Monthly Archives:

April 2015

Dreft #AmazingHood Campaign & Giveaway!

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Dreft. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review and compensation, but all opinions are my own.

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Hello again, savvy savers! For this weeks Wednesday Ways To Save, I wanted to share with you all a new, exciting giveaway opportunity!

If your home is anything like mine, then laundry seems endless and ever-mounting! I feel like sometimes I cannot keep up! And if you have a newborn, this will triple for you, and inevitably you will go through so many outfits and bibs from the crazy “stuff” newborns go through. And once you turn the corner into toddler-hood,   spills, food and physical, turn clothing into a laundry heap. If this sounds like your home, then you need Dreft!

Dreft has been a family must have since we started washing our babies clothes before they were even here to prepare their clothes for their arrival. Personally, I adore how well Dreft works to get out protein stains, such as milk and bottle formula, as just one wash in Dreft, and they’re gone!

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What’s better? Now, I love that now Dreft has come out with stages to help us make laundry time easier. Products that make laundry time more effective is a win for me! You can now check out all the stages below, plus all of the new Dreft Blissfuls… which smell absolutely incredible!

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Be sure to look out for:

  • Dreft Newborn (Stage One): Expectant and new parents can wash their little one’s fabrics with Dreft’s same beloved hypoallergenic formula, designed to be tough on stains and gentle on baby’s skin with the beloved Dreft baby scent.
  • NEW Dreft Active Baby (Stage Two): Specially designed with a growing, developing baby in mind, NEW Dreft Active Baby helps to remove 99% of baby food stains and other outdoor messes with a gentle, hypoallergenic formula and fresh scent.
  • NEW Dreft Blissfuls (Stage Three): NEW Dreft Blissfuls in-wash scent boosters gives families the baby fresh scent they love. Safe on all fabrics, these beads help bring back that nostalgic, amazing baby scent (and all those memories) with every wash.

Also, be sure to join the Twitter Party next month for even more exciting news! As Dreft has partnered with new mom and singer Kelly Rowland to unveil the brand’s new line of laundry products that take care of family laundry needs at each life stage – from pregnancy through toddlerhood and beyond.

You can also join us on Tuesday, May 5th, from 9-10pm EST as we talk with Kelly about her life as a mom and how she plans to celebrate her very first Mother’s Day!  RSVP HERE!

Also, make sure to download Dreft’s “Amazing Baby ” app now available for free on the App store. This one- of-a kind app helps parents – and parents to be – capture the amazing moments of pregnancy through their baby’s first year and has recently been updated so that moms and dads can make keepsake movies from photos and videos captured within the app!

 

You can also check out Dreft on Social Media for additional money saving offers:

And now for the most exciting part: I am excited to share this new line of Dreft Products with my readers, and Dreft has even generously offered a giveaway of this incredible prize pack to celebrate #Amazinghood!

This Prize Pack Includes:

  • Dreft Product Line
  • Little Me Receiving Blankets (check out their website for more info)
  • Booster Chair
  • Lovey Toy
  • 5 Year Memory Book

Please note, all entries will be counted, and this giveaway will end on 5/6/15 at 11:59 pm CST. Good luck!

Here’s to saving,

misty1


This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Dreft. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review and compensation, but all opinions are my own.
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April No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 29 (How to Make Money Taking Online Surveys)

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Hello again, savvy savers! I hope you all are well rested, and ready for a new daily challenge! So, for today I want to focus a way you can earn money in your spare time, with online survey sites! 
Why Survey Sites: Last year I earned $420.00 taking online surveys. Here’s how:

  1. The average survey takes 20 minutes, so one could realistically complete 3 online surveys in an hour, and have generated $9.00.
  2. Though is not a great sum of money, the earned survey funds could potentially add up to a $36.00 a month, or $420.00 savings annually.
  3. This is only an average of 3 surveys are taken weekly. based on qualification and availability.

 I used those funds to pay for holiday gifts, birthday gifts, as well as earned Amazon gift cards which paid for my entire years worth of Amazon Subscribe & Save and Amazon Pantry items! Awesome, huh?

Here are my favorites:

1) Harris Polls: Harris Polls is the Boss of survey sites. Their research is well-respected and frequently cited; the number of points awarded per survey is generous; and there are lots of rewards to choose from – gift cards, prizes and sweepstakes entries. You can make up to $45 per survey in 20 min the #1 paying survey site today!

2) ZoomPanel: If you’re looking to earn rewards quickly, ZoomPanel is the survey site to join. They typically send out several survey invitations each week, and have a great collection of rewards to choose from – the latest books and movies, electronics, appliances, jewelry, home decor, charitable donations and more; you can earn up to $20.00 an hour with this site.

3) CVS Advisor: CVS Advisor is a must-join site. You’ll probably only get a few survey invitations a year, but you’ll want to respond to those invitations when they come. They reward participants with Extra Care Bucks, and it’s not uncommon to receive $10 in ECBs for participating in a single survey.

4) Swagbucks: Join swagbucks; answer surveys; and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to popular stores and restaurants. Earn additional points by shopping through the site, using their search engine and watching videos. I have earned upwards of $40.00 a month with this site! 

5)  Ipsos I-Say: Ipsos is a global survey-based market research company that serves more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. As an Ipsos I-Say community member, you’ll have the opportunity to take surveys and earn rewards that can be redeemed for money, Amazon.com gift cards, donations such as the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, and prepaid American Express cards. Most members receive surveys at least once each month with an average of about four per month, and the more surveys you take, the more points you earn. In addition, many Ipsos members also have the chance to test new products and services before the general public. I personally use this site weekly, and since joining last year, taking an average of 10 surveys a week, have thus far earned $130.00; $90.00 of this was used on Amazon to help offset my holiday stocking stuffer costs! If you’re interested in joining Ipsos, click here. 

 6) KidzEyes: KidzEyes is a website that conducts market research among 6-12 year old kids, and is in full compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. KidzEyes conducts surveys for children’s companies, and wishes to have kids fill out surveys, in order to provide better products and services for children and sometimes they are interested in hearing parents’ opinions too, in which case, you will help earn your child(ren) additional KidzPoints. When kids complete the surveys that they receive from KidzEyes via email,  and surveys completed earn KidzPoints that can be turned in for cash or prizes’ points can be withdrawn and deposited into your checking account and given directly to your child.

7) Funovation Panel: If you like the idea of influencing the future trends in toys, holiday purchases, and children’s clothing, than the Funovation survey Panel is for you! This is a free survey site, which enters your information into drawings and sweepstakes, often for large ticket toy items, in exchange for short surveys! I have been a member of this site for a little over a year, and have found the surveys fun; its a great way to get sneak-peeks into the upcoming seasons toys and holiday gift ideas! Click here to check the site out and to get more information!

8) PineCone Research: One of my favorite survey companies is Pinecone Research, who is currently accepting new members to their online research panel. This research firm gives points away at the end of each survey, which have a cash out value of $3.00, which can be transferred to an existing PayPal account,  to a pre-paid card, a mailed paper check, which you can set aside to be directed to your savings account!   The average survey takes 20 minutes, so one could realistically complete 3 online surveys in an hour, and have generated $9.00, and though is not a great sum of money, the earned survey funds could potentially add up to a $36.00 a month, or $420.00 savings annually, if 3 surveys are taken weekly. based on qualification and availability.

So today I challenge you to check out the above survey sites, and see if you can start saving today! Be sure to check back tomorrow morning, and see tomorrow’s Daily Challenge!

Here’s to saving,

misty1

April No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 28 (Take A Free Cooking Class Online)

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Hello again, savvy savers! Can you believe today I is nearly the last day of this year’s first month of No-spend Challenges! Woohoo! So, as today is our end point, and tomorrow morning I will be creating a monthly tally of my overall savings, I thought today’s challenge should be a relaxing, yet informative challenge. 

Who would benefit from this challenge? Well anyone, especially those inspiring home chefs, bakers, and grilling enthusiasts! My videos of choice? ChefSteps, an online creative cooking class series, online community creativity boards, and internet video series, offer free step-by-step video seminars to help cooks, of all levels of experience, classes to help hone their culinary talents! To find out more about this program, click here!

Today, I challenge you all to take a free online cooking class! Also, be sure to check back tomorrow for my monthly tally, steps for spending month budgeting, as well as what to stockpile for June’s No-Spend Month Challenges! 

Here’s to saving,

misty1

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Monday Meal Plan & Stockpile Shopping Trip!

Happy Monday, savvy savers! This week is starting off to a sunny, yet chilly start here in Dixie. Thankfully, this weeks menu is going to be a breeze, and consists of Cupboard Clearing ideas, so stepping out to the market is not necessary! I am cooking and prepping solely from what is in my deep freeze pantry, and stockpile this week! I have spent nothing for this weekly menu plan, part of my 30-Day No-Spend Challenge! 

As well, here is my weekly stockpile shopping trip, purchased on 4/25/15; all goods which will be used in my pantry, blanched, frozen, or used for freezer meals! Please note, the funds used to purchase this weeks groceries were purchased using two earned affiliate gift cards, thus allowing me to stay within my No-Spend limits.

Here’s what I purchased:

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Sam’s Club:

  • 2 1-Gallon Jugs of Italian Dressing, $4.01 each
  • Split Chicken Breasts, $0.69/lb; 10 lb. pack
  • Boulder Sweet Potato Fries, $1.81
  • Simply Right Grain-Free Cat Food 18 pound bag, $8.81
  • 2 3-Packs of Libby’s Pumpkin Mix, $0.91 each
  • 3 piece Neutrogena Body Wash & Oil Gift Set, $5.71 each

Used: $5.00 Sam’s Gift Card Credit (from Savings Catcher Savings)

Total Spent: $27.88, Plus Applicable Tax

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Winn-Dixie:

  • 4 Jumex Juices, $0.49 each
  • Candied Orange & Lemon Peel Tubs, $0.25 each
  • Ripe Banana Bags, 2/lb for $0.39
  • 2 Marshmallow Fluff Cups, $0.39 each
  • (2) 1-Liter Coke Bottles, $0.99 each; Submitted for a $1.00 iBotta App, and only paid $0.50 after rebates
  • 2 Zapp’s Chips, 2/$2.00
  • 2 lb bag of Cabbage, $0.49/lb
  • 3 bags of Yaki Nori, $1.00 each
  • Tomato, $0.89 each; submitted for $0.25 Checkout51 Credit
  • 2 cloves garlic, 2/$1.00
  • 2 Tubs Move Over Butter, $1.19 each
  • 1 Quart Fat Free Land-O-Lakes Hal and Half, $1.39
  • 1 cucumber $0.50; submitted for SavingStar 20% back credit
  • 1 Roll of Rollos, $1.19
  • 3 pound bag of Bolthouse Carrots, $1.29
  • EarthBound Farms Salad Tub, $3.99; used $1.00 Earthbound Farms Coupon

Total Spent: $20.78, Plus Applicable Tax

So this week I paid $49.66 for $181.23 worth of groceries and home goods, all of which went to replenish my stockpile, freezers, and pantry! 

And here is our Monday Meal Plan Menu:

Monday
Breakfast: Meatless Monday low-fat Mozzarella and Spinach Omelette, with Green Tea.
Lunch: Almonds, Cheese Crackers, Cheese rounds, with celery, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Almonds, and Gala Apple Slices.
Dinner: Crockpot Three Bean Chili, cooked with Boca Crumbles, with Diet Cola.
Dessert: Sugar-Free Dulce de Leche Cups.

Tuesday
Breakfast: Green Tea, Coconut Milk, and Strawberry Smoothie; made with Truvia.
Lunch: Freezer Cooking Chicken and Dumplings, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Frozen/Thawed Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Taco Roll-ups; in lieu of taco shells I use Romaine Lettuce Sheets.
Dessert: Gluten-Free Brownies.

Wednesday
Breakfast: Baked Frittata Cups, with Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Lunch: Taco Salads, with crystal light.
Snack: Grapes and apple slices.
Dinner: Crockpot Chicken Curry, steamed peas, and crystal light.
Dessert: Homemade Gluten-Free  Truvia brownies.

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Greek Yogurt, with fruit cup, and Unsweetened Almond milk.
Lunch: Tossed Salad with Turkey, light vinaigrette, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and apple slices.
Dinner: Grilled Turkey Burger Patties, sweet Potato Fries, with Crystal Light.
Dessert: Brownie flurries with leftover brownies; we use Edy’s Sugar-Free Ice Cream.

Friday
Breakfast: Homemade Greek Yogurt, with fruit cup, and Unsweetened Almond milk.
Lunch: Tossed salad, with homemade Greek Yogurt dressing, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Strawberries and two pieces of Sugar Free Chocolate; candy is used as melted drizzle for berries.
Dinner: Barbecue Pork, Steamed Green Beans, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Diet Coca-Cola slushies.

Saturday
Breakfast: Homemade Greek Yogurt, with fruit cup, and Unsweetened Almond milk.
Lunch: Chicken Salad, and Crystal Light.
Snacks: String Cheese and grapes.
Dinner: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, Quinoa, and lemonade.
Dessert: Sugar-Free Dulce de Leche Cups.

Sunday
Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, and Toast, with Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Lunch: Grilled Sausages, Steamed Broccoli, Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese, with Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and walnuts.
Dinner: Crockpot Orange Chicken with Almonds, Steamed Peas, and crystal light.
Dessert: Sugar-Free Dulce de Leche Cups.

Here’s to saving,

misty1

April No Spend Month Challenge: Day 27 (Take A Free College Course Online)

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Hello again, savvy savers! A new day, and a new challenge! Today, I want to switch topics, and discuss a way you can save money, and that is by taking a refresher course from one of America’s best colleges and Universities. As part of today’s No-Spend Challenge, I want to post about an awesome at-home learning tool many users may be interested in using, Coursea.com.

  • Coursera is a for-profit educational technology company offering massive open online courses founded by computer science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller from Stanford University.
  • This online course directory offers persons from all walks of life the ability to sample, full-length classes, webinars, refresher courses, or to browse syllabi and test prep, in a full range of Liberal Arts topics, from many of the national top colleges and universities, including Duke University, Yale University, Vanderbilt University, and Johns Hopkins University.
  • There are also courses focused on music education, art appreciation, small business management, and anthropological studies.

For those interested in this site, click here. So, for today’s challenge, I encourage you all to check out this site, and see if you may be interested in taking a new online course on for size! Good luck! Be sure to check back tomorrow morning for the final day of this months No-Spend Challenge!

Here’s to saving,

misty1

 

Giveaways!

Hello again, savvy savers! Be sure to mosey on over to The LadyPrefers2Save Giveaway tab, and take a looksie-loo at all of my current giveaways on the blog!

Typically, there are two-three of the following per week:

  •  Giveaways
  • Contests
  • And promotional offers

 I encourage you all to enter for your chance to win a myriad of fun prizes, products, and gift-cards! To check out these giveaways, click here!  

Enjoy!

misty1

Homemade Warm Honey Eucalyptus Body Butter!

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Good afternoon, savvy savers! For this weeks Relaxation & Rejuvenation Sunday series post, I wanted to share with you my recipe for Homemade Warm Honey Eucalyptus Whipped Body Butter. I make this body butter, using olive and coconut oils from Sam’s club, and cocoa butter purchased for free from Amazon.com using earned gift cards from survey sites, and store the butter in jars from the Dollar Tree! I find that this mixture is better than any body butter I’ve ever purchased in stores, and makes for a refreshing gift basket filler, gift closet staple, and as a simple thinking-of-you gift for family and friends! What’s really awesome is that an entire jar costs on $0.50 to create!

Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of cocoa butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 half cup honey
  • 12 drops eucalyptus oil

Instructions:

  1. Using a double boiler, or glass bowl in a pot of water double boiler method, slowly and gradually melt both the cocoa butter and coconut oil until completely liquid.
  2. Remove the mixture from heat, and fold in the olive oil and honey.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for three hours.
  4. Using a mixer or hand mixer, add the eucalyptus oil to the mixture, then whip until white peaks form; the mixture should look like creamed butter.
  5. Put the mixture into a glass jar, sealed, and refrigerate for one hour.
  6. When ready to use, place the desired amount in a small bowl, and microwave for 3-5 second, until warm, and apply directly to skin, as needed.
  7. Store any unused portions in the refrigerator; this mixture will last up to a year.
  8. Enjoy!

So be sure to spend a little time today, enjoying all that is great about you!

misty1

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