It’s that time of year again…..time for Operation Bear Hug. Throughout the years so many people have helped us make over 1,000 children’s Christmas mornings so much brighter.
It all started sometime back in the early 1990’s when my friend Steve Parker's late wife Kelly Parker was working at Aetna and connected with the State Receiving Home (the Albert J.Solnit Children’s Center) in East Windsor, CT.
Kelly was so touched by the stories of how the Connecticut State Receiving Home took in children who had been removed from homes where their families had forgotten how to love. In many cases these children were removed from their homes with just the clothes (sometimes pajamas) on their back.
As a result, Operation Bear Hug was born. Our goal is to have 52 brand new huggable (12 inches or more please) bears sitting in 52 chairs, when the children come downstairs at the receiving home on Christmas morning.
So many people have helped us through the years. Bears have come to us from family, friends, coworkers and strangers near and far.
Thanks as always to all of Kel’s Elves (Kelly Parker’s Bear Support Group) that have helped us out in the past. Unfortunately the need is still here. Won’t you “Bear” with us? If you can help, we’d like to gather Kelly's family of bears together by Friday December 19th.
Please consider purchasing a Teddy Bear HERE and ship it directly to:
Steve Parker's Operation Bear Hug
c/o CRN
1 Circular Ave
Hamden, CT 06514
Thank you so much for “bearing with us” and Merry Christmas!
Skipping the Black Friday crowds doesn't mean you have to miss out on the best deals.
Skipping the Black Friday crowds doesn't mean you have to miss out on the best deals. Cyber Monday is just as good for scoring great deals ahead of the holidays, and lots of hot tech products can be had for low prices online--all from the comfort of your couch.
It’s pretty clear the holidays are coming, and fast. It’s an exciting time with festive gatherings of family and friends, gift giving and cooking up a storm. But, unfortunately, as much fun as the holidays are, the endless celebrating does have a tendency to leave your bank account and credit cards feeling a little stretched – and sometimes to max capacity. From selective gift-giving to getting creative with your party outfits, here are a few simple ways to save money this holiday season and head into 2015 feeling confident about the state of your wallet.
Start a budget. There’s no doubt that knowing what you’re spending helps control spending, so giving yourself a budget is the best way to reel things in and keep track. Sit down with your finances and figure out exactly what you can allocate to each holiday related expense. Think in terms of categories: gifts for family, gifts for friends, holiday baking and cooking and party clothes. Then, stick to your budget!
Investigate online before you hit the stores. Check out online shopping portals like SHOP.COM for price comparisons of your favorite stores. A little time spent researching where to get the best deal could save you money and stretch your budget. Most stores offer the same sales online as they do "in-store" so you don't have to brave the crowds or the winter weather!
Get creative and DIY ready with gift-giving. With so many great ideas out there (you really don’t have to look any further than Pinterest!), you can get your DIY gifting on, stat. If breaking out the craft supplies really isn’t your thing – think baking and other treats you can concoct in the kitchen. Everyone loves getting a batch of homemade cookies or some delicious spiced nuts.
Hosting a holiday soiree? Go potluck! Your friends and family will love this as it helps them to feel like they’re contributing and bringing the gift of something yummy to the table. To be sure you cover all the dinner, dessert and drinks bases send out a sign-up sheet with your invites. That way everyone can coordinate their contributions to the event.
Get creative with the clothes you already own. Thinking you need new party outfits for every event you’re attending this season? Think again. Get in that closet and think outside the box in terms of pairing up items to create a great look. Have a great little black dress? Wear that to everything, simply change up shoes and accessories for a different look each time.
Go DIY when it comes to hair, nails and other beauty expenses during the holidays. Cutting back on the mani/pedis and blowouts is a great way to put some extra dough in your pockets to use on gift-giving and other holiday expenses you wouldn’t normally have during the rest of the year. You certainly have to look good – but prioritizing is the best place to start.
So? How about you – what’s your plan for saving some cash this holiday season?
Timing is everything – and NOW is the time to leverage the holiday shopping season to supercharge your Shopping Annuity!
Total retail sales this holiday season are expected to reach $863 billion – with $72.4 billion from e-commerce alone! So many people are shopping online that UPS hired 95,000 seasonal workers to help handle the huge volume of deliveries – which are being driven by booming e-commerce sales in what is expected to be the biggest holiday shopping season ever.
SHOP.COM/ANGELLIVING’s Holiday Central is Your Ultimate Shopping Guide, and the perfect destination to help you find great gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. SHOP.COM also has a host of features designed exclusively to help everyone find the best deals and convert spending into earning so you can maximize your Shopping Annuity with your holiday shopping! You have so many tools to build your Shopping Annuity with SHOP.COM – but you have to be familiar with how they work so you and your customers can cash in this holiday season.
Have a look below at some great features on SHOP.COM which can really help you and your customers make the most of your holiday shopping efforts by maximizing your Shopping Annuity:
MyLists – Making a holiday wish list? MyLists makes it easy to order your favorite products at the best prices! MyLists really help simplify the holiday shopping process – making it easy and fun to shop for your friends and family this holiday season. The MyLists tool allows you and your customers to easily create wish lists – which can be shared with friends and family to remove all the guesswork from your holiday shopping. With MyLists – you’ll never need to return a gift again! Now is the perfect time to sit down with your family, friends, and customers to help them create their holiday wish list using MyLists on SHOP.COM. This is your opportunity to play Santa and help your friends, family, and customers find the perfect holiday gifts on SHOP.COM – all while building the Shopping Annuity!
eGifts – Let’s face it, a lot of us wait until the last minute to do our holiday shopping. This can often lead to big headaches, long lines, and the disappointment of struggling to find the gifts you want. If you’re a last-minute shopper, SHOP.COM can really save you a big hassle with eGifts! You’ll not only skip the lines, the crowds, and the headache of finding the right gifts – but you’ll even be able to send your gift at the last second! eGifts can really save the day when it comes to last-minute shopping because it allows you to personally select several gifts for everyone on your gift list. You can choose from exclusive Market America products as well as millions of products from SHOP.COM’s OneCart Stores. It’s the perfect gift-giving solution for last-second Santas, so be sure to share this with all the procrastinators you know this holiday season!
Trends – Start a Trend on SHOP.COM and show off your style! Trends on SHOP.COM is a great way to shop for and discover the things you love and share them with your customers and friends! This online shopping community has a user-friendly shopping platform that makes it easy to share the products you love! Showing your customers exactly what is available to them by sharing your Trends on Social Media is a great way to create buzz about your business and attract new customers this holiday season. Join the SHOP.COM Trends Community today and see what the buzz is about!
Cashback – Get paid to SHOP with our Cashback Program! Look for products with the SHOP.COM iconCashback Cashback symbol to score great Cashback deals on the products you want! Shop, Save, and Earn up to 50% Cashback on products and services on SHOP.COM – and when your friends sign up as customers and list you as the referral, we’ll pay you ½% Cashback on all their qualified purchases! It’s just one more way it pays to SHOP on SHOP.COM!
ShopBuddy – ShopBuddy is a digital assistant that helps ensure you never miss a deal or valuable coupon code again! Visit SHOP.COM today and DOWNLOAD SHOPBUDDY for FREE to get alerts on coupons and deals, plus earn Cashback. This will literally change the way you shop this holiday season! Find great deals on all your favorite stores and never miss out on Cashback again with ShopBuddy! Whenever you visit a participating Cashback merchant site ShopBuddy will let you know – plus get updates on all your deals daily! PLUS, stay tuned for big news about a new tool to help you SHOP on the go – the ShopBuddy Mobile App!
Hot Deals – the Hot Deals page on SHOP.COM has a wealth of information about all the deals being offered through our amazing partner stores. With the Hot Deals Page on SHOP.COM you are just one click away from the hottest deals online, so be sure to visit this page often to score the best deals this holiday season!
SHOP.COM Travel – Convert spending into earning and with fabulous travel deals from SHOP.COM Travel powered by Priceline. With great deals on fabulous travel destinations – this is yet another tool in your arsenal to help you leverage the Shopping Annuity this holiday shopping season.
For more information visit SHOP.COM/ANGELLIVING or email shopangelliving@gmail.com
Great listeners allow you to work things out and chip away at something you might not reach as quickly (or ever) on your own. They are patient bearers of conversation epiphanies: talking to them teaches you something new about yourself and the way the world works, every time. (It’s no wonder talk therapy is so popular.) Their earnest listening makes you feel great about the conversation, too - it’s clear that your insights and opinions are genuinely valued and appreciated.
I wanted to bring more of that to my conversations. Here’s what I learned in my quest to listen better and harder last month.
How to be a better listener: 8 steps
1. Be comfortable with silence. Humans instinctively want to fill silence and close gaps in conversation, but part of being a good listener means getting comfortable with that silence and ignoring the pressure to fill the void.
Why is this important? Some people process their thoughts internally, but many people process out loud: waiting a beat gives your conversation partner a chance to simultaneously think and talk through whatever they’re working on. If you give them an opening and they don’t pick up the thread, carry on; there’s no need for you both to sit in silence. But do give them that option first.
2. Stop multi-tasking. Doing your dishes, filing papers and clearing clutter, painting your nails, or somehow other occupying your time while talking to someone else are all roadblocks to listening well. If you want to truly engage with someone, focus on them and them alone. Show that you’re listening by making eye contact, opening your body language, and giving signs of encouragement throughout the conversation. Over the phone, smile.
3. Repeat what the other person has said. This does not mean you should parrot your conversation partner and repeat everything they say. Instead, reaffirm key points you’ve understood: this shows you are invested in understanding the other person’s point of view, and also allows the other person to clarify and refine their story where necessary.
4. Listen for what hasn’t been said. Past history, previous personal experiences - consider how your conversation partner’s life context informs the story being shared with you. Listen for perspectives both stated and implied. Try and understand why and how they think the way they do. If you’re not sure, ask.
5. Ask good questions. Your mission is to put the other person first: ask good questions that engage with your partner’s story and help them express themselves more fully. Try not to lead or judge in these questions; look for open-ended questions instead. These allow you to dig a level deeper, and show you are actively committed to understanding their story.
6. Let the moment pass. Often when other people tell their stories it reminds us of a story we want to share immediately. Tempting though it may be, try not interject with your version of the tale: trust that a good story will return, when the time is right.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean waiting to pounce with your story as soon as your conversation partner finishes speaking: the point is not to think ahead. Listen to their story without anticipating the telling of yours. Be aware of thoughts and stories that arise, then let them pass.
7. Don’t change the subject. People start conversations to work through ideas and challenges they can’t work through alone. Unless your conversation partner redirects the conversation, assume that changing the subject means cutting a topic short, and skirting the goal of arriving at a conclusion. Don’t divert a fruitful discussion to follow a tangent.
8. Except...Know when to change the subject. Some discussions just don’t go anywhere productive. If a conversation is going off track, wait for an opening, then reel it in. Ask summarizing questions to redirect the conversation back to its original thread, or make pointed suggestions to return to an earlier point. Be kind, but firm. Chances are your conversation partner will be grateful: as speakers, we often don’t realize how far down the rabbit hole we’ve stumbled until someone reaches out to guide us back.
The same goes for conversations that have reached a repetitive note - if you can now anticipate what the other person will say, it's fine to gracefully interrupt to reach a more productive stage of the conversation.
With these steps in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better listener. Just remember not to run through this checklist during your conversations: you can do that afterwards. In the moment, stay focused. Mastering the art of listening isn’t about you at all: really, it’s about the other person.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2013 the average household monthly income was $5,315 before taxes. Not too bad, right? WRONG! The average monthly expenditures for the same household were $4,259. And with income taxes upwards of 30%, if you do the math, you are actually over spending by about $1,000 per month! No wonder everyone is living paycheck to paycheck.
Imagine, if you could turn just part of your monthly spending into earning. The Shopping Annuity is a revolutionary concept that helps allows smart shoppers to do just that!
Unlike a typical annuity from a bank, you don’t have to invest a massive sum of money to get started. Your investment is what you already spend on everyday purchases. When you make those purchases on SHOP.COM you get paid to shop!
Based on the same U.S. Dept of Labor report, the average family spends about $1,385 per month in purchases that could be done on Shop.com. If you earned just 5% Cashback on those purchases you would be earning $69.25 a month. But you would also be saving TIME by shopping online, which we all know is in short supply and priceless! Add in the savings on gasoline and wear & tear on your car and you are really starting to get the big picture!
Everyone has to spend, but smart shoppers convert their spending into earning with SHOP.COM!
To get started on your Shopping Annuity visit Shop.com or contact me for a private/confidential Shopping Annuity analysis at shopangelliving@gmail.com.
"People need something else..." If you are planning on retiring someday (should be everyone), you should check this article out (no joke). Half of American's have less than $10K saved and 1/3rd have nothing at all.
This is not something you can just sweep under the rug. The facts are the facts and simply working hard and saving money is not an answer. I'm very straight forward when I tell people I do have a solution. I'm not talking about making $20-30K per month...but what about having an extra $600-1,500 per month coming in?
There is a tide coming of entrepreneurship that this country hasn't seen. Not because of a trend, but because of necessity. There are many ways to make a passive income, find one sooner than later.
Steep yourself a cup of Green Tea! It's good for your health & your wallet!
Drinking Green Tea is an inexpensive way to boost your health. Here's some proof:
Columbia University found that drinking 5 to 6 cups of Green Tea per day over 6 months significantly lowered the risk of pancreatic, esophageal, colon, stomach, bladder and breast cancer.
Mayo Clinic found green tea helps kill cells of the most common leukemia in the US. The EGCG in green tea helps kill leukemia cells by interrupting the communication signals they need to survive.
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that EGCG selectively destroyed cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Green tea inhibits the spread of local tumors. EGCG interferes with the way the disease invades cells and breaks down healthy tissue.
National Institute of Environmental Medicine studied more than 61,000 women and concluded that drinking two cups of black or green tea cuts the risk of ovarian cancer by 46% compared to non-tea drinkers.
So now, which Green Tea should you choose? Organic is always a good bet! But sometimes stores like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market can be a little pricey. Try shopping online and in bulk for Green Tea. Stash Organic Green Tea is only $19.49 for 6 boxes with 18 tea bags in each box at Shop.com. That's less than 20 cents per cup! Now I'll drink to that!
At some point in your life you’ve been pitched a multi-level marketing (MLM), direct selling, or network marketing business opportunity. While the pitch varies from company to company, it basically promises a chance to ditch your 9-5 work schedule, be your own boss, and make lots of money while making new friends in the process.
It all sounds good on paper, yet there is a seemingly endless debate over whether these companies and programs are legitimate business opportunities or not, so I dug in and got the real scoop. As a result, I believe that the entire industry is poised for explosive growth and can be one of the most significant solutions to America’s current retirement savings crisis.
Initially, that may sound like a bold statement, but it’s not if you understand retirement the way I do. The reality is, making a successful transition into retirement has more to do with psychology than with money… and the same may hold true for multi-level and network marketing.
Don’t get me wrong, money has a role in retirement, but it’s not the primary one every one gives it. Combine that concept with eye-opening statistics like AARP’s estimate that half of all baby boomers (76 million) are interested in starting a business and the makings of a massive trend are in place.
As far as the retirement saving crisis is concerned, more and more people are coming to terms with the fact that they probably aren’t going to be able to save enough money to just sit around and slowly deplete their nest egg from age 62 to 100. With the average 50 year-old estimated to have less than $50,000 in retirement savings, there is an obvious need to find alternative ways to either save more or generate supplemental income starting now, and continuing throughout retirement. Moving beyond just the dollars and cents, boomers are growing tired of feeling guilty or bad about their past savings habits and are interested in moving towards possible solutions.
Another growing reality that could benefit MLM and related businesses is the increasing number of baby boomers who are disenchanted with their current careers. They’re worn-out from years of the corporate grind and don’t feel the connection between their job and the people it impacts outside their office walls or company grounds. They’re shifting their focus from accumulating a giant nest egg to a desire to be part of something bigger and better… to have a positive effect on others… and working in retirement. Facets of life that can be fulfilled with specific types of products and service available through some MLM or Direct selling opportunities.
MLM and direct selling programs also offer very low barriers into entrepreneurship, often providing training, support, and ample encouragement along the way. As retirees begin to realize they need activities that keep them busy, relevant, in good health, and connected to others, the time, energy and cost to participate in these kinds of companies make them very appealing to large segments of the population caught up in these dynamics.
This is not a ringing endorsement for the entire industry. Like any investment of time, money, and energy, people need to be aware of what they are getting into and do their homework. That’s the primary reasons I began researching the topic by reaching out to regular everyday people involved in these types of businesses and who were willing to skip the hype and offer a transparent view of the programs and give their opinions as to whether this can be a realistic source of retirement income.
I initially spoke to a retired friend who said she joined a health and beauty direct selling company as a means of meeting new people. She had recently remarried and moved to a new location, so she combined the practice of meeting new people with making extra money. After almost a decade in the business, she’s built a small niche business with family and friends despite switching to from one company to another competitor after three years.
She admits she doesn’t attend all of the company’s local meetings and goal-setting sessions because she’s not interested in becoming a top producer. She just likes to use the business activity to keep busy (particularly in the winter) and use the extra money she earns to travel and spoil the grand kids.
Having studied the psychology and behavior of boomers, this example represents a major shift in my thinking about the industry. I no longer perceive these types of opportunities as money-making pyramid schemes. Instead, I now see it as a way to enhance many of the personal aspects of retirement that are rarely discussed let alone planned for, with the added benefit of supplementing other popular retirement income sources such as pension and social security.
Daria M. Brezinski Ph.D, a practicing psychologist and former marketing director for a multi-level marketing magazine, echoes these sentiments. “Many people don’t realize that multi-level marketing companies are successful because they help people satisfy a number of important human needs, including feeling significant, having connections, learning something new, and making a difference. I have heard people in network marketing say again and again, ‘I’m doing this because I’m meeting amazing people … making so many connections … and I feel so good about myself.’”
Dr. Brezinski’s point is well taken and easy to see practiced by popular network marketing companies. Many MLM and NM companies tout a three-to-five year plan to attain freedom and wealth, yet many of the people running company meetings have been in the business for five or ten years and still haven’t left their full-time job or landed on easy street. “As it turns out,” Dr. Brezinski notes, “when other human needs are being met, the members and consultants don’t focus solely on the financial aspects.”
Continuing my interviews, I challenged three others who are in the business to be straightforward, and prove to me that the process really works. What I found was good, consistent business advice applicable to any new business.
Lorene Hochstetler, from Ohio, recommends keeping your current job while slowly making the transition into MLM. She’s been able to replace her full-time income but explains, “It didn’t happen overnight, and I still work every day. I am very disciplined with my business and wake up every day knowing what I have to do in order to succeed at this. You have to treat it like a business and be willing to follow advice from others who have made it.”
Tracy Willard of California began her MLM career out of necessity. “Prior to getting involved in my business, I told my friends to never let me join one of those things… but when our family was hit by the mortgage crisis I had to do something different.” She started her business with the intention some retirees may also find themselves. “I started with the idea that I just needed to make my month easier. My company helped me figure out what I needed to do in order to make an extra $500 per month.”
She reiterated a common theme I heard throughout the interviews. “If you treat it like a hobby it won’t pay you like a business.” She also acknowledged that, in spite of her success, she doesn’t sit around eating bonbons every day waiting for residual checks to hit the mailbox. “That’s a common misconception,” she said. “I work hard at my business every day, although it doesn’t always feel like work. Similar to other entrepreneurs who profit from their passion, she says “It’s rewarding because I found a product that has made in difference in how I look and feel… and I love selling it and helping other people start a business.”
Staci Cahill runs her Washington MLM company in a way many people can appreciate. She keeps her personal life separate from her business life by avoiding home parties, offering instead workshops that educate prospects on the products she offers. “I didn’t want to be that person others hid from because they thought I was going to ask them to host a party. I like to keep my business life and personal life separate.”
When I asked her if she was successful at her craft, she pointed out an MLM approach different from what many might expect. “Yes, I am very successful given what I wanted to get out of it. I’m a single mother who used to work 50 hours per week outside the home. Now I’ve cut it to 20 hours, which is a major upgrade for me and my family.”
As a five-year veteran of MLM, she attributes her success to the fact that, “I switched companies a few years ago once I realized that pots and pans don’t change people lives. The products I now offer has changed my life and that of others… and I find a lot of value in waking up and going to bed knowing that.”
The interviews and psychological connections lead me to conclude that MLM and NM companies, along with other small businesses opportunities, are important considerations for anyone entering retirement. In fact, I believe the concept of starting a business for retirement income will become one of the most significant trends impacting retirement in the 21st century. But it has to start with redefining entrepreneurship and framing it into a retirement lifestyle. That means helping people find ways to turn a passion, hobby, or personal desire into extra money in their pocket… not to mention helping people see the importance of planning for the non-financial aspects of retirement such as replacing a work identity, staying relevant and connected, as well as keeping mentally and physically fit.
Something multi-level marketing as well as network marketing companies are poised to capitalize on. As a result, the industry could soon experience larger than life growth, spurred by baby boomers looking to adjust their retirement feelings and plans.
Article written by: Robert Laura, Reblogged from Forbes.com
Take your retirement & financial aspirations to new heights with Market America.
Many of us have come to realize in this economy the only way to truly be successful is to own your own home-based or internet-based business. The tax advantages alone make it a no-brainer to jump into an internet/direct marketing business like Market America.
But just because you have the start up capital (example: Market America is a mere $399 plus tax for a "business in a box") doesn't mean you have the marketing skill to get the word out about your new biz.
Lucky for you Facebook is always changing. Don't get freaked by new layouts and news feeds. The new Facebook is a gold mine for new customers! Need proof? Here are 5 reasons why you need to get your new business on Facebook, NOW!
5 reasons why Facebook is good for business
51% of Americans age 12 and older use Facebook
Facebook users spend 6 hours and 35 minutes per month on Facebook
Facebook has generated leads for 73% of B2C marketers
Facebook has generated leads for 35.1% of B2B marketers
80% of US social network users prefer Facebook for connecting with brands
While a lot of businesses have a presence on Facebook, a lot of them do not yet see the full value in using Facebook. Are you a business owner? What reasons can you think of as to why Facebook is good for business? Share how you are using Facebook with your business in the comments below.
I have always had problem skin. I've tried countless products over the years to combat my acne, rosacea and oily skin. I have seen dermatologists and paid out of pocket for prescriptions and expensive "sold by doctors" only solutions. I shopped my way through all the department store brands looking for something to heal my skin. And I've even tried lotions and creams from the drug store, hoping for an affordable cure. But I'm proud to say that at 42 years of age my skin is looking the best it has looked since I was 10 years old (when my acne started) thanks to Timeless Prescription Face Firming Moisturizer with MDI Complex. This weightless cream quenches my skins thirst, absorbing instantaneously without leaving a greasy feeling.
The magic is the MDI Complex. MDI COMPLEX Is a marine enzyme composed of fish cartilage extract. I know it sounds icky, but it works! It inhibits collagenase that destroy the skins collagen network. It also dramatically lightens dark circles, alleviates redness caused by damaged capillaries, and reduces damage caused by UV rays from the sun. Clinical trials have demonstrated MDI Complex's potential to improve the protective functions of the skin as well as to decrease skin redness, reduce the appearance of spider veins, reduce the appearance of dark eye circles, increase skin firmness and elasticity, retard the appearance of skin sagging and fine lines and reduce damage caused by sun exposure. MDI Complex® is recommended for the prevention of dark circles under and around the eyes, stellate veins, rosacea and varicose veins. Another great reason to use Timeless Prescription Face Firming Moisturizer with MDI Complex, it is an AM and PM creme! Just make sure to use a foundation (like Motives Liquid Powder Foundation with SPF 15) with sunscreen as this product does not have SPF. Bottom line, I believe Timeless Prescription Face Firming Moisturizer with MDI Complex is why I'm finally happy with my skin!
What could be better than FREE Mac n' Cheese on Mondays? Nothing if you ask me!
On Mondays from now until the end of August kids 13 & under get a free small bowl of Mac n' Cheese FREE at Noodles & Company from 4pm to closing. The catch? A grown up has to buy their dinner and kids must be present.
No coupon necessary! Offer valid at Hartford area Noodles & Company. Check you local store if they are hosting the Mac n' Cheese Monday special too.
Back to school shopping for three kids used to mean a big dent in my wallet! We used to walk in the store with our lists of what we must have and walk out with bags full of the necessities PLUS those impulse-shopping items. Just thinking about walking into the store gets me so angry knowing that stores target our kids by putting tempting (and of course expensive) items like angry birds flash drives at the checkout.
So, this year I took a stand for my sanity and my budget! I sat down in front of my computer and had each
of my three kids sit with me one at a time. We started at Shop.com, a shopping portal that offers cashback for purchases made at online partner stores, like Staples, Office Depot & Target. I picked the store with the best cashback rewards, which happened to be Staples (4% cashback) and together we filled up our online shopping cart with ONLY the items on our list.
Not only was I able to take advantage of the same deals available "in store" (a savings of about $12.00) but I also earned $4.87 cash back and my entire order will be shipped FREE arriving at my door in one business day. But even better than saving money, was saving my sanity...I didn't have to leave the comfort of my kitchen to fight for a parking space or stand on long lines. It was a quick, easy and stress free experience.
Now that's a great way to start off the school year!
So this post isn't about living on a budget, but it about Better Living. Better living for animals, specifically the Wolf.
All creatures deserve to live free. So why is there so much legislation against Wolves? This Independence Day think about the freedoms our government has robbed from these beautiful animals. To learn more about wolves or to support wolf conservation please visit The Wolf Conservation Center at NYWOLF.ORG
or the Northeast Wolf Coalition at www.northeastwolf.org
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Turmeric, better known as ‘Haldi’ in India, has for centuries been used by us in our curries! In fact, so widespread is the use of Haldi in today’s date, that it can easily claim a lion’s share in the ‘colorful-ness’ that Indian food is so famed for along with the unique taste.
But did you know that apart from its obvious culinary uses, turmeric has immense health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory:
Haldi has long been renowned for its antiseptic properties, which are because of the presence of Curcumin, a polyphenol. Furthermore Turmeric has antiseptic and anti bacterial properties which make it an ideal choice for topical application on cuts, wounds and bruises as it helps to stop the bleeding, cleans out the wound and prevents any infection from occurring on the site.
Moreover Turmeric also has analgesic properties, meaning it acts as a pain killer on application.
Anti- Alzheimer:
The presence of Curcumin, a polyphenol is what makes turmeric a really healthy option. A strong case in this point would be the protection offered by turmeric against Alzheimer’s, a progressive degenerative disease.
Curcumin combines with Vitamin D to slow down the onset of Alzheimer's. Moreover research has proven that consumption of turmeric helps to fight the buildup of knots, known as amyloid plaques, which are responsible for causing Alzheimer's. Plus with Alzheimer's affecting just 1% of the population of some Indian villages, where turmeric is consumed daily simply, affirms the health benefit of turmeric. Anti-Arthritis
Recent research has pointed towards Turmeric’s ability to prevent the development of Arthritis. Researchers believe that the anti inflammatory properties of Turmeric can help in the treatment of the inflammatory conditions or diseases such as arthritis. In fact an oil free extract of turmeric, which contains Curcumin is known to block the production of a protein NK-FB, which promotes inflammation in joints.
Anti- Diabetes
Once again the Curcumin present in Turmeric plays an important role when it comes to Diabetes, as it helps to reduce high blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the chances of type- 2 diabetes. Plus, research has shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce the inflammation in the fat and liver tissues further helping to prevent type – 2 diabetes.
Other notable health benefits of Haldi include that it helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels or bad cholesterol levels and helps improves the liver function.
While Turmeric with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties provides for many health benefits, one should not forget that it also contains a horde of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, iron, fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.
It is impossible to eat enough curry to experience the health benefits from Turmeric, consequently there are many Curcumin supplements available. My favorite one is Curcumin Extreme. Curcumin Extreme separates itself from the other curcumin products on the market due to its superior bioavailability and absorption. Curcumin Extreme contains BCM-95® along with broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates, which delivers significantly more bioactive curcumin into the blood than other curcumin sources. The addition of broccoli seed extract also supports normal detoxification activity along with the curcumin. This delivery system allows for a variety of health benefits including supporting overall liver health and free radical protection. Click Here For more information on Curcumin Extreme.
Most of the time, pet owners are cautioned to never feed their furry friends "people food." Veterinarians often remind pet owners that chocolate, grapes, and raisins can be poison to dogs and cats and that onions can cause a life-threatening form of anemia. And while broccoli, cauliflower, and other vegetables in the brassica family (cruciferous vegetables) can be healthy additions to diet, but can have a troublesome affect on thyroid function unless they're cooked before feeding.
But there are human foods that, when used as a supplement to a dog or cat's diet, can be quite beneficial to their health. Our pets have thrived on our leftovers for hundreds of years, but with increasingly unhealthy diet choices in human meals, we need to be careful what we offer our pets from our own plates.
Human foods such as meats, fish, cheeses, and other animal products can be used regularly in a healthy pet's diet. We just have to be sensible about what we feed, and, of course, how much.
So what should you skip? Avoid feeding your pet any corn, wheat, soy, or peanut butter in food or treats. Be aware that glutens, spelt, maize, breads, corn syrups, and pasta are other names for wheat and corn products.
Dogs who have "sensitive stomachs" may just need a healthier diet of fresher foods. The GI tract depends on a large amount of appropriate bacteria to function properly, and to decrease gas and improve stool consistency. Because the foods we feed our pets tend to be so carefully packaged to avoid bacterial pathogens, it may be difficult for animals to obtain proper bacteria for their gastrointestinal tract. A periodic probiotic supplement or some yogurt (and if you can find it, goat yogurt is even better than cow yogurt) can help re-populate the GI tract and improve digestive health.
Other over-the-counter probiotics can be used as a pet supplements as well. Dairy-free versions are available for sensitive animals. Just remember to look for well-sourced organic products from respected companies.
Aside from the occasional meat treat or healthy leftover, here are five additional foods that youshould be feed your pet, and why they're good for your furry friend.
Unsweetened Canned Pumpkin
For a Superman-strength stool regulator, give your dog or cat a bit of pumpkin. It regulates moisture and provides a gentle fiber, making it a terrific tool to combat constipation or diarrhea. Dosage is 1 tablespoon once or twice daily for a 30-pound dog or a 1/2 teaspoon for an average cat, in food or as a treat. I'm surprised at how many cats like to eat straight pumpkin from a spoon, but you also can mix pumpkin with meat, baby food or yogurt.
Fun idea: Put the pumpkin or pumpkin mixes (with yogurt, meat baby foods or other meat-based treats) into ice cube trays or in rubber toys, or in spoonfuls on wax paper and freeze to use later as treats. This also solves the problem of open cans of pumpkin from going bad in your fridge.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil aren't just good for humans, they can improve your pet's coat and him recover from inflammatory conditions, arthritis, and skin problems. How? Omegas encourage free-radical scavenging, which can decrease inflammation. But take note: Carnivores do not efficiently convert plant sources of omegas, like flaxseed or hemp, so stick with fish oils. I recommend Heart Health Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E for humans and pets alike! This brand includes 3000mg per service compared to most brands that only have 1000mg and it's made from the smallest fish from the coldest waters, to eliminate possible environmental toxins.
I personally believe pet owners should avoid feeding their animals krill oil (which is derived from small crustraceans usually found in the Arctic and Antarctic seas), since it's the only thing whales eat, so let's not be cruel and take it away. While Omegas are usually a helpful supplement, they're not for all pets. Fish oil may not be recommended for an animal that is overly hot, and has oily/hot skin or loose stools. If you're giving your pet Omegas, be sure to monitor the response to see if they're right for your animal.
Psyllium Fiber
Many foods, including many raw foods, may not include enough fiber. Typically a scavenger or carnivore would eat a good deal of fiber – including roughage like hair, feathers, and nails. And those are not typical ingredients in pet foods. Adding psyllium fiber (about a teaspoon per meal for a 50-pound dog or a 1/4 teaspoon for an average cat) is a great way to improve the fiber content of the food. Derived from the husks of seeds in the Plantago family, Psyllium fiber contains a high level of soluble dietary fiber. It can be found in most supplement sections of your local drugstore or supermarket. Fiber moving through the GI tract can be used to improve symptoms of both loose stool and constipation, and may even enhance the ability to fight off GI parasites.
White Rice
Cooked white rice can relieve signs of diarrhea. But how you prepare it can really make a difference. Cook the white rice with extra water and overcook until it is gloopy. Your pet's system can absorb it better when it's overcooked and sticky-wet. The reason it works is because of its absorbent quality, not its nutritive value, which is why brown rice is not as effective for diarrhea and loose stools. But do not use Minute Rice; all the good absorbent stuff has been processed out of it.
Chicken or Beef Broth
Warm, low sodium chicken or beef broth — or even plain warm water — can be added to pet food to increase palatability. The meat broth itself can enhance the flavor of foods, and foods smell more appetizing when they are warmed. In addition, if you're concerned about hydration, pets will drink more fluids if the fluids taste good.
Vitamin C has been found to be effective in slowing down skin aging regardless to the cause and enhance production of collagen. (Source document: Medical Advisor Journals) Various studies have shown amazing results. Topical application of vitamin C showed to significantly reduce the oxidative stress of skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles in aged skin. In another study, improvement in skin tone, fine lines and laxity were seen within a relatively short period of time and test subjects reported 100% satisfaction in overall appearance of tested skin areas. So now that you know Vitamin C is as close to a magic fountain in a bottle you can get...which miracle product do you buy? Vitamin C skin treatments vary dramatically in price. A quick search online shows products varying from $42.00 for THE BODY SHOP Vitamin C 3-piece Radiance Boosting Kit 1 kit to $120 for PERRICONE MD Vitamin C Ester 15. The choice is ultimately yours, but I recommend VitaShield Vitamin C & E Intensive Moisturizer. For the reasonable price of $52.95 it performs as well as more expensive "fancy" brands giving you benefits such as:
Cutting-edge liposome delivery system penetrates the skin and distributes powerful antioxidants to the lower layers
Contains Hyaluronic acid is a component in cartilage that attracts and retains hundreds of times it own weight in water, providing your skin with long-term moisture
Natural Heather extract helps to maintain collagen levels
Apple extract to support skin elasticity
Instantly absorbs and gives the skin a silky, smooth texture
Plumps up cells and lessens the appearance of fine lines
Skin will look and feel younger; facial contours will look more youthfully defined
Minimizes the appearance of the effects of stress, fatigue, smoking, pollution and environmental damage
Has soothing properties
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There are many ecological reasons to stop buying bottled water, but for most of us the convenience of bottled water wins us over and we shell out our hard earned money for something we can get for free at home.
If each of us invested in a reusable water bottle with a purifying filter built right in we could save upwards of $800 or more in the long run!
Let's use the PureH2O Filtered Stainless Steel water bottle for example (available on Shop.com).
This bottle costs $23.95 and comes with a filter. One filter is able to purify the tap water equivalent of at least 591 water bottles. This saves you over $800 if using the average cost of $1.50 for a 16 .oz disposable bottle of water.
And if that isn't enough reason for you to switch to a reusable filtered water bottle...read on!
Here are more reasons to Pitch The Plastic!
2,480,000 tons of plastic bottles and jars are thrown away in one year.
Tap water is cleaner, cheaper and healthier than store-bought water.
60 billion single-use drink containers were purchased in 2006, and 3 out of 4 were thrown out directly after use.
Plastic bottles are among the most prevalent source of pollution found on our beaches.
Plastic trash absorbs pre-existing organic pollutants like BPA and PCBs.
In the United States, 24 percent of bottled water sold is either Pepsi’s Aquafina (13 percent of the market) or Coke’s Dasani (11 percent of the market). Both brands are bottled, purified municipal water.
In the U.S., public water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires multiple daily tests for bacteria and makes results available to the public. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates bottled water, only requires weekly testing and does not share its findings with the EPA or the public.
When you don’t get enough sleep, it’s not only the love affair with your bed that you lose, you also lose parts of your health, both physical and mental, so not only are you losing sleep, you’re also losing your mind and affecting your body negatively. Here are just negative effects that can happen to you if you don’t sleep enough.
1. Multiple studies have suggested a relationship between chronic sleep deprivation and increased risk of obesity; also research has linked short-term sleep deprivation with a propensity to load on bigger portions, a preference for high-calorie, high-carb foods and greater likelihood of choosing unhealthy foods while grocery shopping.
2. Young and beautiful won’t apply to you, most people experience shallow skin and puffy eyes after a few nights of missed sleep, but it turns out that chronic sleep loss can lead to uninspiring skin, fine lines and dark circles under the eyes. And no cream will help.
3. A small, recent study from the journal, SLEEP suggests that even one night of sleep deprivation could result in a loss of brain tissue, the study concludes that a good night’s sleep may be critical for maintaining brain health.
4. Early studies have linked lack of sleep to both colo-rectal (butt) and aggressive breast cancer, what happens exactly is that when you lack sleep the production of the hormone melatonin is disrupted, this hormone inhibits the multiplication of a wide range of cancer cell types, as well as triggering cancer cell self-destruction, it also interferes with the new blood supply tumors required for their rapid growth. Basically, more melatonin, less cancer.
5. A different study from SLEEP that evaluated 1,741 men and women over the course of 10 to 14 years, found that men who slept fewer than six hours had a significant increase in mortality risk, even after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and other factors.
The presence of Curcumin, a polyphenol is what makes turmeric a really healthy option. A strong case in this point would be the protection offered by turmeric against Alzheimer’s, a progressive degenerative disease.
Once again the Curcumin present in Turmeric plays an important role when it comes to Diabetes, as it helps to reduce high blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the chances of type- 2 diabetes. Plus, research has shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce the inflammation in the fat and liver tissues further helping to prevent type – 2 diabetes.
