christmas decor tips
Christmas Countdown Tips Create a no-stress Christmas with these simple steps   _ __ __ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _By , SHOP.COM's Home Editor The last three months of the year are a whirlwind of holiday activity. Between raising kids, work, and tending to your marriage, how is a mom supposed to find the time to create a magical and memorable Christmas, too? The pros know there are ways to decorate and entertain in a flash. With a little planning, it_s easy to pull together a polished look that might not be perfect but certainly feels like Christmas. _ _ _ __Shop Early-online: Instead of hitting the malls with everyone else, start your Christmas decorating early by shopping for special items online. SHOP.COM stores have a myriad of decorations right at your fingertips. From garlands and ornaments to dishware and cookware, you_ll find what you need right here.  Prepare Hostess Gi...... Read more

beauty tips spacations
TAKE A SPA-CATION Save money -- learn how to take a spa vacation at home   _ ___ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ By , SHOP.COM's Beauty Tips Editor Don't have the funds for a fancy day at the spa? No worries_for a quarter of the price, you can create your own spa in the privacy of your bathroom. You'll need a few beauty tools, some scented candles, ingredients from the fridge, and voila, welcome to the relaxation zone. So take a lazy Saturday or summer Friday, and make an appointment with just yourself or ask a girlfriend to come over. Then, follow this easy plan to pamper the day away. Go ahead, just say ohmmmm! _ _ SCRUB-A-DUB: _ An exfoliating wrap in a day spa can set you back about $100. You can do the same treatment at home for under $20. Invest in spa kit that includes a body scrub, lotion and gel cleanser like this . Start up your shower, wash with the gel, then turn off the shower and do the scrub slowly, zeroing in on rough patche...... Read more

election party tips
Throw the Perfect Election Party No matter who you're voting for,you'll be the talk of 2008 if you throw an election party extravaganza! _ _ __  _ _ __ ___ ___ ____ _____ ____ ___ ___ __ __ __ _ By , SHOP.COM's Fashion Trend Editor There's no doubt that the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election is a truly historic one- which is why you should celebrate by hosting an election party they'll remember! C'mon, there's so much to reminisce about: Sarah Palin sparking a trend with her Kawasaki rimless glasses, _   and , while pithy soundbytes made for great John McCain and Barack Obama t-shirts. _ _ Here are some tips for throwing a monumental election party: _ Election Party Tip #1: Dress Up! The broader range of political affiliations you have at your election party, the better. So make sure to invite your friends voting for either Barack Obama, John McCain, and any other political party, just to make it more fun. Then get dres...... Read more

easy makeover tips
The 5-Minute Makeover Ready for a new look in 2009? Here are some cheap ways to look great in the New Year.   _ __ __ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _By , SHOP.COM's Beauty Editor It's a new year, and time for a clean slate. What better excuse to make over your look? Thanks to some effortless tips and savvy choices, looking gorgeous this year is one resolution you don't have to break. Give yourself a once-over and start thinking about what you want to change. Read on, and follow these tips to uncovering your most beautiful, best self in 2009! _ _ __ __Consider change: __The first step to switching up your look is to open up your makeup bag. Assess what you want to keep, what you can toss and what you'd like to update. It may not require as much as you think, says Achelle Dunaway, makeup artist for e.l.f Cosmetics. "Just replacing two colors with something different, like a dark purple eye shadow and subtle pink lip gloss can create...... Read more

Economy improving, faces headwinds: Fed's Bernanke (Reuters)
Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Monday the shell-shocked U.S. economy has improved, but cautioned that the recovery remains fragile and the jobless rate may remain elevated for some time.... Read more