9 Easy and Delicious Cast Iron Recipes

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Cast Iron Pizza

The cast iron pan is so versatile, here are 9 delicious recipes!

1. Pizza

You have to try this Cast Iron Pizza recipe. This is also a fun party idea.

2. Cornbread

Skillet cornbread is one of those old-fashioned treats that I love to make. Skillet Cornbread is delicious with warm butter!

3. Lasagna

So easy and simple, make lasagna in your cast iron skillet — in only 20 minutes. Here is a great recipe.

4. Brownies

Skillet brownies are a quick dessert idea. Use peanut butter, Nutella or your fave chocolate. Here is a great recipe!

5. Grilled Cheese

This delicious grilled cheese from Family Fresh Cooking is perfect for the skillet. Plus be sure to mix it up with different kinds of breads and cheeses. Yum!

6. Egg Bake

This easy breakfast, one pan meal is a cinch to make, pin this Easy Breakfast Skillet recipe.

7. Biscuits

This Skillet Biscuit recipe is like a favorite buttermilk variety. Quick and easy in the cast iron pan!

8. A Big Cookie

This has got to be the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, baked inside a cast iron skillet. Perfect for a snack on the weekend or a party!

9. Baked Mac and Cheese

Did you know you can make Baked Mac and Cheese in the cast iron pan? Only 20 minutes to baked, cheesy goodness!

Natural Ways to Clean and Organize

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1. Use cloth instead of paper.  My grandma had a bucket of clean rags, that she used to wipe down everything. She rarely used paper towels. Microfiber cloths are also a great option, washable, durable and reusable. 

2.  Buy and use green cleaning products, or make them yourself! Just search on Pinterest for eco-friendly green cleaner recipes. Plus, shop for eco-friendly beauty products,  eco-friendly fashion lines and eco-friendly home decor. I really like Green Works and Method. 

3.  Laundry.  Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.  Line-dry when you can. There is nothing like line-dried clothing, that has dried in the sun! You will never forget that clean air smell. 

4.  Go Paperless. Pay bills online. I pay most of my bills online, along with getting paperless copies of bills. It is now so much more fun to go to the mailbox! Put a stop to unsolicited mail and sign up to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.  

5.  Conserve Energy - Turn off the lights when you leave the room, or open the curtains and blinds and rely on the sunlight to cut down on electricity use. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.  Shut down and turn off your computer completely at night. 

6.  Change your light bulbs.   Switch a few of your light bulbs to CFLs , which use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, until eventually you have all of your house switched over. This was a hard one for me because I love my old-school bulbs. Now that they are phased out of most stores, I have had to bite the bullet and buy the new bulbs. Six years ago, my 90 year old grandfather, was light years ahead of me because he used CFLs and preferred them! 

7.  Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers, bulk storage or even pretty vases. I love mason jars for this. 

8.  Buy used and donate.   Shop thrift stores and craigslist for clothing, home items and more.  Grandma was a thrift shopper, she loved a good deal. She also loved to knit, sew and crochet. While I'm not much of a thrift shopper, I donate a lot to Goodwill. 

9.  Stop using disposable bags.   Purchase reusable bags. They are more durable and don't clog up land-fills! I love, love, love my Target reusable bag. I keep one in my car and one in the kitchen. 

 

How to Make Tea Cup Candles

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I love making homemade gifts for family and friends. So when I inherited some vintage tea cups from my grandmother, I knew they would be perfect for making these adorable tea cup candles! And this project is so easy. It was fun to customize the different types of candles and scents, matched to the perfect tea cup.  

I made several of these for bridal shower favors and they were a hit! 

MATERIALS 

Nested pans 
Partially burned candles 
Candy or candle thermometer 
Tongs 
New wicking 
Teacups 
Wick sustainers 
Wooden skewers 

STEPS 

STEP 1 

In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs. 

STEP 2 

Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom. 

STEP 3 

Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick. 

 

How to Make Water Marbles

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Here is how to make these cool water marbles! 

Things You'll Need 

2 tsp. baking soda 
Vinegar 
Freezer 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Make sodium acetate by combining about one teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of vinegar. Mix these two products by carefully swirling the mixture in the cup. Add one more teaspoon of baking soda and a few more drops of vinegar and repeat the mixing. 

2. Set the sodium acetate in the freezer for ten minutes then remove from freezer. 

3. Pour a half cup of calcium bicarbonate into the sodium acetate in a taller glass cup. The mixture will bubble up for a few seconds. Wait for the mixture to calm down and mix the combination by moving the glass in the same circular motion. 

4. Pour a half cup of iodized salt into the newly formed mixture and mix. 

5. Pour the mixture into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Boil the mixture for seven minutes. Stir the mixture continually. 

6. Pour the mixture into a plastic container and let it sit for 15 minutes. The mixture should turn into a gel. 

7. Reach your hand in the mixture, grab some of the mixture and pull it out of the container. When the substance is in contact with the air it loses its polar ability and sticks to itself. This causes it to become small solid water spheres. 

How to Clean Vintage Dishes

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Here are some easy, old school ways to clean your vintage dishes.

Clean and Shine China 

A mixture of lemon juice and salt cleans and shines china. Just rub it on with a damp cloth and rinse. Wash china in water that’s warm, not hot. Water that is too hot can lead to crazing—small lines and cracks in the glaze. 
If your china is already crazed, don’t use it to serve food. Butter, fruit, cheese and cream can cause staining along the crack lines. 
If you have dishwasher-safe china, stagger plates of different sizes when loading it into the dishwasher. That way their edges won’t touch, and you’ll avoid chipping and scratches. 

Remove Brown Stains from China 
To remove stubborn brown stains on old china, rub on a solution of equal parts vinegar and salt, then rinse. 
Remove Tea and Coffee Stains from China Cups 

Wash your china cups, saucers and teapots as soon after using them as you can. If there is a tiny crack in the glaze, coffee or tea left there will leave a stain on the china. 

To remove coffee or tea stains from a cup, wet the cup with vinegar. Then dampen a rag with water, dip it in baking soda or salt and swab out the stain. 
Another treatment to remove tea or coffee stains on china is to apply 20% hydrogen peroxide, wash and rinse. (Regular household hydrogen peroxide is 3% strength. The 20% solution — available at pharmacies — acts as a bleaching agent.) 

Clean Gold-Trimmed Dishes 

To clean gold-trimmed dishes, first scrape them with a rubber scraper and then wash with mild dishwashing liquid. Never use an abrasive cleaner. If the mild dishwashing liquid isn’t enough to remove food from the gold trim, try rubbing the trim with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth. 
Remove Metal Marks from China 

Never wash china in an aluminum pan or allow it to come in contact with aluminum in the dishwasher. Aluminum rubbing against china can create gray, pencil thin lines that are often impossible to get out. 
If a metal utensil does leave a mark on your china, gently rub the dish with a mild scouring powder or plastic scouring pad. Be careful to avoid rubbing off any decorative trim. 

 

Fun, Inexpensive Ways to Relax During a Rainy Day

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When it rains, it can be enough to dampen our spirits. There are many ways to keep ourselves entertained, of course, but trying to find a means to keep ourselves engrossed can be just as tiresome. Rather than mope around, it is, however, best to keep yourself entertained.

Rather than seeing continual rain as a problem, try looking at it as an opportunity! Here are some ideas to help you enjoy yourself when the rain looks like it’s never going to stop.

Play games

Games do not have to be super expensive. There are many fantastic games across all platforms that can keep you entertained. If you have a Nintendo Switch, Cattails is an immersive game for cat lovers, whereas if you like stealth games, Thief on the PlayStation has your name written on it. On the PC, put down a bet here and there on the Unibet website. As long as you are mindful, there are ways to purchase games without spending too much money. Head to shops that deal in second-hand and pre-owned games, for instance.

Friends and family

If you’re bored with the weather and missing the chance to socialize, why not invite your friends or family around for a get-together? You could throw a lavish dinner party and try out your cookery skills, or just order in a takeout and watch a movie or a sports event on TV.

Catching up

If you’re stuck indoors, why not take advantage of the situation and catch up with some items on your to-do list? Maybe you’ve been meaning to redecorate the living room and never seem to get around to it, or you’re disappearing under a mountain of clutter that needs sorting out. On the face of it, these may sound more like chores than fun activities, but getting stuck into a project that’s been on your mind can be a great way to spend your time.

Not only will you achieve enormous satisfaction from getting these tasks completed, but you’ll find the process can be relaxing and enjoyable if you pace yourself and take your time. If you don’t have any household projects in mind, how about getting to work on that novel you always wanted to write, creating a website or blog, or starting to research your family history?

Take time for yourself

Let’s be honest; how much time do you spend looking after yourself? Do you make a point of relaxing properly every day, taking exercise, and pampering yourself? Now is the ideal time to try out some meditation techniques, have a go at yoga or Tai Chi, and practice some mindfulness. Positive Psychology Program discuss the benefits here. If you’ve never tried any of these activities, you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable and effective they can be, and there are hundreds of different techniques you can try.

Learning to look after yourself is an essential investment in your wellbeing and future health, so don’t think of it as a waste of time; you’ll gain far more by devoting even a small amount of time to self-care than by rejecting it.

If you don’t mind the wet weather, you can still get out and carry on with life, but everyone needs some time out of the rain. Instead of moping about what you can’t do, optimize your time by using it to achieve some personal goals, improve your wellbeing, and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Free $10 from Ibotta

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Sign-up for a $10 cash bonus from Ibotta and earn instant cash rebates on products you’re probably already buying at your store using the free Ibotta App. 

Every week I use Ibotta to save money on my grocery bill. It really adds up!

Last week I got $17.50 cash back from Ibotta for my grocery purchases.

Check it out and let me know how much you get!

Includes gift cards to:

 

10+ Starbucks Money-Saving Tips and Recipes

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Here are some Starbucks money-saving secrets!
  1. Sign up for a Starbucks card and all your customizations (flavor shots, soy substitutions) are free. Register it online, and then pay with your card each time (you can even link it to your bank account so it automatically refills), and you'll get a free drink of any kind for every 10 transactions. If you like to grind your own coffee, you also get a free tall coffee for purchasing a pound of coffee and a free tall drink of your choice for purchasing a two pound bag. And did we mention the free drink on your birthday? 
  2. Plus get free refills on hot or iced brew coffee and tea during the same store visit with a Starbucks reward card!
  3. Instead of pouring out coffee to make room for cream, order a small size but in a bigger cup.
  4. Bring in a coffee sleeve to be reused and get a $0.10 discount. You also get a $0.10 discount for bringing in a mug.
  5. Shop online. They regularly offer sales and deals.
  6. You can get 50 cent refills on coffee as long as you are still in the store.
  7. Check out the secret Starbucks menu.
  8. Make your own Starbucks favorites @ home!

Starbucks Lemon Loaf

Starbucks Vanilla Scone

Starbucks Oat Fudge Bars

Starbucks Banana Bread

Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade Copycat

Starbucks Copycat Caramel Frappuccino

Starbucks Iced Coffee

Starbucks Valentine Frappuccino

Starbucks Love Bean Frappuccino

Starbucks Pumpkin Pound Cake Recipe

Starbucks Washington Apple Pound Cake Recipe

 

MORE COPYCAT RECIPES

9. Target stores that have Starbucks regularly clearance Starbucks mugs, coffee and more, especially after the holidays.

10. Don't forget to get your puppy a puppachino! It's a small cup of whip cream for a few dollars that your pup will love.

My Financial Resolutions

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It's a fresh new year and this is how I am working on my weekly budget.

Financial New Year's Resolution #1: I resolve to not buy stuff I don't need

I've been there. You are in Target and there is 50% off Valentine's Day items and you see the most adorable heart frame. You have to have it, even though you have a stack of photo frames in your pantry. What do you do? Ask yourself if you are going to use it or give it to someone by the end of the year. If the answer is no, pass on it.

Resolution #2: I resolve to pay cash for my purchases

It's tempting to use credit cards on bargains, but what kind of bargain is it if you wind up paying 15% interest on the "bargain" purchase? To avoid using credit cards, plan your purchases ahead of time or control your spending by buying gift cards or only carrying cash to the store.

Financial New Year's Resolution #3: I resolve to think twice before ordering something online

Online shopping is a huge convenience and a money saver, but it can also be a huge temptation. No need to go out in the snow and ice, boot up your computer and there are tons of deals! One trick I've used is if I'm not 100% sure of a purchase, I leave it in my cart and come back to it later. More often than not, I forget about it and I've saved money.

Financial New Year's Resolution #4: I resolve to limit my stockpiling

If you stockpile and love it (like I do), this can be a hard Financial New Year's Resolution to keep. There are several reasons to limit it though. First, rodents and pests are attracted to packaged food. It can be very easy to buy a product (such as one that is grain-based) that already has the pest living in it and it will infest every package of food you have. There go hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars you've invested in your stockpile.

To avoid this problem, do not stock up on grain type food (such as cereal and flour), or limit it. Once a month, check your stockpile for pests and look at expiration dates to see if items should be thrown out. It's a good idea to rotate your stockpile as well to keep using the items. One way I make sure items are getting used is donating every few months to my church food pantry.

Financial New Year's Resolution #5: I resolve to get my overall finances organized

Whether it is picking up Quicken, organizing bills in a filing cabinet, getting ahold of what bills are due is essential. When bills fall through the cracks, then you lose more money with late fees and interest rate increases.

Financial New Year's Resolution #6: I resolve to not go crazy with coupons

When I first started using coupons, I clipped every coupon. If it was a good coupon week, I bought more than one paper. After a few months of this, it became too much work. I started focusing on only clipping those coupons I was going to use. I also paid attention to the items that were regularly on sale (such as Ragu) and stocked up on coupons for those products.

Financial New Year's Resolution #7: I resolve to keep better track of my rebates

Companies love when customers don't cash in rebates or forget to follow up on them. I've been tracking my rebates and other freebies I receive in Excel. In the spreadsheet I list the date sent, company name, dollar amount, company contact information and when I received the offer. Also, if you are sending away a big rebate (for example over $20), be sure to make photocopies and send it certified mail, return receipt. That way, you have proof they received it if you have to follow up on it.

 

10+ Apps To Snag Free Food

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1. BK app from Burger King. This app gives you access to a regularly updating collection of exclusive coupons. Past offers have included buy one, get one free Original Chicken sandwiches and a free Whopper Jr. with the purchase of large classic fries. 

2. McDonald's app from McDonald's. With the McDonald's app, you get weekly deals on food and drinks. Past deals have included free medium fries with any purchase, free medium shake or McFlurry with any purchase and buy one, get one free sandwiches. 

3. Baskin-Robbins app from Baskin-Robbins. Downloading the Baskin-Robbins app will earn you a free scoop of ice cream, plus access to coupons and promotions throughout the year. 

4. Auntie Anne's. With the My Pretzel Perks app, you get a free pretzel with your first purchase. After that, you earn points with every order that you can use toward future free pretzels. Using the app, you can also check out new product news and access exclusive offers.

5. Krispy Kreme Rewards app from Krispy Kreme. After downloading the Krispy Kreme Rewards app and registering your account, you can receive a free original glazed doughnut. On your birthday, you'll be treated to a gift. 

6. Sonic app from Sonic. When you create an account on the Sonic app, you receive a free medium slush. You'll continue to receive new rewards every month when you reload your MySonic card. You can also use the app to pay at your stall or in the drive-through, browse nearby Sonic locations, check nutritional info and send digital gift cards.

7. Schlotzky's. Upon downloading this app, you receive a free small Original sandwich. You can use the app to custom order sandwiches in advance and earn $7 off on your seventh visit. You'll also get special bonuses for sharing the app with your friends and on social media.

8. Steak 'n Shake. You can use the Rewards app to order menu items from Steak 'n Shake and pay on the go. You get a free milkshake after you make your first purchase with the app and earn $5 in credit for every $50 you spend.

9. Jamba Juice app from Jamba Juice. When you use the Jamba Juice app to make your first purchase, you can get $2 off. As a Jamba Juice Insider, you'll also get a free smoothie or juice on your birthday. Using the app, you can track your rewards, browse menus and order ahead at participating locations.

10. TCBY app from TCBY. Download the TCBY app, and you'll score a free treat. After your first freebie, you can earn $3 for every $30 you spend and get a $3 reward for referring friends. Using the app, you can look up TCBY locations and review menus, nutrition and allergy info.

11. Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo's. After downloading the Slab Happy Rewards app, you'll be rewarded with a free ice cream. You'll also receive a $5 off coupon for your birthday and earn points every time you make a purchase at either shop. With the app, you can look up menus, order online and find nearby stores.

12. Rita's Ice mobile app from Rita's Italian Ice. The Rita's Ice mobile app essentially functions as a digital rewards card. After you purchase eight treats and present the app on your mobile device, you'll score a free regular Italian ice, frozen custard or gelati. With the app, you also receive news and special offers from Rita's throughout the year.

13. Checkers: Get a mobile coupon from Checkers for a free Big Bufford burger with any purchase. Sign up here!  

14:Chili's: Chili’s is offering free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage every time you visit. All you have to do to redeem this perk is download their app and become a rewards member!

15. Baja Fresh: Baja Fresh will give you a free taco with any purchase after downloading the app and joining Club Baja. This freebie is valid for a Chicken, Carnitas Baja, or Americano Taco.

16. Wendy's: Download the Wendy’s app! The app has offers goodies like free burgers and free chicken tenders with any purchase. 

17. Panera: Download the Panera Bread app! Once you register for the MyPanera rewards program, you automatically get a free pastry. The more you use the app, the more free surprises you’ll get – like a free sandwich or salad.

18. 7-Eleven: Once you download the 7-Eleven app and sign up for their rewards program, you instantly secure a free coffee. 

10+ Nursery Organization Tips, Printables, More

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The Nursery

An infant comes with an overwhelming new wardrobe, but these clever strategies can help you keep his adorable duds corralled:

Wrangle footwear. Why not line them up on a shelf where they can double as decor or pair them in the compartments of an over-the-door organizer? It can serve as a happy home for all those bodysuits and socks too.

Sort accessories. Use a tool that divides your drawers into oodles of sections to make sure socks, headbands, hats, and other itty-bitties stay put.

Print these closet dividers

Decide whether to hang or fold. Go vertical with dresses, three-piece outfits, and collared shirts. If you're tight on closet space, you can mount a tension rod, and voil: You've doubled your hanging area! No closet? An armoire can solve your problem. 

Print these drawer organizers

Group garb by size. Even before baby makes her debut, you'll have heaps of clothing on your hands—and odds are, sizes will be all over the map. To keep track, hang and fold anything ranging from infant-size to 0-3 months. Store the rest of her togs in space-saver vacuum sacks or laundry bags, sorted and labeled by size. Label an empty box with your baby's size, and leave it in the closet so you can toss in clothes as they get too tight. If you plan on expanding your family, whisk the box up to the attic when it's filled; you can keep it on standby for the next baby. Identify a pregnant pal to be the recipient of your tot's too-small clothes as she grows, and pass them off every few months. 


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Toys and Books

Once Baby becomes mobile, he can blanket every inch of your floor with books and toys in a moment. 

Store kids' stuff in adult furniture. If your nursery is tiny (and your playroom is nonexistent), prevent the living room from looking like Plasticville by investing in a stately piece of furniture with lots of drawers. An affordable cube organizer, laid horizontally so it isn't a falling hazard, works. As your stuff grows, you can spring for a second cube and put them side by side. Hide toys in cloth bins, and switch to clear media boxes as your child gets bigger and his toys get smaller. Bins and baskets are better for storing all his great reads too, she says—bookcases have a way of becoming disheveled.

Rotate toys. Have two containers, put one out and leave the other in storage. 

Know when to let go. If your kid is no longer playing with a toy or reading a book, ditch it or donate it.You can recycle toys and fund future purchases through StorkBrokers.com (Like a Craigslist for kids' loot, it matches you with nearby buyers and sellers.)

21 Uses for Bounce Dryer Sheets

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I love the smell of Bounce dryer sheets. Besides popping them in the dryer, did you know you can also use it these 21 other ways?

1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice.

2. Put Bounce around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that are parked for a time. Will keep mice from getting in.

3. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don’t get opened too often.

4. It repels mosquitoes! Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.

6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.

7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.

8. To freshen the air in your home, place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.

9. Put a Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.

10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

12. To freshen the air in your car, place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.

14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in your back pocket to keep the bees away.

21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.

Boxed Review- Groceries To Your Door

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From snacks to household cleaners, office supplies and more, Boxed.com has you covered as the easy, quick way to get everything you need. No trip to the local warehouse store required!
Go here to get your Boxed deals and get FREE 2 day shipping on $50+. I ordered from them a few weeks ago and loved how fast everything shipped. 

They also offer regular deals and promotions. Boxed is a time AND money-saver!

 

I also just ordered my mom a surprise package of her favorite treats. It arrived very fast by UPS and she loved it. My mom is elderly and lives 10 hours away, so this was a nice way to help her out with some groceries. 

Live in an apartment? Boxed is perfect for stocking up on everything you need, no lugging up the stairs/elevator required!

Check it out here! And be sure to refer friends and receive $15 per friend who places an order!

 

Sam's Club Money-Saving Tips

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Sam’s Club benefits are based on your membership level. Sam’s Club has three: 

  • Sam’s Plus: $100
  • Sam’s Business: $45
  • Sam’s Savings: $45 

 

Earn rewards for shopping 

For every $500 you spend on qualifying Sam’s Club purchases, you’llget $10 back in cash rewards. That’s a 2 percent return on your spending. The cash-back reward is capped at $500 annually. 

Rewards can be used to buy products or pay for your annual membership. Or, you can simply redeem them for actual cash. This benefit is available for Sam’s Plus members. 

Get free and discount prescriptions 

Millions of us take prescription drugs on an ongoing basis. Sam’s Club can help you save a bundle on these medicines. Five drugs are free for Sam’s Plus members. They are: 

  • Donepezil: 30-day supply
  • Escitalopram: 30-day supply
  • Pioglitazone: 30-day supply
  • Vitamin D 50,000 IU: four caps
  • Finasteride: 30-day supply

In addition, Sam’s Plus and Sam’s Business members can get 600 generics for $10 or less, and 8 percent less on many brand-name prescriptions. 

Finally, Sam’s Plus and Sam’s Business members save between 10 and 30 percent when you purchase select brand-name prescriptions without using your insurance.

Save on your next pair of eyeglasses 

Warehouse club memberships can be a great way to save on eyewear. Sam’s Club members who purchase a year’s supply of contact lenses can get $50 off their next pair of glasses. This benefit is available for Sam’s Plus members. 

In addition, all Sam’s Club members can get $40 off second pair of glasses when you buy two complete pairs of regularly priced prescription glasses without using vision insurance. 

Earn cash back with a Sam’s Club credit card 

If you are looking for more rewards, consider opening a Sam’s Club MasterCard account. You’ll receive cash back on the following purchases:

  • 5 percent cash back on gasoline
  • 3 percent cash back on dining and travel
  • 1 percent cash back on all other purchases

Enjoy instant savings

When you join Sam’s Club, you’ll periodically receive an Instant Savings booklet. These booklets contain offers with special savings from Sam’s Club’s top suppliers that are added on top of the member-only prices you pay.

Best of all, these offers are electronically loaded to your membership card and automatically redeemed at checkout.

Pick up perks at the Tire & Battery Center

Sam’s Club members get free flat repairs. That’s true even if you purchase your tires elsewhere. Other benefits include:

  • Free battery testing
  • Free wiper-blade installation
  • Free emergency tire changing when you buy a Premium Tire Installation package

Grab discounted gift cards for your favorite retailers and restaurants

Sam’s Club members can choose from an array of retailer gift cards that the warehouse club sells at a discount.

For example, we recently saw the following deals:

  • $40 of App Store and iTunes gift cards for $36
  • $50 in Smash Burger gift cards for $39.98
  • $100 in Buca di Beppo gift cards for $74.98

Get email alerts and check out Shocking Values

Sign up for email alerts from Sam’s Club, and you’ll learn about ways to save when shopping online every day.

In addition, visit the Sam’s Club website’s Shocking Values page to find out about the latest deals. We recently saw an $80 Chaps women’s down vest for just $19.98 and the Shark Rotator Lift-Away vacuum for $129.98, a $60 savings.

Shop through a cash-back site

You can save even more at Sam’s Club when you shop through a cash-back site. For example, Ebates members recently could get 1.5 percent in cash back on Sam’s Club purchases simply by shopping through Ebates.

Get free Sam’s Club gift cards

Discounts are great, but free is even better. Join a site like Swagbucks and you can get free Sam’s Club gift cards simply for filling out surveys, watching videos and participating in other online activities. 

P&G College Stockup @ Bed Bath and Beyond

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This is a sponsored post but packed with lots of good info on Proctor & Gamble products and more.

It's always busy during August, especially for students going to college for the first time or back to school. We stopped into Bed Bath and Beyond recently to pick up some Proctor & Gamble must haves and dorm supplies.

The Harmon section of Bed Bath & Beyond has all your back to college essentials, like Tide, Secret, Crest, etc. All of your fave brands like Crest, Gillette, Olay, Old Spice, Herbal Essences, Secret, Tide, Always, Head & Shoulders & Tampax. This makes it so easy to stock up for school! These are perfect for making back to school kits!

What is your fave #CollegeSpeak terms? Mine has to be ALLDAYER. Because college students are on the go all day long!

  • MOMCLEAN (a): Clean like it came right from your mom’s washer
  • SPEAKYCLEAN (a): So shiny you have to say something about it
  • HAIRAPY (v): The action of washing your hair and getting a fresh start
  • LEGDAY (n): A great day for showing off those legs
  • FRESHZEN (n): A student who is completely focused on fresh
  • ALLDAYER (n): When you responsibly get through the day without even a nap

For HAIRAPY, Herbal Essences is awesome. Fresh scent, beautiful hair- 

And Tide Pods make it easy  to get MOMCLEAN clothes!

 

We got to try out the following products:

  • CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner
  • CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick
  • Gillette Venus Flex Swirl Razor
  • Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Old Spice Lasting Legend Dirt Destroyer Body Wash
  • Secret Outlast Women's Invisible Solid Deodorant
  • Tide Pods (6 pack)
  • Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh Toothpaste
  • Oral B Toothbrush 

Keep a look out for this dorm check list in store, so handy!  PRINT IT HERE!

PRINT IT HERE!

We also got more dorm supplies. Bed Bath and Beyond has everything!

Stamp Collecting How To's

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When my grandmother died years ago, I inherited her stamp collection. As I looked through the books, some went back as far as 1930! It has been amazing to look through these books and see all the time and care put into it. 

Here are some tips if you want to try stamp collecting!

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:

- an album

- World Encyclopedia of Stamp Collecting

- stamp pockets

- stamps. USPS makes it easy to pick out stamps, and they are shipped right to your house!

 
Starting a Stamp Collection

As with any hobby, there are some supplies you'll need to get started with a stamp collection. While it may go without saying, a stamp album is essential. Since it is imperative to preserve the stamps as much as possible, a pair of tweezers will be needed for handling, and will prevent fingerprints, sweat or grease from getting on the stamp. Remember, the condition of the stamp has a large impact on its value. A magnifying glass is also very useful for inspecting fine details. Make sure to keep the stamps and stamp albums away from moisture, warm areas, and light. Depending on your preference, the collection can be arranged according to a theme, such as country, time period, or subject. Older collectors might even pass on their collection to children or grandchildren. As the collection grows larger, it becomes more and more important to properly catalog the stamps so that you know exactly what you have.

 

Finding and Collecting Stamps

An easy way to start collecting stamps is to simply ask people you know to pass on stamps from mail that they have received. If a friend is going on vacation, ask them to send you a postcard or purchase a few stamps for you. Elderly people may also have old pieces of mail with out of print stamps. These stamps can make an especially interesting addition to a collection. As the collection grows, you may become more interested in purchasing stamps to complete a theme. Try hunting at garage sales, at stamp collector events, at online specialty stores or through stamp dealers. Serious stamp collectors end up investing enormously in rare, vintage and unused stamps over time. There are plenty of online forums and communities for stamp collectors to compare and discuss their findings. These types of message boards are also extremely useful sources for new stamp collectors to find answers about stamps that they currently have or are seeking.

 

Additional Resources

Free Restaurant Food for Kids

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Applebee’s

Kids can eat free (or for $0.99 at select locations) with the purchase of an adult entrée on a select day of the week at participating locations. The day of the week will vary by location, so follow your local Applebee’s on Facebook or call your restaurant before heading over there.

Captain D’s

Participating locations offer up to two free kids meals for each adult entree purchase at regular price (for kids ages 12 and under), valid for dine-in only.Contact your local restaurant to verify participation.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex

Every Wednesday, kids 12 and under can eat for just $1 from the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entrée at regular price, valid for dine-in only. Plus, kids can get a tortilla dough ball and take home an avocado pit to grow their own avocado tree! Find a location near you.

Chick-fil-A

Kids can eat free at select locations on Tuesdays between 5:30PM – 7:30PM with the purchase of an adult combo meal (note that some locations may charge $0.99). Be sure to contact your local restaurant for details as the day and promotional participation may vary by location. Go here to find the closest location nearest you.

Denny’s

On Tuesdays from 4PM – 10PM (may vary by location), kids can eat free with an adult entrée purchase at participating locations. Offer is valid at participating restaurants for up to two free kid’s entrées from the kid’s menu per one adult entrée purchase of $6 or more. Go here and scroll down for more details or check your local Denny’s Facebook Page.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Every Sunday, get one free Kid’s Meal (for children 12 and under) per $10 paid adult meal, valid for dine-in only. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Gohere for more details.

Famous Dave’s

On Tuesdays, at participating locations, kids ages 8 and under OR anyone named Wilbur can get a free Lil’ Wilbur Meal with purchase of an adult entrée, valid for dine-in only. Go here for more details.

Fazoli’s

On Tuesdays from 5PM – 8PM at participating Fazoli’s locations, get three kids meals for just 99¢ each with every adult entrée purchase. Go here for more details.

Fricker’s

Kids can eat free all day, every day with the purchase of one adult entrée and child beverage, valid for dine-in only. Go here for more details.

IHOP

Kids eat free every night from 4PM – 8PM with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit one kids’ menu item per adult entree. This deal seems to vary by location so call your location before visiting!

IKEA

On Tuesdays, get up to TWO free kids meals for kids 12 and under (regularly $2.49 each) with the purchase of one adult entree at participating locations. Gohere for more details.

Luby’s

On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11AM to close, children 10 and under get one free kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. Click here for a list of participating locations or call your local restaurant.

Marie Callender’s

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, get one free kid’s meal (excluding drink) per adult entrée purchased for dine-in only, valid at participating locations. Go here for more details.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

At select locations, kids eat free (limit one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased) on a specific day of the week which varies by location. Be sure tofollow your local Moe’s on Facebook to see participating times and locations.

Choose from the Power Wagon (hard or soft taco), Mini Masterpiece (cheese quesadilla), or Moo Moo Mr. Cow (burrito). Each kids’ meal includes a cookie and beverage plus free chips and salsa.

O’Charley’s

Kids eat free all day, every day at participating locations! Get one free kids meal (beverage not included) with the purchase of an adult entrée, valid for dine-in only. Go here for more details.

Piccadilly

Kids 12 and under eat for just $1.99 all day Thursdays and from 11AM – 4PM on Saturdays. Kids Meals include a choice of entrée – like Chicken Tenders, Fried Fish, or Small Chopped Beef – plus two sides, a drink, and dessert (Jello, Pudding, or Cupcake). Go here for details.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

All day on Mondays and Tuesdays, kids ages 12 and under can eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée (excludes 3-course lunch and Romano’s Kitchen Counter Express Lunch or Dinner). Go here or check out your local Romano’s Macaroni Grill Facebook page for details.

Ruby’s Diner

Every Tuesday night is Family Night at Ruby’s Diner! From 4PM until closing, kids ages 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, valid at participating locations only. Please check with your local Ruby’s Diner for more details. Limit one free kids meal per adult entrée ordered.

Ruby Tuesday

Every Tuesday from 5PM to close, kids can eat free at participating locations with an adult entrée purchase (limit one free kids entrée per adult entrée). Gohere for more details.

Steak ‘n Shake

Kids can now eat free any time on any day of the week with a qualifying purchase at over 400 participating locations across the country. There is a limit of one free kids plate to children 12 and under for every $9 spent, valid for dine-in only.

Kids Plates are served with a choice of fries or applesauce and include the Original Steakburger, Mini Corn Dogs, Macaroni & Cheese Steakburger Minis, Hot Dog, Grilled Cheese, or Chicken Fingers.