Beyond the Coupon

Spend Less on Electronics

May 27, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

The newest tech gadgets are always a must have in todays fast paced society. DailyFinance tell us how to spend less on electronics and save more! For more on money saving tips.

If you know you are purchasing an expensive item in advance then buy a discounted gift card to save you more at your favorite electronic stores. Best Buy, Dell, Office Max, and many more retailers are available for a discounted price that could save you hundreds on your next big purchase.

Spend Less on Electronics

1. Sell your old device.

Before upgrading to a new smartphone, laptop or tablet, consider selling or trading in your old device. Many retailers and wireless carriers offer trade-in programs. “The more current the phone or gadget, the more credit you can expect to receive,” consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch says.

While retailers typically offer a gift card toward future purchases, trade-in websites including Gazelle, BuyMyTronics and Glyde offer cash. “Some sites will buy it from you even if it’s broke, though naturally you’ll get a lower buyback,” says DealNews.com spokesman Mark LoCastro. “That’s money that you can in turn use for your new gadget purchase.” You may get more money reselling the device yourself through eBay (EBAY) or Craigslist, but that option also requires more legwork to complete the transaction and more potential for the buyer to flake out or defraud you.

2. Know your needs.

According to Stephanie Humphrey, weekly tech columnist for Ebony.com and founder of the blog A Matter of Life and Tech, it’s a good idea to determine how much storage space and what features you need before a shopping excursion. That way a slick salesperson won’t upsell you to a model that has extra bells and whistles you won’t use. Customers sometimes “go in and say, ‘Gimme that one,’ and it’s more expensive than what [they] need,” she says.

With most non-Apple products, you can usually add more disk space later if needed, although it’s often cheaper to buy the right amount from the start. If you must upgrade your disk space later on, Humphrey says you can save money if you buy the component pieces online and install them yourself.

3. Consider buying the previous generation.

iPhone 5s may be popular among the tech cognoscenti, but if you’re price-conscious, consider an iPhone 4 or 5 (not 5s). “Electronics have one of the fastest depreciation values on any consumer good as manufacturers and brands release new updates and models on popular gadgets every few months,” Woroch says. “What’s hot today may be old news in a few months, so it’s not worth paying a premium just to get the latest bells and whistles.”

LoCastro adds that a previous generation device is often still capable of running the latest apps and software. “You might just sacrifice a faster processor or thinner design,” he says.

Timing your purchase to the release of a new model can also save you money. “The best time to buy a current-generation iPad is toward the end of its life cycle,” LoCastro says. “So the minute you hear rumors that a new iPad is in the works, chances are retailers will discount the current iPad. That rule generally applies to all types of gadgets, from smartphones to tablets.”

4. Look for open-box deals or refurbished devices.

Many retailers sell open-box items at a steep discount. “Open box may just mean it was the display model, or [an employee] may have opened it to show someone and that person decided not to purchase that item,” Humphrey says.

Refurbished devices have typically been used and returned to the manufacturer, which usually restores it to factory settings and tests it for defects. Humphrey says it’s a good idea to buy refurbished products from a reputable source, and make sure it’s factory certified.

5. Exercise caution on secondary markets.

Worldwide sales of smartphones to end users totaled 968 million units, and tablet sales reached 195.4 million units last year, according to Gartner (IT), a technology research and advisory company. Plenty of these functional devices wind up on the secondary market when the owner gets tired of them or decides to upgrade.

Craigslist and eBay are two popular sources for used devices, but they can be riskier than buying directly from a retailer or manufacturer. Humphrey likes that eBay displays reviews from previous buyers. “You want sellers that have a lot of ratings so you can get a feel for how many people have walked away satisfied,” she says. Just be cautious about what you read. “There’s a whole industry now around buying fake reviews,” Humphrey points out. Craigslist connects local buyers and sellers, allowing them to meet in person to test a device. “The only real way to know if a product is going to function is to power it up,” she adds. If you’re conducting a Craigslist transaction in a public place for safety reasons, you can easily test out a smartphone or laptop, but trying out a TV or other large device becomes trickier.

6. Skip the extended warranty (most of the time).

Retailers make much of their money from selling extended warranties, not from the products themselves. Your credit card may automatically offer protection beyond a standard manufacturer warranty for some items, so it’s worth checking before you pay for an extended warranty. Also consider the type of gadget you’re buying. “When it comes to televisions, you’re usually safe to skip over this added expense,” Woroch says. “While warranties do offer peace of mind, HDTVs are surprisingly reliable.” Humphrey says you probably don’t need an extended warranty on a TV, but it might be worthwhile for a laptop or tablet. “You’re transporting those, so there’s more of a chance that you’ll drop it or scratch it,” she explains. Still, the manufacturer warranty may not cover accidental damage such as water damage, so read the fine print before you buy.

7 Ways To Make Fast Money

May 22, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

make fast moneyIf you want to have more money you either have to spend less or make more. There are millions of ways to make a little cash here and there that will make fast money each month to cover those bills.

1. Sell your unwanted gift cards online.

That five year old Barnes and Noble gift card, that has been sitting in your wallet, can finally be used for something other than breaking into your house when you lock the keys inside. Websites allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards on the spot.

2. Start a blog and join an affiliate program.

Find something you love to do and then write about it. Join your favorite brands affiliate programs to earn commission on products that you sell from your blog.

3. Sell old stuff on eBay

Even if you think it is junk, chances are someone out there will buy it. Put things up in bulk to get rid of it faster.

4. Sign up for medical tests

Many universities and drug companies are looking for people to test products. You can make anywhere from $100 to thousands. Google medical test volunteers for more opportunities.

The National Institutes of Health has 300 studies that need volunteers. The Rochester Clinical Research is looking for healthy volunteers to test vaccines.

Watch the video for four more ways to make fast money.

How To Coupon To Save Big – Walmart

May 21, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

Couponing can be a great way to save a lot of money on your everyday items and no one knows couponing like thekrazycouponlady! Pair these couponing techniques and suggestions with GiftCardRescue.com‘s discounted gift cards for unbelievable savings. Learn how to coupon to save big and start saving!

coupon to save big

Walmart Accepts Manufacturer Coupons

Walmart accepts manufacturer coupons from the Sunday coupon inserts as well as printable manufacturer coupons.  In order to be in compliance with policy, coupons must read “manufacturer coupon” across the top, have an expiration date, and a scannable barcode.

Look for the Smallest (Allowed) Products

You’ll get the biggest bang for your (couponing) buck when you find the smallest size and stack it with a manufacturer coupon!

Everyday Low Prices and Rollback

Look for items on rollback at Walmart! Rollbacks are Walmart’s version of a sale and are a great way to save when you stack their low prices with coupons! Even if items are not on rollback, Walmart has great everyday low prices!

Save with Produce Coupons

Walmart has great produce prices which stack nicely with coupons! For example, print this hot coupon to get free Earthbound Farm products:

$0.75/1 – Earthbound Farm Organic Product – (ebfarm.com)

 

24 Cheap Activities To Keep Kids Busy

May 20, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

We found the top 24 best activities to keep kids busy this summer for less than the price of toilet paper, unless you use discounted gift cards.   

1. Put colored tape on the carpet to make roads for your kid’s toy cars.

Put colored tape on the carpet to make roads for your kid's toy cars.

playathomemomllc.com

The tape comes up easily when you’re done.

2. Tape can also be used to create a fun outdoor board game.

Tape can also be used to create a fun outdoor board game.

the36thavenue.com / Via apartmenttherapy.com

Learn more here.

3. A couple sponges and a box of chalk are all you need to turn your driveway into a bull’s-eye target game.

A couple sponges and a box of chalk are all you need to turn your driveway into a bull's-eye target game.

sixsistersstuff.com

4. Exploding Paint Bags turn your sidewalk into a work of art.

Exploding Paint Bags turn your sidewalk into a work of art.

growingajeweledrose.com

These are totally kid-friendly and can be made with items you likely already have in the kitchen.

5. Paint on wet glue with food coloring.

Paint on wet glue with food coloring.

housingaforest.com

Save lids to cottage cheese, butter, or Cool Whip for “canvases.” Learn more here.

6. Use leftover bubble wrap to make Stomp Paintings.

Use leftover bubble wrap to make Stomp Paintings .

messforless.net

Kids will get a good laugh while exploring their artistic side.

7. DIY a throwing tarp.

DIY a throwing tarp.

gurutotheoutdoors.com

Tarp, rope, scissors, marker, tape… Play ball.

8. Tape a paper towel roll to the wall to keep toddlers busy.

Tape a paper towel roll to the wall to keep toddlers busy.

teachingmama.org

Toddlers will drop the pom-poms into the bowl over and over, and develop their fine motor skills in the process.

9. Some pipe cleaners and a colander will also keep toddlers occupied.

Some pipe cleaners and a colander will also keep toddlers occupied.

no1hasmorefun.blogspot.com

10. Burlap (from a gardening center) can be used to make a preschooler-appropriate sewing station.

Burlap (from a gardening center) can be used to make a preschooler-appropriate sewing station.

kleas.typepad.com

This one is great for developing fine motor skills too. Find the how-to here.

11. Preschoolers can also continue to learn how to draw letters with this easy-to-make sugar-writing tray.

Preschoolers can also continue to learn how to draw letters with this easy-to-make sugar-writing tray .

12. Experiment with water marbles.

Experiment with water marbles .

zitzmanfam.blogspot.com

Buy a 2-ounce pack for $7.99 here.

13. Another super-cool science experiment lets kids extract DNA from strawberries.

Another super-cool science experiment lets kids extract DNA from strawberries.

thehomeschoolscientist.com

Learn more here.

14. Super-fun balloon rockets also teach an important science lesson.

Super-fun balloon rockets also teach an important science lesson.

discoverexplorelearn.com

Kids learn the concept of “action and reaction” while having a blast.

15. Pencil erasers and a marble make a surprisingly addictive at-home bowling game.

Pencil erasers and a marble make a surprisingly addictive at-home bowling game.

frugalfun4boys.com

Find the how-to here.

16. Well-placed yarn is all you need to let your kids get their Mission Impossible on.

Well-placed yarn is all you need to let your kids get their Mission Impossible on.

ellisbenus.com

17. Play “Escape the Volcano” to teach kids about color recognition, shape names, counting, and more.

Play "Escape the Volcano" to teach kids about color recognition, shape names, counting, and more.

toddlerapproved.com

Find instructions and templates here.

18. Put a bar of soap in the microwave to make soap clouds.

Put a bar of soap in the microwave to make soap clouds .

ourbestbites.com

19. Make a bowl of popcorn and challenge your kids to play the Popcorn Olympics.

Make a bowl of popcorn and challenge your kids to play the Popcorn Olympics.

oneshetwoshe.com

Find a list of popcorn games, like “straw blow” and “distance throw,” here.

20. Painter’s tape and some balled up newspaper are all you need for this “sticky spiderweb” activity.

Painter's tape and some balled up newspaper are all you need for this "sticky spiderweb" activity.

handsonaswegrow.com

21. Turn an old box into an indoor slide.

Turn an old box into an indoor slide.

thecontemplativecreative.blogspot.com

This one needs lots of parental supervision, obviously.

22. Make a Rainbow Bubble Snake from materials you undoubtedly already have around your home.

Make a Rainbow Bubble Snake from materials you undoubtedly already have around your home.

housingaforest.com

23. Cut a pool noodle in half to make a marble track race.

Cut a pool noodle in half to make a marble track race.

myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com

Find the tutorial here.

24. Pool noodles can also be used to make a backyard obstacle course.

Pool noodles can also be used to make a backyard obstacle course.

learnplayimagine.com

Find more fun and safe ideas for pool noodles here.

Find these and more cheap activities to keep kids busy on Buzzfeed.

Smart Saving is More Saving

May 19, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

Saving money is a good habit to adapt for anyone regardless of their financial state. Many of the nations wealthiest people became financially secure by saving more and spending less. If you are smart saving then you wont even notice where you are getting the extra cash.

Smart saving

Pay Your Bills Online

Using online services saves you money in postage and paying for checks. Not only will you be saving money but you will save time and trees!

Shop with Cash Only

Studies show that shoppers spend at least 30% more money if they are shopping with a credit card. When you shop with cash you are less likely to impulse shop and more considerate on how you are spending your hard earned money.

Plan a budget and track your spending

Seeing where you are spending your money will help you to realize what is unnecessary spending, then you can make changes accordingly.

Shop with a list

Shopping with a list will help to eliminate being persuaded by product marketing to purchase more expensive products. Go to the store with a purpose, browsing will lead to spending more money on products that you don’t need.

Pay more each month

Set aside a little extra cash each month to put towards significant debt. Paying an extra $50 a month on your car or house loan will save you thousands of dollars.

Go to the library

Skip spending money on movie tickets and check out what your local library has to offer in the movie section. Renting books and magazines is also much more efficient than paying for monthly subscriptions.

Buy discounted gift cards

If you plan your shopping outings going to websites such as giftcardrescue.com and purchasing a discounted gift card for your favorite stores could save you a lot of money!

Avoid bank fees

Make sure you use your own banks ATM, or just take out a certain amount of cash at the beginning of the week.

Photo Credit: Weheartit

9 Healthy Protein Pancake Recipes

May 16, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Incorporating a high protein breakfast will curb cravings all day long. Imagine if you could make your favorite breakfast food a healthy meal! These healthy protein pancake recipes from homemadeprotein, are sure to make pancakes your new favorite protein packed health food. I use discounted gift cards from Whole Foods to purchase all my groceries at a discounted price. For more on healthy alternatives.

1. Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes (14 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes 
Pumpkin gets extra love each fall — but you can taste the benefits any time of year. These flour-free pancakes deliver a protein-packed breakfast, thanks to one scoop of protein powder, real pumpkin and oats. Add egg whites and baking powder and they’re ready for lift-off. Photo and Recipe: Katie Farrell / Dashing Dish  

2. Vanilla-Spiked Protein Pancakes (9 g protein)

Vanilla Spiked Protein Pancakes 
The protein in these pancakes comes from three eggs and a half-cup of cottage cheese. A quarter-cup of flour holds it all together, and vanilla extract and coconut oil give the cakes a unique — and crave-worthy — flavor. Top with fresh fruit, your favorite nut butter or Greek yogurt for a well-rounded meal. Photo and Recipe: Emma / Better with Cake

3. Red Quinoa Pancakes (9 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes
These pancakes get their dose of protein from an unexpected source: quinoa. In addition to lending protein, the quinoa creates a great slightly crunchy, slightly chewy texture without losing typical pancake fluffiness. Top with fresh berries and fruit syrup. Photo and Recipe: Kayley / The Kitchen McCabe

4. Gluten-Free Almond Joy Pancakes (11 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes 
Low-carb pancakes packed with protein and fiber — need we say more? Two of these cakes provide 11 grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, which comes primarily from the half-cup of coconut flour and six eggs in the recipe. All that great Almond Joy flavor is thanks to almond extract and (of course) dark chocolate. Fry them up in coconut oil for a slightly sweet crunch. Photo and Recipe: Carolyn / All Day I Dream About Food via The Lemon Bowl

5. Cinnamon Roll Protein Pancakes (38.5 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes
Instant oats, vanilla protein powder, egg whites and Greek yogurt make up the protein-packed base of these decadent (but healthy!) pancakes, while banana and cream cheese create a decadent flavor and texture. Whip up this batter at night and store in the fridge before cooking in the morning for a quick and filling hot breakfast. Photo and Recipe: Claire /The Slender Student

6. Peaches and Cream Protein Pancakes (22 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes 
These peachy cakes bring the taste of summer into your kitchen. Oat flour, coconut flour and vanilla protein powder combine for the base of these fruit-filled cakes. Peach-flavored Greek yogurt, diced peaches, coconut and almond extract add sweetness, a bit of texture, and fresh flavors to the mix as well. Top with freshly toasted coconut, roasted almonds and fresh, diced peaches for an even more exciting dish and varied texture. Photo and Recipe: Heather Powers / Kiss My Broccoli  

7. Vanilla Coconut Protein Pancakes (29 g protein)

vanillacoconutproteinpancakes1
Nuts for coconut? These vanilla and coconut-scented pancakes are made from spelt flour, almond meal and protein powder. Chia seeds add a bit of texture and a healthy kick ofomega-3 fatty acids. Top with a mix of Greek yogurt and maple syrup and toasted coconut.Photo and Recipe: Karla / Foodologie

8. Whole-Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes (25 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes 
It can’t get more simple than these whole-wheat Greek yogurt pancakes: Just combine Greek yogurt, an egg, whole-wheat flour and baking soda, mix it up, and cook in a skillet. Add whatever flavors you like, and choose your favorite toppings. (We’re big fans of fresh berries or banana!) Photo and Recipe: Ali / Veggies by Candlelight

9. Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes (11.7 g protein)

Protein Pancake Recipes 
Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder put the “pow” in these protein pancakes. Oats give the cakes some body, while customized toppings add an irresistible peanut-buttery-banana-chocolaty flavor. Prefer other fixins? Use the basic recipe and top with whatever your heart desires! Photo and Recipe: Erin / Dinners, Dishes & Desserts

Deep-Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

May 15, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

It’s national chocolate chip cookie day! Why not celebrate with this amazing goodness.

Deep-Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
yield: about 20 cookies

chocolate chip cookie day

For the Cookie Dough:
4 oz butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

To Batter and Fry:
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup + 2 tbsp milk
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 quart oil, for frying
Candy/Deep Fry thermometer

Make the Cookie Dough:
Combine the butter and both sugars in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat them together for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat on low speed until combined. Stop the mixer, add the flour and salt, and mix again on low speed until most of the flour streaks are gone.

Stop mixing, add the chocolate chips, and stir everything together with a spatula until it’s well-mixed. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or a spoon to form the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. You should get about 20 cookies from this recipe. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until the balls are firm, at least 1 hour. Dough can be made several days in advance and kept, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Batter and Fry:
To make the batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the milk and 2 tsp of vegetable oil, and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.Pour the frying oil into a medium saucepan so that it’s 2 inches deep. Insert a candy/deep fry thermometer  and heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 360 F (182 C). Once at 360 F, take a chilled ball of cookie dough and dip it in the batter, turning it over with your hands until it’s completely covered. Let excess batter drip back into the bowl, then gently drop it into the oil. Repeat with 2-3 more dough balls, so you’re frying 3-4 at a time.

Fry the balls for about 2 minutes per side, flipping as necessary so that they cook evenly.Fry the cookie dough balls until they’re puffed and a dark golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the oil using a frying skimmer or slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the rest of the cookie dough balls and batter. Watch the temperature of the oil and keep it between 360 F-370 F (182 – 188 C)—remove it from the heat if it gets too hot, or let it warm up in between batches if the temperature drops too much.

These balls are best served warm, but not hot. Garnish them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a side of whipped cream, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, or nothing at all!

Recipe/image from Sugarhero

7 Ways To Get Rich By Being Frugal

May 14, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

Learning to live frugally is a difficult but fruitful lesson. Many of the millionaires in today’s society get rich by being frugal. There seven Frugal Habits will give you financial freedom. Simple techniques like only purchasing items on sale, using coupons, and buying discounted gift cards before you shop can make huge strides in attaining your long term goals.

Financial freedom

Habit One: Be Proactive

The first habit to develop is to take responsibility; if you fail, you have no one to blame but yourself. Regardless of how you were raised or how you were treated at school, you can choose your behavior now. Being proactive means understanding that YOU are in control of your day-to-day interactions, and thereby, the direction your life takes. This is in stark comparison to a reactive person, who is often affected by their environment and will find external sources to blame for their behavior. For example, if the weather is good, they’re in a good mood, but if the weather is bad, it affects them and they blame the weather for their bad mood.

What most people forget is that though you can’t control the stimulus, you can control your response. One of your most important choices is your words; the language you use is an effective indication of how you see yourself. If you use proactive language, such as “I can” or “I will,” you’re starting with a more positive attitude than someone who uses language like “I can’t” or “I have to” or “If only.”

How to be proactive for effective frugality:

  • Take the first step. You cannot take control of your finances until you make the commitment to do so; the more you ignore the situation, the worse it will get. Instead, take a long hard look at your finances — your budget, debts, income, and expenses, and try to understand where your money is going and where you can budget better. (To help you out, here are 25 ways to pay off your debt more easily.)
  • Tell people. Using proactive language to vocalize your hope of being more financially responsible not only helps you crystallize your goal, but it can also help you avoid the peer pressure that makes budgeting and frugality hard. If you explain to your friends and family that you’re trying to live a more frugal lifestyle, they’ll be less likely to pressure you into one more round of drinks or another dinner out.
  • Listen. Listen to yourself and to the reasons you give each time you make a purchase outside of your budget or decide not to put spare money into your savings account. Taking the time to stop and listen to the reasons you give yourself for spending more than you earn will give you the opportunity to hear just how shallow many of those reasons are. This can stop you from making purchases that impede your goal of effective frugality.

Finish the article on Moneyning

20 Businesses That Give Birthday Gifts

May 13, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

Everyone likes to get birthday gifts, here are a list of 20 businesses that give birthday gifts on your special day.

Pair these coupons with a discounted gift card to save even more money on any occasion!

Free birthday gifts from businesses

 

 

 

 

 

1. Wingstop: Join their email club for free large fries for your birthday.

2. Zio’s Italian Kitchen: Join for a free Bruschetta appetizer now and a birthday surprise later.

3. Uno Chicago Grill: Free birthday treat for signing up.

4. Victoria’s Secret: Sign up for the mailing list to receive a coupon for $10 off a $10 purchase.

5. Tony Roma’s: Sign up to be a Roma Rib Expert and get a coupon for a free entree on your birthday.

6. The Body Shop: Become a Love Your Body Member (cost is $10), and get 10% off all purchases and a free birthday gift when you visit a store during your birthday month (up to a $10 value).

7. Starbucks: Get a free handcrafted beverage or one free food item of your choice on your birthday.

8. Sephora: Become a Beauty Insider and get a complimentary birthday gift.

9. Ruby Tuesday: Join “So Connected” and enter your birthdate to join the birthday list. You’ll get a buy one, get one free entree coupon for signing up and a free burger on your birthday!

10. Rita’s: Join Rita’s birthday Club to receive a special birthday treat.

11. Red Robin – Yum! Sign up for the e-club to get a free burger and bottomless fries on your birthday.

12. Panera Bread: Get a MyPanera card from a Panera associate, register the card online, and you’ll start to receive special discounts, freebies and a birthday reward.

13. Noodles & Company: Sign up for Noodlegrams and get a buy one, get one free dish coupon when you sign-up and get a coupon for a free bowl on your birthday.

14. Medieval Times: Join the Birthday Fellowship and the King’s Court to receive a free admission on your birthday.

15. Melting Pot: Become a member of Club Fondue, and you’ll receive a complimentary box of Signature Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with the purchase of any Big Night Out, Four-Course Classic or the combination of any two individual entrees and a cheese fondue. You’ll receive this same offer for your birthday.

16. IHOP: Join the Pancake Revolution and receive a free meal within 24 hours and a free birthday meal.

17. Cold Stone Creamery: Buy one, get one free coupon for your birthday.

18. Baskin Robins: Get a free ice cream email on your birthday and a special discount on a birthday cake. Plus a buy one, get one free scoop offer when you sign up and additional offers all year long.

19. Carrabba’s – Join the Amici Club and receive offers for complimentary menu items and a special offer on your birthday.

20. Dairy Queen: Join the Blizzard Fan Club for an extra-special coupon on your birthday and surprise on your anniversary.

9 Habits To Heat Up Your Exercise Relationship

May 12, 2014 by Kirsten Marshall

Just as working out too little can be bad for you, so can working out too much. Here are 9 habits to heat up your exercise relationship to a healthy level.

Heat up your relationship with exercise

1. Know the difference between a good burn and true pain.

“You hear so much about the whole ‘no pain, no gain’ attitude,” says Cohn. “I think we really have to redefine what pain is.” Yes, you want to feel like you worked hard, you want some fatigue; you might even relish your second-day soreness. But feeling discomfort in joints, or feeling so exhausted you just want to drop at the end of the day is not normal, says Cohn. Pain can be serious, and pushing through could cause worse injury. People with a health relationship to exercise know when to say when.

2. Take rest days.

And when they are in pain or are exhausted, they know it’s time to skip a sweat session. “It’s the same as that chocolate cake,” says Cohn. “It’s delicious, you want to have another piece, but you know it’s not good for you, and you need to stop eating now.” No matter how much you love working out, there is such a thing as too much exercise, and the people with the healthiest relationships to exercise enjoy their off days. Carter recommends taking at least one a week.

3. Don’t exercise to eat, eat to exercise.

Exercising purely to “influence weight or shape”, says Carter, can be a slippery slope into obsession and disorder. For a healthy athlete or exerciser, food is fuel, not the enemy. Our bodies require a bare minimum amount of calories simply to survive, and we need to provide extra energy for physical activity. Rather than exercising “to allow themselves to eat,” says Carter, people with a healthy relationship to exercise eat to allow themselves to exercise. Eating whatever you want just because you exercised today doesn’t cut it either, even if you just want to maintain weight, she says. Of course we’d never say the occasional brownie was completely off limits, but “‘occasional’ doesn’t mean every dinner warrants a dessert!” Carter says.

4. Go with the flow.

Many experts recommend scheduling exercise into your day like you would any other appointment to help you stick with your fitness plan. But there also needs to be some flexibility in the scheduling. One sign it’s become too restrictive is if straying from the usual routine causes extreme upset. Take traveling, says Carter. Someone with a healthy relationship to exercise won’t panic if her day-to-day routine is a little off. Someone with an unhealthy relationship to exercise might skip out on important events or exciting moments or wake up drastically early to fit in a workout. “The exercise becomes number one,” says Carter.

On those days where a regular workout gets bumped from the schedule, Cohn helps clients keep things in perspective by focusing on other ways in which they are physically active. Even walking just a few more steps a day — whether it’s by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or commuting by foot — is still physical, and can help ease anxiety over skipping a sweat session.

5. Know what you like.

“Balanced or healthy exercise is exercise that you like, not exercise that you dislike,” says Carter. “If you’re doing something that you hate, you’re not going to keep doing it.” That might mean running marathons for some and practicing Bikram yoga for others, but what’s important is that you don’t feel like you’re torturing yourself — and that you don’t feel obligated to try every single fitness fad.

The same principle applies to exercise intensity, says Carter. Some people love high intensity workouts like CrossFit, and others will simply find moderate intensity movement more tolerable, she says.

6. But still mix things up.

“Doing the elliptical every day at the same intensity level is just a repetitive motion,” says Cohn, not one you’re going to see huge results from. People with the healthiest relationships to exercise balance their workout routines with a mixture of activities, whether that’s high and low impact, cardio and strength training, or arm days and leg days, she says. And it doesn’t require pricey sessions with a personal trainer or a degree in exercise science to add a little more balance to your regular routine, she says. Simply reading the directions on a machine at the gym you’ve never tried before, for example, can be surprisingly helpful, she says.

7. Do it on your terms.

Along with finding a fitness plan they enjoy, people with a healthy relationship to exercise also work out when and where they like. Yes, there are big benefits to a morning workout, like fewer cravings and greater energy, but it comes down to personal preference, says Carter. “Some people like to exercise in the morning, some people hate mornings,” she says. “You don’t have to force it.”

8. Seek support.

Everyone has their off days, even people with a healthy relationship to exercise. Whether it’s a lack of motivation to stick to healthy exercise or a compulsion to overdo it, Carter says one of the most effective safety nets is having a workout buddy. “It’s harder to do the compulsive thing when you’ve got someone with you to encourage something a little more moderate, and it’s a great motivator for [others],” she says. Of course, if exercise — or lack of it — is truly interfering with someone’s health, it may be safer to consult a dietitian, a physician or a mental health professional, “or a mixture of all three,” says Carter.

9. Do it for the mental benefits.

“We know so much about the mental health benefits of exercise,” says Carter, and yet many unbalanced exercisers only consider breaking a sweat helpful for altering weight or shape. For many, exercise is an effective coping method for stress, anxiety and depression, and healthy exercisers harness these powers for good.

Article written with some help from HuffingtownPost.

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