I want to take you back to Christmas, 2 years ago. (December 2021). Hubby and I were headed to New York City, because let’s face it…nobody does Christmas like the Big Apple.

We were staying in a beautiful hotel about two blocks from the subway. Those two blocks were almost straight uphill. We almost died. Or thought we did. We literally discussed calling a taxi to drive us those two uphill blocks to the subway station. Now that is pitiful. (We didn’t do it). When we returned home, we both came to the conclusion that we were too young to be huffing and puffing walking a couple of blocks. Okay – so maybe they weren’t straight uphill, but that’s certainly the way it felt because we were painfully out of shape.

We decided that a far more healthy diet and (gulp!) exercise needed to be tops on our resolution list for the year. My husband had never stepped foot into a gym, and although I had gone in the past, it had been years. It was really a daunting prospect. But we knew that there was a Planet Fitness 2 minutes from our house, so why not check it out? We wouldn’t be able to use distance as an excuse! We’d seen the commercials and thought it might work for us. Of course I’m thinking that once I step foot inside the gym, they’ll lock me in until I do a 2-hour cardio and weight training workout and make me sign away my firstborn in a 27-year contract. With Planet Fitness, that was SO not true!

First of all, they’re extremely warm and welcoming. They gave us a tour, and there were no hulking bodybuilders giving us the evil eye. We were impressed with the equipment, the cleanliness (it doesn’t smell like a locker room), the staff and the training. And there’s no hard sell to get you to join.

Ultimately I joined and got the black card – and because black card members get to bring someone every time they visit, hubby didn’t need to join. Let’s face it, he wasn’t going to go without me anyway. For those of you interested, the black card includes

We also loved the fact that there are several TVs and you can just bring earbuds, plug into whatever machine you’re using and watch your favorite show.

Okay – I have to admit it was several weeks after we actually joined that we got up the courage to put on workout clothes and go to work out. And we were a bit shocked because the first thing that greeted us when we walked in the door was a counter full of pizza. Uhhh…what? Yep – they actually have pizza the first Monday night of every month as a treat, I kid you not.

We have been going ever since. I even go with a group of girlfriends several times a week and we have fun…no, really, we do. I never thought I’d be the person who said I’d have fun working out…but we do!

So you’re probably thinking, “I don’t have time,” or “I can’t afford it,” or “People will laugh at me.” I promise you that none of those reasons will hold up. Do you really want to take care of you? Don’t you deserve it? Doesn’t your family deserve a healthy you? First of all, I realize it’s tough to get in the habit, but since most Planet Fitness locations are open 24/7, certainly you can carve out a few times a week for yourself.

And the cost? Right now it’s phenomenal! (But only until January 15th…so hurry!).

You can join for just $1 down and $10 a month with NO commitment. Cancel whenever you want. One dollar is less than a cup of coffee, and if you skip going out to lunch just once, you’ll pay for the entire month at Planet Fitness. Check it out here.

I really can’t stress enough how much easier Planet Fitness is for those of us who are not “gym people”. And something else I’ve noticed? Other members are so supportive. Have trouble figuring out how to use a machine? Someone will jump in and show you. I love the circuit – it’s a room with several machines that you use in order – when you’re done with all of the machines in the circle, you’re done with your workout. Nothing to think about – no workout to plan. But if you need it, just know that free fitness training is included with your membership.

And because I’m a grammar perfectionist, I want you to know that I didn’t misspell ‘Judgement’ in the heading of my post. When Planet Fitness came out with their tagline “Judgement Free Zone”, they misspelled the word accidentally, but then decided it made them different and gave them character. I agree!

So go give them a dollar and join. If you don’t think it’s worth it, just rummage through the couch cushions and get the dollar back. But I bet ya’ a dollar that won’t happen!

Check out their social media to learn more!

• Facebook: @planetfitness
• Twitter: @PlanetFitness
• Instagram: @planetfitness

How to Save Money on Your Auto Insurance

You’re a frugal shopper, always on the lookout for sales, coupons, discounts, deals, and other ways to save money. But have you ever thought about saving money on your auto insurance? Most auto insurance companies offer numerous discounts that fall into three broad categories:

1. Vehicle discounts
2. Policy discounts
3. Driver discounts

When you’re comparison shopping for car insurance, check on which discounts each company offers. Even when the company’s website lists its discounts, it’s always a good idea to call their customer service number or a local agency and ask about other possible discounts. Here are some of the typical discounts that most auto insurance companies offer.

1. Vehicle Discounts

Any type of safety equipment that’s in your vehicle can be a discount candidate. Virtually all newer model vehicles have automatic seat belts and airbags on both the driver side and the passenger side. Many have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that helps your car maintain traction and prevent skidding on wet or slippery pavement. If your car has daytime running lights and/or adaptive headlights such as night vision lights that bend with the vehicle’s movement around curves and when turning, that’s another discount possibility.

Additional safety equipment your car might have includes a lane departure warning system, blind spot detection, a rearview camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Car insurance companies love anti-theft and stolen vehicle recovery systems since they make it less likely that the company will have to pay a stolen vehicle claim.

2. Policy Discounts

What you insure, how you pay your premiums, and how long you’ve been with your insurance company all can influence the cost of your premiums. Insurance companies appreciate loyal customers and often offer policy renewal discounts. They also appreciate the amount of business you give them. If you own more than one vehicle, insure all of them with one company by means of a multi-vehicle policy. If possible, pay your premiums annually or semiannually rather than monthly. And always pay your premiums on time.

Bundling various types of policies with the same company also makes good financial sense. Discounts typically are available for maintaining your auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, life insurance, motorcycle or RV insurance, and/or boat insurance all with the same company.

3. Driver Discounts

Virtually everyone in your family from teenagers to seniors can qualify for an auto insurance discount. If your young drivers take an approved driver education course and/or maintain a good grade point average at school, they’ll more than likely be eligible for a discount. Likewise, both they and the adults in your family may well qualify for a good driver discount by keeping their driving records free of accidents and traffic violation convictions. Moving violations like speeding, reckless driving, and especially DWI/DUI are major red flags for insurance companies and are sure to increase your insurance rates.

Senior driver discounts usually become available when a driver reaches 50 years of age. Seniors also often qualify for a discount if they take a defensive driving course tailored to older drivers. Many of these are available online, but be sure to check with your insurance company before enrolling in one. Most states have specific approved courses; taking an unapproved course will not benefit seniors in terms of an auto policy discount. If you live in our nation’s capital, call your Washington DC insurance agency to find out which courses are approved.

4. Other Discounts

In addition to the above discounts, many auto insurance companies offer discounts for such things as:

• AARP membership
• Retired military status
• Low mileage
• Certain occupations
• Certain professional degrees
• New customer
• Online shopping

It’s easy to save money on your auto insurance when you shop for discounts. Always be proactive about asking for discounts and always contact your insurance company whenever there’s a status change in your family. Remember, making the honor roll at school or celebrating that 50th birthday can bring financial rewards as well as bragging rights!

Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity that heals children’s smiles, forever changing their lives.

As an international charity for children, we measure ourselves by the joy we see on all of the faces we help. At Operation Smile, we’re more than a charity. More than an NGO. We’re a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft. One in 10 of those children will die before their first birthday. The children who survive are often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places, they are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can’t afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a productive life.

Every child deserves access to safe, quality surgical care. Every child deserves a future filled with hope.

And now, when you rent your college textbooks from CampusBookRentals.com, you are helping them to donate to Operation Smile with every book rented. You’ll save a ton of money by renting books instead of purchasing them. Keep them as long as yo need them and you can even highlight in them without a penalty. Shipping is always free both ways. Check it out!

And a new way to help with those college expenses is allowing your old books to be rented out! Rentback.com will rent your textbooks to another student…and another…and another…and YOU make the cash! Check out this video to see how it works:

Anti-tarnishing paper

Place a piece of white chalk in your silver or jewelry chest to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.

Fan duster

Slip an old pillowcase over each blade of a ceiling fan, then apply mild pressure as you peel it off. The dust will stay in the case.

Vase cleaner

To get glass vases sparkling clean, fill three-quarters with hot water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and shake. Let stand overnight; rinse.

Cord organizer

Store cords tangle-free by winding each one back and forth, then inserting it into an empty toilet paper tube.

Plant duster

Clean and shine the leaves of houseplants by wiping them down with the inside of a banana peel.

Paint remover for skin

To take off oil-based paint on your skin, put a little extra-virgin olive oil on a soft cloth and rub clean.

Weed killer

Instead of using harsh chemicals, spray vinegar in the cracks of your walkway to get rid of weeds.

Grill degreaser

To maintain a clean barbecue grill, sprinkle dry baking soda on a damp brush, scrub, then rinse.

To see previous household products you don’t need to buy, click here.

Mirror Cleaner

Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream (the old-fashioned white kind, not a gel variety), then wipe with a soft cloth. This tip also helps keep the mirror fog-free after showers.

Blind duster

Use an antistatic spray on blinds to keep dust from piling up.

Antibacterial bathroom cleaner

To kill bathroom germs, spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Silver jewelry polish

Using a soft toothbrush, scrub pieces of silver jewelry with a bit of toothpaste containing baking soda. Rinse with warm water to restore sparkle.

Drawer lubricant

Unstick drawers and keep them sliding smoothly by rubbing the runners with a candle or bar of soap.

To see previous household items you don’t need to buy, click here.

In this economy, it’s more important than ever to save money where you can! Luckily, the internet has made it a lot easier to find savings, coupons, freebies and more. With just a few clicks to certain websites, you can save a ton on things like shopping, eating out, buying groceries, services like haircuts, oil changes, and all manner of things. The savings are there for the taking if you know where to find them!

One good way to find promo codes is online. You’ve probably gotten envelopes full of coupons in the mail, but did you know that there are plenty online offers, too? I recently came across some websites and just checked their restaurant deals. I was thrilled to find a coupon for our favorite pizza place here in our city! And I noticed that they had promo codes for some of my favorite stores, too, like Macy’s and Kohl’s. And Walmart… And Bed, Bath & Beyond. And I could go on and on!

I was also happy to see that many of these sites have mobile apps, too! I’m getting more and more into having coupons and savings at my fingertips via my mobile. That way, when I’m out and about, I can check their app to find out if there’s a promo code or coupon for a particular store where I’m shopping. It simply couldn’t be easier or more accessible.

And for all of you grocery couponers, many of these sites have your printables, too!

I was excited to find all of this, because some of the sites are like a “one stop shopping” site for savings. It’s much easier than trying to visit site after site: one for restaurant deals, one for grocery coupons, one for department stores. Who has time for that?? Not this girl!

Check out some savings sites and everything that they can offer you! It’s now easier than ever to find savings within just a few minutes!

Wall filler

You can use white toothpaste to fill in errant holes in your walls. As long as the walls are painted white, the toothpaste will blend right in.

Scuff remover

To get rid of scuff marks, rub the inside of a banana peel over silverware, leather shoes and leather furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth. Be sure to test on a small, inconspicuous section first.

Wallpaper cleaner

Soft chunks of crustless white bread will get smudges off wallpaper and wipe away fingerprints and other grime.

Hardwater stain remover

To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

Drain cleaner

Sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with a pot of boiling water.

Thanks to All You for these money-saving tips!

Save on Milk…Really???

Fast forward one week: I happened to have a gallon of whole milk for various reasons (we usually have skim!). There was about ½ gallon left in the jug, and I filled it with water. I tried it and could not tell! That evening, my husband had milk with his dinner. Two glasses! I did not say anything to him about my sneaky little trick, and he actually said, “I guess I should enjoy this whole milk since we’ll be going back to skim after it’s gone!” I just smiled…until he was finished. I told him of my experiment and he was speechless.

Just a few days ago, my husband actually ‘diluted’ some 1% milk and could not tell the difference.

So…if you buy whole or 2% milk and fill half of the gallon with water, you will get two gallons for the price of one! (Save a gallon jug and pour half of the milk into the empty container, filling the rest with water).