Monday, February 20, 2012

FREE Healthy eCookbook!

Mercola.com


Download your FREE "Healthy Recipes for your Nutritional Type" eBook from Mercola.

$15 iTunes Giftcard for $5


Saveology



Pay just $5 for a $15 iTunes Gift Card & 14 day trial membership to Saveology Elite. Note: Saveology Elite uses Auto Renewal after the 14 day trial membership - be sure to cancel before then if you aren't interested in continuing with the program.


*If you have already registered at Saveology, you must first clear your cookies to view this specific offer and landing page*

Ink Garden - 12 Note Cards for $2

Ink Garden

Use coupon code NOTESPECIAL

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Looking for A New Fundraising Idea?

From e-mail received today about Sonfishgear.com:

The New Year is in full swing and we find ourselves busier by the day! On top of everything we dedicate our time to there is still that fundraiser that needs to be planned. Are you tired of the same old car wash and bake sale to raise money for your church or youth group? It's time for a new way to raise money, and the new online Christian apparel and accessory store, Sonfish Gear, is here to help. Sonfishgear.com carries everything from baby clothes to iPhone cases. It's a fun and unique alternative to the usual fundraiser.


auto emblem
Sonfish Gear is excited to help anyone from church organizations to community organizers with their fundraising needs. Sonfish Gear has a fundraising program in place that offers groups the opportunity to purchase Sonfish branded products at extremely low wholesale prices to resell for fundraising. Most items in the fundraising program allow at least a 50% profit margin, if not more. The best part is that Sonfish Gear offers custom and personalized products that bring the message of the Sonfish to your specific church, community group, mission trip, etc. Your friends, family and community are sure to love Sonfish Gear. To get more information on Sonfish Gear's fundraising opportunities click HERE!

It looks like their website is still being developed and I've never worked with this company before, but it may be a good one to keep in mind as they do further develop their product lines and fundraising opportunities.

Free Samples - Olay, Gerber, Bath & Body Works, More!

Free sample of Olay® 2-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths

Free Signature Collection Travel-Size item from Bath & Body Works® 

Free Gerber® Generation Backpack

Free sample of Quaker® Oatmeal Squares

Free sample of Purex® Triple Action Detergent

Curves Guest Pass Just $10!

Sign up for a guest pass to Curves for only $10, just click the image below!

Curves

Because I'm Me Pencil Holder Giveaway


Because I'm Me is holding a giveaway through 2/12/12 for this gorgeous pencil holder. Details here!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Menu Plan Monday 2/6/12

Each Monday I shall post our dinner menu plan for the current week.

The kids feed themselves for breakfast and lunch (usually lots of fruit, pasta, sandwiches, or leftovers) so I will only be posting the dinner menu, as that's what I cook.

Please link to your weekly menu in the comments if you are inclined. I'm always looking for new ideas.

Sunday - Superbowl Party! Pizza, appetizers, cheese and crackers, chips and dips (annual tradition!)
Monday - Eggplant Parmesan
Tuesday - Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, salad
Wednesday - Chicken Tacos, yellow squash sauteed with a hint of butter and garlic
Thursday - Fried Rice with chicken, squash and zucchini
Friday - camping - Marinated Chicken on the Grill, fruit
Saturday - camping - Turkey burgers with fixings, veggies and fruit

Not an exciting dining week, though the Superbowl party is always a hit (even if the Packers weren't in the game).

Tanga - Glamour Magazine Only $3.99

Glamour MagazinePurchase a subscription to Glamour Magazine through Tanga  for only $3.99 using coupon code "SAVINGS".

Offer expires 2-8-12 so hurry!

Cafe Press FREE T-Shirt with $50 Purchase TODAY


Get a free t-shirt with any $50 purchase using coupon code GRAZI.


Or save 25% storewide with coupon code FEB25.

Both offers valid at the Because I'm Me Cafe Press shop.

Joanns.com 50% Coupon Code

VALID ONLINE ONL
 50
%
off

Michaels.com Daily Deals

Visit Michaels.com daily for special one-day only deals. 2/5/12 - 2/14/12.

Click here for your 40% off Michaels store coupon.

While at the Michaels site check out The Knack for fun projects and activities for kids.

**Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby will accept a coupon on your phone in place of a printed store coupon. Just pull up the coupon and show the cashier your phone.

Emergen-C FREE Sample


A Reminder: Ask for Lower Rates

The other day I called the phone company to ask about cancelling my home phone service, but keeping my internet service. They provided the information and then let me know that a new offer had just come out which would lower my bill $10 per month AND upgrade my internet speed ... with no negative changes to my account.

I said, "Heck yes, sign me up." I am still considering cancelling the home phone service and looking at alternatives, but haven't made a decision yet.

Cable and phone companies are very competitive right now, for good reason.
  • in most areas your home phone company can provide your cable and internet service
  • your cable company can provide your cable and phone service
  • in some areas there is direct competition between phone or cable companies
  • many people have given up home phone service and use only their cell phone
  • many people have given up cable, watching tv on the internet
  • magicJack
  • Roku
If you haven't called your cable and home telephone provider lately to request a better rate do so. And shop around. 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Sign2Me Sale and FREE Gifts

Sharing an e-mail I received today:

"Today is the "Big Game" and Sign2Me Early Learning is celebrating with a fun new tradition. The winning team's score at the end of the game will become your discount on everything in the Sign2Me Online Store!
 
It's simple.  If the final score is 52-3, you get a 52% discount on every item in our store!*  The sale begins at the final whistle when our staff will input the winning score into the discount coupon. You can then take advantage of this special discount on all the early education products in our Online Store. Just enter the coupon code  biggamesale   at checkout.  The sale lasts only 48 hours after the final whistle so hurry over after the game.
Remember, this Sunday root for your team, wish for a super high winning score, and you'll win too!  Also, don't forget the chips!"

I'm sure you're all as heartbroken as I am that the Packers (go Pack go!) aren't playing in the game today, but if you are teaching a little one signs, or are considering doing so, this fun sale might ease the pain a bit.
 

Also, if you sign up for Sign2Me's Spotlight newsletter you'll receive 3 free gifts, and more printable sign language pages arrive in the newsletters. 

Produce Market

Saturday I made my weekly trip to the local produce market.  For less than $10 I purchased:
  • 3 zucchini
  • 3 yellow squash
  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 pint tiny tomatoes
  • 3 green bell peppers
  • 2 pints tiny potatoes
  • and 1 red bell pepper
Tonight we're having Eggplant Parmesan (using spaghetti sauce from the liquidation grocery store shopping trip), much to the joy of my younger daughter.

The green peppers were 3/$1, which is a great price in my part of the country. If we don't use them all this week I'll slice and freeze to use when the price goes back up to $.75 each.

The Dent and Bent Store, Revisited

I mentioned shopping at a liquidation grocery store in October.

I just have to bring this up again.

I visited one today, filled the cart, and spent $35.  That $35 included:
  • 8 boxes of cereal (4/$1)
  • 16 packages of wheat and specialty tortillas (4/$1)
  • 5 spice jars ($1 each)
  • 3 large jars of spaghetti sauce ($.75 each)
  • 20 granola bars (20/$1)
  • 30 packets of blueberry flavored instant granola (15/$1)
  • 4 boxes taco shells ($.50 each)
  • 1 long sleeved t-shirt to add an applique to ($1)
  • 4 jars of strawberry jam (2/$1)
  • salad dressing, organic Thai soup, crackers, 1 package of oatmeal cookies, and much much more
I can't stress strongly enough how great these stores can be. If you have one in your area drop by and check it out. It can't hurt to give it a chance.

Telecommuting Mommies

I have to share this "new to me" site with you!

Do you work from home, stay at home and want to earn a little extra to get that debt snowball rolling faster, or wish to be home? Or are you just trying to make ends meet and need another source of income to get you there? I know most of us are looking for ways to add a few dollars to the ones we're already stretching.

Telecommuting Mommies is a great gathering of legitimate work at home jobs for Moms.  The posts and opportunities cover a broad range of talents and skills ... grading essays, blogging, customer service, writing, and so much more.

Alaina, the site author, has been working at home for the last twelve years and after reading her extensive "resume" I'd say she's an expert in the field.

Check it out and let me know what you think, and most especially let me know if you find a position that's the "right fit" for you.

SneakPeeq Daily E-Mail Deals


Daily deals on great products! Click here.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Free Firefox Update to Version 10.0

Firefox Firefox is always looking for ways to make your browsing easier and more efficient. Upgrade to new Firefox 10.0 for free, just click on the image to the left.

I use Firefox exclusively. It just meets my needs far better than any other web browser has. I'm not technical, by any means, so I can't tell you the ups and downs, ins and outs, goods and bads, but I know I like it. And it works with the add-on apps that I use. And it's free. And free to upgrade.

If you're already using Firefox and are not sure what version you're currently running, click on Firefox in the far upper left corner, then hover over "help", then click on "About Firefox". If it's not 10.0 click here.

New High Value Goodnites Coupon!



$2.00 off one package of GOODNITES Underwear

Canvas People - Free 8 x 10 for Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Canvas People

My Perfect Sale: Great Designer Deals

My Perfect Sale

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Because I'm Me Sale

$8.50 | Fun & Creative Crayon & Pencil Roll-Ups - 10 Styles! 

These Because I'm Me pencil and crayon roll-up holders regularly retail for between $15 and $19, for this very special off at Very Jane they are only $8.50 each.

If you haven't "met" Very Jane yet it's a great site for daily deals on handcrafted items. There are four or so deals offered each day and the offers last for a few days, and all are at great discounts, like the Because I'm Me pencil and crayon rolls that are 56% off regular price.

The sale on the pencil and crayon holders ends Monday and quantities are limited.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Tip: Label Leftovers

Label your leftovers and always store them in the same place in the refrigerator. Everyone will know where to find them and what they are. No excuses for not eating leftovers!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Tip: Gift Cards

Search eBay for gift cards to purchase.

If you've got a purchase planned search eBay for a gift card for the store you're heading to (or shopping online). You can often save 10-20% by doing so, and shipping is usually very inexpensive and quick. A quick search returned 30,492 results for "gift card" on Ebay, plenty to choose from. Be careful to check feedback and read the fine print on the gift card.

The flip side ... eBay is also a great option for selling gift cards you won't or can't use.

Join Nielson Consumer Panel

HomeScan NCP
Sign up with National Consumer Panel and voice your opinions to help manufacturers and retailers make decisions on what products to develop or improve.


Many moons ago, thanks to my friend/roommate (I have no idea how she got into the program) I was a "Nielson family". I had a box hooked up to my tv and all crap quality programming I watched was recorded and was a part of the Nielson ratings.


Back then I thought it was very neat that my viewing, my opinion, mattered. I was proud to be a Nielson family (of one - this was pre-kids). And I still think it's neat, which is why I love programs like this. And the "cash and prizes" aspect is great too.
KoopikKoopik collects daily deals from the best daily deal sites and then suggests deals for you based on your personal preferences. The daily deal industry is growing fast, but visiting multiple sites and receiving countless emails from these deal sites adds unnecessary clutter to your life. Koopik puts all the deals for you in one place.

Click for a video that explains the program.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

January Savings From Double Ink

Enjoy a 10% discount on your order through end of January at Double Ink. On the checkout page type My10 (coupon code is NOT case sensitive) in the redeem box, and click on the Redeem button to apply your discount.

If you purchase through MyPoints you'll earn 300 points towards MyPoints gift cards and rewards, making it an even better deal.

FREE Valentine's Notecards from VistaPrint

Vistaprint
Receive 10 Free Valentine's day Notecards from Vistaprint and cut them into 3's to make 30 Valentine's Day Cards.

Tanga - Shape Magazine Subscription Just $2.99

Shape Magazine

Another great magazine deal, Shape magazine subscription for just $2.99! Use coupon code "SAVINGS".  Hurry, this offer ends Thursday, 1-26-12.

Gift Cards: Ben & Jerry's, Pottery Barn, Build a Bear, Boston Market


There are some great gift card deals available through Saveology right now. Upon entering the site click on "all deals" and all these gift card offers, and more, will be listed.

Watch Free Films with Fandor

FandorLog in to facebook to get a free 7-day pass.


Start watching today for free

  • Independent, international and short films
  • Hundreds of handpicked movies
  • Great content you can’t find anywhere else

$2 Ink Garden Valentine's Day Mug

Ink Garden

While I'm not sure I'd give this to my significant other (if I had such a beast wonder) on Valentine's Day, this is a great idea for a gift from the kids or to the grandparents.

Customize an 11 oz. mug at Ink Garden, then use coupon code MUG2 at checkout to get your mug for just $2.

Tip: Repurposing Cardboard Boxes

Another reader tip:


"I'm really into making little cardboard boxes out of cereal (and other) boxes right now, to put in my drawers and sewing boxes as organizers. I just made one for rechargeable batteries with a little ribbon border around the top and happy and sad faces for the dead and charged batteries."

I love this idea. I've seen it before and finally tried it myself after seeing it on the side of a cereal box. We made a recycling junk mail holder and it is awesome. I can't believe how sturdy and handy it is.

Pinterest is a great place to find wonderful box uses, all of which are significantly fancier than our recycling bin!

Earn rewards points by taking surveys from J.D. Power Panel

J.D. Power PanelJ.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors across a variety of industries, providing customer satisfaction research, market research, automotive forecasting, social media research, and performance improvement programs. Take as many or as few surveys as you’d like and earn rewards for your input. The more survey opportunities you participate in, the more rewards you earn.

I do a few survey programs and they can be rewarding if you're willing to put a little time into them. To stay organized I have tagged all e-mail from the survey companies and other point earning programs and have them all go to one e-mail file. Once a week, or as I have time, I go through the messages and work to earn the points.

iMemories - Save 33% Now

iMemories

Sign up for iMemories and get all your old camcorder videos, family films, slides and photos converted to digital masterpieces on DVD.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Good News / Bad News - Picnik is Closing

(Cross posted to Because I'm Me, no you're not experiencing deja vu.) 

FB profile pic, from Picnik
If you've ever used Picnik to edit photos you know how awesome all their tools are, and have seen the wonderful things that can be done on their site with a photo. A lot of it could be done for FREE. FREE collages, free frames, free text added in all sorts of awesome fonts. I love Picnik.

The bad news is that Picnik is closing.

An e-mail was sent out Saturday saying, "Since joining Google in 2010, we have been creating editing magic in Google products while continuing to keep Picnik awesome. But now we get to focus on even awesomer things. Picnik will be closing on April 19, 2012."

I don't know what the "awesomer things" are but I'm happy for them, and so so so sad for me. If you know of a comparable photo editing site please let me know. The e-mail from Picnik goes on to state, "We are excited by the photo-editing fun we have already brought to Google products, like Google+, where you can find many of your favorite Picnik effects in Creative Kit. We encourage you to visit Google+ and give it a whirl." Has anyone tried Creative Kit? If you know of another comparable photo editing site please let me know.

The good news, and the reason I'm sharing this, is that Picnik's premium services are FREE FOR ALL until they close on April 19, 2012. Folks, there's some fun stuff to play with there. I plan to spend the next three months colorizing, decorating, framing, doodling, skewing, collaging, and whatever else I can until my images bear no resemblance to their former selves. Well, maybe not that much, but I will be making some collages for Because I'm Me merchandise, and a back stock of banners for blogs, websites, and Etsy.

Also, if you are a Picnik premium member you'll be getting a full refund of your annual fee, whether you signed up last week or eleven months ago.

I'd love for you to link to some of your photo creations in the comments.

Free - Canvas People - Free 8x10 or Save $35

Canvas People Turn your favorite photo into a free 8 x 10 canvas or get $35 off toward any size canvas and free shipping at Canvas People.

I love the idea of doing this with kids artwork. Wouldn't it be cool to have your own drawing or painting hanging in your room looking super professional? I'd like to have the kids so self-portraits, turn them into canvases, and hang them in the breakfast area.

It appears that shipping is $14.95, which isn't bad at all.


Here are a few user testimonials/reviews from their site:

"We ordered for Christmas and we were so happy happy that we have already ordered 2 more prints! and have plans for some more. love the prices and quality! Thank you Canvas People, Keep up the great work, and we will keep coming back time and time again!" - ABDC Halderman

 Ya! We got our canvas in with plenty of time before Christmas! YAY! I was so excited to see how it turned out..and I was very happy! Our canvas was a gift to our parents from their daughters and grandkids ;) THank you and I WILL order again! - Tennessee

FREE H&R Block Federal Tax Return

H&R BlockYup, it's THAT time of year. Tax time. Not all that much fun, I know.

Here's a deal to make the process a lot less painful:

Receive your free Federal Tax Return with H&R Block. Users can prepare, print and e-file for free.

Hurry - FREE KraftMaid Inspiration Guide




Click on image above to get a FREE KraftMaid Inspiration Guide on kitchens, baths, home office, entertainment centers, bedrooms, laundry rooms and more.

Everyday with Rachel Ray Subscription Just $4.99 - Hurry, good til Wednesday

Tanga Magazine Deals

Great Tanga Magazine Offer:

Everyday with Rachel Ray Magazine Subscription, $4.99 with Coupon Code: EVERYDAY (Up To 4 Years!) Click Here or on image above. Hurry, this offer expires Wednesday, 1/25

Tip: Tomato Paste Leftovers

Felt Tomato Slice Tutorial
Recipes always seem to call for 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Tomato paste is never purchased in 1 tablespoon portions, leaving us with the rest of a can of tomato paste.

Freeze the leftovers in little baggies. Put a heaping tablespoon of paste in each baggie and freeze (after labeling and dating) until you need it.

Eversave.com - Local Daily Deals

Eversave.com

Save 50% - 90% at the best places to shop, eat, see and do in your own neighborhood. New places featured every day.

I know there are a lot of these sites out there, but the deals don't overlap, at least not in my area, and they are a great way to save on products and services you really do use.

Sign up and receive emails with the latest greatest doggy deals!

doggylootAnother deal for dog lovers.

Stay in the loop on the newest DoggyLoot. Great daily deals for dogs.

This seems like such a fun idea! If you sign up please let us know what kinds of deals they offer; my imagination is running wild with images of doggy manicures and blinged out dog toys.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

FREE Disney Cruise Line® Vacation Planning DVD

Disney Cruise-Planning DVD

Cereal Deals

I came across these boxes at Target the other day and wanted to give a "head's up".

First, the Total Raisin Bran is free after mail in rebate. Look for the boxes with the rebate blurb on the front. Limit one rebate per household/person/address and you must have the receipt and a portion of the box. The rebate form is inside the box. I didn't see the offer on any other Total cereals, but you may have different results at your local store.

Second, the Cars gas deal on the Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats box. Collect five codes from various marked cereal boxes to receive a $5 gas card. I haven't seen any of the marked boxes in a while, so I was excited to see these. Like the total deal, I didn't see this offer on any other types of cereal, but YMMV.

Tip: Shout Color Catchers and a Free Sample

A reader tip:  Use Shout Color Catchers to keep clothes looking great. "They soak up any dye that might come off your clothes so it doesn't bleed onto other items. I've even mixed reds in with other items and not had a problem."

I have limited experience with these myself, having only used them once or twice when washing new quilts, particularly ones with red. I've been quite pleased with the results.

Of course, I searched for a "make your own" solution and found nothing. I did find a link for a free Color Catcher sample so you can try it yourself.

FREE Disney Fairy Tale Wedding and Honeymoon Planner


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Save with Swagbucks (and have fun doing it!)

Swagbucks
Search the web and earn Swab Bucks to redeem prizes. Get prizes for doing things you already do on the internet.

Swag Bucks is different. Following them on facebook, twitter, and through their blog will give you opportunities to enter random codes or participate in fun (but not easy!) contests to earn even more points.

Points are redeemable for gift cards, swag, and even cash.

Tip: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

These things are the bomb. They clean grout, walls, stoves, crayon, pen, paint, EVERYTHING. I can't recommend them highly enough for both everyday and off-the-wall cleaning tasks.

We cut our magic erasers into 1/4's. That's usually plenty for a quickie cleaning task and doesn't waste the rest of the eraser.

According to Homemade Mama's, Magic Erasers are actually just melamine foam, a soundproofing material and can be purchased at Amazon.com for much less than the original Magic Erasers cost, making them an even better frugal choice.

Curves Guest Pass $10

Curves

Canvas People - Gree 8x10 or Save $55

Canvas People

Friday, January 20, 2012

Saveology Daily Deals

Saveology

Tip: Reading

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
― Albert Einstein


Read to your children.

When I was doing home daycare curriculum was not recommended for babies and toddler. A positive, open play area that allowed them to explore and create, music, arts and crafts, and reading to them was what was suggested. Always, in every article or class, reading was key.

Reading to kids directly affects their literacy development and success in school.

Not a money/home economics tips, but an important tip nonetheless.

The Biggest Loser Coach - Still Available

Biggest LoserIt's New Year's resolution time. One of my resolutions is to get in better shape and to continue to develop better eating habits -- basically to be healthier. Anyone else?

Right now you can sign up for the Biggest Loser Coach Network and receive a 14 day trial for only $1.95.

From their website:



The Biggest Loser Coach Network program gives you unlimited online and telephone access to Success Experts who will work with you step-by-step to uncover and focus on areas where you can make improvements towards a healthier lifestyle. With the help of the Coach Network experts, you will get the support you need to create the life you've always wanted.

The Biggest Loser Coach Network experts will help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to become successful and help you gain insight into the driving force behind the behaviors that have held you back.
  • Discover and use the tools necessary to create a healthier lifestyle.
  • Find out how to manage your time efficiently.
  • Achieve a balance in your life by setting achievable weight loss goals.
  • Develop a deeper self-awareness to help you stay true to your 'goals'.
***If you don't want to continue at a monthly rate of $59.95 you must cancel the program before the end of the 14 day trial.

Save on Handcrafted Items at BelleChic

BelleChic

You may recall that I also participated at BelleChic as a vendor. Great company, wonderful people. I purchased a Christmas gift through the site at substantial savings and was thrilled with the entire transaction (especially the product!).
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