Save for the Holidays (and Beyond!)- My top tips!

file0001508044668Christmas is 64 days away, and while some of us have been saving our pennies and dollars, some of us haven’t. This article is for those of you who are looking to earn some extra money. For the holidays, or heck, even beyond that!

Now these are all methods that I have used, and continue to use, so there is no baloney coming from me.

  • I do Surveys. Here is a post with links to my top survey companies, including how much each one has earned me!
  • One of my favorite survey companies is Paid View Point.  Surveys are short (less than 5 minutes).  Earn cash with each Survey.  You get $1.00 when you sign up! The pay out is $15.00, and it takes about a month-6 weeks to earn $15.00. So far in 2015, I’ve earned about $78.00.
  • I send my junk mail to Small Business Knowledge Center. Here is a post about it with details. I just got another $20 GC from them earlier this month!
  • I take our bottles and cans to the recycling center. It’s not a ton of money, but I paid the deposit on those bottles, I want it back! I take Lil’ Man with me and we get about $4-$5/month between the milk jugs and misc. bottles and cans. We don’t drink a lot of soda or juice. My parents save their recyclables for us too!
  • I do simple tasks with Field Agent. Field Agent is an app for smartphones that allows you to do simple tasks like photographing displays in stores or scanning items in stores. They even have secret shopping tasks.  Tasks vary in pay, however most pay between $3-$10. I’ve been using Field Agent for 2 months and I’ve earned over $100. Payment is done via Paypal!
  • I also do simple tasks with Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. I transfer the earnings to my Amazon.com account. You sign up and do tasks for small amounts of money, but the money adds up fast.  The tasks are quick and simple (transcription, surveys, flagging inappropriate photos).  I’ve earned over $50 since February.  If you want cold hard cash instead of Amazon.com credit there is an option to have money transferred to a bank account.  Mechanical Turk does ask for your SSN when you sign up- you will receive a 1099- MISC at the end of the year., regardless of which option you select.
  • Earn Gift cards with Mypoints. I take surveys, click links in emails, and do all of my online shopping through Mypoints. So far in 2015, I’ve earned about $45.00.
  • I also use Swagbucks. I use their search engine toolbar, take a daily poll, watch a video and click a few links each day! So far in 2015, I’ve earned about $60.00. Swagbucks has tons of rewards, you can receive cash via paypal too!
  • I use my smartphone to save money too. There are tons of apps that have help you save money in the store (coupons), and get your money back afterwards (rebates). Here is a list of my favs. I’m loving Ibotta right now- I’ve saved over $100 this year alone, just buying my normal groceries!

All of these things are easy to do, realistic, and even a busy person can take 10 minutes out of their day to do one of the things I’ve listed.

Save Money with a DIY Pedicure (and look like you just stepped out of a spa!)

file4461303072393 (1)I love a good pedicure. Living in California, I wear sandals 300 days in a year. What I don’t love is paying $40-$60 each month for a good pedicure that lasts a month. Sure, sure, I could get a cheaper pedicure, but the polish would chip in a week and I’d look scruffy.

Here are some tips for a great at home spa pedicure.

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 10.00.45 AMYou don’t need a foot spa. I use a Rubbermaid Dish pan. I got it on Amazon for $9.00. It’s the perfect size for both of my big feet to fit into (I wear a size 11.5 shoe!) After I’m done with it, I just scrub it out with dish soap, a little beach, hot water, and dry it by hand. The best part is, you can store all of your pedicure supplies in the tub. You can also use a shallow pan or basin that both of your feet will fit in.

Use good quality tools. There are coupons regularly for Revlon and Sally Hansen beauty tools. In my pedicure kit I have:

Cuticle Remover, orangewood sticks, Polish remover, Emory boards, Buffing block, Cuticle nipper, nail scoop/nail cleaner, base coat, Top Coat, Colored polish, q-tips, cotton balls, alcohol, cuticle oil, foot scrub, callus remover, Mr. Pumice Pumi Bar, lotion. (I’ve included links to products on Amazon that I love!)

Now that you’ve gathered all the needed supplies here are the steps to a top notch pedicure!

Here are some simple steps that will have you pampering your feet in 30 minutes or less:
• Remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover (if you have glitter polish on, check out this tutorial on getting that stubborn polish off).
• Clip and file your nails. The modern look for nails is to keep them on the short side with a straight shape and slightly-rounded edge. Remember to file in one direction- don’t saw back and forth, it will weaken and damage your nail.
• Soak your feet for about ten minutes in a dishpan or plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of your favorite body wash or Epsom salts (which have excellent relaxing properties that will soothe your tired, aching feet)
• Apply a cuticle remover; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orangewood stick. Use Cuticle nippers to remove dead skin around the cuticle bed. Clean under your toenails with the nail scoop/cleaner.
• Apply a callus remover liquid containing alpha hydroxy acids. Slip you feet into plastic bags for 5-10 minutes, remove the bags and use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
• Use an exfoliating foot scrub on your feet and calves, remove with a hot, damp towel. I make up 3 or 4 per pedicure and keep them warm in a crockpot set to low.
• Massage feet and calves with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry skin.
• Use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad on your nail beds to remove any lotion on your nails (The lotion will keep the polish from adhering to your nails) and apply a base coat. Adter the base coat is dry, apply two coats of your favorite nail polish color. Add nail decals, gems or paint flowers on your toes! Follow with a topcoat.

What kinds of frugal beauty regimens do you have?

Coming to San Diego this Winter: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!

The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to San Diego Dec. 15! My Readers Can Save on Tickets Now with this exclusive offer from US Family Guide .

It’s the ultimate holiday tradition and creates memories for a lifetime. The production includes over 200 romantic costumes and 10′ tall playful animal puppets; shimmering colorful, backdrops splashed with 3-D effects; life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls and a puppet show for shadowing the Nutcracker Story at the opening Christmas Party. During the battle with Nutcracker Prince and the 3-headed Rat King, a golden cannon shoots roses! In the Magical Snow Forest an authentic Russian style Troika Sleigh, known as the fastest sleigh in the world, is escorted by Father Christmas (Ded Moroz) and Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) on their way to Act II. The Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its dedication to world peace with Act II named the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” The first scene of Act II features a stunning “Dove of Peace” with a 20′ wingspan and danced by 2 dancers each with one feathered wing. All ages feel the spirit of the season at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Use the code JOY to get the biggest discount of the season for your family.

Save on the Moscow Ballet’s celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker 2015 North American Tour. USE PROMO CODE: JOY

I am so excited to take Lil’ Man! I know he’ll love it!

Shutterfly: $20 off $20+ Purchase! (great for holiday gifts!)

Shutterfly-Logo(This post contains Affiliate links!)

WOW!! Right now through 10/13/15, Shutterfly is hooking up EVERYONE! All customers enjoy $20 off one qualifying merchandise order of $20 or more with promo code FIRSTGIFT at checkout!

I’m ordering a photobook! They make excellent holiday gifts!

Shutterfly Free StuffAre you new to Shutterfly?

Not only do you receive 50 free prints when you sign up, but you also can chose from one free magnet, one pet tag, one set of address labels or one set of playing cards with promo code QUADAFF at checkout (this offer is only valid through tonight at midnight).

 

Fine Print:Offer expires October 13, 2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Offer is good for $20 off one qualifying merchandise order of $20 or more (after any other discounts and before taxes, shipping and handling) through shutterfly.com, our mobile-friendly site or Shutterfly apps. Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply. Not valid on TripPix, personalized postage stamps, prepaid plans, gift certificates, Videograms, cards sent using mailing services, prior purchases and orders placed for in-store pick up. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers or credits. Not valid for resale.

Scary Face Pancakes: Free at IHOP 10/30/15!

Screen Shot 2015-10-06 at 9.48.19 AM

 

They’re BACKKKK!!

October marks the return of an IHOP® favorite that makes everyone smile, but now with
even more fun: Scary Face Pancakes are back! Bring the kids to create their own legend—scary or silly—with strawberries, whipped topping, Mini Oreo® cookies and candy corn.

And your kids can enjoy a FREE Scary Face Pancake at your local IHOP on 10/30/15! All kids 12 & under get a Scary Face Pancake between 7am and 10pm Friday, October 30th at participating locations. One per child. Dine in only.

I’ll be taking Lil’ Man and we’ll be meeting friends for a fun, frugal breakfast!

The future of Haggen Stores…

lsAs most of you know by know, Haggen has filed for bankruptcy, and all of the stores here in Southern CA will be shuttered.

If you are like me, I was worried about yet another empty store front in my community, so  I was thrilled when  I found out this morning that man of the Haggen’s Locations will be turned into either Smart &Final or Gelson’s

Check out the complete store and the list of stores here.

As someone who lives right next to a Haggen’s, I’ll be glad when another store comes in.

 

A New Month means New Coupons!

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

Check out the following sites:

One of my favorite website is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks!

Here are just a few of the new coupons that have me excited:

$1.00 off (1) Gerber Apparel or Bedding Item
$0.20 off ONE cup Liberte Mediterranee yogurt

$15 Credit to Schoola- New Clothes for free!

Having kids means two things: Someone is always hungry, and someone always needs new clothes.

Screen Shot 2015-09-28 at 8.25.27 PMSchoola to the rescue! Through 9/30/15, when you use coupon code FALLINGPRICES at checkout, you’ll score 50% off their already low prices on new and gently worn baby, kids, teens, and adult clothing and accessories! But it gets better…Schoola is giving away 5,000 $5 coupon codes for a limited time. This means you can get women’s and kids’ clothes absolutely FREE for a limited time. Simply sign up to be the first to know about our upcoming brand-name, new with tags, flash sales from Gymboree, Tea Collection, more and They’ll issue a unique $5 code.

Oh, yeah, want more free clothes? Schoola gives new users $15 in store credit to use too! So recap:

  • $15 free for new users (refer your friends and you’ll both receive $15 to spend!)
  • $5 coupon code for the first 5000 people to sign up here
  • Free shipping through 9/30/15
  • 50% off already low prices through 9/30/15

Schoola helps you save money by purchasing gently used and new clothing and it also allows schools to fundraise without selling the usual items (candy bars, gift wrap, etc.). It’s a great way to help schools all over the US!

What are you waiting for? I scored 5 shirts for our fall Tie Dye project all for free!

 

(Disclosure: My referral link is above- I get $15 in store credit if you sign up, which is great b/c my kids constantly need new clothes, seriously! I really appreciate it!

Pick up a free 8 x 10 canvas from Canvas People & Everyday Family!

I think one of the best gifts for family is the gift of photos, especially if you have kids!

Right now when you sign up at EveryDay Family, you’ll be emailed a code of a free 8 x 10 canvas from Canvas People!

Joining EveryDay Family is free!v What a perfect way to get a jump on your holiday shopping list.

Hopster: Another Printable Coupon Co. for your Savings Arsenal!

I love printable coupons for several reasons, one of which is that printables tend to be more specialized.  Those of us with diets a little different than mainstream don’t get left out.

Hopster is the latest in printable coupons, but it’s a little different, and dare I say, better than the usual suspects!

The coupons that Hopster offers can be “boosted”. Share the coupon on Facebook, Like the company, or take a brief survey. So the coupon that starts off saving you $1.00 can end up saving you more than double that amount. It’s like double coupons at ANY store!

One thing that I really like about Hopster is that they have a lot of natural food and medicine coupons.  Great for us organic food freaks!