Abstract: A method and system for the creation of coupons at a centralized server and distribution to multiple users is shown. The coupons are received at mobile devices and are redeemed at participating retail locations, which connect to an administration server that employs both an online and offline authentication process to ensure users are attempting to redeem valid coupon.

Abstract: A portable water softener for converting hard water from a household water outlet to softened water is disclosed. The portable water softener includes an elongated housing having opposite first and second ends and an elongated conduit having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the conduit is coupled to the first end of the housing by a first water connector element while the second end of the conduit is coupled to the second end of the housing by a second water connector element. The conduit extends between the first and second ends of the housing in a sinusoidal fashion and contains a quantity of water softening ion exchange beads. The portable water softener also includes a first flush port coupled to the first end of the housing and the first end of the conduit and a second flush port coupled to the second end of the housing and the second end of the conduit.