8 types of coupons you should know about
8 types of coupons you should know about

A coupon is a voucher that entitles a person to claim a discount.
Coupons are a great way to save money. Coupons are generally specific and have descriptions where the duration for which it’s valid is mentioned. Coupons are offered by all kinds of stores to attract customers and boost their sales. Before using a coupon, it is important to go through and read the claims given by the proprietor. At the same time, ensure your coupon is not a fake one. It is always better to verify it and clear any qualms you may have before making your purchase.

Here are 8 types of coupons you should know about:

Manufacturer Coupons
These are coupons released by manufacturers. The aim is to increase the demand for the products by attracting customers. These are issued by retailers and accepted by store owners. The manufacturers reimburse the store owners once they show them the coupons. You can find such coupons in the newspapers.

Store Coupons
These coupons are issued by the store owner. It has no ties to the manufacturer. All the discounts are absorbed by the store owner. They don’t generally allow more than one coupon to be used on a product. They are available across several products. UK coupons food fall under this category and are wildly popular.

Grocery Coupons
These are coupons issued by grocery shops and are generally product specific. The coupons can be weekly or weekend coupons. Their validity is generally over a small period of time.

Digital Coupons
Several retailers are now emailing their customers coupons through newsletters. Digital coupons are also distributed through social media websites. Several grocers distribute food coupons to their customers by sending it to their phones.

Promotional Coupons
The basic idea behind promotional coupons is to popularize products and attract customers. It is generally implemented by newly opened stores. For example, if a grocer opens a store in an area where there is competition, promotional coupons will help boost business.

Catalinas
These are popular UK coupons that are named after the company that printed coupons on a box. They are generally printed on the back of the receipt. Catalinas are also provided by grocers and restaurants. These UK food coupons are widely popular for their varied discounts.

Peelies
These coupons are mostly printed by the manufacturers. You’ll find them pasted on the products. They generally have a discount of 1025%. These are available as clothes, electronics, and also on food items.

Rebates
These are also a type of coupon that allows you to get a refund. The main idea behind this is to make customers purchase products and then provide them with a refund. This is a marketing technique used to attract customers by promising them a cash back on their purchases.

  • Risk factors of alpha lipoic acid supplements

    Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant made naturally in the body. It is supposed to work best for never damage. In fact, this anti-oxidant has been used widely all over Europe for more than 50 years. Diabetes is one of the other conditions that can be treated with alpha lipoic acid, especially type 2 diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid is highly consumed through supplements. It can also be consumed through various fruits and vegetables. Along with the number of benefits that it has, alpha lipoic acid also has a few risk factors. Let us look at some of the risk factors below:

    • Side effects: Side effects aren’t very easy to find around alpha lipoic acid supplement. There are very few cases that have been recorded for side effects. The common side effects include nausea, dizziness, or a rash. Irritation of the skin is another side effect that can be caused by topical alpha lipoic acid.
    • Risks: If you are facing any condition related to diabetes, you should consult a doctor before intaking alpha lipoic acid. This is needed as alpha lipoic acid is known to lower the blood sugar to a large extent. Your doctor will suggest checking your glucose levels regularly when you are on the supplements. A thiamine deficiency, found in alcoholics and people suffering from anorexia, or thyroid problems can also be risk factors for alpha lipoic acid supplements. Apart from these, if you have any medical issue, you must consult your doctor before taking up alpha lipoic acid supplements.
    • Interactions: If you are already taking supplements and medications provided by the doctor, you must consult them before you start taking alpha lipoic acid supplements, interaction with other supplements can be fatal to your health. Chemotherapy drugs can also lose their effect if you take alpha lipoic acid supplements along with them. Like mentioned before, it can also cause trouble to your health if you take them along with diabetes medication. IT could also be troublesome if you take them with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, tranquilizers, vasodilators used for heart disease or high blood pressure). Drugs for osteoarthritis are another pattern of medication that can cause trouble if paired with alpha lipoic acid supplements.
    • Safety: There is no clear evidence of the safety of alpha lipoic acid supplements. Thereby making it a dangerous supplement for women and children. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant and lactating mothers.
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  • Benefits of ingredients used in a slow cooker recipe

    Slow cooking tends to bring out the flavor in most meat cuts and even vegetables. Often the subtle benefits of slow cooking go unnoticed and people only see it as a cheap and easy alternative to traditional methods, like baking and frying. Slow cooker recipes do not require a lot of supervision, wherein all the ingredients simmer over low heat to be ready in four or five hours. This also reduces the risk of burning or overcooking the ingredients. But there are more benefits of slow cooking, which can be divided across the various ingredient that go in the recipe. Be it your pot roast or chicken stew, the traditional recipes can be easily modified for slow cooking.

    Health benefits of slow cooking pot roast: One of the main advantages of cooking over a low flame is that the ingredients used in the recipe, retain their nutritional value which might be otherwise lost in traditional roast, oven or grill recipe. Slow cooked beef or meat not only retains the flavor, but also manages to absorb all the nutrients from the other ingredients and vegetables that complement the recipe in the broth. Vital minerals, vitamins, nutrients, amino acids which are all beneficial for maintain the overall body heath are preserved this way. Tough cuts of meat used in the recipe are also low in fats, which help cut down the overall fat and calorie content. These tough meats can be prepared only in a slow cooker to yield the best possible results.

    Health benefits of slow cooking chicken: Slow cooking chicken over time prevents cancer causing toxins to develop which are a high chance in other traditional methods. Grilling and other methods produces glycation from burnt meats, which is the toxic reaction. Slow cooking does not allow the toxins to develop since the meat is cooked over a low flame and chances of overcooking or burning the meat, is the least of your concerns. Slow cooked recipes are beneficial for overall heart health as the main amino acid taurine, which is responsible for cardio vascular health is preserved this way.

    The other advantages include minimum use of processed ingredients and foods which can be beneficial for the overall health. Processed foods contained considerable amounts of sodium, fat, calories which will only add to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count in the recipe. Using all natural ingredients or organic ingredients, which can be easily substituted in a slow cooked recipe for readily available ingredients and canned foods ensures a healthy recipe.

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  • All you need to know about squamous cell carcinoma

    The second most common form of skin cancer, the squamous cell carcinoma is found in those areas of the body that are damaged by the UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Hands, legs, face, neck, and back are usually the areas that are exposed to the sun. The squamous cell carcinoma is a fairly slow type of cancer compared to the other types. It spreads to not only the tissues and bones but also the lymph nodes. These places become difficult to treat. An early diagnosis can help in the squamous cell carcinoma treatment.

    Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma
    The risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include aging, fair skin, blonde or red hair, and spending more time exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Moreover, men and people who have blue, green, or grey eyes are more prone to squamous cell carcinoma as compared to others. Also, tanning beds and bulbs, Bowen’s disease, exposure to radiation, inherited DNA condition, and long-term exposure to chemicals such as arsenic are some of the risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma.

    Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma
    A dome-shaped bump, red, patchy, or irritating skin are some of the common symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma. The skin usually gets rough and crusty and can bleed easily when scraped. The large growth may itch or hurt. There may be chronic skin sores or scars, where the cancer is developed.

    Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma
    Your doctor may probably ask you to visit a dermatologist, who specializes in this condition. They will ask you about your medical history, exposure to the sun, history of indoor or outdoor tanning, the time when the spots started appearing, and experience of any pain on those spots. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination in order to know about the size, shape, texture, and color of the spot. The dermatologist will examine all the spots in your body. They will also examine the lymph nodes to makes sure that they aren’t harder or bigger than usual. If the doctor suspects anything unusual, then they will ask you to conduct a skin biopsy to send to the lab for testing.

    Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma
    Squamous cell carcinoma treatments are usually performed in a hospital clinic or doctor’s office by conducting minor surgeries. The squamous cell carcinoma treatment may vary depending on the size and location of squamous cell carcinoma. Some of the squamous cell carcinoma treatments that your doctor may choose are excision, Mohs surgery, lymph nodes surgery, dermabrasion, cryosurgery, topical chemotherapy, and even targeted medical treatment.

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  • Different aspects of how enterprise data backup solutions work

    Enterprise solutions provide data storage solutions to businesses depending on the size and needs of the organization. The storage addresses block, file and object storage of a business.

    Creating a data storage solution depends on the exact needs of a business, what a business exactly does, what it wants and what it needs. The common need is to see that the business has security around the data and that its database is secure round the clock. A data storage solution should also be able to retrieve all the data if there is a mishap and it is lost. Custom hardware and flash memory are essential in assisting and helping accelerate the analytical applications. There is increased storage in re-writable flash memory chips and it gives the business more support for concurrent applications and ultra-fast response.

    Cloning helps an organization to leverage its advanced services. It automatically helps copy, backup and transfers the storage to another site which can be used to recover in case of disaster recovery. Clones are complete copies of the data. It helps to speed up the development; it also has snapshot capability which can be archived.

    Data storage solutions help create many copies which can be used for different reasons like testing, reporting, backups, staging, and development.

    Key Information Systems helps you replicate data with minimum loss. It requires network bandwidth; however but there is a limitation in terms of distance. Hence, users can, instead, choose asynchronous periodic replication as it will create copies across vast distances. This solution helps a business with remote backup, migration services, and log shipping.

    File system compression helps to optimize a business’s data storage solutions by reducing the storage footprint of data by compressing each file written. NAS-network attached storage and block storage compression is constituted into the storage. It functions between the storage device and network and performs fast loss and transparent storage compression. This increases the NAS and SAN capacity by 300 percent.

    Encryption is based on data storage solutions. The encryption can be run through the storage network. Another method is to have dedicated storage shelves to encrypt and decrypt data.

    In-memory storage is a great solution for businesses that are heavily transaction-based. This requires flash storage as it speeds up the database indexes and has better query performance. It also helps in desktop virtualization. Many clients load boot profiles into this memory for a faster login as it allows the largest number of users.

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  • Here’s what you need to know before buying a used muscle car

    Love the sound of an unrefined roaring engine under the hood? Fancy the out of control torque trembling under your feet? Fast and Furious movies just not enough? Well, muscle cars are just what you need!

    The thing about the muscle cars that make them so appealing is the feeling of trying to tame a beast. The rush, the adrenaline, the speed and of the rugged looks are to die for.

    Muscle cars were sold for their sheer power and (although risky) recklessness. Also, known as classic cars, these cars spawned during the 70’s were a hit in the country until the early 90’s, when they were more in the news for bad reasons; accidents, illegal races etc. Then a wave of luxury and supercars swooped in and ‘totaled’ the muscle trend. Muscle cars though still hold a place in people’s hearts and are collectors items with owners taking care of them like their own child it were their own offspring.

    Car companies who manufactured these powerful ‘beasts’ with fierce looks and raw power, have mellowed down their approach and have refined them to fit current vehicle manufacturing laws. But, if vintage is what you like and if you’re in the market to buy a used muscle car here’re some things you need to know.

    Muscle cars in the past were mostly hand manufactured. The whole powertrain of the car was assembled, calibrated and put in the chassis by workers. No machines included. This is what made them raw. Muscle cars are very different from other cars in terms of mechanisms such as fuel transmission and many mechanics don’t touch muscle cars because they are not familiar with the older assembly. Also, the companies that manufacture muscle cars now do it in a very different way. Human hands are replaced by multi axes robotic arms on the assembly floor. So, make sure you know your way into the powertrain before you buy a used muscle car.

    Tough on the inside, rusty on the outside. Keep a car outside on a rainy day for a day and the engine of the car might fail to start for the first time, but its exteriors will remain plush and unaffected by the lashing rain they were exposed to. Do it with a muscle car and the engine will roar away at the first turn of the key, but its exteriors might start to rust. Their V8 engines of cast iron can last for decades but the exteriors like door panels, hood and hinges will rust beyond comprehension. So, this is one of the major factors you should consider before buying a used muscle car. Be sure you have a covered place like a shed or garage to park the car.

    A used muscle car, will come with a costlier vehicle insurance so be ready to dig deep for insurance.

    The used muscle cars might have changed several hands before it finally made its way to you, so, make sure the car that you are planning to buy comes under the legal terms such as emission percentage to start with. You can visit websites like autotrader.com, fossilcars.com, cacars.com and other websites to get a good deal on used muscle cars that are tuned and have legal paperwork.

    To sum up, don’t get swayed by the excitement of owning a muscle car that you always wanted as a teenager. Consider the practicality involved in it and then tread further with caution before it proves to be a costly affair.

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  • Mouth Cancer – Causes and Symptoms

    Mouth cancer is the cancer of the oral cavity and affects various parts of the mouth such as teeth, lips, tongue, gums, lips, and even the floor and roof of the mouth. According to the American Cancer Society, mouth cancer affected around 49,670 people in the country in 2017 alone.

    Causes and risk factors
    Mouth cancer develops due to a change in the DNA structure of cells in the mouth or lips. These mutations cause uncontrolled cell divisions in the cells, leading to the formation of a tumor. Alarmingly, a fact is that mouth cancer can easily spread to other parts of the body such as the head and neck. A few common risk factors are smoking and chewing tobacco. It has been observed that drinkers who also are also habitual smokers have 100 times higher chances of developing the mouth cancer. In a few cases, sexually transmitted diseases, weak immunity, and genetic factors can cause mouth cancer too. An environmental factor contributing to mouth cancer is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun which causes the development of lip cancer, especially in the lower lip.

    Symptoms
    Several symptoms are early indications of mouth cancer. You can check mouth cancer pictures to get a better idea. A few symptoms have been listed below:

    • Thickening of the skin in the oral cavity
    • Loose teeth because the tumor in the gums adversely affects the area in which the teeth are fixed
    • Soreness in the mouth that has difficulty in healing and bleeds
    • Pain and stiffness in the jaw
    • Tongue pain
    • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
    • Change in voice and continued sore throat
    • Ear pain
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • A chronic pain in the facial region and neck, accompanied by bleeding, which does not heal within 2 weeks
    • Patches of white and red color developing in the mouth
    • Bleeding in the mouth with no apparent cause
    • Numbness, pain, and loss of feeling in the facial area, neck, or mouth due to nerve injury
    • Bad breath is another early sign. When a sore is infected by bacteria, they produce gases and cause bad breath. This does not go away with just brushing.

    The incidences of mouth cancer are rising due to the widespread use of tobacco products such as cigarettes, tobacco pipes, chewing tobacco, and alcohol consumption. An early detection and diagnosis may help in the effective treatment and reduce the mortality rate associated with mouth cancer.

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  • Quick party appetizers for your vegetarian and vegan friends

    Parties are great fun when you are the guest but if you happen to be the host, the excitement often gets lost in planning and arranging for the party. Those who hold get together less frequently, mostly find planning quite an overwhelming task. Among other arrangements, food is one of the most integral part of any party. Food is also the most crucial deciding factor of whether your party rocked or simply sucked!

    The key to have a successful party is that the menu you set caters to every guest’s preference. If you only have non-vegetarian items in your menu, the neglected vegan and vegetarian guests would most likely feel left out. It is therefore important that you decide a menu that is balanced and in tune with your guests’ palette. Appetizers are the essence of any party as they set the mood and are strong markers of how the rest of the party would proceed in terms of food. If you are confused about what appetizers to serve your guests who are not meat eaters, scroll down to find out some quick party appetizer for your vegetarians and vegans guests!

    Vegetarian appetizers
    Vegetarian appetizers are the quickest and most hassle free to make. You could serve tomato- avocado topping on toasts or stuff some baked mushroom with goat cheese filling. You could also serve some tortilla chips and make a variety of tomato dips. Crispy fried chickpeas also makes for a quick and easy starter. French Fries is another very easy recipe that merely requires oil and potato for ingredients. Fried olives and stuffed jalapenos is another innovative way of serving your vegetarian friends. You are serving sushi to your non-vegetarian guests, why should the vegetarians be left out? You could roll up some vegetarian sushi with bell pepper, carrot and celery topping! Spiced nuts is another great way to tickle your guest’s taste buds.

    Vegan Appetizer
    To all the Vegans on the list, you could serve some roasted cauliflower with a nacho dip or vegetable filled spring rolls and dumplings with peanut dip. Tofu is another great option to make your Vegan friends happy. You could lace the tofu with some pepper or lemon juice or fry the tofu in garlic and soy sauce. Lettuce scoop is another innovative recipe you could prepare by filling up lettuce leaves with a mix of tofu, peanuts, cranberry and mushrooms.

    So, the next you are clueless about pleasing the crowd with your food, try making different varieties of lip-smacking vegetarian and vegan appetizers along with all the lamb, fish, chicken and turkey delicacies and see the magic!

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  • Tips for effective bedroom furniture placement

    It is a well-established fact that bedroom furniture is capable of having a great impact on your mind. Your comfort level in the house depends upon whether the furniture has been positioned appropriately. Though the layout should be aesthetically pleasing, it also has to be practical and functional. To correctly place furniture in the bedroom, the following points should be kept in mind.

    • Measure the dimensions – Make use of a measuring tape to get the exact details of the area of the room. When you go to purchase bedroom furniture, the first thing asked by the salesperson is the length and breadth of the room. Your trip to the store will be of no use if you do not know which bed will suit the size of the room. When you get a customized bed constructed, the store owner sends his personnel to get a rough idea of the dimensions of the room though self-performance of this task is advisable.
    • Pay attention to the focal points – Focal points here mean the specific areas that will define the placement of bedroom furniture. For example, the wall with windows, size of windows, electricity points for television and air conditioner, walls with doors, telephone jacks and wall outlets. This is important if you don’t want to change the wiring system or drill new holes.
    • Understand the exit points – No bedroom furniture should be placed near the area around the doors so as to facilitate unrestrained opening and closing of doors. Moreover, having chests and drawers too close to the doorway give a very cluttered and cramped feel to the room. You can rather keep two long-standing lamps on both the sides for a subtle, elegant look.
    • Recognize the utility of the bedroom – Another essential aspect to be considered is the purpose for which is the bedroom is to be used. Apart from sleeping, most people spend time watching television and studying in the bedroom. The room to be used by an individual will have a different layout than if the same room is to be used by two persons. Adults’ bedroom will have different bedroom furniture than kids’ bedroom. The room may also serve as the guest room, so you will have to plan the need as well as placement of furniture accordingly.
    • Estimate the size of furniture – Once all other aspects have been considered, find out what dimensions of different furniture items will best match the dimensions of the room. If it is a small bedroom, then a twin bed will be sufficient. A master bedroom will not look good until a California bed is placed and so on.

    Purchasing bedroom furniture involves a large expenditure even if an item as basic as a table has to be bought. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to think and plan carefully before taking a decision. Hiring the services of experts can be an option if you are not satisfied with the current layout and want to give it a complete revamp. The interior designer will assist you in planning from scratch and provide you the best solution for the given budget.

    Your bedroom furniture reflects your style, standard of living and class. Don’t blindly follow current fashion fads and invest wisely in products that would look good in your house. Use multipurpose furniture items that save space and provide great value for money. If you want your bedroom furniture to last long, always purchase from a reputed brand that delivers what it promises. Obviously, if you buy teak you should get teak and not some other cheap alternative. After all, paying a high price for a low-quality product can hurt really badly.

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