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How To Save Money On Everyday Purchases

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We would all love to save some money right?! We love getting the best price possible on just about anything and everything we buy. Whether that includes clipping coupons or browsing other online sites, we are always looking for the best deals. Here are a few ways that we save money year around…

Money Saving Tips

One of the best emails to receive.
  • Ebates: Download the Ebates app on your phone and add the attachment to the computer you use the most to do your shopping. Ebates gives you money back on the thing you are already purchasing. It is as simple as searching for the store through the app, seeing the percentage you will receive back and completing your purchase through there. Done! Ebates will notify you that they received your purchase and how much you will get back. You can even link your credit or debit cards so that you can receive cash back for in-store purchases. If you ever have a problem with a transaction and you didn’t receive your money back or forgot to press the Ebates button, Ebates has a great customer service department and they get back to you ASAP. They have always honored my proof of purchases. They have all u   https://go.ebat.es/8xk0iuZcTN  Here is a link you can use to get $25 after signing up and spending $25. 

    This is what will pop up when you access a site that Ebates honors.
  • Honey: Honey is an attachment that you add to your browser that alerts you about coupons that site has.
    Honey notification when coupons are found!

    When you are about to make your purchase, Honey pops up saying they have coupons that can possibly make your price lower. It scans through all the coupons people have tried and gives you the coupon that gives you the most amount off. Sometimes you may already have the best price but it will let you know that as well. Honey also allows you to price watch. It will alert you when an item that you were watching goes up or down in price. Super cool! You can also visit their website anytime to see what coupons and stores are trending. 

  • Ibotta: This is an app that requires you to scan your coupon to show proof of purchase. Each store has an amount of an item that you can receive cash back for. The amount varies with product and store. Once your receipt is verified, the amount will be added to your Ibotta account. So, if you’re the type that keeps all your receipts, this app may be for you. 
  • Khol’s: Khol’s is like the nowadays Mervyn’s. They have great name brands with awesome prices and daily coupons. Kohl’s sales everything from clothing for everyone in your family, household items for all areas of your home, stunning jewelry, and even furniture. I never buy anything at full price at Kohl’s and if I ever need to I use my Kohls cash that accumulates from regular purchases. 

      Quick Tips

  • Hobby Lobby: Never pay for anything their full price! Even the staff will tell you if you find something that is not on sale, wait two or three days and the sale will rotate to that item. But if you absolutely NEED that item, go online and pull up their 40% off one item coupon. It is ALWAYS available and works on any full price item in the store.
  • Michael’s: Michael’s will price match their competitor’s coupon! That’s right! Bring in the competitors add (such as JoAnn’s), grab the item you’ve been eyeing and bring it up to the cashier with the competitor’s ad showing that item at a better price. Sometimes the cashier doesn’t know about this and will call the manager but no worries, the manager will work their magic to get you the deal you came in for. Also, if you work at a school, show them your badge or something that shows your school affiliation and get a discount on your purchase! 
  • Bed Bath & Beyond: I can spend hours at this store finding new items I didn’t know that I needed. Well, did you know if you sign up with them in the store or online, you will receive (what seems like bi-weekly) coupons for either $10 off or 20% off?! And to make it better THESE COUPONS NEVER EXPIRE!!! the only catch is that you must present them at the store and not online. I literally have a drawer filled with these coupons and they honor them (to the max possible) every time I go in. It’s coupon heaven!   

Find Deals Everywhere!

  • Coupons: As crazy as it may seem, some of the best coupons still come in the Sunday newspaper. Have you ever heard the phrase “you gotta spend money to make money”? Well, this is true when it comes to getting the coupons from the Sunday paper. Spending that $2.50 for the paper that one day will easily pay itself off. they usually have tons of restaurant deals and stores will advertise certain deals only to the newspaper. But get your scissors ready, because deals found in here usually required proof which means cutting the coupon out and not losing it. I have found a weekend stay in Cambria for 50% off in the Sunday paper and it was actually applicable. Best newspaper score yet!
  • Weekly Ads: We all receive that load of ‘junk mail’ and usually throw it in the recycling bin right? We’ll take a look through it next time and see if there is anything that catches your eye. My junk mail is usually filled with fast food coupons and chain restaurants and grocery store ads. If you eat at those places, I am sure you will find deals in that stack. Our local hardware store always has an ad and a coupon for a free item with no purchase necessary. It’s a great way to get you to go to the store and the item is usually something cool and useable like an LED flashlight or big tarp. 

How Do You Save?

We love saving money any way possible! We hope you use these tips and stack up on savings as well. If you liked this article, check out our article on how to save during traveling. Let us know some of your favorite ways you like to save. 

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Five Weird Health Tricks That Really Work

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Weird Tips but They Work

I am always trying new things when it comes to my health and beauty routine. Some of these tips might sound weird but they work. I wouldn’t share tips if I didn’t try them myself and vouch for them. I stopped taking prescription acne medication about two months ago and I have been able to keep my skin under control. I even started trying some of the tips I’m going to share with you on my husband and he has been seeing results as well. If there’s a way for me to achieve the result I’m looking for without relying on pills, expensive medication or supplements then I am all for it! I hope one or more of these tricks can help you too!

Weird Health Tip List

Weird Tip #1 : Do you have digestion issues? Suffer from IBS or other stomach related problems? Flax seeds may be your cure! I have suffered with IBS issues for over 10 years. I have tried everything from prescription medication to stool softeners. I recently came across a Flax “carrot cake” at Sprouts. It’s dairy free and gluten free. Eating a piece of this cake at night has ensured that I wake up and go to the bathroom first thing in the morning. Of course there are healthier ways to ingest flax, but I love carrot cake and it’s like a bonus knowing I’m eating a dessert that will make my tummy happy. Give Flax seeds a try or go pick up this cake! Flax seeds are SO good for you. Check out the benefits here.  

Weird Tip #2 : Staying on the topic of digestion and having a happy tummy. MAGNESIUM! Another great way to keep things moving smoothly. I take magnesium several different ways. You can purchase a bottle of Calm and drink a serving mixed in with water. Or you can take a magnesium bath ( great for sore muscles too!) and let it soak in your body as you soak in the tub. Both ways work and both are things I do religiously. I tell anyone suffering with stomach issues to pick up a bottle of Calm. The benefits of magnesium are profound. Check them out here.

Weird Tip #3 : Tea tree oil is something I have used for years. I use it on my scalp and spot treat any random pimple that might pop up. But, a few weeks ago I switched things up a bit and have had awesome results. I started taking a wet cotton ball and putting a drop of tea tree oil on it and rubbing it over my entire T-Zone. Instead of just spot treating I am applying it twice a day and it’s really made a difference. My husband asked me what Ive been doing differently because my skin looks so clear. I started applying it to his face as well. It works! Use only a drop or two and make sure its diluted with a completely wet cotton ball. Don’t irritate your skin by applying tea tree oil directly to your face.

Weird Tip #4 : Eating raw cucumber for skin and digestion benefits! I love cucumber. They are jam-packed with nutrients and because they are mostly water they are virtually calorie free. Cucumbers count as negative calories in my opinion. I will cut a large cucumber in half and eat a half of a cucumber raw. Yup, I will munch on it just like an apple. Skin intact which of course supplies a lot of the beneficial nutrients you will want to absorb. I swear cucumbers play a role in my overall skin appearance and help with flushing out toxins. Just start eating more cucumber.. you won’t regret it! Check out these benefits if you don’t believe me.

Weird Tip # 5 : So, this isn’t technically a weird tip but it made it to this list because it’s weird to me how many people don’t use Vitamin C as part of their every day skin care routine! It’s also crazy weird how much of a difference vitamin c has made in my overall skin tone and appearance. I have been using a vitamin c serum on my skin twice a day for the past six months and absolutely notice a difference. I even got my Bestie hooked on it and she can’t live without a bottle either. I use the serum after washing my face along with my normal toner and moisturizer. It has helped clear up old scars, helps heal pimples quicker and all around improves my complexion. I wish I would have added vitamin c to my regime when I was younger! Get some now, you will be happy you did! Click here to peep the serum we use, but I’m sure any other brand would provide similar results. Just read reviews before you buy!

What weird beauty and health things do you do? Would you try any of these tips? Please share with us!

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Packing Tutorial so Your Bags Fly Free this Holiday Season

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Airlines Without Free Bags

Traveling is expensive as it is. The holidays are even more expensive. Knowing which airlines allow a free carry on and knowing their policy upfront can help you save money. Spirit Airlines is one airline that offers competitively cheap flights especially during the holiday season. Spirit has a bad rap, and if you don’t know how to fly with them, it can seem like a really shitty airline to take. No free water, they will charge you to print out your boarding pass, no free peanuts, and especially no free carry on luggage. I have flown with them more than a dozen times and have perfected how to play their game. They fly almost everywhere, and when you need to save some money, they are the airline to use. I used them a few years back 3 weeks before a Chirstmas trip and saved hundreds of dollars. I’m here to tell you all the tips and tricks you will need so you won’t have to pay for luggage.

The Breakdown

This list is going to break down exactly what you need to do when flying with Spirit.

  • After buying your tickets download the Spirit mobile app. If you have access to a printer, you can print out your tickets otherwise make sure you have them on your mobile app or a copy in your email. They will accept all of these versions. DO NOT go to the airport expecting them to print out your boarding pass for free. They will charge you for that. 
  • Spirit allows a free personal bag that must not exceed dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. I found a bag on Amazon that is within Spirits policy. This bag is only $12.99, and I highly recommend that you buy it. It has saved me hundreds of dollars in bag fees. My husband and I both have one. Click here to buy. It’s $30 one way for a single bag so you can do that math and see how smart of a buy this is. 
  • I have used this bag for so many trips, and it never fails to carry everything I need. Learning how to be a minimalist traveler is a smart trick to adapt to. Bring only what you need. I spent 4 days in New York and even brought back new shoes and gifts in this same bag. You can make it work. Roll those panties and jeans up as small/tightly as you can! I promise you will be impressed by how much this bag can hold!
  • Ladies: stuff your purse into this bag when boarding your plane. I stuff my purse on top and zip it all up, and I can carry this bag on my shoulder so its an obvious “personal item.”  I have never been stopped or questioned about my bag. It always fits (even if I have to smash it in) into their displayed box they have to make sure it passes as a personal item. It fits every time so there isn’t shit they can say! If it fits then it flys! FREE!

Bonus Tip!

  • Pack an empty water bottle and some snacks. You can fill up your empty water bottle once you get through security. Spirit will not provide anything free on the plane, so bring some stuff to get you through your flight. Otherwise, you can always purchase items at the airport before you board. They offer food/drinks in flight but nothing, not even water, is free. 

The Folding Bag That Will Save You Money!

I wanted to give you a visual of this bag so you could get an idea of exactly what it is. It’s a foldable duffle bag that is extremely lightweight. It folds into itself and turns into a small square that is great for storing! When unfolding this bag, it becomes large enough that you will be able to fit everything you need for your trip! We understand that if you are flying out of the country that you might need a little bit more than this bag can carry. Raynita will be doing a packing tutorial for out of the country trips. She is a pro at getting everything she needs into a roller carry on suitcase. Be on the lookout for that! 

Foldable empty duffle bag!
I took three standard size pillows and stuffed them into the duffle to give you an idea of what it can take!
Duffle packed with the three pillows! Still extra room in there! You can get an idea of the size based on the comparison with the hairbrush. LOTS of room!
The front pouch has a zipper that you can take the entire bag and fold it into itself. When empty and folded up..this is the outcome! Pretty cool right?!

I hope you found this article helpful! I am all for saving a buck, and if it takes me flying Spirit sometimes then that’s what I’m gonna do! Now that you know what to expect and how to play their game I hope you will take this advice and save yourself some money. Traveling during the holidays is supposed to be fun and not more expensive then it needs to be! Happy traveling! For more traveling tips click here!

Did you find this useful? Please let us know!

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13 Health & Fitness Tips for the Office

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Health and Fitness Tips for the Office

Working in an office for 8 hours a day takes a toll on your body. I have worked in the corporate office environment for almost 12 years and have personally experienced the downside of this working style. Working long hours in front of a computer is not suitable for anyone, but it’s mandatory for a lot of people. Over the years I have adopted new techniques and tricks to help balance out the side effects of working in an office. 

13 Tips

  1. Get up often to take breaks/short walks. Get moving! Maintain a steady amount of steps throughout your day. 
  2. Sit on a balance ball chair ( if your company allows them ).When I am in the office, I sit on my balance ball for the entire 8 hours. It helps with posture and core. Makes you more aware of your body. Swapping out your chair for a balance ball for just a few hours will make a HUGE difference!
  3.  Pack and bring your own lunch and snacks. Eating out constantly is expensive and can be unhealthy. It’s more cost effective and healthy to bring your own food.
  4.  Keep healthy emergency snack options at your desk. There’s nothing worse than getting hungry at 3:30 pm and all that’s available is a vending machine. I keep snacks like oatmeal, granola bars, or veggie chips in my desk for desperate times. Trust me- it will save you one day!
  5.  Eat your lunch AWAY from your working area. I often sit outside or going walking outside during my lunch. It’s not a good idea to eat lunch at your desk. Change of scenery is good for your mind and getting your body moving is perfect for a mid-day break.
  6.  Drink lots of water. At work, all I drink is water or green tea. NEVER soda. I drink a lot of water throughout the day. Also keeps me keeping up to go pee. Staying hydrated and getting up for those quick/short breaks every hour is an added bonus! Yay for water!
  7.  Mental health and well-being are equally essential. Work is stressful. There are days when you don’t want to be there, coworkers piss you off etc. I keep a clean and well-maintained desk. Keeping a clean and organized work environment makes for a positive attitude. I also keep stress balls and putty available in my office. I also have a low powered oil diffuser on my desk as well. Nothing like peppermint of lavender oil to calm you down during a rough workday. Take time to make your workspace fit for YOU!
  8.  Resistance bands are great for the office! Use them around your ankles, calves or thighs under your desk! People might notice and crack some jokes but at least you will be toning your legs while on the clock! You can get some on Amazon for pretty cheap. One of my favorite sneaky fitness tips for the office.

    Don’t be forced to eat crap food! Pack your own lunch!
  9.  Keep some sneakers in your trunk. If the weather is nice, go outside for a walk on your break. I also keep a little blanket In my car so I can sit on the grass outside and catch some rays. A little walking and vitamin D makes me happy and ready to knock out the rest of the day!
  10. Do some squats! Pick a reoccurring time to knock out some squats throughput your day. You can do 25 squats every time you eat a snack or meal or 30 every time you use the restroom (if you’d rather do it in private). By the end of the day, you will have easily knocked out 100 squats and on your way to a perkier booty.
  11. Keeping some light weights or even a heavy paperweight around can help you tone your arms. There are so many exercises you are able to do in the comfort of your desk even while sitting. 
  12. Since you’re in front of a computer so much, use it for your health. The internet is an amazing resource when it comes to health and fitness. You can look up exercises, recipes, videos and pictures on how to perform an exercise, healthy food alternatives, or even search for a workout group to try. Just make sure you don’t spend too much time researching during work hours.
  13. STRETCH! Take the time to do some shoulder, arm and neck stretching. You can do this seated or stand up. Office yoga is possible!

Balance is Key

These tips are just a few options on how to switch up your workday. Whatever you do to balance out your job and personal well being is up to you. It’s vital that you listen to your body and how you are feeling. What works for one person might not be suitable for another and vice versa. Try some things out and see how you feel. If you eat right, get some exercise and take care of yourself mentally then your days will be better. Making money is important but caring for yourself is even more important!

Please share your tips on getting through your work day. What tricks do you have that make working in an office easier on your body and mind?

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