Mindless Eating

I've seen this statistic lately in two different places... eating lunch in front of your computer can pack on extra pounds. Researchers have found that those people who chow down in front of their computer ate twice as many calories than people who eat away from their desks. As if that wasn't bad enough, these same people tend to feel less full and have trouble recalling what they had eaten (which can lead to overeating later). So... if possible take a lunch break away from your computer.

Getting Bowled Over

AMF is offering FREE bowling for kids all summer long! Visit the link below to get your child enrolled in their "Summer Unplugged" program, where you'll receive e-mail coupons for 2 free games per child per day.

http://freebowling.amf.com

If you happen to be an adult, don't feel left out! Adults (17 and over) can pay $27.95 and reap the same benefits as the kids. That's 7 days a week... May 30th through September 5th.

BOGO Squirrels Tickets

Looking for an inexpensive night out? Score a free Flying Squirrels ticket when you buy one and bring in the wrapper to a Kraft Singles cheese package on Tuesday nights. Not a bad deal when general admission tickets are only $7 each. Pocket a little extra cash and treat yourself to a ball park snack.

Contain Yourself

If you have ever walked in the door of a Container Store, you were probably filled with excitement, as there are wall to wall options of storage and organization solutions. They are offering educators a 15% off discount card (that doesn't expire until Dec. 31, 2011). Go to the link below, fill in the required info, and they will e-mail you your card to print. Use it as many times as you'd like.

http://www.containerstore.com/teachers/index.htm?capStore=AVA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=chth

The fine print does say that you can use the discount on-line, by phone, and in the store. You are supposed to show both the card and proof that you are a teacher (school ID & driver's license) if you are shopping in the store.

Save Your Mani... and Some Cash

Did you know that running the dishwasher actually uses less water than washing dishes by hand? According to Ladies Home Journal, this is true! An Energy Star dishwasher is the most efficient choice, but even an older model will save you cash (not to mention gallons of water, making the Earth happy). Try to run only full loads and skip the pre-rinsing option to see the greatest savings. Keeping your manicure in tact just got a little easier!

Foldable Water Bottle

This eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles can be folded when empty. The Sip N' Go water bottle is BPA free and dishwasher safe. Another benefit is that it's slim enough when filled to be stashed in your bag or purse. You can freeze the bottle to keep your beverage cold longer. The bottle is supposed to sit upright when filled, just like your traditional water bottle. You can order one for $7.99 (plus shipping and handling) from http://www.buysipngo.com/. Take your pick of pink or blue.

Keep or Toss

I can appreciate a clearly marked expiration date on things, but when it comes to cosmetics, that's not always the case. Here's a rule of thumb according to Shape:

- Face Cream- should be tossed after 6 months, unless the consistency starts to change before then.

- Foundation- liquids should be let go after 6 months, where powders can last for a year.

- Mascara- should be tossed after 6 months, or sooner if it dries out (or there is any sign of an eye infection).

- Lip Color- lipsticks and glosses should get you through a year, and pencils can last for 3 years (thanks to sharpening before use to shave off any bacteria).

Adorable Travel Mugs

These were featured in Richmond Magazine's- R-Home back in January/February and are worth noting. These adorable travel mugs are a steal! The small mugs are only $10 and the large are $14. Openhouse is located at the Shops at 5807 (Patterson Ave. at Libbie), but you can also shop them on-line at www.openhouse-richmond.com. As an added bonus, you can save 20% when shopping on-line now through April 24th. Just enter the code: IRS at checkout.

Go Green... Save Some Green

On Earth Day (Friday, April 22nd), if you bring in your own mug to Starbucks, they'll fill if with your choice of freshly brewed coffee or tea for FREE. Need a new mug? You can pick out one there and get 20% off of it. Happy Earth Day!

Sno Shack Surprise

On the way home tonight, we realized that there in the midst of the vacant old Safeway parking lot, the tiny Sno Shack had a light on. After further investigation, there were flag banners and new umbrellas. Well... the Sno Shack is open for business!! They'll be open this week for Spring Break from 12 to 8 PM, then weekdays 4 to 8 PM and weekends 12 to 8 PM. Very exciting news!

"Extreme Couponing"

I'm intrigued by the show "Extreme Couponing" on TLC. These people take their couponing VERY seriously, some spending up to 20 hours a week cutting coupons, but end up paying next to nothing at the register. I admire these people's dedication to saving money, but at the same time found myself asking: Who needs 75 boxes of cereal?? I also think that some of their "stock piles" constitute borderline hoarding. With that being said... I'm sucked into the show! Check it out sometime.

BOGO at Subway Tomorrow

Subway is having a Customer Appreciation Day tomorrow (4/16). Buy a foot long sub and get one for FREE. With many foot longs costing only $5, it's not a bad deal.

Bass Pro Shop Celebrates Easter

Hop on over to Bass Pro Shop for some FREE Easter activities for kids (ages 2-10). Join in on their Easter Egg Hunt (April 16,17, 23, & 24) beginning at 1 PM... or make some crafts. You can also get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and receive a free 4x6 photo.

* Decorate an Easter Egg (April 16 & 17)- noon to 3 PM

* Make a Foam Magnet Easter Egg (April 22- 6 to 8 PM and April 23-24- noon to 3 PM)

Oversized Compacts

Here's a nifty idea to rid clutter on your bathroom counter or alleviate the need to carry a bulky make-up bag. The Z Palette is a magnetic palette that lets you put your favorite cosmetics in one place.Coming in several colors and patterns and 2 different sizes (small- $14 and large- $20), you simply remove your shadows, blushes, and powders from their original containers and pop them on the magnetic base.

Z Palette is sold in some stores (but not many on the East Coast) and they do have a website: http://www.zpalette.com/.

Using a blow dryer, heat up the bottom of whatever cosmetic you'd like to transfer until the adhesive is loose. If the product doesn't come right out, use a pair of tweezers to pull it out. Most cosmetics that come in compacts or individual cases should have a metal base, but if not you can stick on an adhesive magnet. Z Palette sells some, but they can easily be found at craft stores. You might want to add a magnet to a narrow brush to put it in the palette as well. If I were you, I might stash the empty containers some place so that you have a reference when you need to buy a replacement and can't recall what shade you last purchased.

1 Year Later

I find it really hard to believe that a year ago today, Jason and I got married. This past year has flown by. A year later, I'm not sure if I can still call myself a "newlywed", but for now... the name's staying.

Who Turned off the Lights?!

When Mother Nature throws a curve ball your way with unsettled weather and storms, keep this in mind if you should lose electricity. According to Self, a well packed freezer should keep food frozen for a good 48 hours. A less-than-stuffed freezer will probably only keep food frozen for about 24 hours. If you're without power for longer than that, it's time to let it go. Finally some vindication for stocking up on those frozen food sales!

As far as your fridge... an average refrigerator will quickly rise above 40 degrees after 4 hours without electricity. So... if you're in the dark for longer than that, either start grilling your perishables or toss them.

Don't think of it as throwing money away... think about the fact that it's better to be safe than sorry (not to mention sick)!