Isn’t it interesting how the dating world has evolved? Now, online dating is completely acceptable and sometimes even the preferred method of meeting your potential soul mate. But even though it seems pretty safe, you should keep your guard up and keep yourself safe. Here are some tips/advice if you want to start dating online:

•  The entire time you are talking to the other person, look out for red flags. Usually they come in the form of a passing comment that strikes you as odd or just not quite right. Your best bet is to take note of these and move on to someone else.
• When meeting them for the first time, make sure it is in a public area and your loved ones know when you are meeting the person and where. It doesn’t hurt to make sure you will be safe.
• Make sure you are completely comfortable before agreeing to meet them in person.
• Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If they force the issue, dump them and move onto someone else who won’t pressure you. You deserve respect.
• When you are looking for an online dating site, there is a myriad to choose from. There are sites especially for vegans to those for singles with herpes. Whatever your lifestyle is, there is an online dating site to match. It must be true what they say, “there truly is someone for everyone”.

Back-to-school means it’s time for every student’s favorite day - picture day!  But if you’re lucky enough to be a senior, then it’s a whole different ball game.  Seniors often have the opportunity to showcase their personality with senior portraits (unless your school does the lame “drapes” and suits).  Here’s a few tips for senior portraits that our favorite Salt Lake senior portrait photographer gave us:

• Avoid wearing clothing with busy patterns and words - it can be distracting and solids typically photograph better than patterns.
•  If you’re taking pictures outside, avoid wearing certain greens (such as forest green and teal), pink, and orange, which can all clash with outdoor settings.
• Girls are encouraged to wear pants since they provide a wider range of poses without the limitations of skirts or dresses.
• Light colors, horizontal stripes, and tight tops can accentuate weight.
• Avoid sleeveless shirts, which can make your arms look bigger than they really are.
• Wear a flattering neckline - round and square faces look best in V-necks, while slender faces or those with pointy chins look best in crew necks (round).

Though the gardening season may be quickly coming to a close, these gifts are perfect for your green thumb enthusiast all year round.

• The Electronic Soil Tester enables you to easily and quickly monitor the soil pH, soil moisture, light intensity, and other critical conditions for healthy plant growth.

• The Forged Cape Cod Weeder is one tool no gardener should be without!

• A mosquito hat is ideal if you prefer gardening during the dusk or dawn hours, the most pleasant times of day. Unfortunately, it’s also when mosquitoes and other bugs are out in full force. The mosquito hat provides insect protection by keeping pesky pests off your neck and away from your face.
  

If you are looking for a way to pay off your house quicker than the average length of 30 years, you have a few options. One of these options is the money merge account through U1st. The average length of time to pay off a mortgage while using the money merge account is 7-14 years. Quite a difference to 30 years. Through their interest-cancellation strategy, United First Financial can set you on the road to true financial freedom.

And if you have a smaller debt amount, there is a program that can help you also. The following text is taken directly from United First Financial’s website about this program:

“If you have less than $80,000 in debt from no more than 10 total creditors, you may qualify for the Money Merge Account Express program, which is specifically designed to cancel smaller amounts of debt. Stop paying unnecessary interest for months or even years on end. Instead, let the Money Merge Account software calculate the best way to pay off your financial obligations in a fraction of the time!”

Look into it; you’ll be glad that you did.

The most honest and candid opinions are often the most important.

It’s finally the time that you’ve been dreading.  You knew it would come but was hoping it wouldn’t be this soon…your washer is making awful sounds that rival nails on a chalkboard as it thumps and clunks during the entirely too long spin cycle.  Time for a new washer.  So before you pack up the kids and head down to the local appliance shop,  you need to do some homework when it comes to finding the best brand and model right for your laundry needs.  But let’s say you need a new camera, or television, or even a new car…how do you find the best ones?  Online consumer reviews. 

When it comes to paying big bucks and feeling like you didn’t get your money’s worth, consumers don’t hold back.  They will tell you every little thing that bothered them, didn’t perform, or functioned poorly - which comes in quite handy if you’re in the market for something similar.  So what are the best type of consumer reviews to consult before you make a big purchase?

• Digital cameras - Learn about the functionality, usability, and quality of a specific camera before you even purchase it.
• Televisions - From Plasmas to LCD to flat screens, consumer reviews will give you the pros and cons of all!
• Refrigerators - Consumers will open your eyes to issues and product problems you would have never considered otherwise.
• Washer/Dryer - Which washer’s clothes come out the cleanest?  Which dryer drys the fastest?
• Grill - Get the most bang for your buck (and flavor) by picking a grill with glowing reviews.

Wholesale clubs such as Costco, Sam’s, and B.J.’s can offer consumers great prices on anything from food to electronics to furniture – but what will net you the most bang for your buck?

• Stock up your deep freezer!  Frozen foods and meat are significantly cheaper at wholesale clubs.
• Many (but not all) electronics can be found at great deals.  For example, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi digital camera is currently for sale at Costco for $699…competitors have it listed for $799.  Other great buys include plasma televisions, computers, and DVD players.
• Wholesale clubs have an extensive media section with CDs, DVDs, and books at the lowest prices around.
•  If you have can buy in bulk, fruit is a much better deal at a wholesale club than your local grocer.  Heads of lettuce are typically less than a dollar a piece and whole pineapples can be found for as little as $2.50 a piece.
• Becoming a member of a wholesale club may be worth it just for the gas, which is typically at least 10 cents cheaper a gallon than regular gas stations.