OK, here’s a new app that I can really use (and you probably can, too!) I can’t say that I am a huge early adopter, but now that I put the Starbucks app on my phone and automatically collect rewards and can easily reload to get my coffee without a card or cash, I am SOLD on that convenience.
Enter Gyft – a digital gift card platform that enables you to manage your gift cards. All you need is your smart phone to hold, redeem and even send gift cards. First you upload all of the balances to your phone by typing in each card’s information and saving to your virtual “wallet”. Then, the next time you’re at one of the stores, open the app, click on the card and show it to the cashier. Voila! Also, if you have cards you don’t use, you can regiftsend cards–via email or text message–to friends who could actually use them. (Extra bonus- I got $10 in gift cards for signing up.)
A recent study estimated that $6 billion worth of gift cards go unredeemed every year–extra incentive to get yours together or send to folks who will use them. If you have gift cards that you won’t use, but don’t want to give away, check out this review of ten gift card exchange sites, or their #1 rated site Plastic Jungle, to learn more about trading or selling unwanted gift cards.
Links I Like on Beating the Winter Blues:
I wrote on Monday about “Blue Monday” (a/k/a the most depressing day of the year). This is psuedo-science, but is was proposed that the 3rd Monday in January is the most depressing in this hemisphere due to: shortest daylight of the year, winter weather, debt from holidays and lapse of New Year’s resolutions.
> My friends at the Greatist had some interesting articles on beating SAD (or just feeling good in the winter!):
– 6 Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – learn more and try some of these fixes like light therapy, spending time outdoors, exercise and eating complex carbs. Check it out!
– They also tried a few gadgets that may help like special sunglasses and “the HappyLight” – sounds like both are a maybe!
> From MindBodyGreen:
– 10 Ways to Appreciate the Darkest Days of the Year – these include taking a break, staying warm, being creative and expressing gratitude. Some great ideas for recharging and making it through the winter!
– 5 Food Tips to Beat the Winter Blues – recommendations for vitamins and what and when to eat to keep energy up.
> Here are some do’s and don’ts from Huffington Post for fighting winter blues – HINT: don’t oversleep and blow off exercise!
What do you do to fight the winter blues? I am heading to sunny California for the weekend… now if only it was going to be sunny 🙁
A Friend’s Find Freebie and Some Fun Friday Deals:
Many thanks to Amy for sending me this (much needed) freebie in several cities across the country including Chicago! Free 30 minute make up consultation at Make Up Forever. Click HERE to reserve a free time!
> Also from Amy (and Lisa F, too!) – I love KIND Bars (and they are an awesome company, too). Check out this Groupon for $10 for $25 Toward KIND Bars and Healthy Grains from KIND
> Fight the Chicago winter blues with exercise! Try this great deal on boxing classes at LA Boxing from Living Social or this one for Boot Camp or Personal Training at the Urban Athlete from Rue La La.
> I am not sure if these work – I have a message out to my cousin who is a dentist – but check out 80% off teeth whitening pens from Smile Sciences at Now! from SpaFinder.
> Get 44% Off Pro Compression Calf Sleeves with the code GB300 at checkout.
> I am intrigued by a few New York Rue La La deals, too. (Not on Rue La La? click here to sign up – it’s free!) Check out:
– This deal on custom made shirts for women from Rebecca & Drew in NYC (can be ordered online, too)
– Great deals on “Mad Men” Walking Tours – I would love that one – especially with Mad Men style cocktails!
Well, that is all I have for now! Happy Friday ALL! I will announce the winner of my KonaKase and energy stuffs give away on Sunday!