financial wellness.

#2. Save Money On Jewelry

Jewelry is often the most expensive part of an ensemble. So, it becomes a great starting point to generate savings while simultaneously achieving a premium style. Lab created diamonds are a particularly great choice as they deliver the same sparkle as mined diamonds. In addition to providing a more affordable solution, they are also a more ethical choice. Traditional mining is a dangerous industry.

Perhaps the best way to save on jewelry is to focus on quality rather than quantity. After all, you can only wear a certain amount of pieces.

#3. Don’t Be Afraid Of Used Goods

When thinking about used fashion, many people assume that all items are either poor quality items or items that have been worn out. In reality, charity stores and other outlets often stock premium goods that have been donated. Knowing how to get a bargain may allow you to get an item that’s been worn once or twice for just a fraction of the normal costs. You will notice that it provides great satisfaction too.

The fashion pieces you find here, or at online marketplaces, may be unwanted gifts or products that no longer fit the old owner.

#4. Hire Special Garments

If you have a wedding or major business event coming up, it’s natural that you will want to look the part. However, paying hundreds of dollars for an outfit you may only wear once seems futile. Opting to hire a dress or suit for the big occasion is a financially savvy decision. Not least because the money you save can be used to fund purchases of pieces that you wear more regularly.

Any items you already have that were worn for previous special events can be sold to ease the financial strain on future purchases too.

#5. Shop Smartly

Perhaps the most effective way to make fashion more affordable is to always seek value for money. Buying end-of-season items in preparation for next year can be a great long-term strategy. This is because retailers need to sell those outgoing items quickly to make space for the next line. You can also consider visiting outlets for high-end fashion labels. The options may be a little limited, but the chance to grab bargains is incredible.

Finally, if you find yourself purchasing fashion items on repayment plans, get a 0% interest deal. Otherwise, you’ll pay far more than necessary.

Brain Wave, Computers and gadgets, Shopping and Merchandise

Android versus Smart TV: Pick one!

July 21, 2022 No Comments

Photo by Jefferson Street Designs

There is an on-going battle amongst fans of android and smart TV on which one is the best. I am also wondering which one is the best for our family. Our current TV, an old traditional one, has retired so a new one is about to come join our family very soon. It is imperative that I find out which one is better to make an informed decision before I go buy one.

Smart TV

A Smart TV is any television that can connect to the internet. It is very user-friendly as it comes with pre-installed apps like Netflix, Youtube, and even Facebook so there are no more complicated set-up needed. It is basically plug and play when you buy it.

The thing with Smart TV is that when you want to connect to other apps, you might not be able to. This television is not upgradable so new apps coming out won’t play in it. If you truly want to access new apps, a new Smart TV might be needed. Will you buy a new one just because you can’t access one app or two?

Android TV

The Android TV is basically a smart TV, one that can also connect to the internet and comes with pre-installed apps when you purchase one. But with an Android TV, Google Play Store gives this television a big edge compared to the Smart TV. Just like with Android smart phones, additional apps can easily be downloaded and upgraded. A vast array of apps from the play store can be installed and easily accessed on the TV remote control. It is just like a smart phone actually. And there’s the Google Assistant, too, and the Android box.

The only disadvantage of this type of television is that if the buyer is not tech-savvy and not too familiar with Android, installation and set-up might appear complicated and confusing.

Well, there you go. Basically, if you know Android, then the latter one is for you. If you want something very simple and with no complicated upgrading or installation, the former one is best.

As for me and my family, our pick is the Android TV. Adults in the family are familiar with Android as we all have that type of smart phones. And good thing we have a go-to repair man. The benefits of hiring a same-day appliance repair expert is something that all of us need to know. It comes handy especially if you have people relying on specific appliances at home. In our family, aside from TV, two of my sisters rely on the oven for their side hustle.

So, what’s your pick?

Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks, Shopping and Merchandise

What You Need to Know About Setting Up Your Own Ecommerce Store

May 3, 2022 No Comments

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In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to start your own ecommerce business. Whether you have an excellent idea for a niche market or want to try your hand at online retailing, ecommerce is a great way to go. Most people think they need a ton of money and a lot of experience to start an ecommerce business. This can be true, but you don’t need a massive budget or knowledge to get created.. From choosing the right platform to understanding the logistical challenges of running an ecommerce business, you’ll learn everything you need to know about starting your own ecommerce business.

Choosing your business model
The first step in starting an ecommerce store is to figure out what kind of business model to choose. There are four main business models for online retailing: Dropshippers, Wholesalers, Brokers, and Direct Sales. While some business models are more suited for specific products or niches, all models have pros and cons.

The best platforms for ecommerce
Thanks to the growth of the internet, you no longer need to own a brick-and-mortar retail store to sell online. That’s why there are so many online sales channels and platforms! You can start your own ecommerce business on your website, Shopify, or Amazon’s platform. Think about your goals and how each platform fits your business model when choosing a platform. Are you looking to build an audience and make recurring revenue? Or would you like to test the waters and see if ecommerce is right for you? Once you’ve decided on the right platform, make sure you’re using the right tools to run your business. Set up tools like ShipStation and Fulfilled.com to make it easy to set up your dropshipping and dropshipping fulfillment service and use analytics and tracking to optimize your sales and marketing.

What products to sell
When choosing products to sell, think about your industry and your target customers. You can do a lot of market research this way and make sure your products stand out from the crowd. Once you’ve got a better idea of what you want to sell, look at similar products in your industry and see if you can create something better.

Payment options
When you’re starting an ecommerce business, your customers will expect fast and reliable payment processing, so factor this in when looking at the benefits of ACH vs EFT. You can accept cards through ecommerce platforms, but you can also use payment processors. We recommend choosing a payment processor like Stripe, Paytrust, or BB Payments. These platforms let you accept all payment types in one place, streamline your sales and marketing processes, and offer seamless integrations with your ecommerce platform. If you choose to accept credit cards, make sure you’re compliant with PCI standards. You can also use an API or accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. You don’t have to worry about exchange rates, fees, and chargebacks with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This gives your customers even more payment options and lets you take control of your business’s cash flow.

Make it legal
The final step in starting your ecommerce business is to make sure it’s legal. There are tons of business models and ways to run an ecommerce business, but you need to make sure they’re legal in your region. For example, if you’re selling goods in the United States, you’ll need to find a business license and follow food and drug regulations. Before you start selling products through your ecommerce business, it’s essential to check with your state’s tax office and business licensing office to make sure you’re following all applicable laws.

Blogging in general, Brain Wave, Shopping and Merchandise, Travel and Attractions

Perks of being an influencer.

October 24, 2021 No Comments

Ayana is an influencer. She is not yet getting payments from her gigs yet but she is getting tons of products from different companies connected with the group she is a part of. Ayana is being egged by her friends to treat them to an out-of-town trip, preferably to the beach. Three days and two nights beginning on Friday is perfect for them since all five of them have nine to five jobs to go back to by Monday. Ayana acquiesced to the suggestion.

She got her van checked to make sure it is in good condition before they drive it out of the city. Good thing she was able to shop used winter tires so she has spare tires she can bring with them in case they would need a replacement.

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Since she is an influencer, she was able to use it in order to save on the following: accommodation, meals, water activities, and swimwear.

The beach resort Ayana was able to book for her and her friends has villas good for large groups. She talked to the manager of the resort and was able to convince them that in exchange for accommodations, she will promote their resort in her social media accounts. She also guaranteed them that they will take beautiful photos in order to post to all their social media accounts to attract other travelers to book their stay with them.

A local online food seller wanted to be featured digitally in order to gain more customers. Ayana was able to talk to the seller and in exchange for providing them meals for three days, she and her friends will promote her online shop in all their social media accounts.

The same thing happened in getting new swimwear and booking water activities. In exchange for digital promotion, they will be given free swimwear and will be booked water activities near the resort.

These days, there are so many perks of being a digital influencer. I have a cousin and two friends who are all influencers and would post products they have tried almost daily in order to encourage others to try it as well. No, they don’t do video blogging. They just do social media posts, mostly, in Facebook and Instagram. Those are the platforms I see them the most.

I remember when I was very active in attending blogging events. I was given sample products in exchange for a simple, short review in my blog. I said yes to some, no to most. The rule that I follow is that I will review the products that I actually used that’s why I said no to most of the samples.

Being an influencer, though… makes me think of being one now.

Brain Wave, Self-Care Corner, Shopping and Merchandise

Dressed up on a Friday night.

June 24, 2021 No Comments

dressed-up This pandemic has made us complacent, to say the least. We are now so used to being at home, dressed shabbily, and even with our hairs in disarray. Admit it, you are also guilty of slacking off and letting things slide when this pandemic hit.

But one thing hit me when I read something on Instagram lately… this is the period when we need to take care of ourselves even more!

One idea that popped in my head is to get dressed up on a Friday night. I mean, why not? There are Women’s Boutique Dresses online that we women can choose from. Let’s get dressed even if we will just be staying at home and will just be watching Netflix alone. Dress in one of those summer boutique dresses or those boutique maxi dresses from MySistersCloset-Boutique. Pop the bottle of wine in the fridge to get it cold. Set up that table for one with the pasta just off the stove. You can even set the mood by dimming the lights or completely turning it off to light some scented candles on the floor. Go ahead and do it. It is one form of self-love that we need to be espousing in order to stay sane in this tough period of our lives.

Love yourself. We need to start with ourselves before we give love to others around us. That’s one of the things that I have learned since this pandemic started. It can be simply eating something special on any given time or day. Dressing up on nights you normally reserve to going out and meeting friends. Or just opening a bottle of a special wine to sip a glass all by yourself.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Shopping and Merchandise

Sofa for everyone.

May 16, 2021 No Comments

Are you one of those families that converge in a single place at home even though there is a lot of space to sit or lounge at? I belong to one of those families.

My sisters and I love chatting. Even our sister-in-law loves to chat. Since we all live in a single house, we often chat. And we love to do it while eating. Also, when we are in front of the television in the living room. You can just imagine the abuse our chairs would get from us. We would sit there for hours at times, even the nephews love to relax and play with their tablets while lounging with us around.

Just last night, I realized just how much we are in need of a new sofa for the living room. A sidearm is already broken while several sweat stains can be found on the chocolate brown sofa. We are in need of a trip to the furniture store Fredericton soonest.

In choosing a sofa for your home, here are two things to make sure you check: lifestyle and dimension.

When buying a sofa, make sure you choose the right dimension. You don’t want to get a bulky sofa for your small living room. Right? It might eat up all the space you have in that section of the house you want to put it in.

What to do? Measure the space where you plan to put the sofa at. Make sure your measurement is correct. When you are in the store, give your measurement to a store assistant to help you find the right sofa. Check available colors and fabrics. And count the number of people who can seat on it.

We always choose neutral colors. We used to have a gray sofa then we chose a chocolate brown one after. We also always choose leather. Easier to clean and maintain. The fabric ones can easily get broken especially when there are kids at home. Just a pen or scissor can tear one apart.

And, then, consider your lifestyle. Some people love entertaining at home. You choose a roomy sofa, easier to clean and maintain, and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. For people like us, a sofa is really for lounging, a place where we can sit for hours. It is what we use to chit-chat, watch television, read a book, and just chill. Some buy a sofa for aesthetic purposes and nothing more.

Also, consider if you have kids at home. Better choose a sturdy one even if it is pricier than most. Kids tend to jump on anything soft so you know that the new sofa will be used as a trampoline of sorts.

What’s your choice?

Brain Wave, Shopping and Merchandise

Air fryer: Is it worth buying?

February 17, 2021 No Comments

Have you heard of the latest in a long line of countertop appliances? It is an air fryer nowadays! We have stoves, pots and pans, oven, microwave oven, oven toaster, deep fryer, and stovetop barbecue grill. Apparently, it is not enough. An air fryer is now a staple in most households. In our household, when something is broken, it gets fixed. We call an appliance repair specialist as soon as possible. Repair instead of immediately buying a replacement. But these days, we tend to add a new invention especially when almost everyone has and talks about it.

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So, what is an air fryer, anyway?

It is a countertop convection oven simulating deep frying without the need for cooking oil. A fan circulates hot air in high speed thereby cooking what is inside it. It is a “healthier” way of eating fried food because the food was not submerged in oil. That made most people get on board, especially the health buffs and those who are on a diet. Fried food is great! Who does not want a fried chicken? Or a fried porkchop with lots of gravy on it?

But, the question is, is it worth it? I mean, there is a real convection oven. There is also an oven toaster. Our office pantry has an air fryer so I went ahead and tested it. I bought a kilo of marinated pork belly which I normally cook in a deep fryer to make the pork skin and fatty meat crispy. First, the container basket is small. It can only fit at the very least three to four slices of pork belly, cut in two inches long and slightly more than an inch wide. It was a tight fit in it but I was able to make it work. Cooking time took about ten minutes, pausing in between to check if both sides were being fried properly. It was. The result? Tender, juicy pork belly slices. The pork skin was not crispy but tender, the same with the fatty parts of the pork. It was okay but I would have preferred for the skin to be crispy. It is healthy, though, so I forgave that result of the air fryer test.

I tested it again this time with baby back ribs. It was unsuccessful. The ribs became dry, the air fryer sucking out the juices from it. My sister cooked half of the baby back ribs using a slow cooker and it was a success! Juicy, fall-off-the-bones delicious!

Is it really worth adding to the number of countertop appliances at home? If you are into fried food, then, yes. Healthier way of frying, sure. If you already have an oven at home, I suggest not to buy an air fryer anymore. An oven will be so much better. Bigger, too. If you don’t have one, then go ahead and get one.

As for me, I think I’d stick with the big oven, our deep fryer, and the slow cooker.

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