10 dumb deals we all fall for

Did you get a great bargain last week? Hate to tell you, but if it fell into one of these 10 categories, it was probably a dumb deal.

 his post comes from Maryalene LaPonsie at partner site Money Talks News. 

As a smart shopper, you probably spend lots of time searching for the best deals. However, we're here to tell you some of your great finds aren't really all that great.

In fact, a lot of "good deals" are actually for items you could get for a lot less or totally free.
Here are 10 examples:

1. Book downloads
There's no excuse for paying to download e-books. You can probably download just about any bestseller your heart desires from your local library. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you get free downloads there as well.

Amazon also maintains links to databases with free public domain books. Finally, plenty of e-books get marked down to free on Amazon as promotions. Blogger Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom keeps a fairly current list of free e-books in the parenting, family and food genres. For everything else, you might want to head to Freebook Sifter.

By the way, as a writer, I have to tell you it's not all that hard to publish an e-book and have it listed on Amazon. Some of what's out there is embarrassingly thin on content, so before spending $1.99 on a 25-page e-book, head to Google first. Whatever information is in a book that size can probably be found on the Internet for free.

2. Movie rentals
In addition to e-books, your local library likely has at least a couple shelves of DVDs and Blu-rays just waiting to be picked up for family movie night. If your library doesn't have the title you want on the shelf, it may be part of a larger network of libraries and can request the movie from another branch.

Another free movie rental option is the Redbox Text Club. Send the word SIGNUP to 727272 to receive promotional messages from the company. At least once a month, I receive a code for a free rental.

3. Magazine subscriptions
While we're discussing the great things you can get at the library, let's not forget magazines.

How many times do you spend 15 minutes flipping through a magazine and then toss it in the recycling bin? Sure, you may use a cooking or woodworking magazine again and again, but are you really going to look at the wedding photos from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West more than once? Get those quick reads from the library.

If you really want to have magazines delivered to your house, ValueMags has a selection of free subscriptions, or see if you qualify for some free business-related titles through Mercury Magazines.

4. Bottled water
Back when I was a staff member for a Michigan legislator, one of the hot topics of the time was a proposed Nestle bottled water facility. After a lengthy battle, the company eventually won the right to suck up groundwater near the small village of Stanwood and sell it under the Ice Mountain label.

I've never been to Stanwood, although I do live a few counties over. I’m sure it's quite nice, but I assure you there's nothing special about the town that would make you want to pay a premium for its water.

That's the secret behind bottled water. Companies promote it as crisp, pure spring water, but it’s really just water that comes out of the ground, much like the water that pours from your faucet. Practically all groundwater can be considered spring water. Unless you live in an area with known contamination, there's no guarantee the bottled water you pay for at the store is any better than the water coming out of your own tap.

If you're really concerned about the quality or taste of your tap water, buy a faucet filter or filtered pitcher.

5. Brand-name medications
Brand-name drugs are big business, and pharmaceutical companies spend a lot of money trying to convince you to buy items with their name on the label. According to Kantar Media, Pfizer alone spent $1.1 billion on advertising in 2013.

Instead of jumping on the brand-name bandwagon, consider buying a generic instead. Generics are held to the same standard as the brand names and can save you a bundle, regardless of whether you're paying out-of-pocket for an over-the-counter pain reliever or need a specialty prescription drug. Many health insurance plans now have higher co-pays for brand names.

6. Brand-name anything
Brand-name medicines aren't the only deal you should be rethinking. Practically any brand-name product might be a bad deal when lower-priced generics are literally inches away.

I realize that some people bristle at the thought of generics, envisioning watered-down shampoo or cardboard crackers. Certainly, there are some low quality off-brands that give you what you pay for. However, your grocer's store brand is often just as good as the national brand when it comes to quality and taste.

Don't take my word for it. Consumer Reports did taste tests and found generics to be on equal footing with their brand-name counterparts. We also have an article with advice on how to decide when to go generic.

7. High-interest credit
OK, I know no one out there says, "A credit card with 20 percent interest! What a deal!"
But we do often neglect to check out things like interest because we're blinded by credit card rewards or their convenience.

It's an even worse deal when we have money sitting in savings, earning practically nothing, while we pay through the nose for credit card interest. The better deal might be to pull money from savings, pay off the card and file the plastic away.

8. Annual credit reports
Most free credit report offers are truly among the worst deals out there.

Unscrupulous companies offer to send you a "free" report in exchange for your personal information, which might then be shared with identity thieves. Or there may be a small processing fee and teeny tiny print that says you'll be signed up for some identity theft/credit monitoring service you certainly don't need.

The fact is, you're entitled to a free credit report, no strings attached. However, the only place to get it is at AnnualCreditReport.c​om.

9. Anti-virus software
Like an annual credit report, anti-virus software is something you need. It's just not something you need to pay for.

I'm not an IT pro, so I won't even try to go into this topic in-depth. Instead, read the reviews at PCMag and TechRadar for advice from the experts on the best free anti-virus programs you can download straight from the Web.

10. Smartphone apps
Finally, the last dumb deal many of us fall for is smartphone apps. It's so easy to push the buy button for that 99-cent app, but more often than not, we've spent money on something we either won't use or could have gotten for free.

Do some research before you buy an app. There are plenty of great free iPhone apps   and free Android apps. PCMag has an annual list of the 100 best free apps, and you can check out our partner site DealNews, which tracks free and discounted apps.

That wraps up our list of 10 dumb deals we all fall for. The bottom line is there is no reason to spend money on these categories when there are free or cheaper versions available for the taking.

10 Natural Treatments To Combat Cellulite

By Health Cracker+ on May 21, 2013

Cellulite is a very crucial cosmetic problem that causes uneven texture and dimpling on the skin, which causes the skin to look old and rough. Cellulite is a result of deposition of fats and fluid in pockets under the layer of skin. People try out different creams and methods to treat cellulite, but most of these invasive methods are of little use. However there are several methods that can be carried out at home itself which are safe and easy on the pocket.

Brushing Your Body

Body brushing before taking a bath aids in preventing, as well as treating cellulite. A simple body brushing disperses the trapped fats and fluids from the affected areas and prevents puckering and sampling of the formation of cellulite.
The lymphatic system is easily stimulated by body brushing. However, don’t expect immediate effects as this practice has to be done religiously for many months before you notice any favorable changes. Brushing should be done in an upward stroke to channelize the fat and water flow towards the heart.

Light Acupressure Treatment

You can use a soft bristled brush on the cellulite area very gently on a regular basis. It will remove wrinkles and dimples and leave your skin soft and supple. After the skin is moisturized, press the cellulite with the help of brush for a few minutes daily. You can do this before taking a bath every day. Upon following the procedure regularly, your skin will become smoother and appear well-polished.

23 Belly Blasting Foods To Eat More Of

Ground Coffee

Research proves that coffee grounds when rubbed over the affected skin, remove some excess fat and water underneath the skin. Before taking a bath, rub freshly ground coffee on the cellulite area because it will act as a diuretic which helps to remove water and fat deposits under the deeper layers of skin.

Body Massage

Massage can also eliminate water and fats deposits. You can use different oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, mineral oil and other essential oils for the body massage. However it is better to slightly warm the massage oil before application.
Massage in an upward motion and knead the fat pockets with your fingers. Regular massage will flatten the dimpled area and the skin will become smooth as desired.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps to release cellulite and prevents skin dimpling. You can combine one part of coconut or olive oil with three parts of apple cider vinegar, for a perfect massage.
You can massage this mixture on the affected area for 15 minutes twice a day for fruitful results. The combination of apple cider vinegar and massage will clear help clear up cellulite and leave you with more glowing youthful looking skin.

Exercise

The importance of exercise to treat cellulite cannot be underestimated. Regular exercise melts excess fats naturally and will result in a more well-toned body. Exercise, side by side with home remedies, will remove cellulite from the skin and will give you smoother and more toned skin.

Bath of Mineral Clay

Clay baths draw out cellulite and toxins from your skin. Bentonite clay, which is formed by a precipitate of volcanic ashes, contains calcium and potassium that help in removal of cellulite, skin blemishes, eczema etc.
Add two cups of the clay into a tub containing warm water. Dip your body in it for about ½ an hour for better results. You can try this once a week until the cellulite is greatly reduced.

Lemon and Honey

Cellulite can also be treated by the use of honey and lemon. Honey aids in moisturizing the dry skin and lemon is a natural exfoliator. Lemon also contains natural acids that help in getting rid of fat deposits. You can take quarter cup of slightly warm honey and add in it two tablespoons of lemon juice. Then, massage this mixture on the cellulite affected area for 10 minutes. Now you can cover the skin with a plastic wrap and rest under a blanket for 15 minutes. Wash it, dry and repeat this process three times per week for best results.

Ivy Leaf soak

Ivy leaves also increases the blood circulation and removes excess fat and cellulite from the skin. Get a dark colored bottle and add about a ½ liter of olive oil. You can then add 20 green and fresh ivy leaves to this olive oil mixture. You can also add one tablespoon of lemon juice with 15 drops of rosemary essential oil. Keep this bottle in a hot and dark area for about 40 days. After the straining process, this oil can then be applied on the cellulite affected area every night to maximize its effectiveness.

Epsom Salt Detox Bath

Finally, Epsom salt helps in flushing out toxins and detoxifying your body, which means it is one of best methods to treat cellulite. For this aromatherapy bath, you can take one cup of Epsom salt and add to it 10 drops of essential oil of cypress, diluted in olive oil. This mixture can also be used as body soak before taking a bath.

How to Improve Your Memory with Food and Activity

By Elizabeth Renter+ on June 3, 2013

In this day and age, any affliction has a corresponding prescription (or several). It’s the age of big pharmaceutical companies and diagnoses for every possible “symptom” under the sun. Still there is a world of natural health remedies that can often go far beyond traditional pharmaceutical benefits. And if memory is your problem—these remedies are many. We all experience forgetfulness from time to time. As we age, it tends to get more common. We have a more difficult time retaining facts or names, for instance. We may also take longer to learn new events or recall recent or long-passed ones. For some, memory loss goes much further and can start with simple forgetfulness but slowly build up to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Amnesia, where someone suddenly forgets who they are and all events of their past is quite rare, and that’s not what we’re talking about here. We are discussing memory loss related to age-related decline and the changes within the brain that trigger this loss.

Exercise for Memory Loss

Perhaps one of the greatest pieces of advice you can take from any health article, website, or even doctor is to stay active. Not only does regular exercise help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers—it can also help stave off cognitive decline including memory loss.

17 "Cheat" Foods That Burn Fat

One study that demonstrated the link between activity levels and brain health followed 65 adults between the ages of 59 and 80. All were sedentary before the study. Some of the subjects were placed on a stretching and toning program, while others were placed in a walking group. After six months and a year of their prescribed exercise, their brains were scanned to analyze activity. Those in the walking group had the most improvement—significantly enhancing connectivity in the part of the brain used for cognitive function.
“The higher the connectivity, the better the performance on some of these cognitive tasks, especially the ones we call executive control tasks — things like planning, scheduling, dealing with ambiguity, working memory and multitasking,” said the lead author on the study Art Kramer of the Beckman Institute.
A similar study from the University of Illinois found that elderly adults who are most active have larger hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain responsible for memory and special navigation. It generally shrinks with age.

Nutrition and Natural Foods for Memory Loss

In addition to staying active, you can include certain foods to boost your brain power and reduce memory loss. Exciting new research on the benefits of coconut oil, for instance, suggests that it may be able to prevent or even reverse certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. More research is needed to conclude with certainty that coconut oil is a memory-boosting food, but one expert, Dr. Mary Newport, suggests that coconut oil acts to improve the brain’s usage of glucose—something that suffers in Alzheimer’s patients.
More research has been done on the benefits of cinnamon in Alzheimer’s patients. One study published in the online journal PLOS One indicates orally administered cinnamon extract has the ability to correct cognitive impairment. Simply stated, cinnamon could actually reverse the age-related brain damage that leads to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
Even the scent of cinnamon could have a beneficial impact on alertness and subsequently on memory. One professor with Wheeling Jesuit University found that cinnamon and peppermint odors both have the ability to reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and stimulate the nervous system when inhaled.
Researchers with the University of South Florida found your morning cup of coffee could do more than wake you up. For patients with existing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), caffeine and coffee intake was directly related to a reduced risk of dementia. In other words, coffee could delay or possibly prevent dementia and age-related memory loss.
But if coffee isn’t your thing, perhaps chocolate is. Italian researchers studied the impact of cocoa flavanols in chocolate on older adults with early memory decline. They found that older adults who were given both intermediate- and high-flavanol containing chocolate beverages had significant mental improvements in a variety of areas, including their working memory. Dark chocolates contain the highest flavanol levels and this study should not be seen as an excuse to indulge in otherwise unhealthy amounts of sweets.
As with most disease and illness prevention, the key to fighting memory loss and cognitive decline rests with an active lifestyle and a proper diet. Keeping your brain active with games, reading, writing, and other similar activities can help as well.

Have You Seen My Keys? Improve Your Brain Health & Memory

By Health Cracker+ on May 21, 2013

The brain is an extraordinary and complex machine that is capable of storing volumes of information, memories and instructions like a massive library. But sometimes, it seems like our brain malfunctions or falls asleep just when we need it the most. When the walls in your home, your refrigerator, car dashboard, office desk and computer monitor become one large sticky note, it may be time to invest some time in restoring brain health.
One of the worst threats to brain health and function is chronic stress. When the body is pushed into “high stress” mode by fear or anxiety, it produces a load of cortisol. This stress hormone damages the brain’s memory center. Unfortunately, in our all too hurried culture, many people live with dangerously high levels of cortisol which not only cause problems with the brain but also with other major organs such as the heart and digestive tract.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, improving cognitive function is as easy as making some lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising routinely, reducing stress and doing some memory boosting activities.

Boosting Brain Performance

Everyone knows that diet and exercise improve physical and emotional well-being. A UCLA study reports that making adjustments to diet and exercise along with the adoption of stress reduction techniques and memory exercises boosts brain and cognitive function substantially in as little as two weeks. This is good news for those of us who routinely forget our children’s names or where we have placed our keys.

17 "Cheat" Foods That Burn Fat

Diet

Avoiding sugar spikes is imperative to brain health. Although the brain needs glucose to function, it likes a steady constant supply not the quick spikes that are brought on by a diet loaded with sugar and processed foods.  If you consume a whole food diet loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats such as olive and coconut oil, the brain performs better.
Consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids is also essential to brain health. Recent research indicates that a lack of omega-3’s may explain cognitive decline in older adults. Great sources of omega-3 include fresh caught fish, raw nuts and flaxseed.

Exercise

What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress demonstrated that in four short months of regular physical activity brainpower can be improved. Overweight study participants who exercised moderately-vigorously for 150 minutes each week not only reduced their risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, but also demonstrated improved cognitive function.
A recent study in the journal of Neurology shows that physical exercise beats mental exercise in slowing brain shrinkage, which is linked to memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease.

Stress Reduction

Following a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise goes a long ways towards combatting stress. However, for some people, this is still not enough to reduce cortisol levels to within a healthy range. If you live your life always on the go, take very little time to relax and feel constantly stressed; it is likely that your brain is stressed, as well. Practical ways to reduce stress include meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises, laughter, music therapy or guided visualization. Adopt a healthy and positive outlook on life and keep connected with friends and family. Research shows that people who have strong relationships with others experience less stress than those who call themselves loners.

Brain Training

Exercising the brain is not a difficult task and can be done in as little as a few minutes each day. While there are some very good online programs for improving cognitive function such as Luminosity, there are also a number of other ways to put your brain to work.  To improve memory power, learn the lyrics to a song or the words in a poem. To boost attention, combine activities like jogging and doing a math problem in your head or listening to an audio book while you get ready for work. Reading improves all aspects of brain function but be sure to read some in-depth, provoking pieces from time to time as opposed to all fluff. Puzzles and games such as solitaire, concentration, crosswords, word searches and Sudoku all lead to higher brain function.
Like everything else in the body, if you stop using it you loose it. Remember to remember your brain and to keep using and challenging it on a daily basis.  Don’t let apathy become your enemy!

7 Things that Zap Our Energy and How to Recharge

7 Things that Zap Our Energy and How to Recharge

In this fast-moving world, we often need to be at our top energy levels to deal with the challenges of our daily lives. However, there are many factors – foods, habits, mindsets and situations – that can leave us feeling like we’re running on empty. The more we push ourselves beyond our energy reserves, the more we are risking our health.

While everyone’s recipe for re-energizing is a bit different – some listen to music, some find energy in spending time with friends, and some recharge through quiet time alone – the following are seven pitfalls to avoid if you want to be at your peak performance, and some tips on how to deal with them.

Dehydration

Between running around all day to and from our jobs, errands, taking care of kids or other responsibilities, many of us forget to stop and drink a sufficient amount of water. Biologically, our bodies do not give us a very strong signal when we are thirsty until we are severely dehydrated, and when we are wrapped up in our schedules, it is sometimes hard to notice just how thirsty we are.

Dehydration, even mild dehydration, slows down circulation, and thereby the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. This can significantly deplete energy reserves. Severe dehydration can leave us feeling nauseous and completely out of commission.

Recharge tip: No matter how busy you are, be sure to drink between eight and ten glasses of distilled water each day. If you are exercising or doing a physically demanding activity, you may need more. If you drink coffee or tea throughout the day, you may also need to compensate with more water, as caffeine has a dehydrating effect on your system.

Sugar
Sugar is one of those foods that can make us feel really good and energetic – for about five or ten minutes. Soon after you eat it, however, your insulin surges, your blood sugar drops down from its recent spike, and you may find yourself struggling to concentrate or even stay on your feet. When you drink a soda or other sweetened beverage, or grab a muffin to stave off hunger, you’re bound to feel more tired after – better to have avoided it in the first place.

Sugar is an addictive substance that hides under many names, and is in just about every processed food on the market. This “poison of our times” is a gateway to many chronic illnesses, as well as the perfect recipe for a sluggish, cranky day. Additionally, processed foods contain many other chemical additives and preservatives, which often function as anti nutrients that take energy away rather than providing it.
Recharge tip: Stick to real, unprocessed, preferably organic foods, and avoid added sugars. If you want something sweet, stick to whole fruits, or bake with dates, raw honey or organic coconut crystals.

Poor sleep
This one is obvious, but worth stating: when we don’t get enough sleep (7 or 8 hours is the recommended amount for adults), we simply can’t be at our best. Besides affecting our ability to function on every level, sleep deprivation can impair memory, severely alter mood, increase our risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, and even encourage weight gain.

Some of us simply do not go to bed early enough, as we’re scrambling to get things done that we could not finish during the day. Others try to sleep, but toss and turn and lose out on precious hours.
Recharge tip: Try going to bed an hour earlier at night. If you’re severely sleep-deprived, make it two hours. While it may take a little creative scheduling, your health will thank you for it. Remove electronics from your bedroom, avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, and try meditating before bed, even for just five minutes.

If you find yourself struggling with insomnia, try a cup of chamomile tea or massaging your neck and shoulders with some lavender essential oil. Taking a warm bath before bed may work wonders for some people.

It may be worth it to talk to a natural health professional about drug-free sleep remedies you can try. One is kava kava root, which has been found to greatly encourage the Z’s, but talk to a professional about how much is right for you.

Stress
One of the leading culprits behind an energy-less existence is stress. When our bodies respond to stress, a rush of adrenaline occurs, and cortisol (our body’s stress hormone) levels spike.
We are amped up, our hearts race and we become hyper-aware… for a short time. When stress becomes ongoing, however, all systems are affected, including the immune and cardiovascular systems, and our energy reserves become chronically tapped.

Stress can also lead to poor sleep, if anxious thoughts are keeping you awake to the wee hours of the morning. If it becomes a pattern, the stress-sleep deprivation cycle can be truly deteriorative to your health.
Recharge tip: The ancient practices of both yoga and meditation can do wonders for relieving stress. Physical exercise can also give you the rush of endorphins you need to counteract anxiety. Talking to a trusted friend, or a counselor if your anxiety is severe, can get you back on track and able to cope without stress sapping your energy and compromising your well-being.

Spending too much time indoors
If you are cooped up inside for most of the day, without sunlight and fresh air, you are very likely to find yourself fatigued. Indoor air is often stuffy, and often infused with toxins like chemicals from air fresheners and synthetic materials.

Artificial lighting can also wear down your energy, and mess with your circadian rhythms (natural sleep-wake cycles). Too much exposure to artificial light, especially in the evening hours, is one reason why many people struggle to fall asleep, and wake up still drained.

Recharge tip: Starting the day off by going for a walk or a run outside can do wonders for your energy. If you work in an indoor environment, going outside for lunch breaks, and other breaks you may have throughout the day, and soaking in the sun and fresh air is key. The healing power of the natural outdoor environment is not to be underestimated.

Sitting
There are a plethora of ways in which sitting too much depletes your energy. First of all, a consistently sedentary lifestyle progressively weakens your muscles, making it harder and harder to do simple physical tasks. While it may seem like sitting would preserve energy, the opposite is actually true; it is quite draining.
Also, sitting has been linked to a higher risk of many illnesses, and is a primary factor contributing to obesity and can actually increase your risk of early death.

Recharge tip: Exercise! Go for a walk, hit the gym or sign up for a fun new dance class. The stream of endorphins you will enjoy will replenish your energy and improve your mood, likely from day one. As you get in the habit of moving more, your muscles will grow stronger, and you will find you have more and more energy to get things done.

Clutter
This one may seem strange, but too much clutter around your home or office can actually cause significant anxiety and negativity. Simply looking around at a pile-up of “stuff” can make you feel tired, as it tends to remind you of all that you have to get done, and can be quite overwhelming. Clutter also puts a strain on our eyes, as there is constantly a jumble of things to look at, making it harder to focus on the task at hand.
In the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, clearing away clutter is often the vital first step, as it helps you let go of your attachment to unnecesary things, and lets the energy flow more freely through your space.

Recharge tip: Start by getting rid of anything you do not need. Items that are nice, but unneeded, may find a great home with a friend or co-worker. You may also choose to donate clothes, decoratives and other household items to a nearby shelter or secondhand store.

Put away things you need that are out of place in drawers or space-saving organizers. Keep in mind the minimalist principle to only keep out what is absolutely essential, or deeply meaningful.
While there are many other things in our lives that may be affecting our energy levels, starting with the above-mentioned seven areas is a great start to feeling more refreshed, alert and ready to face all that our lives bring our way.

-The Alternative Daily

Job Posting - Delaware County Children’s Advocacy Program Director.

Subject: Family Support Line Job Announcement

Family Support Line is pleased announce the new position of Delaware County Children’s Advocacy Program Director.  This full-time position will direct the development and opening of the new Children’s Advocacy Center for Delaware County.  The position will also conduct forensic interviews. 

Children’s Advocacy Centers work to support a coordinated response to a report of child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse.  This position will work closely with our partner organizations and systems.

Please find attached a Job Announcement.  Help us by distributing this announcement your contacts and any potential applicants.  

Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Patricia Kosinski, Executive Director, Family Support Line, via email at fsljobs@familysupportline.org by July 11^th.

 

Art Institute Open House and Scholarships

Learn more and RSVP for our Open House: July 5, 2014 View This Message in Your Browser

You're Invited to our Open House on Saturday, July 5, 2014 RSVP Now ►

Pat, See what a Design education looks like at our Open House. Check-in: 10:00 AM Presentation: 10:30 AM 1622 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-5119 Get Directions At our Open House, you will have the chance to: Tour the school and our labs Learn about our Design programs Meet faculty and staff Find out about student life and housing Explore financial aid and payment options* Walk through the application process RSVP ONLINE TOLL-FREE 866.901.5515 CHAT LIVE ONLINE

Scholarship Opportunities We offer over $70 million in local and national scholarships across The Art Institutes system of schools.** Learn More