Sav'n Chix

FREE Math & Science Books-Just Pay $1 Shipping!

2017-02-10T07:12:00.001-08:00

Now THIS is a great offer! You can get FREE Math & Science Books from World Book Junior Explorers right now and you just pay shipping! Usually saying you have to pay shipping means the shipping is super high…but it’s only a DOLLAR!

The World Book Juniors Explorers Books are designed to peak your child’s interest in science and math using colorful comics-style art that makes learning fun! These books are for children ages 6-8!

When you sign up with the World Book Junior Explorers Program now, you will get your first book for FREE, and if you love it, every month you will receive two more books from the World Book Junior Explorers Program for just $12.50 each ($25.00) plus $4.99 shipping and handling.

If you want to sign up kids under 6, they have a new World Book New Explorers Program for younger kids!

Fine Print:

If you are pleased with your first book do nothing and in about two weeks and each month thereafter you will receive two more books from the World Book Expert Explorers Program for just $12.50 each ($25.00) plus $1.00 shipping and handling. You are under no obligation to continue. Your credit card will remain on file and all future shipments will be charged to the card unless you notify World Book otherwise. Save even more when you take advantage of the bonus offer! Add one more World Book Expert Explorers book at 50% off and pay just $6.25 and get FREE Shipping and Handling! Previews of Member-Only Offers! As a subscriber, you will receive editor-selected World Book Expert Explorers books up to four times a year to complement your program. Of course, we will always provide advance notice of these specialty items with full descriptions, pricing, and a toll-free number. Simply tell us within 10 days if you choose not to receive your specialty item, or do nothing and it will be sent. For your convenience, all member-only offers will be charged to the credit card provided when you enrolled in the World Book Expert Explorers Program.

FREE Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Products from Grove Collaborative ($40 Value)

2017-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

So many of you have emailed me about deals on Natural Products for your home and families and the best ways to save on these items. I want to introduce you to a company that my friend Jessica introduced me to last May. Grove Collaborative is an online site where you can find incredible prices on natural products without leaving your home! They carry top brands like Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, Dr. Bonner’s and more all at prices 20-30% off! If you join their VIP program you also get 5 FREE full size gifts and Free Shipping on every order! It’s a great company that I haven’t talked much about, starting today they have some incredible freebies that they are offering my readers and I don’t want you to miss this deal!

Right now when you sign up for Grove and place your first order of $20 you’ll get $40 in FREE Cleaning Products to New Members!!!

Here’s what’s included in this Fresh Start Offer:

That’s a $40 Value! Click Here to get Your FREE $40 Fresh Start Kit from Grove Collaborative on your first order.

if you are already a Grove Customer you’ll get a FREE Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap with your next order when you use this link here to add the item to your cart! This is super rare that a company would offer something free to both new and existing customers, but I have always had a great experience with Grove and I know this is just one of the ways they show their customers how much they love them.

There are 3 scents you can choose from: Honeysuckle, Lemon Verbena, or Lavender! The brand new Mrs. Meyer’s Lotion is only available at Grove so don’t miss out on your chance to try this brand new item for Free!

Here’s how to get your FREE $40 worth of Mrs. Meyers Products:

1. ) Sign up for Grove Collaborative Here – This Fresh Start Offer is available for New Members placing their first order! (Existing members click here to get your FREE Hand Soap with your next order)

2.) Answer 4 Quick Questions about your home that Grove Collaborative uses to customize your first basket (Don’t worry you can change it later)

3.) Finalize your basket by adding and removing any products that you want from the entire Grove site. You just need $20 worth of items to get the Freebies and it can be anything on the site, so if you need new Laundry Soap, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Kids Shampoo, etc. This is the time to grab it!

4.) You made it! Now all you have to do is checkout, Click Finish & Pay and place your order!

Once you have submitted your order you’ll be signed up for the Free 60 Day VIP Trial, you’ll get Free Gifts, Free Shipping, Exclusive Sales and more for the first 60 days! If you decide not to cancel and join the VIP program it’s $39.99 for the entire year and you get FREE Shipping on every order + you get 5 Full Size Freebies Every Year! That means you getting almost the entire cost of the program back in Free Products!!! I’ve been a member of the VIP Program for almost 6 months now and I love getting Freebies in my email on top of the already discounted prices & Free Shipping!

FREE Shutterfly Pet Tag or 16×20 Glossy Print! Just Pay Shipping!

2017-02-10T06:56:00.001-08:00

Today and tomorrow only, 1/13-1/14, you can get a FREE Shutterfly Pet Tag or 16×20 Glossy Print and you will just pay shipping! And see all the current Shutterfly Coupon Codes.

After you create your pet tag or print, just add the coupon code AFFYOURGIFT at checkout. Shipping will be $3.99 for the Pet Tag and $5.99 for the big phot print and I love that you can get that one FREE! You could print out one of your pictures for a great Valentine’s Day Gift :) They have some awesome designs in the pet tags and they are always super popular!

Creative Egg Decorating Ideas for Kids-Blog Mom's

2017-02-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Brought to you by all our Bloggin MOM'S

I have some awesome and Creative Egg Decorating Ideas for Kids that you can try this Easter! These are super fun and they’re adorable PLUS your kids will have so much fun making them!

Creative Egg Decorating Ideas for Kids

How to Dye Easter Eggs with Cool Whip

INGREDIENTS:

2 – 24 oz. Tubs of Cool Whip, any brand
Americolor Gel Food Colors (Must Use Gel for bright colors)
2 Dozen Hard Boiled Eggs
2 Cups Vinegar

Instructions

Thaw Cool Whip and Place it in a 9x13 baking dish
Drip Food Coloring onto Cool Whip and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the colors into the cool whip
Place Hard Boiled Eggs in Vinegar to Soak for 10 minutes, remove and pat dry this will help them absorb the color
Place Eggs in the Cool Whip Mixture and cover completely, allow to sit 15-20 minutes to let the dye set.
Place Eggs in a Bowl of Water and gently shake to remove excess Cool Whip - Note, do not run these under a faucet the pressure will remove the color.
Pat Dry with a Paper Towel or Dish Towel and allow to dry completely.

CREATING COLORFUL EASTER EGGS WITH MELTED CRAYONS

Here are the steps I took with my kids to create Colorful Easter Eggs Using Melted Crayons…

Supplies Needed:

Eggs (steps to hard boil the eggs are below)
A colorful collection of crayons

To start off…

1.Put the eggs in a pot and fill the pot with cold water so it covers the eggs about 1-2″.

2.Once the eggs come to a full boil, remove the pot from the stove and cover for 12 minutes (so they create a hard-boiled egg).

3.Carefully remove the eggs from the pot and let them stand for about 1-2 minutes (the eggs will be very hot, so be sure to use tongs when removing them from the pot).

Here comes the fun part…

4. Using crayons, start drawing on your egg. Be creative. Get the kids involved. It’s a lot of fun to try different patterns and to mix the colors. For our eggs, I used one color as the base, then added another color on top. I smudged in the background hue which gave a fun, swirly look.

Because of the hot exterior of the egg, the crayon will melt on the egg’s surface. Once your masterpiece is finished, gently place the egg into the original egg holder and place it into the refrigerator. After a few minutes they will be cool and the decorated eggs can be handled and displayed as you’d like.

You can get Kool-Aid packets at the store for about $1 for 5 packets, so grab a rainbow and get started. You may find that not all of the colors dye the egg the desired color, so it may take a little experimenting to get them right.

What you Do:

— Hard boil your eggs per your normal routine. Or if you have never hard boiled eggs before, put a layer of eggs at the bottom of a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Let sit for 12-15 minutes. Then if you want to start right away rinse them with cold water until they have cooled down.

— Mix each Kool-Aid packet with about 2/3 cup of water – 1 cup of water

— Place the different colors in small containers large enough to dip the eggs in.

— Then just have your little egg dippers get ready and dip the eggs in each color using either a spoon or if you got some of those egg dipping tongs from the store.

UPDATE: I have gotten a lot of questions about which colors of Kool-Aid to use. My favorites were the Cherry and Mixed Berry. The Orange was also a good color. I wasn’t a fan of the Lemon, it’s really hard to get a good Yellow, I had to let it sit for a long time to get it to change colors so it seemed a little weak to me. I also tried Black Cherry and Grape. The Black Cherry looked a lot like Cherry to me just not as bright and the Grape is kinda ugly in my opinion :) It’s the one in the back corner!

It is that easy! And so much fun! So get your little helpers together and have fun decorating your Easter Eggs this year with Kool-Aid.

Be sure to store in the fridge after you are done in an air tight container. And if you plan to eat your eggs do so within 1 week of making them.

DYED NINJA TURTLES EASTER EGGS

Green egg dye or food coloring
1 tablespoon vinegar + 1/2 cup room temperature water
ribbon
eyes
glue

Step one: dye eggs in room temperature water. The longer the eggs are dyed the darker the color will be. We kept ours in for about 10 minutes. Set to dry.

Step two: Glue ribbon to the back of the eggs and add eyes to the ribbon. That’s it! You could get a little more creative and add a mouth with a sharpie or paint pen.

Minion Easter Eggs

DIY Minion Easter Eggs – die dyed Easter eggs with moveable eyes and string to resemble Minion goggles.

How to make Minion Easter Eggs

Supplies:

PAAS Deluxe Kit/Color Cups
Vinegar
Moveable eyes
Black String (we used black jute)
Glue
Sharpie

Step one: prepare dye in individual cups. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar into cup and drop dye tablet; allow tablet to dissolve. Pour ¼ cup water of room temperature water into dye. (Note: I slightly adjusted the instructions from the kit).

Step two: dip half of the egg into the yellow dye. You can see in the picture that I only filled the dye cup enough to cover half of the egg. The longer the egg sits in the dye the brighter the color will be. Allow dye to dry and dip the other half in the blue dye.

Step three: Use glue to attach eyes and black string for the goggles. Draw mouth with a Sharpie pen.

CVS Deals 2/5-2/11

2017-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Weekly Extra Care Buck Deals

Brought to you by HIP2SAVE!

Spend $30 on select Household Products = $10 EB (limit 1)
Arm & Hammer and Cottonelle Scenario:
Buy 4 Arm & Hammer Liquid 43.75-50 oz. $2.99
Buy 2 Cottonelle 18 Roll $9.99
Total – $31.94
Use 4 $1/1 Arm & Hammer Liquid Detergent coupons found in the 2/5 SS (exp 3/4)
Plus, use 2 $1.50/1 Cottonelle Toilet Paper 18+ Rolls coupons found in the 1/29 SS (exp 3/12)
Pay $24.94
Get back $10 EB
Plus, get back a $2 deposit available from Checkout51 when you buy 2 Cottonelle Bath Tissue 12 -ct. +
Final cost $10.94 – just 23¢ per toilet paper roll & $1.16 per Arm & Hammer!
Cottonelle Scenario:pend $10 on Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner 12-13 oz. or select Fructis Stylers 2/$7 or $3.79 = $3 EB (limit 1) Use 3 $2/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment (excluding 2.9 and 3oz) coupons found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/11) or here
Or the $2/1 Garnier Fructis Style Product (excluding 2oz) coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25)
Pay $4.79
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $1.79 – just 60¢ each!

Buy 3 Cottonelle 18 Roll $9.99
Total – $29.97
Use 3 $1.50/1 Cottonelle Toilet Paper 18+ Rolls coupons found in the 1/29 SS (exp 3/12)
Pay $25.47
Get back $10 EB
Plus, get back a $2 deposit available from Checkout51 when you buy 2 Cottonelle Bath Tissue 12 -ct. +
Final cost $13.47 – just 25¢ per roll!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $0.55/1 Scott 1000 Toilet Paper printable coupon
Or the $0.55/1 Scott Towels printable coupon
Or the $0.55/1 Scott Extra Soft printable coupon
Or the $0.50/1 Cottonelle Toilet Paper 6 rolls+ coupon found in the 1/1 SS (exp 2/11) or here

Spend $12 on Revlon Cosmetic or Beauty Tools = $4 EB (limit 6)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow $6.99
Total – $13.98
Use the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Revlon Eye Cosmetic coupon found in the 1/22 SS (exp 2/5)
Pay $6.99
Get back $4 EB
Final cost $2.99 – just $1.49 each!

Spend $15 on Maybelline Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer or Lip Products = $5 EB (limit 3)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Maybelline Fit Me Blush $5.79
Total – $17.37
Use 3 $1/1 Maybelline Fit Cosmetic coupons found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25) – may be regional
Pay $14.37

Get back $5 EB
Final cost $9.37 – just $3.12 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $3/1 Maybelline Dream Foundation coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25) – may be regional

Spend $30 on select Beverage and Snack Products = $10 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 9 Coke 12 pk. 12 oz cans 3/$10 or $4.99
Pay $30
Get back $10 EB
Final cost $20 – just $2.22 each!

Hershey’s Valentine, Original Kisses or Miniatures 8-15 oz. 2/$7 or $3.70 = $1 EB (limit 1)
Pay $7
Get back $1 EB
Final cost $6 – just $3 each!

Dove Valentine, Original Promises 7.94-8.87 oz., Truffles 5.42 oz., Chocolate Dipped Fruit or Almonds 5.5-6 oz. 2/$5 or $3.79 = $1 EB (limit 1)
Use the $1/2 Valentine’s Day Dove Chocolate, M&M’s, Minis Mix, Snickers, Twix, or Milky Way printable coupon
Or the $1/2 Mars Valentine’s Products 3 oz+ coupon found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/14)
Or the $1/2 Mars Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, 3 Musketeers or Milky Way Fun Size or Mini laydown bags 8 oz+ coupon found in the 1/8 RP (exp 2/19)
Pay $4
Get back $1 EB
Final cost $3 – just $1.50 each!

Spend $12 on select Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, Fantastik, Glade or Shout Products $2.99 = $3 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel Rainshower $2.99
Total – $11.96
Use 4 $1/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Product coupons found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/18)
Pay $7.96
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $4.96 – just $1.24 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $1.50/2 Windex Products coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/19)
Or the $2/3 Glade Products (excluding solid air freshener and 8oz room spray) coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/12) or here
Or the $0.55/1 Glade Product (excluding solid air freshener and 8oz room spray) coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/12) or here
Or the $0.50/1 Scrubbing Bubbles All Purpose Cleaner Heavy Duty with Fantastik coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/18)
Or the $0.50/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaning Product coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/18)
Or the $0.50/1 Windex Product printable coupon
Or the $1/2 Glade Products (excluding solid air freshener and 8oz room spray) coupon found in the 1/8 SS (exp 2/12) or here

Spend $20 on Starbucks Coffee 12 oz. or K-Cups 10 ct. $6.99 = $5 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Starbucks K-Cups 10 ct. $6.99
Total – $20.97
Use 3 $1.50/1 Starbucks K-cup Pods coupons found in the 9/18 SS (exp 3/31)
Pay $16.47
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $11.47 – just 38¢ per K-Cup!

Lifewater 1 Liter 2/$4 or $2.49 = $2 EB (limit 1)
Pay $4
Get back $2 EB
Final cost $2 – just $1 each!

M&M’s Valentine or Original 8-12.6 oz. 2/$6 or $3.79 = $1 EB (limit 1)
Use the $1/2 Valentine’s Day DOVE Chocolate, M&M’s, Minis Mix, Snickers, Twix, or Milky Way printable coupon
Or the $1/2 Mars Valentine’s Products 3 oz+ coupon found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/14)
Or the $1/2 Mars Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, 3 Musketeers or Milky Way Fun Size or Mini laydown bags 8 oz+ coupon found in the 1/8 RP (exp 2/19)
Plus, use the $1/2 Snickers, Twix, Mixed Minis Variety, Skittles, Starburst or M&M 10-oz. + CVS Store printable coupon
AND, use the $1 off 2 CVS app savings available this week
Pay $3
Get back $1 EB
Final cost $2 – just $1 each!

Spend $10 on Physicians Formula Cosmetics = $7 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Va Va Voom Volume Mascara $9.99
Pay $9.99
Get back $7 EB
Final cost $2.99!

Spend $12 on Almay Cosmetics = $4 EB (limit 6)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Almay Shadow Softies By Intense I-Color $5.29
Total – $15.87
Use 3 $4/1 Almay Cosmetic Product coupons found in the 1/22 SS (exp 2/5)
Pay $3.87
Get back $4 EB
Final cost all 3 items for Free!

Spend $10 on Wet n Wild Cosmetics = $5 EB (limit 3)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 Wet n Wild Kohl Crayon Eyeliner $0.99
Buy 4 Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color $0.99
Buy 2 Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick $0.99
Total – $9.90 (Should trigger EB)
Use 4 $1/1 Wet n Wild Eye Product coupons found in the upcoming 2/5 SS (exp 2/18)
Plus, use 4 $0.50/1 Wet n Wild Product coupons found in the upcoming 2/5 SS (exp 2/18)
Pay $3.90
Get back $5 EB
Final cost all 10 items for Free + a $1.10 moneymaker!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $1/1 Wet n Wild Face Product coupon found in the upcoming 2/5 SS (exp 2/18)

Spend $10 on e.l.f. Cosmetics = $3 EB (limit 3)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 e.l.f. Studio Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil or Lipstick $1
Buy 4 e.l.f. Studio Professional Tweezers or Eyeshadow brush $1
Buy 2 e.l.f. Studio Dual Pencil Sharpener $1
Pay $10
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $7 – just 70¢ each!

Spend $15 on select Olay Cleansers or Moisturizers = $5 EB (limit 2)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Olay Age Defying Classic Facial 6.78 oz. $5.49
Total – $16.47
Use 3 $1/1 Olay Facial Moisturizer or Cleanser coupons found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)
Pay $13.47
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $8.47 – just $2.82 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $2/1 Olay Pro-X, Regenerist or Luminous Facial Moisturizer or Eyes coupon found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)
Or the $1/1 Olay Regenerist Facial Moisturizer .5 oz or smaller (excludes eyes) coupon found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)
Or the $1/1 Olay Total Effects Facial Moisturizer (excludes eyes) coupon found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)

Buy 2 Garnier Facial Care = $5 EB (limit 1)

Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Soothing Remover Cleansing Towelettes 25. ct. $5.99
Total – $11.98
Use 2 $2/1 Garnier Cleanser coupons found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25)
Pay $7.98
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $2.98 – just $1.49 each!

Spend $30 on L’Oreal Facial Care = $10 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 5 L’Oreal Go 360° Clean by Ideal Deep Exfoliating Scrub, 6 oz. $5.99
Total – $29.95
Use 4 $2/1 L’Oreal Paris Skincare Product (excludes hydra genius, micellar cleansing water) coupons found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/18) or here
Pay $21.95
Get back $10 EB
Final cost $11.95 – just $2.39 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $2/1 L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Product coupon found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/18)
Or the $1/1 L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water coupon found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/18)

Spend $15 on Skin+Pharmacy Anti-Aging or Acne Therapy = $5 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Skin+Pharmacy Advanced Skin Therapy Extended Moisture Body Cream 10 oz. $14.99
Pay $14.99
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $9.99!

Buy 1 select Dove, St. Ives Body Wash, Vaseline, Dove Moisturizer or Simple Facial Care =

$1 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion 10 oz. $4.59
Minus Buy 1 Get 1 50% off – $6.88
Use 2 $2/1 Vaseline Lotion 10-oz + Product coupons found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25)
Pay $2.88
Get back $1 EB
Final cost $1.88 – just $0.94 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $2.25/2 Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion printable coupon
Or the $2/1 Dove Body Wash 22-oz + or Shower Foam 13.5-oz when you buy Beauty Bar 4-ct + coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/12)
Or the $1/1 Dove Beauty Bar 4-pk + coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/12)
Or the $1/1 Dove Men+Care Bar Soap 6-pk + or Body Wash 13.5-oz + coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/26)

Spend $10 on select Jergens or Curel Products = $2 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Curel Daily Moisture 13 oz. $7.99
Total – $15.98
Use 2 $2/1 Curel Moisturizer, Body Wash or Spray coupons found in the 1/1 SS (exp 2/5) – may be regional
Pay $11.98
get back $2 EB
Final cost $9.98 – just $4.99 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $3/1 Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer coupon found in the 1/1 SS (exp 2/5)

– may be regional

Buy 2 Gray Away for Women 0.13-1.5 oz. or Back 2 Blonde Kit $8.99 = $4 EB (limit 1)
Pay $17.98
get back $4 EB
Final cost $13.98 – just $6.99 each!

Spend $10 on Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner 12-13 oz. or select Fructis Stylers 2/$7 or $3.79 = $3 EB (limit 1)
Use 3 $2/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment (excluding 2.9 and 3oz) coupons found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/11) or here
Or the $2/1 Garnier Fructis Style Product (excluding 2oz) coupon found in the 1/29 RP (exp 2/25)
Pay $4.79
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $1.79 – just 60¢ each!

Buy 2 L’Oreal Hair Care or Hair Color Products = $5 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 L’Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Repair and Defend Shampoo 8.5 oz. $7.49
Total – $14.98
Use 2 $2/1 Ever by L’Oreal Paris Hair Expert Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment Product printable coupons
Pay $10.98
Get back $4 EB
Final cost $6.98 – just $3.49 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $3/1 L’Oreal Hair Color printable coupon
Or the $2/1 L’Oreal Superior Preference or Excellence Hair Color Product coupon found in the 1/22 RP (exp 2/18) or 2/5 RP (exp 3/4)

Spend $10 on select Nivea Lotion or Creme = $5 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Nivea Soft Face/Body/Hands Moisturizing Creme 6.8 oz. $6.99
Total – $13.98
Use 2 $2/1 Nivea Body Lotion, Crème or Oil Products 2.6-21-oz coupons found in the 2/5 SS (exp 3/3)
Pay $9.98
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $4.98 – just $2.49 each!

Softsoap Body Wash 15-18 oz. 2/$7 or $4.29 = $3 EB (limit 4)
Pay $7
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $4 – just $2 each!

Men’s Speed Stick 2.7-3 oz. 2/$5 or $3.09 = $3 EB (limit 1)
Use the Buy 1 Speed Stick Men’s or Lady Speed Stick 2.3-oz + , Get 1 Free (up to $2.99) coupon found in the 2/5 SS (exp 2/25) – Should deduct $2.99, but YMMV
Pay $2.01
Get back $3 EB
Final cost both items for Free + a $1 moneymaker!

Buy 2 Gillette, Venus Razor 1 ct., Refills, Blade, Beauty 360 3 or 5 Blade Razors or Refills

= $6 EB (limit 1)

Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Gillette Mach 3 Razors $8.49
Total – $16.98
Use 2 $3/1 Gillette Razor or Disposable 2 ct+ (excludes sensor2 2 ct.) coupons found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)
Pay $10.98
Get back $6 EB
Final cost $4.98 – just $2.49 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $3/1 Gillette Venus Razor or Venus Daisy Disposable Razor 2 ct+ (excludes daisy2 2 ct.) coupon found in the 1/29 PG (exp 2/25)
Or the $1/1 Gillette Fusion ProShield or ProGlide System Razor printable coupon
Or the $1/1 Gillette Mach 3 or Fusion System Razor printable coupon
Or the $1/1 Venus Swirl or Olay Razor printable coupon

Schick Hydro Razors for Men or For Women 1-3 ct. $8.99 = $3 EB (limit 1)
Buy Schick Hydro 5 Disposables 3ct Razors $8.99
Use the $3/1 Schick Disposable Razor Pack (excludes 1 ct. or 2 ct.) printable coupon
Pay $5.99
Get back $3 EB
Final cost $2.99!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $2/1 Schick Hydro 5 or Hydro Silk Disposable Razor Pack (excluding 2ct) coupon found in the 2/5 SS (exp 2/26)
Or the $2/1 Schick Hydro Razor or Refill (excluding disposables) coupon found in the 2/5 SS (exp 2/26) or here

Select Colgate Optic White, Sensitive or Enamel Health Toothpaste $3.99 = $1 EB (limit 2)
Use the $0.75/1 Colgate Enamel Health Toothpaste printable coupon
Or the $0.75/1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste printable coupon
Or the $0.75/1 Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste printable coupon
Pay $3.24
Get back $1 EB
Final cost $2.24!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste 3 oz+ coupon found in the 1/29 SS (exp 2/11) or here

Buy 1 Colgate Total Advanced Mouthwash = $2 EB (limit 2)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield 12HR Protection Mouthwash 8.45oz. $4.49
Total – $4.49
Use the $0.75/1 Colgate Mouthwash or Mouth Rinse printable coupon
Pay $3.74
Get back $2 EB
Final cost $1.74!

Spend $20 on Jumbo Pk. Huggies Diapers, Pull-Ups, GoodNites or Tru-Fit Refills Pk. 2/$19.97 = $5 EB (limit 1)
Use 2 $3/1 any package of Huggies Diapers (excluding 9 ct or less) printable coupons
Pay $13.97
Get back $5 EB
Final cost $8.97 – just $4.48 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $2/1 Pull-Ups Training Pants or Goodnites printable coupon
Or the $2/1 package of Huggies Diapers printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 10-ct + coupon found in the 2/5 SS (exp 2/25) or here
Or the $1.50/1 Huggies Wipes 56-c t+ When You Buy 1 Little Snugglers or Movers Diapers 10-ct + coupon found in the 2/5 SS (exp 2/25)
Or the $1.50/1 Huggies Little Movers Diapers printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Huggies Overnites Diapers printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Pull-Ups Training Pants printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Pull-Ups Night Time Training Pants printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Pull-Ups Cool & Learn Training Pants printable coupon
Or the $1.50/1 Goodnites Bedtime Pants printable coupon

Spend $12 on Band-Aid Brand Bandages, Neosporin, Benadryl or Aveeno Anti-Itch = $4 EB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Assorted Size Adhesive Bandages 30 ct. $4.49
Total – $13.47
Use 3 $0.50/1 Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages Product printable coupons
Pay $11.97
Get back $4 EB
Final cost $7.97 – just $2.66 each!

Other Coupons Available:
Use the $1/1 Bandryl Topical Product printable coupon
Or the $1/1 Neosporin First Aid Product printable coupon

REASONS FOR FRUGAL SHOPPING

2017-01-29T12:27:00.001-08:00

CVS Top Deals Jan 29 – Feb 4 (Pizzas only $1.67 each)

2017-01-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

CVS Extra Bucks

Get $1 ECB wyb 2 participating General Mills Cereals; Limit 1

General Mills Cereal, 8.9 – 13 oz – $2.00

2/$4 (or $2.49 each)Includes: Select varieties

$0.75/1 General Mills Trix, Cocoa Puffs, or Cookie Crisp Cereal (exp. 01/27/17)
$1.00/2 General Mills Big G Cereals; Includes Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Chex, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, Trix, Reese’s Puffs, Fiber One, Cookie Crisp, Golden Grahams, Kix, Total, Wheaties, Dora the Explorer, Oatmeal Crisp, Raisin Nut Bran, Basic 4, Tiny Toast, or Star Wars Only
$0.75/2 General Mills Cheerios Cereal – 1-22-17 SS (exp. 03/04/17)
$1.00/2 General Mills Cheerios Cereal – 1-22-17 SS (exp. 03/04/17)
$1.00/3 General Mills Big G Cereal – 1-8-17 SS (exp. 02/18/17)
$1.00/3 General Mills Cereal – 1-29-17 SS (exp. 03/11/17)
$0.50/1 General Mills Original Cheerios Cereal – Checkout 51 Rebate; Limit 1; Not Valid at BJ’s, Costco, or Sam’s Club
$1.00/2 General Mills Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, or Trix Cereal – Checkout 51 Rebate; Limit 1; Not Valid at BJ’s, Costco, or Sam’s Club

Out-of-Pocket Price: $1.25

Final Price: $0.75

Buy 2; Use (2) $0.75/1 coupons; Includes ExtraCare savings

Get $10 ECB wyb $30 in participating Coke, Hershey’s, M&M’s, Skittles, DiGiorno, Planters, Pringles and more; Limit 1

DiGiorno Pizza, 12 in – $5.00

2/$10 (or $6.49 each)

B2G1 DiGiorno Pizza – 1-29-17 RP; Includes 10.6 oz or Larger Only; Maximum Value $6.70 (exp. 02/06/17)

Out-of-Pocket Price: $3.33

Final Price: $1.67

Buy 6; Use (2) B2G1 coupons; Includes ExtraCare savings

Get $3 ECB wyb 2 participating Ensure; Limit 4

Ensure, 6 pk – $8.00

2/$16 (or $8.99 each)

$3.00/1 Ensure Multipack
$3.00/1 Ensure Multipack – 1-1-17 SS (exp. 01/29/17)

Out-of-Pocket Price: $5.00

Final Price: $3.50

Buy 2; Use (2) $3.00/1 coupons; Includes ExtraCare savings

Get $5 ECB wyb $20 in participating Pantene, Crest, Glide, Oral-B, Charmin, Bounty or Tide; Limit 1

Head & Shoulders, 12.8 – 14.2 oz – $6.00

2/$12 (or $6.29 each)

$2.00/1 Head & Shoulders or Clinical Solutions – 1-29-17 PG; Includes 380 mL 12.8 oz or Larger Only or Clinical Solutions; Excludes Trial and Travel Size; Limit of 4 Identical Coupons Per Household Per Day (exp. 02/11/17)
$5.00/2 Head & Shoulders or Clinical Solutions – 1-29-17 PG; Includes 380 mL 12.8 oz or Larger Only or Clinical Solutions; Excludes Trial and Travel Size; Limit of 4 Identical Coupons Per Household Per Day (exp. 02/11/17)

Out-of-Pocket Price: $3.50

Final Price: $2.25

Buy 4; Use (2) $5.00/2 coupons; Includes ExtraCare savings

Pantene Pro-V Shampoo or Conditioner, 12 – 12.6 oz – $4.00

3/$12 (or $4.79 each)

$2.00/2 Pantene Products – 1-29-17 PG; Must Include Shampoo AND Conditioner or Styler; Excludes 6.7 oz; Excludes Trial and Travel Size; Limit of 4 Identical Coupons Per Household Per Day (exp. 02/11/17)
$5.00/3 Pantene Products – 1-29-17 PG; Must Include Shampoo AND Conditioner or Styler; Excludes 6.7 oz; Excludes Trial and Travel Size; Limit of 4 Identical Coupons Per Household Per Day (exp. 02/11/17)
Stacks With $2.00/1 Pantene Conditioner Products – Checkout 51 Rebate; Limit 1
Stacks With $2.00/1 Pantene Shampoo Products – Checkout 51 Rebate; Limit 1
Stacks With $2.00/3 Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatments (CVS Coupon) – CVS In Store Kiosk Printable Coupon; Includes 12 – 12.6 oz Only; Limit 1 (exp. 02/04/17)

Out-of-Pocket Price: $2.00

Final Price: $0.50

Buy 6; Use (2) $5.00/3 coupons and $2.00/3 CVS coupon; Includes ExtraCare and Checkout 51 savings

Tide Detergent, 37 – 50 oz – $5.34

Includes: Select varieties

$2.00/1 Tide Detergent or Tide PODS or Gain Flings – 1-29-17 PG; Includes 31 ct or Less Only; Excludes Tide Simply Clean & Fresh or Simply Clean & Sensitive and Detergent, 10 oz; Excludes Trial and Travel Size; Limit of 4 Identical Coupons Per Household Per Day (exp. 02/25/17)

Out-of-Pocket Price: $3.34

Final Price: $2.09

Buy 4; Use (4) $2.00/1 coupons; Includes ExtraCare savings

Breakfast & Cereal

Post Honey Bunches of Oats, 11 – 16 oz – $1.99

$1.00/2 Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, Post Great Grains, Post Grape Nuts, Post Shredded Wheat, Post Raisin Bran, MOM’s Bestt, Better Oats Fanina, CoCo Wheats or Malt or Meal Orignal Hot Wheat – 1-1-17 SS (exp. 02/12/17)
Stacks With $0.50/1 Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal – MobiSave Rebate; Includes 10 oz or Larger Only
Stacks With $0.75/1 Post Honey Bunches of Oats – MobiSave Rebate; Includes 10 oz or Larger Only
Stacks With $0.75/2 Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal – MobiSave Rebate

Out-of-Pocket Price: $1.49

Final Price: $0.74

Buy 2; Use $1.00/2 coupon; Includes MobiSave savings

Personal Care

Colgate 2 in 1 Toothpaste, 4.6 oz – $3.00

$0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste – 1-29-17 SS; Includes 3 oz or Larger Only (exp. 02/11/17)
Stacks With $2.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste (CVS Coupon) – CVS In Store Kiosk Printable Coupon; Includes Max, 6 oz Only; Total, 4 – 4.2 oz Only; or 2in1, 4.6 oz Only; Limit 1 (exp. 02/04/17)

Final Price: FREE

Buy 1; Use $0.0.50/1 coupon and $2.50/1 CVS coupon

Colgate Max Toothpaste, 6 oz – $3.00

$0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste – 1-29-17 SS; Includes 3 oz or Larger Only (exp. 02/11/17)
Stacks With $2.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste (CVS Coupon) – CVS In Store Kiosk Printable Coupon; Includes Max, 6 oz Only; Total, 4 – 4.2 oz Only; or 2 in 1, 4.6 oz Only; Limit 1 (exp. 02/04/17)

Final Price: FREE

Buy 1; Use $0.0.50/1 coupon and $2.50/1 CVS coupon

Cookies, Snacks & Candy

Gold Emblem Roasted Party Peanuts, 16 oz – $2.99

Final Price: $0.99

Buy 1; Use $2.00/1 CVS coupon

Trident Gum – $0.99

$1.00/2 Trident Gum – Checkout 51 Rebate; Includes 14, 16, or 18 ct Only; Limit 1

Final Price: $0.49

Buy 1; Includes Checkout 51 savings

How I Score Mac Makeup for Free!

2015-06-20T06:35:00.001-07:00

I’m that shopper at the mall who can’t help but slow down every time she walks by the MAC cosmetics store. Sorry if I’ve walk-blocked you in the past, but I just can’t help but stare at all the pretty colors! Although MAC is normally kind of pricey, you’d be surprised at how much you can get for FREE. Here are my secrets:

1. Buy the refillable palettes.

You can save a bundle using this tip alone! Purchase a refillable palette from a MAC store or online (this Pro Palette Eye Shadow duo is $5), and then purchase the refill pans in your favorite colors. You get the same products, but because you’re not paying for the expensive packaging again and again, you save a bundle. A single eye shadow costs $10 instead of the usual $16, and a blush pan is $17 instead of $22.
Note: Refillable items are only available at freestanding MAC stores, or online, and not at department store makeup counters. However, MACCosmetics.com offers FREE shipping on everything, always, so anyone can take advantage of this deal.
If you don’t want to purchase a refillable palette, there are tons of tutorials, like this one, that show how to reuse the containers you already have.

2. Trade empty containers for free lipstick, lip gloss, or eye shadow.

The Back to MAC program is the best way to score FREE MAC makeup. All you have to do is bring any six of your empty MAC containers to a MAC retail location or counter. At a department store counter, you can trade them for a free lipstick, valued at $16. If you happen to have a freestanding MAC store close by, you can get a complimentary lipstick, lip gloss, or eye shadow for what you were going to send to the landfill anyway.

3. Use discounted department store gift cards.

While department store coupons aren’t typically valid at makeup counters, gift cards are. This means you can buy discount gift cards online, and use them to get overall savings on your MAC cosmetics purchase. Sites like GiftCards.com or GiftCardGranny.com allow you to purchase Macy’s, Nordstrom, and even MAC cards at a discount. Sometimes this will save you 5-10%, but I’ve even seen plenty of 13-18% discounts, which can really cut your bill at the register.

The goods

Just to show you how well these tips work, I stopped by the MAC store yesterday with six empty containers in hand. I turned them in and quickly claimed a FREE lipstick. YES! Next, I purchased a refillable eye shadow palette ($5) and two inserts ($10 each). Normally I would have spent $16 each for these three makeup items. That’s a total of $48! Being the savvy shopper that I am, I only paid $25! AND the next time I buy eye shadow, I won’t have to spend the extra $5 on the palette. That’s a reality check you can take to the bank.

7 Strategies for Keeping Daycare Costs and Fees Low

2015-03-16T10:58:00.004-07:00

One thing I didn’t know when I first started researching daycare is there are two kinds of fees. The fixed fee (or rate) is what we pay for baseline daycare services. The extra fees can vary greatly from one daycare to the next. Here’s what you need to know to save as much as possible on daycare!

Average daycare rates nationwide

Experts state daycare rates nationwide depend on these four factors:

What part of the country you live in (due to cost of living).
What type of daycare you choose.
How many children you place in daycare and their ages.
How many hours your child/ren spend in daycare per week.

Average rates/month:

Center daycare: Average $972 (range $380-$1,564)
Home daycare: Average $650 (range $300 – $1,000)
Nanny: Average $2,600 (range $2,167-$3,033)
Preschool: Average $736 (range $372-$1,100)

Additional options:

Relative care: Free or paid hourly at your state’s minimum wage.
Parent care: Here, one parent stays home and the cost is the lost salary.

Typical extra fees & discounts

Here’s a typical menu of extra fees/discounts.

Most common fees:

Place holding fee. If you pre-register your child in advance, you may be charged a non-refundable “holding fee” to reserve your child’s space.
Initial registration fee (typically one-time per child). This is typically a nonrefundable administrative fee. AVERAGE: $10-$200.
Re-registration fee. If you withdraw and then re-enroll your child. AVERAGE: $25-$50.
Early drop-off and late pick-up fee. This fee applies if you need to drop your child off early or you are late picking your child up. AVERAGE: by-minute fee of $1-$10.
Meal/snack fee. If meals and snacks are not included with tuition, you may have the option to pack food for your child or pay a fee to have this provided. AVERAGE: Varies by type; average <$1 per snack and $2-$4 per meal.
Late payment/NSF fee. This fee applies if you are late with your scheduled payments or your payment does not go through. AVERAGE: $20-$50
Activity/supplies fee(s). Some daycares charge a flat extra fee, others charge by the activity. AVERAGE: $10-$30
Camera/video fees. This newer fee offers parents the option to tune in to a live camera video feed during the day to watch their children at the daycare.
Failure to sign your child in/out or safe arrival call fee. If the daycare cannot verify your child’s whereabouts due to your failure to notify. AVERAGE: $5-$10 per incident or call.
Extra clothes/diapers/wipes fee. If your child needs more than what is supplied with the flat rate or more than what you send. AVERAGE: $1-$5 per item.
Special needs. These fees can range from potty training to special meals.

Most common discounts:

Extra child discount. You get a discount for each extra child you enroll. AVERAGE: 10-25%.
Annual payment in advance. You get a discount for paying your full year’s tuition in advance. AVERAGE: 10%.

Review all rates & fees in advance

Finding savings on daycare all hinges on two simple factors.

Reading your contract in detail before you sign.
Negotiating anything you can before you sign.

What to do:

Read the contract and highlight any areas where discounts or negotiation options appear.
Make a list that details everything included in your flat-rate fee as you understand it, and review the list before signing to verify.
Make a list of questions about discounts (e.g., multiple child, annual payment, providing your own meals/supplies, opting out of special activities).
Daycare often costs families more than a year of college tuition annually! So (even if it seems improbable or impossible) take time to calculate where your family saves most: if you pay for daycare or stay home yourself.

7 Strategies to save on daycare

Now it’s time to negotiate and save! If you do not feel comfortable negotiating, you may want to bring an experienced parent-friend or your partner with you (or send your partner to negotiate instead!).

1. Raid your own stockpile to provide extras for your child.

Your couponing/stockpiling skills can give you extra savings leverage. Stockpile snacks/meals/supplies/extras and create a special “Daycare” stockpile shelf.

2. Set alerts in your phone for penalty-based important times/dates.

If you set alerts when it’s time to pay, you can check your account and never pay NSF/late payment fees. If you set “sign in” or “safe call” alerts, you will never pay these penalties either.

3. Ask about discounts for early/full payment—even if it’s not advertised.

Daycares survive based on annual enrollment projections. So the daycare may find it worthwhile to offer you a discount if you offer to pay for the year up front!

4. Do your own research to find deals on educational materials, supplies, and activities.

If you can find a lower price, tell your daycare provider! This may lower the cost for every parent.

5. Price-compare similar special activities before opting out.

Some parents report special activities (such as dance/language classes) are more expensive at a non-daycare facility, so they are actually getting a deal on the extra enrichment.

6. Ask your employer if you can open a “childcare flexible spending account.”

Similar to a healthcare FSA, this account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare (often up to $5,000 annually).

7. Don’t forget about the IRS “child and dependent care tax credit!”

Provided you can meet the requirements, this IRS tax credit can give your family’s bottom line a real boost at tax time!

How to Get Mystery Shopper Jobs & Mystery Shopping Companies List

2015-03-01T12:39:00.002-08:00

Getting Mystery Shopper Jobs for credible companies can appear to be an industry secret. There are so many scams out there that it becomes overwhelming very quickly when trying to figure out how to get started. But, with the help of experienced shopper Sarah, I’m going to help you get started with tips, instructions, and a great list of companies that are 100% legit.

First things you know:

DO NOT PAY TO SIGN UP WITH A MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANY – There are services out there that claim to help you get good jobs, but the truth is, if you sign up directly with the companies below, you will get plenty of opportunities.
Getting started with mystery shopping can be like any other job – You have to get your foot in the door and prove yourself to move up to better paying shops. These are businesses that are getting paid to provide competent shoppers that can give detailed observations and provide information that will better a company. These opportunities are not created so that you can make a quick buck.
You are not an employee – These opportunities are done as an independent contractor. You are responsible for all expenses and taxes.

What to expect with Mystery Shopper Jobs:

Small shops to start – Think $0-$10 job pay plus low caps on reimbursement amounts
Pay out of pocket first, get reimbursed in 14-90 days – Almost no company pays up front for mystery shopper jobs. Higher value shops will sometimes issue vouchers, but those are not the norm and not typically at the starter level.
Short turn around for work – Many companies require reports within 24 hours or less. If you are short on time, this might not be for you. Missing deadlines can get your account suspended or removed.
Grammar counts – Many companies will ask for a writing sample at sign up, but even after that you are expected to turn in detailed, well written reports.
Detailed instructions and work – Some shops, even at the lower levels, come with several pages of instructions. Many are step by step and you must do everything on the list to get paid. Watch out for required shop days and times, not every shop can be done all times of the day or week.
You may need stuff – Timer, digital camera, scanner, fax, internet access for various parts of the shopping and report process. Make sure you have everything you need before you accept or attempt to complete a shop. These are at your expense.
You pay self employment taxes – Some companies will ask up front for your information, including social security number, some don’t. You may be issued a 1099-MISC as an independent contractor. Chances are that only happens if you earn $600+ for an individual company, but many will require it up front so they can verify your identity and so they have it on hand to issue tax forms. Even if you don’t receive a 1099-MISC you should be tracking and claiming all income and reimbursements from these jobs for tax purposes – It’s reported on the Schedule C attached to your 1040.
Keep track of your expenses (and I suggest you consult your accountant) – You should get to write these off as part of your self employment income as a mystery shopper.
- Mileage – between multiple shops, typically to and from your home is not allowed as in independent contractor, because it’s the same as driving to and from a regular job in the eyes of the IRS.
- Money paid – Yes, even if it’s reimbursed! You have to claim that money as income too, so that portion is a wash. But do not claim amounts above the reimbursement level if you go over, those are not required purchases. If the required purchase goes over the reimbursement you can claim it all – but that’s the exception, not the rule.
- Certification fees – typically at higher levels or if you want to be an certified and rated shopper.
- Equipment – if purchased and primarily used for your mystery shopper job, these may qualify as an expense and may be put on a depreciation schedule.

How to Become a Mystery Shopper:

Sign up with the right companies (see links below)
Read the terms
Fit the profile
Live in an area that has opportunities
Apply for opportunities you can complete
Get Certified (MSPA North America is well known and accepted in the industry with a BBB A+ rating) – This is one legitimate expense in mystery shopper jobs you may want to consider. Getting certified shows you have passed a standard in the business and can “fast pass” or allow you into higher paying jobs.

Getting in and accepted into some companies is harder than getting into others. Chances are you will be denied as a shopper to some of the companies with higher paying jobs until after you have been a member of the smaller ones and have done well with them. However, if you have a background in writing, retail, or blogging that you can prove it can help your chances of getting accepted.

How to Stay a Mystery Shopper:

Follow the rules.
Select only offers you can complete within the time frame.
Don’t shop until you have the full instructions and the notification you were assigned the job.
Watch your emails for follow up and respond quickly. If you missed answering anything they will let you know.
Stay active with the company. The more you do, the more you will get assigned.
Don’t take jobs you aren’t interested in. For the low amount of pay they can become a lot of extra work.

Tips to Keep You on Track:

Print the shop details out – but don’t take them in with you! Unless specifically told to identify yourself, you need to do everything you can to avoid being noticed as a mystery shopper
Get organized – keep your details straight to keep you on track. I’ve put together a Mystery Shopper Sites and Logins printable for you to track the usernames, passwords, and payment terms you may need. Might I suggest a 3 ring binder, and pocket folders with divider tabs to keep you organized? (PS – those should be an office expense you can write off.)
Keep track of your assignments and income – I’ve put together a couple of printables for you. Get your Mystery Shopper Assignment Log and Mystery Shopper Expense Log.
Keep your receipts – Might I suggest a 12 month expanding file? (PS – those should be an office expense you can write off.)

Legit Companies to Get You Started:

NOTE: Many companies restrict shoppers from sharing the exact brands they work with in public. So, instead of weeding through every companies rules everything below is staying general. Also, many of the companies below are members of the A+ BBB rated MSPA North America.

Goodwin Hospitality – Quick food, gas stations, family entertainment venues
Consumer Impressions
Trendsource – Merchandising audits, exit interviews, business verification
GFK Mystery Shopping (A Sassie Shops Company)
Bestmark – Automotive dealership services
Automotive Insights – Automotive industry
Grass Roots Mystery Guest
Expert Solutions – Retail & More
Restaurant Cops, LLC
Coyle Hospitality – Travel, restaurants, big ticket items
The Performance Edge
i-Spy – Hotels and restaurants
Secret Shopper
Second to None
Bare International (A Sassie Shops Company) – Retail
Ardent Services, Inc.
Spies in Disguise – Some sit down restaurants, family entertainment venues, concerts, & more
About Face
Marketforce – Major fast food chain, tax service provider
Monterey Mystery Shopping – Automotive industry
Quest for Best Mystery Shoppers
Beyond Hello
Shoppers View

Other Helpful Hints:

Get a separate email account – You will get A LOT of emails from some companies. But don’t forget to check it often!
Start small – PLEASE don’t sign up for every company and try to start doing 50 shops a day (impossible even for the best shopper!). Take it slow, learn as you go, and really take the time to educate yourself if you want to make this a long term opportunity for yourself.
Be professional – In your shops, in your contact with the companies you are working for. It’s a job, not an online message board. Tone is so hard to tell in email, remember that the person on the other end is not only doing their job, they are evaluating you.
Stay updated – Be it your profile with the companies you work with or the newsletters they send out, make sure you read the information they send. These legitimate companies are some of the best resources for learning how to spot a mystery shopping scam.

That should get you started on the mystery shopper path. Are you ready to get going?

6 Tips to Declutter and Organize Your Closet

2015-02-24T19:57:00.001-08:00

I’m one of those girls who stands in front of the closet every morning looking for something to wear in a closet full of clothes. I’m definitely a shopper (clearance and sale items, of course) and these items swell to epic proportions, which necessitates the reason to purge. A plethora of “stuff” fills my bedroom closet including a file cabinet for the bills, my wedding dress from long ago, a few favorite books, and a clothes basket. I’d love to have one of those beautiful closets like I see on TV, but I’m on a limited budget—so I challenged myself to free up space in my closet without spending a dime!
We all know that purging frees up needed space, so I completed this first. My second step was to remove the items that don’t belong in my closet, such as the filing cabinet, clothes basket and books. Then I began to look for ways to streamline my closet, decrease the clutter of what belongs in the closet, and get everything off of the floor!

1. Find hidden storage opportunities

I recently bought two pieces of luggage, which was quite a treat for myself because I never splurge! My old set fit nicely together and only took up a corner in my closet, but my new set doesn’t fit together. Luckily, I came up with a creative solution—I store my extra pillows and bed linens for company in my luggage. This frees up a lot of space in my linen closet and keeps everything hidden.

2. Combine smaller items with larger items

I have small, medium and large purses. I like to place wallets, crossover bags and mini totes in my larger work and weekend bags. If you want to take greater advantage of storage, pair like season items together: spring colors, fall, etc. Another great idea is to pair slip-ons and sandals together in one larger shoe box and throw the extra boxes away.

3. Determine primary storage spaces

During my purge this weekend, I found a pair of tights stored in a closet drawer that contains all of my extra bath and body items. No wonder I could never find them! By storing all “like” items together, you can open up space for other items (and you can actually locate what you need more easily!). I ended up using a spare basket to store all of my tights, which made more room in the drawer for my hygiene stuff.

4. Double up outfits

Who made the rule that each item needs its own hanger? That takes up excess space, so I decided to double up outfits. I hung a skirt or pair of slacks over the hanger, then added the cardigan that matched. Reducing storage space and coordinating outfits for easy accessibility will also save me time when I’m getting ready in the morning.
Bonus tip: Drink can pull tabs work great to double up hangers like in the example below.

5. Pair accessories with outfits

Put your gloves in the coat pockets, lace scarves around the hanger of your favorite outfit, and put wool scarves with your coats. Loop your belt over the hanger of the skirt/pants. Stuff your athletic shoes with your socks for added storage.

6. Get those shoes off the floor

This is my favorite tip of the season! Take your skirt hanger and hang your boots from them just like a skirt. This will get your boots off the floor, keep them within reach without digging through boxes, and keeps in focus what you actually own!

How to Be a Great Wedding Guest–on a Shoestring Budget!

2015-02-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

Every time people hear me say that we lead a frugal life, they associate it with being “cheap.” There’s a huge difference between being frugal and being cheap! That show “Extreme Cheapskates” hasn’t made it any better, but I’m here to tell you that weddings and parties don’t have to scare you, intimidate you, or make you dig into money you don’t have. You can be a superb and polite guest at these events without going over your budget, or digging through people’s trash (though, dumpster diving is apparently a growing trend!). Here are my tips on how to be a wanted and loved guest, while still living on the SAVN CHIX shoestring budget!

1. Decline invitations that you can’t afford

This seems simple but is key to being a good guest. Is the invitation for something that you simply cannot afford to attend? Perhaps you think you can, but have you added up all the costs associated with attending? Let’s use a wedding for an example, where your whole family will attend. Perhaps you will need a cardigan for your daughter, your husband needs a dressy belt, and you need pantyhose or new shoes. You’ll need a card for the couple, and a gift, and the ceremony is a ways away, so add in the gas money! This might sound overly nitpicky, but remember: sticking to a strict budget means sticking to your guns. Rather than being rude and just not bringing a gift (this is a NO-NO!), consider other ways to shave costs.
Attend the wedding alone, or carpool with a friend, to save on gas or childcare costs, if you have little ones. Opt for an outfit you already have, or raid a friend’s closet for appropriate attire to avoid having to purchase any new accessories. My husband and I have a special category for “gifts” in our budget, which helps us plan ahead, and I try to budget a little more during wedding season.

2. Save on the events surrounding the wedding

Often, attending a wedding can mean other activities like bridal showers, lingerie showers for a bride, or bachelor/bachelorette parties. To save in these areas:

Borrow a dress or outfit if you typically don’t dress up much or know you won’t wear it again. (Remember Rent the Runway?)
Eat a full meal before you go, and order appetizers or non-alcoholic drinks to save on your bill. Ask discreetly for a separate check, so you don’t need to tip on everyone else’s hefty bills if your total is much lower than others (if it’s already split, don’t cause a scene!).
Skip Victoria’s Secret for lingerie and check places like Gap and Aerie clearance for lovely, feminine lingerie options that are less expensive and just as pretty.
Create a meaningful and useful gift like typing out recipes for a recipe book at a shower, or starting a recipe box with a few handwritten ones from you. You can find recipe boxes for just a few dollars at places like Target.

3. Use these specific ways to save on gifts and cards

Share the cost
Go in with another friend or wedding attendee to purchase a nicer gift where the price can be split. You might only be able to afford ten dollars, but by going in together, you may be able to purchase a larger item from the couple’s registry or wish list.
Stock up on greeting cards when they’re cheap
Buy greeting cards from the Dollar Tree or dollar store, where they can be as low as 2/$1…stock up when you’re there, and keep a few on hand for weddings and other events like bridal showers. Making your own is nice, if you have the time. I actually snagged a great “multi purpose” box of card stock and envelopes at TJ Maxx recently for $3.99! These kinds of cards do double duty as wedding or thank you notes.
Keep it neutral
Check out the selection of nice, neutral dishes and glasses at Ross Dress for Less, Big Lots, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Good examples of easy gifts would be white or ivory coffee mugs, white or ivory dishes, clear drinking glasses or wine glasses. I spotted several lovely and brand name sets of glasses for under $6.99 at my local stores. By purchasing simple and non-patterned dishes, the couple can either use them, or re-gift them easily if they don’t fit the décor. These are also very practical items. Zulily has great prices on mugs, including sets of mason jars, four for $8.99, and these darling polka dot mugs!
Take advantage of Black Friday
Shop Black Friday for items like bath towels, inexpensive appliances like slow cookers, electric skillets, and board games. Our local Target had bath towels for $3.99 during Black Friday Sales, and slow cookers were at JCPenney for only $9.99!
Think outside the box
Places like GroopDealz offer some really nice home decor items. I recently spotted a set of two couch throw blankets in pretty chevron patterns for just $13.99! You could get two gifts from that set by splitting them up, making your gift total just under $7. Think outside the box for extra-practical items like address labels. If the couple included their married names and address, you could order custom labels for $9.99 from Groopdealz! You’ll have to think pretty far ahead, since shipping takes notoriously longer from sale sites like Groopdealz and Zulily.
Raid your stockpile
Raid your own stockpile and assemble a useful gift basket. I once gifted a cute basket of cleaning supplies from my stockpile! Things like laundry detergent, scrubbing bubbles, paper towels, Windex, or other cleaning supplies are practical and can be dressed up with a cute plastic tote from the dollar store and some pretty scrub sponges. This is also a gift that many people probably won’t think of (we actually received a gift like this for our wedding years ago, and it was one of the most useful things we got!). Items like Starbucks bagged coffee can be put in a pretty basket with two inexpensive mugs for a thoughtful coffee-themed basket, and popcorn and soda can be added to a clearance DVD for a “movie night”-themed gift. Amazon has Batman on DVD for just $4.81!
If you decide to attend a wedding or party, put on the most important accessory: a good attitude! Don’t whine about the costs or how expensive it is. Quietly find ways to cut your own costs without infringing on others’ celebrations or budgets. That will make you the best guest of all!
This is a guest post from Grace A. in Medford, OR.

15 Fabulous Freezer Meal Breakfast ideas

2015-02-18T17:40:00.002-08:00

My Friends Daughters Blog has me trying sooooo many new Recipe's!

Have you considered making a bunch of breakfasts in advance, then freezing them so that you can have a healthy breakfast in next to no time? Its pretty awesome ya know. Because some days I really hate mornings. And getting up to let the chickens out of their cages… then making a healthy breakfast for my kids. I am barely functioning in the mornings, so freezer meal breakfasts rock! Here are some of the ones I like to use – some of my own recipes as well as others I enjoy making. Let me know in the comments below some of your favorite freezer meal breakfast ideas as well!
You can also see more of my freezer meals including my 50 Freezer Meals in a Day post here too.

15 Freezer Meal Breakfast Ideas

1. Cinnamon Rolls from Good Cheap Eats. If you love making cinnamon rolls for your family without the can, this is a great idea to have in your freezer! Usually I individually wrap each roll in saran wrap then place them all into a gallon freezer safe bag.

2. Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes — my own recipe. Pancakes are a great idea for lazy weekend mornings and with these, your time spent making them will be even shorter.

3. Easy Sausage Breakfast Burritos from Raining Hot Coupons. I usually add hashbrowns, eggs, sausage and cheese to mine, but these are great too. Individually wrap and freeze in gallon size freezer bags.

4. Best Bran Muffins – my recipe. Best Bran Muffin recipe EVAH! And super healthy too.

5. Omelet Breakfast Sandwiches from Finding Joy in My Kitchen. This is a deliciously unique spin on a traditional breakfast sandwich and is really tasty.

6. Canadian Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit from Food.com. Oh yeah. Delish. It’s perfect to pop in the microwave to reheat and go on about your day!

7. Sweet Milk Homemade Waffles from my recipe collection. Waffles don’t have to take forever to make and be only on the weekends! You can have delicious waffles ready to go with this awesome freezer recipe! Details are on the post.

8. Egg Muffins from Kalyn’s Kitchen. These are a fantastic breakfast idea for something that is filling, delicious, and healthy! My kids love egg muffins. I fill mine with spinach and cheese most of the time. But you can also mix in whatever veggies you like.

9. Breakfast Biscuit Cups from Taste of Home. This is a delicious twist on a breakfast sandwich. All of your delicious ingredients combined into a muffin sized breakfast!

10. Supreme Spinach and Egg Breakfast Sandwich from Foodie with Family. This protein packed breakfast sandwich would be a great start to your day!

11. Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Biscuits – my own very favorite breakfast sandwich recipe. For all of the sausage lovers our there, this is the perfect hearty breakfast to grab on the go!

12. Ham and Egg Casserole from Pocket Change Gourmet. Need a delicious breakfast casserole for your family? This is a fantastic idea to add to your list of freezer meals!

13. Healthy Egg McMuffin Copycats from The Yummy Life. If you enjoy a healthy breakfast, this recipe should certainly be a winner.

14. Baked French Toast Sticks from Iowa Girl Eats. French Toast is always a great breakfast idea and French Toast Sticks are just another delicious way to enjoy this favorite! One of my sons favorite freezer breakfast ideas.

15. Easy Homemade Sausage Patties from me. These delicious sausage patties are great served with a side of eggs and fruit! And since they are homemade it only takes about 5 minutes to cook them up!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LETUCE LAST LONGER

2015-02-17T07:35:00.001-08:00

Like most of the country my New Year’s resolutions always seem to focus on eating healthier. And to me that means passing up a cheeseburger for more salads. But does anyone else feel like they buy lettuce, use it for a couple days and then it turns kind of soggy to the point where it is REALLY easy to justify eating chocolate cookies instead of salad? I think that happens to me at least once a week.

Or at least it did. No more! Now I have figured out the secret to keeping lettuce fresh.

Here are my ways to Keeping Lettuce Fresh and Crisp.

1. Buy the freshest lettuce out there. Don’t grab the first one that you see. Check the date first–even if you are going to eat it that day! Fresh is best! Make sure there are not any brown leaves or that there isn’t any water sitting in the packaging. Wet lettuce = damp lettuce!

2. Store it properly. Take a couple minutes after you get home from the store to prolong the life of your lettuce. First, take it out of its original packaging. Wipe off any water sticking to the leaves. If it is a tight head of lettuce gently try to dry the individual leaves as well as you can. Moisture creates soggy lettuce. Wrap it in a dishtowel or paper towels before putting it back into a plastic bag. Maybe by doing that extra step you also won’t forget about it all the way down in your crisper drawer!

3. Wash your lettuce in cold water. When you are ready to use your lettuce submerge your leafy greens into cold water. Let them sit in the cold water for at least 15 minutes. The cold water rehydrates the leaves—they are a plant after all!—and crisps them up.

4. Dry them properly. When the time is up remove your lettuce. Give it a final rinse if the water was dirty. To dry the lettuce I am impatient and put it in a salad spinner. If you don’t have one, never fear. Just lay the leaves out on towel or paper towels and gently pat them to absorb the water.

At this point the lettuce is the freshest and crispest you can get so get ready to eat!

If you have any extra lettuce once it is mostly dry wrap the extra leaves in a towel or paper towel and store in a plastic bag. This will prolong the life of your lettuce and help you reach your New Year’s goal!

11 Secrets That Will Make Your Flowers Last Longer

2015-02-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

A bouquet of flowers makes my heart melt. My parents have been married for 26 years, and each Valentine’s Day, my dad sends my mom a bouquet of roses, a symbol of love and appreciation. There is always a card tucked inside that contains five simple words: “‘My love for you grows.” My mother looks like a blushing bride as she cradles her twelve long-stemmed roses, and I am reminded of why I love flowers. They are joy-bringers.

You don’t have to have a green thumb to extend the life of your bouquet. If you’re looking for a “long-term relationship” with your flowers, here are ten professional secrets that will make your flowers last longer:

1. Confirm the freshness

Gently pinch the flower’s sepal, which is the part of the flower where the petals and stem meet. If it’s soft and squishy, the flowers are old. If it’s firm, the flowers are fresh.

2. Keep them hydrated

If you have several errands to run before you can put your flowers into a vase, try to purchase flowers packaged with an individual water container. I sometimes put my flowers in a bucket of water, or at the very least, I wrap their stems with a damp paper towel.

3. Protect them from bacteria

Always use a sparkling clean vase that has been washed in hot, soapy water. This helps remove pesky microorganisms, which equals slimy water and dead flowers.

4. Remove extra greenery

Keep your water crystal clear by removing any greenery from the bottom of the stems that will be submerged in water. Also, change the vase’s water every other day in order to reduce the risk of infection.

5. Use a sharp knife

Use a very sharp knife to cut your flowers. Scissors will squish the flowers’ stems, preventing them from absorbing water. For woody, thick stems, use sharp garden shears.

6. Trim off the right amount

Cut off 1-2 inches from the flowers’ stems at a 45° angle under running water. This prevents extra air from going into the stems. Also, trim ½ inch from the stems every other day to help your flowers receive a steady flow of water.

7. Keep away from fruit

Keep your flowers away from fresh fruit. As fruit ripens, it releases ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt quickly.

8. Revitalize

Revitalize wilted flowers by soaking them in hot water. Heat the water to 110°F for slightly wilted flowers and 180-200° F for woody or badly wilting blossoms. Then, place them in the refrigerator.

9. Mist

Keep your bouquet happy, healthy, and pretty by picking out dying buds. I also like to use a spray bottle to mist my flowers daily. Bonus: This is a fun chore for kids!

10. Pick at the right time

When I clip flowers from my own garden, I do it in the early morning or late evening because flowers thrive best in cool environments from the second they are cut.

11. Keep them perky

Perk up your flowers’ petals using these eight common household ingredients!

Apple cider vinegar: It’s a tried-and-true way to preserve freshly cut flowers. Stir 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar into lukewarm water.

Aspirin: Nip bacteria in the bud by adding 2 crushed aspirin to the vase’s water.

Bleach: Mix 3 drops of bleach and 1 tablespoon of sugar into 1 quart of water. The bleach prevents cloudiness and bacterial growth.

Clear soda: Pour ¼ cup of soda into the vase water. The sugar in the soda provides a steady flow of nutrients. The soda also makes the water acidic allowing it to travel up the stems more quickly than neutral or basic water, which keeps the flowers plump and fresh. However, this mixture does encourage bacterial growth, so add a few drops of bleach.

Hairspray: Give petals staying power by lightly spritzing the undersides of petals and leaves with hairspray. For optimal results, stand a foot away.

Pennies: Drop a penny and a teaspoon of sugar into the bottom of the vase’s water. The copper in the penny will act like an acidifier, which destroys wilt-causing bacteria.

Sugar: Blend 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar into 1 quart of warm water.

Vodka: Keep flowers looking fabulous for as long as possible by adding three drops of vodka or any other clear spirit and one teaspoon of sugar to the water.

Now you’ll be ready to care for all of those gorgeous Valentine’s Day flowers. If you have a life-extending trick that’s worked for you, we’d love to hear about it.

This is a guest post by Cherese from Tennessee.

KROGER MAP OF REGIONS

2015-02-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Five Slow Cooker Freezer Bag Meals (Make 5 Meals in Just One Hour)

2015-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

Are you super busy during the week with little time to make a wholesome dinner every night? Well, what if I told you that you could prep ahead five freezer bag meals for the week in about one hour?!
Yes, it’s true! Try these five simple and delicious make-ahead meals that can be stored in the freezer and then placed in the slow cooker when you’re in a hurry and need an easy family meal. You’ll want to use a gallon sized freezer bag for each meal and store each bag flat in the freezer to take up less space. I recommend removing each meal from the freezer the night before you are planning to serve it so it can defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
** Print Master Grocery List HERE (includes ingredients for all 5 meals below) **
(To view all FIVE recipes, click the link below “Read More / Post Your Comments”.)

Teriyaki Chicken
* Print Teriyaki Chicken Grocery Shopping List HERE *
Fill a freezer bag with:
1 and 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 carrots sliced
1 green bell pepper sliced
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
To Cook: Place thawed contents in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Optional: To thicken sauce at the end, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooked sauce with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and pour back in the slow cooker. Turn cooker on high for an extra 10-15 minutes so sauce can thicken. Serve on top of rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Sausage with Onions & Peppers
* Print Sausage with Onions & Peppers Grocery Shopping List HERE *
Fill Freezer Bag with: 1-16 oz. package Sausage, sliced
1 onion sliced
3 Bell Peppers (one green, one yellow, and one red) sliced
2 cans diced tomatoes, fire roasted and not drained
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
To Cook: Place thawed contents in the slow cooker for about 5-6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Serve on top of rice.

Creamy Italian Chicken
* Print Creamy Italian Chicken Grocery Shopping List HERE *
Fill freezer bag with:
1 and 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut up in one inch pieces
1 bar of cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 packet zesty Italian salad dressing mix
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cup green beans, frozen or fresh
To Cook: Place thawed contents in the slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve chicken on top of noodles and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Cilantro Lime Chicken
* Print Cilantro Lime Chicken Grocery Shopping List HERE *
Fill Freezer Bag with:
1 and 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, chopped
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn, drained
4 oz. can green chilies
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
juice of two limes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin
To Cook: Place thawed contents in slow cooker and cook on low 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve on top of tortillas for tacos or serve on top of rice. Garnish with extra lime or cilantro if desired.

Chinese Beef & Broccoli
* Print Chinese Beef & Broccoli Grocery Shopping List HERE *
Fill Freezer Bag with:
2 pounds beef, sliced (sirloin works well)
1 can beef consume (found in the soup aisle)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli (separate in a smaller bag)
To Cook: Place defrosted contents in slow cooker on low 7-8 hours or high 4 hours. Consider bagging the broccoli separate and adding it in about 30 minutes before meat is done cooking (otherwise, the broccoli tends to over cook!). Optional: To thicken sauce at the end, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooked sauce with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and pour back in the slow cooker. Turn cooker on high for an extra 10-15 minutes so sauce can thicken. Serve beef and broccoli on top of rice and garnish with chopped green onion if desired.

Notes/Tips:
I thought it was faster to label all the bags first, cut up all the meat and add to bags, and then focus on the vegetables and sauces etc. Cooking times may vary a bit depending on the size and shape of your slow cooker. For instance, meals cook faster when I cook with my larger oval shaped 6 quart slow cooker as opposed to my medium sized tall shaped 4 quart slow cooker. Servings sizes for these meals are about 4-6. We have four people in my family and we had left overs for all of these meals. You can cook rice ahead of time and freeze it as well. Consider storing cooked rice in freezer bags according to the amount you would use in one dinner. To reheat, just place on a skillet with a little butter or olive oil and sprinkle with some water and stir fry. Use a Sharpie to label freezer bags with the name of the meal and the date the meal was prepared (you may even want to note the cooking instructions). My kids LOVED the Creamy Italian Chicken the most. It really is a must make if you don’t already make a similar version :) These meals would make a fantastic and thoughtful gift for a new mom or maybe someone who is ill or just had surgery.

Do you have any favorite freezer bag to slow cooker meal ideas? Please share!

7 Super-Easy ways to Earn Cash and Rewards

2015-02-07T11:11:00.003-08:00

I really do love gift cards. Some I use, and some I re-gift. So it goes without saying, I’m into anything I can do to earn free gift cards, and Swagbucks is one of the hands-down best ways I’ve found. Not only can I earn gift cards by completing short tasks and taking advantage of special offers, I can earn cash, too! If you’ve never tried Swagbucks until now, you’re in for a gift card-rich year!

Swagbucks 101

If you’re brand new to Swagbucks, I promise this info will make you feel like an instant “insider!” Basically, every single activity you choose to do on Swagbucks earns you “Swagbucks” (abbreviated as “SB” for short). You can then turn around and redeem your SB for gift cards and cash to PayPal—it really is that simple!
Types of gift cards you can earn:

Or you can use your SB to enter Swagstakes (sweepstakes):

1. Special offers

I know when I first started with Swagbucks, I felt a bit overwhelmed by everything on the homepage—I had no idea where to start. But then I realized everything I do on Swagbucks earns me SB, so I realized I could start anywhere and be earning right away!
What you should do first:

Join (by email or Facebook).
Complete your profile (you earn SB for each step!).
Navigate to “Discover” (top menu bar).
Click on “Special Offers” (first choice in drop-down menu).
Browse and earn!

Here are examples of current special offers:
Note: Notice the red arrow at the top takes you to “Discover – Special Offers” and you land on this page. Notice the red arrow pointing to the number of SB you earn for accepting the first special offer.

2. Watching videos

Encrave (short for “Entertainment Crave”) is one of my favorite ways to earn SBs. This is because the videos are the same ones I’d probably be watching anyway just browsing the Internet—but now I can earn SB towards free gift cards when I watch.

Types of videos: Everything from movie news and reviews to celebrity gossip, new clothing lines and (my most recent favorite) a spotlight on the 72 year-old grandpa who models teen clothing for his granddaughter’s Internet fashion line (yes I really did earn SBs for watching it, too!).

What to do:

Click on “Discover” – “Encrave.”
Start watching the curated videos of your choice.

Here are some examples of recent videos I’ve watched:

3. Playing games

I don’t play a lot of games on my computer or phone, but I have to admit Swagbucks has a lot of fun games! Plus, what’s not to love about having fun and getting paid for it? One game I really like is “Solitaire” (yup, when I do play, I’m into the classics), and most recently I took “Swagasaurus Run” for a test drive…I love dinosaurs, so I couldn’t resist!
What to do:

Click on “Play.”
Search for games by category or name to find the ones you want to play.

Note: Disabling pop-up blockers is key to getting paid for playing games on Swagbucks!
Here are some examples of recent games I’ve played:

4. Taking surveys, polls and completing tasks

I find one of the most consistent ways I can earn SBs (even if I only have a minute or two) is to take surveys and polls or complete small tasks. I can often earn a few SBs this way just while I’m waiting in line at the grocery store. (Bonus: this has also reduced my irritation with lines and traffic quite a bit!)
What to do:

Navigate to “Answer.”
Select “Surveys,” “Daily Polls,” or “Tasks.”
There are three survey categories (Gold, Partner, Peanut Labs) plus the Daily Poll.
You will need to complete one initial survey to unlock the other surveys in each category.

Here are some examples of survey categories:

Beside each survey you will see the time it takes to complete and how many SBs you earn.
The tasks are managed through Crowd Flower, and you can see how many SBs you earn.
Types of surveys, polls, and tasks: You can take surveys based on your medical history, product use, gender, or career; or answer surveys about the car you drive, or future plans. Tasks may include watching a new movie trailer, taking quizzes, or choosing your preferences between two or more items.

Here is an example of a Daily Poll:

Here are some examples of Tasks you can complete to earn SB:

5. Referrals

I’ve told several of my friends about Swagbucks and they’re now happily earning away…and I’m even more happily earning a percentage of everything they earn!
What to do:

Find the little “people” icon at the top right (left of your name) and click on it.
Enter the email addresses of the friends you want to personally invite.
You can also share your Swagbucks’ link via social media or invite your Facebook contacts directly by connecting your Swagbucks page with your Facebook account.
For each friend who creates an account and begins earning, you will earn 10% of everything they earn for as long as they are active on Swagbucks!

6. The Swagbucks Visa

If you’re on the hunt for a new credit card, consider the Swagbucks Visa. You get 1,000 SB just for making a single purchase in the first 90 days (good for a $10 gift card of your choice) and this handy chart shows how you can earn lots of SB in different purchase categories!

7. KCL

When I don’t have time to visit multiple websites daily, I just visit KCL and I can find out about the best daily opportunities to earn Swagbucks while I’m there!

Blender Lemon Pie (Easy 5 Ingredient Dessert)

2015-02-04T18:48:00.001-08:00

If you love sweet & tangy lemon desserts, you have to check out this delicious and easy to make blender lemon pie. With just five simple ingredients, this pie is definitely a show stopper and will become a family favorite.
Blender Lemon Pie
Recipe from Baking.Food.com
Ingredients:
1 lemon
4 eggs
1/2 cup butter, sliced
1 and 1/4 cup sugar
1 nine inch pie crust, unbaked
optional topping: sifted powdered sugar & whipped cream
Directions: Slice ends off lemon and cut into 8 pieces. Remove seeds. Puree lemon in blender. Add eggs, butter, sugar and blend well. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes (cover crust with foil if browning too much). Let cool to set. If desired, sift with a small amount of powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream.
Note: I made this pie last night and felt the flavor was a bit dominated by that bitter taste from the white part and the peel of the lemon. When I make again, I will plan to peel all or part of the lemon before blending.

If you like fresh homemade lemon bars then you’ll love this yummy, convenient dessert too! Enjoy.

Save Time When You Use This Target & Walmart Inventory Checker

2015-02-04T17:30:00.001-08:00

As a couponer who is always chasing deals, I encounter empty store shelves and out-of-stock items frequently. And it breaks my deal-finding heart each time—especially when I have to drive across town for one particular item. I’m happy to say that those disappointing days are dying fast. Ever since I discovered two nifty widgets that will allow me to check whether an item is in stock at Target and Walmart, I find myself saving more than just time.
Checking inventory prior to visiting my local Target or Walmart is important to me in the following ways:

I save valuable time. Being a working mom means my daily schedule is packed! Knowing in advance if my trip will be successful is a winning combination for me!
I save gas. Gas prices are decreasing all across the country, so any additional savings I can get by making sure the item I want is in stock is an added plus!
I save myself from stress and disappointment. Because I’m so busy, my couponing time has to be managed. There’s nothing more disappointing than an empty shelf!

How to check Target’s and Walmart’s inventory

Click on this link to start checking inventory: http://brickseek.com/
Click on the “Widgets” tab at the top.
Under the Widgets tab are selections for a Target Inventory Checker and a Walmart Inventory Checker.
Click on the inventory checker of your choice. This will bring up a zip code box and an item ID (Walmart) or DCPI (Target) field. You can find your item’s number by performing a search on the store’s website. For instance, say you’re looking for five sticks of Old Spice Fresh Collections Deodorant for your teenage son. Input “Old Spice Fresh Collections Deodorant” in the search bar.
When you pull up the item at Target, you’ll be given an “overview” of the product’s information toward the bottom of the item description. You should see the DCPI number listed there. Copy the number and return to the inventory checker. When you pull up an item at Walmart, you’ll need to copy the last set of numbers in the URL (the Item ID number) as shown in the example below. Walmart
Input your zip code and paste the DPCI (Target) or the Item ID (Walmart) into the appropriate fields. Click on “Submit Query.”

Get the Most from Your Gift Card Stash with Gyft

2014-07-28T19:24:00.003-07:00

With so many benefits to love about gift cards, it’s easy to overlook the biggest benefit of all: gift cards make sticking to a budget much easier! I love using re-loadable gift cards and think they’re a great digital alternative to the “cash in the envelope” monthly budget method so popular with financial experts today. Plus, gift cards that can only be spent on certain essentials (food, gas, clothing, college supplies) are also a handy, fun way to teach college students how to manage their own budget. Now, with a new app called Gyft, you can get all these benefits and more. Gyft not only helps me manage my budget, keep track of my gift cards, and shop digitally for others, but Gyft also gives me more for each gift card I redeem or purchase.

The Gyft 411

1. What is Gyft?
Gyft is a new app-based gift card program that helps you maximize all the perks of receiving, giving, and using gift cards. If you use Passbook, Gyft syncs perfectly with it. The app/website has received high praise from Forbes, the Ellen Show, Gizmodo, and others.

Get it for iOS (free)
Get it for Android (free)
Visit the website: http://www.gyft.com

2. How do I get started with Gyft?
It’s easy to get started with Gyft—just follow this how-to guide!

Choose the app you want and download it to your phone.
Register using your social media accounts or an email address.
Now you can begin to instantly upload your plastic gift cards into the Gyft digital wallet.
When you’re ready to use a gift card, just pull up the digital card version within Gyft, and click on “redeem.”
You can also use Gyft to purchase and send gift cards to friends—instantly.

3. What about earning and using points?
Points can be earned each time you shop with Gyft. You get 1 point for each $1 you spend with a credit/debit card, and you get 2 points for every $1 you spend with PayPal. If you use Bitcoin, every $1 spent earns you 3 points. Overall, each point equals $0.01 (100 points = $1). Once you accumulate enough points, you can spend them on anything.

How to save by using Gyft

There are several great ways to save by using Gyft.

Keep all your gift cards with you while on the go: You can scan and store every gift card you receive and keep it safe in the Gyft app.
Get discounts by making Gyft card purchases: When you use Gyft to make purchases, you earn discounts off of your future purchases (you can also earn an extra 500 points just for making your first purchase on Gyft).
Keep shopping time to a minimum: Gyft makes gift card giving as easy as sending an email, text message, or Facebook email (with more than 200 retailers to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect gift card for each recipient).
Use Bitcoin for deeper discounts: If you’re a Bitcoin early adopter, using Bitcoin gives you even deeper discounts (if you don’t know what Bitcoin is, it’s the first digital currency—super interesting)!

5 Budgeting Tips for Moms Who Don’t Get Paid Maternity Leave

2014-07-28T19:11:00.001-07:00

There are thousands of mothers worldwide who don’t get to enjoy the benefits of a paid maternity leave. I was one of them, and it put me in a difficult financial situation. Rather than stress myself out because I didn’t have the luxury of receiving a steady flow of income during my leave, I was determined to work closely with my financial resources and think this “money thing” out. The following five tips helped me during this precious time in my life, and I hope they help you too!

1. Max your tax refund

And I mean, as much as possible. And once you’ve maxed it out, make a commitment not to spend it. For some parents who don’t have special savings for maternity leave, a tax refund can be a big relief. Be sure to calculate the amount of living expenses you’ll need with your new addition before putting the money aside—and don’t spend it! One pregnant mom I knew stayed at home with her son for half the summer so she didn’t have to spend her tax refund on summer camp. This decision might be worth it especially if the tax refund is your only source of savings.

2. Max your Flex Spending Accounts

“FedFlex” or Federal Flexible Spending Accounts are programs adopted by agencies and organizations for unplanned or planned purposes like sick, medical and maternity leaves. Here’s the “max” part though: If you’re just starting such an account and you’re at the beginning of your pregnancy, be sure to check how much you’re able to save in a given benefit period and if the money that has accrued is substantial enough for you to live on. Check the enrollment process ASAP.

3. Sell what you no longer use

If you’re really strapped for cash, take inventory of things you don’t use anymore and hold a garage sale. You’ll be needing more room for baby anyway, so why not sell furniture and items that will just be in the way? A few weeks before my baby was born I held a summer sale on my published books, which went towards a few weeks’ worth of diapers.

4. Ask for “Worry-Free Days” on your baby registry

When I finalized my baby registry, I added this subtle note: “It’s a girl! We will appreciate all gifts we receive, but if you are a bit stumped, we would like to offer a suggestion. Each precious day we get to spend with baby will cost us $50. [You can add your own amount.] If anyone would like to ‘buy’ us a worry-free day to spend with our precious little one, it would greatly help.” To our surprise, we received a number of “worry-free gifts,” which helped a lot during the first few weeks.

5. Apply for as many programs as you can

Before my delivery date, I applied to a governmental food program for pregnant women and a non-governmental program in my community. There’s really no shame in asking for help. As Hillary Clinton said, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and the same applies when asking for financial support. In both of these programs, I was supplied with diapers, as well as infant formula, a travel sized crib, and the first few weeks of baby clothes.
Here’s a bonus savings tip that’s all about coupons! Sign up for free baby classes at your local pediatrician’s office, community center, or anywhere that offers them. (You can find a list of classes by going to your insurance carrier’s website.) Depending on the class, you’ll be gifted with a ton of samples and coupons. Voila! Instant savings!
This is a guest post by Dorit from Pittsburgh, PA.

Avocado Chicken Salad (Only 3 Ingredients)

2014-07-12T19:27:00.002-07:00

Looking for a super easy and yummy meal you can throw together with leftover chicken? Try this easy and healthy avocado chicken salad (shhh! - you actually replace mayo with creamy avocado)! Serve this 3-ingredient meal on bread, pita, lettuce leaves, or on top of additional sliced avocado.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)
1 large avocado, cored & chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
*salt & pepper to taste
Directions: Add ingredients in a bowl and mash with a fork until well combined.

Chicken salad is a favorite of mine! I love that this recipe offers a basic foundation – leave the salad as is or change it up a bit by adding red onion, walnuts, garlic powder, or even a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt. What do you like in your chicken salad?

Written by Lina. Lina is a proud mom of 2 small kids who loves photography, all holidays, cooking, thrift store makeovers, bargain shopping, and DIY makeovers. Her goal is to create a beautiful life and stylish home on a dime!

Cherry Fudge Recipe {Fun for Valentines Day}

2014-02-09T23:13:00.001-08:00

I had a few bags of cherry chips left over from my Cookies last week, and wanted to use them up for Valentines day. On the bag was a recipe that I changed up a little bit to make some pretty Cherry Fudge!

Cherry Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients

1-1/2 teaspoons plus 3/4 cup butter, divided
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 package (10 to 12 ounces) cherry chips
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

Directions

Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream and remaining butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 4 minutes.
Remove from the heat; stir in cherry chips and marshmallow creme. Pour into prepared pan.
Make Chocolate Topping using 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter. In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over the fudge and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate glaze starts to dull.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Discard foil; cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: about 3 pounds.

SmartAppsForKids.com: Huge List of FREE or Discounted Educational Apps for iTunes – $300 Savings

2013-12-02T20:42:00.001-08:00

In honor of Cyber Monday, you can head here to snag a huge number of FREE or Discounted Apps (a $300 savings!) from Smart Apps for Kids!

For a limited time, you can head over here to check out all of the available FREE or Discounted kids’ apps for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad – choose from apps focused on math, reading, art, shapes, colors, sorting and much more (reg. $0.99-$6.99 each!).

Enjoy!