It’s a new gadget that allows you to turn juice into ice lollies, right in front of your eyes. The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is kept in the freezer, and comes out when you need it. You can then fill it with fruit juice, keep it on the kitchen table and watch as it turns juice into lollies in around seven minutes.

All you have to do is come up with a tongue twister about ice lollies or other iced products, and post it in the comment section of Frugal Food for a chance at winning! So get those creativity caps on!

Good luck and here’s to summer!

Here, I’m going to highlight eight things you can do to help make sure you get ahead of the fierce competition, and pin down the job you want.

We’ll assume you’ve already knocked your CV into shape, and got some volunteering or work experience under your belt. This is all about thinking outside the box, and making sure you really stand out.

1. Clean up your web profile

We’ve all heard about people being sacked for criticising their bosses on Facebook. As a potential employee, you need to make sure your web profile is squeaky clean – because employers will almost certainly ‘Google’ you.

Make sure every one of your social networking pages, blogs and online photos reflects well on you. It may also be a good idea to build a clear, positive employment profile, using a professional networking site such as LinkedIn.

Several potential employers have established contact with me using the site, so I can confirm that it really does work!

2. Build yourself a website

It obviously depends on your profession, but many people benefit from having a simple website showcasing their skills and experience.

These days, it’s relatively cheap and easy to build a site yourself, using the tools provided by a domain host such as Go Daddy or 1&1.

A professional website is a good place to direct potential employers initially. And (unlike a CV) you can use it to showcase portfolio material such as photos, videos and charts, as well as text.

3. Bond with Twitter

Twitter is undoubtedly the conduit for a lot of meaningless drivel… but it can also be a really effective tool in your search for employment.

Many companies now run Twitter accounts – so identify those in the industry you’re aiming at, and start following them. It could be well worth the hassle because vacancies are sometimes ‘tweeted’ that don’t appear on the mainstream recruitment websites.

If you’re already a signed-up member of the Twitterati, spread the word that you’re looking for a new job. Just don’t bombard your followers with requests, or you’ll be labelled a spammer.

4. Be prepared

Get some smart, distinctive business cards printed, and make sure you have a few on you at all times. You never know where or when you may meet a potential employer.

Have a look at online printers MOO. Their cards aren’t cheap, but they give you the option to make every single one different, so they really stand out.

5. Call in favours

Now is not the time to feel embarrassed about being unemployed. Many firms rely largely on personal referrals from existing employees; so see if anyone you already know could be the answer to your prayers.

Contact friends, family and acquaintances and see if there are any vacancies they could recommend you for. The individual approach works best (most people will ignore a ‘round robin’ email) and be honest about your skills and what you’re looking for.

6. Go above and beyond

If you’re asked to submit extra material with a job application, think about how you can go above and beyond the competition. For example, if you’re asked to come up with three project ideas, come up with four or five. Or if you’re asked to produce one sample article, write two.

You’ll be demonstrating your versatility, creativity and initiative; and you’ll also be showing them that you really want the job.

7. Do your research

Make sure you have a thorough understanding of how a company works, particularly if you get as far the interview stage. This means you need to do more than Google the firm and memorise the ‘about’ page.

If it’s a customer-facing business (such as a retailer, restaurant or gym) visit a couple of branches and – if possible – chat to some employees. Find out about the history of the business, and how it’s changed over the years.

All this will put you in a stronger position in the interview because you’ll be better able to explain how your strengths and experience could fit in.

8. Have a Plan B

What will your next step in the employment ‘campaign’ be if you don’t get this job? Is there a particular skill you’d like to work on? Or would you like to spend more time with your family?

Perversely, having a ‘Plan B’ or alternative scenario as a back-up may take the pressure off a little, and actually help you to perform better in the interview.

Good luck!

Taken from our Be the one who gets that job! article.

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.

Gas and Electricity

Double check the meter reading when you move in to avoid paying for the previous tenant’s usage.

Using a dual fuel provider (one which provides both electricity and gas) tends to work out cheaper and is the easiest option. If you’re allowed to switch suppliers (some landlords prevent this) then check you’re on the cheapest possible tariff byusing the lovemoney.com’s comparison service.

Broadband

Choosing the right broadband provider and working out the cheapest deal can be quite tricky and dependent on a variety of factors.

Useful websites:

www.studentphones.co.uk

www.student-finance.co.uk

www.thestudentbar.co.uk

Taken from Students: Reduce your bills article, brought to you by lovemoney.com

If you’re travelling with the family or with friends, you can currently save 25% on a family and friends railcard if you enter the online code Sun25. This means you’ll pay £19.50 instead of the usual £26. But hurry as this offer ends on 31 March. The railcard is valid for one year and will save you one third on adult fares, and 60% on child fares. Up to four children and four adults can travel on one card.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to travel by coach, you can save 35% off Greyhound fares if you enter the online code bunny. You will need to book your tickets before 19 April for travel until 22 May.

Meanwhile, the National Express is offering selected fares for just £1, so make sure you check out the website for further details.

Cadbury’s world Cadbury’s World, and kids can get in free with this voucher from the Visit The Heart website.
Valid until 30 December and each child must be accompanied by a full paying adult.

Ten pin bowling
If you’re a fan of 10 pin bowling, and you’ve got kids who need occupying, why not head down to your nearest Hollywood Bowl? Providing you’re prepared to get up early and start bowling between 9am and 9.30am, you can enjoy a game for just one penny!

This offer is valid during the Easter holidays only and you can find your nearest Hollywood Bowl here.
Theme parks
If you live in or near Lancashire, vouchercodes.co.uk is offering two tickets for the price of one to the Camelot Theme Park – simply click here to get your voucher.
Valid until 5 September 2010.

Alternatively, if you live closer to Chessington World of Adventures, you can pick up a 2 for 1 voucher here.
Valid until 31 August.

Hotels
If you’re planning to get away over the Easter break, and you’re after some inexpensive accommodation, Thistle Hotels are currently holding a 50% off sale. So you can enjoy a stay from as little as £40 per room per night when you stay between 26 March and 18 April.

Alternatively, Premier Inns are offering rooms from just £29 a night for stays until 5 September.

Eating out
enjoy a three course meal from a set menu at ASK for just £13.95. What’s more, pay an extra £1 and you can enjoy a glass of Prosecco!
Valid from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

Taken from 10 cheap things to do this Easter article

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.

Things to do for free

Time Out London

London for Free

Around Town: Free things to do in London 

Free London attractions on VisitLondon

Special offers on theatre tickets, eating out and activities.

LondonBudget  for art lovers 

Things to do for under a tenner

Things to do in London for under a tenner on Time Out London too.

Free classes and workshops 

Eating out for less

TopTable can book 50% off special offers, eat out for under £25 and eat out for under £15. 

 restaurantvouchers

OpenTable

London’s best cheap eats

Theatre and West End shows

 Lastminute.com - theatre tickets

Tickets for a tenner

 Travelex tickets for £10 offering thepromotion for some of the best plays in London this year.

TheatreMonkey is another fantastic place to pick up cheap tickets on mainstream and fringe theatre DiscountTheatre 

What’sOnStage

 Globe Theatre: Shakespeare lovers on a budget should remember there are always 700 standing tickets for every performance and cost an amazingly low £5!

Designer shopping

London’s best charity shops 

 Markets 

 Car boot sales

 DesignerSales

 SampleSalesLondon

Taken from Live the London life for less article

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team

Draw up a food planner

• Where possible, factor in nights where you’ll be eating out or getting a takeaway.
• Look at food magazines, books and websites for recipe inspiration. Recipes that use fewer ingredients are the most frugal (and usually easiest to make), so keep an eye out for these.
• Plan meals with similar ingredients so you’ll be able to make use of large packet sizes.
• Plan at least one night a week where you’ll eat the leftovers from another night. Better yet, if you’re factoring in lunch on your food planner, make enough so you’ll be able to siphon some off for lunch the next day. Further maximise your leftover potential by visiting LoveFoodHateWaste.com for tips and recipes on how to use up your leftover ingredients.
• Look out for ingredients that make the most of basic, store cupboard ingredients such as spices, oils, flour, rice, pasta and so on, so that most weeks you’ll only be buying the fresh produce at the shops.  

Make a list

• Keep a close eye on your store cupboard ingredients, and don’t add these to your list if you don’t need them that week – there’s no need to stockpile unless there’s a special offer on.
• It might sound a bit geeky, and it is, but if you write your shopping list roughly in aisle order (i.e. group all the dairy, meat, fresh produce, tinned goods etc together), you’ll get round the supermarket in half the time and you’ll avoid wandering into tempting territories (i.e. the dreaded biscuit aisle!)
• Check your recipes for ingredients that are expensive but don’t really do much for the final product. For example, you can usually cut out garnishes such as parsley, and substitute something like groundnut oil for sunflower or olive.
• Don’t write ‘treat’ foods such as chocolate and crisps on your list – and try your best to avoid these aisles. If they’re not in your meal planner, you don’t need them!

Please read the full article, Top tips to slash your weekly shop

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.

London Eating

Toptable 

Lastminute

Remember that you’ll need to mention the offer when you book.

When at a restaurant, don’t feel guilty about ordering tap water, rather than an expensive mineral water. Tap water is way more environmentally sound than bottled water, which has often travelled hundreds of miles to get to your restaurant table.

If wine is a must, drink by the glass, or check out this list of ‘bring your own’ places

In London, there’s always Time Out’s cheap eats. And finally, see restaurant critic Charles Campion’s favourite places in the UK to eat out for under £10.

How to find good, cheap restaurants? Try Chowhound

Also, if you fancy dinner and theatre, try Theatremonkey’s for discount theatre tickets.

Taken from Eat out for less article

Brought to you by lovemoney.com team.

Imagine this: You see an application on Facebook which offers you and your friends the chance to get a free iPad as part of a research programme. Sounds a little too good to be true, but there are plenty of positive comments from other Facebook users claiming that these offers are genuine, so you decide it probably is and sign up.

First you’re asked to ‘become a Fan’ of the page. Then, you’re asked to ‘Invite your friends’ to become fans of the page via a handy button, as this will increase your chance of being accepted for the promotion. And finally, you’re asked to ‘Claim’ or ‘Apply’ for your prize.

It’s as you do this that you’ll be asked to carry out a survey and enter your details, including your mobile phone number, so you can be sent the results.

And it’s here that the scam sets in because as you do this, you’ll be signed up to a premium rate service, which is likely to cost you around $10 (around £6.60) every week, until you unsubscribe.

This scam also appears on Twitter, and via email. What’s more, although Facebook has been alerted to this particular swindle, there are other similar Facebook pages being set up, so make sure you keep your wits about you!

Is this you?

Sticking with social networking, this is a scam that I myself have fallen for. You receive a message on Twitter from a friend, asking ‘is this you?’, followed by a link. However, when you follow the link, your computer is compromised as someone has in fact hacked into your friend’s account.

Phishing scams, such as this, try to encourage users to click on a link that directs them to a bogus website. This website has been designed to look like an official service, but will capture login and password details.

So make sure you don’t click on any links in such messages, and if you do, change your password immediately.

Ticket scams

Ticket fraud may not be a new scam, but it is a big problem.  Let’s say you want tickets for a popular show, but you haven’t had any luck getting hold of them. Then you discover a website that’s offering tickets for the show at a higher price. Despite the additional cost, you decide to go for it.

So you go ahead and pay, but the tickets never show up. Or if they do, they’re fake.

Counterfeit tickets are not only being sold through dodgy websites, but can also be sold online via auction sites, or through classified ads. So to avoid becoming a victim, make sure you only buy tickets from official ticket agents such as Ticketmaster or See Tickets, or direct from the venue itself.

Ideally the ticket seller or agent should be a member of The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) which has a code of practice for members to follow and a procedure for dealing with complaints.

If you’re not sure whether a company is genuine, find out where its office is and see whether it has a landline number in this country. These should be listed on its website. You should be wary if the address is a P.O. Box. You can find out more on the Safe From Scams website.

Fake websites

As well as fake ticket websites, you also need to keep your eyes open for websites which sell fake goods. In some cases, these websites can even appear as Google-sponsored links, making you believe they are genuine goods. However, go to make a purchase, and you’re unlikely to receive your order.

Google says it doesn’t knowingly advertise such websites, and if it discovers there is an advert for a website selling fake goods, it will take it down. However, it’s easy to set up counterfeit websites, and even if one website disappears, a new one, with a different name can soon replace it.

To keep yourself safe, make sure you check the domain name – if it looks strange, and contains a lot of numbers or hyphens, be wary. And just because it ends in .co.uk, this doesn’t necessarily mean the seller is in the UK.

If you need to find the registrant’s details on any domain name that ends in .uk, you can do so by using the Whois service at Nominet. This displays information about all domain names that are currently registered. If the website ends in .org  or .net, you can find out similar information at who.is

And don’t forget, that whenever you make any online purchase, the web address should start with ‘https://’ as opposed to the usual ‘http://’ – the ’s’ in this instance stands for secure.

Finally, if you’re looking to buy goods such as Ugg boots or ghd hair straighteners – for which there are plenty of fake websites – both UggAustralia.com and ghdhair.com have a tool where you can type in a website to find out whether it’s authorised to sell the goods.

Recruitment scams

With many of us having been hit with redundancy over the past year, scammers have used this to their advantage by setting up dodgy recruitment websites.

These websites reel in customers by advertising what appears to be a great job, and all you need to do is send in your CV. You’ll then be contacted and told you look like the perfect candidate, but your CV needs re-writing. ‘Generously’, the company offers to do this for you – providing you pay, of course. It might also offer you interview coaching, or career support – again, for a fee.

However, these websites are just a big con. So be aware of any recruitment websites that ask for cash in return for their ‘services’, and make sure you check the small print – many dodgy websites are located abroad.

Taken from The top five latest online scams article

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.

Other sites worth trying are Designersales.co.uk and Stylebible.com.

Please read the full article Six steps to frugal fashion

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.

Please read the full article, Nine signs that you’re spending too much

Brought to you by the lovemoney.com team.