Random Acts of Kindness- Ideas

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Back to Basics: Reconnecting with friends & loved ones

I used to be a card sender - loved sending out cards for birthdays, anniversaries, thinking of you and no reason at all. Then I had 2 beautiful children and that all was lost. I miss sending cards. I miss the personal connection. I was recently introduced to SendOutCards.com and it has changed my card life :) And it's so inexpensive which as a coupon coach-ess, is VERY important to me!!

Read on to hear more, from guest blogger for today's post; Kelly Cusick:

Today we live in a Google World where we want everything instantly at the click of a mouse. There are many things that we are now doing on the computer that we didn’t do years ago. Websites like EBAY, Craig’s List, and Amazon have made it more convenient to find all kinds of goods and services at discounted prices. All of this can be done without ever leaving the comforts of your home!
I was introduced to a unique and exciting online service from a company called Send Out Cards. What interested me the most was just how easy it was to create and send greeting cards and postcards. You’re able to choose from over 15,000 cards in their catalog. You can even upload your personal photos and create unique cards that can be sent for all occasions throughout the year.
Are you a casual greeting card sender? The average person sends out 10 greeting cards per year, but they claim to have a need for 70 or more! Why don’t they send out this many cards? There are three main reasons; inconvenience, cost and time consuming. Send Out Cards solves all three!
Setting up an online account with Send Out Cards is easy to do. There is no software to download and you can access your account from anywhere. Once into your account, you choose a card from the catalog or create your own with personal photos or a combination of the two. You then type your personal message and click send. Send Out Cards will print a high quality greeting card, stuff the envelope, place a stamp on it and send it to your recipient. The whole process takes just minutes to do and the most a card costs is $2.00, which includes the postage!!
Staying in touch with family, friends or even business associates has never been easier. Send Out Cards provides you the opportunity to act on your promptings. Whether it’s a “thinking of you”, “Good Luck”, “Job Well Done”, or “Happy Birthday”, it’s all right at your finger tips and can be completed in just minutes.
Send Out Cards offers more than just a way to send greeting cards for less, they’re also one of the fastest growing Home Based Business opportunities today. Send Out Cards is going to do to the greeting card industry what Netflix did to the home video rental industry. If you would like to learn more about how you could use the service to just send out cards or to learn more about how to earn extra income, visit our website and try sending a free card on us.
www.sendoutcards.com/90549

Sunday, March 28, 2010

U.S. Census

This is kinda off the subject but it is so important to do the Census. I got mine about 10 days ago and I did it right THEN. I knew if I didn't, I wouldn't do it. It took about 10 minutes and it's postage paid.

My 2 cents for the day....
Hope everyone had a great weekend!

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all you Magazine

This is an awesome magazine. I can only get it Wal-Mart here in Maine but WM also has 10% off mags anyway. April's issue has $81.55 worth of coupons and the magazine costs $2.49 less 10%! If you haven't ever bought this magazine, you need to! It also has great tips!!

Eventually I want to subscribe to it but I'm waiting to earn enough Amazon e-gift cards (through SwagBucks.com) and then I'll buy it for FREE!

www.allyou.com

Here we go...
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Friday, March 26, 2010

Basic coach-ess lesson: Stacking

I had a great conversation with one of my daughter's teachers today about couponing. She learned a great lesson... about stacking. Stacking coupons can be so beneficial but you need to do it correctly. Stacking is using a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon. Many places do store coupons; either on-line or in their fliers-- Target, Shaw's, Rite-Aid, CVS and Walgreen's. This is a regional list... I don't know about other supermarkets such as Publix, Kroger, Ingle's, etc...

So, once you get a bit more comfortable with couponing, you can start to stack them. And if your store doubles coupons (which usually applies to manufacturer coupons only), you can save a bunch!

Here we go...

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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Off the subject for the moment....so I can vent :)

Hi all! Well, I am sort of moved into our new house. Can I just say? Moving sucks!!! You have to pack, stay somewhat organized and move out with 2 little kids running around. Then go back and clean the house- and I spent so much time cleaning.

Next time, I hope to God we have a moving company. I am ready to own a house. But we love our new home, it's a cute Cape.

Ironically, my first post-move post is on a Sunday- which means buy your Sunday newspaper! I have no idea how many coupons are in the paper this week. I am so out of the loop of the coupon world. Be patient, and I'll be back 100% soon. I still have so much to do at the new house and I feel so unorganized.

Here we go...
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Friday, March 12, 2010

Moving Days plus a couple of random cc tips

Hi friends & fans,

Tomorrow we're moving so I'll be MIA for a few days until we get the internet hooked up. Wish me luck :) Have a great weekend!

A couple of random tips:

1. I read this somewhere and can't remember where but I love it; to keep your sheet sets together, put the matching set all in one pillowcase. I started doing this and LOVE it! No more, "where's the pillowcase?"

2. Freeze citrus peel. If you're eating an orange, or slicing up a lemon for a cocktail, wash the fruit and then grate the peel and freeze it for upcoming recipes! I got this tip from Good Housekeeping or Family Circle, I think. LOVE it!


Anyway, if I have time I may do another posting before the move. Otherwise, stay tuned.... thanks for your support!

Here we go...
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Rebates & Rainchecks

I grew up in a household with a very frugal father but I was still spoiled (good combination!). But I vividly remember Dad always receiving rebates in the mail. Back then I thought it was funny since it was just $1 here or a $1.50 there... but $1 was worth A LOT more then, for sure!

Anyway, I am my father now. Ironic, funny and humbling. I wish I was as good with money as my Dad but I'm getting there at 39 :) My point is, DO REBATES. ANY REBATE. Rite-Aid has a great general rebate program. Also, I keep a look out for rebate offers attached to a lot of household cleaners (the coupon-y type tag around the neck of a household cleaner bottle, for example). I just sent in a receipt and rebate form for SCJohnson and I'll be getting a $5 check. That's a Subway foot long or 2 1/2 boxes of cereal! You get the point. It may be a bit inconvenient but you WILL feel good about doing it, I promise.

Then, there's rainchecks. Great example- I went to CVS a couple of weeks ago to get Multi-Grain Cheerios for $1.99 each. They only had one box so they offered a raincheck (r.c.) and I had a coupon for $1/3. They made the raincheck for 3 boxes and there's NO expiration date. So when I eventually make it back to CVS, I'll get Multigrain Cheerios for $1.99 plus my coupon will be it about $1.60/box!! Try it- it's easy!!

On a personal note:
Thank you my dear friends--- it's been a challenging week. I'm unsure of this blog as I feel (just like Julie in Julie & Julia) that no one is reading my blog. Am I doing this for no reason? I love to help people! So I hope I'm helping you in any way possible.

Have a great week!
Here we go....
cc

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Super Shaw's Deals & Coupon Match-ups

Bumble Bee Tuna White Albacore .88 cents

Prince pasta (sel var) .88 cents


Rice a Roni or Pasta Roni .88 cents

Hunt's Snack Packs (pudding or gel) .88 cents

General Mills Cereal $1.99

Heinz Ketchup .79 cents (20-24 oz)

Betty Crocker fruit snacks $1.49

Softsoap (7.5 oz) $1.00

CoverGirl Cosmetics 20% off

Nature Made Dietary Supplements 40% off

Maybelline Cosmetics 20% off

BOGOS

Breyer's Ice Cream

Lays Potato Chips

Louis Kemp Seafood Delights

Plain Ray's Bagels

Entenmann's Little Bites

Freihofer's Italian Bread


Coupon Match-ups
- thanks Mommie is a Coupon-nista!

Shaw's 3/3-3/9

Shaws Conagra Buy $25, get $10 catalina
Here is the details on 1 of 3 concurrent catalina deals starting at Shaws on Friday 3/5 - 3/11. Remember that the $25 is calculated using pre-sale prices since use of the rewards card is not required.


ADVERTISED:
Pam ($3.69?) $2.99
$1/2 Pam Cooking Spray, exp. 3-14-10 (SS 01/24/10)

Hunt's pasta sauce (??) $0.99
$0.50/2 Hunt's Pasta Sauce printable
$1/3 Hunts Products - Recession Payback

Hunt's bbq Sauce (??) 1.39
$1/3 Hunts Products - Recession Payback

Healthy Choice fresh mixers (3.79) $3.59
$1/2 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers, exp. 5-30-10 (Conagra home mailer)
$1.50/3 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers printable

Marie Callender's Homestyle Creation (3.79) $3.59
$1/2 Marie Callender's Home-Style Creations, exp. 4-15 (SS 02/21/10)
??/?? Marie Callender's - Recession Payback - not sure what coupon is there...

Rotel & Hunts canned tomatoes (1.69?) $0.99
$1/3 Hunts Products - Recession Payback
$1/4 Hunt's Tomatoes, exp. 3-14-10 (SS 01/24/10)
$1/4 Hunt's Diced Tomatoes, exp. 5-30-10 (Conagra home mailer)
$0.30/1 Ro*Tel Diced Tomatoes, exp. 3-14-10 (SS 01/24/10) - regional??
$1/3 Ro*Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles, exp. 5-30-10 (Conagra home mailer)

Wesson Oil (3.99-5.69) 2.99
$1/1 Wesson Canola Oil, exp. 5-30-10 (Conagra home mailer)
COULD BE A ROCKIN DEAL - need to confirm PSP's!!

Hunt manwich 1.69
$1/2 Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce, exp. 5-30-10 (Conagra home mailer)
$1/3 Manwich - Recession Payback

Guldens mustard 1.09

Hunts ketchup (1.99 - 2.19) $0.79
$1/3 Hunts Products - Recession Payback

DEAL IDEA:
Buy 12 w/ $2.19psp (26.28) $9.48, get $10 catalina = FREE!!

To view entire Shaw's flier, visit:


http://shaws.shoplocal.com/shaws/default.aspx?action=entryflash&adref=shaws


Here we go...
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Swagbucks.com & MyPoints.com

GREAT REWARDS with these programs!

Swagbucks- I recently cashed in some bucks for TWO $5 e-gift certificates to amazon.com and I spent NOTHING, NADA. I use it as my search engine and I get bucks. I am a fb fan of SB and get codes to enter to get more bucks! You never get spam either! I know a lot of you are worried but I can attest to it. Use this referral link and I'll get bucks too!

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/ksmclean1


I also use mypoints.com- this is a great one if you buy online a lot. I have rec'd gas cards, gift cards, etc... as rewards. You receive emails titled, "Bonus Mail from MyPoints".... so you will receive emails but they are from MyPoints only. I recently cashed in my points for a $10 Lowe's Gift Card and will receive it in a few weeks in the mail.
You can receive points for surveys, or click-thrus to websites, like magazines.com, homedepot.com, esteelauder.com, avon.com, etc... legitimate websites that offer promos for mypoints members but also you receive points just for clicking.

If you're interested in mypoints, please comment with your email address and I'll send you an invitation. I'll get 10% of all your eligible points!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to use the comment field as I'm sure others will have the same questions. Good luck!

Here we go....

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Foil-Baked Asian Chicken

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4
Cost/serving: $2.38

This is from All You Magazine, March 2010. I'm trying this tonight!

8 tsp. olive oil
4 cups baby spinach
4 4-oz. boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
8 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
4 tsp. teriyaki sauce
Salt

1. Preheat oven to 450. Tear off 4 10 inch squares of foil. Brush each square with 2 tsp. olive oil. Place 1 cup spinach on each square, slightly off center. Top w/a chicken breast half and some mushrooms. Drizzle 1 tsp. teriyaki sauce over each portion; sprinkle w/salt.

2. Fold each piece of foil over to cover chicken & veggies. Crimp edges together tightly to seal. Place packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until chicken is cooked through. 15 to 20 mins.

Per Serving: 230 cal, 11g fat (2g sat), 66 mg Chol, 1 g fiber, 29g Pro, 4g Carb, 508 mg Sod.

Enjoy!

Here we go...

Happy weekend!

Friday, March 5, 2010

30% off GAP denim March 5-14th when you bring in your old denim!!

RECYCLE YOUR BLUES....

Bring us your old denim, doesn't even need to be from GAP to a GAP store and you'll get 30% OFF our new denim (regular priced denim only)!!

Use your GAP brand credit card and you'll get 35% OFF!


In-store only. Excludes GAP Outlet. No coupon needed.

We'll recycle the denim and turn it into eco-friendly housing insulation.

Here we go!!

cc

Thursday, March 4, 2010

FREE TIGI Captivating Curls Starter Kits- 7 full size products! w/free shipping!!

This is a sick FREEBIE (value of $127.50 plus free shipping!!- Thank you to Free Sample Freak!!

http://www.tigistore.com/c-63-free.aspx

"HOLY MOTHER OF FREEBIES….Get a FREE TIGI Captivating Curls Starter Kit.

FREE TIGI Captivating Curls Starter Kit comes with 7 Full Sized Products!!!
This freebie will go FAST! Hurry and grab it as fast as you can! It is very easy to do…you’ll see where it says $0.00, add it to your cart, check out and you’ll even get an order confirmation in your email! HOT!!!
Captivating Curls Starter Kit
SKU: 608815
- (1) 300208 - Curlesque Defining Shampoo 10.14 oz
- (1) 330208 - Curlesque Hydrating Conditioner 8.45 oz
- (1) 140285 - Curlesque Leave-In Conditioner 7.27 oz
- (1) 140288 - Curlesque Lightweight Mousse 7 oz
- (1) 140284 - Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier 5.07 oz
- (1) 140287 - Curlesque Strong Mousse 6.7 oz
- (1) 140286 - Curlesque Defining Serum 3.04 oz 1 $0.00 (USD)"


I just ordered it and it was completely legit- can't wait to get it!!! And I have naturally curly hair but who cares- get it anyway and donate it, give it away or anything!!! GREAT!!!

Here we GO.........

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Happy Thursday to all of my blog friends!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Giftcard Giveaway by Budget Saving Mom

You could win a Home Depot $25 Gift Card, visit the link below to enter.

http://budgetsavingmom.com/2010/02/24/three-25-gift-cards-giveaway/


Here we go..... Good Luck!

cc

Incredible IGA Deals (3.1- 3.7.10)

TIP: Every Tuesday 5% Senior Citizen Discount with your Perks card (see store for details)


Progresso Vegetable Classic .98 cents

Birdseye Veggies- regular, Steamfresh (select varieties) .98 cents


Post Cereal (Honey Bunches of Oats, Grape-Nuts, Shredded Wheat, select var) $1.88

Bone in Thighs, whole Legs, and drumsticks .78 cents/lb

Plumrose Sliced Bacon 2/$5

Shady Brook Farms Turkey Ham- sliced fresh in deli $2.99/lb- this is yummy I bought it for my hubby's lunches! Ask for a sample before you buy if you want!

Athenos Hummus $1.99

Near East Rice Pilaf or Couscous $1.28

Kraft Salad Dressing .98 cents

Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce $1.88

Heniz Ketchup 20 oz. Squeeze Bottle $1.68

Excedrin Pain Reliever 24 ct $3.99

Secret Deoderant 2/$4

Granny Smith, Red or Golden Del. Apples $1.19/lb

2 lb. bag yellow onions .99 cents

Bagel Bites- frozen $1.88

Lenders Original Bagels $1.18 ** use the coupon for $1.00/2 and get them for .68 cents EACH!!!

Garelick Farms OJ- 1 gallon $2.89

Oakhurst Farms 1/2 and 1/2 32 oz. $1.89

Happy Hump Day!

Here we go.....

cc

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

30 % off GAP denim March 5-14th

RECYCLE YOUR BLUES....

Bring us your old denim, doesn't even need to be from GAP to a GAP store and you'll get 30% OFF our new denim (regular priced denim only)!!

Use your GAP brand credit card and you'll get 35% OFF!


In-store only. Excludes GAP Outlet. No coupon needed.

We'll recycle the denim and turn it into eco-friendly housing insulation.

Here we go!!

cc

Monday, March 1, 2010

Hot Hannaford Deals (2.28-3.6.10)

4-6 lb pkg Split Chicken Breast .99 cents/lb

Blueberries (6 oz) $2.99 each

Anjou or Red Pears .99 cents/lb

Sweet Golden Pineapple $2.99 each

1 pint Kumquats $1.99 each

Heluva Good Dips $1.99 each

Smithfield Pork Picnic $1.09/lb

A slow special week at Hannaford ---

Happy Monday!!

To view the whole flier, visit

http://www.hannaford.com/home.shtml