Try something new challenge

Since I turned the big 3-0 last month I decided that I was going to challenge myself push myself to really grow as a person. That leads me to the try something new challenge. For the next 12 months I'm going to try something new or learn something new. That being said this month is going to be blogging. I've dabbled very poorly in blogging previously but this month I'm really going to throw myself in to this. So here we go!

First let me introduce myself I'm a divorced mother of 2 elementary aged kids and 3 fur babies. I love camping and couponing. I'm currently rebuilding my life with my high school sweetheart which means cutting even more corners then I'm used to. On top of couponing and the side hustles I'll go in to later, I work full time and I have a seasonal job, so to say I'm a busy person is an understatement.  I never pass up an opportunity to make money no matter how small the amount is, it's more then I had to start.

I can't wait to start this journey and tell y'all more.

Side Hustle Part 1

I'm begging you not to look back at my old posts, I'm just deciding to get serious about blogging. That being said if you do look back at my old posts, don't judge.

Every year Christmas seems to sneak up on some of us. Guilty! Thankfully I prepare for Christmas gradually throughout the year, how you ask? A little bit at a time. The first "side hustle" I'm going to introduce you to today is one that I simply use as my Christmas fund.


You Can Get Free Gift Cards For Shopping, Searching and Discovering What's Online at Swagbucks.com

If you haven't heard of this site, I definitely recommend you give it a whirl. It's going to be a little slow going at the beginning but stick with it, it's worth it. What happens is that you earn swagbucks for doing different things, each swagbuck is equal to $.01. You then use redeem the swagbucks for gift cards or a paypal deposit. I have been using this site for a little over 5 years and have made over $515 (to be fair I only earned $33 the first year because I didn't really stick with it or figure out what I was doing) Now there are certainly ways to earn way more then what I've earned on Swagbucks and I've heard of many people who do easily.

Let me go through a couple easy ways to earn Swagbucks

1. Coupons - If you print your regular grocery coupons through swagbucks, you earn 10 swagbucks for each coupon that you redeem. Don't worry it's the same coupons that you can print on coupons.com so they are all good coupons! For me this is kind of a double dip, not only am I saving money on the product I'm buying but I'm also earning $.10 for each coupon!

2. Daily Poll - This one is quite possibly the easiest! You get 1 swagbuck every day for answering a simple multiple choice question. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but it takes a minute and adds up to $3.65 a year. They even put a link to the daily poll on the left hand side of your home page under the to do list, if it's already done for the day it grey's it out. Pretty simple right?

3. Daily Offers (NOSO) - This one is a little more in-depth but still easy, go through and click no to all of the offers, enter the capta at the end and boom you get 2 swagbucks. $7.30 a year.

4. Daily Goals - Everyday swagbucks sets 2 daily goals for you, the first one is normally around 30 swagbucks and the reward is 3 swagbucks, the second goal is 110 swagbucks and the rewards is 11 swagbucks. Please note this is what they start at, they will change. You can collect the rewards at the beginning of the next month.

5. Shop & Earn - I've just started using the shop and earn portion because I'm not real big in to the online shopping. However if you are Swagbucks makes it super simple for you! A box will pop up at the top when you go to a website that is eligible, it will tell you how many swagbucks you will get back per dollar, all you have to do is accept the offer and go about your purchase as normal. The swagbucks will be credited to your account within 60 days. These are sites that you use all the time! Walmart, Charming Charlies, VistaPrint, Shutterfly, the list goes on and on!

6. Inbox - Every day there are offers sent to your swagbucks inbox. Some are great, some not so much. Recently there was an offer to purchase a product that cost $14.99 and they gave me back $15 in swagbucks. Sounds to good to be true right? It's not just make sure you read the fine print.

There are multiple other ways to earn swagbucks, they even have a Facebook page where other swagbucks users go to share offers, surveys, swagcodes, etc. My advice is to click around on the site and see all the possibilities. What you make depends on the effort you put it. For me it's an easy way for a stay at home mom to save up for Christmas.

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you more ways to make a little extra money!

Good Luck
MommaBear

Perdue Crew

I just came across this program called Perdue Crew, so far it seems like a pretty good program. You get coupons right off the bat and you get opportunities to earn higher value coupons.You also get the opportunity to win Perdue prizes and the top 10 point earns will win a years supply of roasters!!

If you are just looking to print a coupon and move on you can print a $.75 off coupon here.

Drano Plus Snake

I like to think that I am independant and can do everything a man can do. . . until it comes to the man jobs. Like for instance a couple months ago when the bathroom sink was clogged and wouldn't go down, husband was away for the week, what is a girl to do? Then I remembered seeing Drano plus Snake at the store, so I trudged out (okay I waited a day or two to see if it would go down on it's own) and bought it. Even better part? There were peelie coupons on it to make it cheaper! Yay!

I decided that I had to tackle this project as soon as I got home or it would never get done, so I did, and it was gross, thankfully I spared you the pictures. Just trust me it's not pretty, nor fun. But I can tell you that, knock on wood, my bathroom sink hasn't clogged back up yet. So not only did it work, but it was really easy. The "snake" was a little hard to use since it was prebent from being in the package and if you pull it out to fast it splashes everywhere. There wasn't an unpleasant scent and it didn't take long from start to finish to get my sink draining perfectly again.

All in all: Well worth the money!

Popcorn and Chocolate covered bananas . . . not together.

First off I didn't have these two wonderful treats together but how yummy would that be?

While cruising the clearance area in Target I found these little gems.

I have been wanting to try stove popped popcorn just didn't want to make the full jump into buying kernels and oil, then figuring out seasoning. I picked one up figuring I would give it a try, I was so excited that we made it as soon as we got home!

Lets just say my 2 year old and I approve! We ended up buying the last two at Target, I wish they had more! Now I think that I am fully ready to make the dive and buy kernels! I'll have to tell you guys how that goes.


Next let me tell you about these slices of wonderful.

I know I know these are so simple to make on my own why would I spend money on them!? Let me justify that, they were on sale and I had a coupon so they came down to $1.99. By the time I would buy the chocolate and bananas and make them I pretty much figure it's even plus these are in little packs I can take to work! They were a little richer then I would like since they were made with dark chocolate but still hits that chocolate sweet tooth and is still semi healthy!

edit: I had a terrible sweet tooth at work yesterday and almost caved to paying $1 for a pack of Reese's but I had a pack of these in the freezer so I tried this instead. It worked and was way healthier for me!

April Clean House Challenge

Even though I am working crazy hours still for the first part of the month, I've decided I am going to try this anyway. It can't hurt right?

I started yesterday and I can honestly say I really didn't notice how dirty my mirrors were! Today's is a little time consuming but I'm going to try, even if I have to do it tomorrow! Speaking of tomorrow, I have never and I mean never cleaned an oven. . . should be interesting.

 

My third job :)

Every time someone asks me how I do so well with coupons, my answer is the same, don't buy what you need when you need it, buy what is a good price before you need it. Case in point my trip to Wal-mart yesterday

Buying more saved me money on what I originally was going to buy, I got 20 items for $.66 compared to 1 item for $1.98. You do the math.

Also I want to point out that it was a really really good week for free samples for me! Take a look at this weeks mail haul! 3 coupon books, 3 free item coupons and lots of others! Now to find a good way to organize them all!

This is just an introduction to what I refer to as my third and may I add favorite job, there will be more to come!

Momma Bear

Trying something new March edition

I can hardly believe it myself but we are only 5 days in to March and I have already tried 2 new things!

First thing I tried was making my own meatloaf. I used this one, http://www.twirlandtaste.com/2012/11/miranda-lamberts-favorite-her-moms.html I'm not going to lie the main reason is because I love Miranda. It was my very first time making meatloaf, as this isn't something my family does. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and Abigail loved helping with it. Plus it was one of those throw in the oven and work on other things meals. I will definitely be making more meatloaves in the future! Next time I'm going to try wrapping it in bacon, yum.

The next thing I tried was making my own Easter candy, again yum! I made a small batch of peanut butter balls to make sure I would like them and now I wanna not only make more but I want to find other recipes as well!

I can't see these being the only 2 new things I do this month since the husband fixed up the sewing machine the neighbor gave us! Bring on the sewing ;)

Amanda

Nexxus Hydra-light

So I got a great opportunity to try a new product from Nexxus, it's called Hydra-light and it's claims refreshing hydration and natural fullness for your hair. Well I got the shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner and a root lift mist.

So right off the bat I am sceptical because I am very low maintenance when it comes to my hair, I hate all the muss and fuss and putting all these products in my hair. So I started gradually the first day just using the shampoo and conditioner, let me say that my hair felt super clean. It was bouncy and I felt fuller, I just couldn't keep my hands out of it all day! So the next day I decide to jump in with both feet and use all 4 products the way the bottles direct you to. Now I am even more sceptical because I always thought you didn't have to use both conditioner and leave in conditioner. . . wrong. Apparently conditioner releases current tangles and the leave in conditioner tames "future" tangles. I have a huge problem that half way through the day I end up with a huge rats nest at the back of my neck from my hair rubbing on my shirt, since I have started using both conditioners, I haven't had that knotting!

All in all the products leave my hair feeling a little more full of life then before, the scent is light but great, and my hair feels very clean. The leave in conditioner keeps the tangles at bay while leaving my hair shiny and slick. I could do with out the root lift mist I didn't feel it did very much other then leave my hair stuck together and gave it a straw like appearance if I didn't break it up. The problems that I did have with this product were the price (ranging from $9.99-$14.99 per bottle) and the fact that it's definitely a daily use item. My hair was left looking greasier then normal on the second day.

Bottom Line: If I were going to splurge it would just be for the leave in conditioner.

Trying something new. . . every month

Okay so my "thing" for this year is going to be trying something new or learning something new every month. I am not talking about the whole, "You learn something new everyday." I am talking actually going out of my way to learn or do something. Since I got a late start with this I didn't really get to anything in February so I am going to use making my own stromboli. I have assisted in the process before but I've never actually taken it on my own to make one, so I just did it. Granted I did not make my own dough, but it's still a stromboli. I also did not get to take pictures, which is probably good since it did not look as good as it tasted. I have some minor things that I want to tweak but all in all it was one of our favorite dinners.

Also I threw together some "leftover" items I had after making broccoli, chicken and cheese bites in to the mixer and made a pretty delicious dip! I threw in some thawed frozen broccoli, some pre cooked chicken, a bar of cream cheese and some shredded mexican cheese. Mixed it all up in my beautiful kitchen aid, spread it in a square glass pan, threw it in the oven for a couple minutes and voila! It was great, next I am going to try using it to make little appetizer bites, I will let you know how that turns out.

As for March I have many things that I would like to try/learn but I don't want to get your hopes up or jinx myself so I will leave you in suspense ;)

Amanda

Quick Lunch

Today we were doing a lot of work around the house and completely forgot about the whole eating thing so I raided the freezer for something quick and yummy. A few weeks ago I got the Kirkwood Parmesan Garlic Chicken chunks at Aldi, I picked them up thinking they might be like the ones at Wing Street which are extremely yummy. So I cooked them up with some tater tots, and wow. They were just like the ones at Wing Street but much cheaper considering the tub if I remember correctly was only $4.99! The chicken cooked up crispy and wasn't fatty, there was plenty of flavorful sauce. I was worried because it didn't look like very many in the package but we both ended up full and there was some leftover! Now to see if Aldi still has them when I make my next trip!

Rating: Worth it

Cupcakes and Sippy Cups!

Since I am constantly trying new things I am going to try and keep you updated on what I try and what I think. So a little while ago, okay back when they first came out! I couldn't resist, broke down and paid FULL PRICE for a box of these babies. Boy did I regret that! I think they were very dry, the could have used some cream filling in these. And basically they tasted exactly like a chocolate cupcake. I ended up throwing almost the entire box away. When I went to tell Tastykake what I thought of their product it wouldn't let me submit an email!

Rating: Save your $

The other new thing that we have tried and I say we because this was more Abigail trying then me. But I have had the worst luck with sippy cups. It seems that every brand I get leaks one way or another. Well recently I discovered what they call the truly spill proof sippy cup. Seems too good to be true right? Well it's not. The Tommee Tippee or Explora Truly Spill proof sippy cup is exactly that. It doesn't spill. We got the kind with the straw (for 12 months). They come in bright colors, they are decently priced ($8.99 at Target and I got a 2 pack on sale at Babies R Us for like $6!) and Abigail gives them a big thumbs up! Not only that but they aren't any harder to clean then the other sippy cups, actually they come apart into more pieces so they may just be easier!

Rating: Worth the splurge!

New food "stuff"

Gosh I've been trying all kinds of new food stuff lately, the perks of using coupons and getting freebies! I guess it's pretty great of the companies cause realistically I don't think I would have shelled out the money for some of the stuff without my coupons.

Philadelphia Cooking Creme - I have so far used the Garlic, Santa Fe and Italian Herb and Cheese. I must say it's just like the commercials say really easy and it puts a new spin on things. I made the alfredo that came in the recipes on top of the Italian herb and cheese and it's one of my new favorite meals! Also easiest fajitas I've ever made were with the Santa Fe flavor, yummy too!

Jello Temptations - I have only had the strawberry cheesecake but YUM. It's a rich dessert like taste that packs well into a lunchbox. My gripe. . . it only comes in a 3 pack and the price is a little steep for a 3 pack. I like it but it will definately be one of my only when I have really good coupon buys.

Oreo Berry Blast Ice Cream Cookies - I went grocery shopping Thursday night and it's now Saturday night, the package is pretty much gone. They are delicious!

Snapple Papaya Mango Tea - If you like those flavors you'll love this. I wasn't expecting the flavors to be as bold as they are but wow. I'm very disappointed that this is a limited time only thing. The label is very attractive as well.

Some other really great products I've tried, Coke Max, Propel Zero, yoplait fruit parfait and goldfish bread! Some not so great stuff, Gatorade zero, just yuk.

I think that is all the new stuff I've tried.

On the homefront, Abs is 5 months tomorrow! Golly were did the time go! She is already talking up a storm! I'm not so sure I like my new job, trying to figure out what I want to do from here. Haven't lost any weight yet (that I can tell) and Di's wedding is about 5 months away!?

My first opinion!

Okay so it's not exactly my first opinion but my first blogged opinion. I'm just gonna see how this goes for a little while see if I can keep up with this along with my two jobs and being a wife and new mommy. First let me start with my lunch. I made this http://bearcreekfoods.elsstore.com/view/product/?id=2480&cid=1314 for lunch and the last step is add salt and pepper to taste, well thank god I waited and actually tasted it first because I LOVE pepper and this had a little bit of a kick to it. I did add a little bit of bacon bits, a ham steak, and shredded cheese on top so other then the kick it was pretty good. I didn't have any but it would be pretty good with a little bit of sour cream on top!

My next topic Olan Mills photography. . . ugh where to start with that one. I went there yesterday to get my daughter's Valentine's Day photos taken. She was in a great mood, just ate, just changed, in her cutesy little outfit. Now I made an appointment and I know that sometimes people run late, especially if they had someone uncooperative earlier in the day. Now while I am waiting the photographer says to another lady, "Would you like to make an appointment for another time in February? You can get 50% any package if you make the appointment now, maybe get some Valentine's Day pictures, or early mother's day pictures done!" The lady said no but that's not part of my story. Now my daughter is OBVIOUSLY in a Valentine's outfit and we take all her pictures and after we finish I ask the photographer how long until the pictures are ready. . . wait for it. . . 3 weeks!? Now wait a minute that's 10 days after Valentine's day!? Why would you let me take Valentine's Day pictures and tell others to do the same knowing full well they wouldn't be back anywhere near in time? Not only that but the lady kept putting my daughter on a pink background, she was wearing a red and white dress! Sorry but I don't do the whole pink and red thing! Oh yea and we were there for 2.5 hours cause she kept having to answer the phone and help other people! Good news though my daughter loves having her picture taken!

The wingbowl is on the news right now and the winner ate over 250 wings, that makes my stomach turn. Speaking of wings, the superbowl is this weekend and honestly I couldn't care less about either of the teams BUT I will be watching for the commercials and of course the halftime show!

Thanks for reading,
MommaBear