This, That and a Little More

Tips on How to Save Money when Shopping at Department Stores

2012-01-29T07:35:00.000-05:00

JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it's merchandise - a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.

Wouldn't it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it's likely they won't, now is a good time to brush up on your department-store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.

1. Befriend Sales Associates
Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be "I'm just looking," consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.

2. Get Smart
Retailers are making it easy to stay informed about upcoming sales, thanks to e-mail alerts and Facebook updates. But how often have you left a coupon at home or failed to print it from your inbox? Mobile coupons to the rescue! Tools like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app give you access to mobile coupons to use in-store. Just pull up the offer and hand your smartphone to the cashier. Phew!

3. Shop Thursdays
While online shopping experiences a spike in sales on Mondays, department stores often mark down clothing on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend shoppers. Save your Saturday for lunch with the girls and a matinee, and turn Thursday afternoon into a savvy shopping day. For more tips on the best times of the week to shop, consult SmartMoney's guide.

4. Retain Receipts
In an effort to de-clutter our cars, purses and file cabinets, receipts are often tossed immediately after a purchase. However, it's a good idea to hang onto receipts for up to 30 days should the item you bought receive a price reduction. Keeping tabs on an item you've already purchased can score you unexpected savings.

5. Gift Yourself (and Your Wallet)
If you're anything like me, you've already burned through those gifts cards you received over the holidays. Nothing compares to spending someone else's money on something you want, but using a discount gift cards comes pretty close. Save up to 35 percent instantly when you buy gift cards at less than face value from such sites as GiftCardGranny.

6. Shop Seasonal Sales
This one's a no-brainer but with "80-percent off" promotions cluttering my inbox, I'd be remiss not to mention it. Shopping for winter clothing as retailers gear up for the spring and summer fashions will land you great deals on warm clothing to wear both now and after beach season is a distant memory.

7. Reward Yourself
Most credit cards have a rewards program, so take a look at your account to determine if you can redeem points for gift cards. If you have the budget and are disciplined enough to pay off your credit card every month, you might consider charging everyday expenses on your card to increase those reward points and pay for "fun" stuff with earned points. If you're credit card doesn't earn points, check out this list from CreditCards.com to find ones that do.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., and has been featured among such top media outlets as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles.

- Almost - Wordless Wednesday - Cape May County Zoo

2012-01-25T13:53:00.004-05:00

My -almost- Wordless Wednesday post today is a photo of myself, hubby and our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter enjoying the afternoon at the Cape May County Zoo! This was the first time that our grand-wee-one had ever visited a zoo and she absolutely loved it! We are going to take her to the zoo again come May!

Throwing A Bachelorete Party? Check Out These Budget-Friendly Ideas

2012-01-17T17:56:00.004-05:00

Most of us don't have the budget for a Parisian-themed blowout à la Bridesmaids, but that doesn't mean the bride-to-be should settle for the early bird special in the name of savings.

Though it may seem like bar-hopping at nearby watering holes is the cheapest way to go, money becomes no object once the booze start flowing. There are other ways to host a memorable ladies' night out sans the life-size cookie and gut-wrenching bar tab, so consider these six ideas before rounding up the girls.

1. Get Out of Town
This is the ideal option but not always the most economical. There are ways to reduce the costs associated with an all-girls getaway, but be prepared to plan well in advance. First, consider a one-night stay somewhere nearby, or relatively close to attendees' respective homes. Once a location is established, let party-goers know the details so they can get booking. Find party accessories online for less, and outfit the bride in a little girl's tiara for up to 75-percent less than speciality retailers.

2. Scavenger Hunt
Channel your inner child and create a scavenger hunt for the bride, complete with challenges to solicit free drinks from strangers and requests for silly photos. If you live in a big city, check out StrayBoots for inexpensive packages tailored for bachelorette parties and be prepared to uncover unknowns in your hometown.

3. At-home Wine Tasting
If the bride-to-be isn't into the bar-hopping-male-stripper scene, consider hosting an at-home wine tasting. Cut costs by asking attendees to bring a bottle of their favorite wine-and-snack duo. You'll need a wine glass for every attendee, plus water and bread to serve as palette cleansers. If you want to go all out, consult this advice from Real Simple magazine.

4. Lots of Laughs
The stress of wedding planning is likely getting to everyone, so a night full of laughter might just be what the doctor ordered. Check out your local comedy club and call ahead for front-row seating. Make yourselves known to the entertainers by ordering bachelorette-themed party wear online, making sure to grab free shipping codes from sites like FreeShipping.org to avoid delivery charges.

5. Paint & Sip
If you haven't yet taken advantage of the paint and sip trend, consider this your golden opportunity. What better way to celebrate the bride's pending nuptials than with a wine-laden arts and crafts session? Hit up Google for a nearby studio, or better yet, tap into a friend's artistic talent by having her lead the session at someone's home.

6. Bridal Bowling
You'll get plenty of attention as a group of all-girls in a bowling alley, but consider taking it a step further by outfitting the bride and attendants in the worst available versions of thrift-store wedding attire. Call ahead to reserve a couple lanes and talk to the manager about available packages, including pre-ordered food and a personal attendant. Let the good times roll!

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. For more savings tips, follow Andrea on Facebook and Twitter.

I Won a New Bike From Schwinn!

2012-01-14T15:16:00.005-05:00

As you all know...I love entering giveaways on various blogs and it is a passion of mine. I don't win very often but I do like to enter them because it is a great way for me to learn about new companies and new products coming out into the marketplace and often times those product reviews that are attached with the giveaways help to influence the purchases that I make.

Back in August of 2011 I entered a giveaway on a mommy blog every day trying to win a beautiful new bike from Schwinn and I am happy to report that I was indeed the winner and I finally got my new bike just last week! I couldn't be happier about this!

I am so impressed with the Schwinn company and their products that I am now going to purchase a child's bike for my almost 3 year old granddaughter for her upcoming Birthday this spring and I am going to purchase a new Schwinn bike for my hubby at the same time so that we can all go bike riding together! We are really looking forward to it!

I would like to thank Schwinn for sponsoring the review & giveaway on that blogger's blog and I am super excited to have been the winner! The new bike arrived and today my hubby is going to assemble it for me and once springtime gets here...I will be out pedaling around town on my new Schwinn bike!!!

If you are looking to purchase a new bike this year I would like to suggest that you check out Schwinn!

6 Things to Consider When Donating Gift Cards to Charity

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

The season of giving isn't quite over, as Americans make last-minute deductible donations to a wide variety of non-profits. Unwanted gift cards received during the holidays have happily emerged as a popular contribution, and for good reason.

According to the National Federation of Retailers, eight in 10 consumers bought at least one gift card this year, for what BigResearch estimates is a total of $27.8 billion in sales during the holiday season. Naturally, not all those cards aren't exactly well matched to the recipients, which means a lot of plastic goes unused; thus the trend towards donating unwanted gift cards.

Before you contribute your card, however, here are six caveats to consider.

1. How Much Are You Actually Donating?
What percentage of your gift card will be directed towards the charity's stated purpose and how much towards overhead? Ascertaining this fact may require reading the fine print or contacting the non-profit directly.

2. What is the Minimum Balance You Can Donate?
Some charities will accept any balance, but others don't want the hassle of processing a card that's worth less than $10 or $20.

3. How Will the Charity Use Your Donation?
Gift cards sometimes end up being given directly to the charities clientele, while other non-profits resell the card for a percentage of the face value and use the cash.

4. Should You Simply Resell the Card Yourself?
Not many non-profits accept gift cards, but there's a way you can still make hay out of this sunshine. You can exchange your gift card for cash on such websites as GiftCardGranny.com, then donate the proceeds directly to your preferred recipient.

5. Would the Charity Prefer You Donate Purchased Items?
Check with the non-profit to see if they would rather you purchase groceries, clothing, etc. and donate these items, instead of the cards or cash. If your gift card comes from a merchant selling products the charity doesn't need, some stores allow you to exchange gift cards for those from another store. Look for a kiosk near the cash registers that contains a variety of cards from different merchants.

6. Can You Donate the Gift Card to a Silent Auction?
One way to make sure cash goes directly to a non-profit is to contribute your card as a biddable item for a silent auction. If the buyers are feeling charitable, the non-profit might end up with more than the value of the card.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert and has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. For all media inquiries please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Perpetual Moving

2012-01-12T06:56:00.002-05:00

This guest post from Lewis Beck

My husband and I have had the worst luck lately, and have had to move three times in the last five years. Needless to say, moving so much has been really hard on us. Our first home was the worst of the three. After we moved in we started getting sick all the time. At first, we thought it was just a fluke, but then we discovered that there was toxic mold in the ceiling. There was no way we could stay there, so we had no other choice but to move.

The second place wasn’t as bad, but it wasn’t good either. We liked the actual house, but the neighborhood was really bad. I don’t know how we didn’t realize how bad the neighborhood was before we moved in. We went to home-alarm-systems.com and got a home alarm system but that didn’t even help. We still felt really unsafe and wanted to get out of there. Now we are on to our third home and hopefully this will work out. I don’t think that I can take another move. We were much more cautious about choosing this one, and I think we finally made the right choice.

Walgreens is Taking a Stand to Support Their Customers not Big Business

2012-01-11T22:00:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know if you have heard about the big blow up between the drugstore giant Walgreens and the prescription middle man Express Scripts, but it is a big row. Check out the press release between Walgreens and Express Scripts . Just so you know what is happening, Express Scripts has not renewed their contract with Walgreens and it is all over the price of the drugs you buy and need. Walgreens is trying to keep prices as low as possible for their customers and Express Scripts wants to raise prices and add to their profits. One of Express Scripts biggest insurance company is TriCare, which carries our military families insurance.... just what they need is higher prices!

Walgreens has a giant network of stores and their purchasing power is huge, so they have dropped the price of their Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens so that you, the consumer and our military families that are effected by Express Scripts decision, can save on thousands of generics and name brand meds. You may not even need to use your prescription coverage. Do some price comparisons and see if buying direct from Walgreens can save your family the money you deserve to save.

Follow Walgreens on Twitter and follow Walgreens on Facebook for up the the minute changes and information on the Express Scripts mess and show your support for lower cost meds on a daily basis.

Wordless Wednesday | The Beautiful Princess on Christmas Eve Day!

2012-01-11T17:33:00.005-05:00

I just had to share one more photo of my previous 2 1/2 year old granddaughter at Christmas this past year. This photo was taken by her mother (my daughter) at their home and I just love how grownup she looks in this photo. I think she is totally precious!!!

It just amazes me at how fast our children and grandchildren grow up and every hour & every day is so very precious. My husband and I try to spend as much time as possible with her and she is just the "apple" of our eyes.

We love you Gigi!!! ~ Nanny and Pappy

Winterize Your Home to Save on Energy with These Great Tips!

2012-01-06T19:37:00.002-05:00

Furnaces are kicking in across the U.S. as temperatures sink. Alas, keeping warm comes with a higher sticker price each year, no matter what type of heating system you use. According to CNN Money, the average bill for a home using heating oil is more than $320 per month while gas users fork over $160 monthly.

Here are some thoughts on how you could lower your heating bill without freezing your way through the winter.

1. Energy Audit
The first step is to assess any problem areas. Ask if your utility company provides a free or low-cost energy audit, which will identify changes you should make. If you such audits aren't available, there are still ways to ascertain problems for yourself and small projects you can accomplish without professional help.

2. Seek Incentives
Some states offer improvement incentives, including providing and installing a free programmable thermostat; paying a portion of insulation upgrades; or providing rebates on the cost of materials. Look for such offers at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. If you can't find an applicable program, you can reduce the cost of supplies by finding coupons for major home improvement centers, hardware stores, big-box stores and more at such sites as CouponSherpa.

3. Change Furnace Filters
Many of us think of changing our furnace filters just once or twice a year, yet experts say we should replace them every month during the heating season. Better yet, switch to a permanent filter you can clean regularly.

4. Dodge the Draft
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can waste 5 to 30 percent of your energy use to heat the great outdoors through drafts. The simplest remedy is to place draft dodgers or snakes at leaking doors. You can use an old towel or make your own easily out of a leg of pantyhose stuffed with rice or sawdust and tied at both ends. To find air leaks, place a light candle in front of possible drafts, have someone blow through the crack from the other side, and watch to see if the flame wavers.

5. Weather Strip Thresholds
Draft snakes are fine for cracks at the bottom of doors, but we often lose heat at the sides and top of doors and windows. Check out this Dummies.com video explaining how to install weather strips.

6. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to keep the house cooler when it's empty and automatically turn up the heat before you arrive at home or get up in the morning. The Nest Learning Thermostat represents the latest and greatest in programmable thermostat technology, but you don't need to shell out $249 to benefit from one of these gadgets. You can pick one up for as little as $20 and save an average of 10% a year on your heating and cooling bill.

7. Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Roofs are energy vampires. They'll suck rising heat right out of your home, if not properly insulated. Types of insulation include the standard fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), rigid foam board, spray foam and cellulose. Unless you're handy around the house, this is a project best left to professionals, but it's the best investment you can make to reduce future energy bills.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., and has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles.

Wordless Wednesday | Christmas Day with Grand-Wee-One

2011-12-29T10:47:00.004-05:00

Okay...I know I am a day late with this but I have been sick all week and running behind! We had a great Christmas and we were able to spend the day with our 2 1/2 year old Grand-Wee-One who insisted on wearing her new blue Cinderella dress for the holiday LOL!

Here is a pic from our holiday with Grand-Wee-One opening up some of her holiday gifts. It took her well over an hour! Yes...she is our first & only grandchild so we do spoil her a lot!

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!

~* Shelly *~

I've Been Shopping For Baby Gifts!

2011-12-29T09:27:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we were given the news that my niece is expecting her first child and is due in April 2012. Since that time I have been busy shopping and looking for a special baby blanket to give to her as one of her baby shower gifts.

I know that when I was a new mother you could never have enough blankets so I always like to give one as a gift at the baby showers I attend. This time around I am specifically looking for special baby boy blankets since she is having a precious little baby boy.

In addition to the blanket I will be giving her some newborn baby boy outfits, box of disposable diapers, changing pads, organic cotton baby bibs and I purchased a baby monitor. I love it when we are provided a list of things that the new mom will need as it makes my shopping a whole lot easier!

My mother-in-law is into Knitting Baby Blankets and is already working on a blanket for Ashley's baby shower so I know that will be a treasured gift too! I know I still have the baby blanket that she knitted for my daughter (who is now 26 years old) and I gave that to her when she had her first child 2 1/2 years ago. Blankets can become treasured heirlooms and I love that aspect!

I am really excited about Ashley's pregnancy and I am looking forward to attending the baby shower in late February. I will post again here on my blog once she finally has the baby in April and give you all an update.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

How to Manage Your Holiday Debt

2011-12-26T09:57:00.001-05:00

Before the holidays there was endless advice about setting a budget and sticking to a shopping list. Those who ignored the wisdom shared by experts will be in for a shock when credit card and bank statements arrive in the mail.

According to a Consumer Reports poll, six percent of us are still paying off holiday debts from 2010. That means any new purchases racked up over the past holiday season will inflate those interest charges and make paying down the old and new balances more difficult and expensive.

If the bottom line on your bills is looking ugly, it's time to get a financial-management makeover. Consider these tips for balancing your holiday debt:

1. Double and Triple Up
Multiply your credit card minimum payments two or three times to reduce the amount of interest you'll end up paying. Merely meeting the minimum means you'll never see bottom.

2. Now's the Time to Negotiate
Talk to your credit card company about negotiating a better rate on interest, fees and other expenses. If your interest rate is above 15 percent and they won't negotiate, it may be time to transfer much of the balance to a lower-cost card. Just make sure you pay off the debt before the interest rate climbs again.

3. Go On a No-spend Diet
Stick those credit cards in the freezer, if you have to, but do what it takes to avoid impulse shopping sprees. Better yet, give them to a trusted friend or family member for safekeeping.

4. Get Couponing
Using coupons for necessary purchases not only saves you money, but the practice helps you make more educated purchasing decisions. You can find online and printable coupons for thousands of stores on CouponSherpa.com, or download their mobile app for instant access to coupons while you shop.

5. Stick to Cash
There's something about parting with greenbacks that makes us less likely to spend. Keep a budgeted amount on hand and stay away from the cards. Using the envelope system is expecially helpful in tracking your cash spending while working toward financial goals.

6. Cut Back on Luxuries
You've had your fun during the holidays; now it's time to get serious. Cut out the restaurants, nail salon and triple shot mocha latte until the bills are under control. Of course, too strict of an economic diet is as easy to break as a weight-loss regimen. So figure in an occasional, small splurge to keep you going.

7. Set Small Goals
Don't try to do everything at once. If paying off credit cards in three months means going hungry, you're biting off more than you can chew. Set smaller, obtainable goals and you'll appreciate the final results more. For those with multiple credit cards with high balances, try paying down one card at a time to feel that sense of accomplishment needed to push on to the next goal.

8. Meet With a Financial Planner
If you're barely treading financial water, it's time to get some assistance. A professional financial planner can help you establish a reasonable plan that won't leave you paying off debts until next Christmas. You can find a qualified guide through the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standardswebsite or you might check for non-profit assistance.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert who has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-25T07:53:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a few minutes this morning to wish all of my online friends and blog readers a Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy spending the day with your loved ones and I hope Santa brought you something special this year!

I will be enjoying the day with my husband, daughter, granddaughter and my mother! Lots of gifts to open and some delicious food to eat so I am really looking forward to it!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Shelly

How to Tip With Gift Cards for the Holidays!

2011-12-21T13:32:00.001-05:00

Here's an interesting statistic from Consumer Reports: Nearly 50 percent of people surveyed by the national research center tip their cleaning person for the holidays with cash, checks or gift cards. The same genorosity is shown to hairdressers (36 percent), manicurists (35 percent) and barbers (32 percent).

It sounds like people know exactly what to give their beauty-care specialists and, since gift cards are the most-requested present for the fifth year running, you have to bet a large portion of those holiday tips came in the form of gift cards.

Tipping with gift cards adds a personal touch you can't get with cash. It shows you know something personal about the recipient, other than that they provide a good service. If this sounds appealing, read on for five suggestions on tipping with gift cards.

1. Consider The Individual
Those who stand on their feet all day would likely love a spa treatment. Delivery people who use their own vehicles, like newspaper carriers, would probably appreciate a gas gift card.

2. Give an All-purpose Card
If you're totally clueless, a grocery gift card from Whole Foods, Safeway, etc., could hardly go amiss. Other gift cards to fall back on include iTunes or big-box stores, like Wal-Mart or Target.

3. Buy Discount Cards
You can prove your largess without spending large. Check out websites like GiftCardGranny.com, where you can buy discount gift cards at up to 50 percent off the face value. The recipient will never know and you'll save enough to tip your newspaper-delivery specialist.

4. Give Them Something to Chew On
Check with local eateries for discounts on gift cards. At this time of year, some restaurants -- big and small -- offer bonus cards when you buy a minimum amount, like California Pizza Kitchen.

5. Point Them Towards Gift Card Exchange Day
Should the recipient give you a blank look when you hand over their gift card, you might casually mention Gift Card Exchange Day, when they can exchange their card for cash on Dec. 26 through a variety of resellers.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

The Only Nice Thing About Winter Is...

2011-12-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

Hubs and I were sitting around having our coffee yesterday morning and discussing the fact that summer flew by and winter is right around the corner. Neither one of us are big fans of winter and personally...I hate winter! Anyway...we were trying to think of a few nice things to say about the winter season and we could only come up with a handful of things.

The Only Nice Thing About Winter Is...

1. We don't have to mow the grass every week.
2. Christmas Vacation with family.
3. New Years Eve, great time to hit the party scene.
4. I (Shelly) don't have to shave my legs every day! LOL
5. The neighbors dog doesn't come over & poop in our yard. (their dog hates the cold, ice and snow, so he won't come over to do his business).
6. School & Work Closings due to bad weather. (free paid days off work)
7. No Traffic Jams that last 3 hours. (we live in a tourist area near Hershey PA and winter is our off-season).
8. More Romance Time! Yes folks, it is a proven fact that romance increases during the winter time thanks to couples being stuck indoors).
9. Valentine's Day: Hubby always takes me away for a mini romantic weekend.

So folks, as you can see...my list isn't very long since we are not fans of winter!!! Are you a winter fan? If so, what do you like about winter?

Wordless Wednesday | Fun At The Cape May Zoo!

2011-12-14T18:13:00.003-05:00

Okay...almost wordless Wednesday! We had a lot of fun at the Cape May County Zoo back in early October! This was the first time my grand-wee-one had ever been to a zoo and she absolutely loved it!

The Procrastinator's Guide to Holiday Shopping

2011-12-14T12:36:00.001-05:00

More than one-third of consumers have already finished most of their holiday shopping, a figure released by the American Research Group on Monday that's particularly irritating to procrastinators. Just because you waited until the last minute, however, doesn't mean you have to pay top price for the dregs of merchandise.

In an effort to reduce their inventories further, some stores are dropping prices as Christmas approaches, so it sometimes pays to wait. Still, it's a lot more stressful and shoppers are more likely to grab the first thing they see, regardless of price. Avoid overshooting your budget by following these six tips for last-minute holiday shopping.

1. Skip the Hottest Toys
The odds of finding a Nerf Vortex or a Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo rank up there with winning the lottery. Even if you could locate the object of your child's most expensive affection, stores will likely have jacked up prices as they know shoppers are desperate.

2. Read Your Junk Mail
Remember all those merchant e-newsletters you receive throughout the year? Well this is the time to start reading them. Online retailers usually include coupon codes that allow you to score great last-minute deals.

3. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Day
It's not too late to order gifts online. Scheduled in its fourth year for Dec. 16, Free Shipping Day allows procrastinators to shop from over 2,000 merchants with free shipping by Christmas Eve. You'll find both big-name and small business merchants at FreeShippingDay.com, along with many great deals.

4. Keep Comparing Prices
Stressed shoppers will often pay whatever a retailer charges for an item just to cross it off their gift list. However, it's important to comparison shop even when you're in a hurry, which is why sites like PriceGrabber.com are so helpful this time of year. Simply enter the product name and the site locates a store near you with the lowest price. Better yet, get notified via FreePriceAlerts, a free browser download that updates you via e-mail or mobile app when your desired item drops in price.

5. Seek Out Free Gifts
Victoria's Secret is making 100,000 fans very happy with free gift cards given away on Facebook each day through Dec. 15. American Express cardholders who spend $25 or more at select stores are receiving a surprise gift by email through their "Gift Chain Program" (while supplies last). Keep an eye out for such special deals as they're all over the place this year.

6. Last-minute Lifesavers
The secret to successful procrastination is making it seem like you plan things well in advance. Gift cards are a go-to solution for anyone facing a last-minute gifting challenge, especially now that they're available in printable, e-mail and mobile formats from popular merchants. You can also find printable gift wrap for small purchases from sites like gift-wrapit.com for last-minute packaging.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Sprint is Having a Big 3-Day Sale! Hurry!!!

2011-12-12T22:00:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprint for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you still need to pick up a last minute holiday gift this year? Got someone on your holiday list who is asking for a new cell phone? If so, You need to check out the big 3-Day sale going on now over at Sprint!

Right now you can get one of the Android™ powered EVO 4G devices for FREE! Thats right, you heard me correctly, FREE! For a limited time you can get the HTC EVO 4G or the EVO Shift for FREE! What a great deal! Furthermore, you can get the activation for new lines of service and free shipping from Spring but checking out the offer details directly on their web site!

In addition, Your old cell phone could pay for your new one (up to $250) with Sprint's buyback program! You can grab the details for that also from their web site. These offers are strictly online so you will need to head on over there today to grab the details and to learn more about it.

Here is a fact you might not know about Sprint. They are ranked #3 among companies in America for being green in Newsweek's 2001 Green Rankings! Wow, that is impressive for sure!

So head on over to the Sprint web site today and check out this fabulous new offer before it is gone!

Happy Holidays!

Getting my Christmas decorating over with now

2011-12-12T07:31:00.001-05:00

Guest post written by Sarah Robbins

There is so much that I have to do over the next month. I really don't even want to think about it, so going ahead and decorating for Christmas is a necessity, not an option. I think it's that way for a lot of people. But I don't just want to throw up the old Christmas decorations and call it a day. I enjoy coming up with neat, new Christmas decorations to make!

But because time is of the essence, I looked online to see if I could find some really cheap and easy DIY cute decorations to make on my own. While I was online looking for that, I ran across some stuff about Replacement Windows that sounded really great, so I decided to use that service to replace our windows right after the holidays. I just don't have any time for it right now!

I did find some pretty cute little tutorials on decorating that I'm pretty proud of! I made this really cute little Christmas bunting to hang up in our dining room that really brings teh crafty little Christmas look into our space.

5 Practical Lessons from "Extreme Couponing" Season 2

2011-12-05T07:07:00.000-05:00

With all the hoopla about TLC's first season of "Extreme Couponing," it's no wonder Season Two is eagerly awaited by many fans. Starting Wednesday, the maniacs of the supermarket aisles take to American TV screens once again to show shoppers how it's done.

Thanks to a bit of a sneak peak, Coupon Sherpa offers practical advice based on a selection of Season Two topics.

1. Shelf Clearing
No matter what the extremists say, clearing a shelf of every item is just plain rude. Sure it's okay to go for big bargains, but it's also important to remember the lesson we all learned about "sharing" in nursery school.

2. Teach Your Children
Another couponer teaches her college-bound son a few tricks of the trade. What a great way to ensure the next generation learns frugal lessons before it's too late! If you want to extend this courtesy to your children, make it relevant by encouraging use of both print and online coupons.

3. Building on a Dream
Do you get the feeling TLC learned the public wasn't too crazy about the hoarding aspects of couponing? This season focuses on more than filling your home with endless boxes of toothpaste. One segment in Season Two tells of a couponer with the worthy goal of building a dream home with coupon savings.

4. Feeding the Masses
Is it possible to feed 280 wedding guests on just $150? Apparently one woman is giving it a shot this season, but thankfully your family's food requirements are likely more manageable. In addition to using coupons for groceries, avoid paying too much by reading 8 Overpriced Grocery Items to Skip from SavvySugar.com.

5. Share the Savings
A featured couponer this season feeds both her family of seven and 200 fellow parishioners on just $100 a month. Now there's a good lesson. Extreme couponers often get a bad rap, but most of these thrifty consumers donate part of what they purchase. Read up on these rockstars to renew your faith in the practice.

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CouponSherpa.com is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally. For all media inquiries, please contact Kendal Perez at 970-672-1136 or email kendal@couponsherpa(dot)com.

Budget-friendly Tips for Holiday Weddings - Your Wedding Dreams Can Come True!

2011-11-25T07:34:00.000-05:00

The countdown to the holidays has begun. With it comes the only time of year that's simultaneously joyous and stressful. For some, this season will bring with it the event of a lifetime: a wedding. Those planning holiday winter weddings have several opportunities to save money and lessen the stress burden for themselves and their guests.

1. Deck the Halls.
Most event locations will have already decked the halls for the holidays, allowing you to piggyback their efforts for a low-cost wedding. Go with Christmas hues of gold, red and green -- or go for a silvery winter blitz. Strings of white Christmas lights will transform any room into a holiday paradise.

2. Silver Bells.
Create budget large-scale ornaments as decorations using Styrofoam balls spray-painted and covered in glitter. Or create groupings of bare branches spray-painted white and covered in silver glitter. Paper ornaments, like these ornament greeting cards, make great wedding invitations or wedding favors.

3. Seasons Eatings.
Comfort food is a popular winter wedding choice (think soups, pasta, pot pies, mac-n-cheese). Don't shy away from cost-cutting measures like serving family-style or buffet. Consider a hot chocolate, cider, eggnog or coffee bar your guests can immediately help themselves to (plus: you'll save hundreds by skipping the alcohol).

4. Marshmallow World.
Gingerbread houses make quaint table centerpieces, as do natural greenery and berries. Cocoa mixes or cookie cutters also make inexpensive wedding favors.

5. Peace on Earth and Online.
Couples are increasingly using online wedding planning tools, like creating or sending save-the-date and invitations online (40-percent increase over the last two years), personal websites and online RSVP services (23-percent and 31-percent increases respectively) and using social media to communicate wedding details (78-percent increase), according to TheKnot.com. Brides and grooms also have the option of registering online for gift cards at sites like CardAvenue.com, which a great option for guests already overwhelmed with holiday shopping lists.

6. Jingle Bell Rock.

If you chose to have your wedding around the holidays, it's likely a favorite time of year for you. As such, incorporating favorite holiday tunes into your wedding reception is a must, and a fantastic way to get your guests into the holiday spirit. Pandora is an excellent, economical method to pipe in some yuletide carols at the appropriate time during your reception.

When all is said and done, you'll begin your first happy new year together, and that's something to celebrate indeed.

Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
For more information, to book a segment, or arrange an interview, email Cara Davis at cara@cheapwaysto.com.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving When Your Nest is Empty

2011-11-14T23:39:00.002-05:00

Have your children all flown the coop with nary a look backwards? For some, Thanksgiving is pretty lonely when your own flesh and blood can't make it home for even a brief visit. On the other hand, you might delight in your freedom from turkey tyranny. Either way, if you're a Baby Boomers lacking nestlings for the first time, you'll likely need to adjust holiday plans to better suit your new lifestyle.

After experiencing Thanksgiving without family several years, I came up with several ways to celebrate the holiday without feeling abandoned. Read on for six new Turkey Day traditions that might suit your needs. And Happy Thanksgiving!

1. Host an Orphan's Dinner
It really helps to remember you're not alone in this boat. There are plenty of people who'd greatly appreciate an invitation to socialize while enjoying a touch of turkey. I threw such a party last year and asked everyone to bring a dish to pass. The only thing I had to buy and prepare was the turkey, which made it even easier than being a parental unit in this scenario.

2. Retire to a Restaurant
Celebrate kicking the turkey habit by dining out at one of the many eateries that do all the work for you. You'll enjoy the football games much more if you don't have to leap up every 15 minutes to baste a bird. And, you can take advantage of cheap gift cards at such sites as GiftCardGranny to reduce your bill up to 30 percent.

3. Shop!
Black Friday has lately seceeded space to Grey Thursday. According to an article on FOXBusiness.com, more stores are offering doorbuster sales on Thanksgiving, so you could get some shopping done without facing the mass stampede to follow. Or you might hit the Internet and do some early cyber shopping. You can run price comparisons with a few mouse clicks and have gifts delivered directly to those ungrateful wretches to whom you gave life.

4. Spend the Day at a Shelter
One of my favorite Thanksgiving activities is cooking dinner at our local homeless shelter. Actually, I don't cook the turkey dinner itself, as there are plenty of people willing to do that. Instead, I use the leftovers to create future meals for the shelter. It just seems a huge waste to throw away all those bird bones when the makings for broth and casseroles are readily available. Visit HomelessShelterDirectory.org for a list of volunteer opportunities.

5. Brighten Someone Else's Day
The homeless aren't the only ones who could use your volunteer services. Many nursing homes and hospitals would greatly appreciate a visitor who will bring some friendship into what they may otherwise find a very lonely day. It's a win/win situation and you just might make some new friends. Check out this excellent blog post for some do's and don'ts when visiting hospitals and nursing homes during the holidays.

6. Get Out of Town
A childless couple I know make a point of leaving home for the holidays; usually preferring to spend the long weekend scuba diving. While part of the reason they skip town is to avoid miserable family gatherings, they also miss bad weather and crowds of shoppers. Not all of us can afford a sunny beach vacation, but you might team up with another singleton or couple and rent a cabin, or simply go for a long drive.

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Kate Forgach is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. She has been featured in USA Today, Detroit News, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Yorker magazine, "ABC World News," NBC's "TODAY" show and many other media outlets.

Frugal Homemade Cleaning Tips

2011-11-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

If you are looking to save some money you can start by using homemade cleaning products to clean your home with. Not only are these inexpensive to make but most are eco-friendly too! I use a lot of baking soda and white vinegar around my home to kill germs and to keep my home clean. Here are a few other ideas to help you get your house cleaned up and do so on the cheap.

Vinegar - Vinegar can be used to remove mold, grease, and mildew. Vinegar will kill bacteria and germs. Just dilute down your white vinegar with tap water so that it doesn't irritate your skin while using it.

Baking Soda - Baking soda can be used as a scouring agent and deodorizer. You can even brush your teeth with it. I like to make a baking soda paste by just adding a tad of tap water to it and then use it for scrubbing. It will also do a great job at deodorizing your garbage disposal. If your carpets have a stinky smell sprinkle plain baking soda onto your carpets and let it sit for an hour and then vacuum it up.

Bleach - I purchased an empty spray bottle and I put in 1/4 cup of bleach and then filled it with tap water. It now can be use to clean counter tops, toilets, tubs and sinks.

Salt - Your basic table salt makes for a good abrasive scouring powder so sprinkle some onto your stainless steel kitchen sink and use a sponge to scrub it down. A salt scrub also works well for removing baked on food from your cookware and bakeware too!

Lemon Juice - Lemon juice mixed with water makes a great all-purpose cleaner. I keep a spray bottle filled with lemon juice/water and spray down my kitchen countertops with it every day. It also is great for cleaning the microwave, stove-top and refrigerator.

As you can see...you don't have to pay a fortune at the store for chemical household cleaners when you can spend pennies and make your own at home! Do you have any frugal cleaning tips to share with me today? If so, please leave me a comment.

Shelly

7 Retail Trends for 2011 Holiday Shopping

2011-10-30T16:08:00.003-04:00

Forget credit cards; layaway plans are the hot trend for Christmas shopping this year.
These perky payment plans began to re-appear several years ago, but Wal-Mart is giving it a big kick in the pants this year. After a five-year layoff, Wal-Mart announced Thursday it was bringing back the payment method that gained initial traction in the Great Depression.

Speaking of trends, merchants plan on using a variety of methods this holiday season to part consumers and their cash. Here are seven retail trends you'll see unveiled in October...or earlier.
1. Allow me to recommend...Personalized product recommendations are everywhere this year, as improved technology allows merchants to base purchase suggestions on a shopper's previous search behavior. It's a proven system for presenting consumers with products they might otherwise miss, while promoting a one-to-one experience that personalizes an e-retailers website.

2. Look at your marketing campaign, then look at me.Old Spice got it right in 2010 when they expanded their marketing campaign across all platforms. Starting with the phenomenally popular commercial featuring a handsome man on a horse, the scent manufacturer upped the ante by turning the towel-clad stud into an Internet meme.

Pepsi Refresh soon followed suit with an integrated marketing campaign that hit social media, mobile devices, e-readers and offline marketing. Other manufacturers and merchants are already ramping up their integrated attacks. L'Occitane en Provence, for example, recently calculated its revenue from an email registration campaign as increasing sales from .11 cents for random emails to $2.84 per targeted email.

3. Have yourself a very mobile Christmas.Mobile marketing will really hit its stride, starting as early as October. Fueled by increased smartphone use and mobile-only households, Forrester predicts over 75 percent of marketers will include mobile in their marketing mix, using a variety of techniques that blend in-store and online experiences. Shoppers can readily compare prices, scan for coupons, and even order a product, if a brick-and-mortar store doesn't meet their preferred price.

The trend represents a rapid response to statistics from IBM Coremetrics, revealing sales via mobile devices made up 6.5 percent of all site purchases, as of April 2011.

4. Pay for shipping? No way!Amazon.com started a mass movement towards free shipping in 2005 that consumers rapidly took to heart. As more merchants jumped on the bandwagon, shoppers began expecting free shipping and even refused to buy when no such deals were offered.

The mobile and free delivery trends dovetail nicely this year, with such sites as FreeShipping.org providing readily accessible codes.

5. Procrastinators have a reason to rejoice.This is the year Free Shipping Day is expected to overwhelm Cyber Monday. The one-day shopping holiday, scheduled this year for Friday, Dec. 16, will allow consumers to shop more than 2,000 online merchants with free shipping and delivery by Christmas Eve.

In 2010, Free Shipping Day blew past its 35-year-old sibling Black Friday by nearly $300 million in online sales and proved the third-heaviest day of online shopping in history. The event is further fueled by statistics from IBM Coremetrics indicating 83 percent of consumers prefer to shop online than in crowded stores, and 21 percent expect to spend more online in 2011 than 2010.

6. Expect color coordination across the board.We're going to be sick of silver and green by New Years, as merchants push the official 2011 color pallet for Christmas decorations. According to The Trend Curve, an international authority on designs and color trends for the home, silver and a soft green are the pair to beat this year.

7. Please hold. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, layaway plans are making a rapid comeback, as consumers increasingly refuse to pile on more credit card debt.

Sears and Kmart led the charge for Christmas 2010, introducing reasonable layaway programs. This year, the Sears program allows customers to pay as little as $20 or 20 percent down (whichever is greater) and make online or in-store payments every two weeks before claiming their purchases.

Sears charges $5 to initiate a layaway contract and $15 for cancellation. The Kmart layaway program is identical, except shoppers make a down payment of $20 or 10 percent.

Wal-Mart's campaign begins this year on Oct. 17 and is available only for purchases of $50 or more on electronics and toys. Each item must be worth at least $15 and shoppers will pay a $5 initiation fee, place 10 percent down, and pay off the debt by Dec. 16 or face a $10 cancellation fee.

A few other stores with similar programs include Toys R Us and Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Big Lots offers a "Price Hold" program on select furniture.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Advertising Indoctrination: Tips for Avoiding Targeted Online Ads

2011-10-27T19:59:00.002-04:00

Human beings look at the world and see a complex network of interconnected individuals, each with their own autonomy and free will. This perception is a far cry from what credit card companies see. Instead, they view individuals as big bundles of data from which they can profit.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported both MasterCard and VISA are working on plans targeting online ads to consumers based on previous credit card purchases. The idea is you pick up a bag of dog food from the store and charge it to your credit card. When you get home and go online, you start seeing ads for corresponding products and services, like dog toys and dog grooming.

Despite the massive amount of personal data we transmit every day, there are still ways to protect yourself from targeted online ads. Try a few of these tips to avoid the watchful eye of Big Brother.

1. Don't Over-share
Countless websites and stores ask us to provide phone numbers, email addresses and ZIP codes to help them build a marketing profile. Don't bother sharing your details unless they're essential to your purchase. If the guilt of creating fake information keeps you tossing and turning at night, GuerrillaMail.com provides temporary email addresses that last for just 60 minutes.

2. Cut Down on Cookies
"Cookie" is an important keyword here. These small files are stored on your computer every time you visit a website. They're the reason you don't have to log in to Facebook 10 times a day and why you see ads for a pair of shoes viewed yesterday when you're checking your email today. Luckily, the Network Advertising Initiative can help you opt-out of advertising cookies. With just a few simple steps, you're able to block major marketers from access to your browsing habits.

3. Privatize Your Purchases
Don't forget about the main culprits in this personal information panic. All told, VISA and MasterCard process nearly 70 billion transactions each year. All the while, they're collecting and analyzing this massive amount of data. Avoid having your information inspected by opting-out of their analytics programs. MasterCard makes it especially easy; all you have to do is follow this link and opt out of programs in which you don't want to participate. VISA makes it more complicated, but look here for details.

4. Beef Up Your Browser
In response to growing discontent over privacy issues, popular Web browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox are making it easier to protect personal information. Their latest versions include a private browsing option you can enable to keep your online habits confidential. The browser then won't store such information as cookies, passwords and files you download.

5. Leave No Paper Trail
Paperless statements are good for the environment and also good for your security. Not only does online banking eliminate the amount of personal information you dump in the trash, it also lets you track each purchase instantly. It's a smart security strategy to check your online bank accounts often. This way, you can ensure suspicious items don't slip through the cracks.

6. Get Off the Grid
Credit has practically become our official currency. If you're tired of stressing about credit card security, go old-fashioned. While cash doesn't work online, it doesn't require you share any personal details, either. Gift cards are another good way to avoid using credit. Buying gift cards at less than face value from sites like GiftCardGranny provides instant savings, plus you can use them both in-store and online. Even better, gift cards aren't attached to any of your personal info.

7. Avoid Auto-Fill
Keeping your credit card number, billing address and shipping address on file at Amazon is handy, but it also makes you more vulnerable. Something simple like forgetting to log out at the library can place your personal details in the wrong hands. Though it's tedious and takes extra time, enter your information anew with each order.

8. Ensure You're Secure
It's surprisingly easy to confirm an online merchant has secure checkout. Always look for "https" in the Web address, instead of just "http." That extra "s" shows your connection is encrypted and unauthorized users will have to go to greater measures to get your information. You can learn more about site-specific security by clicking the appropriate box near the address bar in your browser.

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Andrea Woroch is a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert, having been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles.

I LOVE the Jersey Shore!!!

2011-10-25T13:27:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I just got back from a mini vacation down to the Jersey Shore...North Wildwood to be exact! We got down a few times every year and this time we were surprised at how gorgeous the weather was for the middle of October! It was so nice and warm that I even got to walk the beach in my barefeet!

ahhhh...looking forward to spring as I hate winter so that come springtime my butt will be back down on the beach!

~ Shelly ~

Wordless Wednesday | Grand-Wee-One and her Gazillion Bubbles!

2011-10-19T12:34:00.001-04:00

Remedies For The Top 11 Consumer Complaints of 2011

2011-10-17T15:00:00.001-04:00

Consumer complaints are on the rise, whether it be over poor customer service, billing errors or faulty workmanship. The incredibly popular website Consumerist.com is even dedicated to publicizing and solving such problems. While blog posts and comments on the site suggest the biggest areas of friction, a survey released July 27 substantiates this information.

The Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators released the results of a study detailing "the most common, fastest growing and worst complaints" received in 2010 by 31 agencies. Most were related to the economic hardships faced by consumers and businesses.

Here's a look at the top 11 consumer complaints, along with a few possible remedies.

1. VehiclesCOMPLAINT: The fast-talking salesman isn't an out-of-date myth. Such tactics still exist, and they're bolstered by misrepresentations in advertising. What's a car buyer to do?

REMEDY: Research any unfamiliar products before you begin shopping. Consumer Reports and Car and Driver rate and review cars on their websites, although you have to buy a subscription to read Consumer Reports online so you might look for print copies at your public library. Safercar.gov also allows you to check for recalls by make and year of the vehicle.

2. Credit and DebtCOMPLAINT: A friend had a credit rating about 800, until his bank was purchased and all routing numbers were changed. All his bills were auto-paid so he had to change this information for each account -- a feat that proved to be unbelievably difficult. Six months later, he's still trying to get the situation corrected and his credit rating has dropped below 700.

Correcting credit and debt errors is a nightmare from which it often feels Americans will never wake. To do so requires determination, many phone calls and lots of letters, but you're faced with an even bigger problem if you allow the mistake to stand.

REMEDY: Companies can't legally charge a fee to help you settle or reduce debts, including avoiding foreclosure. Instead, seek out legitimate, licensed sources to deal with such problems. Non-profit credit counseling agencies are available for free or at a reduced cost, depending on your financial situation. To find a service in your area, call 1-800-388-2227 or visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website.

3. Home Improvement and Construction (tie)COMPLAINT: After seven years of trying to build his dream home, actor Will Smith was so frustrated he advised others not to even attempt the job. If a multi-zillionaire celebrity was so stressed by the process, what can us little people do about shoddy work and failing to start or finish the job?

REMEDY: Research companies before you engage their services and only hire those who are licensed. Word of mouth is your best ally and getting references is a necessity.
Rutgers University compiled a detailed listing of websites with resources for researching companies of all types. The Better Business Bureau also can often fill you in on complaints lodged against local companies.

4. Retail Sales (tie)COMPLAINT: False advertising, defective merchandise, problems with coupons, gift cards and rebates...the problems abound. The maxim "buyer beware" particularly becomes a necessity when you're dealing with a small budget for high-ticket items, but even smaller purchases can break the bank, if repeated often enough.

REMEDY: To avoid problems with gift cards, use them promptly instead of tossing them into a drawer. Even long-established businesses -- like Borders and Circuit City -- can go broke and you might have trouble cashing in your cards when they do. If its unlikely you'll use the them, sell your gift cards on GiftCardGranny.com.

A fake coupon likely won't have a bar code and expiration date. Look for qualified, printable and online coupons at such sites as CouponSherpa.com. To ensure you receive a rebate, follow the guidelines listed in Consumer Reports' article "Rebate tips: Make sure you get what's coming to you."

5. ServicesCOMPLAINT: The term "service" has almost become an oxymoron since the beginning of the recession. I'm not talking about texting sales clerks who ignore customers, however. The complaints were about shoddy work or failure to perform a service.

REMEDY: Don't pay the entire bill upfront. If you're asked for a deposit, give the service provider one-quarter of the total but withhold further payments until the work progresses or is completed as promised.

6. Internet SalesCOMPLAINT: Shopping online can be wonderful. Ease of comparing prices, free shipping offers and a wider range of options are at your fingertips. Sadly, some Internet merchants misrepresent their products and/or fail to deliver.

REMEDY: Use your credit card or a PayPal account for online purchases so you can dispute products that were misrepresented or you didn't receive.

7. Household GoodsCOMPLAINT: Complaints varied a mere mite between online and brick-and-mortar merchants. Consumers were fed up with misrepresented products, delivery failures and faulty repairs. Raise your hand if you've experienced such problems.

REMEDY: As with online sales, you're best off making major purchases with a credit card so you have buyer protection. Don't fall for schemes, however, that try to sell you credit-card payment protection plans. Your provider should already carry this service, so check with the issuer before you buy.

8. UtilitiesCOMPLAINT: If you have phone, satellite, cable, electric, Internet or gas service, you likely know why the survey respondents complained about their utility services. I went through three Internet providers before finding one that actually worked, which left me without service for three months. Naturally, this led to billing problems, a problem almost every American has experienced.

REMEDY: The Consumerist received so many complaints on billing and service issues they created directions on "How to Write a Complaint Letter." Make sure you read the "Comments" on this page as they provide useful advice. Before resorting to a letter, however, start with at least two attempts to solve the problem over the phone. Never resort to threats or swearing as this will only irritate the customer service representative. Remember, they have the power to put you in "hold" purgatory. If there's a local office available, you'll often receive a better response by hiking down there and politely stating your case. A friend recently met a stonewall when trying to get a better deal on his Comcast service, until he made a personal visit. Bingo: Bill reduced from $95 to $30 for the same service.

9. Landlord and Tenant IssuesCOMPLAINT: Problems abound on both sides, but tenants have the least protection against landlord ineptitude and outright injustices. Complaints from survey respondents focused on unsafe living conditions; illegal evictions; rent and deposit disputes; and failure to make necessary repairs or provide promised extras.

REMEDY: Get everything in writing so you have recourse when an issue arises. That means you need a detailed rental agreement, which you should read thoroughly before signing. Do a walk-through with your landlord before moving in to note any stains, scratches, etc., then make copies for both of you and have them signed. Contact your local sheriff for solutions to illegal evictions. When all else fails, check to see if your city, county or local university/community college offers landlord/tenant mediation services.

10. FraudCOMPLAINT: Surely that Nigerian prince must be out of money by now, having given it all away to complete strangers via emails. Sad to say, some people are taken in by bogus emails, work-from-home offers and other schemes that inundate our junk boxes. Fraud complaints didn't even break the top 10 last year but it looks like they're soon destined for a shoot to the top.

REMEDY: Trust me; no stranger is going to wire you money for any reason. The same goes for companies requesting your personal information to "check" on a shipment, payment, etc., as well as offers to help you make money FAST! If you think you've been a victim of fraud, visit the National Consumers League's Fraud Center.

11. Home SolicitationCOMPLAINT: A localized version of the Green River Ordinance is used to prohibit home solicitation in my friend's city. Now this consumer-protection legislation is going by the wayside, thanks to a U.S. District Court ruling. Fortunately, misrepresentation or failing to deliver a door-to-door service or product is illegal, and the same holds true for mail or telemarketing solicitations -- all common complaints.

REMEDY: As the saying goes: When in doubt, check it out. Before you buy, research the company's reputation via your state or local consumer agency. As mentioned above, pay with a credit card so you have buyer protection for products, and get all promises in writing.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., which operates a group of money-saving brand sites called The Frugals. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit www.andreaworoch.com.

Planning A Month Long Trip Overseas

2011-10-17T12:21:00.002-04:00

My husband and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary earlier this year and now we are looking to take a month long vacation overseas to really celebrate our accomplishment of being married for over 25 years. We are thinking about taking this month long trip in April 2012 since that is our anniversary month.

We want to travel around Europe and check a few of the European countries to see what they have to offer. One bed and breakfast place that hubby contacted via the internet sent us some brochures and stuff but they are in Italian so now we need to find a document translation service to translate them to English for us. Yes...we do want to go to all of that trouble as this place looks perfect for us to spend a week there while vacationing.

We plan on doing most of our traveling by air and then renting a few rental cars once we are at the various destinations that we plan on visiting so hopefully that will keep some of our costs down. We are choosing to stay mostly at small bed and breakfast type of places and maybe one or two small hotels/motels. We don't want to stay in any large, over-populated, busy resorts! We want some alone time along with a lot of peace and quiet!

I hope once we do get to our destinations that we won't need to get any type of document translation done but if we do...I am sure we can find a few places to translate for us. We are really looking forward to this "second honeymoon" and seeing some new places and trying out some new activities...maybe even some skydiving if I can work up enough nerve! LOL

Have any of you ever traveled over to any of the European countries? If so, where did you happen to visit?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Budgeting Beauty: How to Save on Your Favorite Beauty Essentials

2011-10-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

When it comes to shaving our budgets, most ladies put beauty products in the "need" category. A study commissioned by Mintel validates this assumption, reporting consumers spent $2.32 billion on shampoo and $1.71 billion on conditioner in 2010 alone.

So what's the best way to save on essentials without resorting to dollar-store cosmetics? Here are nine tips to keep both your beauty and your budget intact.

1. Hair Products
Consider extending the life of your shampoo (and hair color) by using dry shampoo or baby powder in between washes. When using shampoo and conditioner, check out these great tips and best bargain buys from DailyFinance.com.

2. Hand Soap
Foam hand soap is all the rage these days, and one of the easier beauty products to DIY. Refer to EHow.com's recipe for specific instructions, but ultimately all you need is a lot of water, a bit of soap and a few drops of essential oil.

3. Makeup Brushes
In addition to extending the life on pricey makeup applicators, regularly cleaning your brushes is just the sanitary thing to do. And if you really need replacements, consider a tip given to me by a MAC Cosmetics artist; buy art brushes at craft stores for a fraction of the price!

4. Foundation
Whether you're a liquid, powder or mineral foundation girl, you can use less of this beauty staple by applying a base before application. The Magic Perfecting Base by L'Oreal is a favorite among top fashion magazines, and is available for less than $12 from Walmart and Target.

5. Fragrance
Let's be honest -- designer fragrances are among the most expensive beauty purchases, with $80 buying less than 6 ounces of product. If you can't part with your signature Chanel scent, buy gift cards at a discounted rate for retailers selling your fragrance and enjoy immediate savings.

6. Body Lotion
Moisturizing is a must for anyone who wants to avoid the shar pei-look at 50, but lotion gets pricey when you see the words "illuminating," "firming" or "age-defying" on the label. Unless you have a serious skin issue, consistent use of most drugstore moisturizers is sufficient.

7. Hair Color
Prolong your color-treated hair between salon visits using household ingredients. Brunettes can use a strong pot of cooled coffee and blonds can use a lemon juice-water mixture. Apply the treatment after shampooing, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse, condition and style as usual.

8. Hair Accessories
Today's trendy hair accessories can be homemade for a fraction of salon and department store prices. Channel your inner domestic goddess and create one-of-a-kind hair candy with beads, feathers and artificial flowers found in craft stores.

9. Less is More
There's no need to wear your entire cosmetics collection every day of the week. Consider giving your wallet a break by opting for the basics during mellow workdays or lazy weekends. For tips on how to pull off the "au natural" look, refer to Real Simple's step-by-step instructions.

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Andrea Woroch is a nationally recognized consumers-savings expert, and is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles.
For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com

Taste the fun of T.G.I. FRiDAY's at home with the new Entrees for One!

2011-10-06T21:01:00.004-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Guest Post By Sam H.

Today my guest post is about the great tasting new frozen entrees by T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” which are great for us guys who don't like to cook or don't have time to cook. These entrees are delicious meals in a box that only take a few minutes to make. They come in several tasty flavors so there is a flavor for everyone to enjoy. I like these entrees for lunch because I only get a 45 minute lunch break and they totally satisfy me until dinnertime once I am back home.

Right now they are hosting a Fun Freezer contest where you can go over to their Facebook page and vote for your favorite fun freezer, really nifty contest is I say so myself. It ends on the 20th of October so make sure you cast your vote today. You can also leave me a comment on this post on which one you voted for, I would love to see your particular choice!

Last week I enjoyed the Sizzling Chicken Fajitas, Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo and the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. Out of those 3 particular ones my favorite was the Chicken Fajitas since I love Mexican food and this tasted delicious and was totally satisfying to my taste buds and to my belly. It was a nice fulfilling meal. Next week I will be trying out the Creamy Chicken Pasta Carbonara so I am really looking forward to that. I am sure it is just as tasty as the other 3 that I have already tried.

I love these new T.G.I. FRiDAY'S frozen entrees because they are easy for me to make, super affordable and they taste delicious. They make great workplace lunches for me and I think you would love them too. I hope you give them a try.

Dorm microwave cooking 101

2011-10-06T12:54:00.002-04:00

Guest post written by Stephen Winkler

Most of the time, I'm too worried about studying to actually go and sit down at the dining hall. It's just entirely too much trouble and then also I would rather use that extra time standing in line and finding a table asleep if I don't have to be studying then. So is the life of a pre-med student. So you could say that I've become pretty handy at cooking stuff in my dorm room. It's just so much easier and quicker. Then I don't have to worry about not finding food I want or having someone mess up my order.

But I can always find some new recipes to fix in my room, so I used the few days I had before my classes started to look through and find some new ones. While I was searching for them, i saw the site http://getclearwirelessinternet.com/. After I looked through it some I decided to send it to my mom, who switched our home internet service over to a package on there.

I did find a few more microwave cooking ideas, like some potato skins. There's surprisingly a lot that you can do with a baked potato.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Travel Tips | Packing Checklist For Busy Last Minute Vacation Travelers

2011-10-05T19:02:00.000-04:00

Are you the type of "packer" that starts your packing for a trip or vacation days in advance or do you start your packing at the last minute? Personally...I start 2 weeks in advance as I like to be organized and I like to make sure I pack everything I think we "might" need.

Often times when I speak to others about their packing habits many people tell me they are last minute packers and usually start the day before! Many of these folks just take things out of their drawers and closets and throw them into a suitcase and out the door they go. The bad thing about this is that when you arrive at your destination your items in your suitcase are a wrinkled mess and/or you realize you forgot to pack some important things that you need. Then you have to scour an unfamiliar area to purchase the items you forgot or you have to pay a laundering or hotel service to wash, dry and iron your clothing.

To solve all of those problems I sat down a few years ago and drafted up my own vacation checklist of items that we will always need when we travel. Then approximately 2 weeks before our departure time I get that list out and start our packing. If need be, I head to the store to pick up items that I need to replace or "might" need while we are traveling.

Here is an example of our Travel Packing List:

___ Seasonal Clothing for ___ amount of days.
___ Non-Seasonal Clothing for 1 day. (just incase the weather changes).
___ Outerwear (coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves...depending on destination).
___ Two Pairs of Shoes Per Person
___ Haircare Items (blow dryers, curling irons, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
___ Toiletries (soap, shower gels, shaving gel, razors, face wash, deoderant, dental care, etc.)
___ Prescription Medications and Over the Counter Medications
___ Eyecare (glasses, contacts, solutions, sunglasses, etc.)
___ Rainy Day Activities For Adults (hand-held electronic games, puzzle books, reading books, games)
___ Kid's Activity Bag (games, toys, arts & crafts supplies, books, etc.)
___ Linens (if appropriate, pillows, beach towels, bath towels, bed linens, etc.)
___ Snacks and Beverages for the Family.
___ Empty Tote Bags, 1 Empty Duffle Bag, 1 Empty Wet/Dry Bag (these can be used to bring wet clothing/towels home or to carry souvenirs back home).
___ Traveling Essentials (passports, hotel reservations, airline tickets, documents, maps, etc.)
___ Equipment (any equipment needed for activities)
___ Miscellaneous Supplies (mending kit, first-aid kit, extra money, etc.)
___ Other ___________________________________________
___ Other ___________________________________________
___ Other ___________________________________________

You can tailor my above list to suit your own family's needs or according to your vacation/trip destination.

Getting yourself organized and starting your packing 2 weeks in advance saves you a lot of time, stress and money once you arrive at your vacation destination. Prepare your packing ahead of time and enjoy your family's vacation time together.

This article was written by Shelly Hill who is the owner of the popular travel blog called Pennsylvania and Beyond at http://pennsylvaniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/ where you can find travel related articles, travel reviews, travel tips and other travel related information for destinations across the United States. Shelly and her husband Sam have been traveling together for over 27 years and love to share travel stories and travel tips with their blog readers from across the world.

Planning A New Trip For Our Wedding Anniversary to Spain!

2011-10-05T15:11:00.005-04:00

My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary earlier this year but since I had been ill for a few months we couldn't travel out of the country to celebrate. Now that I am doing much better we are planning a big trip this coming spring to celebrate our milestone anniversary.

We have spent a few weeks researching different places we want to visit and finally decided that we wanted to travel to Spain! Now that we decided on our destination we are trying to decide if we want to look for Villas in Spain or Apartments in Spain because we plan on staying for 2 1/2 weeks.

I have always wanted to visit Barcelona after seeing the Olympics held there several years ago. From what I read and have seen...it looks like a large city with a lot of history for us to explore. In addition, Barcelona Apartments are pretty affordable and within our budget. We found many great apartment choices to choose from and have decided on a small 2-bedroom flat.

There is a lot of Spain Tourist Information out there on the internet so take your time reading it all and exploring all of your possibilities before booking your specific trip. We are really excited about our special vacation and we are looking forward to it.

Have any of you ever been to Barcelona, Spain? If so, got any tips for us?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Scrapbooking ~ ZooTastic Fun At The Cape May Zoo!

2011-10-02T16:46:00.005-04:00

A Scrapbook Layout I made featuring a photo of the Zebra at the Cape May, New Jersey Zoo! You can visit my Passionate About Crafting Blog to find tons of free crafting patterns, crafting instructions, scrapbooking layouts, etc. and it's all FREE!

7 Ways to Recession Proof Your Wedding | Great Tips For Those Getting Married

2011-09-27T17:41:00.000-04:00

As businesses brace for the possibility of a double dip recession, brides and grooms should plan for the unexpected when planning their wedding day: job loss, vendors going out of business, rising prices and traveling limitations.

While weddings still take place even in a down economy, brides and grooms are scaling back and trimming the excess from their celebrations. The numbers show the dramatic shift:

The average cost of a wedding dropped $10,000 in a year after the recession began. Last year the cost began to recover, rising from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867, according to The Wedding Report. But the latest figures show weddings are taking a hit again, with the average cost of a wedding for the first half of 2011 sinking to $21,277.

Scarcity of jobs, a sour housing market and high fuel costs are making wedding planning a challenge - for couples and vendors alike. Florists, caterers and bakers are feeling the pinch of rising prices and are passing those costs onto their clients.

But there are ways to recession-proof your wedding and make your day of celebration a little easier on the wallet for everyone involved. Here are several ways.

1. Go off-peak. Choose an off-season month (January, February or November) to get married, and an off-peak day and time. Saturday afternoon and evenings are the most desired spots, so go for Saturday morning, or Friday or Sunday night to save money on venues and services.

2. Limit the guest list. Most caterers charge per-person, so the difference between 100 guests and 150 is significant. The reception is usually half of your budget - and with food prices rising, feeding your guests tastefully will be hard. Simplify the reception by serving high tea, dessert buffet, brunch or finger-foods instead of compromising on options for a multi-course meal.

3. Buy discounted gift cards from GiftCardGranny.com. Use them to purchase decorations, supplies and materials from stores like Hobby Lobby, or your wedding attire from Macy's or J.Crew, which is among a growing number of retailers with affordable wedding boutiques. Combine the cards with coupons or promo codes and increase your savings.

4. Shop around and negotiate prices and packages with vendors. Don't ever settle for more than you think you should be paying. Vendors will be happy for your business. Get everything in writing and have one to two backup vendors you can call should something go south with your first choice.

5. Get your hands dirty. The key to any successful budget wedding is doing it all yourself. But it requires delegating to friends and family, who are often honored and happy to play a part in your big day. Get your friends and family in the act of addressing envelopes, folding programs, creating favors and making a headpiece or a veil. Some might be willing to cover some costs involved as a wedding gift to you. The greatest benefit of going DIY is saving money, which will allow you to in turn spend on what you can't do - or don't want to leave to chance, like photography.

6. Get thrifty. Twenty-two year olds Jonathan and Rebecca Mooradian of Tennessee scoured Goodwill, thrift stores and yard sales for practically everything they needed for their wedding this year. After paying about 50 cents to a $1 for each item (including a 25-cent wedding gown), they sold their wares in their own garage sale after the wedding, according to The Tennessean's Ms. Cheap. Keep an eye on your local Craigslist and Freecycle for potential finds, and don't forget to ask friends if you can borrow crystal or glass vases, dishes, glasses, serving trays and utensils.

7. Consider insurance. Wedding insurance can protect you in the event a vendor goes bankrupt or out of business. If you're spending more than $5,000 on your wedding, it might be worth the extra cost. Talk to your insurance agent for advice, or check out online offerings like WedSafe.com.

When couples or their parents are faced with the choice of paying for a 150-person reception or putting money toward a down payment on a house, the more practical option may win the day. Do what's best for your situation and remember a lot of people are going through what you are. Friends and family will understand if you don't throw a soiree of Kardashian proportions.
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Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.

Getting Ready To Go Shopping For New Fall Clothing and Shoes!

2011-09-27T11:28:00.001-04:00

I am really excited that fall has finally arrived as it is time to go shopping for a few new pieces for my wardrobe this fall. This season I am looking for a new pair of Kate Spade shoes and a new pair of Vaneli shoes to go with some of my new dresses and skirts I purchased to wear this fall and winter season.

I got this dark emerald green suede skirt last week that comes to just above my knee so I am looking for a pair of suede pumps and a pair of suede knee-high boots to wear with that skirt. I also invested in a pair of black leather jeans and I am thinking about purchasing a pair of black leather platform clogs to wear with those. I am not sure exactly what kind of footwear to get but that is what I am leaning towards because I found this great article online called Match Your Outfit where they talk about how to match up your shoes and clothing so that you look nice!

Since the holidays are coming I still need to go out and purchase a new "little black dress" so that I have it on hand to wear to all of those holiday parties and shindigs that I will get invited to. While I am at it...I think I will purchase two new handbags for the fall season too. I am thinking about a medium-sized brown leather hobo bag for my casual wear and perhaps a small black beaded and jeweled clutch bag for my dressier outfits.

I love updating my dresses, shoes, boots, leggings and jackets with all of the current and hotest trends for the season. Yes folks, I love fashion and shopping and what I love even more is when I get a few of my girlfriends together for the afternoon and we go out for some shopping fun and then to dinner for a good meal.

What clothing pieces, accessories and footwear do you plan on purchasing this season to update your fall and winter wardrobe? I would love to hear all of your suggestions on the items I should consider purchasing next week when I go shopping

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Don't Crank Up the Heat - 6 High-Tech Tips for Keeping Warm This Winter

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000-04:00

As temperatures begin to drop, consumers may soon have a lot more on their minds than the coming winter chill. Since 2010, many states have seen the cost of home heating oil rise by as much as 30% or more. Depending on where you live, a particularly glacial season could put a serious freeze on your budget. So instead of just cranking up the thermostat, check out these six alternative tools for keeping costs down and the heat up. Splurging on all of these high-tech solutions could cost you a pretty penny, but pick out one or two and your wallet may thank you come Spring.

1. Cuddle up with a USB blanket.
If you spend a lot of time at home on the computer, this USB heated blanket is perfect for keeping away the chills. It plugs into any USB port, comes with two cords and can be worn over the shoulders or across your lap. Just pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in.

2. Keep your toes toasty with battery-powered heating socks.
These super-cozy socks have a thin battery-powered heating element encased in the toe that won't overheat, and are made out of "moisture-wicking" material to keep you toasty, not sweaty.

3. Get efficient with a programmable thermostat.
This one's a no-brainer so if you don't have one, get one. A programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature of your home at night or while you're out and about, making the heat run less when you're not actively using it. Avoid the elements all together and find free shipping codes for Home Depot, who has a great selection of these handy devices.

4. Stay mobile with touch-screen gloves.
iPhone users have long known the frustration of trying to text, swipe or tap while out in the elements. Hopefully you won't need gloves in the house too often, but when Jack Frost really comes a knockin', these babies from Agloves made with a special conductive material will keep you connected.

5. Dodge the draft with outlet insulation.
Drafts pass in and out of the home through the outlet and outlet covers, especially the ones along exterior walls. Fortunately there are special outlet and switch gaskets specially made to reduce drafts. Ask your local hardware store or just DIY.

6. Go old school with the hot water bottle.
OK, this is hardly high-tech, but this ingenious invention is still one of the best and easiest ways to stay warm in bed, as well as soothe aches and pains. It's cheap, reusable and will last forever. Tell that to your soon-to-be obsolete iPhone 4.

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Jeff Cambron has worked in the technology space for over 10 years, fueling an obsession with all things digital. He might not hear you while rocking his Tooks hat, but he never misses an email. Jeff can be reached at Jeff@Kinoliinc.com.

Help Celebrate 10 Years of Giving

2011-09-26T10:01:00.007-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a parent, I think that everyone wants their child to have a a better life than we did. For most people, dreams, goals and college are usually included in the path we would love our children to take. www.upromisetodream.com has been helping people obtain their goals for 10 years now. And they can help your children too!

Program info: Upromise Dream

www.upromisetodream.com

You can help Upromise its 10th Anniversary too! They are giving away $20,000 to users that share a story about how a parent has supported a child's dream! Upromise members have received more than $600 million in college savings through their rewards program. And they want to see you be a part of the dream too!

Come by their Dream Wall and post your story. You can vote for other peoples stories too and be entered into the sweepstakes for the prizes. Upromise is going to be giving away $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner receives $10,000! What a great start to a college fund!

Come by and read their dream wall official rules and get your story posted today. You maybe seeing you and child's dream come true in a very short time.

Can Common Pain Relievers Do More Harm Than Good?

2011-09-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

When it comes to relieving the common headache or body aches, it seems as if the cure may be worse for you than the pain it’s supposed to relieve.

Consumption of NSAIDs – common pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Excedrin) – has grown to 70 million prescriptions and 30 billion over-the-counter sales annually. That statistic is disturbing to Michael Sheehan, founder of natural medications company BioResource Inc., because of a study from the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM) that reveals NSAIDS may play a part in the development of heart disease.

“The risks of NSAIDs are a growing concern,” said Sheehan. “The fact that they may contribute to heart problems is a wake-up call the public needs to take seriously.”

According to the American Heart Association, about 785,000 Americans suffer a first heart attack each year, and another 470,000 who have already had one or more heart attacks experience another episode. The AHA also revealed that in 2010, heart disease cost the United States $316.4 billion. This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity.

The AIM study found that heart failure patients who used NSAIDs may be at an increased risk for side effects and other dangers. The article concluded that NSAIDs “are harmful to heart-failure patients,” reporting that individuals who received the medications were subject to “dose-related increases in risk of death and re-hospitalization for heart failure.”

Research also showed that, with prolonged use, NSAIDs can cause potential side effects that include:

· upset stomach
· nausea
· vomiting
· heartburn
· headache
· diarrhea
· constipation
· drowsiness
· unusual fatigue
· stomach pain
· swelling of feet or ankles
· ringing in ears
· vision changes
· joint pain
· muscle pain and weakness
· easy bruising
· bleeding
· persistent sore throat
· fever

“The nature of these recent revelations, combined with the pervasive use of NSAIDs, should make people stand up and notice,” added Sheehan. “There are good signs, however, that more Americans are seeking natural options to pain pills. A recent National Institutes of Health study revealed that the number of men seeking information on alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals and treatments rose by 18 percent between 2002 and 2007. This trend indicates Americans are getting smarter about taking responsibility for their personal health. The truth is there are dozens of natural substitutes for NSAIDs, and many of these remedies lack the potentially harmful side effects and risks associated with NSAIDs. With new, safer choices available, perhaps the need to use NSAIDs will diminish in the future.”

About Michael Sheehan

Michael Sheehan is CEO and founder of BioResource Inc. (http://www.bioresourceinc.com/), a natural medications company that distributes German-made energy remedies, including INFLAMYAR ointment for sports injuries. Sheehan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University. In addition, he received a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. He lives in Northern California.

Straight Talk 2 Offers Fabulous Cell Phone Calling Plans To Fit In Your Budget!

2011-09-21T22:00:00.002-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I are both big time cell phone users, matter of fact, we use our cell phones more than we use our landline phone so I think I will totally drop the landline phone come November. With that said, our contract with our current carrier comes to an end the beginning of October so we have been looking for other options and came across Straight Talk.

Straight Talk has no hidden fees, no surprise charges, no activation fees, reactivation fees and no cancelation fees and guess what? Those 411 calls are included for FREE! I love that I know what I am paying upfront with no hidden surprises after the fact.

They have an All You Need Plan where you get 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 10 MB of web data a month and I think that would be perfect for me. Then they have an Unlimited Plan where you get unlimited calls, texts, picture messaging and web data for only $45 a month, this plan would be perfect for my hubby. Wow, for around $499 a year you can get great reliable cell service that is totally affordable. With prices like that you can Call a friend anytime you want!

If you need a new phone they got basic phones that have been reconditioned for only $10 and if you want a smart phone with keyboards, etc. they have those too! There is even Android on Straight Talk for all of the Android fans out there.

I was looking into their International Calling Plans because I have family members who live overseas and I love that their International Plans are affordable too! Check out this video from a real life Straight Talk customer and I think you will be impressed with what you see and hear.

If you are like me and you are tired of over-paying the "big boys" when it comes to cellular service then you need to check out Straight Talk! Don't be a victim of those other carriers who rope you in Hook, line and sinker with their long term contracts and hidden fees!

Wordless Wednesday | Going For A Walk In The Park

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Okay...almost Wordless Wednesday! This is a photo of my grand-wee-one and we were heading to the park for some playtime fun this past weekend!

10 Ways Businesses Cater to Baby Boomers

2011-09-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

Demographers have likened Baby Boomers to a "pig moving through a python," accounting for one-third of America's population. More than 78-million strong, the post-World War II generation has long been one of the most profitable consumer demographics, a trend that isn't likely to slow as retirement nears.

They're a generation that never gives in, whether to a shrinking job market, boomerang kids or physical infirmities. Despite being faced with plummeting home values and net worth, retailers still hear their roar, as Boomers demand special treatment.

It's a demand well worth attention. The generation born between 1946 and 1964 presents a $43 billion opportunity for retailers, according to an Information Resources, Inc. report. They also, however, present new challenges. Here's a look at 10 ways businesses are catering to aging Baby Boomers.

1. Reading the Fine Print
Product packaging hasn't just gotten harder to open; it's also harder to read, with instructions and ingredient lists that look like mere ant tracks. According to AARP, CVS is dealing with this problem by attaching magnifying lenses to shelving units. The pharmacy chain also has increased natural-light wattage by uncovering windows.

Target, in turn, heard concerns about prescription labeling and increased type fonts to help customers avoid mistakes.

2. Garden Center Redesigns
Baby Boomers are big on gardening, but aren't too crazy about gravel-covered paths and narrow greenhouse aisles. According to Garden Center Magazine, the industry is moving towards friendlier access, including hard walking surfaces, wider aisles, tables that make picking up plants easier and white signs printed with black ink for clearer reading.

3. Accessible Online Shopping
The American Life Project found 69 percent of older Boomers (ages 56 to 64) buy online, more than any other generation. Merchants are catering to this by increasing website fonts so consumers with poor vision can more easily navigate online stores. Updated text-to-speech technology helps those with more serious sight problems by reading Web pages aloud.

Online shopping became more popular with aging Boomers when Amazon started the free shipping revolution in 2002. The trend has proven a boon to shoppers who find it difficult to navigate between stores. Free shipping codes bring prices as low, if not lower, than those for brick-and-mortar retailers. Examples include Boomer favorites like Coldwater Creek and Lands' End, clothing giants who offer free shipping on some, or all, orders.

4. More Online Reviews
According to a 2010 study by the Pew Center, older Boomers tend to research purchases more thoroughly, with 40 percent saying they rate products online before buying.

User reviews are an electronic replacement for this word-of-mouth generation, so e-retailers are catering to their preferences by providing opportunities for customer testimonials and highlighting positive reviews on home pages.

Technology retailer Newegg.com particularly caters to this audience according to Vice President of Marketing Bernard Luthi in an interview with Internet Retailer. "Older consumers called (customer support) more often than other age groups in advance of a purchase. They'd say: 'I want to understand more about the organization. Let me know who you are and what your return policy is.' They're still not as comfortable as a person in his mid-20s about shopping on the Web, but they are a smarter shopper. They ask for a lot more information up front."

5. Hard Landings
To make sitting and rising more graceful, high-end hotels are switching from soft, deep seating to higher and firmer chairs and couches. These same institutions, along with some banks, are replacing heavy, difficult-to-open doors with automatic ones.

6. Re-shelving
Stretching for the last-remaining box of bran and dipping down for a bulk bag are hard on the back and knees. According to the AARP magazine, both Walgreens and CVS have lowered shelving and reorganized items for easier access.

7. Urbanization of Rural Areas
As children flee the nest, more parents are migrating into rural areas. A 2009 study by the Department of Agriculture, however, indicated these Boomers will still want urban amenities, "such as proximity to health care...and walkable, active communities." Because many will prefer and eventually have to stop driving, they'll likely seek more condensed shopping formats that are closer to home.

As a result, areas like Colorado's Northern Front Range created land plans requiring developers include shopping and gas services within walking distance of each development. Retirement communities were also subject to the same regulations.

Walkability has become such an important factor that Zillow, an online real estate database, now rates the walkability of properties to retail and transit infrastructure.

8. Home-alone Servings
Household size in the 50-plus age range is shrinking, according to American Realty Advisors, leading manufacturers to reduce their package portions. Single-size and two-person servings are more readily available in drugstores and supermarkets. This is a move away from the super-sizing of the 1990s and should benefit stores that cater to this audience, including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, as opposed to Costco or Sam's Club.

9. Non-agist Marketing
Baby Boomers work full-time, travel, care for parents and are far more active than the preceding generation. According to Nielsen, they're turned off by advertising that markets to age and decrepitude, so marketers are creating ads with an appeal for all ages. Talbot's, for example, traditionally sells clothing for older women, but their present marketing has a more youthful look and message.

10. Brain Games
The generation that made physical fitness a must is now pumping-up brain tissue to stave off the mental ills of aging. An entire industry has grown around this desire for mental calisthenics, sweeping major merchants like Target and Walmart into its wake.

While there's no end of controversy as to whether puzzles and brain games help slow down memory loss, Boomers are willing to give it a try. Much of this industry is related to board games, thought to slow the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

"Brain-fitness products generated $265 million in 2009, up from $225 million in 2008 and $100 million in 2005," said SharpBrains, a San Francisco-based market research firm, in an AARP interview. "Consumers account for about one-third of brain fitness industry sales, or $95 million in 2009. By 2015, the brain fitness market is projected to reach $1 billion."

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Kate Forgach is a Baby Boomer consumer specialist for Kinoli Inc. She has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines. She has been featured in USA Today, Detroit News, New Orleans Times-Picayune, New Yorker magazine, "ABC World News," NBC's "TODAY" show and many other media outlets.

Beginner's Guide To Using Your New Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Pot

2011-09-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

In the summer time I use my crock pot even more than I do in the winter time as its just too hot to heat up the oven. You can make just about anything in a crock pot these days such as: Soups, Stews, Main Dish Meats, Desserts, Breads, Cobblers, Vegetables and more. Here are some great tips to help make your crock pot cooking even easier.

#1. Peel and chop the vegetables the night before, cover and keep them refrigerated.

#2. The night before, trim fat from meat and cut meat into the desired sized pieces, cover and refrigerate.

#3. Thaw frozen vegetables and meat in the refrigerator, never thaw at room temperature.

#4. Brown meat according to the recipe directions. You can brown your meat the night before and then refrigerate.

#5. Serve cooked food from your slow cooker or it's removable liner to save on washing extra dishes.

#6. Slow simmering produces a mellow blending of flavors, but whole herbs and spices may give more flavor than usual, while ground herbs and spices may give less flavor.

#7. Remember to remove bay leaves and whole peppercorns before serving food.

#8. Some vegetables, especially onions and carrots, often take longer to cook than meat. Always place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.

#9. To assure even cooking of meat, be sure there is some space between the pieces to allow for circulation of heat and seasonings.

#10. Both regular and quick cooking rice need 4-5 hours to cook on your low setting, on your high setting it will take 3-4 hours so plan ahead. You may prefer to cook the rice on your stove top or in your microwave and then add into your crock pot recipe.

#11. Pasta needs stirring while cooking to prevent it from sticking to one another. It is best to cook the pasta on your stove top until its just tender and then add into your crock pot recipe.

#12. When converting your favorite recipes for the slow cooker, reduce the amount of liquid since the slow cooker lid gives a tight seal and retains steam.

#13. Pour your liquids in last.

#14. Fill your slow cooker at least 1/2 full for the best slow cooking results.

#15. Tender vegetables such as fresh mushrooms, tomatoes or zucchini will only need to be added for the last 45 minutes of cooking time, otherwise you could over cook them.

#16. To prevent milk, cream and sour cream from curdling, add near the end of the cooking time and just heat through.

#17. Coating pot roasts and stew meat with flour helps to thicken the broth as it cooks.

#18. If you have too much liquid in your slow cooker, you can remove the lid and cook on high for the last 25 minutes.

#19. Resist the urge to lift the lid. The heat that you lose will add as much as 30 minutes to the cooking time. If you have to stir, resume timing when the mixture starts to bubble up again.

#20. Cooking for 1 hour on high is the same as 2-2 1/2 hours on low.

#21. After the food has finished cooking, it can usually be held in the slow cooker for an hour on the low setting without over cooking it.

#22. If food is not done within the stated time in your recipe it could be because you overfilled your slow cooker or you took off the lid too many times. Adjust your cooking times accordingly.

#23. Slow cooking at the low setting is better for tenderizing cuts of meats (brisket, pot roasts, etc).

#24. Take time to trim and remove excess fat from your meat before slow cooking to reduce the amount of fat that accumulates during cooking.

#25. You can use a slice of bread to skim off excess fats or you can use a slice of lettuce leaf.

Shelly is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking and baking. You can visit Shelly's popular foodie blog called Shakin 'N Bakin in the kitchen at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com/

Express Jeans Rock The Sidewalk! Chance to win a FREE pair of Jeans!

2011-09-14T22:01:00.003-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love wearing jeans and you could say that I practically live in jeans and I love the Express jeans and how they fit on me! I am a big fan of their wide leg jeans and their boot cut jeans as they hug me in all the right places and I can find them in a rise and inseam that is perfect for me and my body shape and type. If you are looking for women's jeans then you need to check out the selection of jeans that Express carries.

Right now you can enter the Express giveaway for your chance to win one of 50 pairs of jeans that Express is giving away! yeah! I know I am entering and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win a pair!

I tend to stick to the traditional stone wash, indigo and/or black colored jeans. What color or finish to your denim jeans do you prefer? I haven't tried any of the jean leggings yet that are super hot & trendy for fall but I am thinking about it. Do you like the jean leggings?

I love the traditional style of jeans that Express carries. If you buy jeans at Express what style of jeans are your favorites? Give me some tips on jeans ladies...I would like to hear about your jean likes and dislikes along with any jean buying tips that you have to give me.

Fabulous Vacation to North Wildwood NJ

2011-09-11T18:32:00.006-04:00

Hubby and I took a much needed 1 week vacation down to North Wildwood, New Jersey and had a fabulous time! We walked the beach twice a day so I could collect shells for my flower garden at home, we ate out almost every day and dined on fine food...especially seafood and steaks! We took a drive down to Cape May and did some shopping and toured some Victorian Homes.

We had a fabulous time shopping the boardwalk in Wildwood and rode bikes one beautiful morning. We got to be lazy and hang out at the pool and went to play mini golf one afternoon.

It felt so good to get out of dodge for a week and just relax and be lazy! We are looking forward to going back next month for hubby's 50th birthday. Below you will find a few photos from vacation.

I will post a lot more pics over the coming weeks of the lighthouses we toured, mini golf, bike riding and other fun things we got to do while on vacation!

More Parents and College Students Buying Gift Cards

2011-09-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

College students and credit cards aren't always the best mix, as recent history proves. Perhaps that's why more parents and their college-bound kids will buy gift cards this year than ever before. As a back-to-school staple, they offer plastic cash without the pitfalls of credit card use.

A new survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) found more than 30 percent of parents with college-bound kids will supply them with gift cards and prepaid cards. That's an increase of 2 percent over 2010 and an excellent predictor of sales to come for the holiday season.

What's even more surprising is the total students and their parents anticipate spending on these handy pieces of plastic, totaling $3.4 billion for an increase of nearly $1 billion from last year. The average expenditure clocked in at just over $60.

That $60, however, will stretch even further with discount gift cards. Websites such as Gift Card Granny allow consumers to buy gift cards and save up to 35-percent off face value when purchased online. The site offers cards for everything from Domino's pizza to Bed Bath and Beyond dorm-room decor. Students can also check their card's balance at the site so there are no nasty surprises at checkout.

Those looking for more localized gift cards can find them on Craigslist or eBay and such swap sites as SwapAce.

Internet Retailer noted online gift card sales alone are expected to grow at 29 percent for the next four years. In addition, the increasing popularity of mobile gift cards plays well with this plugged-in generation. The class of 2014 can access discount e-cards while shopping and have them scanned at the register. This technology has made gift card buying and use much easier, with 42 percent of merchants currently offering an e-card option, according to Bankrate.com.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Must Read Tips to Avoid Drowning in Deals

2011-09-08T21:40:00.002-04:00

Tough financial times call for smarter shopping measures. For some of us this means going to extremes and cutting up credit cards. For others, it just means clipping coupons and unplugging appliances.

No matter what your money-saving solution, merchants are catching on to these smart shopping tactics. Stores are constantly developing their own methods to make sure we keep buying. Many times, this comes in the form of a sale that looks great on the surface, but actually ends up saving next to nothing.

In fact, recent studies suggest that plenty of shoppers are overwhelmed with the flood of daily deals they receive. With so many special offers flying around, here are eight tips to help you avoid drowning in deals.

1. Unsubscribe from NewslettersSigning up for email newsletters from favorite merchants will keep you informed about their special offers. However, these mailings are still promotional materials intended to make you spend money. If you find yourself exasperated by the breadth of deals and discounts, try following stores on Facebook and Twitter. You still get access to promotions, but they're not always being waved in your face. Instead, you can access the information only when you want to see it.

2. Set a Time to Review DealsThe urgency to get a bargain before time runs out can be a distraction. When you find yourself getting sidetracked checking each offer as it comes in, set aside a time where you can review them all at once. Sure, you might miss the occasional Groupon, but at the end of the day it's cash that's still in your pocket. Reviewing deals all at the same time lets you think out purchases more clearly, compare offers side by side, and prioritize those that best meet your needs.

3. Technology is Your FriendYour smartphone is a surprising savings tool. Some apps like GasBuddy can help you track down the lowest gas prices, no matter where you are. The Coupon Sherpa mobile app lets you locate and scan coupons directly from your phone. Using your cell in this way allows you to find special offers specific to your shopping needs.

4. Weigh Credit Card OptionsCashiers frequently encourage you to open a store credit card, promising healthy savings if you do. While there may be a good initial offer or incentive, like a regular discount on all purchases, this is another tactic to keep you spending. It's best to just have one of these cards specifically for expenses like gas and food. You'll have to spend on those needs either way, so you might as well get a discount. At NerdWallet.com, they have a comparison of the top 18 store credit cards to help you make an informed decision.

5. Track Your DealsAh, the agony of a missed expiration date for a voucher. It gets in your head and makes you regret dollars down the drain. To avoid getting mixed up and missing deadlines, keep a calendar of when offers expire. This helps you track the good ones and keep an eye on how your spending matches up with your budget. You can even do it digitally at CityPockets.com. They organize all the deals you've already purchased, send you expiration reminders, and even allow you to sell unused deals.

6. Eating Out is a TrapRestaurants are filled with drink specials and dollar menus to encourage buying. While a double cheeseburger and fries from McDonald's costs just over $2, the nutritional value is low and you'll soon be hungry again. It's surprising how much you can save buying groceries and making meals at home, instead of eating fast food. If your culinary muse has failed to inspire you, AllRecipes.com has plenty of Quick and Easy Recipes to consider.

7. Use Coupon SitesDespite the sufferings of deal-of-the-day sites, coupon sites continue to grow, making it a good thing for shoppers. Sites like CouponSherpa.com have coupons organized by product category and retailer name, so finding a good discount is easy. The best part is, their services are offered for free; credit card information and personal details aren't required. The savings are there at your leisure with no strings attached.

8. Price ComparisonsSeeing a deal with numbers like 50-percent off can lead to an itchy mouse-clicking finger. Resist the urge to act now and shop around a little instead. Often, similar retailers are aware of their competitors' deals and will offer something comparable. Also, try to shop at stores with low-price guarantees. This way, if you find a better deal after you buy, you can still get reimbursed for the difference.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

7 Reasons to Celebrate National Coupon Month

2011-09-08T21:32:00.001-04:00

Couponers of America unite! It's time once again for September's National Coupon Month, when we celebrate Sunday circulars, direct-mail booklets and the modern technology of online printable coupons and coupon applications.

Thanks to an increased interest in frugal living, $485 billion worth of coupons were distributed in 2010. That figure can only grow by the time 2011 is over. In appreciation of these handy money savers, here are seven coupon tips.

1. The New FrontierOver 88 million consumers said they'd use Internet coupons in 2011. If you haven't tried out this techno method of coupon clipping, it's time you gave it a try. Websites such as CouponSherpa.com allow you to search by category for online coupons to hundreds of popular merchants.

2. Thank You for Your PatronageVisit the websites for supermarkets such as King Soopers and Safeway and download coupons directly to your club or loyalty card. When the cashier swipes your card, the savings are automatically deducted from your total bill.

3. Catalina Isn't Just an IslandNo scissors are necessary to use a Catalina. Printed out with your store receipt, these paper coupons offer savings on products you've just purchased or those from similar manufacturers. Most have longer expiration dates than standard coupons -- an added bonus.

4. Look Beyond DinnerThink coupons and you're mind likely skips directly to food, but there's a world of merchants and services longing for you to use their coupons. Read about "7 Expensive Things You Should Buy With Coupons."

5. There's Always an App for ThatMaking a shopping list and checking it twice isn't for everyone. Many of us make purchases without a great deal of forethought, and that's where the Coupon Sherpa app comes in handy. You can access coupons using the app while in a store and show it to the cashier at checkout.

A new feature on the app allows you to type in your ZIP code to find grocery coupons at the store in which your shopping. It will then download the coupon to your store club card, automatically registering the savings when you swipe the card.

6. BOGOs and DoublingCoupons aren't always good for just one item. BOGOS let you buy one product and get a second identical one for free. Some stores allow doubling up, so your 10-cents-off coupon automatically becomes a 20-cents savings on a single item. Check out this list of 94 grocery stores that double coupons.

7. Raincheck, PleaseAsk for a raincheck when a rude extreme couponer has cleared the shelves, or legions of shoppers have beat you to the punch. Sometimes you can actually save more by waiting to use your raincheck coupon until an item is offered at a deep discount.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Homemade Tub-Time Bath Soap Crayons Recipe

2011-09-06T08:01:00.000-04:00

As moms, dads and grandparents we are always looking for ways to save money but yet keep our kids occupied and when it comes to bathtime fun...I prefer to go the frugal way for our little one. We make homemade bath crayons here at our home and our wee one loves playing with them while in the tub. Here is the recipe we use when we make them.

Tub-Time Bath Crayons

You will Need:

1 cup grated Ivory Soap
1/4 cup warm water
Food Coloring
Plastic Cookie cutters

How to: Mix water, soap & food coloring together in med. size bowl. Stir the crayon mixture until it begins to stiffen. Remove the mixture from the bowl and knead until it is the consistency of a very thick dough. Spoon Crayon Mixture into plastic cookie cutters or other plastic molds (playdough molds work great too!). Press down firmly. Place the plastic cookie cutters in your freezer for 10 mins or in your refrigerator for 30 mins. When firm, Pop the bath crayons out of the cookie cutters (or other molds) and allow them to air dry overnight or until hard.

Molds: Ice Cube Trays, Playdough Molds, & Cutters Tupperware Cookie Cutters, Plastic Cookie Cutters, Plastic Guest Soap Molds (buy at local craft store), The Plastic divided tray that comes in choc. candy boxes and so forth! Inexpensive Fun!

Chili Cornmeal Waffles Recipe

2011-09-03T07:49:00.000-04:00

With National Waffle Week around the corner, waffle lovers across the nation will be celebrating these sweet and fluffy bites of deliciousness starting September 4-10th.

Just in time for back-to-school, make the first day of school special with a hot waffle in the morning or a tasty snack for the kids when they come home. The KRUPS F654 Waffle Maker ($49.99) makes 4 thick Belgian waffles in just 4 minutes. This appliance is perfect for all waffle lovers to enjoy during this lesser known holiday and for busy parents needing a helpful kitchen tool for a quick breakfast or innovative snacks and desserts.

Homemade Chili Cornmeal Waffles Recipe

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 cans of favorite Chilli
Shredded Cheddar, chopped Scallions and Sour cream for garnish

Directions: Preheat KRUPS waffle maker. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add milk, oil, and eggs; stirring until smooth. Pour batter onto hot waffle iron. Set aside and keep warm. Serve with chili. Garnish with shredded Cheddar, Sour cream, and Scallions..

Six Ways to Maximize Labor Day Savings

2011-09-01T07:42:00.001-04:00

The only good thing about the end of summer is Labor Day, a holiday that provides a day off and great opportunities for consumer savings. Labor Day sales allow shoppers to take advantage of discounts on everything from fall fashions to appliances. It's also a good time to find deals on end-of-season merchandise, like swimsuits, lawnmowers, patio furniture and more.

With practically everything under the sun on sale during these short three days, how can you possibly know if you're getting the best deal? Here are six ways to maximize your savings on Labor Day.

1. Do Your Due Diligence
Find out the average price of your coveted purchase before Labor Day, using sites like Pricespider.com. This will keep you from being fooled by false promotions, and help you identify the best sale price.

2. Shop in Your PJs
Labor Day triggers the holiday shopping madness that continues into the New Year. Let the masses scurry about the stores and highways while you casually shop multiple online stores in the comfort of your own home. Not only will your blood pressure thank you, but you'll realize savings in fuel, too.

3. Save More
In addition to Labor Day price reductions, be sure to find online coupons for more savings. Shipping should also be free or greatly reduced; merchants like Lands' End and JCPenney typically offer free shipping codes during this high-volume weekend.

4. Negotiate
Major sale events represent an excellent opportunity to hone your haggling skills, especially on big items like televisions and appliances. Compare prices between various competitors and ask retailers if they can meet or beat your preferred price. Not comfortable with bartering? Check out this article on ConsumerReports.org for tips on making the negotiating practice work for you.

5. Socialize
Before hitting a store's sale rack or browsing Labor Day deals online, remember to follow or "like" the retailer or brand on Facebook and/orTwitter to find exclusive coupon codes and promotional offers. It pays to join these social media networks.

6. Use Tunnel Vision
Knowing what you want before Labor Day is easy; sticking to just that in the heat of the moment can be challenging. Be strong. Whenever you find yourself straying from the main purchase, gently remind yourself to "stay focused" and move on.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Wordless Wednesday | Loving My Little Tikes Crazy Coupe!

2011-08-31T08:06:00.000-04:00

I won this Little Tikes Classic Crazy Coupe Car last fall from a giveaway on a Mommy Blog and since that time the grand-wee-one LOVES that car and plays in it almost every day.

~ Yes...I know, I used words again in my Wordless Wednesday Post!

How To Save Money with Grocery Coupons

2011-08-30T11:05:00.000-04:00

How To Save Money with Grocery Coupons by Cinnamon Henke

If you are like most families your grocery trips are one of your most expensive monthly “bills”. You hear about people saving tons of money and even getting items for free with coupons but you don’t know what to do. Here are a few tips to get you started.

First things first:

• You have to get the coupons!
• You can get some from the Sunday paper if you subscribe to it.
• You can find then in local grocery stores advertisements
• You can find places to print them offline.
• You can sometimes call, email or write companies and ask them for coupons.

Understanding types of coupons:

Manufacture coupons and Store Coupons. Manufacture coupons are usually good at every store as the Manufacturing Company rebates the Grocery stores to take them.

Store coupons are put out by the grocery stores to help draw you in. Some stores are now accepting competitors (other stores) coupons. Ask the stores in your area if the take competitor coupons.

So now you have your stash of coupons and you should try to organize your coupons. I keep mine in an envelope in the car so I always have them with me. Coupons do you no good if you leave them at home.

Here are more tips to help you save big!

• Some stores double coupons, ask the stores in your area if they do and when.
• Wait to use a good coupon until the items goes on sale, you will save even more money.
• Sometimes a store will let you use more than one coupon per item, try it.
• Pay attention to expiration dates on your coupons.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up, for instance. My husband had 7 coupons each for $1 off of the Organics brand items at Safeway. The cashier tried to tell him he could only use one per trip. The coupon did not say that anywhere on it, so he told her that. She ended up having to let him use all 7 coupons.

Now it’s time to go shopping and save some money!!

Article by, Cinnamon Henke a mom of 3 girls with big appetites. See how you can save even more money and earn money in the process by going to
http://CinnamonHenke.com

Article Source: WAHM Articles

NET10 Has Affordable Cell Phone Plans For You and Your Family!

2011-08-30T10:02:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a rather large family and it is important to me that every member of my family have a cell phone which means I need to look for reliable and affordable cell phone providers for our family. I was doing some research online and stumbled upon NET10 and I am liking what I see! NET10 has no contracts, no hidden fees, no credit checks and no surprise charges!

NET10 has an unlimited monthly call, text and data plan that only costs $50 a month and that is perfect for me since I am a heavy cell phone user. I think their 200 monthly minutes for $15 a month is the perfect plan for my mother since she only uses her cell phone for important and emergency calls. What is really nice is that on their monthly minutes plans you can carry over any unused minutes to the following month at no extra charge. Real NET10 customer are loving NET10 and I can see why!

NET10 has international calling plans for those of you who have family and friends living overseas and over 75 countries participate with NET10. Wow! What a savings for you because International calling can cost an arm and a leg with those other companies!

NET10 only uses trusted phone manufacturers like Nokia, Samsung, LG and Motorola so you know you are getting a quality phone. Simple phones start out at $15 and you can upgrade to a camera phone with mobile web capabilities for only $40 and if you want a nice QWERTY phone with keyboard you can get those for around $60. Check out this Cute NET10 commercial for more information!

I can See the Light at the end of the cell phone over-charge tunnel and I am seriously considering switching our cellular service over to NET10. With all of the money I would be saving I could afford to take a second family vacation trip every year! yeah!!!!

Check out this NET10 video by REAL NET10 customer Hector to see what he has to say about NET10.

Daily Deal Site Addiction | How To Resist The Urge To Buy

2011-08-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

The popularity of daily deal sites like Living Social and Groupon has yielded huge benefits. Consumers receive massive savings on everything from dining out to teeth whitening; yet with the positive comes the negative. The ease with which these deals can be purchased, coupled with the prospect of double-digit savings, is creating a troubling trend: daily deal addiction.

If your collective expenditure on daily deals rivals your monthly mortgage payment, remember the following tips to keep overspending at bay.

1. Cut Down on Subscriptions
With so many daily deal sites out there, your inbox is probably flooded with offers and the temptation is thus multiplied. Sign up for just one of your favorite sites and ignore the rest. Most of these services have similar offers anyway. You also might want to create a separate email address so you can discern deals from spiels.

2. Go Halvsies With Friends
Frequently, daily deals feature two-for-one opportunities yielding double the pleasure. Consider splitting the discounted cost with a friend to get even more bang for your buck.

3. Set Rules
Daily deal purchases should be treated like any other expense and incorporated into your monthly budget. Consider the activities on which you spend the majority of your discretionary income, and search for deals accordingly. To receive the best value, check out these tips for getting the most out of group buying sites.

4. Sell Your Daily Deal Vouchers
Half-off laser treatments may sound like a good idea, but you could later regret it. Never fear; sites like CoupRecoup help identify buyers for your impulsive daily deal purchases.

5. Save With Coupons Instead
Find coupons for the items you need, instead of making unnecessary purchases based on bid savings. No patience for coupon clipping? No problem. Find online coupons for Kohl's, Home Depot, and hundreds of other major retailers at CouponSherpa.com.

6. Choose Deals Wisely
A good deal is hard to pass up. However, you end up spending unnecessarily when the prospect of big savings clouds your judgement. Find deals for items you need and skip everything else.

7. Go Cold Turkey
Believe it or not, there was a time when Groupon didn't exist. If these deals are interfering with your daily routine, consider unsubscribing entirely and get back in tune with your real needs. You'll likely find they're much less expensive.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Top 5 Extreme Couponing Mishaps | Great Couponing Tips!

2011-08-25T16:21:00.000-04:00

Confrontations. Arrests. Thievery. Sounds like a compelling plot for an upcoming blockbuster or crime novel, right? Wrong. These themes can instead be found in local and national news stories, surrounding one of the most harmless activities out there: couponing.

Thanks in part to the popularity of TLC's "Extreme Couponing," some shoppers are getting more than they bargained for in pursuit of savings. Coupon Sherpa reflects on the most extreme couponing mishaps to date.

1. "I Didn't Know it Was a Crime."
That's what she said. Seriously. Earlier this month, compulsive-coupon-clipper Jamie VanSickler was charged with larceny theft, a misdemeanor carrying a potential jail sentence and hefty fine. Caught in the act by a newspaper-carrier-turned-sting-agent, VanSickler took 185 leftover Sunday newspapers, indicating to police she didn't realize it was a crime.

2. "No [Coupon] for You!"
When a mother of ten tried to redeem coupons at her local Kroger store in Georgia, the store manager allegedly refused to take her clippings and called her a "habitual coupon user." This southern momma is not only the only victim of "coupon discrimination," as other shoppers around the country hit roadblocks at the register.

3. Just Another Day at Walmart
April Cuevas was temporarily banned from all Walmarts after an altercation involving competitor coupons. When the cashier refused to take the coupons, management was called and a series of unfortunate events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted the intentions of four male shoppers headed her way during the argument, and attempted to film them. A supervisor alledgedly scolded her and tried to knock the iPhone from her trembling hands. Upon exiting the store, Cuevas was pursued by a Walmart employee who demanded she return to "the scene of the crime," and even chased her vehicle as Cuevas left the parking lot.

4. Coupon Capers
Lock your doors, close your drapes, and hold tight to your...er...newspapers; there's a new kind of criminal in town. As arrests of self-proclaimed "discount-seeking thieves" escalate around the country, police warn concerned citizens of an increase in newspaper theft.

5. Discount Diva Dishonored
On the cusp of a new season of "Extreme Couponing," coupon enthusiasts cried foul when one of the featured shoppers was recognized as Jaime Kirlew, aka "Diva for Coupons." Kirlew made a name for herself on YouTube, unwittingly filming her unscrupulous strategy of barcode matching during a shopping trip to Target. After receiving numerous nastigrams, Kirlew quickly threw her enabler (BeCentsAble) under the bus and later admitted to coupon fraud.

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CouponSherpa.com is one of four websites operating under the brand name TheFrugals.com and is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally. Other members of The Frugals family include GiftCardGranny.com, MrFreeStuff.com and MrsSweepstakes.com.

How to Save More Money at Kohl's ~ Great Tips for Shopping at Kohl's

2011-08-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the lookout to save as much as possible when shopping at department stores. While buying clearance items is the most obvious way to get more for less, the truly savvy can realize significant savings with a little research.

Kohl's, for example, has great prices from the get-go on everything from clothing to kitchen essentials. For even more savings, consider these six ways to score at Kohl's.

1. Double Up
Kohls.com is one of the few websites that allows shoppers to combine coupon codes during checkout. 30% clearance on kids' sneakers, plus an extra 10% off your order, plus free shipping? Yes please! You can easily find Kohl's coupon codes at CouponSherpa.com.

2. Skip Shipping Costs
While we're on the subject of shipping, Kohls.com typically offers free or discounted shipping. If it's not free, it's likely 99 cents. And if it's not either, it will be soon, so hold off on your purchase until you can take advantage of one of these deals.

3. Get Instant Savings With Gift Cards
Discount gift cards are a great way to realize savings right off the bat. You can immediately save an average of 16 percent by purchasing a Kohl's gift card from GiftCardGranny.com.

4. Sign up for E-mails
If you're a frequent Kohl's shopper like me, sign up for Kohl's Sales Alerts and save $5 on your next online purchase, or 10% off your next in-store purchase.

5. Earn Kohl's Cash
Every six to eight weeks, Kohl's offers $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent in-store or online. This is fantastic, but know the fine print: Kohl's Cash can only be used on in-store purchases within a two-week window which they determine. To learn more, check out this blog post from a happy Kohl's Cash user.

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Maisie Knowles is the founder of BestBabyStuff.com, a website reviewing only the best baby products. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado in 2003 and currently spends most of her time at home with her two young girls.

A Crash Course in College Moving | Tips For The New College Student

2011-08-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

The countdown has begun to move on from college dorms and your parents' basement. Freedom is so close you can taste it; no longer will your comings and goings be monitored. You can eat pizza and cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But before these dreams become reality, there's a lot of work to be done with the whole relocation thing. To help you combat packing panic, here are 12 moving tips to get you smartly on your way.

1. Start SortingBefore you begin loading up boxes, go through all your stuff and weed out items you don't want. There's no point in adding this clutter to your new place. Remember, one person's trash is another's treasure. Before dumping and donating unwanted items, give friends and neighbors a chance to dig through for hand-me-downs. They'll appreciate the thought and it's one less thing for you to move.

2. Run Down the DamageCollege houses are not always in the greatest condition. Since you don't want to be on the hook for other tenants' wild times, get together with the landlord before you move in and do a walk through. Document any existing damage, snap a few photos and get the landlord to sign off on a list of problem areas. This will ensure you don't get nailed for pre-existing issues.

3. Set Up Your ServicesBefore moving day, make sure to call the electric, water and cable companies so you have service as soon as you arrive. There's nothing more disappointing than moving in and finding the lights aren't working.

4. Take Advantage of Your ScheduleOne of the many great things about college is flexible scheduling. If you have the option, plan to move mid-week. This way, you can move at your own pace and don't have to compete with others cramming their move into one hectic weekend. Also, moving trucks are typically cheaper to rent in the middle of the week. If you do end up hiring movers, be sure to read this article from MainStreet.com to learn about secrets moving companies don't want you to know.

5. Condense What You CanIf you have bags, suitcases or even coolers, think about how you can use them like boxes. Pack the small stuff inside larger items like Russian nesting dolls. The fewer trips you have to take back and forth, the more time and money you'll save.

6. Don't Pay for PackingBefore you buy expensive packing materials to protect your precious possessions, consider what you already have around. Dish towels, T-shirts and pillows all make for great packing materials. Your local grocery store will usually contribute some free empty boxes if you ask nicely during off-peak times. To cover more delicate furniture, hit a thrift shop for cheap blankets and tape them in place.

7. Wait to BuyIf you're the type that likes to plan ahead, it's tempting to shop for everything you think you'll need before the big move. In many cases, you won't need nearly as much as you expect. Fill in the space with what you already have before picking up a new sofa or coffee table. Once you know what you need, go shopping with roommates and save on some shared items. Try using coupons for discounts on back-to-college lines from stores like Target. They can easily be found at such sites as CouponSherpa.com.

8. Bribe Family and FriendsTrying to lug a floppy mattress up three flights of stairs by yourself is no fun at all. Your closest friends might help you with the move, but likely with some reluctance since no one likes moving. Sweeten the deal by planning in advance and offering bribes. A free meal and some suds can make it harder to resist.

9. Watch the SunYou won't find much relaxation in a scented candle when it's melted all over your clothes. Even though temperatures are dropping, mid-day heat is still strong at the end of summer. If you have items that can melt or will be damaged by the sun, make sure to pack them in an easily accessible place and unload them first. Don't forget about the bathroom, either. Aerosol products, such as body spray or sunscreen, can explode after sitting in the sun.

10. Ask About Student DiscountsYou're already paying a ton for tuition; you might as well make the most of your status as a student. Whether you're picking up packing supplies, a new couch or just some snacks, there's no harm in asking about a student discount.

11. Start Big, Finish SmallOnce you get settled in there's going to be plenty of time to unpack your knick-knacks. Instead of worrying about the small stuff, get major items out of the way first. Couches, beds and tables should all be in place before you begin putting up posters. Having your furniture set up will allow you to fill in the gaps and make your new house feel like a home.

12. Map Out a Floor PlanIt really helps to plan where furniture will fit before you move. Rough out a floor plan and fit in the major pieces so you have a guide on moving day. It also helps to have someone guide the move-in process. Spend the day playing traffic cop, indicating where boxes and furniture should be placed so you don't have to move everything after your crew has left. If you don't have that luxury, these six online room design tools should help you plan ahead.
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Brandon Farestad-Rittel is a college-savings expert for Kinoli Inc. Based on his own college experiences and extensive research, this recent graduate has covered a variety of topics, including the college selection process, for-profit colleges, and the modern era of textbooks.

Carbonite is a Must for Work At Home Business Owners

2011-08-22T03:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carbonite for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a long time work at home business owner, I know how critical it is to have your files safe. Just the thought of losing my data at this point today makes me want to cry. LOL Honestly as a work at home professional, you need to have a method of computer backup for your data. There is so many instances of file corruption, viruses and even if your PC just up and dies like mine did last year. UGH! You must have a plan.

Carbonite unlimited online backup works automatically and it runs continually in the background of your computer backing up files whenever your computer is connected to the internet. That is an awesome thing. What is even better is that you can access your backed up files from any computer or on your smartphone or iPad with a free Carbonite app. That is a huge plus for anyone that uses multiple methods of connection to your work.

Right now there is a unlimited backup plan you can buy for your PC or Mac, with anytime-anywhere-access is only $59 a year! Try it free for 15 days, no credit card required, and then get two free months if you decide to buy. This Code BLOGAD gets you your two additional free months of coverage with purchase.

Don't delay, come by and check out the offer and learn more about protecting your critical data files with Carbonite. Make sure your docs, music, pics and email is secure!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Gift Card Advice as Borders Closes the Book on Business

2011-08-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

In the wake of Borders recent announcement it's folding up shop, those holding gift cards from the bookstore chain may have cause for concern. While the second-largest bookseller says it's presently honoring gift cards, shoppers are well advised to use up their balances before it's too late. We faced a similar situation when Blockbuster and Circuit City filed for bankruptcy and are likely to do so again. To ensure consumers don't get left in the lurch, here are a five lessons we've learned from these experiences.

1. Move Fast
Store liquidations usually begin rapidly -- this Friday for Borders -- so it's often best to use up gift cards online, rather than wait until you have time to visit a retail store. Borders liquidation website says all 399 remaining stores will close by September, but they may start writing the final chapter on your local store much earlier.

2. Research the Bankruptcy Status
Borders was refused bankruptcy, meaning they had no choice but to liquidate. Other retailers, however, filed for bankruptcy and turned things around. Sometimes a company that's filed for Chapter 11 is allowed by the bankruptcy court to honor its gift cards. California, however, specifically requires merchants in bankruptcy compensate gift card holders.

3. Consider the Company's Stability
If you hear tales of other merchants threatening to close shop, research their financial stability via such sites as BBB.com and Forbes Risk List. (Stores considered at-risk by Forbes presently include Rite Aid and Zales.) Also, ScripSmart.com regularly updates its list of "Gift Cards to Avoid."

4. Use It or Sell It
If you've received a gift card for a merchant you wouldn't frequent, don't wait until a store goes out of business. You can exchange gift cards for cash right now on such sites as GiftCardGranny.com and receive up to 95 percent of the card's value in cash.

5. Use a Credit Card
If you're concerned about a retailer's financial stability but still want to buy a gift card, do so using a credit instead of a debit card. You can then ask the card issuer to withhold payment until you're sure of the merchant's status.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Straight Talk 2 Offers Fabulous Cell Phone Plans To Fit In Your Budget!

2011-08-16T15:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I have given up our land line and have completely gone to cell phone service for both home, business and on the road use. With that said, we are currently shopping around for a cheaper cell phone service that is reliable and affordable. While browsing online I came across Straight Talk and I think we might go with this service because they are affordable, reliable and they only deal with high quality phone manufacturers like Samsung, Nokia, LG and Motorola.

Straight Talk has everything you need and you can save a bundle in money and use that money for a family vacation or to pay off other bills. We all need to save more money these days! I like to be able to pick up my phone and call a friend any time I want and as often as I want without having to worry about the charges. Straight Talk has no long term contracts, no activation fees, no reactivation fees, no cancelation fees and no credit checks! Got to love that!

They have an All You Need plan that includes 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 GB of web data and for around $45 a month you can get their unlimited service. All 411 calls are provided without a charge and they have an international plan available to those who make international calls. If you need a reconditioned new phone, they have those too for around $10 and they include cameras and are mobile web ready. For around $45 a month or $499 a year, you can get unlimited cell service and save a bundle!

mom knows best and mom has always taught me to shop around and get the best deal for my money and Straight Talk seems to be that BEST deal! I am tired of cell service providers roping folks in Hook, line and sinker with long term contracts and a slew of hidden fees. You can watch this video to hear what REAL Straight Talk customers have to say about this great company.

Have you ever used Straight Talk? If so, leave me a comment & let me know how you like it.

Herbal Foot Pampering Recipes For Busy Moms

2011-08-15T20:31:00.000-04:00

As a mother, I used to neglect my feet as it just was not at the top of my list of things I needed to do. Now, after a busy day spent chasing around kids, I look forward to 20-30 minutes of spoiling myself with some much needed foot care.

To cut down on time, I keep a plastic bin in my linen closet stocked with the supplies needed to make the following recipes. In addition to the inexpensive ingredients, I like to keep clean towels, loofah sponges, foot files, pumice stones and foot lotion in the bin so that I have everything ready to go as I need it. I recommend purchasing a plastic basin at your local drugstore so that you have something to soak your feet in. You can easily whip up these recipes in only a matter of minutes.

Lavender Milk Soak

6 cups of water
2 cups of milk
4 tablespoons dried lavender

In a large glass bowl, combine the water, milk and lavender. Microwave for 1 minute until mixture is warm. Pour into a foot basin and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Almond Sea Salt Scrub

3 cups of sea salt
1 cup of Epsom salts
8 ounces of water
2 ounce of almond oil

Mix all ingredients in a medium sized container. Use a plastic scoop to measure out what you need. Rub sea salt onto the heels of each foot for 3-5 minutes. Rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a cotton towel and follow up with a gentle moisturizing foot lotion.

Soothing Oatmeal Soak

1 cup cornstarch
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 - 3/4 cup of oatmeal

Combine all 3 items in a blender container and process until smooth. Fill foot basin 1/2 full with warm water and add oatmeal mixture. Soak feet for 10-15 minutes. Towel dry and apply moisturizing foot lotion.

Shelly Hill has been working from home since 1989 and a busy mother and grandmother. Shelly enjoys taking time out for herself every evening after a busy day. You can visit Shelly's popular Foodie Blog Shakin 'N Bakin in the Kitchen at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com/ for additonal foodie bath, body and facial recipes.

Some Cool Things I Won Online Recently!

2011-08-13T20:10:00.001-04:00

Well...as you all know, I love to enter giveaways online (especially on mommy blog sites) when I have the free time to do it! The past month has been an excellent "win" month for me and I won several nice things recently!

I won an anniversary edition Schwinn Bicycle! yeah! (see photo above of my new bike!) I won that over on the One Savvy Mom blog! I also won from her blog two gallons of paint which we will be using when we remodel our master bedroom the end of September! wootwoot! I picked out a beautiful neutral light sandy beach color since my bedroom is in a beach/coaster decor. I can't wait to get my walls painted!

I also won from the Eighty MPH Mom Blog a nice package of cheese products. I got 4 packages of gourmet cheese, 2 tubs of yogurt and 2 tubs of a yogurt spread and they are from a cheese company in Wisconsin. Delicious!

I also won a lunchbox & lunch containers from Easy Lunchboxes over on Tara's blog and I also won a big jar of Tropical Tradition's coconut oil which I will be using for baking this fall.

I also won several other things in the past month so it was a fabulous giveaway winnings month for me! yeah! If you like entering giveaways you should check out the Two Classy Chic's Giveaway blog as they currently have 33 giveaways going on right now!

~ Shelly ~

Birdwatching | 17 Day Old House Finch Babies Have Fledged

2011-08-13T19:49:00.000-04:00

Well, it finally happend...the 2 baby house finch birds finally fledged the nest today at age 17 days. The above photo was taken last evening when they were 16 days old and this afternoon I actually got to see them leave the nest with their mom. Kind of sad that I won't see the 2 babies again now that they have fledged their nest. (click photo above to enlarge to see the details)

Can you believe that it only takes 17 days from the time they hatch and are born naked for them to get down and feathers and leave their nest? wow! You can find their 1 day old photos along with other photos of them by checking out my Bird Watching category here on my blog. Sad to see them go but they are now on their own and building a life for themselves.

~ Shelly ~

In Honor of National Coupon Month: 30 Place to Find Coupons

2011-08-13T10:32:00.000-04:00

In celebration of National Coupon Month this September, ILoveCouponMonth.com--an online source for coupon information, statistics and savings tips created by CouponSherpa.com --shares 30 tried and true, plus some unexpected, places to find coupons for a month-long of savings.

Founded by the Performance Marketing Association in September 1998, National Coupon Month recognizes the impact coupons have had on consumer buying habits. Happily, coupons have become even more pervasive since 1998 and are now available just about everywhere you look, whether it be via the Internet, social media, smartphone or bank statements.

In fact, such digital coupons are galloping to the fore. According to research released June 1 by eMarketer, 88.2 million consumers will use digital coupons as an important part of their shopping experience in 2011. That's 47 percent of adult Internet users, a statistic that's destined to rise in the near future. The study also revealed 92.5 million adult Internet users will use online coupons in 2012, versus 96.8 million in 2013.

Wether you are new to the coupon game or a skilled clipper, ILoveCouponMonth.com is the ultimate destination for coupon-lovers featuring data, 30 days of savings tips, and much more. Helping shoppers save even more money during National Coupon Month, here are 30 places to find coupons for 30 days of bargains.

1. Coupon-Aggregate WebsitesForget all that clipping and sifting through newspapers; online coupons make the hunt-and-peck method a thing of the past. Coupon-aggregate websites allow shoppers to pinpoint the coupons they need and either use the coupon codes to save online or download printable coupons for shopping at brick-and-mortar stores.

2. Smartphone AppsMore than one in four mobile users in the U.S. own a smartphone, which makes coupon applications amazingly handy. For example, the free CouponSherpa.com app that offers mobile coupons is perfect for I Love Coupon Month as it actually allows you to search for coupons while shopping. The coupon is then displayed as either a scannable image or numeric code that the cashier can enter at the register. You receive an immediate discount. The app also features grocery coupons. Type in your ZIP code to find a supermarket in the area, save desired grocery coupons from your phone to their loyalty card, and enjoy instant savings when their card is swiped at checkout.

3. Social MediaFacebook, Twitter, even YouTube provide links to coupons from just about every merchant and service you've heard of. Need a new dress? Visit your favorite retailer's Facebook page and print out a coupon. Heading to the grocery store? Check their Twitter feed for coupon links. Lastly, look for coupon bloggers who create instructional videos on YouTube that include similar links.

4. Daily Deal ServicesBy now, nearly everyone has heard about daily deal services, the largest of which are Groupon and Living Social. The success of these two behemoths has led to major clonage, including many companies focusing on specific regions or cities. Here's how it works: You register with the site and receive daily emails detailing major savings for various services and merchants. If you're interested, just click on the deal, pay and download the attached coupon.

5. Direct Mail PacketsDirect mail packets are envelopes stuffed with paper coupons and delivered to your mailbox. The most popular and steadily growing version comes from Valpak, delivered in light-blue envelopes roughly once per month.

6. Bank StatementsBillShrink works with 2,000 banks to analyze consumer spending habits and provide coupons implanted in your bank statements above certain purchases. In essence, this method allows retailers to target coupons specific to your likes and needs, instead of requiring customers do the research.

7. Coupon TrainsTrains are a simple way for enthusiasts to exchange coupons through the mail. Every train is different, but the rules are basically the same. An envelope of 40 to 200 coupons is mailed from the "conductor" to the first person on the train list. That person removes the coupons they want, replaces them with those of equal value and number, then mails the envelope on to the next member. Many such trains are now sponsored by mommy bloggers.

8. Loyalty Card CouponsMost major supermarket chains allow shoppers to upload coupons from their websites to loyalty cards. The trick is to remember which coupons you've actually loaded so you don't forget or buy the wrong product. This marketing method is beginning to cross over to other companies. For example, Shell gas stations offer fuel discounts for repeat customers with rewards cards.

9. Manufacturers' WebsitesWanting to get a cut of the action, manufacturers began offering their own online coupons, some of which are printable coupons you can use in their stores. Others offer coupon codes for online purchases. The variety of coupons available may surprise you. Everyone from furniture to health-food manufacturers have gotten in on the game. For example, Lane Recliners recently advertised a $100 coupon usable with a minimum purchase of just $499.

10. Emailed NewslettersSign up for email newsletters offered on merchant websites and many will regularly send out coupons. If you plan on registering for a bunch of these newsletters, you might want to create a separate email account so your personal inbox isn't overwhelmed.

11. eBayThe online-auction site devotes an entire section to coupons, many of which are sold via the "Buy It Now" status. This means you can purchase the advertised coupon immediately without waiting for the auction to expire. The day I checked there were more than 81,000 coupons on offer.

12. PayPalBased on a subscriber's previous purchases, PayPal provides coupons specific to your needs.

13. Newspaper InsertsThe original source for coupons, newspaper inserts are still the number-one place to find print coupons. You can add to your collection without multiple subscriptions by asking friends and family to pass on inserts they don't use.

14. Online Store CircularsSubscribing to a newspaper for the circulars is still the number one way to find coupons, but many merchants now post these sale flyers directly on their websites, allowing you to download coupons or access the coupon codes.

15. Cellfire.comAnother coupon aggregate site, Cellfire.com allows you to download coupons directly to your grocery loyalty card. The cashier then swipes the card at checkout and "poof," instant savings. The service is available for over 3,500 grocery stores across the country. Signing up for a free membership entitles you to additional savings and services.

16. MagazinesCoupons are one of the best way advertisers can gain attention amidst a deluge of ads in magazines. Check out medical waiting rooms for extra copies, but ask before you tear.

17. Entertainment BooksFor nearly 50 years, Entertainment has helped schools and other non-profits raise funds by selling these bound coupon booklets. You'll pay anywhere from $5 to $25 for a ton of coupons in such categories as dining, shopping, movie tickets, groceries, services, travel, attractions, car care, and home furnishings. You can also buy Entertainment Books directly from its website.

18. Recycling BinsAsk friends, neighbors, family members and stores if you can dig through their recycling bins for unused coupons. Be careful about hitting commercially owned bins, however, as some cities have laws against this practice.

19. Phone BooksPhone books may be the equivalent of print dinosaurs, but most include a coupon section for local businesses either in the middle or at the back.

20. Junk MailPostal carriers hate these loose flyers because they're hard to deliver, but junk mail promotions are a good source for coupons. Some replicate newspaper-insert content while others offer entirely different coupons.

21. Free SamplesManufacturers offering free samples through the mail usually include a coupon or two as a means of enticing you into purchasing their goods. This is pretty cool because you can actually try the product before buying.

22. Coupon Clipping ServicesYou'll pay a nominal fee for coupons from these services, but you can register to receive coupons in specific categories or for preferred manufacturers and stores.

23. Hangtag CouponsMost often found on wines and bottled products, hangtag coupons, naturally, hang off the neck of the bottles.

24. Coupon ForumsWhether your a newbie or an extreme couponer, these forums are a great way to learn about special deals and coupon links. Member discussions keep you informed about the best and worst coupons while offering tips for use.

25. With Your Grocery ReceiptKnown as Catalinas, these coupons are usually keyed to your purchase that day or, if you use a loyalty card, previous purchases.

26. Supermarket Tear PadsTear-pad coupons usually hang out next to a product in grocery stores. As the name suggests, you simply tear off the coupon you need and turn it in at checkout. Don't be greedy, however. Leave some behind for other shoppers.

27. Restaurant Recipe Tear PadsSearch the checkout station at restaurants for tear pads with recipes and attached coupons. You might also ask your server if they offer coupons. Some take-out menus also include coupons.

28. BlinkiesBlinkies are coupons distributed in stores by SmartSource Coupon Machines. The nickname refers to the machines blinking light, designed to catch your attention. SmartSource typically changes the coupons every month and the offers vary between regions and stores. Some blinkies actually "talk," which is incredibly irritating in already noisy stores.

29. Loyalty CardsMany supermarket chains allow shoppers to upload coupons from their websites to your loyalty card. The trick is to remember which coupons you've actually loaded so you don't buy the wrong products. This promotional method is beginning to cross over to other merchants. For example, Shell gas stations offer fuel discounts for repeat customers.

30. Inside Product PackagingLook inside your cereal boxes, can labels, etc. for hidden coupons. If you're lucky, the manufacturer has advertised the coupon's existence on the front of the package.

For even more places to score coupons check out the latest blog post from Coupon Sherpa.
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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Looking For A New Cell Phone Carrier? Check out NET10 Unlimited Plan

2011-08-11T03:02:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

A few years ago we got roped into a long term cell phone contract with a slew of hidden fees that we just could not get out of for 4+ years! Well, since that time we have gotten a lot smarter about cell phones and cell phone carriers. Today I am sharing some information with you about the company called NET10 and their unlimited Plan along with a few other plans that NET10 offers.

Before we begin, I would like for you hear what a real NET10 customer has to say about NET10. With Net10 there are no long term contracts, no surprise charges and no credit checks! Wow, you gotta love that! In addition if you are a heavy cell phone user they have an Unlimited Plan where you can get unlimited calls, text messages and data for only $50.00 a month. If you are a light cell phone user you can get 200 minutes a month for $15.00 and you can carry over your unused minutes! yeah!

NET10 only uses reliable phone manufacturers like Motorola, LG, Nokia and Samsung. They have pay as you go plans so that you can structure your cell phone usage into your budget. This is great for both business use and personal use. What is really impressive is that as your cell phone usage changes you can switch your plans back and forth on a monthly basis to suit your calling needs. Airtime can be purchase online, local at a store or even by your Net10 phone.

You gotta check out this cute NET10 commercial which will give you some insight about the NET10 company. International long distance service is available to over 75 countries for about 15 cents a minute! In addition they have a country neighbors plan for Canada and Mexico where your family & friends who live in those 2 countries can call you on your NET10 phone.

You can get a simple needs phone (for calls & text) for under $15.00 and for under $40.00 you can get a phone that has camera, video and web capabilities. If you want a phone that has it all and then some you can get one of those for under $60.00.

I would like to invite you to follow NET10 on Facebook and on Twitter for additional information. Check out this video where you can see the Light about how great NET10 is and what they can offer to you!

The Goodyear Blimp Taking A Cruise Over My House Today

2011-08-08T18:26:00.001-04:00

Hubby and I were pleasantly surprised this afternoon when we spotted the GoodYear Blimp cruising above our house! Wow...the blimp was pretty low so we were able to get some decent photos of it cruising around...matter of fact, it completely circled our property!

One of these days I would love to take a ride in the GoodYear Blimp as I think it would be a lot of fun! Today was the second day in a row that we spotted the blimp in our area but today it was specifically flying over our property and it was to see it this low as we could really check it out!
You can click on my photo to enlarge it so you can get a good "glimpse of the blimp" LOL So it was kind of the highlight of our boring afternoon to see it! hahaha!

Shelly

Birdwatching | Ten Day Old Baby House Finch Birds

2011-08-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

Time to update all of you on the baby house finch birds. As of yesterday they are 10 days old and as you can see in this photo (click it to enlarge) there are 2 babies and they now have their eyes open and their beaks are fully formed & mom has been feeding them well. Their bodies are completely covered now in down and very fine feathers. They are not moving around too much just yet but when mom leaves the nest to feed they cry for her which breaks my heart :(

I think they are totally adorable but the sad thing is that within a week they will be gone as they usually fledge around 14-16 days (at least that has been our past experience). I will try to get a better photo tomorrow but it's really hard now since they are the same color as the nest!

~ Shelly ~

9 Basics for a Budget Friendly Adult Birthday Bash

2011-08-06T15:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Facebook's weekly reminder of your friends' birthdays, more attention is being paid to natal anniversaries than ever. Adults particularly tend to celebrate landmark birthdays that end in a round figure. The cost for such parties, however, can easily get out of hand. In the spirit of creating a back-to-basics bash, I offer the following nine tips.

1. Discount Decorations
Dollar stores are your go-to place for party decorations. You'll save up to 70-percent off party store prices and the selection is equally nice. Dollar stores also are a great place to finding inexpensive wrapping paper and reusable gift bags.

2. E-invitations
Facebook is one of the best ways to create a simple invitation using the "Event" function, but not everyone uses the social network. Several websites, including evite.com and SmileBox.com, offer free electronic invitations that do the trick while providing RSVP feedback.

3. Serve Finger Food
A four-course meal takes a lot of time, skill and money. Instead, keep guests happy with simple hors' doeuvres created in your kitchen. You'll want to avoid the pre-packaged appetizers from your grocery or specialty store as they'll cost you 40 percent to 60 percent more than homemade.

4. Borrow Your Finery
Stepping out in a new outfit or dress shirt will surely impress your guests, but it'll do little for your budget. Borrow something to wear from a friend for that special birthday-outfit feeling. If that's not possible, check out second-hand stores for a bit of frugal frippery.

5. Booze as Gifts
Instead of bringing gifts to the event, ask guests to contribute booze for the celebration. Alcohol is the most expensive element of any adult party, especially if you've invited a rowdy crowd.

6. Skip the Cake
Store-bought cakes are often expensive and don't always taste the best. Instead, serve simple cupcakes, baked goods, ice cream or -- horrors -- make your own cake from a box mix.

7. Select a Strategic Time Slot
Plan the event for directly after lunch or dinner, when guests will already have eaten and won't expect much in the way of food.

8. Register with CardAvenue.com
Take the burden off friends by having the birthday gal or guy register for gift cards at CardAvenue.com. They can buy discount gift cards for the recipients favorite stores or restaurants and they'll never know the cards were purchased at less than face value.

9. Don't Stress Out
You're less likely to buy extras at the last minute if you don't sweat the small stuff. Your role is to be a good hostess and you can't do that with frayed nerves.

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Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit http://www.andreaworoch.com/.

Are You Prepared

2011-08-06T15:00:00.001-04:00

Guest post from: Constance Rodgers

Is your family prepared? Your family should be prepared for disasters. It does not matter if it is bad weather, a job loss or the current economy. Job loss is often a disaster that catches families off guard. Unless a parent is aware months ahead of time they will be losing their job, it is often a shock and completely unexpected. We were caught off guard when I lost my job. It was not anything I had done to warrant a pink slip. My supervisor just told me very matter of fact like that my department was being ?phased out.? To this day I am still not sure what that means. Anyway, we did not have a penny saved and our family struggled for a long time. We are still not out of the woods, but we are doing a little better. The one luxury we do have is satellite TV from http://www.direct.tv/. The kids are very understanding and they accept the fact that they may have to play with their older toys a little longer or they may have to wait to go to the salon. I have a great family.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post. We were provided with the subject matter to write about but our thoughts, opinions and words are 100% our own. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy for additional information. All information contained on this blog is copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Bath & Body Works and Slatkin & Co. Giveaway Ends August 9th, 2011

2011-08-04T14:37:00.001-04:00

Bath & Body Works and Slatkin & Co. Present My Candle Recipe Winners & The Final Challenge!

The home fragrance authorities, Bath & Body Works and Slatkin & Co. are pleased to announce the three lucky winners of the MyCandleRecipe contest, selected by Harry Slatkin, Creator of Slatkin & Co., Erica Tucker, owner of Sweet E’s Mini Bakeshop in Los Angeles, and Givaudan Fragrance Expert, Jeanine Guerrero during a live cooking event held in New York City.

Tim Ong of Houston, Texas with Strawberry Pistachio Delight
Mary Shivers of Ada, Oklahoma with Tropical Tangerine Cake
Naylet La Rochelle of Miami, Florida with Maple Sticky Toffee Pudding

The Giveaway Prizes: Now the expert judges are turning the decision over to you to select the winner who deserves the ultimate grand prize – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Harry Slatkin in New York City to watch as his or her dessert turned into a gourmand candle. Simply log on to MyCandleRecipe.com to view exclusive cooking event footage and vote for your favorite contestant. FIVE lucky voters will also win a year’s supply of Slatkin & Co. candles!

Details: Head on over to MyCandleRecipe.com and take a look at the 3 finalists creations. You will see each of the 3 finalists listed and you simply vote for the one you would like to see win. (click on the vote button). A new window will pop up where you enter your email address and cast your vote. Please enter your correct email address as you will be sent an email with a link it that you will need to click to validate your vote which enters you into the giveaway.

What's In It For You? Well, FIVE lucky voters will also win a year's supply of Slatkin & Co. candles! Voting started on Wednesday, August 3rd and will close at midnight on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011. So head on over to MyCandleRecipe.com and cast your vote today!!!

~ Shelly ~

Birdwatching | Six Day Old Baby House Finch Birds

2011-08-02T12:41:00.001-04:00

Time to update you all again on our baby House Finch Birds! As of yesterday (when the photo was taken) there are 2 babies in the nest and they are now 6 days old. As you can see, their bodies are now 70% covered in down and about 15% of their feathers are through. Their eyes are still shut and their beaks are really starting to take form.

The mommy finch who I have named Ester (short for nester) is taking great care of these 2 birdies and only leaves the nest to feed or for when we mist it with water & take photos. The babies are growing at a bionic rate...doubled in size in only 6 days but yet still pretty small. I will update you all again in a few days.

~ Shelly

Please Participate in the My Coke Rewards Schools Program!

2011-08-02T10:04:00.000-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Coke Rewards for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When we turn on the news or read the newspaper all we hear these days is budget cuts, budget cuts and more budget cuts! This economy has been absolutely terrible for the past few years and one of the industries being hit the hardest is our nation's school systems. Every time I turn around I hear about more programs being cut at our local schools. This really upsets me and saddens me because our kids are the future of this country and they need to have a great education!

Today I would like to tell you about the My Coke rewards for schools program where you collect Coke caps from 15 different Coke brands and submit those points found on the caps online at the My Coke Rewards web site. Once you have submitted your reward points you can donate them to your local schools which they can cash them in to receive school supplies, art supplies and gym equipment. Even the smallest donation in points can greatly help our local schools which in turns helps our kids!

If you are a school employee or with any of your child's school groups you can set up an account on behalf of your child's school so that all of us here in the community can donate our Coke reward points to the school.

From July 13th through September 30th, 2011 Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds, worth $25,000 to schools and they are giving consumers who enter any code from Sprite or Sprite Zero beverages an entry into the sweepstakes to help their school win. Any new school who registers will be eligible to win this fabulous giveaway!

Please go to the My Coke Rewards web site TODAY and register for a free account. Collect your Coke Rewards caps and enter in the codes to receive points which you can donate to your local school. If we all pitch together we can ensure that our children get the items and equipment that they need to have to ensure their strong educational future. As parents and community members, we can do it!

How To Keep The Kids Busy and Comfortable While Taking A Long Road Trip

2011-08-01T04:04:00.000-04:00

Are you heading out soon on a road trip or family vacation and taking the kids along? If so, you will want to plan ahead and pack up several things that will keep the kids busy and keep them comfortable while you are traveling. How much you take along with you will depend on the number of children traveling with you and how long you will be traveling by car as children will need a nice variety of things to do so that they don't get too bored.

Here are a few suggestions on things you could purchase and pack to help keep the kids busy and comfortable while traveling this summer.

* Hangman Game (Paper and Pencils)
* Tic, Tac, Toe Game (Paper and Pencils)
* I Spy Something (Color) Game (Paper and Pencils)
* License Plate Collector Game(Paper and Pencils)
* Crossword Puzzles & Activity Books
* Coloring Books and Crayons
* Sticker Books
* Classic Travel-Sized Board Games (Checkers, Chess, Sorry)
* Electronic Hand-Held Games
* Dice Games (Yahtzee)
* Classic Card Games (Uno, Go Fish, etc.)
* DVD's and a DVD Player

In addition to packing games and activities to keep the kids busy while on a road trip you want to pack some cold beverages, various snacks, a few paper bag lunches, extra set of clothing for each person, a first aid kit, travel pillows and a few throw blankets.

Being prepared ahead of time while taking a road trip with the kids will save you a lot of stress and aggravation while out on the road.

Shelly Hill is the owner of the popular travel blog called Pennsylvania and Beyond located at http://pennsylvaniaandbeyond.blogspot.com/ where you can find valuable travel related articles, travel tips and lists of things to see and do across the United States.

Women's Express Jeans: Born to Rock the Sidewalk!

2011-08-01T00:02:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you would run into me in real life in my own hometown chances are you would see me wearing a great pair of jeans. Matter of fact, I guess you could say, I live in jeans and I love to wear them! With that said, I don't love every jean out in the marketplace and I am picky about the jeans I wear. I like my jeans to fit my curves and hug me in all of the right places.

One of the places I like to shop for denim jeans is at Express and I absolutely love the Express jeans because they come in some many figure flattering styles and right now they even have the trendy colored jeans! I like wearing boot cut, wide leg and relaxed fit jeans but on the weekends when I go out for girls night I like wearing jean leggings with an over-sized top or tunic.

When it comes to women's jeans, what is your style? Are you into those trendy colored jeans yet? I have been thinking about getting a pair of white jeans to take on vacation with me next month since white goes with just about everything.

Have you checked out the Express giveaway yet? If not, you should! Express is hosting a giveaway and they are giving away 50 pairs of Express Jeans! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win a pair of jeans as I sure could use a new pair for the fall!

So speak up...tell us, what is your denim jean style?

Men's Express Jeans: Born to Rock the Sidewalk!

2011-07-31T10:03:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Here in our home I am the one who purchases denim jeans for my husband as he hates to shop for his own clothes and that makes me pretty dang gone happy because I then get the pleasure of purchasing jeans for him that look good on his body type.

When I go out shopping for men's jeans I always head on over to Express as they carry the styles that he likes and the ones I think look great on him. Express jeans always has many options in stock and ready for us to purchase and one of the styles I like to buy for him are the Kingston Classic Fit Jeans because they look best on his body type. He isn't into skinny leg jeans at his age (age 49) so he likes the classic fits and I am more than happy to purchase them for him. He likes the Kingston jeans because they fit properly through the rise and through his hips and he likes that they are not body hugging jeans. I think they look awfully nice on him!

Just recently I found out about the Express giveaway where they are giving away 50 pairs of denim jeans! Wow! You have got to go over there and check out that giveaway and make sure that you enter! I know I entered and I am keeping my fingers cross that we win a pair!

Do you purchase jeans for your hubby or does your hubby go out and buy his own? Does your hubby like the trendy slim-fit jeans or does he like the classic-fit jeans?

Birdwatching | Four Day Old Baby House Finch Birds

2011-07-30T18:46:00.001-04:00

Well, the 4th egg never hatched and the third egg totally disappeared so we have 2 thriving baby house finch birds who are now 4 days old! If you click on the photo it will enlarge. You can see their bodies are becoming covered in down and you are starting to see the feathers coming in now too. I love how the 2 birdlets are hugging one another in the nest.

So far so good with mommy bird letting us mist the nest to keep it cool as we are still having 90+ degree weather days here and at times the birdlets seem to be panting and gasping from the heat. I think they are totally cute and I am still waiting to see if that 4th egg ever hatches.

I will get pics in 2 days and update the blog then.

Back to School on a Budget: 11 Back To School Savings Tips

2011-07-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

You can hear the groans across the country. Summer has barely begun and already retailers are holding back-to-school sales. Toys R Us actually started their sales July 1, with an end date of July 23. The National Retail Federation says some sales may continue through August, but there might not be the same selection. That's reason enough to consider shopping now.

The question is how to save without busting your budget. Here are 11 savings tips to help you through this early shopping season.

1. Take Inventory
Consider what you'll actually need before hitting the stores. Has your child grown out of their schools clothes or will they do so by September? Can you reuse last year's school supplies or will you need to replace some items?

2. Set a Budget
Create a shopping list and stick to it, so you avoid impulse purchases. That fancy-schmancy Transformers' Trapper Keeper can push your budget over the edge.

3. Use Coupons
There may be great deals, but coupons can make them even greater. Check out sites like CouponSherpa.com that offer a wide selection of online, printable, and mobile coupons for back to school savings.

4. Shop Early
While it seems awfully early to think about school shopping, this is when stores are rolling out their best deals of the year. As they say, the early bird gets the worm.

5. Go Mobile
Tap into your mobile phone with apps like "RedLaser," which allows you to scan bar codes and find any cheaper prices online or at other retailers.

6. Check Social Media
Twitter and Facebook are great places to find deals offered to a brand's social-media fan base. "Like" or "Follow" the merchant and keep an eye out for coupons and sales announcements.

7. Buy in Bulk
Take advantage of bulk offers on pens, crayons, paper and other items your kids will burn through over the course of the year. You might team up with other parents for bigger bulk purchases that will bring prices down even lower.

8. Spend More to Save More
Sometimes it costs money to save money. For example, Staples offers a 15-percent savings pass for $10, which you can use throughout the back-to-school season.

9. Exchange
Gather your family and friends -- along with their kid's school wardrobes -- for an exchange night of hand-me-downs that will save everyone money.

10. Wait Until Labor Day
Labor Day is the traditional time for big sales on school clothing. You might take a chance and wait until then to buy any necessary items for your child.

11. Buy for Yourself
Back-to-school sales aren't just for kids. You might stock up on office supplies, jeans and other items that traditionally go on sale during this season.

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Consumer and money saving expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for an in-studio, satellite or skype interview. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable Cell Phone Plans From Straight Talk 2

2011-07-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

After having the same cell phone company for the past 4 years hubby and I are ready to change to a new plan that is more cost effective. For the past 4 years we have been locked into a contract and way over-paying our current cell phone provider and not getting the service that we expect. For the past 2 weeks we have been doing some online research trying to find a new and better option.

A few days ago I stumbled upon some information for Straight Talk 2 and I am really interested in this one because there are no long term contracts and there are no credit checks! yeah! I love that they have fabulous nationwide coverage with reliable connections. I read that they use only the trusted cell phone manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia and Kyocera and that is important to me.

I know with our current (soon to be old) cell phone carrier that they roped ups in hook, line and sinker to their long-term contract which has taken us years to get out of! I know when I get our new cell phone service set up that one of the first things I am going to do is call a friend that lives over on the West Coast and have a nice longer conversation with her.

I am thinking about getting the "All You Need Plan" which is for heavy phone users like myself and it comes with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages and 30 MB of web data. The unlimited monthly service is only $45 a month and includes, calls, pictures, text messages and web which is fabulous price! Wow, with all the money I am going to be saving...I might be able to take an extra vacation this year! yeah!

Another advantage by choosing Straight Talk 2 is that 411 calls are no extra charge! yes...you heard that correctly, no extra charge! There are no activation fees, no reactivation fees and no cancelation charges! The Straight Talk 2 International Long Distance Service is a flexible prepaid calling service that helps you to stay within your household's budget and you can make your calls from home, the office or by cell phone while out and about doing your daily errands.

Straight Talk 2 seriously has everything you need and it's all wrapped up in a nice company that gives you all of these services for an affordable price. You know what they say... mom knows best and this is definitely a company you need to check out for all of your cell phone needs!

Birdwatching | Two of the Four Eggs Have Now Hatched!

2011-07-27T20:06:00.000-04:00

Wow...check out these cutie pies! I blogged last week about a mommy bird (she is a house finch) who made a beautiful nest in one of my hanging baskets and then she laid 4 tiny little eggs. Well, we have hatchlings! This photo shows two of the hatchlings which are now 24 hours old. They can't hold their heads up yet and they have no feathers. They do have a light sparse layer of down on them but no feathers yet. They cry and cry for mom when she leaves the nest and so far she is really protective of them but let's hubby and I take photos and let's us mist the basket with water. We have had over 96 degree weather here for a week so I think she is happy about us misting water on the basket a few times a day. As soon as the other two hatch, I will get pictures of them.

Our other basket has 5 day old hatchlings in that one also with 4 little birdlets and they are also house finches but that mommy bird is pretty fiesty and not letting me get the photos of them.

I will update the blog in a few days with new close up photos of our new baby birdlets!

~ Shelly ~

8 Alternative Wedding Trends for 2011

2011-07-19T15:25:00.000-04:00

Today's brides and grooms aren't settling for what's always been done. They're infusing creativity, personality, cultural trends and most of all, they're having fun. They're creating memorable experiences not just for themselves but for friends and family who contribute to their big day.

Author and marketing guru Seth Godin recently spoke at a Chick-fil-A Leadercast about how the new normal is not normal at all. People are questioning why we do things the way we do and turning tradition on its head. It's affecting all industries, including the wedding industry.

Here's a look at eight alternative wedding trends that are popping up in 2011.

1. Mini Wedding Dresses
Whether it's glammed up, vintage or breezy casual, knee-length wedding dresses are more practical and more personalized for today's bride. As more stores roll out wedding boutiques like J.Crew and White House Black Market, brides can pick up a wedding dress from their favorite retail store. And let's not forget that for some, that's Etsy, where they can pick up a custom hand-made gown for as little as $40.

2. Fun with Color
From black accents to bold color blocks, color is king this year. And it's not limited to the bride. Non-matching bridesmaids are coordinating in patterns or complementary color combinations like this crafty DIY wedding of mega-blogger Elsie Larson. In addition to bold color palettes, shades of gray and stripes continue to be big color trend for the year.

3. Alternative Gift Registries
Many couples are registering for gifts that will help them in a practical way. Travel agencies are starting to offer honeymoon gift certificates and some auto dealers are offering gift certificates toward the purchase of a new vehicle. CardAvenue.com allows couples to create a gift card registry for national retailers. Couples can get creative as they want: they can request gift cards to home improvement stores to offset costs of home renovation, or register for local restaurants so they can continue dating as newlyweds on a budget.

4. Punchy Personalization
While the structure of the wedding remains the same (you've got a bride and groom, an officiant, a group of family and friends, a ceremony and reception) the look is anything but. The time may be different (think brunch), the seating may be smarter (seated at tables & staying put for reception), the furniture may be funky (varying size and shape or non-traditional choices), and forget the wedding favors, today's couples are giving personalized takeaways, like souvenir photo booth picture strips.

5. Eco-friendly Finds
Outdoor spaces, reclaimed furniture, flea market finds and even wooden rings are helping eco-conscious brides and grooms celebrate in a big way without the environmental impact. Green weddings can feature locally grown food and seed-lined wedding invitations that can be planted.

CarbonFund and Terrapass offer wedding carbon footprint calculators, where air travel is most likely to be the big offender. Couples can purchase carbon offsets to lessen the impact, or request contributions as gifts.

6. The Rustic South
There's been a rise in rustic weddings in the past several years and it mirrors a growing hunger in popular culture for all things Southern (think The Civil Wars, J.Crew fashion, artisan jeans, home-brewed beer). Today's vintage and rustic weddings are all about embracing simplicity and infusing new life into old things. From location (barns or old warehouses) to furniture & decor (antiques and flea market favorites) to apparel (vintage clothes and even broach bouquets), many couples are going for the nostalgic feel of the old South.

7. Cultural Cues
Couples looking to add levity to their big day are incorporating pop culture trends. Food cart fare is showing up in pre-wedding cocktail hour and the after-party. Culturally significant themes like retro Asian flavors and ethnic icons like sushi, ninjas, geisha girls and Chinese lanterns are being used in inventive ways. Vintage board games are showing up as Monopoly pieces in bouquets and Scrabble letter tiles as signs for the buffet.

8. Death of the Wedding Cake
The exorbitant cost of traditional tiered wedding cakes have given way to nontraditional desserts like square mini-cakes and cupcake tiers or a dessert buffet that might feature pies, macaroons, Whoopie Pies, cake pops, color-coordinated candy and even ice cream sundae stations or cookies and milk bars.

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Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
For more information, to book a segment, or arrange an interview, email Cara Davis at cara@cheapwaysto.com.

Bird Watching | Mommy Finch Laid 4 Beautiful Eggs In Her Nest!

2011-07-17T17:57:00.000-04:00

As some of you know...I absolutely love birds and I love to go bird watching from time to time and every year I look forward to various birds building nests in my hanging flower baskets and this year is no exception.

About 10 days ago we saw a mommy finch flying in and out of one of my hanging baskets so earlier today we took the basket down to water my plants and low and behold...we got a brand new nest with 4 tiny little eggs inside! Each egg is no bigger than a dime! Mommy wasn't too happy about us coming near the flower basket but after we hung it back up and misted it with some water she came right back and sat in her nest.I will check it again in a few days to see if the eggs hatched yet and to give you all a progress report. I look forward to this every summer so I am very excited that for the 4th summer in a row...I get to watch the eggs hatch and then watch the babies grow and fledge!

~* Shelly * ~

Wordless Wednesday ~ Grampy and Me!

2011-07-12T23:14:00.001-04:00

As usual...not so wordless! LOL Today I am sharing a photo that I took a few days ago of the wee one with her grampy! I had taken the wee one out into the backyard to pick some hydrangeas as she LOVES flowers so I put them into a small vase for her so she could take them home to her house and she was letting her grampy "sniff" them before she left. She is a totally grampy's girl!!! ~ Shelly

Get A Free Sample of Honey Nut Cheerios!!!

2011-07-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the BUZZ? Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal is America's Favorite Cereal!*

As a special thank you for being such sweet fans, Honey Nut Cheerios is hosting a "Billion 'O' Giveaway," providing free samples to fans beginning July 4, 2011, available while supplies last.

So, if your family is nuts about Honey Nut Cheerios, zip on over to FavCereal.com for your sweet sample! In fact, grab a spoon and let's enjoy this moment together.

In addition to checking out the "Billion 'O' Giveaway", make sure to BEE-come a fan of Cheerios on Facebook and get involved in the conversation about Honey Nut Cheerios!

Extreme Coupon Show Backlash as Stores Change Policies: Learn Coupon Do's & Don'ts

2011-07-07T18:36:00.001-04:00

A recent article on The Consumerist found the TLC show, Extreme Couponing, has sparked a trend of out-of-control couponers who ransack stores with little regard for fellow shoppers. Merchants have taken notice and many major retailers are starting to change their policies. Here are some of the big ones.

Rite Aid
Rite Aid has taken the same steps as Target to crack down on shoppers looking to exploit BOGO coupon offers. The drug store chain has also made other changes including limiting the number of coupons per item to four. If inventory is running low, managers may limit the numbers further.

Target
The biggest change at Target comes to their buy one, get one (BOGO) policy. They now only allow one BOGO coupon per purchase. Previously, customers could "stack" Target printable coupons, combining store and manufacturer BOGO coupons to get both items for free.

Walgreens
Many high tech shoppers have even started to crack coupon barcodes, allowing them to use coupons on products they're not intended for. Walgreens is working to combat this fraud by adopting a new type of barcode. New barcodes will be able to hold more data and can better make sure Walgreens coupons are used for the right product.

Publix
At Publix stores throughout the country they're also limiting the number of coupons that can be used on one product. Their new policy limits couponers to one manufacturers coupon and one store coupon per item.

Shopping with coupons is certainly a smart way to save, but there are right and wrong ways to do it. Here are some basic do's and dont's to help you coupon with class.

DO play by the rules. Couponing isn't too complicated and common sense should get you by in most cases. Rules vary store to store, so if you're planning to use a large amount of coupons, it helps to brush up on coupon policies before you shop. This includes making sure you're buying the item the coupon is intended for and checking to see if they'll accept expired coupons or not.

DON'T clear the shelf. In the eyes of casual shoppers, clearing entire shelves of popular sale items crosses the line between couponing and hoarding. If you really want to stock up on certain products, try making multiple trips or call ahead and ask a manager if they'll set aside an order for you.

DO be organized before you check out. It's a nightmare for cashiers and people waiting in line when you hand over a haphazard pile of miscellaneous coupons. It'll be much appreciated if you clip them before hand and make sure they're all facing the same direction. Also, remember to remove coupons for products you didn't end up buying. If you are using mobile coupons, have them ready on your smartphone for the cashier to scan.

DON'T shop during the busiest times. The stress level of those waiting in line during peak times is high enough. Using dozens of coupons takes time and will only irritate other shoppers. Instead, go shopping when business is slow. It takes the pressure off to complete the transaction as quickly as possible for both you and the cashier.

DO be polite to the cashier and fellow customers. Sure, you might have some knowledge other customers and even clerks don't, but it's no excuse to treat others like they're beneath you. If a cashier isn't familiar with coupon policies, stay calm and ask to speak with a supervisor. They're much more helpful if you don't lose your cool. When your cart is overflowing, give those behind you a heads up that you'll be using coupons. If someone is waiting with just a loaf of bread and gallon of milk, let them cut ahead.

DON'T steal coupons! A growing trend turning the tide against couponers is theft. Newspapers and newspaper subscribers are increasingly finding coupon inserts stolen. This is a big no-no and can get you into some serious trouble. Many people will willingly part with their unused inserts if you ask nicely.

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, is available to share "Extreme Coupon Show Backlash as Stores Change Policies: Learn Coupon Do's & Don'ts" with your audience for an in-studio, satellite or skype interview. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, FOX & Friends, ABC News NOW, MSNBC, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Smart Money and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

For more information, to book a segment, or arrange an interview, please call 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Two Girls On July 4th

2011-07-05T22:02:00.001-04:00

My 2 beautiful girls on July 4th...our 26 year old daughter and 2 year old grand daughter!

Monte Carlo is Now Playing in Theaters! Great Movie For Girl's Night Out!

2011-07-03T04:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you heard about the new summer blockbuster movie called Monte Carlo yet? This wonderful movie staring the talented actress Selena Gomez just hit theaters and is already a hit! This is a great mother-daughter bonding movie or a great movie to go out and see with your best girlfriends.

The movie is about a young woman named Grace (played by Selena Gomez), her step-sister and her best friend. Grace inherits some money and plans a trip to Paris with her best friend and her step-sister for their dream vacation living the high life. While on this great adventure the three of them discover who they really are and have a lot of fun doing it. This movie is considered to be a romantic comedy.

You really need to check out the as it is so funny! The movie has a great storyline and the 3 actresses in the movie do a great job playing their parts. I think this movie will have you on the seat of your pants laughing as it is so entertaining and a great movie to go out and see this summer.

The movie is now playing in theaters and you can purchase your tickets at your local theater or at Fandango if you want to avoid long lines at the ticket counter. You should fan/like Monte Carlo over on Facebook so that you can be kept up to date with all of the movie news and you can interact with the fans.

This is a fabulous movie! Grab your mother, daughter and a few friends and get out to your local theater today to go see it! It is entertaining, funny and has a great storyline!

Monte Carlo - The Must See Summer Movie!!!

2011-06-30T03:08:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the best things about summer is all of the movies that get released during the summer blockbuster movie season and this summer seems to have a lot of great movies hitting theaters. One of the movies I am most excited to see is the new Monte Carlo movie staring the actress Selena Gomez which hits theaters tomorrow so I plan on going out and seeing it right away!

This movie is about 3 young women and one of them accidentally inherits some money. They plan a dream vacation to Paris where they go on a fabulous adventure together and they discover who they really are. This movie has a great story line and is classified as a romantic comedy. You can check out the for more information. I think once you see the movie's trailer you will want to add it to your movie MUST SEE list too!

If you are looking to purchase your tickets before the movie's release date you can check out Fandango because they will be selling tickets starting on June 29th, 2011. I would like to invite you to check out the Monte Carlo movies fan page over on Facebook and make sure you like/follow them over there so you are kept up-to-date about all of the movie's news. In addition, you will be able to interact with all of the movie's fans too!

So, grab a few of your girlfriend's and plan a girls night out and go see the new movie called Monte Carlo! The summer blockbuster movie season is finally here and I am looking forward to seeing this movie as soon as it hits theaters on July 1st!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Toddlers and Doughnuts!

2011-06-29T22:21:00.001-04:00

Gotta love toddlers and chocolate doughnuts!

Finally Found Some Time To Craft This Weekend!

2011-06-26T19:20:00.001-04:00

I have been so busy with work the past few weeks that I haven't had much time to craft so this weekend I was determined to take some time off of work and to get into my scrapbooking room. I was able to get 4 complete scrapbook layouts finished!

The layout above I did earlier today and I tried a new technique which was using white puffy paint to outline that flower and then I loaded on a slew of glitter. Wow...that flower show has some glittery bling power now...too bad that doesn't show up in the photo.

The pictures our of my 2 year old grand daughter but were taken when she was just 1 month old. I can't believe how time flies! I have been making a scrapbook for her and it is just about full so I will be giving the first scrapbook to her soon. I plan on making many scrapbooks for her over her lifetime as I love capturing these moments and preserving them for future generations.

Finally...I got back into my scrapbooking room and it felt great!

Shelly

8 Ways You Can Volunteer And Get Involved In Your Community

2011-06-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

When it comes to getting involved in your local community and doing some volunteer work, there are many things that you can do. I feel it's important to figure out how much time you can donate and what really interests you, before signing up for the volunteer work.

Here are 8 ideas you might want to consider.

1. The Local Library - Contact your neighborhood public library and offer to come in and read books to children. Our library is always looking for a few good volunteers.

2. Community Clean Up Days - Twice a year we help to organize a neighborhood clean-up day. Call your local center to see about a program in your area.

3. Meals On Wheels Programs - Does your area have a local Meals On Wheels Program? If so, call in and offer your help. There are thousands of seniors who need hot and healthy meals delivered to them on a daily or weekly basis.

4. Habitat For Humanity - This is a well-known national program that you can get involved in. You don't need to be a professional carpenter, painter or plumber. Call them up and get involved.

5. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army - If you have a local chapter in your area, they are always looking for a few good volunteers to do a variety of tasks.

6. Public Parks and Recreations Department - Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? If so, this would be a great group to get involved in. Contact your local agency and see what is available and where they need some help.

7. Cancer Treatment Centers - If you are handy with a sewing machine and enjoy sewing, contact your local cancer treatment centers or physician's offices who treat cancer patients. You could spend a few afternoons sewing up some chemo caps (hats) and donate them to your local centers. Cancer patients really appreciate them.

8. Local Hospitals - The majority of hospitals across the nation have some type of volunteer program. Hospitals need volunteers to help transport patients around the hospital, to bring deliveries of balloons and flowers to the patient's rooms, deliver the newspaper and other helpful...but small tasks.

As a busy mother and wife, I still enjoy finding the time to get out into my community and doing some volunteer work. I feel it's important to give back and to pay it forward.

Shelly Hill has been volunteering in her local community with various organizations for the past 20 years. Shelly recommends that you find something that interests you and to get involved with a local group once a month. You can visit Shelly online at http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com/ or you can visit Shelly's recipe blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com/ for some free family-friendly recipes.

Monte Carlo The New Hot Summer Blockbuster Movie

2011-06-26T00:03:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that summer is here I really look forward to seeing all of the hot summer blockbuster movies and the movie that is at the top of my list to see this summer is the new Monte Carlo movie starring the beautiful actress Selena Gomez.

The Monte Carlo movie hits local theaters on Friday, July 1st, 2011 and I plan on purchasing my tickets to go see the movie from Fandango on June 29th, 2011 when you can purchase early-release tickets. After all...standing in line at our local theater is not one of my favorite things to do so purchase your tickets from Fandango!

This movie is about a girl named Grace (played by Selena Gomez), her step-sister and her best friend. Grace accidentally inherits some money and they go on a dream vacation to Paris, France for an adventure. While they are having fun on their dream vacation they discover who they really are. You can check out the to get a good idea of what the movie is really about. I am really excited to go out and see it because I love romantic comedies!

Please follow the Monte Carlo Facebook fan page so you can be kept up to date on the movie's news, happenings and interact with the movie's fans! In my opinion, this is one of the MUST SEE movies of the summer! So grab a few friends and plan a night out and go and see it!

Plan A Girl's Night Out With Your Girlfriends To See The New Monte Carlo Movie!

2011-06-22T04:02:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am really excited about the new Monte Carlo movie that starts the beautiful Selena Gomez that is hitting theaters on Friday, July 1st, 2011 because I absolutely love romantic comedies and this one looks interesting and fun...a perfect movie for a girl's night out!

I spent some time earlier today watching the and I must admit, I was laughing and enjoying the trailer so much that I am really excited about going out to see this movie with my friends Renee, Jenelle and Kathy once it hits our local theaters! Every summer we plan a girl's night out during the months of June, July and August so this is the perfect movie for us to enjoy.

What is super nice is that we don't have to stand in any lines to purchase our tickets because starting on June 29th, 2011 we can purchase early-release tickets from Fandango which is just fabulous since I hate standing in long lines at our theaters.

I would like to invite you to check out Monte Carlo over on Facebook and make sure you follow/like them over there so you can be kept up to date with all of the Monte Carlo movie news! Grab your girlfriend's and plan a girl's night out and go out and see the fabulous movie called Monte Carlo.

Six Natural Nutrients That Can Reduce PMS Symptoms

2011-06-21T12:03:00.000-04:00

Why Are Women Given Anti-Depressants To Relieve PMS?

Six Natural Nutrients That Can Reduce PMS Symptoms

Nearly 10 years ago, the FDA approved the anti-depressant prescription drug Zoloft for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and one expert believes that’s 10 years too long, especially when natural alternatives have been proven to reduce PMS symptoms without drugs.

“It seems almost alien to me why someone would take a drug to relieve PMS when the drug’s list of potential side effects – drowsiness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, anxiety, panic attacks, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness and depression – are almost an identical match for the symptoms of the ailment they’re trying to relieve,” said Michael Mooney, Director of Research and Education at natural health company SuperNutrition Life Extension Research (http://www.supernutritionusa.com/).

“There is a solid base of research that has shown that women can reduce PMS without taking a prescription drug. In fact, there are six simple, safe nutrients the body uses all the time that have been shown to reduce PMS discomfort – but they need to be taken in adequate potencies. These nutrients don’t have a list of side effects that sound worse than the PMS itself.”

Mooney cited six natural nutrients that have been shown to relieve PMS:

· Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – According to a study of 630 women published in the British Journal of Clinical Practice, 100 mg to 150 mg of supplemental vitamin B6 reduced PMS in about 66 percent of the women, while 160 mg to 200 mg of vitamin B6 reduced PMS in about 79 percent of the women.

· Vitamin D – The Archives of Internal Medicine published a study in 2005 which concluded that women with a higher median vitamin D intake of 706 IU per day had significantly less (or no) PMS than subjects who got a median of the least amount of vitamin D, 112 IU per day. So it’s not just about getting some vitamin D, but rather getting a potent dose.

· Chaste tree berry (Vitex) – This extract has been shown to reduce PMS, based on a randomized placebo-controlled 3-month study of premenstrual syndrome in 170 women (average age 36) which was published in the British Medical Journal. The results showed that 20 mg of chaste berry extract reduced PMS about 28% better than placebo. The women noted significant reductions in irritability, mood disturbances, anger, headache, and breast fullness compared to the placebo group.

· Calcium carbonate – The Journal of General Internal Medicine published the results of a study that concluded that calcium carbonate could reduce pain and water retention before and during a woman’s cycle. This randomized placebo-controlled study of 78 women showed a 58 percent better reduction in PMS with 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate than with placebo during the luteal and menstrual phases of the reproductive cycle.

· Magnesium – Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies published in the Journal of Women’s Health showed that magnesium at 360 mg per day reduced headaches and pain, and at 200 mg reduced weight gain, fluid retention, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating.

· Vitamin E – The Journal of Reproductive Medicine published a study that showed vitamin E reduced 15 categories of PMS symptoms. This randomized, placebo-controlled study confirmed a previous study that showed all major categories of PMS symptoms are improved with a daily supplementation of 400 IU of vitamin E." In all 15 categories of symptoms, vitamin E supplemented women reported 27-42 percent reduction in severity.

“The effects of these nutrients start the first month and generally reach maximum PMS reduction levels by month three,” Mooney added. “Women deserve to share the fruits of modern nutritional science and be informed that they can reduce their PMS discomfort without relying on drugs with all their dangerous side effects, but instead, by using nutrients that are natural to the body in the proven effective potencies.”

About Michael Mooney

Michael Mooney is the Director of Research and Education for SuperNutrition Life Extension Research (http://www.supernutritionusa.com/). He is the author of the optimal health handbook, Built to Survive. He is a scientific advisor for medical researchers and has appeared as a nutritional expert on both radio and TV health-oriented talk shows. He is a nutritional consultant to athletes and nutritional doctors.

Speeding Down The Highway With My New Wheels!

2011-06-18T18:29:00.001-04:00

Check out the wee ones new wheels! The wee one got a new car for her second Birthday and she absolutely loves it! That is one hot sport's car that the wee one has and I think it's probably hotter than my car! LOL

The car can be made to "go" by her (there is a gas pedal and brake) but the car can also be made to "go" thanks to the remote control (radio control) that comes with it. She absolutely loves this new car and does pretty good at driving it around herself. It is great for indoor and outdoor use and so far...she hasn't wrecked it yet!
I took these two photos earlier today down at my daughters house when we were down there helping the wee one learn how to drive her new car. Pappy volunteered to teach her to drive when she turns 16 so more power to him since teenagers make me too nervous in the car. Maybe next year for her Birthday we will get her a speed boat!

Delicious Jalapeno Pepper Lemonade Recipe

2011-06-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

During the late summer months and early fall months we love to make some homemade lemonade that has been infused with the spicy kick of Jalapeno peppers. We always wait until this time of the season to make it as we grow a garden in our backyard and that is when our Jalapeno peppers are harvested and at their best! Here is how we make our Jalapeno Lemonade.

Ingredients:

6-7 fresh lemons
1 large Jalapeno pepper
2 to 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
cold water
*optional: one additional lemon for garnishing glasses

Directions:

While handling Jalapeno peppers you want to wear a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands from oil which can burn sensitive skin. Next, wash your Jalapeno under cool running water to remove any debris. Place the pepper on a cutting board and remove it's stem, seeds and membranes. Cut the pepper into thin strips, measuring no more than an 1/8" wide. Next, place 2 1/2 cups of warm water into a 2 quart saucepan along with the Jalapeno pepper strips and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture up to a boil and then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until it looks like syrup. Turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

While your syrup is cooling, squeeze the juice from 6-7 large fresh lemons into your beverage pitcher. Once your syrup is cool use a strainer to strain the liquid into your beverage pitcher. Discard the strips of pepper into the trash. Add cold tap water to your pitcher until it's full. Place it into the refrigerator and chill for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

If desired, take an additional lemon and cut it into wedges and use one wedge per glass for garnishing.

Gossiping About Friends or Ex-Friends is NOT Cool!

2011-06-15T21:12:00.000-04:00

I think having friendships with other women is an important part of who we are as individuals. A good friend will be there for you through thick and thin and often times that friend will put you before themselves. I know this to be true because I have been Best Friends with my friend Renee since we were both 5 years old and to this day... We are still best friends and see each other every week! Renee has been there for me for the past 38 years and I have been there for her. As I sit here and type this...I really realize how much the two of us have been through together. It is nice knowing that I can depend on her to be there for me and she can depend on me to be there for her.

Over the decades as I have made new friends or lost old friends one thing that has always irked me off was the fact that some women like to sit around and "gossip" about their current friends and/or ex-friends. You know...I really don't care for gossip unless it is good gossip about a friend and the reason I despise gossip so much as I have been the victim of gossip way too many times that I care to count. It is a shame that "other" people usually believe the gossiper instead of going to the person that is being gossiped about and asking them for their side of the story. You know the old saying...There are always two sides to every coin and there is always two sides to the story that is being spread around as gossip.

What I found over the years and as I have matured is that the person who is sitting around spreading the gossip is usually the person who has the "major" issue and not the person he/she is gossiping about.

One thing is for sure...gossip ALWAYS gets back to the person who was being gossiped about and when it gets back to them...it makes them angry and then after the anger wears off they get very hurt.

It is really a shame that some women/men don't have better things to do with their time than to sit around and spread gossip about another person...especially when that gossip is untrue.

Those are my thoughts today! ~ Shelly

Walgreen's Private Label Products are a Good Choice for Saving Money

2011-06-15T21:01:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the costs of food and products going through the roof, my family is always looking for ways to cut costs and save money. I have found that using private label products like the One Daily For Women High Potency Multivitamin/Multimineral Tablets by Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are a great value and great quality as well.

I have used the One Daily For Women High Potency Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement Tablets from Walgreens many times and I am pleased with the performance and with the knowledge that I am supplementing my diet in a positive manner. So many foods these days have a lot more additives and a lot less healthy benefits so supplementing my diet is a great way to make sure that I am doing I am can to stay healthy. Along with proper diet and more greens, using a private label vitamin such as this one is a great choice.

Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are a great value, allowing families and individuals to save money without sacrificing quality or trust. With the rising cost of health care, saving money on over-the-counter medications and vitamins can really benefit a family’s budget. In addition to being an exceptional value, Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are 100% guaranteed and are Walgreen's pharmacist recommended. Even though they are a private label brand, most contain the same active ingredients as other national brands. To learn more, you can visit http://www.walgreens.com/walgreensbrand. They also have the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ that provides health and wellness services.

To celebrate their private label products, several bloggers are holding giveaways on their sites where you can enter to win a Walgreens Gift Card. Come by and you can enter to win.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy 2nd Birthday To The Wee One!

2011-06-15T13:27:00.000-04:00

Wow..time flies and I can't believe it's time for another wordless wednesday! (for me...almost wordless). This week I am featuring a photo of my mother who is 63 years old and looks dang good for her age and a photo of my grand daughter who just turned 2 years old in May!