Fru-Gal Column January 27

Just because you are cutting back on spending doesn’t mean you need to cut back on happiness. Recession proof your mood by doing inexpensive acts weekly. When you don’t have money to throw at the parts of your life that aren’t making you happy you may actually find true happiness. According to the latest Nielsen Happiness Survey, women’s happiness is more likely to be recession-proof than men’s because women are more apt to say that friendships and family, not money, make them really happy. Men, put their happiness where their dollars are. Coming right down to it both men and women need a boost of happiness. Spend a couple of minutes a day to remember what your purpose and goals are each day. I like to make a list because when I accomplish my list, it is satisfying. Don’t forget to put good stuff on your list, if you are a reader put read at least 30 minutes a day. You can help boost your mood by doing at least thirty minutes a day of physical activity. Resist the urge to stop a daily physical activity. Just taking a daily peaceful walk will help your well-being. Put this on your list. If you are not accomplishing your list relook at your day to figure out what you were actually spending your time on. In tough times, happiness isn’t an extra. It’s an essential way to build resilience and good health.

Bring your friends and family to dance on February 26, learn simple ways to stay healthy, enjoy music, and participate in health screenings. Admission is FREE starting at 10am to 2pm in front of Macy’s at The Fayette Mall. to pre-register, visit centralbap.com/spirit or call (859)260-2220.

If exercising outside in cold weather is troublesome for you check out the weather before you leave the house. You can type in your city or zip code to get a report of predicted aches, pains, general fitness comfort and air quality based on weather conditions. www.weather.com/fitness
Kick off the New Year by eating right from Kroger. You will earn $1.50 towards your next shopping trip when you spend $10 on Dole Prepackaged Salad products through May 29.
Free Easy Guide Meditation Booklet from Center for Spiritual Awareness. http://www.csa-davis.org/

Ready to boost your brain power. Check out Brian Games from Humana. www.realforme.com/tools

Teens can learn how to make cool valentines on the computer using a graphic design program at the Carnegie Center for FREE. Class starts at 5:30 on February 8 call for registration.
Get 24 FREE 4 x 8 Valentine photo cards just pay shipping. At check-out use promotional code 25cards. www.seehere.com
Get some wonderful Valentine’s presents for free just pay shipping from Vista Prints. http://www.vistaprint.com/valentinesfree11.aspx?langid=1&AFFID=CD1204&GP=1%2f24%2f2011+11%3a47%3a13+AM&GPS=1446389856&GNF=0

Have the kids make a heart shaped shelf on Saturday, February 5 at Home Depots from 9am to 12pm.

February 4 at Michael’s Craft Store the kids can make Valentine’s Day Candy Photo Holder for free from 4pm to 6pm. http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Michaels-Site/default/StoreEvent-Show?event=se75

The kids can make a beautiful music box for someone special for Valentine’s Day at Lowe’s Build and Grow Free class on Saturday, February 12 at 10am. http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Heart Healthy Valentine Night at the Carnegie Center on Tuesday, February 8 starting at 5:30. Families with kids ranging from ages 3-12 celebrate the love of family and friends, and learn how to keep a healthy heart and body. Dinner and activities are free but you do need to register by calling (859) 254-4175.

For every pound you pledge to lose through May 31,the Pound for Pound Challenge will donate 11 cents to Feed America enough to secure one pound of groceries on behalf of your local food bank. http://www.pfpchallenge.com/

Learn how to save on everyday expenses with The Fru-Gal and her friends at Tates Creek Library, 3628 Walden Drive on February 1 starting at 6:30pm. Call (859)231-5580 for reservations.
Being a parent can be rough at times. Get free confidential information and support call the Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN.

Bucky the Lucky Kentucky Colt, the new mascot for The Kentucky Horse Park will be visiting Joseph Beth Bookstore on January 29 at 11am. Sing some songs, play games and make a craft.

Do you want to lose weight in 2011 attend A New You class at the Beaumont Library 3080 Fieldstone Way , January 27 starting at 6:30pm. Learn healthy weight-loss strategies, meal planning on the run and eating healthy on a budget. Call 859-231-5570 to register.

Six free samples of Nescafe Tasters Choice Coffee http://smartchoice.tasterschoice.com/?CMP=KNC-gppcsampling?sc_cid=jfs

20% off coupon for your entire order at Big Lots http://www.biglots.com/images/ads/coupon-20110122-rewards.jpg

Two free issues of Family Circle magazine https://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/freeoffer.asp?offer=familycircle-rdc