Blog Posts by Kaboodle.com

You can earn more

Just because you deserve a raise doesn't mean you'll get one-especially if you don't ask for a salary bump effectively. Before you waltz into your boss's office demanding a raise, prepare yourself by completing the following seven tasks, which give you a far better chance of getting that much-deserved increase when you ask for it.

1. Check your position's going rate
Make sure you research what other people are making in similar positions across the industry. Salary.com is a good site to check. Keep in mind salaries vary depending on location, level, and size of company. Make sure your raise request stays within reason-don't get too greedy. If you ask for too much, your chances of getting turned down increase.

2. Showcase your accomplishments
This is hands down the most important part of asking for a raise. While you don't want outright brag, it's not the time to be bashful. When possible, let the numbers and facts do the talking-in writing. If you're

Let's be honest: shopping for swimsuits isn't terribly fun. There's always a huge selection of string bikinis for women with "bikini-ready" bodies but not a lot of options for the rest of us. But that doesn't mean you can't find something perfect for your shape. To help ease your swimsuit shopping experience, we found a bunch of super cute suits for every body type.

Big bust

Halter

Always stick with solids-they do a much better job of minimizing. And never-ever!-go strapless. Try a halter with thick straps, such as this one from Target ($49.99), which emphasizes shoulders instead of your bust. Look for suits featuring underwire and nylon or Lycra fabric-it helps lift breasts and create a leaner look.

Small bust

Bandeau

Bandeau styles, such as this cute suit from J. Crew ($88), make the less endowed appear voluptuous. Add some built-in padding and color and you'll be ready to hit the beach. Cute bottoms also draw the eye away from the

Is this really the coolest invention?

Let's be honest. Sliced bread-or a loaf sold sliced and then packaged-doesn't seem nearly as groundbreaking as it did when it debuted around 1928, especially if you consider the creations of late. Following are seven brilliant inventions that could easily replace leavened and baked dough in the phrase "the best thing since sliced bread."

Did we forget your favorite invention? Tell us what deserves top honors!

The Computer: Almost everything today is done on a computer: it is a way to access the internet, play games, and get work done.

The Internet: Almost everything from shopping to bill paying is done online. In addition, the internet has given most people the ability to watch TV and get their information instantaneously!

The iPhone: Much more than a smartphone, this nifty device gives us an almost infinite number of apps and hand held access to the internet, now we can watch the Bed Intruder Video anytime, on the go!

The Microwave Oven: This

The path you choose can save or cost you

It doesn't make financial sense to buy certain things new. From cars to timeshares to DVDs, certain items drastically fall in value immediately after buying them. No sense wasting money when you can save thousands of dollars buying something used instead. Here we review eight items you shouldn't buy new.

Cars
We've all heard it before: cars depreciate the second you drive them off the lot. Unfortunately, that's not an old wives tale. Edmunds.com reveals new cars lose 12 percent of their value the second you drive away. And that's right after you've financed the full sales price! You can literally save thousands of dollars if you buy a gently used car instead.

Timeshares
Timeshares aren't for everybody but if you've decided you'd like one, your best bet is to buy it as a resale. You can save upwards of 65 percent according to TimeSharesUSAResales.com.

MORE: The Coolest Coffee Mugs and Tea Cups

Pets
Buying a puppy from a breeder will

The facts are in the fine print

It's easy to trick yourself into thinking certain foods really aren't that bad for you. Yep, we're talking about fat-free chips, low-cal mayonnaise, and diet soda, among others. But the fact is, these sneaky foods could be single-handedly ruining your diet. In fact, you might as well indulge in a candy bar-seriously. Here we review seven foods hurting your waistline.

1. Low-fat or fat-free cookies
What most people doesn't realize is "fat-free" doesn't mean low in calories. So all those highly processed foods that are billed as fat-free may be as high in calories as their fat-filled counterparts-if not higher! Food manufacturers replace fat with lots of empty white carbs-the exact opposite of what you should be eating when trying to lose weight.

2. Diet soda
Diet soda is packed with artificial sweeteners. This means even though the soda has no calories, it's confusing the heck out of your body. Here's why: Every time you eat something, your body expects

If you'd prefer not to give your kids sugary Easter treats this year, fill your little ones' baskets these adorable, fun--and sugar-free!--alternatives to the traditional candy gifts.


Robotic Chick
Robotic Chick
Fuzzy baby chicks are nearly as synonymous with Easter as fluffy bunnies. This adorable robotic chick ($27 from Brando) will flap its wings while held and will chirp with joy as its head is patted. It's even packaged in a cute egg that turns into a nest.


Bunny Earrings
Bunny Earrings
If your daughter has pierced ears, what could be cuter than a pair of white bunny-shaped stud earrings? This handmade pair ($8) from Etsy seller Plushable feature hypoallergenic posts, which are great for sensitive young skin.

SEE MORE: The Best Haircuts with Bangs


Cookie Decorating Kit
Williams-Sonoma Easter Cookie Decorating Kit
Studies, like one conducted last year by City University in London, show cooking with your kids is a great way to teach them about nutrition, teamwork, and cooperation. Give them this fun decoration kit ($20 from Williams-Sonoma) and spend

You don't need to spend a lot of money to update your wardrobe each season. If your wardrobe needs a makeover, it can easily be done for less than $100. Invest in these 10 pieces under $10 and you'll always have something stylish to wear this spring.

1. Bright colored tank

A cheap punch of color

Grab any of the $6 tanks from Old Navyand pair with jeans or khaki skirt for an instant outfit this spring. Still a little cool outside? Wear it under one of your winter blazers or cardigans for a pop of color.

2. Kimono Dress

Versatile dress

Wear this super cute $9 dress from Walmart with a cardigan or wrap for the next few months until it's warm enough to wear alone. Throw on a long necklace and cute wedges and you've got a killer outfit.

3. Lightweight wrap

Easy-going wrap

Available in grey, blue, black or pink at Walmart, this $8 wrap is a must-have this spring. Wear with a dress or over a tank top. And don't forget to add some accessories!

4. Capri leggings

The cost of gas continues to rise and from the looks of things, it's not slowing down anytime soon. To help get the most bang for your transportation buck, we've collected 10 tips to help you save gas and money.

1. Brake correctly
Cars use the most gas when they accelerate. While this may seem obvious, in somewhat heavy traffic this can mean burning through a lot of gas. It's fairly easy to maintain a speed in a long line of cars without using your brakes-instead, pay attention to the cars in front you and anticipate when to slightly ease of the gas. This will keep you from losing momentum when you hit the brakes. In heavy traffic, this will result in 10-20% better gas mileage.

2. Use cruise control
If your car is equipped with cruise control and there isn't much traffic, you'll save gas if you turn it on. It keeps your speed constant, which means you won't have to keep accelerating and use more gas.

3. Shift to neutral when still
When