Aluminium kitchen cabinets

I was going through Carguygarage.com, which as the name suggests specializes in everything that has to do with a garage from cabinets and workbenches to garage floor paint and storage systems. Looking at their range of cabinets that usually go in garages, I was thinking that they would look great in the kitchen too.

The diamond plate cabinets that are made of aluminum would really be ideal as kitchen cabinets as they will not rust or corrode. It is a matter of choice and I like the way they look - gives them a stylish modern look. However, you can have them powder coated to any color of your choice if you want.

Quality furniture site

As I have mentioned several times on this blog, I have been an Ikea fan for quite sometime. However, I can feel that my taste is slowly changing. Maybe watching too many Colin and Justin interior decoration shows on TV is having it's effect. The company produces very functional furniture that you put up yourself but somehow lacks the sophistication.

If I were a successful business man, I am not quite sure whether I would go for plywood or fibreboard furniture that I have to put together, for my office.

On the other hand, this handsome computer desk is something that I would definitely consider. It comes from the online furniture store 'Furniture From Home', which carries a range of high quality bedroom, Living Room and Home Office Furniture among others.

Their website is quite nice and it's easy for customers to shop by room, style, or color using the advanced search on the site.

A simple way to self-publish

Are you an aspiring author but have no idea how to go about publishing your book?

You may very well be the next JK Rowling but unfortunately convincing the various, well established publishing houses otherwise may prove to be the biggest hurdle. Even if you do convince them, they might take away most of the control over the book while giving you a paltry sum as a royalty.

You may want to consider a new way of publishing a book, by Self Publishing with AuthorHouse. This leading self-publishing company was established in 1997 and have since then has helped over 25,000 authors to self publish their book.

The best part is that you as a author retain all rights and control decisions regarding the publishing and ultimate marketing of their book. After it is published you won't even have to worry about the marketing of the book as it will available for order at more than 25,000 retail outlets worldwide, online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, well as their own online book store.

Bowling shirts made in the USA

Most cloth manufacturers in the developed countries have now moved production to China, India and other countries where the cost of production is cheaper. It's simple economics. This is true of many American brands. However, there are a few survivors who still produce their clothes in America and proudly carry the 'Made in the US' label.

There are still many American customers who will buy these American-made products even though they are slightly costlier than those available in the local hypermarkets, for patriotic reasons. I guess the brand names have something to do with it too. People trusts the quality of the brands. A good example are the American-made retro bowling shirts and rockabilly shirts. they have loads of designs but the most popular shirts on the site happen to be the retro bowling shirts.

Finding a house in the US has become real easy

I just got to know about this great rental site called Rentals.com. Their listings include a variety of rentals including apartments, condos, townhomes, vacation rentals, and more. Said to be the most popular rental listing Web site, you can find a house in every American state. The site has loads of houses for rent, the choice is amazing.

I decided to give it a test run to check out houses available for rent in New York, more specifically for apartments. The search was quite easy and I quickly narrowed to the search down to apartments. There's an amazing number of choices but one that caught my eye was the luxury apartments in Kamson Community : Forest Hill Terrace. Not really sure about the area but the green vegetation outside the apartments really attracted me. I would have appreciated some pictures of the interior as well though.

If you are looking for a place to rent in the States, I definitely recommend this site.

Getting yourself pierced, get quality jewelry

Someone once asked me whether I am into body piercings. I was a bit confused as to why she asked me that question until she clarified that she had noticed that my ears had been pierced. No! I am not into body piercings and the ear piercings, well that's another story.

Anyway, I noticed that body piercings are on the rise in Malaysia, especially among the urban youth. Of course when we talk about body piercings, you also have to consider the body jewelry. There's no point if you are going to get your belly pierced and put an ugly looking stud in it.

What about this 14kt White Gold Round CZ Solitaire Navel Belly Button Ring? Now we are talking. This ring costs $49.99 (retail price $119.99) and is available from Freshtrends.com, one of the leading body jewelry sites on the net. Check out their huge range of Gold Body jewelry including tongue rings, nose rings, navel rings among other quality products. Sign up with the site to receive discounts, coupons and other news via email. They offer free shipping on domestic (US) orders above $25. They also ship internationally and it's free for orders above $40 via USPS First Class Mail.

Check out the site for their weekly offers.

Received my VistaPrint name cards

Quite sometime back I had visited the VistaPrint site after learning about their unbelievable offer - 250 name cards for free. Was a bit skeptical but as it turned out, it was indeed free but you have to pay for the shipping. I was OK with that and was about to check out when I discovered that I couldn't pay using PayPal. They only accept credit cards. I didn't want to use my credit cards and left the site.

A few days later, I received an offer by e-mail from them - "Premium Business Cards - 250 usually $19.99
NOW FREE". So, I went ahead as it was real cheap. Was tired with giving excuses to people whenever they handed me their card, saying "Sorry! I don't have a card."

I had opted for the normal (slow) shipping and it finally arrived today. The total cost was only US$6.47 after tax.

Quite happy with the quality of the printing and the paper. Just wondering how the ordinary name card quality would be like as mine was supposed to be premium quality. It looks and feels just like any other normal card. But I am not complaining at that price.

So how do they make money?

As you go through the card making process, they tempt you with a number of add-ons - like ability to put up your logo, printing on the back, card holder and so on, which slowly adds up to the total. I went for the "no frills" option (FREE) and it still looks great.

Definitely recommend this site. UK customers go to their UK site here.

Related link: Business cards for free with VistaPrint

Tags: name cards vistaprint

Why do you buy designer sunglasses

My friend Nick collects sunglasses. He has so many that they fill up two drawers, arranged neatly in rows. These are not just any sunglass but designer brands. We once watched the first Matrix movie together and liked what he saw. So off we went to grab a wrap around Ray-Ban like the one that Neo wore in the movie. I was laughing at him but I too had a similar experience when I first watched Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise as an ace pilot. Went and bought myself a replica aviator. I thought I looked cool.

And you thought that sunglasses were merely to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. Was wondering whether movies and celebs influence our decision to buy sunglasses?

Just sometime back, I was at this optical shop and these two girls were excited about one particular sunglass. It looked like something from the 60s - big with white rims and I thought it was really ugly. Could help but over hear the girls. They were going, "it just looks like Paris Hilton's" or something like that. I guess big glasses with white rims are back in fashion. I can see a lot of people wearing them.

Whatever your reason, if you are looking for latest designer sunglasses, check out the 2007-08 Designer Sunglasses Collections at Optics Place. The website carrries the most affordable prices on a range of designer brands including Gucci, Prada, Versace, RayBan and much more. You don't have to go to different stores to compare and find the sunglass of your liking.

Besides sunglasses, the site also has a good selection of eyeglass frames, contact lenses, safety glasses and accessories. As someone who wear glasses, I was more interested in the information on eye health and the vision correction options. I found a lot of them to be very useful.

Belisi Fashions press release

PALM BEACH, Fla., May 2 /PRNewswire/ - Fashion, it's not just a New York game anymore. South Florida has become a top contender of those "in the know." Palm Beach-based Belisi Fashions, a driving force behind this new fashion movement, combines luxury, innovative style and distinctive creations, setting it a part from the rest of the fashion industry. Fashion-forward designer Peter Belisi of Belisi Fashions is unveiling his new and improved online destination http://www.Belisi.com, which is more than a shopping website-it's a community where discriminating consumers can find valuable fashion advice, keep up with trends and so much more.


Belisi Fashions is synonymous with luxury, a brand that represents a growing collection of fine Italian silk ties, pocket squares, and scarves. Peter Belisi inspires and surprises with characteristic versatility and responsiveness to an ever-changing market. The very essence of his collections reflects his emotional and artistic view of life's experiences; thereby, creating a personal style inspiring men and women to dress and accessorize according to their own personality.

Belisi was built on the philosophy that a necktie or a scarf is more than an article of clothing-it completes your look. "There are plenty of Web sites where you can buy accessories but few where you feel like you're a part of a fashion community," affirms Belisi.

"A tie is a focal point that makes a bold statement. When we design and create a tie, pocket square or scarf, we first think about the person who will wear it. We want our products to enhance customers' lives through quality, using the most aucourant in fabrics and signature detailing," confirms Belisi. "These accessories add flare to any outfit with an accent of color that creates a whole new look."

The Belisi brand is flourishing, and anticipates the release of its new luxury handbag collection in Fall '07. As with all Belisi products, the handbag collection will feature extraordinary detailing including real gold hardware, soft treated Italian leather and brushed fabrics, plus many other exclusive features only available through Belisi.com.

About Belisi.com
Belisi.com is an online community where customers are "Insiders" instead of order numbers. Being an "Insider" means access to special privileges including free shipping, gift wrap on all orders and a designated place on the Belisi Insider's Advisory Board. Belisi Insiders' opinions are more than thoughts expressed in cyber space. Peter Belisi embraces each comment, suggestion or question and responds to his clients personally. Belisi's fashion blogs offer up-to-the-minute insight from fashion, beauty and lifestyle experts. Find out more by visiting:
http://www.TheDivasDreams.com for women and http://www.SharpByDesignblog.com for men.
Belisi also has a beauty blog, http://www.BeautifulMeblog.com, which keeps customers "in the know" about all things related to beauty-inside and out.

About Belisi Fashions
The Belisi brand is the brainchild of Peter Belisi, whose lifelong aspirations were to fuse the luxury and prestige of Palm Beach with Italian sophistication. Belisi embodies the spirit of true entrepreneurship with a passion for the best of everything, which is evident in the quality products produced. Each dramatic detail in a Belisi tie, pocket square and scarf represents Belisi's unwavering commitment to creating fashion products that embody timeless sophistication and enduring beauty.
Peter Belisi is loyal to his community and remains steadfast in giving back to those in need, never forgetting his roots and the journey that led him to where he is today. Through the "Belisi Luxury with Meaning" program, a minimum of 10 percent of the company's pre-tax profits are donated to those in need. Thus keeping in-line with Belisi's mission to create a community within a community, customers decide which charity to make their contribution. Some of the charities include: Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, American Heart Association, and 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com.

Favorite software package.

I just found a place to buy my favourite PC Software online.

As someone who first learnt how to design websites on Microsoft FrontPage, I was really looking forward to trying out their new web design software - Microsoft Expression Web Professional Design Tool. It is now available at Buypcsoft.com for $258.95. That's $40.05 cheaper than on the Microsoft site.

Had the opportunity to try it out on a friend's place and it was great.
First thing I noticed about it was the similarity of it's interface with Macromedia Dreamweaver. Unlike FrontPage, which is the first choice of many web design amateurs (and sneered at by professionals), this WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) web design software package is targeted at the professional web designers. It promises to help you create standards-based sites with full CSS and XML support. Thus your sites are automatically optimized for accessibility and cross-browser compatibility.

One of the most attractive features of this software from Microsoft are the sophisticated CSS design features. You can browse through various CSS styles and actually see what each style looks like before applying it.

The XML features allow you to build interactive websites by using the XML data source for page elements. It allows you to view quickly each feature using the drag-and-drop tools.

This software requires PCs running on Windows Vista / XP / 2003.

Bushnell binoculars

If you are looking for binoculars, one brand that you can't afford to ignore is Busnell. Busnell Optical is the leading producer of binoculars in the United States. My favourite model has to be the Bushnell H20 10x42 Porro Prism Binoculars. It has been described as the "the ideal binoculars for the outdoor enthusiast!" by the Western Outdoors Magazine.It is water proof and has one particular feature that appeals to me - Fold-down winged eyecups. This means that I can see the whole field of view even for people who wear eyeglasses, like me.

If you are looking for a place to buy bushnell binoculars, I would recommend Eagle Optics. The company has an amazing range of quality optics including Bushnell products. They have been selling optical products, both in their store in Central Wisconsin and by mail order since 1986. Now they have their own online store. It is a great place to buy binoculars simply because of the range of products they have on offer. They also have among the best lowest prices on the web. Right now, they have the new convenient Google Checkout Payment Option in place as well as outstanding customer service.

They also offer free financing for order above US $200.

Free handphones with T-mobile and Wirefly

Wirefly.com is offering free T-Mobile phones when customers sign up with a new wireless account. Among the popular models of phones are the Moto RAZR and the Motorola PEBL.

Of the two model mentioned above, I would definitely go for the Motorola PEBL. Though not the most high tech of phones available, I love it's curvaceous design and the unique external screen. Trying it out at the local store, I really liked the feel of this phone on my hands and the clamshell open mechanism is really smooth.

However, it's not on the top 10 list of T-mobiles phones listed on the site, given below:
#1: Samsung Stripe
#2: Dragon Tattoo RAZR
#3: BlackBerry Pearl
#4: Plum Samsung T509
#5: Motorola v3i D&G
#6: Samsung T619
#7: Samsung T519 Trace
#8: Samsung T719
#9: Nokia 6133
#10: Samsung T319

If you live in the US, you can check whether you are eligible for the the online offers by entering your zip code.

For your information, Wirefly.com is the online storefront of InPhonic Inc. It has received a number of Internet awards, including Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" for 2004 and Keynote System's "Best In Overall Customer Experience" in 2005. Wirefly.com is also the Internet's #1 Store for Cell Phones and Plans.

Auctions with a twist

Just got to know about this new and unique online auction site called bid4prizes. Unlike other auction sites where the highest bidder wins, instead here the LOWEST UNIQUE bidder is the winner.

Yes! You can bid just 1 cent on a cool product and win if you are the only one who bid 1 cent for that product. Talking about cool products - people were bidding on amazing products like a Scion XB car, Samsung 50" Plasma TV, an Apple iPhone and lots more.

Joining in is quite easy. Once you have registered on the site you can start bidding. Just follow the steps:
STEP 1: Select your the item you are interest in by clicking it's image.
STEP 2: Enter your cellphone number and your bid amounts in cents.
After the auction ends, check to see if your bid was the lowest unique one. If yes! You won the prize.

Record bowls

No! I am not going to blog about record breaking bowls but about recycled record bowls instead.

These bowls are made from old vinyl records and are available with either smooth or stepped sides. Priced at $25.97, these bowls are shipped anywhere in the US or Canada for free. Unfortunately they do not ship to other countries.

These bowls would definitely make a unique and interesting gift.

Finding the best online savings account

I am not sure about you guys, but a lot of people prefer to their money in their savings accounts as a risk free investment. However, a lot of people complain that earning on the money saved is quite low. There are so many banks around that promise you the best interest rates that choosing the best one can be prove to be quite a headache.

Compare online banking savings accounts and find a new savings account or checking account that earns more interest today with SavingsAccounts.com

This new site focuses on the direct to consumer online banking industry. They promise to help you find the perfect online savings account. Even though it is still in the early development stages, the site is a great place to learn how to earn better interest rates. They do this by comparing online banks and finding one offering the highest interest rates. This will be based on your specific account features that best suit your individual needs.

When I last checked, HSBC was the most attractive with interest rates for savings accounts as high as 6%.

Video marketing site

Selldeo.com (http://www.selldeo.com)is an online classified listing site with a difference. Instead of just old fashioned text and photos, this site carries user-generated video ads.

Usually that kind of video marketing was only reserved for big companies with huge marketing budgets. This is another indication of the fact that the internet has totally changed the way we do business as well as marketing products and services.

This service is now available to artists, home run businesses and even you. The video ad hosting makes video marketing widely accessible to the public. It also gives rise to a wide range of possibilities - virtual tours, video reviews and so on. In case you are not that tech savvy, don't worry, the site allows simple text ad listings too.

For your information, the site also has homepages that are focussed at several local markets so that local sellers can target their specific target segments.

There are two things I really like about this classifieds site. First of all it's totally free for both sellers and shoppers and secondly, there is no limit to how long an ad can run.

If you do want some extra attention, you can opt for the Featured Ad space for a nominal fee and get featured prominently in the center of their homepage. Another Adam ok recommended site.

Car boot sale online

I am sure that most of my regular readers are aware that going to car boot sales has become our favourite family weekend pastime. iBootSale.com is UK's online version of Car boot sales, where sellers put up their unwanted possessions on their pitches. Buyers can browse, haggle and purchase the items just like in a real car boot sale.

The only difference is that this is one car boot sale is open 24/7 and is not affected by rain, snow or sleet.

If you have unwanted stuff stored in your attic or garage, just go over there and register. Right now the charge for pitches are currently FREE! This is for 90 days and 25 items. However in the future, there will be a simple charge for each pitch.

Just checked and found out that there are a lot of items at incredible prices. Better hurry before they are gone.

Technology posts

Lucia, one of my regular visitors, recently left a comment on my previous post: "Interesting personal blog" about my posts on technology. According to her,

"you started writing about technology, business and e-commerce was because they are sponsored posts."

First, I was thinking of just replying to the comment but then I thought the reply would make a nice post.

I have to disagree with Lucia. I have been writing about technology ever since I started this blog. Here are my few first technology related posts (All of them were written in Sept. 2003):
1. Are most bloggers, Girls?
2. Lot of great FREE stuff on the net
3. Spy in your computer?

One of my blog posts on "Top 5 Ecommerce Companies of Malaysia", also received a lot of interest from my visitors, which also resulted in some collaborative projects with academics.

But she's right. Of late I have been doing a lot of sponsored posts. It's my source of income now.

Anyway, I am visiting a lot of technology related blogs now to catch up with the latest tech developments. One of them is the "SQKIKI Simple Tech" blog. She has some great tips. Just learned about a new Internet advertising services and promotion website called Dclickads from her blog. I might sign up.

Tags: blogs technology

Buying Euphoria

Euphoria is the new fragrance from Calvin Klein. My wife wanted it and so I thought it would be an ideal Mother's day gift.

Checked out a few online retailers and as I wanted to pay with Paypal, I narrowed it down to Harrods and Boots.

The prices of Euphoria Eau de Parfum 30ml, were same in both: £28 (approx. US$55/ RM192). The only difference was the delivery charges. £4.95 for Harrods and £2.95 for Boots. So naturally I choose boots.

The final charges was £ 33.90. This included "Gift boxing" (£2.95) and a free card.

Looking on the net, I discovered that I could have got it cheaper. The cheapest prices are at:
1. Fragrance Direct: £26.94 (£24.99 + P & P: £1.95)
2. Cheap Smells: £26.45 (£25.50+ P & P: £0.95)
3. Supaperfume: £26.45 (postage free).

Do you know of any place I could have got it cheaper?

Next time before I shop online, I will definitely do a little bit more research to find the best prices.

Tags: Boots Calvin Klein Euphoria Fragrances Harrods Perfume

Video Spokesperson

Was going through this online registration form website, when I happened to chance upon their demo from page.

What caught my attention was a special feature whereby their video spokesperson, called 'Connie' pops up on the lower right corner of the site and gives a friendly welcome. She then proceeds to explain their service and then guide us to the next step of the registration process.

According to their tests, this feature, when added to the registration forms of their test group, increased registrations by 11%.

The presence of Connie definitely gives a more personalised and special feel to the site. She sounds quite friendly and her appearance is quite nice. I guess people naturally respond better to a person rather than an animated character. Of course, it could be a different story if the targeted visitors are children.

I would expect more people to sign up with this feature as compared to a normal one for the above reasons. I also like the fact that the image disappears after the introduction. Having it remain in the background might be annoying - like Microsoft's animated paper clips.

I see a lot of potential uses in other websites including online stores.Maybe there could be a 'virtual cashier' to help you with your checkout.

Definitely a Great idea. I give it the thumbs up.

Sponsored