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!