Money, it’s such a small thing to hold in your hand, and yet one of the largest worries for almost everyone worldwide.  For thousands of years the exchange of money, either in the form of commodities or paper currency, has been a measure of value and worth.

Back in the day, non-monetary societies goods and services were generally given without any explicit agreement for immediate or future compensation.  If bartering took place it was generally between strangers or potential enemies (think back to Cortez and the Mexicans or Christopher Columbus and the Native Americans).

Money in the form of currency first hit the scene in Mesopotamia and was further developed by the Babylonians who can be blamed for developing the concept of debt (as well as legal contracts and laws relating to business practices and private property) and enforced by the Code of Hammurabi, Code of Eshnunna, and the Lipit of Ishtar of Isin!

Standard coins began to appear around the fourth millennium BC in Egypt with gold bars although silver bars had also been used earlier in Mesopotamia.  Eventually, coinage was adopted across the Greek mainland during the 6th century BC, and led to the dominance of the Athenian Empire in the 5th century.

Many metals were used to produce coins however, Spanish and English traders preferred gold to anything else.  Paper currency was originally developed by China during the Tang Dynasty during the 7^th century and became prevalent with the expansion of European trade toward the end of the Middle Ages.  Bills of exchange became prevalent with the expansion of European trade toward the end of the Middle Ages.

“Nota di bancos” were used in every part of Europe during the fourteenth century as method of allowing the holder to collect gold or silver deposited with a banker and internationally banknotes were issued in the form of promissory notes based on virtual currency.

Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first colony in the United States to circulating banknotes.  By the 18^th century fixed denominations and printed banknotes came into use.

Today marks the day (July 14, 1969) in which the $100 bill officially became the largest banknote printed in the United States.  Prior denominations included the $500, $1000, $10,000, and $100,000 bills.

Here are some interesting facts about the $100 bill that might interest you:

• The average life of a $100 bill in circulation is 89 months (7 years) before it is replaced due to wear and tear.
• The hands of the clock in the steeple of Independence Hall on the reverse of the $100 Federal Reserve Note are set at approximately 4:10.
• The numeral four on the clock face is incorrectly written as “IV” whereas the real Independence Hall clock face has “IIII”.
• The bill is one of two current notes that does not feature a President of the United States
• The Series 2009 $100 bill redesign was unveiled on April 21, 2010, and was to be issued to the public in February 11, 2011, but production was shut down in December 2010 because as many as 30% were unusable due to a manufacturing flaw.
• In 2011, the U.S. Treasury issued a newly designed $100 bill that incorporates the latest high-tech anti-counterfeiting features.
• In slang the $100 bill is commonly referred to as a yard, a bill, a C note, Big Ben, or a Benjamin.
• The widely used $ symbol, which is used to represent US Dollar, doesn’t appear on US currency at all.

If you are not necessarily graced with the presence of so many “Benjamins,” or have an emergency need that you cant scrounge up the “bills” for , or you require a few extra “yards” to cover school expenses, then perhaps you might consider a loan from 100DayLoans.com. A loan from  100DayLoans.com can provide you with a quick personal loans which can be paid back in 100 days.  Additionally, if you are approved you can earn $30.67 back in cash rewards when you apply using the beruby link.  100DayLoans.com is a great option when you find yourself in a pinch, but please keep in mind that this type of loan is not a “quick fix” for your financial woes and should applied for with care and responsibility. For more information visit 100DayLoans.com on beruby.

Earn $30.67 cash back when you are approved for an online loan with 100DayLoans.com.

Earn $15.33 cash back when a member of your network is approved for an online loan with 100DayLoans.com.

You can find 100DayLoans.com on beruby…

… here and in the category Finance>>Banks.

Hello berubiers!

As many of you know, I’ve been on vacation, hence the lack of blog posts which, I’m truly sorry about.  Never fear, I have returned well rested and full of energy and I’m hoping to bring you some fantastic offers and updates over the next few weeks.  So, be sure to check our facebook page for some great savings as well as our coupon page next week for some current offers from our top advertisers!

While I was away, I received several emails and forum posts asking how to promote beruby effectively and how to build a network so that you can generate as much beruby bucks as possible.  In response, building a network is not easy to do, but with a little time, dedication and perseverance it is entirely possible!  Below I will provide more information on what you can do to help build a network.  Please feel free to copy, paste or write the following in your own words…

In order to build a network one must answer the question, what is beruby and what can beruby do for me? When you sign up and register for something, you want to know what you are getting yourself into, right? Well, the same applies to your friends, family and various other internet users.  The best thing you can do, is educate them about what it is beruby does and how it can benefit them!

SO WHAT IS beruby? and WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

beruby is a number of different things but ultimately, beruby is a site that serves as a cashback, working to not only save you money but to give you a little cash back every month!

As a newcomer, we provide a number of advertisers who have elected to help you earn your first $10 payment, by providing you with a ‘helping hand’.  Many of these advertisers are the ones you see in the “Earn for Visiting” section.  Since beruby is not specifically a PTC website, these advertisers will no longer be represented with rubies once you have reached your first confirmed payment of $10.

There are plenty of other ways to earn however.  You can earn a little cash back by registering at websites which you already like, might want to get to know, or that have an offer you may be particularly interested in.  Additionally, you can take part in surveys and questionnaires that will help improve the services of other businesses.  Keep in mind that if you are a user who resides outside of the United States markets that many of these types of offers may not be available to you. beruby US is intended for users residing in the United States therefore, these types of offers and advertising on the web are commonly directed to United States users.

We do however, constantly work to bring our users a wider range of advertisers from these outside markets so whether you reside outside of the United States or not, there are many advertisers that offer you cashback savings and rewards when you shop with them online.  You will find all of these types of advertisers under the “Earn for Purchasing” tab.  Essentially when you make a purchase with one of these advertisers (denoted by the ruby) you will receive a cashback reward in the form of a commission.  The amount of the commissions vary so it is best to double check the terms and conditions to find out how much you can earn and any restrictions there may, or may not be, on the purchase.

To show you, our users that we can be trusted, the moment you reach your first $10, you can request payment from us. Our payments are typically issued through Paypal (although we can assist you through AlertPay as well) and immediately issued, once we have received your request.  Your payment should appear in your account within 24 hours.

We are always adding new advertisers, holding regular contests and offering promotions on our website, so we encourage you to keep checking our updates and latest news on the beruby blog, as well as our Twitter and Facebook accounts.

OK, So now that we know what beruby DOES,

HOW DO WE GET PEOPLE TO JOIN OUR NETWORK???

As a parent user, when you build your network, the most important thing to keep in mind is the people you know who might be interested in beruby. To build a successful network it is important to bring people together around the commonality of being a part of a social network where people can participate and contribute (similar to other social networks) but can also make money as well.  To entice people to join your network, there has to be a need. Why do you NEED a little beruby in your life?

The very first message you want to convey to potential users such as your friends, family and various other internet and forum users is that you can earn money on beruby however, beruby is much more than just a cash back website! beruby is a social network that gives you choices as well as an opportunity to make a little extra cash!

Not only do you have the opportunity to create your own custom profile, you can also speak to other users, comment on other users profiles, build a customized home page that incorporate all of your favorite links to facebook, twitter, as well as your favorite news, shopping and various other websites you use on a regular basis while also simplifying your shopping experience and receiving a bit of cash back in the process.

Some key words and phrases you may want to use are as follows:

• Extra Income: Earn a little extra money to cover rising costs of food, petrol, interest rates etc.
• Financial Freedom: Use the money you save and earn to pay off debts and other expenses
• Create a little more spare time: if you are generating extra income then you might be rewarded with a little extra time on your hands as well as the extra cash in the bank! Use the extra time to spend with your kids, loved ones, etc.
• Meet New People: beruby is a great place to meet positive and motivated people.  Our user base continues to grow and includes a broad range of people of various occupations, ages, religions and cultures.
• Use beruby to help pursue your dreams, start your own business, save towards your retirement… there are so many ways to motivate people!

Secondly, although beruby does contain a few advertisements, we try very hard to keep our site clean.  We do not want to bombard you with spam or irrelevant display advertisements.  This is a feature you can stress to your friends.  At beruby, we want you to feel comfortable using our site as your homepage.  We know that you could be spending your time elsewhere, and we appreciate that you have chosen to be a part of our community, therefore we want you to enjoy your experience.

To support this last statement and another great reason for being a part of beruby, is the amazing customer care we offer.  The team at beruby takes the time to personally address each and every question, concern, or comment that is sent to us by our users in a timely fashion.  Our users are extremely important to us and we want to give them the best experience possible.

Not only do we provide great customer service to our users, we also provide content rich blogs, forum articles, coupons and a variety of savings, contests and promotions.

All of the above information can be used creatively to help grow your network.  The idea behind creating a marketing network is getting the message out as positively and effectively as possible.  You can write blog posts, comment in forums, write articles, etc.  Be sure to include your custom profile link so that when people register on beruby they will register using your link and become a part of your network.

Keep in mind these strategies will not necessarily make you an overnight success but they can help you to steadily grow your beruby network.

Good luck and if you would like to offer suggestions, or would like more information and tips on building a network on beruby, feel free to write to me directly or leave your comments below

The greatest thing about beruby, is that is can be anything you want it to be!

besocial. beshopping. beruby.

Independence… what does the word mean to you?  For me when I think of freedom, I don’t necessarily associate it with the freedom from responsibility, but rather I associate it with the freedom to think radically, make a stand, dress differently or to having the freedom to disagree with others.  This is the freedom and independence to me that is so important and that is not always recognized in many places around the world.  That is why celebrating the fact that we have these freedoms, recognizing them and ensuring their protection is very important.

As with many of the patriotic holidays in the United States, the 4^th of July is celebrated by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues all across the country however, the importance of this holiday and the history of its beginning should not be overlooked.

The vote for independence came on July 2nd, 1776, when members of the Continental Congress refused to be taxed unfairly by the British Parliament.  To this day, no one likes taxes although they are a necessary evil! This set the precedent for the original thirteen colonies to break free from Britain’s stranglehold.  During the American Revolution however, if the French had not been directly involved there is a good possibility United States history would have been altered as they helped to provide the colonists with additional troops, a navy as well as ninety percent of the gunpowder used to fight the Brits.

After several futile attempts to seek a compromise with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia.   Thomas Jefferson, who began the drafting process, led the congress and included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman, led the congress. Much to the dissatisfaction of Jefferson, more than 80 changes were made to the original draft.

All did not immediately endorse the Declaration.  In fact, the official signing of the Declaration occurred on August 2, 1776, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, and the final signature was made in January of 1777.  Furthermore, as an act of protection, the signers were kept anonymous for over six months.  If the fight for independence had not been achieved, those who endorsed the Declaration would have been charged with treason, and put to death.

To honor the vote for independence, John Adams suggested that Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2nd however in 1870, July 4^th was made the federal holiday we have come to know and love by the U.S. Congress and in 1941

It became a paid federal holiday.  Since then, the Fourth of July has become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for a families to get-together, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues.

Some Fun Facts Relating to US History of Independence:

• It is claimed that on July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang from the tower of Independence Hall where citizens gathered for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon, beginning the tradition of what we know as Independence Day. The bell however, had cracked twice during testing and was hidden among hay and dung under the floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church so that the British couldn’t capture and melt it into cannons. It was almost a hundred years later when the Liberty Bell story was created.
• The first Independence Day to be celebrated west of the Mississippi River occurred on July 4, 1804, with the help of the famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Lewis and Clark ordered a cannon be fired and those in their expedition be given extra whiskey. They named the creek where they celebrated “Independence Creek” which is located in present day Kansas.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.  John Adams’ last words have been reported to have been “Thomas Jefferson still survives.” He was unaware that Jefferson had passed away five hours before.
• The origin of Uncle Sam is though to have begun in 1812, when Samuel Wilson (also known as “Uncle Sam”), a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army, stamped the meat with the initials, U.S.  A co-worker made a joke that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam,” leading to the idea of using Uncle Sam to symbolize the United States government.
• George Washington, who was not a signature on the Declaration of Independence, also did not chop down a cherry tree, nor did he have wooden teeth although his dentures were made of ivory, hippo’s teeth and human teeth.

So berubiers…. what are your plans for this Fourth of July? How will you choose to celebrate democracy, freedom and independence?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
-The Declaration of Independence 4 of July, 1776.

Summertime is here and those hot days being scorched by the sun are passing by quickly! We are already headed into the month of July… WHAT DOES THAT MEAN YOU ASK??? We aside from firing up the BBQ it means you JUST GOT PAID!!! Just in time for that Fourth of July celebration!

If you are looking to make your Fourth of July a little more spectacular, or just have the desire to throw a few summertime pool parties instead of going away this year on an expensive holiday vacation, then make sure to cover all of your bases with the essential party and pool supplies from some of these vendors on beruby.  Remember, when you purchase from any of these vendors you not only save time you also save money with great cash back rewards!

Throwing a Summer Party?
Let these beruby merchants make your party planning easier:

Need to have your pool primed and ready for your summertime swims then check out:

Short on BBQ supplies? Let these fine retailers provide you with all the tools to make your BBQ the talk of your neighborhood!

I would like to start this blog entry off by congratulating and sending my love to my mother and father. Today marks the 42^nd wedding anniversary of my mother and father and I am extremely proud to be able to put this in my blog today! Forty-Two years is a very long time and for most almost unfathomable!  To be happily married for over forty years should earn you a gold medal (although I suppose they save that for your Golden Anniversary!)

So have you ever wondered where all the hoopla of anniversary gift giving originated?  Funny enough, the practice of giving gifts on wedding anniversaries originated in Central Europe. The neighborly Germans back in medieval times would present their friends wives with wreaths made of silver when she had lived with her husband twenty-five years, as a symbol of harmony that was necessary to make so many years of matrimony possible. On the fiftieth anniversary the wife would be presented with a wreath of gold.

By the mid-to-late 1930s, people began celebrating “milestone” anniversaries giving a gift to reward the virtue of stability, the more the stability (the longer the marriage), and the greater the reward.  In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association issued a more comprehensive list, which associated a material for each anniversary year.

In 2000, the average bride was 24 years old and the average groom was 28. The average engagement period is 16 months and 74% of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring.   The practice of giving engagement rings began in 1477 when Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, gave Mary of Burgandy a diamond ring as an engagement present.

Not surprisingly there are a number of superstitions that surround the special day.  Of course we all know that to get married on the 13^th of any month will just wind up in disaster, right?  Well, apparently getting married on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday is no good either.  Take a look:

• Monday: Wishes happiness and health for the Bride
• Tuesday: Wishes wealth and prosperity for the Bride
• Wednesday: Brides do best of all.
• Thursday: Brings suffering and Loss for the Bride
• Friday: Will Bring suffering and crosses for the Bride
• Saturday: Brides will have no luck at all.

Just like the days of the week, certain times during the month are better than others for good wedding juju.

• January: Marry when the year is new, always loving, always true
• February: When February Birds do mate, you may wed or dread your fate
• March: If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know
• April:Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man
• May: Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day
• June: Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you’ll go
• July: They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread
• August: Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see
• September: Marry in September’s shine, your living will be rich and fine
• October: If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry
• November: If you wed in bleak November, only Joy will, remember
• December: When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last

In the ancient times of the Greeks and the Romans, brides used to wear white gowns symbolizing youth, joy and purity. Now that marriage occurs later in life and purity is not a crucial determinant, brides choose the wedding dress as per their preference and fashion.  The tradition of bridesmaids dressing the same as each other and in similar style to the bride comes from ancient days when it was believed that evil spirits have a more difficult time distinguishing which one is the bride and putting a hex on her.  Superstitions around what to wear however leave no stone unturned.  In fact there are superstitions that even surround the bridal gown.

• White: Married in white, you have chosen alright.
• Green: Married in green, ashamed to be seen.
• Red: Married in red, You will wish yourself dead.
• Blue: Married in blue, you will always be true
• Yellow: Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
• Black: Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
• Pink: Married in pink, of you he’ll think.

If you are planning a wedding or celebrating an anniversary, let beruby help in the celebration! Shop at the following merchants on beruby and not only will you have the most memorable occasion, you will save big while doing it!

For your wedding planning needs check out some of these beruby advertisers

For the perfect anniversary gift check out these beruby advertisers

Coupons are great — in a troubled economy, saving money and clipping coupons has become a popular activity again.  Consumers can save up to 50% on their annual grocery bill and some savvy shoppers can do even better!  Coupons help save money and provide an incentive to try new products, but they have their downside too.  Coupons for me are extremely difficult to manage.  When I lived in the US, I made the attempt to use coupons on various occasions; when I bought my groceries, went to the drugstore, etc.  I would always find the task of coupon clipping tedious, and more or less a giant mess.  Every Sunday, I would have my newspaper strewn all over the table and miscellaneous coupons stuffed in every nook and cranny, only to be forgotten about and located after the expiration date was long overdue.

Needless to say, since living abroad I have become disoriented with paper coupons (they virtually do not exist here) and more reliant on the digital version through discounts that can be found on sites like Groupon and Lets Bonus.  Sadly, I have the same problem with these types of coupons — I find a fantastic deal, run and grab my credit card, buy up numerous sessions of yoga classes (or whatever sounds appealing) for next to nothing, and then watch the expiration date come and go… never having taken the first class.

Coupons have created a craze… there is even a coupon lingo!! For example,  BOGOs are buy one, get one free items, blinkies are coupons distributed from dispensers on store shelves,  Peelies, are the coupons stuck on products used at the time of purchase, and the “overage,” or the money earned when a coupon exceeds an item’s purchase price.

Surprisingly, there has been quite a bit of research devoted to this topic, and I was extremely surprised to learn that TLC created a reality television show called “Extreme Couponing,” where you have the pleasure of watching people use coupons to save hundreds of dollars on their bills every month. Now, I have never had the “privilege” of watching that particular show, but have to wonder one, where is the entertainment value is in a series like that, and two, I have to ask… are coupons really that beneficial, or are we just purchasing things at random because we think we are getting a great deal on a bunch of stuff we don’t need and ultimately, is not that great for us either?

Research shows that most food related coupons are not necessarily healthy. Sure you may be able to save $0.50 on your next box of Pop-Tarts and pre-packaged hot dogs and lunchmeats, but what will the cost be to you in the long run?  Often times, it is smaller companies who cannot afford to offer coupons producing healthier foods.  Cheaper, processed food products however, can afford to offer customers a $0.50-$1.00 discount while continuing to make a sizable profit even after the consumer savings.

I am a firm believer of pricing psychology… a good example of this was when I went into my local supermarket to buy a carton of gazpacho.  I had several options… A bright yellow savings sign was directing my attention to 1 liter cartons of gazpacho that I could purchase 2 for the price of €3.  To the right of this display, with no prominent signage was a 2 liter carton of gazpacho priced at €2.10. Buyer beware! Initially, I was drawn to that yellow sign telling me that I was getting a super deal and super savings… According to the marketing firm Valassis, last year, more than a quarter of all coupons required us to buy two or more items to get the discount enticing consumers to actually spend more than needed and encouraging us to buy products we normally wouldn’t.

Coupons are not all bad though, you just have to know how to be a smart coupon clipper; use to buy something you actually want or need and know your limits.  Clipping coupons is a great way to save a few dollars but the most effective way to really save money is by putting the money you ’save’ into your savings account.

Traditional coupons can still be found in local newspapers, magazines, direct mail ads, in-store kiosks and displays however, Internet coupons through sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial and BigTip.com have come onto the playing field and offer a variety of savings on entertainment, restaurants, travel, activities and much, much more.

These sites can cause you to run and grab your credit card so that you can purchase this crazy, incredible offer, trust me, I have done it twice already!  This is their intention.  Many of their offers are limited in quantity, and only available for 24 hours.  Just remember although you can get some truly amazing offers, you should investigate the deal thoroughly, read the terms and conditions, pay attention to the expiration dates and ask yourself if is this something you will actually use and want.

beruby is always happy to offer you some great opportunities that pay out while you save money on your favorite products, activities and entertainment!

We always offer coupons for additional savings on our coupon page located within
our advertisers section.

We are also excited to have recently added Kellogs and BigTip.com to our list of merchants who offer you
HUGE discounts on all sorts of things from cereal to fan and fabulous nights out on the town.

Whatever it is you are looking for beruby gives you the opportunity to save big
and put the extra cash towards something in the future!

Lemons and limes are the richest source of minerals and vitamins of any food or foods known to man, containing vitamin C, B6, potassium, folic acid, flavonoids and the outstanding phytochemical, limonene.

Lemons and Limes are thought to have originated in Kashmir, India in 4000 B.C. and were introduced to Europe by the Arabs between the 11^th and 13^h century.  In 1493 lemons and limes made their way to the Americas by Christopher Columbus on his 2^nd voyage to the New World.  Since the 16^th century, lemons have been grown in Florida and the lime was predominantly grown in Caribbean countries where hot, humid climates were supportive of its cultivation. Lemon trees are about 15 feet tall and have thorny branches with purple-edged white blossoms and lime trees are smaller and are more shrub like.

British explorers and traders were nicknamed “limey” because of their heavy use of limes to prevent scurvy.  Limes entered the United States around the 16th century when Spanish Explorers brought the West Indies lime to the Florida Keys, hence the development of Key limes. Lemons and Limes were in high demand during the California gold rich due to their Vitamin-C rich content which was being used to used prevent scurvy in the mid 19^th century.  There was such a high demand for lemons and limes that people were willing to pay up to $1 per lemon.  Although Spanish missionaries tried to plant lime trees in California, the climate did not support their growth and instead had to be imported from Tahiti and Mexico. Today, Brazil, Mexico and the United States are among the leading commercial producers of limes whereas the majority of lemons are produced in the United States, Italy, Spain, Greece, Israel and Turkey.

Aside from preventing scurvy, the high content of Vitamin C in lemons and limes help to protect against Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lemons and limes also contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Limes in particular, have flavonoids called flavonol glycosides, which have been shown to stop cell division in many cancer cell lines, and have antibiotic effects. Which has been used in the treatment of Cholera.  Liminoids found in citris fruits including lemons and limes have also been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

It is also a proven fact that lemon stops the free radicals that cause the signs of aging even better than vitamin E and often times women will use them on their lips to make them more colorful.

To get the most antioxidants out of your fruit, it is better to choose fully ripened lemons and limes.  Research conducted at the University of Innsbruck in Austria claims that fully ripened fruit, almost to the point of spoilage, increases its antioxidant levels.  One of the tricks to finding a good quality lemon is to find one that is rather thin-skinned.  Lemons can stay fresh at room temperature and away from sunlight, for about a week. Additionally, you can also store lemons in a refrigerator crisper for about four weeks.

Limes are typically in greater supply from mid-spring through mid-fall but can be found in markets all year round. Limes should have a glossy skin that is deep green in color; although they will turn yellow as they ripen. The greener the lime, the tarter it will be!  Limes can be left at room temperature for up to one week however it is important to keep them away from sunlight because it will cause them to turn yellow and can change their flavor. Limes can also be kept for about two weeks in the refrigerator crisper, wrapped in a loosely sealed plastic bag.

Some homeopathic remedies that use lemons and limes are as follows:

• Asthma: Take a tablespoon of lemon juice at least one hour before each meal to relieve asthma.
• Cold: The anti-viral properties in lime/lemon fight infections and halt the progress of a cold.  Take the juice of two lemons in half a liter of hot water and add raw honey to taste.  Sip it slowly before bedtime.
• Constipation: Drink a glass of warm water every morning with some lime/lemon juice with raw honey.  Stir in a pinch of cinnamon powder.  This will help your body to detoxify and relieve constipation.
• Digestion: Lime/lemon juices contain phosphorus, producing its  amazing digestive qualities that are similar to our own digestive enzymes and help to relieve bloating and belching.
• Tired Feet: After a long day on your feet, soak your feet in very warm water containing lime/lemon juice to enjoy the cooling, astringent feeling.  This will also help promote deep sleep due to the relaxing action on the foot nerves.  Additionally, you can rub a sliced lemon over the burning sole/foot/heel to relieve from pain and eliminate toxins through the pores of the feet.
• Swollen Gums: Drink a glass of diluted fresh lime juice with a pinch of sea salt to relieve the pain of swollen gums.  Use the albedo (the white matter under the peel) from the squeezed lime and rub on the gums.
• Heartburn: Add two teaspoon of concentrated lime/lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink to relieve heartburn.
• Inflammatory disorders: Lime/lemon juices alkalize in the body and are highly effective in the treatment of inflammatory disorders like rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, etc.  The juices prevent the deposit of uric acid in tissues, reducing the risks of gout.
• Dry Skin: Rub the peel of a lemon on dry or scaly skin to restore softness and add moisture to the skin.
• Sore throat: Mix one part lemon juice with one part water.  Gargle frequently.  You may also add in a pinch of sea salt for added effect.
• Weight Reduction: Lemon juice daily on an empty stomach first thing in the morning eliminates water retention and helps with weight reduction and keeps the system alkaline.

If you are on the go and don’t find yourself always being able to have a fresh lemon or lime on hand, the why not load yourself up with the next best thing?  True Citrus from the True Lemon Store right here on beruby!

True Citrus is a 100% natural crystal that can be added to your water, tea and cocktails or use it as a flavor enhancer and sprinkle it on your meats, fruits, vegetables and even cakes and desserts without having to add salt or extra sugars.   Additionally, it can be used on fruits to reduce browning! Its just like the real thing!

Earn 2.67% cash back when you shop at the True Lemon Store.

Earn 1.33% cash back when a member of your network shops online at the True Lemon Store.

You can find the True Lemon Store on beruby…

… here and in the category Shopping>>Groceries.

Do you believe in UFO’s?  Today marks the anniversary of the term UFO (also known as a foo fighter), which interestingly enough has only been a cultural phenomenon for the last sixty years!

UFO’s, or unidentified flying objects are considered to be any unusual object in the sky that can’t be identified by an observer.  Although UFO sightings have been reported in newspapers and literature dating back to 1865 and even earlier throughout history, it was not until World War II, when governments began carrying out extensive UFO investigations.  The majority of UFO sightings have commonly been mistaken for aircraft, balloons, polar clouds, or astronomical objects such as meteors or bright planets.   There have also been a number of reported UFO hoaxes.

In addition to UFO sightings the nineteen fifties and sixties gave way to massive media hoaxes that spread across America reporting detailed meet-and-greets with extra terrestrials beings.  Additionally there were the controversies in Roswell, New Mexico and Area 51 in July 1947.

It was on June 24^th, 1947 however, when American businessman Kenneth Arnold spotted nine bright objects while flying his private plane across Mount Rainer, Washington.  Since then, millions of people have claimed to have seen UFOs.  In fact, a UFO sighting occurs somewhere on the planet every three minutes.

Here are some fun UFO facts:

• On average, 70,000 UFO sightings are reported every year, worldwide. That’s an average of 192 per day however; no UFO has ever been tracked on radar entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
• 1 out of every 5 Americans believes in alien abductions, and 1 out of every 7 Americans say that they, or someone they know, have had an “encounter” with a UFO.
• The first UFO to be photograph was in 1883 by astronomer Jose Bonilla in Zacatecas, Mexico.
• UFOs were often seen and photographed during NASA’s space missions in the 1960s.  In April 1962, NASA pilot, Joseph Walker was the first to claim that he had an aerial encounter with five cylindrical and disc-shaped objects from his X-15 aircraft that he was able to capture on film.

If you are interested in learning more about UFO’s then pop on over to the Discovery Channel Store on beruby where you can find an assortment of videos, books and other resources dedicated to the subject.

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Allergies, there is nothing worse!  As a kid all I had to do was step outside of my house and sit in the grass and I would be crawling with hives, those little red bumps that cause you to scratch yourself silly.   More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and according to a recent study, and 11 million of those have allergies to food resulting in about 200 deaths a year, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.  Currently, there has been a rise in child related food allergies, affecting an estimated six million children in the U.S.

Pollen and Ragweed are probably some of the worst non-food related allergens; I know they have a profound effect on my nasal passages every spring.  Pollen typically causes watery eyes and stuffed up noses.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 75% of Americans who have plant allergies are sensitive to ragweed. Just eight foods account for about 90% of all food related allergies; these include, milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.

These are some of the most common allergy triggers; however there has been a small emergence of bizarre allergies among many adults and children in recent years.

In Australia, there is a case of a 6-year-old boy who suffers from severe stomach ulcers if he attempts to eat anything other than water, ice and a specific brand of lemonade.  Although his condition is rare, it is so severe that he must fed through a stomach tube in order to receive daily nutrients.

Nickel is a common metal allergy and affects about 17% of women and 3% of men.  It is also an element that is often used in cell phone buttons, LCD screen frames and headsets. The increase in cell phone use and technological devices has unavoidably let to an increase in the number of nickel related allergic reactions causing “cell phone rashes” or itchy red bumps or blisters around the jaw, cheek and ear.

The most unthinkable allergies to have would be to water or sex.  Unthinkable, but totally possible!

Although a very small number of people have been reported to be allergic to water, they are out there. The condition is called aquagenic urticaria, and causes the skin to break out in painful hives and welts and in severe cases, will cause a person’s throat to swell when they drink water.  Could you imagine? I am not sure what I would do. Not being able to bathe, swim, drink it… make coffee… there are so many things we do that involve water — even the majority of our bodies are made of the substance!

Ladies — remember this word the next time you want to avoid unwanted advances — “human seminal plasma hypersensitivity!”  This is the medical term given to those who suffer from allergic reactions to sex! The first case of this type of allergic reaction was reported in 1958 and although only a few hundred cases have been medically recorded this type of allergy can affect between 20,000 to 40,000 women.

As for myself, I suffer from what is known as cold urticarial, or an allergy to cold temperatures.  Although I have only made a self diagnosis for myself, it is a real condition that can cause the skin to turn red, swell, itch and develop hives, and in extreme situations can evoke a severe, whole-body reaction — leading to fainting, shock or even death.  Just as a person can suffer from an allergy to cold temperatures, it is also possible to be allergic to heat.

Whatever allergy you have big, or small the fact is living with it can be uncomfortable.  Over the years I have been able to successfully get over the majority of my allergy problems by moving to areas that have very dry and arid climates.  For others, its not so simple.

Let AllergyBeGone and beruby help you to better understand and attack your allergies.  At AllergyBeGone, you can learn about what triggers allergic reactions and how to beat it.

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Today marks the first day of summer, one of my favorite seasons of the year! Summer fills me with loads of childhood memories of adventure camps and just being outdoors all daylong. Several years later (we won’t say how many) I still get that giddy feeling when the days are longer and I can go outside and play like a kid again.

Over the years as the economy has slowed and gas prices have risen, finding the time and the resources to go on holidays or vacations has become a bit more difficult.  In fact, many Americans have claimed that they feel guilty about taking time off work (not this American!).  A recent Expedia study showed that an average American employee received 18 vacation days last year, but only used 14 of them.   All the working Americans combined gave up 448 million earned but unused vacation days in 2010. CNN Money calculated the savings to be worth US$67.5 billion in unused vacation time.  Sorry folks, but that is just CRAZY!

Being busy all of the time and never taking the time to stop and smell the flowers leads to mental, emotional, physical and spiritual fatigue. It’s impossible to be at your best in anything if you are constantly going and going and going.  Just like the Energizer Rabbit, at some point you have to recharge your battery.

Many people think they can’t afford to take time off.  Without time away however, eventually you suffer from tremendous burnout, you no longer find yourself working at full potential, there is no excitement or enthusiasm in what you do anymore, and you become perpetually tired.

It is a fact that vacations have a positive effects on the body and for women who do not take vacations, according to the Framingham Heart Study, you are up to eight times more likely to suffer from heart disease from women who take time off. Trust me a day or two day away from the office, your computer, the phone, your house, etc.  will gain you far more in your efficiency at work, your health, and even your love life.

Here are some fabulous ideas to spend your summer having fun without breaking the bank

• Discover your local or national parks and have a picnic!
• Go to a ballgame or other sports event
• Take up photography or if you are really inspired make a movie
• Learn or teach a new sport
• Build a tree house or jump on a trampoline
• Clean up a nature trail
• Go canoeing, kayaking or on a boat ride in a river, lake, or ocean near you
• Plant something in your own garden or become a guerrilla gardener
• Fly a Kite or have a paper airplane contest
• Go swimming, ride a bike or organize a scavenger hunt.

If you can afford it though, I am a HUGE advocate of traveling, expanding your mind and experiencing new cultures and ways of life.

However you choose to spend your summer, make it a point to take a few days off to do something fun, inspiring, delightful!