Eat Out and Save Money

Whether for business or personal, you can save up to 15% at about 10,000 bars, restaurants and clubs nationally. I found this information while reading the magazine…Business Week Small Business. This FREE opportunity is called Rewards Network
How the program works:

If you're not already a member, just enroll in the program and register your credit or debit card. Then, simply dine out at a participating location when Cashback Rewards are being offered and use your registered card to pay.

There are no additional cards to carry, coupons to print, or numbers to remember. And you can manage your cards and view rewards anytime in your online My Account Center. Neighborhood bistros. Fine-dining restaurants. The hottest bars and clubs. Rewards Network includes thousands of great places throughout the United States and Canada so you'll always find something to suit your tastes.

When you login and search for participating places on this site, you will see helpful information about the establishment as well as when you can earn Cashback Rewards. When you join Rewards Network online today, you'll save up to 15% every time you dine out at participating restaurants, bars and clubs. That's 15% of your entire bill–drinks, tips and tax included!

Your Cashback Rewards(SM) will be credited back to your registered credit or debit card shortly after you dine out. And remember: The level of savings depends on how often you dine out and with which bonuses you participate.

While I was on the Rewards Network Home page, I did a search for my area. I was surprised how many places you can receive discounts at. Do a search for any area to see participating establishments.

Well, I thought I’d just pass this information along. I know a lot people use coupons and a lot who are interested in saving a few bucks here and there. So, here’s another way to save some money, but not have to worry about coupons or looking tacky using a coupon to pay for a business dinner/lunch.

Check it out for yourself...go HERE

8 Steps to Happiness AND Success

Success and happiness does not just happen by accident. It takes action and planning. Success at any thing you do is the direct result of deliberate planning, conscious effort and calculated decisions.

Happiness needs to be cultivated, prepared for and defended individually. You must learn to set goals that will make you happy.

What does success and happiness mean to you?

Do you?
1. know what you are reaching for.
2. organize your thoughts.
3. provide a guide to follow.
4. enforce commitment.
5. prioritize your goals.
6. think about setting realistic limits.
7. take a moment now to plan for tomorrow.
8. chart your course of action.

From Dr. Susan Mendelsohn an eDiets Contributor, Click HERE to read this great article providing information on how you can obtain happiness and success

Home Money Saving Tips

Now that the warmer weather is just about here, these home money saving tips can help stretch your monthly buget.

If you set your A/C thermostat a little higher during summer months, you'll reduce your cooling costs 3-4% for each degree of adjustment. Changing the temperature from 74°F to 77°F could lower your energy bill by more than 10%.

A whole house fan is a simple and inexpensive method of cooling a house, particularly during times when the humidity levels are not too high.

If you buy a new air conditioner, buy an efficient model that is sized and installed properly.

New air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13. Be aware of how the SEER rating can affect your energy use.

A properly ventilated home can significantly improve overall comfort levels and also reduce energy costs.

Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely. In just 1 hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job.

Insulate and seal all attic access openings properly.

Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows that leak air. You will be surprised about the amount of energy lost through the cracks and openings in a home.

Crawl spaces can be a significant source of energy loss during both summer and winter, and should be properly insulated.

One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy costs is to reduce the air leakage within your home as much as possible.

When properly selected and installed, windows can help minimize a home's heating, cooling, and lighting costs.

Create a Healthier Environment

Spring is here! Now is the time to declutter your life, get organized and live in a healthier environment. Do the things you need to do and enjoy the most to live a healthier and happier life.

Do you have clutter at home?

Organize one room at a time. Start with anything stacked on the floor and then work up to the things stacked on the surfaces…tables, shelves etc… Before you decide to throw out an item, think about donating the item instead. What is garbage to one person, may be a treasure to another.

Go through your closets, handbags and accessories. If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. When tackling your dresser drawers, avoid having a ‘junk’ drawer. I can’t seem to get rid of mine! Go through one drawer at a time and discard any items you no longer use.

Having less clutter in your living space, makes for a cleaner, healthier home environment.

Do you have clutter in your life?

List the areas in your life that you have committed your time. Do you enjoy all you have committed to? List which things you enjoy doing and which things add value to your life. Delete the rest or learn to say 'no'.

Planning ahead also makes room in your life. Schedule those annual doctor visits in the beginning of the year. It's not too late...do it now.

Try running all your errands at one time. This will take less time away from you. Scattering them through out the week can just be tiring and may make your schedule each night feel more hectic.

If you commit to a little time to de-clutter your life, you will find you feel healthier with better surroundings, better organization and be more productive.

Get All The Facts About Credit Cards Before You Apply

Have you been touched by our nation's financial crisis? Do you find you are short on cash by the end of the month? If you are thinking now is the time to get a credit card and you are tempted to get one (or another one), please make sure you get ALL the facts about credit cards before you apply for one. Make sure to read ALL the fine print. Know what fees will be associated with that card.

Thinking about balance transfer credit cards? Some cards are offering a 0 interest rate, which might be better if your cards carry a higher rate. Transferring the balance could be a solution and might save you some money each month. But, be aware of the terms. This zero interest could just be an introductory rate and the interest could actually go higher than the cards you currently have.

DealsForCreditCards.com might be a website that can be useful in your search for the best terms on credit cards. This site allows you to comparison shop. It is wise to not just take the first offer that comes your way. Knowledge is power. As a consumer, you want what is best for YOU and this FREE information is there for the taking. Take advantage of the many articles they offer, which provides important information.

For example, I spoke about balance transfer credit cards above, there's an article on How To Find The Best Balance Transfer Credit Card and how this can help you financially. Read the whole article for some worthwhile tips.

Ways To Cut Back On Expenses

It seems more and more people are finding themselves on a tighter budget now a days. Living paycheck to paycheck, with most of their money paying for basics like food, gas and housing.

I believe I have mentioned these saving tips before, but I think it is a perfect time to mention them again. I’m sure if you truly analyzed your monthly spending, you would be able to find ways to cut back and save some money each month.

Some people on budgets fail to recognize what they really need vs. what they want. There is that possibility of saving money if you look at your spending habits and only make purchases on what you need.

If you feel comfortable raising your Homeowners and Auto Insurance deductibles, this could save you additional money. I know most insurance companies gives you a credit if you have multiple policies with them. You could also shop quotes for both insurances. You may be able to find lower insurance than what you already have for an additional savings.

I have made it a point to reduce food waste in my home. I began noticing the amount of food that was being thrown out and it really upset me. The leftovers that usually found their way to the back of the refrig which were forgotten, are now being used for additional meals. I have been doing this for awhile now and I honestly can say I save money each week this way. I also bring lunch to work. The savings by just doing that are alot each week.

You may be able to trim expenses by looking at your cable and cell phone bills. Do you really need those extra cable channels? How about that expensive cell phone plan that includes services you hardly use? If you are in a situation that you are having trouble meeting your more important bills, should you really be paying for those HBO channels? If you have both a land line phone and a cell phone, it may make more sense to delete one of those services. There would be a definite savings there each month.

Another way to cut back on expenses is by paying attention to the sales being offered. Clothing, for example, can take a chunk out of your monthly paycheck. Maybe shopping at a store which is less expensive...meaning you are not paying a higher price because of the 'name' of the store.

If you truly look at where your money is going and make a commitment to trim expenses, you can find ways to cut back and save each month.

Do you have any money saving tips to share?

THE SECRET TO CONFIDENCE IS PREPARATION

With practice you'll come to a point of competence.
You'll find yourself accomplishing your goals gracefully
and confidently.

It's then that you'll do things that you never dreamed you could do.

You'll discover powers you never knew existed.

If you're prepared, you're able to feel confident.
There can be no great courage when there is no confidence or assurance.
Half the battle is in the conviction that you can accomplish what you undertake.

Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere.
It's the result of constant work and dedication.

© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

Freebie Opportunity~Blogging For Moolah

This is something I received courtesy of Netpreneur News.

I am always on the look out to share "freebies", so here's something you can consider a 'free gift'. An ebook called Blogging For Moolah

You will read in detail how to monetize your blog or even start a blog with the intention to make money. There are great tips, ideas and links for you to use.

It's up to you...if you want to make some money through blogging, here's a free opportunity. Do you just sit there and do nothing or take action and learn all you can?

Learning About File Extensions

I have never before considered myself computer savvy, but over the last two years, I sure have come a long way.

With determination, I have learned all about HTML codes, publishing websites, troubleshoot problems that surface with my computer etc, etc...I find that I do not have to ask a friend for his help as often as I once did. I can now troubleshoot a problem and fix it within a reasonable amount of time.

My new goal is to learn about file extensions. A file extension is at the end of a file name and it describes what kind of file it is. You need different applications to open files based on their file type. You may have trouble opening a file if you do not have the application necessary. Have you ever run into this problem?

I think we are all familiar with the more known types of files: jpg, doc, mp3, exe. I was having some trouble with file extension xpi. Do you know what type of file this refers to?

This extension refers to a compressed file which contains programs for opening it. It is used for downloading and installing other extensions or software components.
Mozilla and Firefox are usually associated with using these file types. If you have Windows, like me, you may have trouble opening this type of file extension unless you have the XPI software. This software can be downloaded from the Internet.

Another reason Window users may not be able to open this type of file is due to registry errors. You can go to File Extension Library, which offers a free scan to find out if you do have errors on your computer.

If you find over time, your computer is running slower and slower, this may be one of the causes. Your registry runs slow due to installing and uninstalling programs, start up tasks, corrupted drivers and so on. IF this is left unchecked, your system becomes increasingly unstable. It will run more slowly and you will find it will crash frequently.

If you have questions about any type of file extension and want the answer, go to http://file-extension-library.com. You will see straight to the point, easy to understand answers... no fluff to confuse you. If I can understand the concept behind all the many types of file extensions, you can too.

First Class Stamp Price Going Up

The U.S. Postal Service announced the price of a first-class stamp will go up to 44 cents beginning on May 11.

Our economy which is affecting our homes and businesses, also includes the post office. The price increase is due to the rate of inflation in the year before.

I even had heard on the radio, the Post Office is trying to stop delivering mail one day during the week. I believe it was on a Tuesday because that is said to be the lightest day of incoming mail.

The new 44-cent rate will cover the first ounce of first-class mail. The price for each additional ounce will remain at 17-cents.

Postal officials have estimated the increase in postage will cost the average household approximately $3-a-year.

Now is the time to start buying “forever” stamps. You can purchase these stamps at the 42 cent rate until the rate increase takes effect. The good thing about forever stamps is they remain valid in the future regardless of any rate hikes.

Need a Brain Boost?

When you're feeling the pressure to be 'smart'...helping the kids with their homework, doing your taxes or other countless tasks that require brain power, these foods may help boost your brain 'smarts'.

The below foods also help slow cognitive decline, improve your memory and protect your mental sharpness.

Eating blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, help protect the brain from free radical damage. Blueberries also improve cognitive processing. If you can find 'wild' blueberries, they have even more brain boosting antioxidants than our civilized variety.

A fresh brewed coffee is the ultimate brain fuel. The caffeine has been said to show that it retards the aging process and enhances short term memory performance. In a British study, researchers have found that people consuming the caffeine equaling one cup of coffee experience improved attention and problem solving skills.

Salmon or mackerel contains omega 3 fatty acids that are one of the primary building blocks of brain tissue. Salmon is also rich in niacin, which wards off Alzheimer's disease and slows the rate of cognitive decline.

Keep away from sugary foods, which causes surges in glucose. In the long term, the highs and lows can lead to lack of concentration. Also stay away from foods high in saturated fat. This fat can clog blood vessels and prevent the flow of nutrients and blood to the brain.

Mental Feng Shui

There is some mighty fine advice in these words. This is considered to be the 'Lotus Touts' and origniated from the Anthony Robbins organization.

ONE... Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO... Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE... Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR... When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE... When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX... Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN... Believe in love at first sight.

NINE... Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN... In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling..

ELEVEN... Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE... Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN... When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN... Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN... Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN... When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN... Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN... Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN... When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY... Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY- ONE... Spend some time alone.

Big Papa over at The Big Bald Blog posted an interesting article about What kind of Person Are You?. Could you actually tell what kind a person is by the way they write on their blogs? Hmmmmmmm...

If you visit Typealyer, you can easily find out what kind of person you are by entering your site address.

The analysis you receive will give you a description of the type of person you are. Does it really work? Well, I entered all my blog addresses and it did give me different results. For the most part, I think it gave a pretty good description of myself. As far as receiving different results...I do write differently on each of my blogs due to the topics and who my visitors are.

For this blog, The analysis indicated that I am:

The Mechanics

The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts.

The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

Tyr it and see what results you receive...do you agree with what kind of person you are?

Free Magazine Resource

On this blog, you will find posts bringing about awareness on various 'free' resources and opportunities. Here's another freebie that I wanted to share.

If you have thought about starting a small business or if you are already established, Retailers Forum can help by supplying you with their free magazine.

Are you looking for a product to sell? Maybe you thought about selling online or at flea markets. This magazine connects you with wholesale suppliers for all types of merchandise. They post a new magazine on the first of each month, which includes ads from wholesalers of jewelry, apparel, gifts, novelties, etc. along with informative business articles. Other resources besides the magazine you will find are ways you can advertise, directories, finding buyers, information on other services and a catalog containing over 400 titles on most any topic relating to business and making money in any field.

Grab your Free copy of Retailers Forum Magazine. Knowledge, education and success is yours if you take advantage of opportunities that come your way. It's up to you to take action or just let it pass you by.

Review of Free Tele-Seminar ~ Call 1

Please go to A Circle of Women to read my review on this Free tele-seminar, which I participated in. As my previous post stated, this was a free tele-seminar offered to help you make 2009 your most profitable year yet.

In my review, I discribe the 4 Realms you need to keep in balance, so you are successful. I think this is a great tool not only for business, but in our personal life also. Whatever it is we want to be successful in….business, goals, breaking habits, relationships and so on. To be successful, we must give 100% in each of these 4 Realms, which includes each subdivision.

Also in my review, I posted a link which will take you to the website to register for part 2 of this free tele-seminar. This is not an affiliate link. There's no catch, nothing to buy...this is a free resource for you to learn from.

I will have access to the recordings of these two tele-seminars if you are interested in them, but are not available. If anyone is interested, please contact me at: andrea@acassociatesusa.com and I will give you the link. I do believe this is time spent wisely if you allow yourself the opportunity.

Remember, you don't need a business or a product to sell or a service to offer to gain from this seminar. I believe you can benefit and apply this information in your personal life as well.

FREE Tele-Training on 1/14 & 1/21

Here's a quick heads up about a f-r-e-e Tele-training I know you'll want to check out. It's being offered by Jane Deuber, an incredible business strategist and coach who has helped thousands of business owners take their business to the next level.

The 2 call training is entitled "Proactive Profits - How to strategize, plan and take action for your most profitable year yet."

I've already reserved my complimentary seat on the calls and want to encourage you to do the same. Do so right away though because space is really limited.
As Jane says, to ensure success in these economic times we must commit to two important things…
1) Growing personally so we can be more effective and
joyful in business and in life.

2) Working with a proven plan that keeps us focused on
taking the steps that will create the greatest results.

Here's what you do next…
To reserve your spot on Jane's f-r-e-e Tele-Training simply click on the link below.
You'll receive the call in details right away.
Click here to reserve your spot!

We can all use some inspiration and innovative strategies for making 2009 a great year. Let me know if you'll be on the call!

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public This Week

Just wanted to bring this to your attetnion in case you are not aware...
Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this week

REMINDER... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies this week and you will start to receive sale calls.

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008

You must call from the cell(or land line) phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

After your number has been registered for 31 days, you will stop receiving telemarketing calls. If you do receive calls after this time period, you can file a complaint by going to: www.donotcall.gov

Product Reviews All in One Place

I am sure, like me, you receive emails claiming they have the 'hottest' product which will earn you a ton of money. You know what I am referring too...the Adsense products, the PLR products, new niche products etc etc...

There is on occasion a product which I believe in or a product you may have tried and have had success using. But, with so many products out there and being introduced on the Internet, how can you be sure you are getting your monies worth? Take a chance? Spend an endless amount of time searching for reviews? I have not come across too many products that allow you to try before you buy. Those free trials are true in some cases, but not all.

I have come across a site called Hottest Products. I have not had experience dealing with this site, but I think it is sincere in wanting to bring to you reviews on all the PLR Membership Sites available.

This can be a valuable service to you. It will save you a lot of time and might also save you money in the long run. To quote their home page, "...a team of reviewers will be the first ones there, digging up the dirt and delivering concise and comprehensive reviews on all of these PLR services..."

Having Product Reviews all in one place is very helpful. This will allow you to go down the list, pick a product you are interested in and read the review. You then might feel more comfortable about purchasing a product.

It's all about making educated decisions...

Let me know if this site has helped you or if you have any negative experiences.

Are You On Top of Your Banking?

I just posted to my other blog, A Circle of Women, a situation which happened to me regarding the bank I do business with.

Last year I had to deal with Identity Theft, which was a major problem. And, due to that, I watch over my accounts very closely. So, coming from someone who scrutinizies their accounts, finding not only one, but two errors my bank made, surprised me.

Read this post...there is a lesson here.

Feeling A Bit Droopy?

The holidays have a way of making us feel tired. From all the running and rushing around, planning, cooking, visiting etc...

Here are a couple of tips that can help:

1. Drink Green Tea. Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is considered to be a nevous system stimulant due to the caffeine enhancing our mental and physical performance. Green Tea only has 30 mg of caffeine per cup, which is less than coffee at 100-150 mg per cup and black tea at 40-60 mg per cup. This enables people who are sensistive to caffeine to tolerate green tea.

Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that signals the brain to increase alertness, but also at the same time, leaves you with a feeling of tranquility.

Drinking Green Tea also has additional health benefits by providing antioxidants that protect you from heart disease, cancer, helps to burn fat and diabetes.

2. For Brain Power, try Eleuthero. This is not a true form of ginsing, but this herb is believed to enhance mental and physcial performance and improve the body's resisitance to environmental stresses. Researchers have shown that eleuthero may be more effective than Gingko Biloba for improving cognitive function in middle age.

3. To beat Stress: Ginseng Root. The compounds in ginseng root called ginsenosides, appear to moderate stress related hormones. Ginsend preserves and improves energey levels.

When you are feeling fatigued, try to maximize eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and minimize your intake of fat in meat/ dairy products and fried foods.
Remember to exercise, eat smaller meals to maintain blood sugar levels and use stress reduction and relaxation methods such as: yoga, tai chi or meditation.