Finding Women’s Bikinis To Suit All Body Shapes

Image via Flickr creative commons from denim therapy

When it comes to baring all by the swimming pool on holiday, it’s understandable that you might be nervous. After all, last summer feels like a long time ago, and the ever longer winters we seem to experience in the UK can lead to us neglecting to get back into our gruelling exercise regimes and healthy eating habits fall to the side in favour of comforting stews. The good news however is that you don’t have to have washboard abs and a six pack to pull off a bikini with style. There are hundreds of styles of bikinis available simply because women come in hundreds of different body shapes. Designers know that bikinis can never be a one size fits all shape which is what makes it actually incredibly easy to pick out the right bikini for you. Here is how to find a bikini to suit your body shape.

Small on top

If you are small on top then finding a bikini is surprisingly easy. The best shapes for you are the triangle cut outs but if you want to emphasise the assets you do have then you can opt for a padded style while bikini tops with adjustable straps will enable you to tighten them to fit properly. Opt for a patterned bikini on top and plain bikini bottoms to balance out your figure. In fact, it’s also a good idea to invest in separates to help you choose the size that best fits each half of your body.

Big on top

If you’re looking for a way to minimise your top section or to make broad shoulders appear narrower, you should stay away from spaghetti strap bikini tops. Instead, opt for a thick strapped halter neck bikini top in a dark shade to instantly give the appearance of narrower shoulders. Contrary to what you may think, opting for a larger style bikini bottom, such as shorts or a swimming skirt will help to balance out your proportions. Always go for bikini tops with underwire and supportive features.

Apple shape

Apple shape figures tend to carry most of their weight around the middle with slim arms and legs. If this is you then here is the bikini style to opt for to flatter that tummy. High cut bikini bottoms will instantly elongate your legs, making them appear slimmer too. When it comes to design either opt for a plain block colour or choose vertical slimming stripes. Horizontal stripes or bikini shorts will make you look bigger than you are so steer clear. And if you’re still feeling a little self-conscious you could opt for a tankini which will cover your tummy but still feel bikini like in style – plus it will make toilet trips simpler.

Hourglass figure

Well miss hourglass, lucky you – you have the body that every woman envies. It’s fairly easy to find a gorgeous, flattering bikini for an hourglass figure. Your shape will suit most styles of bikini but try to choose a bikini top with underwire and bra-like support. Its then up to you as to which style, colour and cut you prefer. High cut bikini bottoms will be the most flattering for your legs – try a bikini with tie strings at the hips to emphasis your tiny waist.

There are many styles of women’s bikinis at Missguided.co.uk – which style will you be wearing this summer?

How To Find Your Ideal Signature Scent

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Finding a scent which encapsulates the many aspects which go to make an individual the person they are is a multi-faceted task, and one which is likely to produce different results for almost everyone, which might even depend on a number of variable factors applying at the time.

Men might think that women have it tough trying to pick out a scent which matches both them, their lifestyle, and the occasion at which they wish to wear it – but men come at this dilemma with, in the main, far less experience of their parameters when it comes to choosing a scent, and even less idea of how it can then change with time when it is worn.

It goes without saying that someone who douses themselves in too much scent can be just as overbearing as the person who neglects their personal hygiene.

But you might think that any scent is better than none at all, or the whiff of a few days’ body odour. That approach is for the weak-minded. So instead follow these steps, and you’ll make at least some progress towards finding the scent for all seasons for you.

– Take a smell of the scent in the bottle before spraying or dabbing it on –  This is especially the case if you don’t want to smell as though you’ve ram-raided the perfume counter when you return to work

– Resist the temptation to smell it straight away – A scent needs time to blend itself with your own natural odours as the chemical reaction with your skin takes effect. Keep going back and smelling it again throughout the day to see how it changes.

– Have someone else test with you – If a partner or female friend is available, get them to sample the scents too, especially as women are known to have a more acute sense of smell than men.

– Apply the scent on the correct spots – Choose areas where the blood vessels are closest to the skin, as the heat from them will help diffuse the scent more quickly, so you – and others – will be able to notice it more.

– Go easy – Don’t go for overkill, as you want a scent to only be noticeable to those who you want to get closest to you. So always apply any scent sparingly.

– Be consistent – If possible, use a body wash, deodorant and body spray from the same brand. A body spray is a less concentrated scent, yet is designed to last for several hours or even a whole day.

When you’re shopping for scents, you can be sure that brands such as Chanel Pour Monsieur from Thefragranceshop.co.uk have been released only after extensive research and testing, so you should be able to choose your own favourite with complete confidence.

Equally, you may not find any scent which suits all occasions, as most are designed not to do so. So also vary your collection so that it contains scents which are more effective at certain times of the day, and compliment your changing moods. And even once you are settled with a selection for what you consider every occasion, you shouldn’t be afraid to mix things up and try something new – especially as you grow older, and certain scents lose their appeal or effect.

Ways In Which Anyone Can Support UK Troops Overseas

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The UK’s armed forces might be in the process of being substantially slimmed down, but nevertheless, the country’s government still has major commitments which require members of the three forces to spend considerable time away from their homes on postings.

At the time of writing, in mid-2013, the biggest overseas commitment for British forces was in Afghanistan, where the forces are intended to play an important part in established a secure, democratic government, ensuring the security of supply lines to the country, and attempting to make the country a safe place in which businesses from outside are prepared to invest and provide jobs.

But situations are evolving constantly around the world, and the nature of conflict in various countries now means that most are largely domestic in nature, with different factions fighting for control of a country, but facing resistance from others.

Military hardware – only part of the story

Whenever they are ordered into any particular country, the people in charge of armed forces – ultimately their governments – have a duty to ensure that their numbers have all the equipment and resources they need to carry out the tasks given to them.

But the nature of military conflict is that its duration can never be predicted. And it is this unpredictability which causes the most difficulties to the generals and senior military staff who have to ensure that they have the right amount and type of resources available.

Troops need to feel comfortable to do a proper job

It’s taken for granted that an employer will provide their workers with everything needed to do their job – but it’s much more difficult to cater for a soldier, sailor or airman’s needs outside of their work. Of course, they’ll be missing many things when on deployment, many of which they might have never anticipated.

And that’s why the government permits a small number of organisations to collect items to send a parcel in the form of so-called comfort packages, and then to assemble these items into parcels which it sends to designated collection points close to the fields of operation.

Support Our Soldiers and UK Forces Support

These are just two such organisations. The first is based in Cumbria, in the far north-west of England, and it co-ordinates the collection of thousands of items for British forces personnel.

The second of these is a charity, which, in addition to collecting items for care packages, also provides wider support for forces personnel and their families.

Both say that, besides donations of items of food and other essentials, they most welcome well-wishing cards, which can be a tremendous morale-booster – but they stress that they cannot handle mail for a specific forces person, as this is handled by the British Forces Post Office.

Items which feature heavily on request lists from soldiers include the following:

– general toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, roll-on deodorant, razors, shaving gel, wet wipes and tissues.

– savoury snacks, such as nuts, crisps, savoury rice, noodles, packet soups, oatcakes and crackers.

– sweet snacks and confectionery – but no chocolate in the summer for obvious reasons!

– small clothing items such as sock, underpants and t-shirts

– paperback and puzzle books, magazines – but definitely not top-shelf! – playing cards, travel games, jigsaws, pens and pencils, notebooks and batteries

– proprietary pain relief tablets, plasters, insect repellent and sunscreen,

– bootlaces, and

– miscellaneous items such as blank greetings, cards and message of support.

It’s often said that people living or on duty overseas miss the things which they most take for granted when they’re away, and the above list bears this out. But as many of these items are small and easily packed, it’s good news for anyone who wishes to show their support for military personnel overseas in a practical way.

Ten Tips For Picking Out The Perfect Watch

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A watch has a number of functions and/or reasons for being worn, and these will depend on the lifestyle, outlook and personal style of the wearer.

Because these aspects can vary hugely between wearers, when picking a new watch, it’s important to base your choice on a clearly defined list of criteria, which can include the following:

– What’s your budget?: While this shouldn’t necessarily be the first thing you consider, it will greatly influence your final decision. Watch prices cover a huge range, and so you should start your quest with at least a maximum sum which you are prepared to invest in mind.

– Will your lifestyle affect your choice of watch?: For example, you might want a timepiece which you can be sure will continue to work at high altitudes, or even a low depths, depending on whether you are a climber or the adventurous type, or want to wear it while you are doing some deep-sea exploring.

– Will this be your sole watch?: It’s becoming increasingly common for buyers to see their watch as a fashion accessory, or for them to don a different model for business and leisure wear. So know when you intend to wear it, and you’ll make your watch choice so much easier.

– If this is your only watch, what’s your preferred style?: Not every watch is intended to be a fashion statement, and there are watch models which, like a favourite pair of jeans, can suit any occasion. If this is the type you’re after, look for timeless (no pun intended), classic styles which are as plain as possible, but give a hint as to your personality and tastes.

– Who do you take your fashion leads from?: You might be able to pick up a tip or two from your own style mavens. American president Barack Obama seems to be taking quite a lead in this respect, but other influential people might be able to give you a tip or two. The President, who could have had the choice of any watch he wanted,

– Are there any brands which you are particularly keen on?: While many of us would love to sport a Breitling, Raymond Weil, TAG Heuer or Longines timepiece, these makes are out of the reach of many of us. But that doesn’t stop you from looking for an equivalent watch from a more budget-friendly manufacturer.

– Would you prefer a manual or a battery-powered motion?: The former tend to be more consistently reliable, as they will not begin to lose time as the latter do once the power from the battery begins to wear out.

– Are you a fan of metal straps or a softer alternative?: Many people don’t have to think twice; they’re perfectly happy to wear a watch with an expandable metal bracelet, but that doesn’t apply to everyone.

– What kind of display is your favourite?: For a workmanlike look coupled with generally reliable levels of accuracy, many people prefer an LCD quartz fascia. But fashions often come full circle, and sports watches which a bundle of different features are right on-trend just now.

– What information do you need from your watch?: If you simply need a reminder of the time along with the date, you have a good range to choose from, but you can also opt for a watch which is similar to a mini-computer, and will provide you with a mass of other information.

Ultimately, your choice is plentiful, and you will find plenty of new watch choices from among the range of mens watches from F Hinds

How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes Of Clothes Shopping

Image via Flickr creative commons from DavidBleasdale

Have you ever wondered why when you’re out clothes shopping the items you’re buying look great, only for you never to wear them once you get home? Or maybe you’re questioning which size to buy in that t-shirt because there’s really not much difference between your usual size and the next one down. Whatever mistakes you make when you’re shopping for clothes, there are easy ways to prevent the same thing from happening twice. Follow the tips below to help you avoid making the most common mistakes when it comes to clothes shopping.

Try before you buy

Many people simply assume that because they’re one size in a particular shop, they will be the same size in every clothing item in that same shop and in all other retail outlets. That is unfortunately not the case. Avoid having to return items or relegating them to the back of your wardrobe by trying clothes on before you buy them, to help you assess whether or not they hang well on you and actually fit you.

Consider whether you need the item first

Too many women are attracted by the big flashy sale signs in shops. Just because an item is on sale does not mean that you’re getting a bargain – you should always consider first whether or not you’ll actually wear the item before you buy it. If you’re probably never going to wear that midi skirt, leave it for someone else to snap up.

Make a list of what you need

It’s very tempting to just buy every item you like the look of when you’re out clothes shopping. Instead, consider what you actually need beforehand. Making a list of the items you need and sticking to it will help you to avoid making spur of the moment purchases that you may end up regretting later on. It’ll also ensure that your bank account balance doesn’t dwindle after just one shopping trip. So if you’re looking for some holiday outfits, why not shop Missguided Australia – hot pants to send you straight to what you want.

Don’t worry about the label

We’re force fed images of stick thin celebrities on a daily basis, which can lead to all sorts of body weight issues. Instead of focusing on the size label, you should buy clothes that fit and flatter your figure. It’s an unfortunate truth that your clothes size can fluctuate naturally anyway as a woman, not to mention differ between shops. So when it comes down to it, the size on the label is not worth worrying about. Don’t be fooled into buying a particular size just because that’s the size you’re aiming to be.

Try to mix things up

It’s far too easy to always shop for the same outfits. Your uniform of jeans, t shirt and hoodie may have been acceptable as a teenager, but now you’re nearing your thirties, you should definitely reconsider your image and outfit choices. By ensuring that you mix things up a bit in the wardrobe department as soon as possible, and choosing outfits for many different occasions, you’re less likely to go into panic mode should you suddenly require a dress for a wedding or a dinner dance.

Useful Tips For Bringing Out The Best In Your Family Photos

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It wasn’t long ago in relative terms that, when it came to photographs, there were hardly any means available to enhance or edit them.

But with the widespread adoption of computers, one of the first tasks which boffins decided they should turn their massive brain power to was the storage, manipulation and enhancement of images. Once a means had been found for turning a physical image into a set of data – pixels – which could be read by a computer and then manipulated by a number of programs which could be run on that computer, a completely new world of creativity came into being.

Today, the realm of professional image retouching and enhancing is within all of our reach, thanks to the availability of top-quality computer programs which make it possible to transform and improve any digital image.

Photoshop changes the world

Software developer Adobe first produced its market-leading image manipulation software, Photoshop, in 1990. It was devised by John and Thomas Knoll largely as a result of the former’s experience of working at Star Wars film producer George Lucas’s special effects studio. He was studying for a PhD in image processing at the University of Michigan, but was frustrated that his Apple Mac computer’s monochrome monitor couldn’t faithfully reproduce the many different degrees of black and white.

Bringing professional results to the masses

Once Photoshop had opened the Pandora’s Box of what was it was possible for a computer to do in terms of image manipulation, both Adobe and a number of rivals set about developing their own image manipulation software. Some aimed their products at the professional end of the market, while others saw potential in giving people with little or no previous experience the capacity to make marked improvements to their scanned photographs and other images.

Useful photo enhancement tools

Among the best tools in the Photoshop armoury are its ‘dodge’ and ‘burn’ facilities, which essentially lighten or darken an area of an image, thereby making it more or less prominent to the viewer.

Most photo enhancement packages now come with a set of brushes or different sizes and levels of opacity which can be used to carry out this task, or even to change the colour of large parts of an image in one step.

Adding extra dimensions to digital images

A great trick which can be performed on a digital image is adding extra layers over the top of it. Photoshop has a wealth of ways in which these layers can then be re-coloured, lightened or darkened, thereby altering the look of either the whole image, or just selected parts of it. The only real limits to what’s possible are the software user’s knowledge of and confidence with the program.

A package for all needs

Many other software packages are available which offer either pared down lists of the capabilities of Photoshop and suitable for use in canvas printing or transferring images onto a range of other physical media, or are designed with a different type of user from the professional in mind. Prominent and widely-available packages include Gimp, which is widely reckoned to be the best free photo editing software on the market.

Another widely-used package is PhotoScape, which allows images to be resized, and a variety of special effects used to change their appearance. As well as these, it also allows still images to be turned into moving, animated image files.

The best thing to do to find the right one for your needs is to test a few out. But once you start using digital image manipulation, you could well find that it take you on a compelling journey to places you never even imagined existed.

How does the iPad Mini Stack Up Against Other Micro Tablets?

Image via Flickr creative commons from smjbk

 

The so-called micro-tablet market has quickly become one of the main battlegrounds in which the world’s leading tech and computer manufacturers are waging war.

And anyone who commutes to work regularly, or works in an office where many of the staff spend a considerable time out on the road can’t have failed to notice that these mini-computers have rapidly been adopted by people who need access to a full range of computing capabilities while they are on the move.

Google, Apple, Amazon and Samsung have all pitched in with their own variants of this latest type of ultra-portable device, which takes the convenience and capabilities of the laptop computer and the dinky dimensions of a smartphone and meets them somewhere in the middle.

Which model is for any particular individual will come down to a few fine choices over size, memory capacity, operating system and battery life.

But the experts at Siliconangle.com have now had several months to line up the devices alongside each other, and evaluate their relative merits.

Their findings are as follows:

Size

The iPad Mini stands out here, its screen measuring almost eight inches corner-to-corner, compared with its rivals’ standard seven-inch displays. Apple’s entrant also has a much higher resolution, although whether this results in a better display has been the subject of much conjecture, with many reviewers finding that the Kindle Fire HD from Amazon runs it very close on image quality.

Weight

Not much in it here, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 comes in as the lightest device, even though the difference between it and the iPad Mini is a matter of grams. The Kindle Fire is the heaviest by some distance, but even this weighs less than 400 grams, or a little more than 14 ounces.

Memory

Here’s where the iPad Mini scores a key advantage, being available with up to 64GB of memory although, conversely, its 512MB of RAM is trumped by most of its rivals which offer at least 1GB. The Kindle has the extra benefit of allowing users to store all content downloaded from Amazon for free in the cloud, freeing up extra space on the on-board memory.

Portability

All of these devices make a virtue of their small size for enabling them to be taken anywhere, and many companies now capitalise on this by offering a wide selection of iPad Mini cases specifically designed for Apple’s little baby. Nevertheless, they also offer similar protective shells for all the others, in a range of colours and designs, so anyone can extensively customise their tablet, while at the same time affording it valuable protection against the day-to-day knocks and bumps which it can easily encounter.

App availability

As anyone can expect of Apple, its iPad Mini is set apart by it running on the company’s proprietary operating system. And while there are plenty of apps available to run in conjunction with it, the money for developers is in devising apps for the Android platform, on which all the other devices here, and more besides, run. In short, converts to other Apple products have shown remarkable loyalty to the brand, but newcomers buying a tablet device with no regard for ‘badge equity’ have the benefit of getting the widest range of apps first on Android.

Conclusion

It’s horses for courses, but for those with a need for speed, the Google Nexus 7 is the fastest performer here. The extra screen size of the iPad Mini is slightly compromised by its lower resolution – given purely so that it is compatible with nearly all existing iPad apps.

The Apple machine is clearly designed for a fluid, hassle-free user experience, and as it offers immediate access to more than a quarter of a million apps at optimum resolution, it’s certainly steals a march on its rivals here, as it also does by being the only device which can access the latest 4G LTE networks for super-fast operation and communication.

How To Keep Those Summer Wardrobe Purchases Affordable

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Keeping up with the latest fashions and staying on trend takes commitment and effort, not to mention a fair bit of money. The good news is that there are ways of being fashionable without having to spend a fortune on designer gear. Have a look at the tips below to get an idea of where you might be able to cut some corners and spend your cash wisely.

Benefits of a flexible wardrobe

No, not furniture that’s into yoga. Seriously though, having summer clothes that can be used in a variety of situations can be a big plus when it comes to saving money. For example, a pair of white, wide leg crepe trousers could be used in all sorts of situations this summer and will go with a whole load of coloured summer tops. Perhaps mix with a vivid emerald or dusk blue block print top for a bold and bright statement, or team with a dressy blouse top if you want an elegant evening look. Versatile items will give you options and can help save precious cash.

Think ahead

By thinking ahead and purchasing wardrobe items that will look just as good with your tanned legs in the summer months as they will with your pale features when the sun and long days have gone once again, you can make sure any summer bargains lead to some real savings.

Don’t forget your vouchers

Voucher codes became a staple for shoppers thanks to the recession and there is no reason not to check whenever you’re making a purchase. If there are discounts out there to be had and money-off your favourite brands such as M&Co blouses or dressy tops then why not take advantage.

Watch out for flash sales

By signing up to the mailing lists of your favourite retailers you are far more likely to walk away with a summer bargain once a flash sale is announced. New season events are held all the time and allow you to get your hands on the latest lines for less. Limited availability simply means you have to be quick off the mark.

Keep your finger on the pulse

Getting a bargain is relative. You can pick something up without spending much money but if you rarely wear it then it can hardly be considered a bargain. Make sure you stay on trend and keep up with the latest fashions if you want to get value for money. This summer white is the hottest colour to be seen in, so if you’re thinking of performing a radical overhaul of your clothing collection then bear in mind that anything involving frills, ruffles, barely-there lace or feminine detailing will be fine this summer as long as it’s in white! You might want to invest in a gleaming white jacquard blazer with gold studded cuffs that will go perfectly with an occasion dress, or perhaps a lace trim gypsy top that will give you a wonderfully feminine, summery look when teamed with a pair of cropped jeans and strappy sandals. Or maybe try a frill trim cardigan in brilliant white, which can act as a wonderful cover-up for all kinds of occasions.

A Fortune In The Post – Ten Of The Rarest Stamps

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Philately – or stamp collecting – is one of the most widely-followed pastimes in the world, and not only is it done for curiosity value, but for serious collectors, it can be a lucrative hobby too.

Indeed, if a collector happens on one of any of the 10 stamps listed below, then they can rightly say that they have something which can be considered an heirloom, and which would be well worth passing on to their descendants.

Philatelists usually find that the most common question they are asked concerns what the rarest and most valuable stamp is in their collection. Yet simply because stamps have a decorative appeal which can transcend their financial value, for most, they are not in the hobby for the purpose of making money.

Perhaps surprisingly, the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, does not feature in most lists of the highest-value stamps, simply because there are relatively high numbers of it still believed to exist.

Stamps from more obscure countries or even those which rarely issued them are, however, considered more collectable, and therefore tend to realise higher prices when they come to be sold. The following 10 all have that combination of rarity and curiosity value rather than historical significance, which ensures that they fetch high prices on the rare occasions when they come up for sale:

1. Cape of Good Hope stamp – this stamp, issued in 1853, was the first to be issued in the whole of Africa. It was triangular in shape so that even illiterate people could tell where the stamp was issued – although several countries have used this shape for stamps since.

2. Chinese Blue Military stamp – its face value might only be the equivalent of one US cent, but these were purely for military use, and were given away free to those serving at the time. However, a scare story then circulated that confidential information could be easily removed from envelopes featuring such a stamp, so millions were recalled and destroyed, making this one a real rarity.

3. Chinese Red Maiden in Green Robe – With no transactional value on its face, this stamp was a simple red stamp with a green overprint issued while the Qing dynasty implemented currency reforms in the country. Only nine are believed to be left in existence.

4. ‘The Whole Country Is Red’ – Another Chinese entry, this was first issued in 1968 and celebrates the country’s cultural revolution. However, when an error was spotted on the map of the country – within half a day of the stamp being issued – it was immediately withdrawn from use, and all copies were ordered to be returned. Just nine are thought to still exist.

5. Canadian 12 Pence Black – Featuring a young Queen Victoria, this is one of the world’s most famed stamps. Its high denomination meant just 1,450 were sold, of which about 10 per cent are still reckoned to exist.

6. Olive-coloured Queen Victoria’s Head – This stamp also owes its collectability to a printing error. Supposed to have a grey-brown tone, a small batch was produced with an olive colour, with an incorrect watermark. About 40 are believed to still be in circulation.

7. Post Office Mauritius – Another error stamp, this was issued to celebrate a ball hosted by the island’s governor’s wife in 1847. But instead of the words ‘Post Office’ is was embossed with ‘Post Paid’ – creating an instant collector’s item.

8. Inverted 24-cent Jenny – A printer’s mistake in feeding this double-sided stamp through the press upside-down created this rarity, so the aeroplane is depicted as flying the wrong way round. About 100 are still thought to exist, and a block of four sold in 2005 for US$3 million.

9. Penny Black – This has to feature on any list, despite it not being as rare as the others here. It was only used for one year before postmasters realised that the black cancellation mark was often difficult to make out on the black paper. So the Penny Black re-emerged as the Penny Red – but its place in philatelic history was assured.

10. Treskilling Yellow – The rarest stamp so far discovered, this was the result of a printer mixing up the denominations of the stamp and printing it in yellow instead of green. It must have been quickly withdrawn, because the only copy known to exist came to light in 1886, just over 30 years after its initial release. And in 1984 it made history by becoming the first stamp to be auctioned for more than $1 million. It has subsequently been re-sold twice, and each time has set a new world record for a stamp.

The most widely-cited source of values of rare stamps is the Stanley Gibbons Stamps of the World Catalogue. At the time of writing, this had become such an authoritative source that it was split into six volumes, and comes with a recommended price of £250. But if, as a result of going through this fascinating series of books, someone finds that they have a real rarity in their collection, then this cost can easily be recouped. As a result, many copies of this guide are sent each year to enthusiasts, including some by a Parcel2Go international courier service, showing that interest in stamps and their values is a subject which is never likely to wane.

Why the Kindle Fire is great value for money

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With so many different tablet devices to choose from at the moment, it can be a real dilemma working out which one is right for you – especially if you’re not particularly well-versed in the capabilities of tablet technology. Nevertheless, you should be able to find a device which is just right for you provided you to a bit of careful research. It’s always worth checking the specification and reviews before you decide to buy anything. Amazon’s Kindle Fire device has been a best-seller since its launch back in 2011, and its popularity shows few signs of dwindling. So just why should you choose the Kindle Fire? Here are a few things you may wish to consider.

As an article from Yahoo! Technology points out, the Kindle Fire’s price is perhaps key to its appeal. Amazon sought to carve out a niche for the Kindle Fire by appealing to buyers looking to stick to a tighter budget than iPad buyers – in fact, upon its launch in the US in 2011, the Kindle Fire was less than half the price of the iPad. At a time when so many of us are feeling the financial pinch, then, it’s not hard to see why the Kindle Fire has proven so popular. It’s always worth making the effort to ensure you don’t inadvertently pay over the odds for your tablet, so make sure you shop around to find the best deal you can. Some retailers will no doubt be able to offer the Kindle Fire at a lower price than others, so do shop around.

The Kindle Fire’s seven-inch screen size also sets it apart from the iPad, which has a 10-inch screen. Interestingly enough, the iPad’s screen was adopted as a standard by many of the tablet devices which were launched in its wake – but the Kindle Fire’s smaller screen really broke the mould. Of course, the fact that the Kindle Fire has a smaller screen than the iPad also helps Amazon keep the price down. You might be a bit concerned that the Kindle Fire’s relatively small screen would prove a bit too small, but that’s not the case at all. When you start using the device for yourself, you’ll soon see that it’s perfectly practical.

Another advantage of choosing the Kindle Fire is that it has Amazon behind it. One of the best-known and most trusted names in online shopping, Amazon also offers an extensive choice of applications in its app store. This means you can choose from a wealth of different apps to help enhance your user experience, and customise your own Kindle Fire as you see fit. You can also the Amazon store and marketplace with consummate ease, allowing you to browse through a huge variety of different goods.

Other advantages of opting for the Kindle Fire are flagged up by Greatvaluegadgets.com. The Kindle Fire has a longer battery life and a better contrast ratio than Amazon’s first Kindle. It also has smooth web browsing capability courtesy of the Amazon Silk browser, and makes it easy for you to download movies from Netflix. So if you do decide to opt for the Kindle Fire, don’t forget to pick up a The Snugg UK Kindle Fire cover to really set it off perfectly.