All in a good nights sleep

We need good sleep to thrive. Sleep is important because it affects our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The benefits of good sleep can affect every moment of our day and every part of our life.

Check out this article by Angela Epsine,Daily Mail-Feb 28,2012

What happens to your body while your sleeping

The brain
Sleep may seem to be a passive and dormant state, but even though activity in the cortex – the surface of the brain – drops by about 40 per cent while we are in the first phases of sleep, the brain remains highly active during later stages of the night.

A typical night’s sleep comprises five different sleep cycles, each lasting about 90 minutes. The first four stages of each cycle are regarded as quiet sleep or non-rapid eye move-ment (NREM). The final stage is denoted by rapid eye movement (REM).

During the first stage of sleep, brain waves are small undulations. During stage two these intersperse with electrical signals called sleep spindles – small bursts of activity lasting a couple of seconds which keep us in a state of quiet readiness.

As stage two merges into stage three, the brain waves continue to deepen into large slow waves. The larger and slower the brain wave, the deeper the sleep. Stage four is reached when 50 per cent of the waves are slow.

At this point, we are not taxed mentally and 40 per cent of the usual blood flow to the brain is diverted to the muscles to restore energy. However, during the REM that follows there is a high level of brain activity.

This is the stage associated with dreaming and is triggered by the pons – the part of the brain stem that relays nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the brain – and neighbouring structures.

The pons sends signals to the thalamus and to the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for most thought processes. It also sends signals to turn off motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing temporary paralysis and so preventing us from acting upon our dreams.

REM sleep is thought to help consolidate memory and emotion, as at this point in sleep blood flow rises sharply in several brain areas linked to processing memories and emotional experiences. In areas involving complex reasoning and language, blood flow declines.

Hormones
During our waking hours, the body burns oxygen and food to provide energy. This is known as a catabolic state, in which more energy is spent than conserved, using up the body’s resources.

This state is dominated by the work of stimulating hormones such as adrenaline and natural cortisteroids. However, when we sleep we move into an anabolic state – in which energy conservation, repair and growth take over. Levels of adrenaline and corticosteroids drop and the body starts to produce human growth hormone (HGH).

A protein hormone, HGH promotes the growth, maintenance and repair of muscles and bones by facilitating the use of amino acids (the essential building blocks of protein). Every tissue in the body is renewed faster during sleep than at any time when awake.

Melatonin is another hormone produced to help us sleep. Secreted by the pineal gland deep in the brain, it helps control body rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Levels of melatonin rise as the body temperature falls, to encourage feelings of sleepiness. The opposite occurs to wake us up.

It is mostly during sleep that the sex hormone testosterone and the fertility hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone and leuteinising hormone, are secreted.

Immune system
Research suggests that sleeping more when fighting infectious illness aids recovery.

This may be due to the immune system’s increased production of certain proteins during sleep, as the levels of certain agents which fight disease rise during sleep and drop when we are awake.

Getting enough sleep can also help resist infection, as some studies of healthy young adults have shown that moderate amounts of sleep deprivation reduce the levels of white blood cells which form part of the body’s defence system.

A cancer killer called TNF – tumour necrosis factor – also pumps through our veins when we are asleep. Research has shown that people who stayed up until 3am had one-third fewer cells containing TNF the next day, and that the effectiveness of those remaining was greatly reduced. JUST as the world is governed by light and dark, human beings also have an inbuilt body clock called the circadian rhythm.

Housed in the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, it causes 24 hour fluctuations in many bodily activities. It also governs the body’s daily alternation between sleep and wakefulness, and works on a 24-hour cycle to let the body ‘know’ when sleep is coming.

The circadian rhythm regulates all the processes of the body, from digestion to cell renewal. All these body rhythms are triggered by an action of a network of chemical messengers and nerves which are controlled by the circadian clock.

Ensuring regular periods of sleep at night lets the bodyclock regulate hormone production, so that you feel wakeful and alert during the day and ready to enjoy restorative sleep at night.

Body temperature
In the evening, body temperature, along with levels of wakeful hormones such as adrenaline, start to drop. Some sweating may occur, as the body is immobile and tries to combat losing heat.

Body temperature continues to fall throughout the night. By about 5am it has dropped to about one degree centigrade below the temperature it was in the evening.

At the same time, our metabolic rate drops too. This is the time of day when you would feel most tired, as the low temperature coincides with adrenaline at its lowest level.

Low body temperatures increase your likelihood of sleeping deeply and so give the body chance to rest and rebuild. As body temperature starts to rise, it remains more difficult to stay in a deep sleep.

The skin
The top layer of the skin is made of closely packed dead cells which are constantly shed during day. During deep sleep, the skin’s metabolic rate speeds up and many of the body’s cells show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins.

Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for the repair of damage from factors like ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may indeed be beauty sleep.

Daytime sleep will not compensate for loss of nightly ‘beauty sleep’ as the energy needed for tissue repair is not available during daylight because it is being used elsewhere.

Breathing
When we fall asleep, throat muscles relax so that the throat gets narrower each time we inhale.

Snoring occurs when the throat is narrowed to a slit and parts of the airway vibrate because of a resistance to breathing. Air is forced through the narrow air passage, causing the soft palate and uvula to vibrate.

Those who snore are more likely to have poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, which allows the tongue to fall backwards into the airways. Being overweight or having large tonsils and adenoids also contribute to snoring.

However, impaired breathing during sleep can cause a condition called sleep apnoea.

Often caused by fat build-up, poor muscle tone or ageing, sleep apnoea causes the windpipe to collapse when the muscles relax during sleep. This blocks the air flow for from ten seconds to a minute while the sleeping person struggles for breath.
When the person’s blood oxygen level falls, the brain responds by making the person tighten the upper airway muscles and open the windpipe. This will result in a snort or gasp before snoring is resumed.

The mouth
Saliva is needed to lubricate the mouth and for eating, but during sleep salivary flow is reduced, so causing a dry mouth in the morning.

However, the mouth can be very active during sleep, as one in 20 adults unconsciously grinds their teeth at night.
This is known as bruxism and occurs mainly during stages one and two of sleep. It is caused by poor alignment of the teeth within the jaw but is also thought to be nocturnal relief for daytime stresses.

Muscles
Though a person can change their sleeping position about 35 times a night, the muscles of the body remain relaxed. This gives the chance for tissues to be repaired and restored.

However, studies indicate that muscles might receive just as much relaxation and repair during simple rest periods and that a state of unconsciousness is not needed for this to take place.

Blood
The heart rate goes down by between 10 and 30 beats per minute when we sleep. This produces a decline in blood pressure, which occurs in restful sleep.

During rest, blood flows from the brain, distends arteries and makes the limbs bigger.

Some scientists believe that fatigue-induced sleep may be a mild form of blood detoxification.

This is because during the day debris from broken down tissues is thrown into the bloodstream. In the waking state, most of this waste will be eliminated through the lungs, kidneys, bowels and skin.

But there could be a saturation point. So nature warns us to reduce these waste products to replenish lost energy, and that causes us to get tired and sleep.

During sleep, the cells and tissues that break down to produce toxic waste then become less active. This gives the chance for broken-down tissue to be rebuilt.

Digestive system
The body requires a regular supply of energy and its key source is glucose. This is constantly burned up to release energy for muscle contraction, nerve impulses and regulating body temperature.

When we sleep, our need for these energy reserves is marginal so the digestive system slows down to a sluggish pace. The immobility of our bodies promotes this.

For this reason, eating late at night is not recommended, as our inactive state will prevent enzymes and stomach acids from converting it to energy. This causes that telltale bloated feeling.

The body truly is amazing!

Make sure you give your body what it needs to be at it’s best.

Here Is a List of a few Herbs you can use to help you sleep:

Chamomile: Ancient Egyptians used this herb. Chamomile is a relaxant for the nervous system, soothing calming and tranquilizing for restless or over sensitive people. It is also used to relax muscles and ad in digestion.

Hop: cultivated in Europe, the USA and Chile. Hop pillows have been made for sleeplessness for generations.  They help to sooth the highly strung and to relax twitching or restless muscles and are a mild sedative.

Lavender. Native of the Mediterranean used to make pillows for sleep. Used for it aromatics.

Linen Blossom: The yellowish flowers, from the linden tree are used to make the world famous herbal teal tilleul. Also called lime flower tea in Europe. Mildly honey scented tea is soothing to the stomach. It is a nerve tonic and helps sleeplessness. It is antispasmodic, sedative and diuretic, and is used in eastern European folk medicine to reduce blood pressure.

Valerian: has an ancient reputation as a powerful medicinal herb and was promoted by Arab physicians in early times. It reduces blood pressure and sis useful in stress and insomnia, and is good for menopausal symptoms.

NOTE: Valerian should only be used by prescription since large doses are inadvisable and does not mix will with orthodox drugs.

Tincure of valerian was used to treat shell shock in World War 1.

Protect your heart

As I get older I am finding many of my friends and family are taking prescription medications. I must admit I am not a comfortable with the medications that are being dispensed these days.  You can’t turn on the television on pick up a paper without seeing a new ad from some Law firm asking if you have taken on drug or another in the past, if so you have a right to be compensated for some life altering side effect the drug produced. Many times when we go to a physician we are treated for an condition or ailment that needs immediate attention so the prescription is strong and the side effects increase.   I am not saying you should not take any of them but we should all be aware that manipulation of the body’s chemistry with prescription medications doesn’t come without a price. Since this is national heart month I wanted to look at some preventive care to help reduce the amount or even eliminate (with doctor supervision) the use of  of prescription drugs. Here are a few examples of side effects that are from drugs designed to lower blood pressure, effect blood flow and platelet activities or counteract cholesterol;

ACE inhibitors- skin rash, loss of taste, chronic cough, kidney damage.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers- dizziness

Beta Blockers- insomnia, cold hands and feet, fatigue, depression, signs of asthma, impotence

Calcium channel blockers- hear palpitations, swollen ankles, headaches, dizziness, constipation

Diuretics- weakness, leg cramps, and fatigue, plus and increase in blood sugar levels for diabetics

Today I would like to share some information about Grape seed extract.  It is one of those supplements that I read about and it just blew my mind.  This one supplement can help with so many illness we all face today without any known side effects. It is on of those supplements that pack a powerful punch specifically for your heart.
As its name implies, grape seed Extract is derived from the small seeds (and occasionally the skins) of red grapes–the same kind that are pressed to make wine. Used extensively in Europe, grape seed extract is rich in flavonoids, phytochemicals that have Antioxidant properties some consider even greater than the old standbys Vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants are believed to prevent and control numerous ailments by safeguarding cells against the ravages of unstable oxygen molecules called Free radicals.

Purple grapes are filled with a unique substance called Phenolic compounds that have and effect on the interior of blood vessels unlike anything else.  Specifically, they induce the release of nitric oxide within the blood. Nitric oxide inhibits blood platelet activity, minimizing the buildup of arterial plaques and the consequent arterial blockage.  Purple grapes also have a positive effect on maintaining healthy blood pressure in the cardiovascular system by encouraging endothelia relaxation. Endothelia function is the body’s ability to keep blood flowing quickly and smoothy through your cardiovascular system with as little friction and resistance as possible. Because grape seed extract has platelet inhibiting properties similar to aspirin but does not cause gastrointestinal bleeding and irritation  that an aspirin therapy may cause it is a great alternative.   You also receive antioxidant properties with the grape seed extract.

The most valuable flavonoids in grape seed extract are procyanidolic oligomers (also known as proanthocyanidins), commonly called PCOs. Beyond their antioxidant powers, PCOs are thought to improve blood circulation and help strengthen blood vessels. These actions benefit people with heart disease and cancer.  The risk for heart attack and stroke may be reduced with this potent antioxidant, which is believed to prevent the plaque development that can clog arteries. A recent study of 38 smokers indicates that PCOs may function as effectively as aspirin in keeping blood cells from sticking together and forming blood clots (called an anticoagulant effect). And the PCOs posed no risk of the gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding generally associated with aspirin. Interestingly, another preliminary study using grape seed oil (which is related to grape seed extract) indicates that using 2 tablespoons a day to replace other oils in cooking could increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol by 14% and reduce triglycerides by 15% in just four weeks. here are a few other conditions that grape seed extract can help with:

• Minimize fibromylagia damage. Fibromyalgia is an elusive disorder associated with chronic muscle pain and stiffness. The antioxidant power of grape seed extract can help by protecting besieged muscle cells from damage.

• Deter cancer. The antioxidants in grape seed extract work hard at helping to control cellular damage, routinely hunting down and neutralizing mutations within the genetic material of cells that could lead to tumor formation. The development and progression of cancers of the lung, breast, stomach, prostate, colon, skin and other body parts may be stalled as a result.

• Fight skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Certain components within the skin–Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid–participate in keeping it healthy. PCOs help keep these substances in good shape by blocking enzymes that might disrupt their chemical structure. In this way, grape seed extract may be useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Its flavonoids also inhibit allergic reactions that can generate such skin problems as eczema

.• Slow progression of macular degeneration and cataracts. Grape seed extract improves blood flow in the eye’s tiny vessels, where certain eye diseases can cause blockages and impairments that result in vision damage. Cataracts are an example. The extract’s antioxidant powers are of particular value in warding off the free-radical damage so frequently cited as the leading cause of macular degeneration.

• Lessen allergy symptoms. As a natural Antihistamine, grape seed extract may help to control the sneezing, congestion and other hallmarks of an allergic reaction. The extract also inhibits the release of chemicals called prostaglandins that can generate inflammation during an allergic response. Working in concert, the nutrient’s antihistamine and anti-inflammatory actions can help to keep at bay such allergic responses as hives, hay fever and eczema.

• Ease eye strain. People who stare at computer monitors for extended periods may benefit from taking grape seed extract. The findings of one recent study indicate that 300 mg, taken daily, will ease eyestrain and enhance perception of contrast after just 60 days

Special tip:–Always use a grape seed extract preparation that’s standardized to contain 92% to 95% PCOs.

• Take grape seed extract at any time of day, but be consistent about when you take it, especially if you are using it to fight a particular condition.

• No adverse effects or toxic reactions have been reported

• Based on the limited research that has been done on grape seed extract so far, it appears to be very safe.

I  also have included some other supplements for your heart health in the table below.

What do you know about Chocolate???

I am going through some of my old documents and doing some purging to make room on my computer when I came across this great article on Chocolate!  I wish I could remember where I got it from so I could give credit where credit is due but it is just too good to let it sit tucked away on my computer. Hope you enjoy the read.

Forrest Gump said life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get. Eat the dark ones, though, and you can be certain about several things.

A Little Background
Chocolate has been consumed for at least 2,000 years. Pottery excavated in Honduras from as far back as 1400 BC shows evidence of cacao residue, but that’s not chocolate kisses. Chocolate was strictly a beverage for most of its storied past. The Aztec word xocoatl—meaning a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans—was the origin of our word chocolate. Theobroma cacao—“food of the gods”—is the Latin name for the plant.

Ancient Aztecs and Mayas believed cacao beans had divine properties and included them in sacred rituals. So valuable were they in premodern Latin America that cacao beans served as currency. Seventeenth century Europeans drank sweetened hot chocolate and considered it a medicine and an aphrodisiac, and during the Revolutionary War, Colonial soldiers found chocolate in their rations and sometimes received it in lieu of pay.

Dark Chocolate’s Benefits
Beans harvested from Theobroma cacao are fermented, dried, and roasted like coffee beans. Then they’re ground to make cocoa, which yields cocoa butter and powder. Dark chocolate–also known as bittersweet or semisweet–contains 60 percent or more cocoa solids and little or no added sugar. With its rich, intense flavor, a little goes a long way. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen proved this with 16 lucky young men who were given both dark and milk chocolate. When they ate dark chocolate, they reported feeling more satisfied and less inclined to eat sweet, salty, or fatty foods.

Dark chocolate has earned a spot on the University of Michigan’s Healing Foods Pyramid, courtesy of its flavonoids—part of a group of antioxidants present in many foods, including tea, fruits, and vegetables. The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in healthy people. And the reason for those heart-shaped boxes? Dark chocolate can improve cardiovascular status by lowering blood pressure, modestly reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) levels, lowering the risk of blood clots, and increasing blood flow in the heart and arteries.

In the elderly, regularly eating dark chocolate is associated with better cognitive functioning. And a recent study of volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed found that eating dark chocolate for two weeks eased emotional stress and boosted endorphin and serotonin levels in the brain.

Nibble, Don’t Gobble
You knew there had to be a catch—all chocolate is high in calories. Limit yourself to an ounce a day and enjoy a clementine or a slice of melon with your dark chocolate to get your sweets fix. Dipping fresh berries in melted chocolate is sinfully satisfying.

To enjoy its rich, complex flavors, nibble dark chocolate slowly.

Choosing Chocolate
Look for dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa solids, and made with cocoa butter rather than palm or coconut oil. Read labels and avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils.

Storing Your Stash
Dark chocolate is sensitive to temperature and humidity. Store in a cool, dry place between 59° and 63° F. Wrap well to protect it from light and the aromas of other foods. Chocolate that absorbs moisture may have a whitish “bloom” that comes from fat or sugar crystals rising to the surface. It’s fine to eat but won’t look as appetizing. And though it may be food for the gods, it’s not for the dogs—or cats, birds, and other pets. Chocolate can be toxic to animals, so keep chocolate and pets apart.

Love your Heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day. Heart attacks strike in two ways: a blockage in the body’s vessels that shuts off blood flow to the hear ( hear attack) or a blockage that stops blood flow to the brain (stroke). These conditions are also leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities. Cardiovascular disease is also very expensive—together heart disease and stroke hospitalizations in 2010 cost the nation more than $444 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity. However, we can fight back against heart disease and stroke. Below are some ways that we can control. Take some time to review and ensure you are doing the best you can to protect your heart and the hearts of those you love.

Controllable Factors:

Diet- Diet high in meats, salt and salty snacks, fried food and high in sugar have a 35% greater risk of heart attach than those who diets were low in the those items but high in fruits, vegetables , nuts and dairy foods.

Salt- The main problem related to salt consumption? Hypertension, or high blood pressure. Many studies show a direct link between sodium intake and high blood pressure; the more salt you consume, the higher your blood pressure will be. This is because the kidneys cannot process and eliminate salt beyond a certain amount, which influences blood pressure in the arteries. If not properly controlled, high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure as well as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

Exercise- exercise promotes weight reduction and can help reduce blood pressure. Exercise can reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood (the low-density lipoprotein [LDL] level), as well as total cholesterol, and can raise the “good” cholesterol (the high-density lipoprotein level [HDL]).

Weight- Overweight is considered a major risk factor for both coronary heart disease and heart attack. Being 20% overweight or more significantly increases your risk for developing heart disease, especially if you have a lot of abdominal fat. The American Heart Association has found that even if you have no other related health conditions, obesity itself increases risk of heart disease.

Tobacco- smokers have twice the risk of sudden cardiac death or stroke as non smokers. Goodnews-three years after a person quits smoking, there chance of having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked before.

Alcohol- 2 or more drinks a day increases blood pressure and long term risk of  developing hypertension. Having more than 3 drinks a day has a direct toxic effect on the heart, leading to high blood pressure and enlarged weakened heart, congestive heart failure and stroke.

Stress- chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Studies also link stress to changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack.

Fun Heart Facts:

During a typical human life span, the human heart will beat approximately 2.5 billion times.

In one day your heart beats 100,000 times.

Women’s hearts beat faster than mans.

Going Green one step at a time

 

One of the things I love about my life and where I am at this point is, I have time to really take a look at what is important to me. There are many so many people out there who are going so fast that they don’t have time to think. Problems seem so huge that it is hard to figure out where to begin. It is easy to just give up before you even get started. The good news is getting started is the hard part. That first step, the one that starts the change, is always the hardest.
When I decided that I wanted to start living a greener lifestyle I went to the Internet and started doing some research. The more I did the more confused I became. There are tons of companies out there with products that boast of being green or products developed to make going green easier. What I found is being green is just like any other goal you have. It is a lifestyle change. You have choices on how you get to your end goal. You can do your research and become a do-it- yourselfer or you can pay a little more a rely on others to help you reach your goal.  Here is an example to explain my point. If you decide you want to use organic soil in your garden you can build a compost pile and make your own or you can purchase the organic soil in the bag. The choice is yours. The soil you get from your compost pile is Free, we all like Free, but it took time and research to make the soil. The soil in the bag cost you some but you saved time and labor. You still need to research and make sure the company you purchase the soil from is truly green and organic.
There are so many ways to live a greener life that many of us just get overwhelmed.
I found a great website that helps me go green one step at a time. Best of all, it’s Free! You simply sign- up and get e-mails that inform you on simple ways to go green. You even receive and estimate on how much money it will save you. You choose which steps to take and when. The site claims it can help you go green with your online personal green coach. It offers

• Green in 90 Day Makeover
• Save (At Least) $2000 This Year
• Reduce Your “Footprint” By 1/3
• Save Time
• See The Entire Picture
• Get The Right Answers

Check out the site and let me know what you think.
Going green today

Recycling is not all about trash- Let’s save some money!

When I think about recycling the first thing that comes to my mind is trash not money. If you are new to the going green thing then you probably think going green is going to cost a bundle.  This really is just not true. It is just like most good things you have to invest a little. A little time, a little effort some times a little money up front.  If you are serious about going green and make a complete change it will save you money.  This is not any  different from any other project, job or relationship you want to succeed at. Recycling is one way to get started and have fun doing it. I am not talking about the recycling you take to the side of your street for trash picks up but the stuff we all accumulate over the year or years.   Here are a few ways you can increase your income, clear the clutter and have fun too!

Yard Sales

This is the Grandfather of them all. For years people have been earning a little extra cash by selling items that they no longer use right from their front yard or garage.

They people are still having yards and in fact I think they are increasing in popularity. What a great way to earn cash on the weekend and clear the clutter. You can even get your kids involved and teach them some financial savvy at the same time.

Consignment Stores

Consignment Shops generally accept items for 60 or 90 days and pay customers if and when items sell. Unsold items are returned, donated, or become the property of the consignment store. Some Consignment Stores also buy items outright for cash.

Some consignment stores have the word “resale” in their name even though they do not buy items outright. It is best to ask for clarification since many consignment stores also buy items outright and trade. Although most consignment stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular. Just between Friends is nation wide but has local events every season.  It is a great way to clear your home of cloths toys and other baby or household items. It puts a little twist on consignment by holding events that last only for the weekend and once per season

Closet swap online- 

I went to a closet swap at my sister’s house once. It worked out perfect for me. I exchanged some of the clothes that I no longer wore with some one else  who had items I wanted.  Now I am seeing online sites like Swap style

This is great for the person who starts a new job and has to increase or change her/his wardrobe quickly.  It ‘s a win/win.

 

eCommerce – eBay, Amazon, Business Websites, etc.

These sites combine purchasing out right with bidding on items.

eBay consignment specialists include eBay Drop Off Stores, eBay Pick Up Services, and eBay Trading Assistant consignment sellers operating out of a home or business office.

eCommerce includes company websites and sellers using online selling venues like Amazon, GoAntiques, OnlineAuction, Overstock, uBid, etc.

While eBay is the largest and most diversified online selling venue, consignment sellers also use Amazon, uBid, Google, Overstock, and independent websites. Ebay sellers receive items through eBay Drop Off Stores and eBay Pick Up Services. Ebay calls their consignment sellers “eBay Trading Assistants” (TAs). See “Sell on eBay” for details.

Non Profit Stores

Non-Profit Stores includes charitable nonprofit stores and thrift shops offering job training, food and shelter, and other social programs for the local community.

Charitable nonprofit stores and thrift shops operated by the Junior League, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army offer education, shelter, and other social programs. Depending upon your tax situation, donating may net you about the same or more than consignment or garage sale options. The Goodwill now offers online shopping. You can purchase some items out right or bid on item. http://www.shopgoodwill.com

Resale Stores

Resale Stores generally buy items outright for cash or offer store credit if you want to trade. Some Resale Shops offer consignment too.

Resale stores buy items outright and pay more if you accept store credit rather than cash. This is especially true with clothing for kids and teens. Because resale stores assume the risk of the clothes not selling, they generally pay slightly less money than a consignment store. Expect to receive one bulk quote for all items rather than individual per item offers. Some resale stores will consign if the item is expensive or the manager is nervous about how quickly it will sell. Although most resale stores accept a wide array of new and preowned items, many specialize in antiques and collectibles, furniture, and/or designer clothing for men, women, and children. Vintage items are especially popular.  These vary by city town and state. I looked up my local resale stores at  Resale shopping

Freebies

Last we have the community online Freebies

There are several people who just want to get items out of their house or yards. You will find Freebie communities on Free Cycle.  Just create an account and start looking or posting items you like or want to give away.  You can also find Freebies on  Craigslist. 

If you want to read more on consignment shopping you might like to read the blog post my business partner Brandy just published saving-money-consignment-shopping Brandy’s Blog

What is your favorite way to recycle? Share your favorite site or let me know what you think of my list.

Have a great day and start recycling.

Saving Money Online

Who doesn’t like a great deal?  In today’s economy we are all working hard for our money and want to make sure we are getting the best deals. People have to eliminate many of the items they use to not give a second thought to purchasing or cut back in one part of their budget to pay for something more necessary. Using coupons is a common example of this. Customers have been using coupons to save money in the grocery store and the companies supply the coupons in hopes that the consumer will switch to their brand.  Grocery store chains offer to double coupons or offer Buy One Get Ones (BOGO) on items to entice the consumer to shop at their store. When I worked full time I stopped clipping coupons due to lack of time.  Now that I work from home I have started back up again. On one of my grocery shopping trips I save on average $80.00 with coupons and BOGO’s. Not a bad savings. This is one of the reasons coupon cutting is gaining popularity again. This blog however is not about clipping coupons. I wanted to share some of the new ways other companies have come up with to entice customers to shop with them using the internet.  

Reward programs are a great way to save. The most common example I can think of for this is frequent flier rewards.  Each time you fly with a particular airline you accumulate points. Companies are making deals with other companies. You use a certain credit card and you receive double points for your frequent flier miles.  Since I do not fly much this reward program is not very helpful for me. Some chain stores offer rewards each time you shop for certain products.

Our local chain drug store (CVS) offers reward dollars when you purchase products they specify in their weekly circulars. For example if purchase Maxwell House coffee you will receive one dollar towards your next in-store purchase or if you belong to their rewards program you will get an extra dollar off savings. No coupon required.

Walgreens has a prescription savings plan-If you lack or have insufficient drug coverage, then join our 2 million members for discount pricing on your medications.

Prescription Savings Club membership is risk free. If you don’t save more than the cost of your membership during the course of the year of your membership, then we’ll refund the difference.

For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5.

Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. Other benefits include:

• Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
• Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
• Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens and Nice! brand products and photofinishing services

Businesses are finding new ways to use the power of the Internet.  When customers shop their store online it opens up a whole new customers base.  Local stores can market around the world or add an additional way to market to locals.   A good few good examples of how companies are taking advantage of reaching new customers and how customers can save big is

Groupons .  How does it work? Each day you check your email, Facebook or Twitter feeds for daily deals on cool local businesses.  Pass along deals by email or broadcast them to your social networks. Print the voucher or bring it up on your mobile device, then present it at the business to get your deal.
 Living Social  is similar but with the additional incentive to share.  Each day, they  send you one deeply discounted deal to use at local businesses. Sign up to get daily email.
Click to Buy

Purchase  daily deals with one easy click. You will receive a link to your voucher the next business day. It’s that simple!

Share for a Free deal- After you buy the deal, you’ll get a unique link to share. If three people buy the deal using your link, then your deal is free.

When you sign up you will pick your city but there are also items that are not limited to our city.   Groupon and Social Living use online stores and pass the savings on to you.

There are more and more of these sites popping up on the Internet.

Plum District.com and  Mamasource by Mamapedica.com are two I use often.

Referral based companies, This is my favorite and most used way to save money. 

I purchase my everyday essentials online with a company that rewards its customers with loyalty shopping dollars and a thank you check for referrals.

Every month I go online and shop for my everyday essential, Household cleaners, bath and body products, vitamins, make-up and skin care. I get prices the products are higher quality than what you will find in your local stores and they are non-toxic so they are safer for my family.  Just like all online stores my products are delivered to my door. In exchange for being a loyal shopper member receive $100 in free products. Each month for five months new members chose $20 in free products. After that the company will give 10% of each monthly purchase back to the customer to spend on additional products.  You also receive a one-time referral  “Thank you “ check for customers you refer and who become members.  Here is the new part. You continue to receive a check each time that customer shops. I have been with this company for three years and have referred customers who love the products and connivance of shopping online.  I earn a thank you check large enough to pay for my products and earn some too.  If you want to know who this is you will have to contact me. I will be happy to share all the details.

I hope this helps you find new ways to save money and still be able to afford those great products you use and love.