Saying Goodbye to Mandy's Money Saving Tips

Hi, friends. I want to let everyone know how much fun I had when I put my Facebook page together. It's been over a year and a half now, and a lot has happened in my life. As I've said before, it was a fun hobby that I got to share with others and when it wasn't fun anymore, I would stop doing it. Well, that time has come.

Don't get me wrong, I still love doing my blog and plan to expand on it, but my Facebook page really doesn't fit the direction I am looking to take my blog this coming year. It would be unfair to myself as well as all of you for me to continue with it when I can't put my all into finding savings for you. Of course I still love to save, but it's not where my heart is.

I want to thank all of you who have been with me since the beginning. If you would like to continue reading my blog posts, please subscribe to my blog. I still plan on doing my Tip Tuesdays as well as expanding into doing DIY projects, product reviews and much more this coming year. The giveaway contests will still be a part of it all as well. I will be ending my page as of January 1, 2013. I decided it's best to start the New Year in this new direction.

This wasn't an easy decision for me. I have been thinking about this for several months now and have decided it is time. I want to wish you all well and I hope you all have a Happy New Year!!! Thank you again for everything! :)

True or False: Instagram Selling Your Pictures?

There has been much hype via the internet today that the upcoming policy changes that Instagram is putting into effect in January will give them the right to sell your pictures and earn a profit without compensating you. This appears to be False according to a blog post from Instagram's co-founder, Kevin Systrom.

It appears that the wording used in the new policy was confusing and they are working to resolve this issue. If you are interested in reading what Mr. Systrom posted today, please click the link below to be directed to Instagram's blog post. If you are still concerned about your photos being used, I would recommend using a watermark on all photos before uploading them to Instagram. There are many apps available to accomplish this. Oh, and of course don't forget to follow this blog and check out my Facebook page, Mandy's Money Saving Tips while your at it. Have a great day everyone! :)

Instagram's post earlier today: http://blog.instagram.com/post/38252135408/thank-you-and-were-listening

Tip Tuesday: Check Twice List

Christmas is in exactly 1 week and many of you may already have completed all of your Christmas shopping. But have you? Make sure to check every gift to see if it requires batteries so that you can have those purchased before Christmas. There's nothing worse than your child opening up a gift and they can't play with it.

Extra Tip: A big thank you goes out to my sis-in-law for this one. Any gift that requires assembly should be done before wrapping it. We've all done it. We've let our child(ren) open up their gifts, then they have to wait for what they feel like is forever to get to play with them. Not only that, but trying to assemble them with the kids crowded around you proves to be difficult with some projects. For example, if you have purchased a doll house for your little princess, assemble it after she is sleeping and wrap up the whole doll house or throw a big bow on it. It will save a lot of heartache. Trust me. :)

That's all for this week's Tip Tuesday. I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Christmas falls on Tuesday next week so I may or may not have a Tip Tuesday up that day. For anyone new to my blog, welcome. Be sure to check out my Facebook page, Mandy's Money Saving Tips for more great deals and other great things to come. :)

Tip Tuesday: It's Clearance Time!

We are nearing the end of the year and for many stores it's out with the old and in with the new. That's good for us bargain hunters because that means it's clearance time. Companies start to get things in order by organizing departments and getting rid of things they won't be carrying in 2013. They do this to prepare to take inventory for the upcoming year.

Speaking of clearance, it's that time of year where CVS starts marking makeup products at 50-75% off so keep an eye out at your local store. I just got off the phone with my local CVS and they haven't started yet except for a couple of products, so you are lucky if you get to score the good deals now.

Don't forget, you can use manufacturers coupons on clearance items to make it an even better deal. Store coupons may or may not qualify so check the fine print to be sure. Great deals are ready to be had so don't spend all of your money on Christmas and stash away a little extra shopping money for yourself to get your clearance shopping on! :)

I hope this Tip Tuesday has been helpful. If you want to see more deals that I come across that may not be in my blog posts, check out and like my Facebook page, Mandy's Money Saving Tips. Oh, and don't forget to enter the Giveaway Contest that is currently going on, but hurry, it ends on December 15th!

Giveaway Contest!!! (Now Closed)

That's right! It's time for a giveaway! Not only is it time, but there will be 3 Winners! I will be choosing 2 Winners on my Facebook page and 1 Winner from my Twitter. Each winner will be chosen at random and will receive a package of imPRESS Press-On Manicure nails. Check out the rules below on how to enter the contest. :)

Twitter Contest Rules:

1. You must Follow me on Twitter @may_day1101
2. Tweet the following to be entered:
    "Follow mayday1101 and tweet this post to be entered in the #1of3WinnerGiveaway"
3. You must be 18 years or older or have your parents permission to enter since the winner will need to provide address information. I will be contacting you via email provided from your Twitter profile page if you are the winner. I will also tweet who the winner is so you will know to check your email.
4. You must be a United States resident for this particular giveaway.
5. There will be 1 Winner who will be chosen at random and will receive 1 of the 3 prizes pictured above. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be chosen.

Contest ends December 15, 2012 at 12 noon EST

NOW CLOSED

Facebook Contest Rules:

1. You must Like my Facebook page Mandy's Money Saving Tips
2. Share the giveaway blog post from Facebook and leave a comment under the post telling me your favorite thing about Christmas.
3. You must be 18 years or older or have your parents permission to enter since the winner will need to provide address information. I will be contacting the winners via Facebook message so be sure to have your settings set to allow a message from me.
4. You must be a United States resident for this particular giveaway.
5. There will be 2 Winners who will be chosen at random and will receive 1 of the 3 prizes pictured above. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to my message or they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be chosen.

Contest ends December 15, 2012 at 12 noon EST



GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!


This is not a sponsored giveaway.

Tip Tuesday: Wrapping Presents

Life gets so busy that many often wait until the last minute to wrap Christmas presents. Don't. I can tell you this from experience. A couple of years ago, I had so much going on that I didn't wrap my gifts until Christmas Eve. I was up way too late and tired on Christmas Day. Every opportunity you can get, take it and wrap at least one gift. You will be less stressed and can get more creative with your gift wrapping.

Extra tip: Check out YouTube and Pinterest for creative gift wrapping ideas.

Really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. Don't forget about the Giveaway Contest that I will be posting this week on my Facebook page. Haven't liked my page yet? Click the link here:) http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Follow Companies You Love (for the month of December)

Christmas is fast approaching and companies love to lure you in with great sales. But don't forget to Like Facebook pages of companies you use to watch for Giveaway activities. Many companies get caught up in the season of giving and who doesn't love FREE stuff right?

This goes hand in hand with a past Tip Tuesday-Get Familiar With Your Facebook Likes, which I will link for you here:
http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/05/tip-tuesday-get-familiar-with-your.html

I'm also feeling in the giving spirit so be sure to Like my page on Facebook for upcoming December giveaway contests!
http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101

Get The Movie BRAVE DVD/BlueRay Combo for $8.96! (DEAL IS OVER)

Click the link below to get the movie BRAVE DVD/BlueRay 3-disc Collectors Edition for $8.96 originally $39.99! This is for a limited time and is only good today on Amazon at this link so hurry because they will go fast! I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving and be safe shopping out there. More deals as I see them all the way to the week of Christmas!

 

GET IT HERE! :)

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Tip Tuesday: Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, many will be making long road trips to spend time with family. Before you hit the road, make sure your car has everything it needs to get you there safely. Check all the fluids and get your oil changed if it is due for one. Also, check the air pressure in all of your tires and air them up as needed. Not only will it help with preventing possible tire trouble, but it will also save gas when all tires have the proper air pressure. And don't forget to check to make sure all of your lights are in working order (headlights, tail lights, turn signals and reverse lights) so that the drivers around you know your next move on the road.

Really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. I hope this was helpful and that you all have a wonderful holiday! So who's ready for Black Friday and who would much rather stay home? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great night everyone! :)

Save Big on The Lorax and Horton Hears A Who

Hey, guys! I just purchased a couple of DVD's for my kiddos and thought I would pass on the deal to you! I got The Lorax for only $3.99 from its original price of $29.99 as well as Horton Hears a Who also for $3.99 from $14.98! These also qualify for Prime Super Saver Shipping, but you better hurry because I'm sure they will get snatched up quick! Hope everyone is having a great day! :)

The direct links are right here! :)

First Impression - Freeman Clay Mask

So, I decided to pamper myself, and picked up a sample size Freeman Facial Clay Mask with Avocado & Oatmeal. I usually have my gaurd up when I try out products because I have been so disappointed in the past. I've been having a real issue with my pores lately so when it claimed it 'Purges Pores' I was sold. I figured it was worth a try and I am happy to report that I LOVED IT!

Seriously, not only did my skin feel soft, but my pores looked much better immediately and my skin even felt firmer. It had almost a menthol-like feel to it on the skin which was very soothing. You know that feeling where it feels both warming and cooling at the same time? When it dries, it does feel tight so I would recommend not putting it near your under-eye area as that skin tends to be very sensitive to pulling which leads to wrinkles. Other than that, it's great to use on the face and neck as well.


Now, my only complaint is that I didn't pick up the full size in the 1st place. lol But luckily, I found it on Amazon at a great price. Don't forget to use my Tip Tuesday from a couple of weeks ago because you could be eligible to get free shipping on your orders. I will link that blog post below as well as a link to this AMAZING clay mask if you are interested. It's perfect for yourself or it could make for a great stocking stuffer as well.

I hope you found this First Impression helpful. Let me know if there are any products that you want me to try out and review for you in the comments below. Have a great day everyone! (Links below)


Freeman Facial Mask:




A helpful Tip Tuesday: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-get-free-shipping-on-amazoncom.html

Influenster Has A New Site!!!

Hey, everyone! I just thought I would take a moment to update you about the Influenster program. I've mentioned it before and how it all works in a former blog post that I will link here for you to check out!

Influenster Program: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/06/influenster-program.html

They have recently kicked off a new website and it is awesome! It's a wonderful community of people from all over, coming together to give their opinions on products. Who doesn't love FREE products to test out? I know this girl isn't complaining one bit. lol :)

Be sure to check out my previous blog post (link above) as well as influenster.com to see all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Tip Tuesday: Get Prepared for Black Friday

I commend those brave enough to participate in the Black Friday sales inside the stores. Me...well, I'm more of a shop online kind of girl around the holiday season. There are really good deals online as well, but if you really want to get the most out of your in-store shopping experience, there are a few things to keep in mind....

1. Plan Ahead - Know which stores you want to shop at. Look online and/or call your local store to find out store schedules and policies. Put them in order on a sheet of paper by opening times (or when the sales start that day) so that you can get the most out of your shopping.

2. Make Lists - You can put all stores on one sheet of paper or separate sheets by store, which ever is easiest for you. Know what's most important to get 1st and put your potential purchases in order of importance.

3. Know the Layout - Knowing where the items are located in the store makes for quickness and ease getting to that item. Ask a manager ahead of time if that item will be placed in the department or in a center aisle. For example, sometimes that T.V. you want won't be in electronics. They may have it at a big display somewhere else in the store.

4. Bring Sale Ads - This is VERY important. You want to have that on had when you grab your items so that you can be sure you are getting the exact item in the ad. Also, the ad comes in handy at the checkout if there is ever a need to reference the sale.

5. Be Careful - I know it can get hectic and down right crazy for that $5 toaster, but be aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, some won't hesitate to tackle you for an item. I've seen it! lol

I hope you have enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday. Some Black Friday ads are being released early so keep an eye on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101 because I will be posting links to ads tomorrow. Have a great day everyone! :)

How To Get FREE Shipping on Amazon.com

Did you know that Amazon has trial programs that you can try out for FREE and get FREE shipping? This is the time to use it, if you are online shopper. It's perfect for the holiday shopping season. Just remember to choose wisely because you can only participate in one program. Once that one ends, you do not qualify for another free trial through another program.

Amazon offers 3 different trial programs. They are:

Amazon Prime

Amazon Mom

Amazon Student

Click on each link above to be directed to information on all 3 of the programs and what is offered. Here is the jist of the programs, but be sure to check out all the information directly at Amazon.com

Amazon Prime is the main membership where you pay $79 annually for free shipping, but they offer a 30 day trial free membership. But remember to opt out of the trial before the 30 days or you will be automatically upgraded and charged the $79.

Amazon Mom is a 3 month trial that offers free shipping and 20% off diaper and baby wipes purchases. This membership will not automatically upgrade to Amazon Prime, but if you choose to upgrade it is also $79 a year.

Amazon Student is by far the best one to get if you qualify. It is a 6 month FREE trial and you will have free shipping on all Prime purchases. All of these memberships offer the free shipping only on Prime purchases, but the majority of merchandise sold qualifies. Just look for the Amazon Prime logo in the description. Amazon Student will automatically upgrade once the 6 months is done, but your annual fee will only be $35 a year instead of $79. All you need to have to qualify is an .edu address. If you don't want to upgrade, just be sure to opt out before the trial ends.

I hope this tip was helpful and there's more to come soon. Happy Shopping Everyone!

Be sure to check out my Facebook page, Mandy's Money Saving Tips at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/may_day1101

Tip Tuesday: Handy App to Compare Prices on the Go!

The Amazon App is a great way to compare prices while you are shopping. You will know right then whether the item is a great buy or not. All you have to do is scan the barcode of the item and Amazon will bring up the item and what it's selling for on their site. This will be especially handy for all of your Christmas purchases now that the holiday shopping season is right around the corner.

Since Amazon carries items at great prices, you will know that you are getting a great deal if you find that item cheaper in store. For more information on this application for your smartphone and how to download it click the link here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/anywhere/sms?camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=kracoulad-20

I hope this has been helpful and as always....Happy Shopping!

Tip Tuesday: Stock Up After Each Holiday

The best time to shop for holiday items are right after the holidays. Everything gets clearanced out because the holiday is over. So after Thanksgiving, stock up on turkey day themed decor, paper plates, etc. After Christmas, stock up on wrapping paper, cards and more. Oh, and don't forget about Mother's Day and Father's Day. You can buy them a card the day after for the following year if you are really trying to save. There are so many ways to stretch a dollar.

This was a really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. I hope you found this tip helpful. Keep checking back for more Tip Tuesdays and much more. If you haven't checked out my Facebook page, you can do that here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

If you like what you see, click that Like button because a giveaway contest starts once my Facebook page reaches 100 likes.

Tip Tuesday: Start a Savings for the Kiddos

It's very important to teach our children the value of a dollar when they are young, so having them earn money to put in a savings account is a great way to get started. Recently, my son said he wanted some new toy that just came out in stores. I told him that it was a lot of money and that he should try to earn it by doing chores around the house. His response..."No, you can just slide your card through that machine they have at the store."

It got me thinking. Does he think it's a magic card with an unlimited amount of money on it? Oh, I wish! lol So, I decided it's time to teach him that money is earned, not given. An easy way to do this is by getting a piggy bank or a jar for him to put money in. Here's the catch though...your child has to earn the money. Then, once it is full, go to the bank and start a savings for your child. A good way for them to want to continue to save is to make a goal of how much they want to save and/or a goal of what they are saving for. They will feel a great sense of accomplishment for reaching their goal and knowing that they earned it! :)

I hope this Tip Tuesday was helpful. Keep a lookout for more things coming soon. I have some projects in the works! :)

FREE! Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Volume + Length Mascara

Allure Magazine is generously giving away 5,000 Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Volume + Length Mascaras at Noon TODAY! Click the link below to be directed to their freebies. But hurry, they'll go fast!
http://www.allurepopupshop.com/free-stuff/

Tip Tuesday: Organize Your Email

Quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. Make a point to read your emails daily. Be sure once you read them, you immediately respond to the sender (if needed), file for later, or delete them. This will keep your inbox clean and not so overwhelming. It also ensures you don't miss out on important emails that get lost in all of the clutter.

Hope you enjoyed this quite simple Tip Tuesday. Working on some projects for my Facebook page so keep an eye out for it in the near future!

FREE-Full Size Smashbox Photo Finish More than a Primer Dark Spot Corrector (Limited Qty)

Yay! It's here! The final Finish at Flawless Smashbox Challenges 7-9 are now unlocked...and of course I have all the answers for you! Here they are:

Challenge 7: 6
Challenge 8: C-phyte
Challenge 9: 3

Direct link to the Smashbox Challenges: http://www.facebook.com/#!/smashbox-cosmetics/app_259549480823892

Please note...you must have completed challenges 1-6 to be able to get the product offered for challenges 7-9. If you haven't completed them already, you can still do so but you will not get the product offered for those weeks. Need the answers? I will link my past blog posts here:

Challenge 1-3 Answers: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/09/free-deluxe-sample-of-smashbox-mascara.html

Challenge 4-6 Answers: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/09/free-full-size-smashbox-lip-enhancing.html

Good luck everyone! If you want to stay in the loop on all the savings I find, I post them on Facebook at Mandy's Money Saving Tips so head on over and like my page. I also do giveaways! Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101?ref=hl
 

Final Finish at Flawless Smashbox FREE Product-Challenges 7-9

 REMINDER: The last Finish at Flawless challenges from Smashbox will unlock tomorrow, so be sure to keep an eye out for my blog post throughout the day for the answers. Also, if you haven't completed challenges 1-6 yet check out my other blog posts for those answers. Links will be provided direct to the challenge page so you can complete them. 1-6 need to be completed to participate in challenges 7-9. Good luck everyone! :)

Challenge 1-3 Answers: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/09/free-deluxe-sample-of-smashbox-mascara.html

Challenge 4-6 Answers: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/09/free-full-size-smashbox-lip-enhancing.html

Please note: You will not receive the products offered from challenges 1-6 if you did not particpate on the days they were unlocked, but again, they still need to be completed before you can do 7-9. Also, once you complete all 9 challenges, you will be entered for a chance to win a trip to L.A.! :)

UPDATE...

Challenge 7-9 Answers: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/10/free-full-size-smashbox-photo-finish.html

Tip Tuesday: Buying in Bulk (Are You Really Saving Money?)

This week's Tip Tuesday is to inform you about whether or not you are benefiting from buying that Family Size package next time you go to buy a product. Bigger is not always better. Sometimes you actually save money by buying the smaller package. Look at the price tag on the shelving for the product. Somewhere on there (depending what store you shop at) should show a price per unit broken down in cents. In some cases (not all) you will find that you are actually saving by buying the smaller size. So next time you are at the grocery store, take a moment to look at the unit price when faced with the decision of regular size, family size, jumbo, etc.

Same thing goes for items that come in singles and 2-pack deals. I've seen dental floss that are the same brand and size, neighbored right next to each other where it was obvious they were over-charging. You could get 2 of the 1 pack dental floss for almost 10 cents less than the 2 pack. Something to think about the next time you go shopping. It may only save you a little each time, but a little adds up! :)

Oh, and as always, don't forget to use your coupons!

I hope this Tip Tuesday was helpful. Have a great day everyone! :)

FREE Full Size Smashbox Lip Enhancing Mega Gloss (Limited Qty)

Today's Finish at Flawless Smashbox challenge 4-6 is to unlock a FREE Lip Enhancing Mega Gloss. Here are the answers to this week's questions:

Challenge 4: Legendary Lipstick
Challenge 5: SPF
Challenge 6: Photo Finish

Click the link here to be sent right to their Smashbox Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/smashbox-cosmetics/app_259549480823892

Remember, you must 'Like' the page in order to be able to compete in the challenges. Quantities are limited so be sure to get over there quickly. Also, there may be some delay in the page loading due to high traffic. Good luck everyone! Be sure to click that 'Like' button on my Facebook page if you want to see more deals like this one! :)

Link to my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101?ref=hl

Link to Blog post for Challenge Answers 1-3: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/09/free-deluxe-sample-of-smashbox-mascara.html
They are no longer offering the mascara, but those challenges need to be completed 1st before you can do 4-6. Good luck everyone! :)

Tip Tuesday: Companies Show Their Gratitude

You know all of those emails that go directly to the Spam folder? Well, sometimes it's someone posing as a familiar company to lure you to click their link. Companies want to know when this is happening so they can put a stop to it, and you might just get REWARDED for doing so.

Perfect example happened to me yesterday. I was checking my Yahoo email and saw a company that I've been in contact with in the past sitting in my Spam folder. I thought this was odd so I contacted them through their Facebook page. (Extra Tip: Facebook is usually the fastest way to get your questions answered from a company. Just leave a comment on their page and tag their company name in it so they get notified. :) I included the link that was in the email as well.

They responded saying that this was definitely not them and asked for all of the information associated with the email. THE BEST PART: They thanked me for letting them know and told me to message them with my address information because they wanted to send me a gift for their appreciation. I didn't do this expecting to get anything out of it. I just wanted to make sure the link was safe to click. lol It was a pleasant surprise! So I messaged them with my address information and they responded saying they were sending me a gift bag full of goodies!  A GIFT BAG!!!

So to wrap this up, if you see something that doesn't look right, contact the company to be sure. It could save your computer from a virus (which I was making sure to avoid), and if that company is truly grateful to their loyal customer who gave them a heads up, then you could be rewarded with a freebie item or maybe even coupons. :)

I hope this Tip Tuesday was helpful. Please note, I am asking to please only do this if it is actually happening. The company is going to want all the details of the email and more importantly, it wouldn't be right to mislead them. The reason for this post is to show the incentives of being honest and helpful. Honesty IS the best policy! Have a great day, everyone!

Please Note:

FREE-Deluxe Sample of Smashbox Mascara!!!

Check out and Like Smashbox on Facebook to unlock. https://www.facebook.com/smashbox-cosmetics/app_259549480823892 Then answer the challenge questions. Here, I'll make it easy for you. Here are the answers:
1) Smashbox Studios
2) 84
3) Twice a day

Then you will be prompted to give them your address information. Be sure to keep track of the challenge dates to win even more free samples. Hope this helps! Share with friends so they get a chance at some FREE High-End makeup! :)

Tip Tuesday: Rebuild Friendships/Relationships

I decided not to do the usual Tip Tuesday this week, but to talk about rebuilding relationships. For most of us, today's date has meant something different since 2001. Many of us were affected by such tragedy that our lives have changed forever. With that, I thought this would be a good time to take a moment to remember our fallen heros and the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

As we think about what happened that day, emotions may flood our mind and hearts. But with great tragedy, came great changes. We saw people coming together to help each other, to clean up the debre, to be a shoulder to lean on, and to help the injured. It makes me wonder sometimes, why it takes something really bad to happen before others show that they care. Something to think about.

What I really want you to take from reading this today, is that tomorrow is never promised. There may be someone you've lost touch with, had a falling out, or something that is keeping you apart from someone you care about. Whether you were in the wrong or not, think about how you would feel if you never repaired a relationship and it became too late. Of course there will be instances where it is better that you have moved on, but if it's a friendship that you hate living without, or a family member you haven't seen in years, take initiative and pick up that phone. Or better yet, write (not email) them a letter. Don't let pride get in the way of repairing something that could be so easily fixed.

I hope this week's Tip Tuesday has been helpful. And to those directly affected by this tragedy, know that I am praying for you and I will never forget.  

Tip Tuesday: Shopping Early for Christmas...YES, I Said Christmas! LOL

Now is the time to look for sales on bicycles and sports equipment that you want to gift for Christmas. Stores mark down their Summer items and that includes more than just clothes. You can usually find great deals in the Sporting Goods department, so keep an eye on your sale ads. Also, look and see if there is a clearance section for water guns, water slides and other summer-fun toys. But be cautious when buying water slides. That huge discount is great, but you are going to want to air it up to make sure there aren't any defects. That goes with any holiday gifts you purchase this far in advance.

Extra Tip: Inform yourself about each store and their return/exchange policy as well. Some may offer 180 days with a receipt and you will be safe, but usually places only offer a 30 or 90 day policy (and electronics could be even less) so you will want to make sure this purchase is one you want to keep.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday! Keep an eye out for more great tips and projects coming soon.

Please Visit My Facebook Page For This Week's Tip Tuesday: Blogger Is Not Working For Me :(

Tip Tuesday: Saving Time in the Morning

If you have children and have a career or are even a stay-at-home parent, you know how difficult it is to get out the door on time in the morning. There are small things you can do to get a jump start on that morning rush.

First, prepare as much as you can the night before. A great start is by checking the weather forecast and setting out your outfit and your child(ren)'s outfits the night before. That way you aren't scrambling for something to wear the morning. Pack any part of your lunches that don't spoil the night before as well. Then all you have to do is make your sandwiches and in the the morning, throw in the ice pack and you are all set.

Set all of your children's school items/backpacks near the door the night before, making sure all their homework is complete and inside the backpack. Saves tons of time! How many times are you ready to leave and they forgot to put a textbook in their backpack? Too many right? lol

In the morning, get up before your kids and get showered and ready to go. Don't even wake them until all you need to get done is complete.Throw your hair up in hot rollers instead of curling your hair so you can get your children dressed and ready and save time.  By the time they are dressed, you all have eaten breakfast, and you've applied your makeup...your rollers have cooled and you have beautiful curls that look like it took an hour to achieve.

Lastly, take note of what time you woke up in the morning, how long it took to get ready and see if you need to adjust the time you get up or not. You may find that preparing the night before can give you an extra 10-20 minutes extra of sleep in the morning and that's something we can all appreciate.

So tell me, how do you save time in the morning? Share your ideas here or on my Facebook page. I hope this week's Tip Tuesday was helpful. Much more to come in the weeks ahead so keep checking back. :)

My 1st YouTube Video!

I'm so excited to start the next chapter of this adventure. What started out as a page on Facebook, has turned into a blog and now YouTube videos as well. I initially started my Facebook page to share with everyone how much I saved at stores and how to do it. I started having so much fun with it that I decided to expand on it and share more of what I know and what I learn as I go along.

July 13, 2012 was my 1 year anniversary for my Facebook page and it's still just as fun as when I started. I have a weekly 'Tip Tuesday' which can be about saving money, organization, planning and much more! I want to be able to offer giveaways as much as I can. The more 'Likes' I get, the better the giveaways will become so be sure to share my page with friends! :)

Link to my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

I want to say thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement throughout all of this. It's a hobby that I thoroughly enjoy and can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Here it is! My 1st YouTube Video!

Tip Tuesday: Back-To-School Lunches

While the first day of school is approaching (for some it has already started), we are all worried about shopping for clothes and school supplies. Let's not forget about lunch. For those that pack a lunch for their child(ren), now is the time to take advantage of those staple items and stock that pantry. I've been seeing items such as pudding, yogurt, and other great snacks with awesome sale prices.

Of course, we can't forget about adding coupons to the mix and make it an even better deal. You should be getting great back to school coupons in the mail or you can check the website of your favorite store to see what they offer. Also, don't forget to check store policies. Some stores (especially Walmart) offer price match guarantees.

Extra tip: Don't have children to buy for? That's okay. It's still a great time to buy and pack your own lunch for work. Healthy eater? You will find that produce sales will be at great prices for the next few weeks.

If anyone is interested in some healthy lunch ideas for children or even adults, let me know either in the comments of this post or my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101 and I will be happy to post a few ideas and what I will be packing for my little guys for school this year. :)

Tax Free Shopping In Some States During August 2012!

Some states are offering TAX FREE dates for select items during the month of August to help with back-to-school purchases. Check below to see if your state is included. Click on your state to be sent to information regarding what qualifies as tax free for your state. If your state isn't on the list, be sure to share this blog post with any friends and family that will benefit from this.

Alabama (August 3-5)

Arkansas (August 4-5)

Connecticut (August 19-25) Lucky you! You get a whole week! :)

Florida (August 3-5)

Georgia (I don't want to give inaccurate information regarding this state. I can't find back-to-school savings but I did find this showing energy and water saving type purchases. I hope this helps.)

Iowa (August 3-4)

Louisiana (August 3-4)

Maryland (This is all I could find from your state's government website so please check with your local resources.)

Mississippi (Dates have passed, but remember this for next year.)

Missouri (August 3-5)

New Mexico (August 3-5)

North Carolina (August 3-5)

Oklahoma (August 3-5)

South Carolina (August 3-5)

Tennessee (August 3-5)

Texas (August 17-19)

Virginia (August 3-5)

I hope this post was helpful. Don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101?ref=hl and subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date on all of my savings finds. Have a great day everyone! :)

Tip Tuesday: Back-To-School~Saving on Clothes Shopping

August doesn't start until tomorrow, but I thought that since this Tip Tuesday was so close, I would kick off the back-to-school tips. This week, we're going to cover shopping for your child's clothes since many like to put their items in layaway.

Here are 7 easy steps to get your student prepared and save some money:

Step 1: Take Inventory- Bring some bags or boxes with you to your child's closet along with a notepad and pen. Go through your child(ren)'s clothes and see what you can salvage and use this coming school year. Use the bags/boxes for trash and donation piles to double you productivity. That way you can get rid of clothing that they have outgrown or are no longer good at the same time. Write down what they have that can carry into the next school year. Example: 3 pairs of jeans, 5 t-shirts, ect.

Step 2: Set a Budget- Many people have more than one child they need to shop for, so it's important to set a budget on what you can afford to spend on each child.

Step 3: Make a Plan- Now that you have decided how much you want to spend, write down how many jeans, shirts, packages of socks/underwear you will need for each child based off of your inventory list.

Step 4: World Wide Web- Check out your store's deals, coupons, and layaway options online before you hit the store. That way you know what you're after before you shop.

Step 5: Stick to the List- This will be especially difficult when you have your child with you holding up a shirt they "just have to have" (especially teenagers, lol), but you have a budget you want to stick to.

Step 6: Don't Forget about Clearance- Remember, Summer items will be on clearance, but you can find some awesome deals on t-shirts, skirts, etc. that will carry into the Fall season.

Step 7: Reward Yourself- You will be surprised to find that sticking to a budget may actually put you UNDER budget in the end. Why not reward yourself with a little of what's left over or go back and get that shirt your child, "just had to have" and surprise them with it. :)

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday. Some of this goes with how you can save on seasonal shopping items that I posted last week. In case you missed it, here is the link: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-tuesday-seasonal-shoppingtake.html

Also, don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page to see any deals that I have to share and keep updated on any Giveaway Contests that I have. Link here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Seasonal Shopping~Take Inventory

The stores are going to be gearing up for the Back-To-School sales and now is the time to take advantage of all of those end-of-Summer clearance racks. Take inventory of what you have and what you need for next Summer. Be sure to make a list of what you are in search of before hitting up those clearance/sales racks. Also, make sure you set a budget of how much you are willing and/or can afford to spend. All of those low prices can add up quickly.

Did you see a pair of sandals that you absolutely loved, but you didn't want to pay the hefty price that's on the tag? Stop by that store and see if they have been marked down. You may be able to grab them up at half the cost and you will be stylin' next Summer.

Key tip when clearance shopping: Be sure to stick to staple items. What I mean by this is don't buy something that is trending this season. You know that bright colors will always be in style, but the floral print everyone has been rockin' this season may be a big faux pa by next Summer.

I hope this week's Tip Tuesday has been helpful. Be sure to keep checking back because August will be all about getting organized on a budget! Also, check out my Facebook page if you haven't already and click that 'Like' button. Next Giveaway Contest will start once I get to 100 page likes!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Don't Be Fooled...Stay Hydrated!

There are so many drinks on the market today that claim to be hydrating. Bottom line, a lot of them do just the opposite. On hot days like today, you need to be reaching for straight up H2O! There isn't anything out there that will beat the all mighty tall glass of ice water.

Really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. More things in the works for this blog and my Facebook page this week so be sure to keep checking back! Have a great day everyone! :)

1 Year Anniversary!!!

Yay! Today marks the 1 Year Anniversary of my Facebook page. I want to thank everyone who has liked my page. It has been so great to be able to share my tips and ideas with you all. I have a lot more planned for this page and can't wait to expand on what I am currently doing.

I have so much to share and really love having a way to share it. It's amazing how we can connect with others over these social platforms. I would like to encourage anyone out there who may be debating starting a page, blog, or even a YouTube channel. If it's something you really want to do and will enjoy doing it, then I say go for it! It has definitely been a wonderful experience for me so far.

I can't wait to see what the future brings! Thank you everyone! Don't forget, the Giveaway Contest ends this Monday so be sure to 'Like' the post containing the video!

For those reading this post who haven't checked out my Facebook page yet, here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Be sure to 'Like' it if you like what you see! :)

Tip Tuesday...on a Thursday?!

I found an interesting article regarding grilling risks. I knew that there were health risks with grilling, but I wanted to share this article with everyone that shows ways to help prevent Cancer causing compounds from sticking to your food. Be sure to check it out.

Check out this week's tip on my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Also, keep checking back on this blog for more 'First Impression' reviews and other info I have to share. Don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page and enter the current giveaway contest as well. Contest ends this Monday. After liking my page, find the post containing the giveaway video and like the post to be entered. It's that simple! :) Have a great day everyone!

Subscribe to this blog if you like what you see and don't want to miss out on more reviews, tips and fun projects.

First Impression: imPRESS Press-On Manicure

I received a box full of goodies to test recently and it included imPRESS Press-On Manicure. I thought I would do a first impression of it as I have never purchased artificial nails, except acrylics once in a blue moon. I'm a single Mom and just can't justify spending all of that money on acrylics. Let's not forget the upkeep. Having to go in every couple of weeks to have them filled? Not this busy Mommy. So, I was very interested on how these were going to look. I immediately loved the color (Velvet Rope) that I received.

So if you are busy like me, this is the perfect solution for you. Like I said, I have never put on nails like this and I am thoroughly 'imPRESSed' (Pun intended, lol). It only took about 5 minutes and I had a beautiful manicure that I felt confident to wear. The steps are easy to follow: Clean your nails with the provided wipe to removed oils that are naturally on your nails, size up the nails to your liking, then peel and stick. It's that easy!

These retail between $5.99-$7.99 but there are 24 nails included, giving you 2 uses and extras just in case. You can find them at major retailers and drug store chains near you. Visit www.imPressManicure.com to find a store location near you that carries this product and check out the 36 different colors and patterns that are offered. You can also download an exclusive coupon from the website as well.

I'm excited to try out the other colors and patterns myself. After checking out the patterns, I think I'm going to try 'Shout' next. It has an airbrushed look to it that you would find on expensive acrylics and it just looks fun! :)

After checking out the website, leave a comment below telling me which color or pattern you are going to try. If you have already tried imPress manicures, let me know what you think of them.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions regarding this product are my own.

The 50 'Likes' Giveaway Contest

The 50 'Likes' Giveaway Contest is going on now. Look for the contest status with the video on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101#!/mayday1101
All the rules to this contest are in the description box of the video. Really simple to enter. Contest ends at Noon on July 16, 2012. Good luck everyone!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another Tip Tuesday! :D

Wigs 4 Kids

Hi everyone! Today I wanted to share with you a charity organization that I really stand behind and donate to. They are a dream come true for those who are experiencing hair loss due to treatments such as cancer, alopecia and more. Unlike some other organizations, this is a non-profit organization and people seeking hair pieces do not have to pay for this service. This organization runs completely on donations/contributions.

I grew my hair out in order to donate to this charity and was able to follow through with that goal a couple of months ago. I sent Wigs 4 Kids 12 inches of thick, red locks. :) It's a great cause and I wanted to share it with those who may be debating a drastic haircut. If so, please consider donating to Wigs 4 Kids. If you would, please share this blog post with others and spread the word about Wigs 4 Kids and how people can help. I will link their website below as well as an address send hair donations to.

For more information on this organization and how you can help check out this link to their website: http://www.wigs4kids.org/

Also, here is the address to send hair donations:

Wigs 4 Kids Wellness Center and Salon

30126 Harper Avenue

St. Clair Shores, MI 48082

Please note: This is not a sponsored blog post. All opinions are my own from my experience with donating my hair to this charity. I made this post to help spread the word about this wonderful organization. :)

Tip Tuesday: Put This on Costume Jewelry

Do you love to wear costume jewelry like bold rings and fabulous earrings, but hate the green mark that gets left behind if you wear them too long? Does the color of the jewelry seem to wear away quickly? Here's a quick tip to help you out with that.

Use clear nail polish on the studs of your earrings and inside of your bracelets and rings. This will put a protective layer between your skin and the jewelry. You will have to reapply after a few uses and of course make sure it is completely dry before putting your jewelry on, but it really helps alot.

Extra tip: Store your costume jewelry individually in small ziplock bags to keep them from rubbing against each other in your jewelry box. This will keep them looking like new.

Hope you found this week's Tip Tuesday helpful. Be sure to subscribe to this blog and/or to my Facebook page to stay in the loop and be notified of my upcoming Giveaway Contest. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482#!/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482

Mom Vox Box-Influenster Program

I'm so excited to share information about this program with you all! I have been a member of Influenster for about 2 months now and was selected to receive the Mom Vox Box! I wanted to wait until I received my first box to share this program with you. As with everything I share, I try to do as much research as I can first. Influenster is definitely something to check out! It truly is an awesome program and best of all...it's FREE! This is not a subscription service that charges you a fee. They send out themed boxes of products. This one was for Moms, but they also do Beauty boxes and other themes as well. Check them out at www.influenster.com and be sure to sign up if you want to have a chance at receiving free products to test and review.

All you have to do is sign up, complete your Influenster profile, and start earning badges. Once a new Vox Box is under way, Influenster will choose participants based on demographics and badges that you have earned. The more badges you have, the better chance you have of being selected for a Vox Box.

Influenster is looking for 'influential' people to help spread the word by testing and reviewing products for them, share them with friends on Facebook, Twitter and any other social platform that you use. It's easy and like I said before...it's FREE! Just look at what I received in this month's Mom VoxBox!

This card is included in a VoxBox to tell you about each product and the retail value of full size products. If you receive a VoxBox, it will include full size and/or sample size products.

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails: $5.99 to $7.99

From card: "Featuring advanced nail technology, now you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds--Simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! Available in 36 colors and patterns."

The shade I was sent is 170 Velvet Rope and includes enough for 2 uses.  I will follow up with a '1st Impressions' blog on this in the near future. :)

Ivory Bar Soap: $4.27 for 10-pack bars
From card: "Ivory Bar Soap is 99.44% pure - so pure, it floats! With no dyes or heavy perfumes, this product offers a simple, yet effective clean for the entire family at a competitive price. Great as a face wash, laundry soap (chip soap flakes in washer) and hand washing soap for delicate clothing.
I'm going to cut this bar into pieces to use each way recommended above and let you all know what I thought about it at a later time.



Stash Tea Superfruits Tea Sampler: $3.50
And Nektar Sweetener
From Card: "Featuring Mangosteen, Goji Berry and Pomegranate Raspberry, Acai Berry, Yumberry Blackcurrant and Blueberry, we've included instructions on how to make this tea iced as well as some Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals to use as a sweetener."

I tried the Yumberry Blackcurrant Herbal last night with a packet of the sweetener and it was delicious!

Quaker Soft Baked Cookie: $2.69 for a box of 6

From card: "Enjoy Quaker's chewy, soft-baked cookie in a family-favorite flavor! With wholesome Quaker Oats, you'll never remember they came from their kitchen instead of your own!"

This didn't last when my boys saw a package with a cookie on it. I was able to get a bite of it, then separated it for my 3 boys. 4 out of 4 thought it was yummy! lol


Last but not least...DenTek Comfort Clean & Fun Flossers: $1.99 to $2.99 for full packs.

From card: "Fun flossers make flossng fun and are designed to encourage healty oral hygiene at a young age, while Comfort Clean will help you to floss effortlessly & comfortably."

I already use these in my home and I definitely prefer these over the thread floss. They are much easier to use on your kids too.

As you can see, you get quite a few FREE products. It's definitely worth checking out. Be sure to subscribe to my blog, because I will be following up with this program in the near future.

And don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482 Only 3 more 'Likes' needed to kick off my next Giveaway Contest! :)


Disclaimer: I received each product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. 



For more information about Influenster, check out my video below:

*Coming Soon*

Tip Tuesday: Cheer Up Buttercup :)

Stress and sadness can cause negativity, and negativity is contagious. Next time you find yourself stressed out or upset, take a moment to yourself and calm down. Remember, things could always be worse and when you really think about it, other people have it worse off than we do.

Instead, take that moment when you are calming down to think about all of the things that you are grateful for having. And not just the big things, but the little things too. Giving thanks shouldn't be set aside just for Thanksgiving. If we gave it a moment of thought every day, we would be amazed at all we take for granted.

For example, I am thankful for running water. Sounds silly, right? But think about those in other countries who don't even have clean water to drink.

So, the next time life feels burdened by daily responsibilities and all the extras that are out of your control...be thankful for the air in your lungs, the sun in the sky, and your loving family and friends around you. Life is too short to be negative. I hope this has been helpful to anyone that may be feeling like their life is overwhelming. We live in a fast-paced world, because we choose to do so. Slow down, let the car behind you pass you if they are in a hurry, hold the door open for the person behind you, and take time to play in the rain! Have a great night everyone! :)

What's in my Target Summer Beauty Bag

I went a couple of days without checking my mail so I got a wonderful surprise yesterday (Sunday). Toward the end of May I posted an offer for a FREE Target Summer Beauty bag on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482. I of course signed up for this offer, because let's face it...who doesn't like FREE beauty products? lol



So, I thought I would share with you what I received, starting with the cute makeup bag everything came in pictured above. It's small enough to fit in your purse and great to pack makeup in if you are going away for a weekend. Let's check out what was inside! :)

I received 5 products in sample sizes and a booklet full of coupons.

First up is Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner Color Shield for Color Treated Hair. The product contains "Acai Berry Antioxidants, Grape Seed Oil, UVA & UVB Protectant."



Next is Aveeno Living Color, Color Preserving Shampoo and Conditioner for medium-thick hair. It states that it "locks in color and boosts vibrancy." I have red hair and come by it naturally so I will be passing these samples to family so they don't go to waste. I am looking forward to trying out the next 3 items though.

This Neutrogena Utlra Sheer Sunblock wth SPF 70 comes in a 1.0 fl.oz. tube which is perfect to keep in my purse for on-the-go use. It claims to have a "weightless, clean feel and is fast absorbing, leaves skin soft and smooth and is waterproof." I'm really picky when it comes to sunscreen because I can't stand that greasy feeling that sunscreens do to my skin. I may have to do a 'First Impressions' review on this for everyone.

This is TRESemme Split Remedy, Split End Shampoo. I just recently got my hair cut (actually, I got a lot cut off which I will share why in an upcoming post) so I don't have too many split ends. I am interested to see if this will help prevent more and reduce what little I do have right now.

Last, but certainly not least, is a one-time sample of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in the shade Peach Parfait. I've heard a lot of great things about this lipstick, especially the shades Cotton Candy and Creme Bulee so I'm eager to try this out.

And let's not forget about the booklet of coupons that were also in the bag. There are 13 coupons in this booklet and I see some that I'm definitely going to utilize. Especially, the $3 off Revlon cosmetics item. The best part is that the coupons are Target Store coupons and we all know what that means. I can use a manufacturers coupon with the store coupon and save even more! I'm pretty sure I have a $1 off one already so that would be $4 off one item! Pretty good deal! :)

I hope you all enjoyed checking out what's in my Target Summer Beauty bag. Be sure to 'Like' Target's Facebook page, Target Style (which I will link below) to see posts on when there will be another makeup bag giveaway. I will do my best to let you know on my Facebook page as well. I hope everyone is having a great day! Be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page (Linked at the beginning of this blog post) if you haven't already and subscribe to this blog so you don't miss out on future posts from me! Getting close to my next giveaway!

Target Style Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/TargetStyle

*Please note: This is not a sponsored post. I signed up to receive this bag through Target Style on Facebook.

Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale

Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale started today! Save up to 75% off in store and online. Sale includes select body lotions that usually retail for around $11...ON SALE for $3! Those wonderfully scented candles...ON SALE up to 50% OFF!

Click the following link to visit Bath and Body Works sale:

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4090263&cm_sp=FO-_-Sale-_-Sale


Want to see more deals like this? Be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page!
I only need 4 more 'Likes' for my next Giveaway Contest!

Link to my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482

And don't forget to subscribe to this blog as well. Some things I will only post on my blog and others I will post on Facebook. Don't miss out on the deals! :)

Tip Tuesday: Pregnant? Be Prepared: Things you might overlook before baby comes.

When we think of getting ready for baby, we are more than likely concerned with having the nursery looking picture perfect, stocking up on diapers and getting some clothes packed for the hospital. All of the above are important steps to take in preparation for your bundle of joy, but with all there is to prepare for, here are some things you may forget.

• When packing, don't forget about Daddy. He will need the hygiene essentials and some clothes as well. Also, remember to pack some word search books, sudoku, or maybe some hunting/sports magazines to let him know you are thinking of him. You're going to be there for a while and if you need rest, you definitely aren't going to want the television on in your hospital room. This will give your significant other something quiet to do to pass the time.
• Take inventory of what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. As you get closer to your due date, you will want to make sure your kitchen is stocked. If you're feeling ambitous, make some meals in bulk and freeze in portion sizes to make your first week home a little less stressful. The last thing you want to do is go grocery shopping with a newborn.
• Last, but not least...BREATHE! Don't stress about your delivery. Every pregnancy is different and every situation is different. Stay calm and things will go much smoother.

Whether this is your first preganancy or you've done this before... Congratulations Momma!

Tip Tuesday

Decided to share an article for this week's Tip Tuesday from All You Magazine. If you would like to view this week's tip, and stay in the loop of all that I'm posting, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page at the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482

*Please note: This is not a sponsored post. I found this article from All You and thought I would share on my Facebook page. If you would like to check out their website, visit www.allyou.com

First Impression~National Consumer Panel Scanner

Open Box

                                                                                  (Contents)                                  

NCP Scanner

So, I was finally able to use the scanner that I recieved from the National Consumer Panel (NCP). It was easy to set up if you know how to work a computer, and the booklet is very detailed which benefits those who will need more help with setup.

Scanning my grocery items was easy and the questions on the screen were also easy to answer. I only had a small grocery order today, but figured it would be best to start out small. I do feel this could turn into a monotonous task if you have large shopping orders on a regular basis. But again, it is very simple to follow and all the information is included. If at any time I choose to leave the program, the box included a return shipping label and the postage is already paid.

I took a look at NCP's prizes (which can only be accessed by members) and they do offer some nice items such as electronics, camping gear, cookware, etc. But the really nice items have an extremely high point value, which would take years to attain. Although, you can earn extra points by completing surveys they invite you to.

I'm not sure if this is something I am willing to do every week for years to come. I am willing try it out for a few months and will update you all as time goes on if I feel I have found any more pro and/or cons to this program, but so far so good.

For those interested in looking at NCP further you can visit the website at www.ncponline.com

*Please note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and all equipment was sent to me as a result of an application I completed to particpate in the NCP program.



Tip Tuesday: Make a List

Going to make this Tip Tuesday a really easy one. Make a list before you go shopping. Sounds simple enough right? Can you imagine how much money you would save each week if you stuck to a shopping list? Of course this doesn't help if you stray from your list while shopping, but if you can stick to it you will not end up buying unnecessary items.

Also, do your research before going to the store. Gather your coupons and sale ads and head to the store with the best deals and that offers price matching. Walmart is good for price matching, even without a sale ad with you. If you make a list of items that are cheaper at other stores, it will save you a lot of time in line and both the cashier and others in line will be thankful.

Oh, and don't forget to eat before you go shopping. Grocery shopping on an empty stomach is setting yourself up for buying more than you would if you go right after a meal.

That's all for this week's Tip Tuesday. I hope it was helpful to all of you. Be sure to check back often or sign up to have my posts emailed if you want to stay caught up on my weekly Tip Tuesday and many other posts to come! Have a great night everyone! :)

FREE Target Summer Beauty Bag

Get your FREE Target Summer Beauty bag by clicking this link. Be patient and keep hitting refresh. http://tgt.bz/6018rwTg

It took me a good 10 minutes to get mine to go through, but they are offering some great beauty samples inside. Good luck everyone because they are going fast!

To hear more great deals from me, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mandys-Money-Saving-Tips-CouponsCraftsDIY-Projects/218811121497482

Or to learn more about me, follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/may_day1101

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Project For Your Kiddos

I love doing projects with my children at home. Especially when it is both fun and educational. Pictured above are organic apple trees grown from an organic Gala apple that was purchased from a local grocery store. We germinated the seeds in a moist paper towel for almost 2 months in the refrigerator. Now that they were more than ready to plant, we purchased organic soil and some recyclable cups to put them in.

This is a fun project to do with your children. It's educational as well because it opens up so much to conversation. You can teach them to care for nature as well as the difference between contaminated foods and organic foods. And the great part is...they get to watch them grow!

What you will need:

1-2 Organic Apples

1 Paper Towel

1 Plastic Sandwich Bag

Also, some organic soil and recyclable cups when it's time to plant.

Directions:

1. Eat the apples of course! lol
2. Pick out the seeds and place them in a bowl to dry.
3. Once dry, place the seeds inside of a paper towel.
4. Fold the paper towel around the seeds and moisten with water. (We used purified water in attempt to keep it as healthy as possible.)
5. Place inside of the plastic sandwich bag.
6. Put inside of refrigerator.

Be sure to check on them every week or so to make sure the paper towel stays moist. After a while the towel may turn a little brown. When that happened to ours we changed out the paper towel for a new one and placed it back into the bag. Not all seeds are guaranteed to grow, but more of ours made it than didn't.

These also make a wonderful gift for friends, family, and even teachers when they are ready. You could get pots from the dollar store and personalize them with decorations. And a cute touch that my children will be adding is a picture of the apple that the seeds came from glued to a popsicle stick. They are going to stick it in the soil of the pot and on the back will be care instructions and maybe a cute little nature poem.

So, what projects do you like to do with your family? Leave a comment below. It's a great way to share ideas with others and get ideas for your own use. Be sure to check back often because I plan on doing more DIY projects in the near future.