What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

     I have noticed that there seems to be some confusion between the terms vegan and vegetarian, even among those who choose the lifestyle. Some don't realize the two terms are different, some say they're vegetarian when they're actually vegan and vise versa. I find this to be very frustrating, although, even as a teenager myself, I thought the term "vegan" was just short for "vegetarian." So I'm not the only one who used to have this misconception.

     A vegan is simply someone who doesn't eat animal products. Period. No cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, milk, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, butter or ANYTHING with ANY animal byproducts in them (there are some foods that actually have bone and hoofs in them to give certain foods a jelly like texture.... ewww!). Many go so far as not buy products and avoid companies that have tested on animals, use animal products in them and that are generally better for the environment. It's a very strict diet.

     A Vegetarian is someone who doesn't entirely eliminate animal products from their diet and aren't nearly as strict as vegans. Many vegetarian's may try to eat USDA organic or free range type animal products as much as possible, to try and look out for the welfare of animals on some level.

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat both dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but avoid eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarian. Eats eggs but not dairy products.
• Pescetarians eat seafood

     Even with this simple distinction between these two diet choices, it can be difficult to know exactly what someone means when they say that they are vegan or vegetarian. If you are having them over for a dinner party or a BBQ, simply ask them to clarify. Some vegetarians can be just as strict as Vegans. Many people won't mind if you ask them if you explain where you're coming from. Ask them to send you a couple recipe's that you can make or make the dinner a pot luck style to make sure that everyone has something that they can eat and enjoy. If you do not want to ask, simply just look up some recipe's and don't include any animal products in that dinner. There are many alternatives for cheese, butter and other animal substitutes that are very yummy!

     When it comes to gift giving, as I stated above, some vegan's and vegetarian's are very animal and earth conscious. If you aren't sure what to get him or her, simply ask for some guidelines. What company should I go with? Is it O.K. if I give you a gift card to a certain store? What would you like to receive? You need to also be upfront with what your budget is. Most people will be respectful and understand because allot of people aren't made out of money.

     Personally, I would rather get a gift card because I know it's difficult to buy for people sometimes. I don't see it as "oh I'm too lazy to figure out what I should get you." I see it as "I'm not sure what to get you but I want to give you something." I don't see it as a bad thing at all. Anyway, that is besides the point. It can all be very confusing for non- vegans and vegetarian's as it is for those who have chosen the lifestyle. The biggest thing you need to do is just ask questions and do some research.

12 surprising uses for vicks vapor rub

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Twelve Surprising Uses for Vicks VapoRub
1. Decongest Your Chest 
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms.

2. On Your Tootsies
Applying Vicks to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Your cough will subside.

3. Achy Breaky Muscles
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it over the aching area.

4. Get Rid of Nasty Nail Fungus
Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.

5. Stop Your Cat from Scratching
To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.

6. Pet Pee-Pee Deterrent
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.

7. Headaches Be Gone
Rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your temples and forehead to help relieve headaches. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.

8. Humidify Your Sleep
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.

9. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.

10. Ticks and Bugs
If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.

11. Reek-free Racehorses
Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.

12. Go Away Mosquitoes
Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.

7 secrets retailers don't tell you

It may be shocking to some, but retailers have developed a science to attract shoppers. All of their strategies are very logical and easy to navigate, once you learn the ropes. There are many shopping mall stores that hire retail researchers such as Paco Underhill, the author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping."

Underhill did a study on a few hundred people and looked at how they shopped. "There is nothing random about how a store is arranged and designed. It is carefully calculated to appeal to you in every possible way," he says.

"The stores have a plan, so you should, too," says best-selling author of "The Total Money Makeover” and host of his own syndicated financial radio talk show, Dave Ramsey .

The ‘magic’ of store display
There is a simple lesson that can be learned. Underhill talks about it in his book using a story about a t-shirt display.

"We buy them in Sri Lanka for $3 each. Then we bring them over here and sew in washing instructions, which are in French and English. Notice we don't say the shirts are made in France. But you can infer that if you like. Then ... we fold them just right on a tasteful tabletop display, and on the wall behind it, we hang a huge, gorgeous photograph of a beautiful woman in an exotic locale wearing the shirt."  

Ramsey’s response? "Write a monthly mall shopping budget and stash cash in an envelope specifically for that purpose. When the envelope is empty, stop spending," Ramsey says. "A written budget makes you think twice when you are tempted by impulse buys."

When BOGO sales are appropriate
Bundled-item promotions such as bogo and 2-fers can successfully lure you into buying something in their store more often and spending more money than any advertisement in a magazine or television advertisement. "You're not saving if you are actually spending more than you planned," says Underhill. These “sales” aren’t always a good deal, especially if you aren’t familiar with the stores merchandise and normal prices. You need to ask yourself, “Do I really need two of the same jeans?”

Don’t turn right when entering the store
Since a majority of the population is right handed, people have a habit of turning right when they enter a store. Since store owners have firsthand knowledge of this, stores will always feature their popular trends to the right hand of the entryway. Next time you walk into a store, pay attention to the attractiveness of displays and music, you will notice that one side is more attractive than the other. Stores also put their most expensive items on the right hand side. Make a list, shop with blinders on and only shop for what you came for.

Why clearance items are in the back
Clearance items are always placed in the back of every store because the stores want you to be tempted with the most expensive items first, . They hope that by the time you get to the clearance section, your hands will be full. When you walk into a store, walk straight to the clearance section first so you won’t be tempted to buy the expensive items. Chances are you can find something that you like for significantly less.

Why the clearance area is messy
There will be many people who will avoid the clearance rack because it’s messy and really frustrating to sift through. Shoppers want to be able to find their size, price and see the item easily and quickly. Retailers take advantage of that by jumbling everything so you give up and go towards the nicely displayed items that are marked at full price.

Never shop when you are in a crunch for time because it causes you to make rash decisions. You need to set aside time to shop and dig for what you really want and need. Plus, you can get more bang for your buck in the clearance section. You may need to buy something that is intended for fall when it’s in the middle of the winter but you’ll already be prepared for next season!

Beware of the small stuff around the register
When it comes to little inexpensive, cute and pretty items around, the register is calculated to kill a buyer’s budget when it comes to spending. These items such as perfumes, small jewelry items and other “add-on” items just dig you deeper into a hole. Unless one of these items is on your shopping list, resist the urge. If you see an item in the checkout area, take a mental note of it; it’ll probably be there for a while. If it’s still there for your next shopping session, it’s in your budget and you still want it, then you might be able to get it.

Be selective when shopping with friends
When it comes to shopping with others, make sure it’s with like minded shoppers who are trying to achieve the same goal you are. Retailers will take advantage of reckless shoppers who give into every temptation they see. Also, don’t go posting that dress you tried on in the dressing room on Facebook because “friends” will tempt you even more into buying that item. Bring someone who will help you stay on track with what you do and do not need.

Ramsey says that "Alcoholics should stay out of the bars. If you know you have a problem with spending, stay out of the mall.”
If you really need a “shopping kick,” go to a shopping center with someone. Go ahead and put everything in the cart that you like, and when you’re done, just leave the cart without checking out. I have heard of many recovering shop-a-holics who do this, and it has helped them achieve their high while not spending money they don’t have.

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Bio
Emily Griffin is 23 years old and a recent college graduate from State college of Florida. She is a personal finance writer for Save1.com; the new coupon startup that feeds kids each time a coupon or deal is used.