Greetings from the Arctic! Well, OK, I'm really in northern California, but you wouldn't know it based on this winter. We've just come out of several snow storms in the last few weeks and we are currently getting tons of rain. I don't mind rain, it melts the snow and we need the water, but a day or two break would be nice. I hope most of you are finding better weather than we are, but I know it's been a tough winter for pretty much everyone. I've included some pictures of my backyard and my dog Sammy enjoying the snow. She likes it for about five minutes and then she's ready to come inside, pretty much the same as me!
I also hope that you have not been affected too much by the craziness going on with our economy. If you spend anytime watching the news, you would think the world is coming to an end. I've been avoiding the news, just trying to stay on top of the important information and then turning it off. I really believe that the best way to live is to focus on those things we can control and let go of the rest. Worrying about what you can't control is an exercise in futility and leads to unnecessary and destructive stress.
I decided to share with you this month some of my favorite ways to save money. These are easy things you can do that are mainly internet-based and can be trusted because I have been using them for quite a while. I hope you find some interesting ideas.
I wanted to include the second part of my article on Oprah and her weight struggle, but I will have to save it for next month due to time and space needed for this issue. So please look for that in March.
And even though winter is almost (supposedly) over, I haven't shared with you my article on maintaining weight during the winter so I've included it. I hope you find it helpful.
Until next month, take care, stay warm, and think spring thoughts!
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I'm always on the lookout for ways to save money and it seems any little thing can be helpful given the current state of the economy. Here are some of the cool things I've come across in the last few years that I or friends or family use that are quite helpful. These are only a few, I will share more next month.
- www.gofreebies.com: Go Freebies - this site offers lots of different fre*e offers like samples or promotional items. I usually will send in for one or two items per email. They send out an email everyday. I use a separate email address for many of these sites so I can track if my email is being sold. I know that this company has not sold my address and I haven't had any problems from the companies I requested items from which is really great.
- http://groups.google.com/group/freebiefinder/web/: This is a Google Group you will need a Google account which is no cha*rge and easy to set up. This is one of my favorite groups. Every week or so they compile a huge list of offers. I've requested all kinds of things from shampoo and lotion to cereal and cookies. They also have tons of things for kids. Sometimes the offers require you make purchases first, but they will mention that right on the list in the group so you can ignore them.
- http://groups.yahoo.com/: Freecycle on Yahoo Groups - this link is for the main Yahoo Groups site because you will need to search for Freecycle in your area. Just type in Freecycle and your city name, or the major city near you. I love Freecycle. People who are cleaning out closets, moving, and other reasons will have things that they want to get rid of but don't want to throw it away or bother selling it on Ebay, which is a lot of work. They just post what they have and you can email that person and go pick it up. You can even make a request for something you might be looking for. I asked for a composting bin one day, thinking that would never happen, and someone wrote me that had one and I picked it up and it was in great condition. I have found members to be honest and most items are really useful things, not a lot of junk.
- http://groups.yahoo.com/: Cheapcycle on Yahoo Groups - same as Freecycle, but members are selling items, usually for a really low price.
Here are a few other things I wanted to share:
- www.carecredit.com: Care Credit is a program that you have to apply for. They offer no-interest financing for veterinary bills. I have a dog, cat, and three birds (and a homeless cat that has essentially decided that she will be living with us - they know where to find me!) and vet bills are really high when one of them have to go in, even with insurance. I hate the thought of having to consider cost when it comes to medical care for my pets and this can really help take that burden off.
- https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php: Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Speaking of medical care, prescriptions can be really expensive, especially when the drug is new and there is no generic option. This website allows you to find your drug and see if there is a program through the manufacturer. You can fill out the form on the site, print it out for your doctor and send it in to see if you qualify for a lower price or no cost prescriptions. I figure it's worth a shot even if you have insurance. There are some drugs my insurance won't cover and others that they charge me a lot more than my standard copay.
- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123248760842899491.html: "Cable Bill High? Phone Costs Up? Now, Let's Talk". This is a great article from the Wall Street Journal about how to approach your utility companies like phone and cable to negotiate lower rates. With all the competition now, many companies are willing to give you a better deal, but you have to know how to go about it.
- http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Intuitive
Eating_Support/: Intuitive Eating Support Yahoo Group - Of course, don't forget about the IE Yahoo group. Lots of great conversation going on over there. If you need support in your IE journey, I would check it out!
By the way, if you ever have any concerns about internet scams or those emails that people with no clue send out to their entire address book (I'm sure you have at least one friend that does this!), a great resource is www.snopes.com. They keep track of all the urban legends, especially the kind you find in forwarded emails and on the web. I also found the other day www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com which is another resource that looks helpful.
 Ebay consulting: Speaking of selling (or not selling) things on Ebay, despite the work involved it is a great way to clean out your garage or closet and make some extra money. Everytime I sell on Ebay, which I do a couple times a year, I usually make a couple thousand dollars. I can't guarantee that, it depends on what you are selling and how much stuff you have, but I typically spend about 4 weeks listing and selling for this return.There is a definite learning curve with selling on Ebay and believe me, I've spent many hours making the mistakes and learning how to do the research to get the best price and determine what to bother selling.
If you've been considering having a "garage sale" type sale on Ebay (meaning selling a bunch of different items versus making a business out of Ebay), I would love to help you! I have a really good sellers reputation, with 100% positive feedback, so I can share with you what makes buyers happy while helping you bring in the most money possible for your items. I think it would be fun to do some consulting and teach you all my secrets that I've discovered and help you learn a lot faster so you can bring in the money.
Give me a call at 866-650-6464 or email me at gillian@healthieroutcomes.com
www.Ebay.com
More money-saving ideas next month!
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February 2009
Bears do it. Squirrels and chipmunks do it. Even bees, lizards and snakes do it. Unfortunately, we humans don't. What is it? It's winter hibernation. Many animals spend the fall and early winter storing food and building up body fat to live off when the cold settles in. The ironic thing is many humans put on extra fat in the winter months as well without a need for it!
You can make it through the cold winter time without gaining weight that you frantically try to lose at the first hint of warm weather approaching. Here are some weight-maintaining tips to help you avoid the panic.
One major reason for weight gain during the winter months is a decrease in activity. Motivation to move isn't that easy to find when it's cold, damp and gray outside. Many of us continue to eat the same amount of food, despite burning fewer calories. We eat because it's meal time, we're bored, or at social events - but usually not because we are truly hungry. If you pay attention to your body and eat when you are hungry, and stop eating when you are satisfied, you will avoid eating extra calories. Your body is smart and if you are using less calories every day it will ask for less food.
Another way to prevent winter weight gain is to make a conscious effort to move more. This isn't just exercise, it's all activity. A great way to warm up in the cold morning is to spend a few minutes moving. Try a treadmill, a brisk walk around the house, or go up and down the stairs a few times. Movement will make you warmer and give your metabolism a nice kick start. Don't leave those winter chores to the kids or husband - snow shoveling, chopping wood, and carrying wood into the house are all activities that will burn calories and keep you warm. And don't forget that your dog still needs exercise. Consider your dog as an "exercise machine with hair" and get in that walk. Just be sure to wear appropriate clothing, including shoes with good traction if it's icy outside.
If you choose to exercise, you have many winter options. A great strategy for maintaining your motivation is to have home exercise activities. This way you can still work out if it's too cold outside or you don't want to drive. Indoor options include exercise DVDs, step or slide training, or even setting up your own circuit training workout (stairs, weights, jogging in place, etc.). Check your local mall - many have walking programs. Winter activities are a great way to challenge your body with something new. Try cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, or ice skating. If you are exercising at a higher elevation, be sure to take it slow and give yourself some time to get acclimated. If you have asthma or other breathing problems, be sure to check with your doctor. She may recommend a long warm up, carrying your inhaler and wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm the air before it gets to your lungs.
You don't have to settle for winter weight gain. Use these tips and you may feel so good that hibernation doesn't even cross your mind!
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After years of saying I wanted to do this, I finally took the leap and took some of my teleclasses and reports and finally put them together as products that I can offer my readers and website visitors. I'm really excited about this and I will be adding more, including the Stay in the Moment Bracelets. If you are interested in anything but want more info, just send me an email or give me a call. We're still working on expanding on the product listings. Here's the page with the products we have so far: http://www.healthieroutcomes.com/products.html
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Last month I shared an exciting new site and teleseminar program that everyone who wants to live an amazingly healthy and happy life should know about. I had the pleasure of speaking a couple of weeks ago and there are many more incredible speakers to come. The best part is you can listen to all the calls at no cha*rge! Lenore Miller, founder of Outrageously Healthy is also offering a very special upgrade to the Emerald level of membership where you can access all the recordings and much more. You can try out this membership for only $1! Go to http://www.outrageouslyhealthy.com/rep/
gillianhoodgabrielson.html to check out upcoming speakers and all the details about membership. I hope to "see" you there!
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