AP9 Articles

DealMax Says That Clothes Can Make the Man

DealMax (SM), a multi-tiered discount-shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC®, is committed to helping men look their best this summer. Men's summer fashion is all about blending style with comfort, but choosing the right balance can sometimes be tricky.

No matter how hot the weather is, many men still expect to look professional -- in both work and casual environments. With the hottest months of the year still to come, DealMax has put together some summer clothing essentials that will help the sharp-dressed man stay sharp, while he beats the heat.

Suit yourselves.

Tan suits: A staple in men's summer fashion, tan suits represent a classic dressy, but relaxed, sophistication. Worn from May through September, a tan suit can easily be paired with blue shirts and colorful ties.

Bamboo blazers: One of the most comfortable and practical summer cloths out there, bamboo fabric is soft and breathable. It can be worn with dress pants for business, or with jeans when it's time for a night out.

Style comes in an assortment of shirts.

Oxford: A necessary item for summer wardrobes, both professional and casual. Oxford shirts can be worn formally with slacks and a blazer or informally with jeans.

Polo: Polo shirts are a good way to look stylish in casual environments, especially if protocol calls for a look that's one step up from a t-shirt.

Speaking of t-shirts: These are an obvious must for any guy. T-shirts that include a pocket are always a nice touch.

If the shoe fits, try it on.

Brogues/wingtips: A good pair of tan, brown or white brogues are essential for a smart summer look. Match them with light-colored dress pants or jeans, for both classic formal and casual looks. As a rule of thumb, it's good to stick with the monotone, rounded-toe models, unless, of course, the goal is to look like a gangster.

Espedrilles: Casual slip-ons with a cultural flair provide a great look for a day out on a boat or a night on the town. Just try to make sure the young lady on one's arm isn't wearing them too.

Flip-flops: The classic summer shoe; don't go on vacation without a pair!

With these items in the clothing and accessory arsenal, it'll be that much easier to look and stay cool all summer long. If it seems like the ol' wardrobe might need an update, don't worry. Getting a whole new look doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Keep in the fashion game and save, reminds DealMax.

DealMax Honors "Old Glory" with Tips on Proper Flag Etiquette

DealMax (SM), a multi-tiered discount shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, prides itself on knowing a little something about everything -- including proper handling of the American flag. Nationalistic feelings over the "Stars and Stripes" seem to have been on the rise in recent years, and AP9 DealMax wants to help honor America -- by the book -- the way history intended.    

Back in 1916, then-President Woodrow Wilson officially declared June 14th as National Flag Day. Prior to that, though, and thanks to a dedicated New York City kindergarten teacher named George Balch, the first "unofficial" Flag Day celebration took place at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, PA, on June 14, 1891. (Apparently, Balch arranged a special day for his students to honor the flag in June 1889; his idea was adopted by the New York State Board of Education and was later recognized elsewhere.)

For years after President Wilson's proclamation, people in many cities in different U.S. states celebrated June 14th as Flag Day. And in 1949, some 60 years after George Balch's original patriotic notion, 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. Armed with that bit of important history on "Old Glory," DealMax advises displaying the U.S. flag with pride … and with special attention to these simple but important U.S. flag codes:

-- Wait for the word. Only the President or a state governor can order a flag to be flown at half-staff. This often indicates a time of national (or statewide) mourning, and flags shouldn't be flown at half-staff unless the official word is given.
   
-- Don't seal the deal. It might look cool in a college dorm room or even as a decoration on the ceiling of a den or living room, but the U.S. Flag Code (established in 1923) prohibits the flag from being used as a ceiling covering.

-- Make sure it's the one and only. They say that George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross to sew the first U.S. flag to very precise specifications. That's why the flag needs to be displayed in its purist form; with nothing attached to it, nor altered in any way. Again, decorations might look cool or amusing, but they might also offend someone.

-- This ain't no costume party. No part of the flag -- except replica patches and lapels -- should ever be used as a costume. The late Abbie Hoffman probably didn't see things that way, but the flag represents a living country and is considered a living thing by many.

AP9 DealMax offers these handy guidelines on the American flag not only to help citizens celebrate Flag Day on June 14th, but also to honor America throughout the entire year. Show respect and personal pride in the U.S. -- with a little help from DealMax.

DealMax Shares the 5 Secrets of Finding the Ideal Wedding Dress

The time has come. He's proposed, she's still getting used to wearing the ring, and family and friends are asking for details about the wedding. When is it? Where? Is it a day or an evening wedding? Will it be a big reception? Has the wedding dress been found yet? DealMax, a premier membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that if planning a wedding is a daunting task, choosing the ideal wedding gown can be almost as overwhelming.

DealMax Shares the 5 Secrets of Finding the Ideal Wedding Dress

On average, a bride will try on at least 17 gowns and visit at least three different bridal boutiques before finding the perfect dress. The most important thing brides have to remember is that the "ideal dress" is not necessarily the one a particular celebrity wore on her wedding or one that resembles Cinderella in every way, but the one that fits her best, according to her body shape, size and style.

When choosing a wedding gown, brides needs all the help they can get, so here are five important tips consider during the process, brought by DealMax:

-- Get inspiration. Internet sites and bridal magazines are the best place to find the preferred style. Start out with a general idea of the desired kind of dress: traditional, straight, empire line, princess line, etc. Gather as many ideas as possible, and bring those pictures to the bridal boutique.

-- Diversify. Don't zero in exclusively on one style or one particular designer. Having an open mind helps brides explore different options, and some dresses look plain on a hanger but fabulous on a body.

-- Be practical. Consider the season when choosing the design and fabric of the dress. A long, tight gown or a puffy one can make it harder for the bride to walk or dance. As for fabrics, let the season decide. Think brocade, satin, velvet and other heavy fabrics for fall and winter ceremonies. Spring and summer wedding gowns call for pure cotton, lace, silk, chiffon, and light fabrics.

-- Stay budget-conscious. A top-designer wedding gown (Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Oleg Cassini, Vera Wang, etc.) can cost more than a two-month honeymoon in Europe, but there are ways to get a designer gown without paying the price. Visit bridal salon chains and look for sample sales to get designer gowns for half-price or less. Don't forget to add the cost of veil, headpiece, lingerie, shoes, jewelry and alterations to the dress budget, reminds DealMax.

-- Bring backup. Sales clerks will give advice, but they also work on commission. Bring mom or a trusted friend along to provide feedback and honest opinions. A bride should take their suggestions into consideration, together with her own instincts. If a bride has to be reassured that the dress looks great on her, it's probably not the one.

While choosing their wedding dress, brides also have to take care of other wedding-related details. To save time and money on their favors, decoration, fashion and other needs for that special day in their lives, smart brides can enjoy the benefits of DealMax.

DealMax Knows a Thing or Two About New Neighbors

Along with all the wrapping, carrying and packing up needed to leave a well-known place, moving to a new city or neighborhood has its own challenges. DealMax (SM), a premier membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that being “the new kid on the block” can be a bit intimidating, but it’s also sure that moving into a new space can be an adventure.

Getting to know the new community takes a bit of effort and some patience, since the routine of the whole family is altered and a new one has to be put in place. For the “old residents,” new people represent a change as well; that’s why they’re usually curious and want to know more about the new family. Nonetheless, they’re all going to share the neighborhood. So what to do to make this experience a smooth one for those involved?

Common sense and good people skills are a good way to start. Along with these, AP9*DealMax has put together a list of simple things both sides can do to make the transition a little easier:

The newcomers:

-- Break the ice. Introduce yourself, your partner and children to next-door neighbors when they pass by or when they’re outside and don’t look busy doing something else.

-- Even if you don’t have time to stop and chat, wave and smile to new neighbors when you get the chance. This will make a wonderful first impression.

-- Get involved in the community. It’s wise to do some research before moving into the neighborhood to see what kind of communal activities happen regularly. Joining a place of worship (church, synagogue, etc.) is also a great idea to get to know new people.

-- Be polite. Yes, it’s good to know what goes on in the neighborhood, but asking too many questions can be considered rude. “Gossiper” is not a good label for new neighbors to acquire.

The neighbors:

-- Make newcomers feel welcome. It’s a nice gesture to bring over water bottles or light snacks on moving day.

-- Provide neighborhood information. The location of a 24-hour pharmacy, the nearest bakery, pizza parlor or grocery store and even the closest beauty parlor are excellent tips to give new neighbors. Make a short list, and drop it off on a quick stop.

-- Provide a little bit of help. Offer to bring the packing boxes to the local recycling center or, if the newcomers have a pet, point out the other homes where there are dogs or other animals they can befriend.

-- Don’t gossip. It’s very bad taste to talk about the old homeowners or other people in the neighborhood. Let the newcomers form their own opinions.

AP9 DealMax members also make their move a lot easier by using their member-only benefits to save money. To minimize their costs while enjoying their new home, smart consumers look to DealMax.

DealMax Rallying Cry: “Spring into Cleaning Mode a Little Early”

DealMax (SM), a multi-tiered discount shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that once Groundhog Day has come and gone, spring cleaning often takes center stage. Things in and around the house can take a beating during the winter months, so it pays to have an easy-to-use spring cleaning plan in mind. This way, when the real spring weather finally hits, it’ll be that much easier to get all the old, stuffy air out and let all the clean, crisp air back in.

Neglecting home upkeep during the winter months seems, well, about par for the course. And, come spring, that’s just where an effective cleaning regimen and home maintenance program can lead — out of the garage, back yard or attic and straight to the golf course or open-air locale.

So even though the calendar may still read “winter,” AP9*DealMax can help kick-start those springtime dreams into high gear, with these handy cleaning tips:

-- Give in to gravity. Start cleaning at the top of room, and then work on down. Think about it; dirt, grime and dust can’t travel up a wall. Clean top-to-bottom, and just follow gravity’s lead.

-- Kill the clutter. Keeping things clean probably works best as a year-round undertaking. This way, when spring fever really hits, it’ll be time to hit the beach or the open road — instead of pounding out the mats and rounding up the dust balls.

-- Run the fast break. No, AP9 DealMax isn’t suggesting that it’s time to set up a hoop somewhere in the house; but putting a basket in the kitchen or common area is a great way to keep track of mail, newspapers and those easy-to-lose car keys. Yep, those keys — the same ones that will drive the family car or boat right out into the sun of a not-too-distant-future spring day.

-- Pick up before “knock off.” There’s nothing worse than starting a day off in disarray — amidst a sea of unfolded laundry, a debris-ridden den and everyone’s favorite: a pile of dirty dishes. Make it a point to get everything squared away the night before. It’ll make for better slumber.

-- It’s a family affair. Singer/songwriter Sly Stone (born Sylvester Stewart) had it right. Making spring cleaning a “family affair” can make all the difference. Delegate responsibilities, and get the entire family involved.

AP9 DealMax offers these handy cleaning tips to help make spring what it’s supposed to be — a return to the “outside” world after a long winter. So before spring gets here, get an early start. And then celebrate spring’s return in style — with a little help from DealMax.