1ShoppingCart for the Budding Online Entrepreneur.

There has been a proliferation of online stores all over the web. It's become a booming and lucrative industry thanks to advanced technology, online banking, and patrons around the world who prefer to shop at the comfort of their own homes or offices. I'm a huge fan of online stores myself - from makeup to Kpop merchandise, to bags, clothes, and shoes, even my son's toys and books - I've tried buying them all online.

Now if you're an online seller who wishes to transform your existing online store into an eCommerce website - complete with an eCommerce shopping cart - then you may want to consider 1shoppingcart.com. It's a basic eCommerce software package that provides the basic tools to help you transform your existing online store into a successful website. With its easy-to-use interface and straightforward approach, you do not need to be the ultimate techie or a computer genius to be able to understand and use this software.

Photo credit: TechWench

One of its key features is the large inventory that you can add to your site. If you're selling a multitude of products, then you'll be glad to know that there's room for all your merchandise. You also have the power to advertise your products, complete with coupon options to attract even more customers.

As for the payment options, the 1ShoppingCart software is equipped with risk-management tools, including a secure https server (SSL) for credit card transactions. This feature requires your customers to enter the CVV2 value on the back of most credit cards, ensuring that the customer has the physical card and avoiding fraud along the way.

The Comeback Kings of 80s Design.

Although the 80s are now known as the epitome of human culture when it comes to bad taste in interior design, some of the trends the decade established are still in full force. Fortunately, you don't have to be a washed-out power player to appreciate them, especially since they've matured very nicely with time and have a more level-headed perspective. Here are some of the major 1980s design tragedies that have been reborn for the better during the past few years.

Astroturf 
Although Astroturf was originally limited to playing fields; it somehow migrated to patios and decks in the 1980s. Presumably, someone thought it would be fun to take hallucinogens and walk around in the grass outside; only they couldn't be bothered to make it down to the hotel lobby when room service was already bringing them their munchies, and so a trend was born. With me?

Fortunately, the idea caught on in a way that everyone could enjoy later on. Now, AstroTurf is being used sparingly in areas of high-end clubs, bars and even fancy condos to improve the way they feel to their residents. This was never really a bad idea per se, but like almost all interior design in the 1980s, it didn't fit with anything else around it and was carried to excess.

Image courtesy of mackenzieeeee/flickr.com

Art Deco Geometry 
The Art Deco movement originally arose in the 1920s, and it resulted in major establishments like New York City's Chrysler Building as well as Sydney's own ANZAC War Memorial and Grace Building. Unfortunately, the 1980s Art Deco revival took these time-honoured, eclectic traditions and replicated their luxury and grandiose Machine Age forms in burnt-out neons, random patterns, skewed furniture and crazy mirror arrangements that would look fine if not for everything else around them. For a taste of how the trend got carried to the extreme, take a look at some of these images.

The appeal of the Art Deco movement comes and goes, but it never really dies because it can be quite attractive when executed correctly. Modern homes just incorporate it more sparingly, ensuring that they can still create a sense of harmony instead of a jagged series of clashing angles and blinding colours.

Accent Walls
Off-coloured walls were an offshoot of the Art Deco movement in some respects. Painting one wall a different shade than the rest changes the way light spreads through a room. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work well with the jumbled designs common to the 80s.

Modern accent walls are usually better arranged than their predecessors. Even though they often use stronger colours than their surroundings, they're careful not to overdo it. By keeping some distance between accent walls and other multi-coloured decor, one can drastically improve the sense of space.

Wallpaper 
While wallpaper has been around for hundreds of years, its potential for evil culminated with the examples found in so many different 1980s homes and apartments. The wrong wall coverings can make homes feel small and constricted, not to mention absolutely nauseate people with their repetitive patterns.

The main reason that the wallpapering trend didn't die out after such heavy abuse is that people realised that they could use it in moderation. Wallpaper can make spaces look way more interesting when it actually matches other elements in the room without overwhelming them.

Vinyl Flooring 
Finally, the 1980s revealed that daggy combinations weren't limited to the walls, furniture and fake plastic plants that seemed to pop up everywhere. People even let their craze for over-designing extend to their floors, where they combined vinyl with parquet flooring and dull faux tiles before eventually succumbing to the dark lure of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Modern design flooring on the other hand, retains its popularity by combining its durability with more rustic aesthetics. Unlike the floors of the past, it doesn't waver between the synthetic and the natural because manufacturing techniques have drastically improved. It's a perfect example of how choosing a design theme and sticking to it is a great way to make any material work for your home.

Moving House | Great features to add to your new home.

Moving house is such an exciting time (though admittedly it's also a stressful one!), and it gives you a rare opportunity to create your home from a blank canvas. Of course, the majority of people won't be moving into a brand new property, so there's likely to be a certain amount of decoration already there. Perhaps blank canvas isn't the right word, then; rather, I mean that you personally will be able to take a totally fresh look at the kind of home you want - and make it a reality. Here are my top suggestions for people moving home this year.

Wood floors
I love wooden floors - there's just something so sophisticated yet homely about them, isn't there? So, my first tip is to invest in a wood floor - and maybe a rug for any rooms you think could do with an extra smattering of cosiness. What's so great about wood floors, aside from the simple fact that they're aesthetically pleasing, is that they can work well in all kinds of interiors, from traditional to modern.

This is partly because there are so many different looks to choose from. For instance, you can go for a rustic or polished finish, as well as pick from loads of different shades, like dark oak and Canadian maple, which gives a pale but warm appearance.

Interestingly, these days it's also possible to get wooden floors for the bathroom. In the past, this would have been a tricky move, since wood can easily warp with moisture, but now you can get specially treated options that stop this from happening. The Solid Wood Flooring Company, for example, sells pre-oiled strips of wood which, when combined with a rubber double integrated joint, resist water damage.

Photo credit: The Maisonette

Eco-friendly features
If I were buying a new home this year, one thing I'd definitely make an effort to do is ensure the place is eco-friendly. If your budget allows, by all means install things like solar panels - but there are plenty of cheaper options to try as well.

For instance, now is the perfect time to invest in new appliances. Modern dishwashers, washing machines, freezers and such typically use much less energy than their older counterparts, so you could actually save money on your utility bills and cut your carbon footprint simply by upgrading. Energy Efficient Doors are becoming a more popular choice, as they can help you cut down on bills and retain the heat in your home. 

Kitting your home out with energy-saving lightbulbs is another good idea, while if you're keen to see what most of your energy goes towards, you can also fit an energy meter. Basic models simply tell you your output, but to get the most out of them it's worth picking something that details exactly what is being used where.

Photo credit: Archify.

Use the latest design trends
Going back to the look of the home, I'd also recommend checking out the latest design trends to give your abode a little something special this year. There are some fantastic fashions out there, including the use of raw wood to give rooms an earthy feel.

One of my personal favorites, though, is hanging groups of mirrors. What I really like about this is it gives you the chance to be creative and add a pretty, unusual feature to the room but, since it uses mirrors, it also helps the place seem more spacious.

Spring Fever Giveaway | Win a Stylish Satchel!

Spring is definitely in the air! Now wouldn't it be nice to usher in this beautiful season with another wonderful giveaway? :)

My dear readers and followers, welcome to the Spring Fever Event, a giveaway hop hosted by Andersons Angels and Joy of Momma Joyner. For this giveaway, up for grabs is this lovely Bow Accent Satchel from PG Beauty!

A Taiwanese brand, PG Beauty encourages women to add a unique finishing touch to their look with its wide selection of versatile carryalls, attractive wallets and sophisticated handbags Established in 2003 by Zhuang Longlon, the brand currently operates over 20 retail locations in its native Taiwan. And for the people behind PG Beauty, living fashionably is all about having the right accessories and an attitude to match. 

This Bow Accent Satchel in particular, is one of the brand's best selling styles. And now, I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to strut in style with this chic satchel in tow!

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. Try to complete as many tasks as you can to gain more entries. This giveaway is open worldwide, and will run until March 15, 1159H EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

After you're done with my giveaway, please hop over to the other blogs listed below. These bloggers have prepared prize packages worth $25 or more just for you!

Disclamer: The Rebel Sweetheart, Andersons Angels, and the Spring Fever bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

Great Ideas for Veggie BBQ Dishes.

Who doesn't love barbecues? They are one of my absolute favorite things about the summer - but I must admit, the first time we had some vegetarians round for an alfresco feast, I did get a bit stuck on what to cook. Fortunately, I soon realized that there are loads of vegetarian dishes that are perfect for barbecuing - a fair few of which I enjoy more than the traditional beef burger and sausage!

Even though there are so many veggie options, I think a lot of meat eaters do struggle when it comes to vegetarian barbecues. Last time we cracked out our Weber BBQ, we managed to cook up a meat-free storm; so, in case you're in need of a few ideas ahead of summer, I've put together my list of favorite veggie BBQ dishes below. Enjoy!

Veggie skewers
Veggie skewers are so easy to make and, considering just how simple they are, they taste fantastic. One thing I would say before you start, though, is to remember to drizzle the veggies you're using with oil or, even better, marinate them for around half an hour - otherwise, it's difficult to get them soft.

Personally, I love simple skewers that combine peppers, courgettes and onion. However, for that little something extra, halloumi is always a sure-fire winner! For a particularly yummy treat, go for a combination of just halloumi and courgette.

The magic here is in the marinade - soak both the cheese and veg in a mix of olive oil, mint and lemon for about 30 minutes, before skewering and barbecuing for about eight minutes (four on each side).

Photo credit: Cookapalooza

Alternative burgers
Even budding chefs that normally take the time to make their own meat burgers usually just grab some shop-bought alternatives for the vegetarians. Making tasty veggie burgers at home though is really simple - especially if you have a food processor.

Put 250 g of grated carrot in a food processor, alongside a can of chickpeas, a chopped onion, a dash of cumin and an egg - and then blitz. When this has turned into a paste, turn it out into a bowl. Next, fry 500 g of grated carrot in a little oil until tender.

You can then add this to the paste with around 100 g of breadcrumbs (preferably wholemeal), the grated zest of one lemon and a few tablespoons of sesame seeds. This should give you enough mix for six burgers. Chill them until you're ready to fire up the Weber BBQ, then cook for around five minutes on each side. Delicious!

Yummy side dishes
No BBQ is complete without a decent selection of side dishes. Technically, the ideas I'm about to give you aren't actually cooked on the BBQ, but since most side dishes usually aren't anyway, I don't feel too guilty!

One of the simplest and tastiest options, I think is cutting either a few sweet potatoes or a butternut squash into cubes (usually around 2 sq cm) and roasting in a hot oven for between 40 minutes and an hour. Sorry about the wide timeframe, but the result can vary so much from oven to oven - particularly if your cubes are different sizes! To check if they're done, poke them with a fork to see if they're soft inside.

I'd also recommend a couscous dish - this is so much more exciting than a standard salad, and there's a lot you can do with it. Personally, I like roasting loads of veg (usually peppers, courgette, red onion and some cherry tomatoes) and adding it to couscous flavoured with vegetable stock, parsley and balsamic vinegar.

By the way, if you're in need of a new BBQ or maybe just some extra accessories, you can find pretty much everything you need here. Happy barbecuing!

Do you know any good veggie BBQ recipes? If so, share them with fellow foodies by leaving a comment below.