Attn Men: Groupon Valentine's Day Deals You Cannot Pass By

Valentine's day is around the corner. Just a mere 2 weeks away. Have you thought about what to get your girl and don't have a clue? Have you looked at your bank account, wishing you had more to spend? Or, are you like me, and enjoy a fabulous deal that will make your love squeal with joy? Well, guys- here is an amazing deal for you!

Head to GROUPON TODAY to purchase her a nice pair of Swarovski crystal earrings! Only $19 shipped! Yes, you heard me right, that is including shipping to your door in time for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend doesn't know it yet, but this is what he got me! ;)

Head over to GROUPON to get your girl this fabulous gift, at 70% OFF!

Superfood Series - Blueberries

What's so super about them?

They're possibly the ultimate superfood. Some nutritionists believe that if you make only one change to your diet, it should be to add blueberries.

Just 100g (4oz) of blueberries contain the same amount of age-defying antioxidants as five servings of other fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants help guard against a range of cancers, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and cataracts, Alzheimer's and age-related neurological diseases.

By preventing infectious bacteria from clinging to the wall of the gut, bladder and urethra, blueberries also offer protection against cystitis.

Key ingredients?

High in vitamin C and a good source of fibre, blueberries have a compound, pterostilbene, which acts to protect the heart in the same way as cholesterol-lowering drugs. They also contain anthocyanins, which give them their blue colour. Other flavonoids reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. There is also resveratrol, which again is believed to have an anti-cancer effect.

Does it boost brainpower?

Yes. A US university study showed that blueberries slow down mental ageing. When older rats were fed the fruit for two months, they navigated mazes faster and had improved balance and co-ordination. In humans, about 100g a day can stimulate the growth of new brain cells.

Will they make me gorgeous?
Quite possibly. They contain polyphenols, which combat the effects of free radicals, a key cause of wrinkles, and so keep skin looking younger for longer. They also help the body to make collagen, which keeps skin supple.

How many calories?
A mere 83 for a cup of berries (around 145g).

How much do I need to eat?
A small cupful, about 100g a day.

How should I eat them?
In fruit salads, or sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal/grits/not cereal. Bake them in muffins, snack on them at your desk to beat sugar cravings… you get the gist. Keep a bag in the freezer, so you always have some to hand.

Recipes with blueberries:
Blueberry yogurt multigrain pancakes
Blueberry crumb bars
Blueberry goat cheese crostini
Blueberry oatmeal scones

My Fitness Pal- FREE DIET SOFTWARE!!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I work out hard. I find my way to the gym whenever I can. I push myself to the limit and love finding new, creative and challenging ways to try and achieve my fitness goals. I can't say I have never dieted- I have. I can't say that it was bad for me- it wasn't. I lost my first 20 lbs on the South Beach Diet and still use recipes that I learned from eating that way very often. I have never gained that weight back.

However, I haven't become toned and sleek, either. That, my friends, takes patience and perseverance. I have been committed to the gym for almost 2 years now. I have gone from a size 6/8 to a size 2. I just have yet to achieve that overall toned look. I had a hard time coping with the fact that even at a size 2, my body wasn't looking like that girl up there ^.

Recently, a friend of mine put a post up about her weight loss goals and how she was achieving them. MyFitnessPal.com. A free website where you can track the food you eat and the exercises you do. Not only do you track it, but you initially enter information and your goals and it will ANALYZE everything for you! There are tons of users, so most foods you can imagine are already in the database.

The big bonus here--- There is a FREE iPhone AND Android app for this site! That means, no matter where you are, you can be entering in calories consumed. I never realized how much junk I eat during the day while working. Now that those numbers are pretty much staring me right in the face, I make much better decisions for my diet.

If you are the type to cook your own meals at home, there is a place where you can enter the recipes you make and get the breakdown in calories, protein, fat, etc. I think this is great for everyone- whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It's important that you know what is going in your body, and My Fitness Pal makes it easy to keep track and look at your own personal diet trends.

SOPA/ PIPA- What you need to know

I've been searching the internet for a good explaination of what is going on that isn't several pages long. I found an article written by James, manager or crashmasters on his website, crashmasters.com. Thank you, James- for putting this in a way that everyone can understand.

Here is that article. Please read it.

Hey everyone, James here with a little bit of a wake up call for you.

Over the past few months, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and other various media associations have been pushing for the Stop Online Piracy Act (S.O.P.A.) and the Protect-IP Act (P.I.P.A.) to pass through our Senate and House of Representatives. But what do these bills mean to YOU?

I am sure a lot of you are going to look at the first name and say, “Oh, well, it is just there to stop piracy! That is a GOOD deed!”

Yes, it is. However; what else is in this bill? Is the MPAA simply trying to shut down online movie pirates? Or is there something more? Since most piracy sites are hosted OUTSIDE of the US, there is only one thing they can do. They can block “infringing” domain names from being accessed by United States Citizens via their ISP.

I know what you are thinking, “I thought our traffic was anonymous?!”

Yes, in most cases, it is. However, with either of these acts, ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) and web sites like Google (the largest, and most widely used search provider in the world) would be forced to hand over logs of traffic, and search results. So even if you delete that certain history from your computer, Comcast, Frontier, and even Google, will have to give it up the results, and WHO YOU ARE, just because the government says so.

Here is a short video to break down exactly what is going on. Mind you, this is BOTH bills in a nut shell. It is much worse, and more secure than you think.

Protect IP and SOPA in a Nut Shell

I assume I have your attention now?  As the video states; this does not just effect businesses, and larger websites. This effects YOU.

Allow me to put this into clearer terms, and this will be the end of my rant.

Say you go to a local Karaoke bar. Your best friend, boy/girlfriend gets up and sings their heart out, or falls on their face. Either way, it is hilarious and awesome. You videotape said friend/significant other and upload that video to YouTube.

A few days, or even hours, later; your video is removed, and you have an e-mail, or letter in your inbox saying that Warner Music, or Sony/BMG, is about to sue you for everything you own because you infringed on their material.

Oh, and did I mention it is up to a 5 year felony?

And all you wanted to do was get a laugh.

Welcome to the “future” of the internet if you do not speak up. Think it would not happen to you? Remember the baby in the video? Because this new bill negates and destroys the “Fair Use Act” and the “Freedom of Information Act”, Sony and Warner can WIN. Easily, I might add.

Speak up, internet. Whether you just Facebook all day, or are the hardest of all hardcore bloggers. Shoot over to http://fightforthefuture.org/pipa/ and send that email to your local congressman/woman and let your voice be heard. Customize it, or just send it out the way it was formatted. Either way; your voice DOES matter.

-James

Manager of Crashmasters Computer Sales and Repair

Groupon- It's Worth It!

If you have never used Groupon, you are missing out. Groupon is a daily deal site that offers area attractions at 50% (give or take). I was never a huge Groupon person until I started pulling those purse strings tighter. I only purchase what I feel is a good value and that I will use (as they do expire, eventually). So far I have gotten $3 movie tickets, $10 dinners for 2 and attraction tickets at over 70% off.

Groupon also has a "Goods" link as well. Most recently they have posted many items that will help you get back on the New Years Resolution bandwagon. I have my eye on the $20 Shawn T's Rockin' Body set. That's a STEAL!

Visit GROUPON now! Sign up and start saving! (Everything I have purchased I would have done anyway at full price.)  

Top 5 Regrets

This is an article I shared on facebook. It's a worthwhile read and makes you think if you are living a life you'd be proud of living.

 

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

 

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.

That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what  others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Super Hot Game Coupons!

There are some super-hot new game coupons that you should print now and take advantage of these awesome match-ups.  Grab these for gifts or family game night!

Target:

	Pictionary Card Game – $5.89 $5 printable = $.89 each

	Jenga – $9.89 $3 printable = $6.89 each

	Cranium Brain Breaks – $12.99 $3 printable = $9.99 each

	Catch Phrase – $19.99 $5 printable = $14.99 each

	Electronic Catch Phrase – $24.29 $5 printable = $19.29 each

	Pictionary – $26.99 $5 printable = $21.99 each

	Taboo – $28.49 $5 printable = $23.49 each

Walmart:

	UNO Pictionary Card Game – $5.88 $5 printable (doesn’t specify a version) = $.88 after coupon

	Cranium Brain Breaks – $12.96 $3 printable = $9.96 each

	Taboo – $19.84 $5 printable = $14.84 each

Electronic Catch Phrase – $24.97 $5 printable = $19.97 each

The Tummy Tuck: Courtesy of Fit Chicks

Time to tone that tummy! On paper it looks easy, but when you do it,  you see/understand just how effective this workout is. You'll be holding plank for about 12 minutes. Don't worry you won't really notice. ;) Its cardio, strength, and core all rolled into a beautiful ball called the Tummy Tuck! That's right keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket! No need for surgery! If you do this workout 3 times a week, along with a healthy diet, you'll see some major improvement in your abdominal strength and overall appearance.

For this workout all you need is an exercise mat, an interval timer, some water, and a towel.  Now if you don't have an interval timer, there is an app for android phones, called the HIIT interval timer, and it's free .  As you can see from the picture on the left you can set it for intervals of work and rest.  I love it!  Download that app! It's a must have. Now during this workout, I want you to be mindful of your core. I want you to engage your abs, remember to pull you belly button towards your spine, and don't forget to breath. Give it your all, do your best.  There will be video's on how to perform the exercises after the breakdown. Enjoy! =)




Set your interval timer for 2 interval's. The first interval will be 45 seconds and the second will be for 30 seconds. Set it for 4 rounds. If you do not have access to an interval timer. You can use a stop watch or just watch the clock. :) You will be performing these exercises in circuit format(one after another). There are three stations in this workout. For the third station you will not need your interval timer.

Station 1

Spider Man Planks 45 seconds
      
 Plank Hold 30 seconds

Plank to pushup 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Plank leg lift for 45 seconds

Plank hold for 30 seconds

Mountain Climbers for 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat  ONLY if you are advanced, if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 2
Bicycle Crunches 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (left side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left side) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (right side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right side) 30 seconds

Mason Twists 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left Side) 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat ONLY if you are advanced if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 3
Leg raises 15 reps

Reverse Crunch 15 reps

Super Man's 15 reps

Reach Unders 15 reps per side

Rest for 1 minute and Repeat (beginners too)
 
 
 

Plank Hold 

Side Plank Hold 

 Spider Man Planks

 

Plank Leg Lift

 

Plank to Pushup

 

Mountain Climbers

 

Bicycle Crunches

 

Side Crunches

 

Mason Twist

 

Leg Raises

 

Reverse Crunch

 

Super Man's (Back Extensions)

Reach Unders

Super Foods

It's a New Year. I have no resolutions that have to do with dieting. However, I do want to make sure that I add more fresh produce into my diet.

That is my small change. In the next year, I will be posting about different foods and the reason that they are nutritious. Some of them are even considered "Super Foods". Be on the look out for those in the future.

Here's to a healthy, fulfilling and frugal 2012!

Gloating About Zingerman's

Warning: I will be doing some major gloating in this post. Thank you.

I can't contain my excitement. I just made the hugest score in office baked goods history. The legal department gets TONS of goods sent from vendors during the holidays. I try to avoid that department until after the holidays. By then, all the really tempting stuff is usually gone. HOWEVER, this year they received a whole slew of Zingerman's Bakehouse items.

Here in Wisconsin, people do not know what Zingerman's is. The legend that is Zingerman's pretty much is reserved for those in Michigan and those who have once travelled to the Ann Arbor area. My 3 year stint living in Ann Arbor leaves me craving after these delicious morsels of delight.

I will be taking home Black Magic Brownies and a Hot Cocoa Cake. (I didn't want to get too greedy and take everything!)

If you ever get to Ann Arbor, I seriously urge you to get a sandwich at Zingerman's Deli. Even though the line wraps around the corner most days- the wait is worth it. My favorite is the 'Menage a Turkey'. If you want something fancier, try Zingerman's Roadhouse. The Tart Cherry soda is fantastic. For baked goods- Zingerman's Bakehouse.