A Billion Acts of Green....

I am dedicating this week's blogs (that is when I do actually blog) to Earth Day.

April 22, 2011

Make sure to check out Earth Day Network.  The site chuckful of infromation!

You can share your commitment for Earth Day.

You can start your own Earth Day Event.

You can locate a local even to attend.

The options are endless!

Extreme Couponing...

Have you seen this new craze Extreme Couponing on TLC Wednesday and Sunday nights?  I have watched it once and it just amazes me how these families are able to but over $1,200.00 worth of groceries for $100.00.  However, I don't find it complete necessary to buy 44 bottles of mustard.  This "couponing" is a full-time job in itself.  These families plan their trips out before they go and there is a lot of prep work that goes into their shopping trips.
This "extreme couponing" seems to be almost a hoarding disease.  Who needs over 100 rolls of toilet paper shoved under their 3 year old's bed?  Regardless, it was intriguing to watch them safe an abundance of money.
After watching the show I "googled" couponing.  I came across a blog,  Couponing 101.  The blog updates your on weekly/daily deals/sales.  Some posts are broken down by individual store's sale.  The author of the blogger also attaches coupons with the sales to save additional money.
I can't say that I will ever save over 90% of my grocery bill, but I will take tips that Couponing 101 has to offer.

The Longevity of Smiling

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Go Green or Go Home....

I am BIG on recycling!

(unfortunately, I can't say I have recycled boys...)

For those of you who don't know Earth Day is on April 22nd (I am sure that day's blog will be all about it and leading up to it I will blog about it - just like today).  I am a devote recycler.  I do my best to recycle all paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, etc that I would like to "trash".  Techincally, our recycables should be much larger than our garbage!  I also use reuseable bags when I go shopping.  I have no desire to use nor waste those plastic bags (that is just bag for the environment).  However, if you do find yourself with a mound of shopping bags you can recycle them at your closet supermaket (most locations have a receptcale at the enterance/exit).  Also, there are a handful of grocery stores and superstores (Target, etc) will credit you 5 cents per reuseable bag!  Who knew saving the Earth could also pay back!!!!

I was just browsing Real Simple Magazine's website (who's motto is: life made easier, every day) and came across a useful article on What You Can Recycle (for those of you who are beginners to the recycling world) and How to Recycle Anything.  If you have time check it out!

Don't forget to plan something on the 22nd to celebrate Earth Day!  I once had all my co-workers donate a dollar which we donated (ended up planting 22 trees) and clean up our parking lot (which was a total mess at the time).  Remember the smallest thing can make a huge difference!!



Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Back in Action!!

I have been missing in action!!  My computer was getting fixed for the past week and a half (I have been slightly lost without it). I was told that the computer would be done by Wednesday.  On Thursday when I realized that I hadn't received an update I call up to see what the status was.  That was when I was informed that it "should" be done on Friday.  So, on Friday I called up on my walk home and of course was put on a hold for a good ten minutes.  I ended up stopping by since it was on my way home.  That was when I was told again that it would be done later that night or by 10 a.m. on Saturday.  Well, I never received a called on Saturday......I finally got the phone call today.  Needless to say I am glad I no longer need to deal with that frustration and I have my computer back. (sigh)

I feel awful that I haven't blogged in over two weeks! I feel that I have been neglecting The Meaningful Smile!



Painting by: Anat Ronen

I hope to blog everyday now!  However, it does seem a bit difficult to do after a long day of work!  The new job is going well.  The days fly by since they are filled with so much to do and the hours are long.  So, unfortunately that last thing I want to do when I get home is turn on the computer (since I have been on one all day).

I hope to keep the promise to myself to blog at least every other day....