Articles by Jamie Jefferson on ArticleSnatch.com

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy - 12 Easy Tips

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:42:19 -0400

You have nourished and protected your baby for 9 months. Now it's time to get your body back. Here are 12 easy tips for losing weight after pregnancy. 1. Check with your doctor first. Make sure you get the all clear before you start any kind of diet and exercise program, especially if you are breastfeeding. Don't even think about trying to lose weight until you have that postpartum checkup and you talk to your doctor about the recommended rate for weight loss. You'll want to be particularly careful if you are breastfeeding because, as a breastfeeding mom, you need about 500 calories more per day. This is not the time for serious calorie restriction. 2. Focus on nutrition and health. Nourish and nurture yourself with fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Avoid white foods - white sugar, white bread, white noodles, anything made with white flour. Also avoid processed food and sodas. These healthier foods will help you maintain the energy levels you need, as well, to get you through the day (and the night.) 3. Emphasize fitness. **End Summary** Topics: how to lose weight after pregnancy]]> postnatal weight loss]]> weight loss tips]]> lose weight after baby]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> When it's time to get serious about losing weight, find out which diet plan is right for you. And check New Coupons and Deals for Weight Watchers Coupons , Medifast Coupons, and more.

The Weekend Wedding - Creative Ideas for Your Three-Day Celebration

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:01:22 -0400

One thing that surprises many of us after our wedding is how quickly the event goes. We plan and plan - sometimes for months or years - and then the day flies right by. Once the photos are taken and all the relatives have been squeezed, there's hardly time to take in the party, let alone enjoy it. If you can stretch out the celebration, it will likely be well worth the extra money you spend. Rather than celebrating a special day, many couples are now celebrating for the entire wedding weekend: perhaps starting with an informal gathering on Friday afternoon or evening, continuing with the Saturday wedding, and then wrapping up with a post-wedding brunch on Sunday. These can be akin to family reunions and they can be great icebreakers, too. Your guests will have a chance to meet or get reacquainted in a more informal gathering the day before. And they'll be enjoying a mini-vacation of their own, which means a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone on your big day. Here are some creative ideas for planning your own prolonged celebration: * The first and most important rule: don't get stressed out. **End Summary** Topics: weekend wedding]]> wedding ideas]]> weekend wedding ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> When it's time to make travel plans for your wedding, check Susie's Travel Coupons for the latest discounts, and don't miss Today's Jewelry Discounts for discounts and coupons on wedding bands and engagement rings.

The Diet for Busy People - 7 Ways to Lose Weight, Even When Your Life is Crazy

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:05:26 -0400

You'd think that the busier you are, the less time you have to eat. So why do many of us put on weight when we get busy? Sometimes we eat unconsciously. Our minds get so busy chewing on something that we don't seem to realize that our mouths are chewing, too. Sometimes we rely too much on convenience foods or fast foods instead of the slow, nutritious food that is so good for us. But life is busy - sometimes for months and years at a time. So what's a busy dieter to do? Here are 7 quick tips to help even the busiest among us to slow down, enjoy our food, and lose weight. 1. It seems counter-intuitive, but make sure that you don't multitask during mealtimes. It might seem like you're saving time by eating at the computer or while reading the latest company memo, but you're probably eating more calories than you think. Your mealtimes are your well-deserved break times. Particularly for busy people, meal time is a punctuation mark in your day. It is a time to slow down and really think about the food you are eating and the way it is nourishing your body. **End Summary** Topics: Diet busy people]]> healthy diet for busy people]]> busy diet busy people]]> busy person's diet]]> dieting tips]]> weight loss tips]]> which diet plan]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> When it's time to get serious about losing weight, find out which diet plan is right for you. And check New Coupons and Deals for Weight Watchers Coupons , Medifast Coupons, and more.

15 Free, Fun Things to Do with Your Kids This Summer

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:23:28 -0400

When our kids are home full time, it's easy to start shelling out too much for matinees and meals out. But you don't have to blow your entertainment budget just because the kids are home with you. Here are 15 unique ideas for no-cost summer fun the whole family will enjoy. 1. Help your kids create a scavenger hunt for their siblings. The prize at the end can be something simple: a coupon to get out of a chore, for example. 2. Decide on a charitable organization you all want to help as a family. Then make a plan to raise money as a group. 3. Help your 'tween or teen come up with a new business idea and help them get started. They may want to mow lawns, or maybe they want to create something to sell locally or online. 4. Help your kids plant a vegetable or flower garden. 5. Take advantage of your public library's summer reading program. In addition to weekly story times, many communities have excellent programs, complete with incentives, prizes, and contests, that encourage kids to read. After you visit the library, invite a few neighbor kids over for a read aloud. **End Summary** Topics: family fun]]> summer fun]]> things to do with kids]]> summertime family fun]]> family fun ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson saves her readers money at both Susie Coupon and Susie's Travel Discounts

Cheap Engagement Rings - Tips and Tricks for Finding the Best Deals and Discounts

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:25:04 -0500

Contrary to popular opinion, it is possible to get a quality, beautiful engagement ring at a low price. You just have to know where (and when) to look. The first step in securing a cheap engagement ring is to start your search online. This is the easiest way to learn about your different options as well as to compare and bargain hunt to your heart's content, without the pressure of a commissions-based salesperson looming over you and making high-priced suggestions. Learn about the different aspects of a diamond and decide what you can and can't live without. My advice would be to shop only with those online jewelers with established reputations. You don't want to leave anything to chance with a purchase as important (and potentially large) as this one. That said, there are a few options that will help you reduce the price of your engagement ring. You can choose a setting that is very simple that will then dovetail with a more elaborate wedding ring. You can even design your own ring at a number of leading online jewelers. **End Summary** Topics: Cheap engagement rings]]> discount engagement rings]]> engagement ring discounts]]> saving money on engagement rings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Check Today's Jewelry Discounts for discounts and coupons on wedding bands and engagement rings. Then save money on all the things you'll need for your new married life together at Susie's Coupons .

8 Easy, Quick & Healthy Dinner Ideas for Families

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:01:26 -0500

The school year is in full swing and so are the year's activities. If your family life is like mine - among ball games, play rehearsals, youth groups, homework clubs and social engagements - it's certainly not easy to find time to sit down to a relaxed family dinner. Still, we know that the busier we are, the more important it is to check in with our kids and to preserve the routine of a family dinner (at least on most nights). Here's a rundown of a few ideas, as well as my own family's standby, so you can spend the time you have together sitting down and catching up with one another, rather than scrambling to get something elaborate on the table. I invite you to read my ideas, add your own, and share them with friends. 1. My family eats a lot of fresh vegetables, so my biggest lifesaver is to use "almost there" prepared foods. There's no shame in using prewashed produce. **End Summary** Topics: Quick and easy dinner ideas]]> kid friendly dinners]]> dinner ideas]]> easy dinner for family]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for the online parenting magazine Momscape as well as Susies-Coupons.com and New Coupons and Deals , where you'll find the latest online coupon codes, as well as printable grocery coupons.

Discount Office Supplies - Six Secrets for Saving Money on Office Essentials

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:46:44 -0500

When it comes to office supplies, deals and coupons are so prevalent (especially online) that you should almost never settle for paying full price. Here are six tips for scoring office supply discounts on everything from ink jets to laptops; furniture to copy paper. 1. Save on office furniture by checking craiglist or your local freecycle network from time to time. It's also possible to find screaming deals on furniture from online office supply superstores; you just have to stay on top of the deals. They typically change weekly. 2. Don't skimp on organizational tools. You'll save so much time if your home office is properly organized, and time is money - especially in a home office where you're bound to find yourself wearing a few different hats, on occasion. Search for used file cabinets on craiglist or freecycle networks, as well. Or look for businesses in your area that might be having "going out of business" sales. You might be able to score some great deals on file cabinets and shelving this way. 3. Before you spend a lot on software, see if there is a freeware version that works for your purposes. **End Summary** Topics: Office supply discount]]> office discount]]> discount office supplies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape - an online magazine that provides practical tips for raising happy, healthy families. Momscape also features a special section on home based business tips for moms.

The Care and Feeding of Toddlers - A Few Points about Toddler Food

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:46:33 -0500

I look back at my children's toddler stage with genuine fondness. And that might be largely because the memory of the temper tantrums has faded, along with the memory of the time I spent cajoling them to eat certain things. At times, this involved all of the mature and time-tested tips you'll read about below. At times, there was some begging. At times, I'll admit, there may have even been some bribery involved. Toddlers have reached the age where they have some opinions, and they want to tell us things. But they may get frustrated when we just don't get the message. At the same time, your toddler has likely entered that crucial state of independence, which can make them incredibly strong-willed. And that means mothers of toddlers need every trick in the book to get through the day with a genuine smile on her face. Here are a few tricks you can use when it comes to helping your toddler eat healthfully. 1. Use your toddler's independence to your advantage. Whenever possible, give your child a choice between two healthy alternatives. Would she like a banana or an orange? Carrots or sugar snap peas? **End Summary** Topics: toddler food]]> toddler eating]]> toddler healthy]]> toddler food ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape, an online magazine that provides practical tips for raising happy, healthy families. She also publishes daily deals and coupon codes at Susies-Coupons.com as well as New Coupons and Deals .

Family Travel - 8 Simple tips for Smooth Family Travel

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:08:15 -0500

As a busy parent, you deserve some rest and relaxation. Here are 8 tips to help you derive the most enjoyment from your next family vacation. 1. Start planning now - the earlier the better. When you research your destination in advance, you'll spend less money, and you'll probably have a more relaxing time, too. Spend time as a family researching your destination using print travel magazines as well as online sources and guidebooks. 2. Let your kids in on it. Ask each of your children to choose a few things to see or do on this vacation, as well. When kids are invested in planning the trip, they take more responsibility and, ultimately, derive more enjoyment from the trip. 3. Take your time. Try hard not to cram too many activities in any single day, especially if you have young kids. Children need downtime, especially when they are away from their normal routine, so schedule time for resting between events. Plan to return to the hotel for a brief nap or quiet time before going to dinner, for example. 4. Don't over-pack. Everyone will enjoy the trip more if you travel light. **End Summary** Topics: family vacations]]> cheap family vacations]]> travel tips]]> family travel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find the best online travel discounts at http://Susies-Travel-Coupons.com . Then save money on everything else you need at New Coupons and Deals .

Romantic Valentine - Give her a Night She'll Remember

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:56:04 -0500

Few women would argue that the best, most romantic Valentine's Day would include an intimate dinner at a quiet restaurant, a bottle of champagne, and a diamond token of your affection. Here are tips and ideas to help you give her the Valentine's Day she's always dreamed of. Make your reservations at her favorite restaurant. Even if you think it's too early to book a table for February 14th, call the restaurant anyway. Dress for the occasion. Wear your finest suit and pick up a bouquet of long stemmed red roses (or her favorite flower) before you pick her up. If you are already married to your sweetheart, go outside and ring the doorbell. Present her with flowers before you leave. No matter how long you've been together, for tonight, pretend you are still in the earliest days of courtship: take her arm as you walk outside, open the car door for her. Before you leave the house that evening, create a playlist of all the songs that have been important to you in your relationship thus far. Softly play the music in the car as you drive to the restaurant. **End Summary** Topics: Romantic valentine]]> romantic valentine's day]]> valentine's day gifts]]> romance valentine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Valentine's jewelry gifts don't have to be expensive. Check Today's Jewelry Discounts for the latest discounts and coupons on fine jewelry. Or book a romantic getaway with the help of the deep discounts and deals posted at Susie's Travel Coupons

Healthy Ideas for Your Child's School Lunch

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:21:03 -0500

Your children's school lunches have to fuel them all afternoon. Here are some ideas for making that brown bag lunch healthy, without losing the 'yum' factor. 1. Think beyond the sandwich. When my youngest child (who is also my pickiest eater) started grade school, he would always bring home his sandwich without ever having taken a bite. My daughters both loved sandwiches of all types, so we tried everything with my son -- all kinds of different sandwich fillings, from cheese to turkey, ham, roast beef, peanut butter & jelly; we tried crust and no crust, all to no avail. But when we started simply packing items separately, he started gobbling it all up. What he ends up with is a pretty healthy lunch, even without the traditional main event of the brown bug lunch: the sandwich. He might take a small reusable container of peanut butter as a dip for apple slices, a slice of cheese, a handful of walnuts, some whole grain crackers and a healthy granola bar, for example. If your kid - like mine - doesn't love sandwiches, try cold cuts with crackers (like making your own Lunchables), or try tortilla wraps or pitas. **End Summary** Topics: healthy kids lunch]]> healthy kids lunch ideas]]> healthy lunches for children]]> healthy brown bag ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for the online parenting magazine Momscape as well as Susies-Coupons.com and New Coupons and Deals , where you'll find the latest online coupon codes, as well as printable grocery coupons.

Is Your Wedding on a Tight Budget? How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Charm

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:47:19 -0500

Your wedding is a day you'll remember forever, but you don't have to blow all your savings to create a memorable, romantic occasion. Here are a few ways to cut costs for your wedding (without being cheap). 1. Book your venue carefully (and early). When booking your venue, you'll spend less if you can avoid the peak wedding season. In fact, you'll likely spend less for everything related to your wedding if you set the date for a time other than May, June, or July. During these "off peak" times of year, it will also be easier to find cheaper (or even free) locations for your reception, such as public buildings and parks. You might also consider holding your wedding on a non-traditional day, such as a Sunday or a Friday. 2. Create your own invitations. The internet makes it easy to design and print your own wedding invitations and stationery. Use a template from your favorite word processing program or do a simple online search for free wedding invitation templates. **End Summary** Topics: budget wedding]]> save money on your wedding]]> discount wedding]]> jewelry discounts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Check Today's Jewelry Discounts for discounts and coupons on wedding bands and engagement rings. Then save money on your honeymoon at Susie's Travel Coupons

Home Business Tips - How to Get More Done in Less Time

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:01:16 -0500

When you work from home, everything seems to clamor for your attention - from the laundry pile to the breakfast dishes, to the dogs who would really like another walk. And then there are the well-meaning family and friends who call or stop by in the middle of the day, just to visit. Here are a few tips for helping you carve out time to actually work during your workday, so you can get more done in less time. 1. Ask yourself some questions about your boundaries and how much time you really want (or need) to spend working. For many of us, the reason we work from home is so that we can spend more time with family and friends; so that we can spend less time commuting and more time connecting. Get clear with yourself about how many hours you can reasonably expect to put in during a given workday, while still leaving time to enjoy an excellent quality of life. **End Summary** Topics: Time management]]> work at home ideas]]> home business ideas]]> home business tips]]> time management tips]]> wahm tips]]> home based business tips]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for New Coupons and Deals as well as Office-Supply-Coupons.com where you can find the best prices and deals on home office supplies and tech.

Saving on Sparky: How to Provide for Your Precious Pets (Even on a Budget)

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:28:20 -0500

Oh how we love our pets. They enrich and enhance every moment of our lives, so it's hard to think about scrimping and saving when it comes to them. The good news is that it is possible to take good care of your pooches and your kitties without spending an arm and a leg. Here are 6 tips for saving money on your precious pets: 1. Prevent injuries and disease. Just as with human health, the best way to save on vet care is to keep your dogs and cats from getting sick or hurt in the first place. Make sure your pet stays up to date with vaccinations. Buy quality pet food. Make sure your pets get enough exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Keep your pet in your yard and on leash. And make sure you spay or neuter your pet, as well. 2. Save money on grooming by learning to do it yourself. Take a class or view an instructional DVD. You can get quality grooming supplies either at your local pet store or by shopping online. 3. Buy special treats in bulk. My Jack Russell Terrier has to chew on something, every day. **End Summary** Topics: Saving money on pets]]> discount pet supplies]]> discount pet care]]> pet store coupons]]> how to save money on pets]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find New coupons and deals on pet care at Susies-Coupons.com as well as Momscape.com, where you can find the latest PetsMart Coupons .

Go Small or Go Home - 14 Small Diet Changes That Can Lead to Big Success

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:49:21 -0500

Many of us think of a weight loss program or a diet as a time of deprivation. But too often, the more we put certain foods off limits, the more we want them. When we set our goals too high, we can sometimes get discouraged right out of the gate. And when that happens, we may even find that we gain a pound or two on our "weight loss program." This time, try a gentler approach to dieting by adopting a series of small, healthful changes. Over time, they can lead to big changes on the scale. Here are 14 easy ways to get started today: 1. Broaden your goals. There are lots of reasons to lose weight besides simply looking better in your swimsuit on in that new pair of jeans. A more nutritious diet and more active lifestyle will give you better overall health, more energy, improved strength and flexibility and increased stamina. You'll also probably sleep better and feel better about yourself, in general. **End Summary** Topics: Diet tips]]> small diet]]> small diet changes]]> healthy weight loss]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Get more diet and healthy living tips at Best Self Help as well as Momscape.com and Susies-Coupons.com , where you'll find coupons for popular online diet programs.

Your Marvelous Memory: 10 Easy Ways to Get Your Head in the Game and Improve your Memory

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:16:13 -0500

Do you ever feel like you're losing your mind? Do you ever walk into a room, and you can't remember why? Do you ever get to the store and you can't remember what you came in to buy? Do you ever wonder where you put your sunglasses, and then you find them on top of your head? Many of us have these experiences, especially when we are stressed and distracted. We can use these experiences as cues to sharpen our minds and our memory skills. Here are 10 of the best and easiest ways to do just that: 1. Get a checkup. If your memory loss is significant, or if its onset is sudden, the first thing you'll want to do is make an appointment with your doctor to make sure you're healthy. Many illnesses can impair your memory. Once you get a clean bill of health, know that slight memory loss is a normal part of life. As we age, our capacity to remember things declines. But there are things we can do about it. There are ways to improve your memory, as well as to prevent further age-related memory loss. 2. Write things down. **End Summary** Topics: improve memory]]> how to improve memory]]> best self help]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson writes for Best Self Help as well as Home Business How To's and Susies-Coupons.com .

Creative Gift Wrapping - How to Wrap Beautiful Presents

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:27:14 -0500

To give a just-right gift is one of life's great joys. We look for something that perfectly suits our loved one, and we can't wait to present her with a gift that will make her face light up. So much time goes in to finding the gift that, too often, the gift wrap is an afterthought. But you can take your gift giving to a whole new level by making the wrapping part of the experience. You don't have to be an artist or a crafter to wrap a magnificent and memorable present. Here are a few easy guidelines for wrapping beautiful gifts. 1. Match the giftwrap with the type of gift. If the gift comes in a box, it'll be a cinch to wrap it in a high-quality wrapping paper or fabric, and tie with ribbons and bows. But if the item is oddly-shaped (and it isn't practical to find a box), fill a gift basket with tinsel, raffia, or straw and arrange the gifts on top. Wrap the basket in colored cellophane, which you can find at party stores as well as many discount superstores. **End Summary** Topics: Creative Gift wrapping]]> how to wrap presents]]> creative gift wrap]]> beautiful gift wrap]]> gift wrap ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com where you'll find the best gift ideas and coupon codes, as well as Momscape.com where you'll find lots more ideas for making the holidays more meaningful.

Be Festive But Fit: Prevent Holiday Weight Gain with These 8 Tips

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:00:03 -0500

Many Americans gain a pound or two (or more) over the holidays, but that certainly doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to this fate. Avoiding holiday weight gain is as simple as knowing (and heeding) a few tips and tricks. Here are 8 of the best. 1. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, and make sure you schedule it on your to-do list at least four times a week. Exercise can be an enormous stress relief, so if you don't think you have the time or the energy this time of year to keep up with regular workouts, take a good brisk walk for about 30 minutes. (Then tell me you don't feel better.) 2. When you find a treat that's worth the indulgence, take a bite or two and leave the rest. Recruit a buddy to halve the cream puff or pie slice with you. 3. If you don't currently keep a food diary, the holidays are a great time to start. Even if you aren't dieting, it's a good way to give yourself a reality check of the amount of food you're eating. **End Summary** Topics: Holiday weight gain]]> avoiding holiday weight gain]]> preventing holiday weight gain]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Learn about our favorite online weight loss program and get more healthy weight loss and fitness ideas at http://BestSelfHelp.com

6 No-Fail Gift Ideas for Your Spouse

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:33:48 -0500

Your spouse is the person whom you know the best in all the world, so it should be easy to pick out the perfect gift, right? Sadly, this often isn't the case. Sometimes, the gift you give your spouse is the hardest gift to choose, because you want to give something that is just right. You want to give something that is intimate and personal yet practical and useful. But you don't want to give anything too useful (no vacuums, blenders, or mops). Here are six ideas to get you started when gift shopping for your spouse: 1. Give a gift that you can share together as a couple. Concert tickets, theater tickets, or tickets to a ball game will be very well-received - as long as it's something that your spouse would pick out on his own accord - and not something that you only wish your spouse was interested in. Experience gifts are gaining in popularity, and there are several popular websites that allow you to buy everything from a day behind the wheel of a race car to scuba adventures to cooking classes. 2. Consider a brief romantic getaway. **End Summary** Topics: gift wife]]> gift husband]]> gift spouse]]> great gift ideas]]> unique gift ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com to find the best gift ideas and coupon codes this holiday season, as well as Today's Jewelry Discounts to find fine jewelry at fantastic prices.

Black Friday Deals - Tips for Scoring the Deepest Discounts

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:36:55 -0500

The day after Thanksgiving - commonly known as "Black Friday" - is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. For many people, hitting the mall on Black Friday is part of their annual Thanksgiving tradition, and it can be a fun ritual to help you get in the holiday spirit. The term Black Friday was originally coined to identify the day of the year on which retailers started to turn a profit - going from "in the red" to "in the black." But now we think of it as simply the day that crowds descend to get the very best deals on everything from books to toys to appliances. Prices are cut so drastically at some of these early "doorbuster" sales that shoppers line up in the pre-dawn hours to get the best discounts. And mall parking lots are jam-packed for the entire day. Here are a few tips for scoring the deepest discounts on Black Friday (and beyond). 1. Plan ahead. Map out your plan of attack before Black Friday arrives. What time will you need to set your alarm so you can arrive at the stores early enough to get the best deals? **End Summary** Topics: online coupons]]> black Friday deals]]> black friday]]> online discounts]]> cyber Monday]]> black Friday deals]]> holiday shopping deals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com where you'll find the best gift ideas and coupon codes this holiday season, as well as Today's Jewelry Discounts where you'll find the best deals on fine jewelry.

It's Easy Bein' Green: 16 Simple Steps to More Eco-Friendly Living

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:45:03 -0500

Here are 16 easy steps you can take to green up your home, without spending a lot of energy, time, or money. 1. Unplug appliances when you aren't using them. Some electrical items will actually continue to use energy when they are in "standby" mode. So you can save energy (and money on your utility bill) by getting in the habit of unplugging them when you are finished using them for the day. Consider plugging your large appliances, such as the TV, VCR and stereo into a single power strip, so you can unplug everything at once. Also, make sure you unplug all of your chargers (for your phone, ipod, laptop, etc.) when they aren't in use. 2. Call your local utility company to request an energy audit. Many local companies will set up these free assessments to give you a better idea of the amount of energy you use and how you can resolve to use less. 3. Reduce. Then Reuse. Then recycle. It's great to be in the habit of recycling things, but you can make a much bigger impact by reducing the goods you consume in the first place. **End Summary** Topics: ecofriendly living]]> how to be green]]> ecofriendly lifestyle]]> green lifestyle]]> how to be green]]> energy star]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com to find discounts and coupons on energy-star appliances. And check Office Supply coupons to find discounts on green office supplies.

DeFrazzle Your Holiday: 6 Tips for Less-Stress Christmas Shopping

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:06:17 -0500

If you're a parent, the holidays are a crazy busy time. Between the baking and cooking, the holiday parties, the pageants, the traveling, the decorating, and the corresponding, you have to somehow find and wrap a heartfelt gift for your kids, spouse, parents, relatives and friends. Even if you have made a commitment to spend less on gifts this year, you still want to give something meaningful. The worst part is, you want to enjoy the holidays, but you worry that it's going to whiz by while you were feeling frazzled and desperate. If this describes you, here are a few tips to help you take some of the stress out of your holiday shopping so you can once again enjoy this magical time of year. 1. Start early. Like now. When you shop for your holiday gifts early, you have more time to look at the options, plus the stores will have a larger selection of those hot toys. You'll also be spreading out the expense over a longer period of time. **End Summary** Topics: less-stress holiday]]> low stress]]> holiday shopping tips]]> online shopping tips]]> Christmas shopping tips]]> holiday gift ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com to find the best gift ideas and coupon codes this holiday season, as well as Today's Jewelry Discounts to find fine jewelry at fantastic prices.

10 Simple Indulgences to Help You Enjoy a Fabulous Fall

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:42:03 -0400

In the autumn, when the natural world is dying and when leaves decompose underfoot, something eternal and hopeful awakens in me. I wrap myself in my longest sweater, the one with the sleeves that extend past my fingertips, and I make hot cocoa, wrapping my hands around the mug and sitting on the couch with my knees tucked into my sweater while I read a novel or catch up on all the correspondence that I neglected during the busy summer months. I start cooking new recipes with names like "Roasted Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Apples and Honeyed Pecans" and "Streusel Topped Pumpkin Bread," which I make with double walnuts. Autumn may allow you to adopt a slower pace for you and your family, even as you head into the busy holiday season. Here are more reasons to fall in love with fall - and ten simple indulgences to help you enjoy it. 1. Autumn has some of the most beautiful scenery. Take a hike among the fallen leaves today. Afterwards, stop for a hot mocha or a cinnamon latte. 2. Warm up with some mulled cider or mulled wine. Both of these cold-weather treats are easy to make. **End Summary** Topics: simple indulgences]]> autumn]]> celebrating life with children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit Susies-Coupons.com where you'll find the best gift ideas and coupon codes this holiday season, as well as Momscape.com where you'll find lots more fun family activities and traditions.

How to Pick Perfect Presents for Kids

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:19:51 -0400

If you have a special relationship with a child, whether it's your own child, a niece or nephew, or a friend's child, you want to find a "just right gift" - one that won't be tossed aside when it's time to open the next gift. You want to give something that will enrich the child's life in some way. You want to find the perfect blend of education and entertainment. And you want it to be special. Because you have a special relationship, you probably know quite a bit about the child, so the first thing you'll want to do is to make a list of everything you know about the child's hobbies and special interests. What toys or games does the child already have that she loves? What were some of her favorite gifts of past holidays and birthdays? Now take one of those interests or hobbies and go in a slightly new direction. If the child loves dressing her Barbies, purchase a fashion design kit. If the child loves Star Wars, find a kit that will help him build a robot or a model rocket. **End Summary** Topics: gift ideas]]> good gift giver]]> perfect presents]]> kids presents]]> gifts for kids]]> gifts for children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find coupons for some of our favorite online toy stores, including The Discovery Store coupons and FAO Schwarz coupons at Susies-Coupons.com

How to Fail in Your Home-Based Business

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:16:34 -0400

A successful home-based business offers an amazing quality of life. You can work anytime and (in today's virtual world) from just about anywhere, so you have the ultimate freedom. You can work a business while raising a family, traveling, or just about anything else. But building a successful home business isn't easy. There are lots of ways to fail. Here are five of the biggest mistakes you can make. 1. Fall for scams. Scammers know that lots of people want to work from home and there are so many business opportunities out there that exist only to put money in the scammer's pocket. There are many internet marketing salespeople out there who would like you to pay thousands for their knowledge. These marketers are often promoted by bloggers who endorse their product in exchange for an affiliate commission, so you're hardly getting an unbiased opinion. If an information product comes with a cheesy sales letter and a strict deadline, you're probably better off without it. Go to the library and get a few books. Subscribe to the feeds of some bloggers that you trust. You can get a lot of information online for free. **End Summary** Topics: home business tips]]> home business mistakes]]> how to fail in your home business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Jamie Jefferson is a contributor to Office-Supply-Coupons.com as well as HomeBusinessHowTos.com and Momscape's Home Business Ideas .