Splurge, On a Budget: 8 Great Sites

In today’s economy, everyone is trying to save money. One of the biggest luxuries we often must cut is the pleasure of the dine-out experience. Even if we don’t cut it out, wouldn’t you love to pay less for all the places you eat at anyway? Here are 8 sites that will help fill up  your inner foodie without burning a hole in your pocket…

Opentable

I’m sure many people have heard of Opentable before, but I’m not sure you all understand the benefits of it or how to use it. There are restaurants all over the U.S. and internationally that use Opentable.

How it Works:

It’s free to create your own account, only takes a few minutes. Does not require any type of credit card information. For every reservation you book, doesn’t matter the people in your party you accumulate 100 points. There are some restaurants during certain times of the day that reward 1000 points for dining (usually because they don’t have many people come in during those times). You can browse restaurants by city, cuisines, price ranges, and other various categories. Also, there uploaded menus or links to the main websites. It’s very quite simple.

There is also an app most smartphones. So, if you forget to make a reservation, and you’re already pulling up to the restaurant, just pull out your phone and instantly get those points!

The Benefits:

Basically every 100 points is equivalent to a dollar. Once you accumulate 2000 points you are ready to request a redemption from Opentable. It comes in your name, sent to an address that you supply. The check can be used at any other Opentable restaurant! So if you go to a two restaurants with 1000 points, you already have $20 dining dollars! You can even just let it accumulate until you get more money. I got up to 10000 points and split among 2 $50 gift checks, was awesome. Don’t forget that you cannot let your account remain inactive for too long, then you points will be lost. I think the time is a year of inactive activity.

Yelp

Yelp is great for find new restaurants as well as many other types of locations ( beaches, hair salons, hotels, services, etc.) and know what other people rated it. You can easily find the best of the best in your area.

How It Works:

Simply search for a specific location you have in mind, and it will most likely be rated already. You can see what many people think about the restaurant, what they liked, what they didn’t like, what you should order and if there are any “hidden secrets”. The price, location, and phone number is readily available for your use. Also, don’t forget the smartphone app! If you’re in the car trying to find a place to eat, just open up your yelp app and it will find great restaurants around your current location.

If you’re someone who loves to give critics, I would highly recommend getting an account and start writing your own reviews. It’s fun and you can also get Elite status!

I actually had been working towards Elite status for the past few months since I heard about it, and I just got an email inviting me! Super happy 🙂 Come check it out if you like: Jaemi’s Yelp Reviews

The Benefits:

There are some restaurants or services that post up certain coupons or deals on their profile.

Elite status is great because you are invited to exclusive Yelp events, food tastings, and sometimes free tickets to other events. You also get exclusive Elite apparel. It’s really not hard to get at all, just make sure your reviews are sincere and have some flair, be over 21, and have a real picture of yourself. If you write great reviews, people will click on the “useful, cool, and funny” buttons, the more you have the better your chances are for getting Elite.

Restaurant.com/Slickdeals.net

Restaurant.com is great website to buy gift certificates to various restaurants. Slickdeals.net shows all the amazing discounts there are out on the internet for almost everything. These sites are unrelated, but I’ll explain why they are connected.

How It Works:

On Restaurant.com you can select various restaurants and buy online gift certificates for a fraction of the price. For example, you can get a $25 gift certificate for $10. There are some restrictions that apply, so be sure to read the fine print. The reason they have minimum spendings is because the restaurants don’t get a cut of what you pay, the website does. The website is purely an advertising toll for the restaurants. Better to have you come in spend some money than no one come in at all right? After you buy it, the certificate is under your account and all you have to do is print it out, bring it to the restaurant, and dine! There is an iPhone app for this as well.

The Benefits:

Aside from the obvious benefit, here is the REAL secret…

Sometimes, they don’t post it on the main Restaurant.com website. If you go to Slickdeals.net, and search for Restaurant.com, there is ALWAYS a promo code for at least an 80% off discount. That means for $25 gift certificate, you would only have to pay $2!!! Are you getting what I’m saying?? Just type in the promo code after you have selected the restaurants you want and it’s automatically deducted. CRAZY!

Livingsocial.com/Groupon.com

If you haven’t heard about either of these websites yet, I would highly recommend that you take a look. It’s a strange onlinecoupon phenomenon,haha.

How It Works:

All you do is subscribe to these websites, it’s free. Let the coupons begin…You will receive daily updates on their coupons deals. On various services, entertainment, and events, and even restaurants, they will have coupons for 20%-80% off. Make sure you jump on it, because there are time limits. Make sure you also read the fine print, there are some restrictions. Just pick and choose the ones that you want. As always, there is an app for this.

The Benefits:

You don’t have to buy all the coupons that you come across, just the ones you want. It’s all electronic so there is not shipping cost. You can also buy extras to give to your friends or as gifts.

Dealperks.com/Cheapirvine.com

If you live in the Orange County area, these are great websites similar in methodology  to the previous two. They are run under the same people.

However, they have recently expanded to include many clothing and accessories items.  They are growing very fast and since they are expanding their niche, I would keep an eye out for all their deals. Amazon started with just books, but look at them now!

Try these out, let me know how they work out for you! Good food should never be sacrificed! 🙂

iPhone 4 Trumps The Rest

There has been so much debate about the new iPhone 4. Antenna problems and etc. Everyone has their opinions on whether the iPhone 4, Andriods, or Blackberries are better. Well, I got my very first iPhone a few weeks back and within the first minute I was already in love!

Within the first 5 mins I had already downloaded all the free apps that I could. Now, I feel a little bad that for almost a week after that, no one ever really saw meet look up from my iPhone because I was constantly playing the addicting game of Word With Friends (the free version) or looking on Facebook. However, there is no doubt any “cons” about the phone definately do NOT out weigh the “pros.”

I had always been an avid T-Mobile user, even when it was still Voicestream? I’ve used many phones in my time. I always had the latest and greatest phones from Asia. Then, apple came in and changed the game. Still, I didn’t have an iPhone. My most recent phone was the Andriod G1 Google phone (in white). It came with all the great features I was looking for: touch screen, slide out keyboard, apps, multi tasking functions. It’s biggest downfall was the fact that because it’s a 1st generation phone, the Andriod system is completely bugging and there isn’t enough support for applications. So, I know the Andriod/Google system has come a ways from that, but if you’re an apps user, it won’t satisfy you.

I thought because the iPhone 4 did not have the keyboard function, I wouldn’t like it. Dead wrong. I got used to it right away. So you’ve all heard about the retinal screen, the facetime talk (which doesn’t work if you’re not on wi-fi), the multi-tasking, the dual 5 megapixel functions with HD video. By the way, I don’t need a camera anymore, it looks amazing. They are all great, but where the iPhone really shines are the apps. In the commercials they say ” There’s an app for…almost anything!” they’re really not exaggerating!

• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Flickr
• AIM
• YouTube
• Weather
• Stocks
• Shazam (listens to music and finds the info for you!)
• Words With Friends (Scrabble)
• Mah Jong
• Calender (syncs with your macbooks)
• eBay/eBay Seller
• Redbox
• Movie Trailers/Times/Reviews (Flixster)
• Disneyland Wait Times
• Bump (instant exchange on info)
• Dropbox (all files upload to internet and are immediately available to any downloaded dropbox)
• BOA,Citibank,INGDirect, etc.
• Wiki
• Weather Bug
• Cheap Gas
• Nutrition/Exercise Tracker (My Net Diary)
• American Airlines, Travel
• Sports Center
• Photoshop
• Period/Ovulation Tracker
• Trivial Pursuit
• New York Times Crosswords
• Sporcle
• Business Card Upload
• Barcode/Shopping Scan
• Expense Reports
• All Google Functions!

The list is honestly endless. If you’re a person who wants a basic functioning phone, yea, you really don’t need a smartphone.

The Blackberry is probably great for emails and BBM, but what else can you do with it? Yes, you have the keyboard, but the buttons are so tiny you’re probably button mashing anyway. iPhone has amazing email function as well and you can text or AIM. The touch screen typing has auto correct so even if you mis-type, it will choose the most logical word for you.

The iPhone 4 has made my life so much more efficient because I am always connected to different outlets that I use for business. It’s made uploading pictures and other items so incredibly easy and fast. Photos, contacts, music can be easily transferred via text, email, or even to your favorite social networking site. AT&T is expensive and service is just ok, but for what you’re getting, it’s completely worth it. If anything, try getting a friend or family member in on a family plan. Oh, and one last thing, the antenna problem isn’t even a problem. I’ve never had a problem at all!

One last thing, just in case you’re still not convinced. My cousin had the iPhone 3G and somehow lost it at a club because she was drunk…(I’m sure you alcoholics have done this one time or another). Anyway, she decides to get a blackberry instead because she can’t get another iPhone for a decent price. She uses the Blackberry for a week and she is literally in tears. To make matters worse, here I am so ecstatic about my iPhone 4. Needless to say she would not forget about an iPhone and bought a used one just so she could be in the iPhone cult! Forget about the Crackberries, it’s all about the iPhone 4!

Tony Robbins UPW Day 4: Treating Your Body Right

DAY 4:

The 12 Steps to Pure Energy

Well after these incredible past 3 days, how are you going to have the energy to take charge and change your life for the better? Tony Robbins talks a lot about changing your physiology in order to change your overall state. You MUST be in a peak state in order to accomplish any task. The reason for this is simple. If you feel tired,lazy, or in a poor state, where would you have the energy or motivation to take MASSIVE ACTION? You wouldn’t. So Tony explains the 12 steps to Pure Energy.

The 8 Gifts

1. Vital Breathing & Lymphasizing

What is essential for life? Oxygen and water. So how do you get maximum oxygen? Well, simply enough, it’s breathing. However, many today have conditioned themselves to breath incorrectly. Your diaphragm is meant to push down when breathing in and up when breathing out. (Your stomach is meant to stick out…sorry!)

2. Living Water & Live Food

70%-75% of the human body is made up of water. So, wouldn’t it just seem natural that our diets consists of the same percentages? Water dense foods would be consider lots of vegetables (no, french friends don’t count.) Cooking takes out the nutrients of vegetables, so try to eat more raw or steamed rather than other methods. Also, a person should drink 50% of his/her body weight of water in ounces/day. This is essential for allowing your body to release excess toxins as well as fat. So, if you want to lose weight, try drinking lots of water first and cutting out the soda or juices. In addition, many times when people have headaches or certain ailments, it’s usually because we are dehydrated. Water is the ultimate cure. A person can only survive a few days without water and a few weeks without food. PRIORITIZE!

3. Essential Oils

Very counter intuitive BUT, if you consume the right kinds of oils and fats that your body needs in order to function, you will actually lose weight. Also, essential oils build up the cushion and myeline in your brain (makes you smarter!). Omega 3 and 6’s need to be equal ratio of 2:1. Check out Udo’s Oils. Great for use on salads and other food items. I use it everyday, its pretty good. They also have a great chocolate bar made from Udo’s Oil, tastes amazing!

4. Alkalinity

Did you know that when you digest foods, it produces something called “ash?” This ash can either be acid or alkaline. Acid is translated to the process of aging on your body. So, those non-water dense foods you have been eating has actually been eating away at you! The ways to remedy this is eat a lot more water dense foods such as vegetables that are more alkaline. Also, drink water with lemon (yes, lemons are acidic but in the body become alkaline.) The reason why alkaline is important is because it allows your body to push out toxins easier thus letting your body be okay with letting some of that “fat” go too!

In addition there is also ionized or “reverse osmosis” water in stores to buy. The water ph levels have been changed to be alkaline. Taste exactly the same as regular bottle water, but better for you.

5. Aerobic Energy & Power

Aerobic literally means “with air.” So, if you’re working out and can’t keep a conversation with someone you are not improving health and endurance, but building a muscle. Being in your aerobic range is also known as the “fat burning” range.

6. Maximum Nutrition

Drink Water before and after your meals, not during.

Properly Combining Foods: 1. Protein and Carbs should never be combined. 2. A leafy gree salad can be eaten with any protein carb or fat. 3. Eat fruits only by themselves. 4. Fats inhibit the digestion of protein, if you must eat fat with protein eat a mixed vegetable salad to offeset the inhibiting effect on digestion. 5. Never drink liquids with or immediately following a meal.

Eat in a relaxed state

Eat Comfortable amounts of food

Eat Organic Foods: In today’s agricultural industry, many hormones and chemicals are put into our foods. Would you want to pesticides and growth hormones? Probably not. It’s not just a fad, its actually helps your health AND the environment!

Eat small amounts every 3-4 hours.

Add supplements to your diet: Unfortunately, the nutrients in our foods just aren’t the way they used to be. Did you know the same amount of nutrients in a cup of spinach in the 1960s equals 40 cups today!?!?! Additional vitamins are very important to you short term and long term state and health.

7. Structural Alignment & Maximum Strength

Who says getting a massage is a luxury? Go for it! Chiroprator, Tai Chi, Yoga all help with these structural alignments. And breathing too! (2fer1!)

8. Directed Mind & Heart

There is a neurological and chemical connection between the heart and the brain. In order to be at peak performace and state, the heart and mind must be aligned in your nervous system. So, the next time you feel angry, depressed, pissed, or any negative emotion, just try to focus on happy moments. Take deep breaths. Your heart and mind will thank you. And in return will take care of you for a longer period of time.

The 4 Poisons

1. Processed Fats

These processed fats tend to raise blood cholesterol which in crease the rish of heart disease. Additionally, dangers also include poor circulation, poor elimination, excess congestion, and toxicity to the body.

However, fats in their natural unprocessed form serve to build cell membranes, aid in production of hormones, raise metabolism and create energy, protect the body by buffering and neutralizing acids, and provide lubrication to the body so cells are free to move.

2. Animal Flesh

Compared with vegetarians: risk of death from heart disease is about half. Blood cholesterol levels 14% lower, lower risks of prostate, colon and lung cancer.

Animals today are given many hormones and put into confined spaces. Chickens for instance, their bodies are too overdeveloped and are never able to grown legs and organs big enough to support their large bodies. In addition, any disease are easily transferable because of the close proximities.

The taste we get from animals is actually uric acid. Their urine and waste flood the flesh after being killed as a natural process of decay and tenderizes the muscles.

If you must eat meat make sure it is: free range, kosher, anti-biotic free, and organic. Choose leaner cuts of meat. Eat lots of veggies along with your meat. Choose lean seafoods.

3. Dairy Products

Cows Don’t Drink Cow’s Milk …Why Would You?

Studies have shown that animal protein actually breaks down the calcium in the bones rather than build it. There are many other options to get calcium in your diet. Also you don’t need to give up that taste and texture you crave.

There are soy/rice/almond/hemp/etc. options for milk, cheese, and yogurt.

4. Acid Addiction

Caffeine, Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, Whites, Vinegar, Drugs

All these items are chemicals or build up acid in the body. Try to limit all these. ( I know it’s hard, but isn’t being happy and healthy more important?)

Now, you have all the information. It’s up to you what you want to do with it. Do a few, some, or all. But, at least try it for 10 days. See how you feel. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last week. I’ll be keeping you updated on my experience!

Conversation Starters You Carry With You

Do you ever find it difficult to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger? Being prepared with everyday items could help you build a bigger network and client base. When people are in need, you can be the one who has what they are looking for. This allows for an instant positive rapport and your lead into your next possible business connection.

For everyone:
– Gum
– Breathe mints
– Eye drops
– Aspirin
– A lighter
– A pen

For Women:
– Fashionable jewelry
– Hair ties
– Nail File
– Hand Lotion
– Hand Sanitizer
– Lip Gloss
– Eyelash Curler

Having there items work the same way that smokers connect when looking for their next cig and can’t find a store nearby. Luckily others usually will share theirs…

There are probably many more items you can use as a talking piece. These items will get you started thinking.

What Good Boyfriends/Husbands!

Walking though the Irvine Spectrum on a friday night. I decide to take a little stop at one of my favorite shoes stores, Cathy Jean. Oh, oo, oo, there’s a 50 % off sale right going on right now!

With excitement, I turn in and this was the first sight I saw. Of the many things men do, this is probably one the nicer things a man can do for a woman: sit aimlessly, chatting up other random lonely boyfriends and husbands waiting for their sweetheart to pick another pair of shoe to fit in their collection of, I’m sure, already hundreds of pumps, sandles, wedges, and boots. Hahahaha.

Cheers to you guys. Thanks for not bitching!

Van Ness Wu Comes to Party in LA

International Pop Star and local native to L.A., Van Ness Wu, will be making an appearance @ Industry on Saturday May 8th, 2010.  This is an awesome opporunity to see him up close and personal.  It is also for a great cause, ALL PROCEEDS go to the UNICEF for China Earthquake relief.

Additionally, he will be a special guest for the upcoming Verizon Wireless 2010 Asian Pacific American Heritage Concert. It is a nationwide  tour in the great cities of New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Seattle.  He will be appearing Seattle and New York concert.  In previous years, Se7en and Epik High were the headliners for the tour.  This year Evonne Hsu and JJ Lin will be this year’s talent line-up. Along with local San Francisco native, visual DJ artist Mike Relm.

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend one of the hottest concerts featuring your favorite international pop stars!

Tickets go on sale this SATURDAY May 8th, 2010!
For tickets please visit: http://www.cgnlive.com/tickets/
For More Info visit: http://www.verizoninsider.com/apahm/
Check out videos from all our artists at: http://www.youtube.com/user/VZWAPAHM2010

Kodak Zi8 vs Canon Powershot SD940 IS

For my upcoming birthday, I just received this Kodak Zi8. I am super excited to use it on my upcoming Hawaii trip. I have yet to use it but it looks very promising and easy to use.

Pros:

-It looks cool

– Easy to use, has 1080p, 720p, 720/60, and 5mp camera function; High Definition

– Comes w/ internal USB connector and mini HDMI input

– Charger

-Zoom function

– outlet for external microphone

Cons:

– You need to buy a SD card

– There is no flash and no auto focus for the camera

I’m thinking the Canon Powershot SD 940 IS might be better considering it also has a HD recorder function and 12.1 MP.  Also it got voted the best digital camera of 2010.

Comedy Central Presents Eliot Chang – Comedian

angry asian man
Come join me @ L.A. Viewing party to see the super funny Eliot Chang.

Here are some details:

Comedy Central Presents

ELIOT CHANG

FRIDAY APRIL 23rd
Doors open 7pm. Special airs 8pm.

CAPITOL CITY Bar & Lounge
1615 N. Cahuenga Blvd (Hollywood Blvd – Selma Ave)

FREE ADMISSION. 21yrs+. DRESS IS UPSCALE CASUAL. Viewing Party is in the “PATIO ROOM” in back. Street parking is rough so use the parking lots.

To learn more about him and his act, visit Eliot’s website here.