Organizing a Family - family, finance, and fun

Children's Advil Coupon

2012-01-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

Smiley360 is sending me a free Children's Advil to try. Click here and get a coupon for $1 off!

NYC Lip Gloss Product Review

2012-01-07T18:40:00.002-05:00

Influenster sent me a free trial of NYC Liquid Lipshine. I just tried it and I love it! It is really glossy and feels great too! They sent a Nude color which really looked good! This is a product that I plan on purchasing in the future!

imPRESS Press-on Manicure

2012-01-04T06:12:00.003-05:00

Influenster sent me the Holiday Voxbox to try some free products to test! In the box there was an imPRESS Press-on Manicure set. They do have a $1 off coupon on their site! They last for about a week and have no drying time. I am sooo excited to get to try it!!! They look gorgeous!!

Jingit - Get Paid to Watch Short Videos

2011-11-18T06:16:00.002-05:00

I found a great new way to make a little extra money. It is Jingit which runs through Facebook. You watch super short videos and each one is worth a certain amount which gets deposited into your account right away. You request a money card which they mail to you and then all the money gets deposited right in. You can make $5 a week just watching some short videos but if people you invite join, then you can earn even more. Jingit videos seem to pay way more than the Beezag videos and it seems much easier.

Free Auction Site

2011-11-11T16:40:00.004-05:00

Listia is a site where you can buy and sell stuff for free. You get points by doing the tutorial and selling items. There are LOTS of things you can buy with these points. There are even some coupons for free products in the Other section!

Quick Survey Site!!

2011-11-11T05:52:00.002-05:00

I have a new favorite survey site. It's PaidViewpoint.com. They have a new survey everyday. They are super quick - less than 6 minutes each. And you never get screened out. You have to have a paypal account and you have to verify your phone number to assure you only get one account. Check the site everyday and make sure you really read the questions. At first they check to see if you are really reading them. The more you do the more you are able to earn!

Neti Pot

2011-11-10T17:05:00.003-05:00

Smiley360 is giving me a rebate for a free Arm and Hammer Neti Pot. You can get one too! Just click here.

Superpoints

2011-11-09T06:20:00.006-05:00

Superpoints is another website similar to Swagbucks. The more you do on the website the more points you get. It looks like 100 points is worth about $1. They send you emails that say 'you got __ points. Click to get your points.' Clicking just takes you to their site. The more you update your profile, the more points you are able to get.

Beezag

2011-11-05T15:48:00.001-04:00

I found a new site! Beezag - they pay you for watching very short videos. Check it out!

Teenage Acne

2011-11-05T15:40:00.005-04:00

I have struggled with my son's acne. I have kept him supplied with acne products but nothing was helping. Then I read Jessica Wu's new book, Feed Your Face. She talked about how what we are eating effects our skin. She said that sugar was terrible for acne and that the products containing Salicylic acid (like all the ones I had purchased) did not help for teenage acne. She said that teenage acne was best treated by Benzoyl Peroxide (the same product that is in Proactiv.) I went to Walmart and found that only a a few of the products contained the Benzoyl Peroxide, most contain the Salicylic acid instead. One is an ointment called Zapzyt. Zapzyt has almost totally cleared up my son's acne! What a difference! I totally recommend it.
Just found a $2 mail in rebate on this - expires 12/21/11.

Old Navy Workout Clothes

2011-10-29T11:59:00.001-04:00

Crowdtap gave me a coupon for a free workout outfit for me and a friend! I love it! It came just when I needed one!

PAM Cooking Spray Coupon!!

2011-10-28T14:29:00.000-04:00

Smiley sent me free PAM cooking spray! Click the link and they'll give you a 50 Cent off coupon!

Old Navy Jeans

2011-08-25T06:44:00.002-04:00

So I was chosen to try Old Navy jeans from Crowdtap. I absolutely love them! I got one pair free and was able to give a friend a free pair. I really like the fit and think I'll end up going back and buying some more!

Free Swiffer Duster

2011-08-16T20:42:00.002-04:00

Vocalpoint is currently offering a free Swiffer Duster to members. Vocalpoint offers have been going really fast -so hurry and request yours!

Free Subscription to Shape from Rewards Gold

2011-08-13T18:00:00.001-04:00

Go here for a free subscription to Shape magazine from Reward's Gold. This won't last long!

Michaels Free Make It Take It

2011-08-12T14:32:00.004-04:00

Saturday August 13 Michaels is having a free Make it Take it activity from 12 to 2. It is a Duck Tape Folder shown here.

Swagbucks

2011-08-10T15:06:00.001-04:00

Join Swagbucks to earn gift cards! Earn points when you search!

$2 Off Pork Ribs

2011-08-03T15:53:00.002-04:00

Here is a bricks coupon for $2 off any brand pork ribs - fresh or frozen, 2 lbs or more.

Free Mini Photo Book

2011-08-03T06:19:00.001-04:00

Put your email address into MyPublisher and they will give you a code for a free Mini Photo Book with free shipping! Hurry! Mine expires August 8.

Free Kashi Sample

2011-08-03T06:18:00.001-04:00

Get a free sample of a 'kid friendly' granola bar or cereal. It will probably come with a coupon too. Here

Staples $3 coupon

2011-06-07T19:12:00.002-04:00

Right now Staples has a coupon for $3 off any purchase $3 or more. Cannot be used on HP ink/toner, gift cards, stamps, or phone cards.

Playtex Sports Wipes

2011-05-19T06:19:00.001-04:00

I got a Crowdtap action for Playtex Sports Wipes!They sent me free samples of Playtex Sports Wipes! The idea is if you are out and about and feel like you need to clean up - you could use these. I suppose they would be handy to keep in your purse. I was glad to have one in my purse after my daughter had a pancake breakfast at a restaurant. It helped contain the stickiness...

Sam's Club Open House

2011-04-14T07:26:00.002-04:00

Sam's Club is having an open house for nonmembers this weekend, April 15 - April 17 from 11-6. There is no upcharge for nonmembers this time! See details here.

Cellfire deals today!

2011-04-14T06:36:00.001-04:00

Sign in to cellfire.com before noon and you may get a 50 cent to $3 off your next shopping trip depending on the stores you use. Kroger is one of the stores participating.

Family Tools Website

2011-03-26T08:08:00.002-04:00

I found an awesome website with lots of resources for families. allprodad.com has tons of printables that you can't find elsewhere such as a teen driving contract, a cell phone contract, a going to a dance worksheet, chore charts, conversation starters, a video game/computer time log... Also quizes to see how your family is doing... One of the best sites I've found! It is connected to Coach Dungy. I highly recommend it.

Free Target Beauty Bag

2011-03-06T16:09:00.001-05:00

Hurry! This won't last long! Go here and Target will mail you a free cosmetic bag full of samples.

Free Math Drill Worksheets

2011-03-06T06:04:00.002-05:00

Go here for free printable math worksheets. They have 5 minute drill worksheets that I know my kids could use!

Love Language Quiz

2011-02-13T14:48:00.002-05:00

Just in time for Valentines Day! Here is a quiz that tells you what your love language is or what is important to you in a relationship. It is important to consider that what is important to you might not matter at all to your husband or child.

A New Old Tradition

2010-12-13T19:37:00.002-05:00

I recently read that the reason the small Animal Crackers boxes have handles is that they used to hang them on the Christmas tree! I think I might start that tradition at my house!

Shop at Home

2010-12-13T19:35:00.000-05:00

Join Shop at Home for coupons, free shipping codes and more!

Energy Levels

2010-12-08T05:57:00.002-05:00

Found a really good article on ways to get more energy at Zenhabits.

Hosties

2010-12-07T19:47:00.002-05:00

The Hosties application on Facebook is taking applications for a Raisonette Baking Party! Must invite 6 guests, post at least 5 photos and send out guest surveys. Limited number of spots available!

Tom's of Maine

2010-12-07T18:14:00.002-05:00

I got free samples of Tom's of Maine toothpaste from Bzzagent! They use only natural ingredients. Can't wait to try it!

Twinings of London Tea

2010-10-28T06:51:00.001-04:00

I get to try Twinings of London tea thanks to Smile.ly! Click here for their free shipping offer!

Free Products

2010-10-09T16:34:00.002-04:00

Go to Smile.ly and sign up to try free products. It looks like another social marketing site like buzzagent. I've read lots of good reviews about it and just signed up myself.

Reviewing Movies/Media for Children

2009-05-01T20:46:00.002-04:00

Go to plugged in online to see very detailed reviews of movies. There is even a section that tells you which curse words are in the movie. There are also sections for Television, Games, and Music. I will also put this in my information links in the right side bar.

Forever Stamp

2009-05-01T07:28:00.002-04:00

When you buy stamps make sure to buy the Forever Stamps so that it will still work when they increase the price of stamps!

Putting a Limit to How Much Kids Buy

2009-04-28T07:29:00.002-04:00

The kids seem to think that everytime they go to any store or garage sale they have to buy something. They used the excuse that it was their own money they were spending, but a $2 allowance can only go so far and I wanted them to learn to save some of it. Even though I tried to explain to them why it wasn't a good idea to have to find something to buy just because they walked in a store, they just weren't getting it. So, finally, I started a One In, One Out Rule. It really works, if they know they have to get rid of one of their things they aren't so quick to buy something!

Barnes and Noble Kids Reading Club

2009-04-27T07:01:00.003-04:00

Kids grades 1-6 can read any 8 books and get one book free with Barnes and Noble's Summer Reading Club between May 26 and September 7. (Print out pages 1 and 2.)

It's Turn Off the TV week!

2009-04-21T15:55:00.002-04:00

This week is turn off the TV week. The kids say if they can't have any TV or video games than I can't be on the computer so there may not be a huge amount of posts this week. It's been great so far. The kids and their Dad have been playing cards, doing crafts, exercising and more. If only I could convince them to do this all the time!

Kroger Free Sample Site

2009-04-15T12:57:00.002-04:00

Kroger now has a free sample web site like Walmart does! Right now there is a free sample of Mighty Leaf Tea and some pharmacy type items.

Cheap Magazine Subscriptions

2009-04-14T09:50:00.003-04:00

The link I had previously under Cheap Magazine Subscriptions doesn't work anymore. I really loved that site! So far the best I can find to take it's place is Best Deal Magazines - look under the $4.69 and $5.69 magazines. For all the boy scout families - Boys' Life is listed under $5.69.

Free BBQ sauce

2009-04-14T09:38:00.001-04:00

Great Product - Goo Gone

2009-04-11T08:09:00.004-04:00

Have you ever tried Goo Gone? I love the stuff. It gets all the dirty gunk (like from adhesive price tags) off things. If you wash a name tag or sticker on your kids clothes and the gunk won't come off, Goo Gone will take it off. It also says it takes off things like gum, crayon, grease, and tar. The great thing is that I found the small bottles of it at our local Dollar Tree (in the hardware aisle and cleaning product aisle)!
My sister is the one who told me about this stuff. Thanks Chris!

Birthday Clubs

2009-04-10T21:37:00.004-04:00

I put my daughter in some birthday clubs and so far we have gotten a $3 gift card for Toys R Us and a free ice cream from Culvers for her birthday next week. See my info links on the right side for the link to Free Birthday Treats.

Fishful Thinking

2009-04-09T15:24:00.007-04:00

Fishful Thinking is a great program by the Goldfish cracker company. It gives good parenting advice and works with parents getting their kids to be more positive. Here is the homepage, it also has a quiz to see how positive your child is. This is a great program and yes I get points if you click the link!

How Resilient is Your Child?

2009-04-09T15:00:00.001-04:00

Take this short quiz to find out how resilient your child is.

Free pedometer and DVD

2009-04-07T12:49:00.002-04:00

Join Just keep moving and get a free pedometer and DVD - while supplies last. Looks like they are still letting people join, but I don't think they are still giving out the pedometer and DVD.

Need Crutches??

2009-04-07T11:04:00.001-04:00

In this weeks circular Marsh Supermarket advertised that in stores with a pharmacy you could use their crutches for free. You probably just have to have your prescription filled there?

Shrimp coupons and recipe book

2009-03-31T11:59:00.002-04:00

Go to Sea Pak for a free recipe book - which has a bunch of coupons in the back. You can also print a couple coupons of from the Sea Pak web site. The small boxes of popcorn shrimp are usually really cheap with the coupon. The recipe book will only be offered till Friday, April 3.

What to Plant Now

2009-03-28T08:46:00.001-04:00

This site lets you pick your area of the US and the month and tells you what you should be planting.

Free Facial Treatment

2009-03-28T08:37:00.002-04:00

Go here to get a gift certificate for a free facial treatment at a Clarian Counter - found in department stores. Locally ours is at Macy's. There is a store finder on the site. (I'm sure that once you are there they will try to sell you their products.)

60 days to change financial program

2009-03-23T11:11:00.003-04:00

60 Days to Change is a free financial program that is supposed to help you get your finances in order. Sign up and then you check the website every day to see what your assignment is. The program covers lots of different things - debts, overspending, budgeting, and much more.

Spring Break

2009-03-18T09:14:00.003-04:00

This week is spring break for the kids. I've decided that the purpose of spring break is to remind us parents to find things for the kids to do during summer break! Besides for sending them outside as much as possible we got out the cub scout book and started looking for badges Ethan can work on. Abbie is practicing piano and drawing pictures to mail to her cousin. I am looking for camps and vacation bible schools for the summer!

Helping Children Deal With a Pet's Death

2009-03-17T08:48:00.001-04:00

After having to tell our children about the death of their gerbil last week I thought I'd write a few things about what helped them deal with it. First we had a family meeting. We told them the news and that it wasn't their fault. Then we realized that the kids listening to each other crying was making it worse so I took our daughter on a short walk. Once separated both kids calmed down right away. My husband and I felt that separating them after the initial news helped a lot. Our daughter also wrote (or dictated to me) a poem and drew a picture. This also helped her a lot. Now they seem to be over it and only occasionaly mention getting a new gerbil or hamster. I'm not to excited about getting a new one!

Potty Training DVD - free

2009-03-09T06:45:00.001-04:00

Get a free interactive potty training DVD here.

Prescription Drug Savings Card

2009-03-08T14:50:00.001-04:00

Go here to get a prescription drug savings card to get the same discount the pharmacy gives the insurance companies. Look under participating pharmacies to see if it is available in your area.

Daylight Savings Time & Smoke Detectors

2009-03-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

Sunday Daylight Savings Time starts. Remember that this is also when you're supposed to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Birthday treats

2009-03-02T10:49:00.004-05:00

Go here for a list of places in your area that offer free birthday meals/treats. There is a section for kids and a section for adults. Note: most require you to join the online club ahead of time.

Baby Stuff

2009-03-01T13:19:00.002-05:00

For anyone who is about to have or has a baby go to couponcravings for links to lots of free stuff.

Picking Video Games for Children

2009-02-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

First, I have to say I am not big on video games. But if you have to have one I feel that the Wii system is much more family friendly than the other systems, with much less violent games. Also the kids are up and moving with the Wii and interacting with other people. The whole family can even 'go bowling' on the Wii system. I also found a web site that helps parents find out a little bit more about the different games available. It is what they play, just go under the game system at the top of the site and then find the game from there. And, of course, set a time limit so the kids can get back to doing something creative!

Free Liz Lange Health Journal

2009-02-20T06:17:00.001-05:00

Take a short quiz and receive a free Liz Lange Health Journal.

Reward Program from Chuck E Cheese

2009-02-16T11:33:00.004-05:00

Chuck E Cheese has a program where you can print of one of the reward charts from their site and bring it in for 10 free tokens. That would be incentive enough for my kids! There are charts for lots of different things - clean room, keeping active, brushing teeth, doing homework...Must purchase one food item. Thanks Thrifty Mommy

Living the Country Life Subscription

2009-02-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Get a free 3 year subscription to Living the Country Life.

Buying Stamps

2009-02-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

The price of postage is supposed to be going up so buy a bunch of the forever stamps now and they will still work even after the price increase.

Why you need to write a will

2009-01-31T07:20:00.003-05:00

It is important for you and your spouse to write a will. If one dies without a will bank accounts could be frozen so the surviving spouse may not have access to needed money. Also it is important to have your say in who will get custody of your children. Go to Free Legal Documents to get a free template of a will and other legal documents. Just copy and paste into a Word document, fill in the blanks, and sign it in front of witnesses. Each state is different in their requirements.

Free eBook on eBay selling

2009-01-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

Download the free eBook - The Stay at Home Mom's Guide to Successful eBay Selling.
Thanks Swap Savers

Afterschool kit

2009-01-22T16:22:00.002-05:00

Order your Afterschool Kit. Geared toward youth in grades 6-9 to help them learn to make the right choices. I just ordered mine today!
Thanks Swapsavers

Product review: Campbell's Gravy

2009-01-21T16:12:00.002-05:00

I admit it, I can't make gravy. Although my husband loves it, I can't make it. I was looking for gravy that was in a jar or can and was affordable. Everything else seemed to have MSG in it (which gives my husband headaches)so I tried Campbell's Gravy. It comes in a small can, you just warm it up. One can probably only feeds four adults though - I never have leftovers. It's so simple to just bake some chicken breasts and baked potatoes and warm up some corn and a can of gravy - it's one of our favorite meals!

What to do with all those papers?

2009-01-12T11:19:00.003-05:00

All those papers that get sent home from school and activities can get easily lost. I have a system that works pretty well for us. First, as soon as I get a paper I try to write down any important dates on the calendar. Then everything that I might need to look at later goes in one binder. This binder holds school newsletters, church newsletters, boy scout calendar, notes about school events... Then every time I need something I know where to go. I just have to keep the binder in one easy to access place so that I always know where it is.

Free ebook - Thriving on Less

2009-01-10T05:53:00.001-05:00

Go to here for the free ebook Thriving on Less.

Use What You Already Have

2009-01-09T12:23:00.003-05:00

This month save money by using what you already have in the freezer while it is still good. This means not buying anymore meat until you have used up all the 'great deals' sitting in the freezer. Use them before they get freezer burnt and have to be thrown away.

Saving Money

2009-01-09T10:58:00.002-05:00

One of the best things to do when you are having trouble saving money is to have the bank do an automatic savings transfer. You just go in and tell them how much you want transfered into your savings every month. Otherwise it is so easy to forget. My financial goals for 2009 are to save a three month emergency fund and pay off my highest interest debt. There is no way I could do this without an automatic savings transfer.

Getting Back To School

2009-01-06T06:03:00.002-05:00

Today is the day the kids go back to school! I think we are all ready to get back to our routine. One thing I do to make sure that nothing gets forgotten is to make sure the kids put all their bookbags, lunchboxes, and anything else that needs to get to school in one basket. Since I have to drive them to school I just take the basket with us. When I pick them up everything goes back in the basket to get carried in all at once and nothing gets left in the car.

Another Reason to Eat Chocolate

2009-01-05T08:05:00.003-05:00

I kept reading that cocoa is stronger than codeine for relieving coughing. I was desperate and tried it - it worked! I have used it a few times now and it worked every time. (I am not sure if just milk chocolate will work or not - but cocoa worked for me. I've used both hot chocolate and Dove dark chocolates.)

New Years Goals!

2009-01-01T07:13:00.005-05:00

Kids really enjoy accomplishing their goals, so help them set ones that are actually achievable and let them pick what they want to accomplish. Exercising everyday is not achievable but exercising every week is. Make sure you write goals down and make a plan. One year my son's goals were take the dog on a walk a few times and learn how to email his cousin. Both were easily accomplished.

Borders

2008-12-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

If you have a Borders near you get a Borders Reward card. Once you register the card online they will email you a coupon every week (usually for 20 -40% off)!

How important is it to have dinner together?

2008-12-30T08:58:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite videos. Family Dinner. It's only a few minutes long.

Claim Your Flexible Spending Account Money!

2008-12-30T05:58:00.000-05:00

There is only one more day till the end of 2008. Have you turned in all your claims for your Flexible Spending Acount?

Storing Important Papers In A Fire Safe

2008-12-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

A small fire safe is a great place to store important papers. You can get one for about $20. Store birth certificates, social security cards, professional licenses, and vehicle titles all in it. This keeps it all in one place where you can remember it and keeps them safe from a fire. It is also a great place to keep an envelope with a small amount of emergency cash or a small vacation fund.

Free Computer Software

2008-12-24T07:29:00.002-05:00

I have gotten a lot of free computer software for the kids at our local library. Although many of the games require you to have the CD to play it again, there are many programs that stay on your computer even after you return the CD.

Great deals at ethnic markets

2008-12-22T05:34:00.000-05:00

After hearing about the great prices usually found at ehnic markets I started going to our little oriental market. I love it! I get spices, sauces, and the most awesome lo mein noodles there for half the price. I also like that I am helping to support a local business. Look under Grocers in the yellow pages - but some of the really good ones aren't listed -you just have to spot them.

Teaching kids to be thankful

2008-12-22T05:28:00.000-05:00

One of the best things I do is to have my kids say what they are thankful for when they go to bed. Sometimes I have to give them ideas by reminding them what they did that day but sometimes they surprise me by coming up with something I didn't realize they had enjoyed.

Recycling Systems - making it easier

2008-12-19T12:21:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to take the time to recycle but if you have a system in place you are much more likely to do it. A couple months ago I decided that the only way to recycle all the paper is to have another small paper recycling container right next to the regular trash can. This way I don't have to go to the basement, where most of my recycling is, to recycle a tiny piece of paper. I also keep a container on my top basement stair to put the glass, plastic and metal in so that I don't have to walk every can down individually. I just grab the container and sort them in the basement once or twice a week. This way it is much less tempting to just throw things in the regular trash since it is just as easy to put in the recycling container. Since adding the extra containers I have twice as much stuff going to the recycling center.

Product Review - Lysol All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach

2008-12-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

I usually go for the more natural cleaners like Green Works but I have to say I love this stuff. Because of the fumes I only use it maybe once a month. It's great for getting the coffee/tea stains off my countertop. So I usually have to spray it and go to another room for fresh air. I'll come back in a couple minutes wipe it up and the counter looks brand new. I love it but I just can't stand the smell. So, I keep a bottle handy just for deep cleanings.

Dollar Tree

2008-12-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

I hadn't been to Dollar Tree in a while so when I went the other day I was excited to find a bunch of new stuff. I was most excited about the Reflexology DVD I found. So, if you haven't been in a while check it out.

Getting out the door on time

2008-12-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

I know there are alot of moms who have trouble getting out the door in time. I have finally found a system that works for our family. I started using chore charts. In the morning the kids are not allowed to watch TV and they must have done everything on the morning part of their chore chart by the time we need to leave. If they haven't done their morning chore chart stuff they lose TV for the day. They know I'll stick to my word so just the threat of not having TV when they get home is enough. The stuff on the morning part of the chart is just the basic things - make bed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, feed pet... This also guarantees that their teeth get brushed and the pets get fed. I will also get them some little treat for having completed the whole chart at the end of the week. There are some great charts at Chart Jungle. I love that site - there is a chart for everything.

Free Family Fun

2008-12-17T11:28:00.002-05:00

One of the best things I have found for kids is the free workshop clinics at Home Depot and Lowes. The kids get to learn how to build things and are so proud of what they have made. These are always on Saturday mornings. Info can be found on the links. I think it is so important for kids to feel productive and be excited about something they have made.