Tipped

Send Hugs (And Kisses)

2011-03-21T05:09:00.001-05:00

Support our troops.

I've never been in the military, but I feel like a veteran. My best friend has been deployed twice and I served my country by being there by her side both times when her life was uprooted and dropped down again overseas. I have written letters, typed hundreds of emails, sent packages, chatted with her over Skype, posted pictures of/for her on Facebook, talked to her on the phone, planned parties for when she came back, made supportive t-shirts for her friends and family, and missed her like crazy both times. (As I type this, I'm counting down the days until she comes home from her second tour.)

But, how do you pack up a hug and mail it to someone? Short of mailing myself, I haven't figured that out yet, so I encourage all of you to try. Send your loved ones a little something, even if it's just a handwritten card saying "I miss you", to give them a piece of home and a little reminder that we are all very proud. Support other troops through this website, which has worked hard since 2002 by sending letters and packages to "give back to those who give all". Or, visit this website for more ways to get involved. Remember: it's the thought that counts.

You've been tipped, J

Save The World

2011-03-16T08:28:00.002-05:00

Do your part and give to those in need, every little bit helps.

It was hard for me to even write a tip, in light of the massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant failures that have devastated Japan recently. I watched a slideshow of the wreckage and it brought me to tears. Families have been displaced from their homes, many were killed, several thousands of people are still missing, and radiation levels make the search and rescue missions more dangerous every day. Let's do everything we can to assist Japan, and here is how:

The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan and you can get involved by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your cell phone, or make a donation through their website.
Save The Children has responded to Japan hoping to meet the needs of the children, who are most vulnerable in a disaster. Help them organize their efforts by supporting its Children's Emergency Fund. UNICEF is doing the same thing.
International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster's victims. To donate or learn about more ways to contribute, click here. Also, text MED to 80888 from any cell phone to give $10.
The The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, which will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake both now and long-term. Support them by donating to their website.
The Salvation Army will soon send a team to the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan. To contribute to earthquake their relief efforts, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your cell phone.
Doctors Without Borders is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. To learn more, or donate to their efforts, click here.
Peace Winds Japan currently has personnel on the ground distributing emergency relief in Japan, and is collecting donations through this website.
Operation USA is collecting bulk corporate donations of health care supplies. Visit their website for details on how to donate these items.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare is deploying a team to assess needs of regarding animal rescue. They are encouraging support through donations on their website, which will be used to buy pet food, veterinary supplies, vaccines, and other necessities.
World Vision is mobilizing global efforts to assist in tsunami relief. Donate through their website.
Show you care by purchasing this bracelet created by Lady Gaga or a tshirt created by Linkin Park, the proceeds of which all go towards relief efforts in Japan.
Even Charlie Sheen is taking time out from ranting on his webcam to donate $1 from every ticket sold for his upcoming tour to aid Japan.

A little prayer, a little hope, and a little aid go a long way when everyone pitches in. A good friend of mine from college, who happens to be a Japanese Foreign Exchange Student, sent out a mass email asking for help for his home country. At the end he wrote, "There is a famous Japanese proverb: 'Chirimo tsumoreba yama to naru', which means, 'Many small make a great.'" And I firmly believe in that.

You've been tipped, J

Cook Slower

2011-03-14T00:20:00.000-05:00

Save time by using the crock-pot more often.

The other day I found a recipe that changed my boyfriend's life. Seriously. The recipe only called for six ingredients: chicken, corn, salsa, green peppers, red peppers and taco seasoning. I sent him to the grocery store with the list and simple cooking instructions stating "dice, dump everything into the crock-pot then turn on low". He called me after a while and the following conversation took place:

M: So, I have to cook this chicken first?

J: No, just put it in the crock-pot.

M: Alright, but do I have to stir it every five minutes?

J: No, just turn it on LO and leave it alone.

M: Okay, but won't it burn?

J: No, it won't burn.

M: Are you sure?

J: I'm sure.

M: So, you weren't kidding when you said all I had to dump everything in and it will cook!

We both work overnight, so waking up in the afternoon to the smell of dinner was fantastic. Then after tasting some of the best chicken burritos we've ever had, my boyfriend began plotting. Meal planning has a new meaning for him, he wants to put everything into the crock-pot. He's also started swapping recipes with coworkers and I have been scoping out this website dedicated to slow cookers. (I'm excited to try this crock-pot pork roast recipe.) And I think he has been too busy doing 'the happy dance' about how easy dish-duty has become to even suggest we upgrade to this fancy, digital slow cooker. I'll let him figure it out.

You've been tipped, J

Expect More From Your Credit Card

2011-03-13T00:01:00.022-06:00

Get rewarded for your spending.

Raise your hand if you have a credit card. Okay, now keep your hand up if your credit card rewards you in some way: cash back, flyer miles, etc. Where's your hand? If your hand is still up, take it and pat yourself on the back. The rest of you should click here immediately. This website is the holy grail of credit card information, touted by financial expert Suze Orman. If you're a proponent of saving money and traveling there are cards that give you flyer miles for every dollar you spend. If you love getting cash back or gift cards to your favorite stores, there's a card for that (hehe). There are student credit cards, prepaid credit cards, and even business credit cards. Just be sure to compare your options.

Some cards charge an annual fee, some have higher interest rates. Others have weird terms on when you can and cannot use your flyer miles or redeem your cash rewards, so read the information carefully. If the agreement says you get 20 miles for every dollar spent but they only let you fly for free during the third week of January, reconsider. But if you're like me and you do a lot of online shopping around the holiday season, the rewards are worth it. I say, it's time to stop asking what we can do for our credit cards, but what our credit cards can do for us!

You've been tipped, J

Put The Lid Down

2011-03-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

Put the toilet lid down before you flush and hide your toothbrushes.

Every time the toilet is flushed and the lid is up, a plume of bacteria shoots up into the air and lands on everything in your bathroom. Mythbusters (episode 12) placed 50 toothbrushes around a bathroom and after two weeks of flushing with the lid up they found bacteria on every single one of them. What is in your bathroom? A wet toothbrush, a wet towel, and a wet bar of soap all create nesting places for airborne bacteria. The thought of brushing my teeth with toilet water makes me cringe. As far as I know, there aren't any mechanical devices made to lower the seat for you, however there are lid locking devices made to keep kids from dropping other items into the toilet, like keys and toys. It only takes a second to lower the lid and I don't know about you, but what goes into my toilet needs to stay in my toilet and never be near my toothbrush, which stays safely hidden in the cabinet.

You've been tipped, J

Let's Play Golf

2011-03-11T19:06:00.001-06:00

Learn to enjoy golf.

Most men I know play golf. Most women I know can play golf, they would just rather be doing something else. I am one of those women. I am my biggest competition and my biggest critic on the golf course, giving that darned little white ball complete control over me. Sometimes it takes every ounce of restraint to not throw my club into the water after my ball. But, I know how much my boyfriend thoroughly loves this sport. Last year we went golfing together a handful of times and each time I was growly, uncoachable, and had very sore arms. Well, its that time of year again and he is scoping out memberships.

So I am planning ahead in case he asks me to play: I'll do a few pushups and stretches in preparation for all the swinging my arms will be doing. I'll get a new polo shirt, a hat and some sunscreen to protect my skin, and I think an ice cold beer might help me relax and just enjoy the time spent outdoors with my man. Its almost ironic that a sport with such beautiful scenery is supposed to improve my concentration skills. And if I ever decide to upgrade from my borrowed clubs I could go here and score some gently used equipment. Who knows, with a little patience, practice and prayer (ha!) I might be an alright golfer. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though.

You've been tipped, J

Get Frugal With Groceries

2011-03-10T00:01:00.007-06:00

Save money on your grocery bill with three easy steps.

Make a list. Think about what meals you want to make in the time frame you are shopping for. (It's okay to plan on having leftovers!) Take a quick inventory of your fridge and pantry; try coming up with meals using ingredients you already have. Now, make a list of all of the ingredients you need to buy to prepare those meals.
Look for deals for every item on your list. It sounds so old-fashioned and like an awful lot of work, but the hassle of sitting down every Sunday with a pair of scissors hasn't gone unnoticed. With a flew clicks you can print free printable coupons at these websites, or scan these apple and android cell phone applications for coupons that save you money in the checkout lines, and for a fee the creator of this website does the legwork letting you save even more money by combining coupons with in-store deals. Also, before you toss those weekly penny saver ads, flip through them; if you find a great bargain at a different store, see if your regular grocer price matches.
Stick to your list. Don't let yourself splurge. If you want ice cream, put it on your list and find a coupon for it. Oh, and it helps if you don't go to the grocery store hungry. :)

You've been tipped, J

Laugh Out Loud

2011-03-09T00:01:00.028-06:00

Do something that makes you laugh out loud, every day.

Laughter is a free cure all; it strengthens your immune system, boosts energy, eases pain, and reduces stress. Take a break from the news and schedule 20 minutes of giggle time by watching a sitcom, searching out silly videos like this one, or reading the comics in the paper or online. Some of the funnier blogs have cell phone applications giving you a chuckle on the go. Or, join a Laughter Yoga Club and attain physical benefits as well. Whatever you do, just make sure you laugh.

You've been tipped, J

Be Loving

2011-03-08T00:20:00.001-06:00

Hug and kiss your significant other, child, and pet whenever you walk in the door.

Hugging helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and strengthen relationships. Who can honestly say the last time they were wrapped up in a bear hug wasn't completely relaxing? Kissing has been proven to prevent baggy cheeks by exercising face muscles, burn calories (2-3 per minute!) and release natural endorphins more powerful than morphine. Hug like you mean it, and kiss like you have a purpose, because now you do.

You've been tipped, J

Coming soon!!

2011-03-07T20:14:00.001-06:00

Blog in progress!!