INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Purchasing from big-box and non-locally owned stores filters your money out of your local economy. Keep money circulating around your local economy by shopping from locally-owned companies whenever possible. Some easy changes to make include going to local mechanics instead of dealerships, and a local bookstore instead of an online retailer. In addition to shopping at locally-owned stores, look for products made in your area or country. If, for example, your local grocery store sells an olive oil made abroad and one made by a local farm, opt for the local oil. For products that may not be made directly in your area, such as clothing or cars, look for ones that are made in your country. Small banks and credit unions are generally more mindful with your money and invest directly in your community. They also tend to be more flexible in supporting loans for small, local businesses. Work with a local bank or credit union rather than a megabank to not only support local jobs but also to support investment in your local community. In addition to being beneficial for your local economy, local banks often offer the same services with lower fees attached. Locally-owned grocery stores and farmers markets are great places to get food made, shipped, and stocked by people in your area. Shop at farmers markets when you can, and look for locally-sourced products at the grocery store. When you go out to eat, choose local restaurants instead of large chains. There are often locally owned restaurants at a variety of prices. You can replace your fast food habit with local options and not have to shoulder too great a price increase.

SUMMARY: Purchase from local, small businesses. Shop for products made in your area or country. Bank with local banks and credit unions. Eat local foods at home and at restaurants.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: " The main room of a studio functions as three spaces in one: a bedroom, living room, and kitchen. You can create the feeling of three separate rooms by using the furniture to section off areas.  Couches, armchairs, or loveseats can box off a "living room" area. Your bed can similarly separate your sleeping area. Rugs, coffee tables, or shelves can anchor your apartment furniture and make your apartment sub-rooms feel more organized. Your bed should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to a wall. If you place your bed in the center of the room, your studio will feel cramped and cluttered. Consider investing in a day bed or pull-out bed if you are short on space. For additional space, choose a low-rise bed without a frame. This will prevent your bed from obstructing windows or blocking up extra space. Incorporating dividers can help you separate your studio apartment into separate areas. When guests are over, you can divide off your sleeping area for a sense of privacy. Folding screen or ceiling-mounted drapes can take up minimal space in your studio when they're not being used. Try to section off the room into aesthetically-pleasing ratios. Room sections look most pleasing to the eye if they are divided up into 1/3 or 2/3 proportions. To get the most out of your shelves, choose ones that are tall and thin. You will be able to utilize more space for your belongings without choosing a massive storage system. A large bookshelf or wardrobe can serve as a great separator between your sleeping area and living area. Placing high shelves above doorways or windows can also draw the eye upward (again giving the impression of a larger space) and give you more space in your studio. The furniture you choose can help with the illusion of space. Couches or chairs with visible legs (as opposed to legs draped over with cloth) create a feeling of light and airiness. The space between the floor and your furniture will help with an open floor plan. Avoid setting your furniture in the middle of the room, where it can block your space from one end to the other. Pushing most of your furniture to the edges will maximize open space and avoid a claustrophobic atmosphere. Assess this by walking from one end of the studio to the other. If you can do so without much hassle, you have a clear pathway. When arranging furniture in studio apartments, pick quality over quantity: too many chairs or sofas in a small space can leave you feeling trapped. When making the choice between two small couches or one large one, always opt for the latter.

SUMMARY: Use furniture to divide your apartment into "sub-rooms. Place the bed directly against a wall. Install moveable dividers. Think vertically with storage space. Choose furniture with visible legs. Clear a pathway. Pick your furniture carefully.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you only have a handful of coupons, you can carry them alongside your grocery list in your hand. If you have a few more than that, you can place the coupons you plan on using in a separate bag or envelop and stick it in your purse or pocket. You may not intend to use that pasta coupon this week, but if you get to the store and see a sale running that would increase you savings, you may change your mind. Keep your entire stock available nearby, like in your car or purse. Do not attempt to carry all your coupons out at once, however, since doing so may overwhelm you and cause the process to drag on. Look through your grocery store’s advertisements to find out what sales they have going. If you have coupons for any of the sale products, now is your best chance to use them. You might have enough duplicate coupons to clear an entire shelf of a certain product, and you may be able to do so for free, but that does not necessarily mean that you should. If you have no intention of using that product or if there is no humanly way to consume it before the expiration date passes, do not buy that much of it. Only purchase what you intend to use. Otherwise, you deprive other customers of that product for no good reason and risk cluttering up your home with useless products. Not every store will accept every coupon. Restrictions on Internet coupons are the most common. Some stores also set limits on the number of coupons you can use. Others have very friendly coupon policies and may even double the value of the coupon or accept competitor's coupons. Make a check-mark, “x,” or “c” next to each item on your grocery list that you plan on using a coupon with. Doing so makes it easier for you to keep track of whether or not you have used all your intended coupons. Even with a coupon, some brands may be more expensive than their competitor’s. Do not be afraid to forego the coupon if you find a better deal that exists even without coupons.

SUMMARY: Keep out the coupons you plan on using. Bring your extra coupons just in case. Double your savings by matching coupons with weekly sales. Set limits. Check your store's coupon policies. Mark the items on your list that you have a coupon for. Compare prices.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Everyone is different—some people like to wake slowly and quietly, while others may start the day with activity and noise such as music or TV. Choosing the most pleasant wake up experience will make your morning routine nicer and easier to stick to.  Set the alarm on your music device or TV to come on when you wake up. Stash your electronic devices where you won’t be tempted to use them right upon waking up. Leave your bedroom as soon as you wake up so you’re not tempted to go back to bed. Not only will it help to get you moving, but it will also have great health benefits.  Make your bed right away. Do chores that were left from last night such as emptying the dish rack or picking up clothes. Stretch for several minutes to ease into more activity. Practice a few minutes of calisthenics such as jumping jacks or pushups. Putting aside time to gather your thoughts and plan your day can be the perfect start, especially if your days tend to be hectic and stressful.   Arrange a quiet space for your quiet time, away from people, pets, and electronics. Don’t let anyone or anything interrupt your special quiet time. We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day—it’s true! Your body and brain need fuel after fasting for 8–12 hours.  Plan your breakfast the night before if it makes it easier for you to eat in the morning. Start with a glass of water, which has multiple health benefits.  Choose healthy and nutritious foods and drinks to provide the best fuel for your day—these include fruits, dairy products, protein (eggs, meat, soy), and grains.

SUMMARY:
Decide on the most effective ways for waking up. Move your body or exercise. Meditate or have several minutes of quiet. Eat breakfast.