Even if you don't have children at home, I would recommend signing up for Upromise.  I have been a member for years and I'm finally learning how to add up money on my account.  At first, it seemed I was earning a few cents every month and it wasn't worth it.  In the past year or so they have really improved their program by adding e-coupons, restaurant discounts and online shopping.

How it works:

1. Link your store cards and credit/debit cards to your Upromise account.  Once a qualifying purchase is made, the money is added to your account.  There is a list of stores in your area on the website, but a few big ones are Meijer, Copps/Pick n Save and Kroger.  Everything is super secure, I never have any worries about putting my debit card numbers on the website.
2. You can add as many cards as you want to your account, even invite parents or grandparents to your account too.  
3. E-coupons are added each month and you have to load them up to your account.  Although the coupon is not taken off of your order right away, they are added to your Upromise.  This is good because you get the amount no matter what you pay for the item.  Most have coupons you can use when purchasing.  I find most items listed go on sale at some point during the month and I can get items for almost free, then get money back for them.
4. Restaurant rewards are available for designated spots in your area.  Although there is not a huge selection, you can get up to 20% back from your dining out.  I usually don't even know when I've eaten at a restaurant with rewards, its always a nice surprise.
5. The online shopping area is a lot like Ebates or other websites like that where you get a percentage back of what you  buy online.  I usually search all of the websites and use the one with the highest percentage back.

Upromise is a super easy way to get a couple of extra dollars.  Although it is made for educational purposes, you can designate the money for something else if you want.  A friend of mine collects as much as she can throughout the year to cash out for Christmas shopping.

Check out the website and start saving!

A quick "thank you"

Since I love to cook, I had thoughts of making a new mini-blog about recipes, but I figured I could just incorporate a few recipes into my blog.  I have been writing this blog for about 9 months now and I feel as keep writing, it becomes more and more of a mixing pot of ideas.  At times I feel like I should be more focused, but I also feel it should be different than other blogs out there.  A lot of the ones I follow are considered "deal" blogs.  They list weekly specials at certain stores and which coupons are where.  Although I love that, I feel it seems less personal than something I would like to write.  So bear with me while I try to figure out exactly what I am trying to achieve from this blog.  Although I want to tell everyone certain special deals that stand out to me, I don't really feel the need to list everything that is going on since there are so many other people doing the same thing. 

I would like to thank my continued readers and subscribers, I really appreciate every one of you!  As always, I love any recommendations and also if you have anything to add to my blog, I would love some guest posts.  Do you have a favorite recipe to share or a bargain tip?  Email or message me and I can put your article in a blog!  I am working on  a few new ideas and I hope in the end my blog becomes something useful for you to turn to for quick tips on saving money, as well as a resource for money saving websites out there. 

Thanks again!

Quick! 50% outerwear at Old Navy

Head over to the Old Navy Facebook page and you can print a 50% off outerwear coupon!  It's valid from Oct. 26-28 and I am sure this will go fast.  Also, they have $5 fleece vests Saturday morning.

Happy shopping!

Just a thought- fix before you buy

Since we moved over a month ago, our vacuum hasn't been working.  I figured it was from all of the cleaning before me moved and it being shuffled around the moving truck.  With two toddlers, using a handvac was not going to cut it!  I tried everything: cleaning the filters, checking the belt, etc.  Nothing seemed to be working, so I decided to start researching new vacuums on Amazon.  Then, I went to the Bissell website and started troubleshooting.  From their message boards, I was able to find some areas to check and I actually fixed it.  I know this may sound stupid or common sense, but taking the extra few minutes to actually research the problem saved us $50-70 at least!

Everyone is so quick to run out and buy a replacement the minute something goes wrong... I know we are!  If you stop and try to fix what is broken, you could be lucky like us and actually fix it!  There are so many resources online (or even just do a Swagbucks search) that may help you!

Just a thought!

Recipe: Healthier Guac!

When I first came across the recipe for guacamole with peas, I wasn't sure.  I am not the biggest fan of peas after making gallons of pea puree for the girls when they were babies.  Since I found the recipe a few months ago, I have tried many different variations of ingredients- a lot of recipes called for Greek yogurt or cucumbers, which I thought did not work.  Here is my special recipe.  You are lucky I like you!  Best thing is, you don't have to tell anyone peas are in it!

Ashleigh's Guac (I need a fun name, help!)

Ingredients: Play around with what you like, though!

• 2 Avocados
• 1.5 cups of cooked peas
• 1 tomato (2-3 Roma tomatoes), seeded
• 1/4 cup of red onion
• Small handful of cilantro (if you are like my friend Cori who hates this, omit or try parsley or chives)
• 1 lime or lemon
• 1 jalapeno, seeded (if you don't like spicy, you can omit or use green/red peppers)
• S & P to taste
• Dash of garlic powder
• Mrs Dash's Fiesta Lime seasoning- a dash to taste (this seasoning is amazing for Mexican cooking)

Instructions (not quite necessary, since it's so easy)

1. Throw everything in a blender or food processor except the seasonings.
2. Once blended, add spices and a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy
3. Squeeze lemon or lime juice and stir.  Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to chill.

 Yum!  I promise you will like this.  You can tell it is different, but there is no pea taste at all!

Serve with chips or add to a salad or wrap.  I love guac with steak salads!

Xoxo!

Some new deal websites

Here are  two new daily deal websites I have come across thanks to some of blogs I read.  Most of the items are a little pricey, but they might have some great deals for someone special during the holidays.  Or even a nice gift to treat yourself!

• Haute Look : You get a FREE $10 credit for joining and $10 for each friend you add.  I was looking through winter hats and gloves for the girls and they would be around $4-5 shipped after the credit.  Not bad!
• Rue La La : Here you get a FREE $20 credit after about 48 hours.  I found a boutique for Yummy Tummy which I have been hearing a lot about, its a new type of Spanx brand.  You may find something great with your credit, which you have until 12/31 to use!

Happy shopping!

Like mail?

Hello!  I'm going to make this one short and sweet.  Its Sunday, you should be enjoying your day! As you should know by now, I love mail...I have always been this way.  I should clarify, I like fun mail.  Not bills.  Here are some websites that you really should sign up for. 

• Vocalpoint.  Not only do you get tons of samples of new products, you also get great high value coupons.
• Kraft First Taste.  I have gotten at least 4 coupons for free crackers and new products this year from them.  They have recipes and a lot of tips on their website too.

That's it!  Go enjoy your day!

Selling your junk online

Last week I was going through our endless clutter and I decided it was time to start selling stuff.  I tend to keep everything and I am starting to realize that its so pointless to keep clutter.  I have sold from many websites: Ebay, Amazon and Craigslist and they all have their pros and cons.  Here's my quick breakdown.  You many want to take a look around your home and think "do I need this?".  It is amazing what people will buy! Some sales are confusing, you have to try each website to learn how the ropes work. 

Amazon

Great for books, CDs and DVDs (especially seasons)

Pros

•  They pay for shipping
• Guaranteed to sell at your asking price

Cons

•  Some items have low asking prices
• You never know when an item will sell, or even if it will sell
• Not all items you want to sell are listed
  

Ebay 

Great for clothes, electronics and "hot" items like new toys

Pros

• You can get high prices
• You can set quick sales or Buy it Now prices
• Shipping is included

Cons

• Some auctions can end up at low selling prices
• You have to pay to list items, unless there is a special offer
• It is hard to get bids sometimes
  

Craigslist

 Pros

•  Local! 
• You can ask what the item is actually worth
• You can get cash and most sales are quick

Cons

• Unreliable offers: some people flake out on buying items
• Spam emails
• You may not get interest in your offers

I am by no means an expert at online selling, but I do have some tips and advice if you need it.  Just shoot me a message or email and I will try to answer any questions you have!  I also always welcome some tips for myself! 

Xoxo!

I am a survey queen!

If you know me personally, you know I am always testing products.  Our apartment is filled with plain white bottles of shampoo or plain boxes of crackers.  I love getting to try new products before they hit the market.  My old mailman/UPS lady were used to the amount of boxes I receive (who doesn't love mail?!), but I have to break in my new carriers. 

What do you get to sample?  Anything!  I have gotten diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, crackers, household cleaner, razors, face wash... the list could go on and on.  Most are full size bottles, although they do not always have labels on them.  I have been doing this for years and I have tested out many different survey companies.  Some are definitely better than others, especially with their incentives.  I have gotten cash, gift cards, e-cards and many other great prizes from my surveys- I even won an iPod touch! 

Some companies require you to invest a lot of time for a little incentive, which I obviously stay away from.  Most surveys are 20 minutes or less and it usually takes about a month of surveys for a prize, although I usually qualify for about 5-7 test products a week. 

Once you get the hang of taking surveys, you will be able to fish out the "good" surveys. Here is a list of my top 5.  Although I am a member of more than 5 companies, these are the best.



**Remember: you should NEVER have to pay to join a survey company!  There are some scam sites out there.

1. My survey (formerly Lightspeed Panel).  I like this site for great full sized samples and I use points for gift cards.  Points accumulate rather quickly.  I love the Gap/Old Navy or the Macaroni Grill gift card options.  Note: Most surveys that are 15 minutes and under lead to a product sample. 
2. Viewpoint Forum.  This is probably my favorite.  They send out their checks very quickly and I just got a $45 check for a product sample. 
3. Mindfield.  My second favorite.  Quick surveys and money adds up quickly!
4. Survey Spot.  This is the first survey site I joined.  Although points don't accumulate fast, they do offer PayPal and a lot of sampling.
5. e-Rewards.  Points add up quickly for magazine subscriptions and Macy's gift cards.  Not the best selection of prizes, but I always find something.
6.  UPDATE: I had to add one more.  Opinion Outpost offers quick surveys and fast results.  I love the ability to change points into Amazon gift cards. 

Honorable mentions:

1. Pinecone Research.  They don't always accept new members, but this is a great site.  They offer PayPal and very prompt payments.  Most surveys are under 10 minutes. If you want to join, message me and I can send you the sign-up email!
2. ZoomPanel.  I am still new to this one, but I think it has potential. 

Quick notes:

• You may want to sign up for these on a "junk" email because you may get a lot more surveys than you have time to take
• When do I have time to take surveys?  During my "shows".  It drives Ricky nuts, but if I can make money while wasting time watching TV, why not?!

Let me know what you think!

Xoxo!

Saving money for holidays using swagbucks

As you may know, I love Swagbucks.  Just recently when we moved, we signed up for our cable company through Swagbucks (it just happened to be one of their special offers) and we were able to cash in the points for a $100 Target gift card AND a $15 Amazon e-card.  Those really helped us get some odds and ends for the apartment for FREE.  During the holidays, Swagbucks features a lot of special offers to increase your points quickly, which is a great way to save on holiday shopping.  I will let you know if I see any good ones.

Every Friday is Mega Swag day, so try your luck today.  If you haven't signed up, here's my personal banner:



Spread the word!  Once you sign up, tell your friends about it through Facebook or email and you get additional points when they do.  You don't have to download anything, it is just a regular search engine powered by Google.  We have it as our homepage, so we can do quick searches. 

Have a great weekend!  This weather is amazing!

Xoxo!

Holiday countdown: introduction

My favorite time of the year is here!  I love Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The weather, decorations and food bring back some great memories.  I am going to start posting any deals I find to help you save time or money around the holidays.  I have also found some great recipes, so I may be posting those as well. 

I also hope that if you find anything you feel is worthy of sharing, you will tell me!  I will give you credit, I promise!

Xoxo!

Im back!

Hello! I apologize for the little hiatus.  We have had the worst flu going around this past week.  I think we are finally doing better!  Our poor little washer and dryer is getting a workout this week.  Right now I am working on some new topics, so get ready!

If you like what you have read, make sure you spread the word!  Every new reader is much appreciated by me!

Xoxo!