Though many people love the holiday season, it can be a tough time for some. The tragic events on Friday are making this season feel particularly difficult. I saw these posts on my way to work yesterday and immediately wanted to post them. Bravo Ann Curry and Nicholas Kristof!! There are so many easy ways to be kind to honor these innocents and so many people in need of that kindness. What do you think? I am going to try it – who’s with me?
Want to improve your memory? Learn more about forgetting! Confused? Check out this article from the Harvard Business Review called A Better Way to Remember. The author explains that new research suggests that to remember things better that you have to learn about forgetting (or the tipping point at which you are about to forget.) The good news is that there are tools to help. There are auto-analytics tools called “Spaced Repetition Software”, or “SRS”, that can learn the idiosyncrasies of your memory, and then “ping you to practice at the optimal time.”
Check out Memstash, a web-based “SRS” memory tool. Memstash allows you to highlight anything you want to remember on the Web and “stash it” with a convenient button on your toolbar. Whatever you have chosen will be sent to you via email or text message at just the right time (around three times per day) to ensure that you remember. If you are looking to improve your short-term memory, and are easily distracted, this reminder system is worth a shot.
There are a bunch of these tools for learning languages, remembering things you are trying to learn and just improving your short term memory. Check out some more here. For those people who get so engrossed in work that they suffer negative health effects, one website suggested using Memstash to remind you to get up and do some brief exercises during the work day. (That never happens to me!)
One last thing on memory, Spafinder also had a great article on foods to eat to improve your memory and ones to avoid. Check it out HERE.
Tools and foods worth a try? I think so. I notice my short term memory is not what it used to be. What do you do to keep your memory sharp?
Do you still have some holiday gifts to buy? There are still some last minute deals to be had!
> Gilt City and Gilt have some great gift ideas for local deals in major metros and designer gifts to be delivered. Check out some great Gilt City deals:
– For your metro spa-goer, check out 34% off on the awesome (trust me on this one!) one hour fusion massage at Exhale in: Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas and more (Sorry, NYC is sold out!)
– Know someone who likes a pretty table, but is watching his/her weight? Check out these portion control plates from Slim and Sage for up to 50% off!
– They still have 50% off at Red Envelope for great gifts (and you can still get them shipped “in time”)
– You can also get a Gilt City e-gift card, so your recipient can pick the great deal he/she wants! (Makes you look thoughtful – not late ;))
Daily Candy Deals has some great national deals, too (looks like they have discontinued local ones…):
– Check out 55% off on great stocking stuffers for Apple fanatics from iChameleons
– Crafty kids will like the monthly box from Green Kid Crafts. Try one for 50% off!
> Bloomspot also has awesome local deals (in major metros) on food, spa and services and travel deals, too! Check it out HERE. Online offers I like:
– 55% off on 3 or 6 month unlimited online yoga from Yogis Anonymous
– great deals on hard bound photo books from Photobin – up to 75% off – great way to capture holiday memories!
– 50% off on gifts for the home from Winward Designs
> Rue La La pre-empted their 11 AM sale yesterday and offered a tribute to those lost in Newtown and suggested a donation to the Western Connecticut United Way’s special campaign. Another great idea!
That’s all for now! Is everyone done shopping?