Unique Ideas... 2nd Solution

Today's not Sunday, but better late than never. We took advantage of Dave's Day at Famous Dave's and then the MN State Fair on Monday and the week just got away from me. Sorry about that!

Item: Sunday Newspaper

Suggestion 1: Wrapping Paper. A present is a present... grab a visually pleasing part of the paper and wrap it up. My favorites are the funnies and the Travel Section!

Suggestion 2: Quick dry solution for your shoes. My little one always jumps around in puddles and comes in with shoes AND socks soaked. Stick newspaper in each shoe and the moisture is wicked right out.

Suggestion 3: Window cleaning. Are you low on paper towels or just sick of using them for things outside of the kitchen given their ever raising prices? Grab some newspaper next time and see a streak free shine!

Suggestion 4: Hats for the little ones. A few folds and you'll have something they'll want to show off at Daycare or at the Park. Nothing like a happy kid!

And lastly, Suggestion 5: With the help of a few pieces of tape, roll the newspaper up, tape the sides and cut slits in the top. Kids will use it for a sword, staff, flower or any number of other ideas their amazing minds can think of!

Now it's your turn. As we all strive to do more with what we have, leave a comment of other ideas you have for Newspaper!!!

Have a great rest of the week.
Jodi

Common Stuff, Unique Uses

As we all strive to save a bit of money in today's world, I'm here to share with you how to take a common household item and use it in very unique ways. I aim to share similar suggestions every Sunday... stop by and take a read next week.

ITEM: A Lone White Sock

SUGGESTION 1: Sock Puppet for the little ones. You just need a black marker for the eyes and mouth and a great imagination for endless stories.

SUGGESTION 2: Cover-up for your chapped hand or foot. Spread some Vaseline on the rough spot and throw the sock over the top... should be good as new in a few days.

SUGGESTION 3: Dust rag. Grab the Pledge and get cleaning!!!

SUGGESTION 4: Massage, the cheap way. Two tennis balls in a plain white sock and gently tap on the back.

SUGGESTION 5: Keep it in the drawer... don't worry, another just like it will show up in the dryer in a few weeks!

Do you have any suggestions? Leave a message and share your ideas.

Have a great week!!!
Jodi

Inbox Dollars' Sister?

After doing the review of Inbox Dollars below, I ran across SendEarnings. I think this is a Sister Site to Inbox Dollars, so if you're going to click once, why not get paid to click twice!!! SendEarnings also gives you $5 to start.

Don't forget to take a look at the coupons on the left. The good ones go quickly!

Review of Inbox Dollars

Given the state of today's economy, I know I could use a few bucks every week. Check out my review of Inbox Dollars by watching the video below. Or just go directly to the site right now... Inbox Dollars.



Join Inbox Dollars today and start earning the second you join. As I mentioned in the video, they'll even start you with your first $5.00. Take a look and give it a try - who couldn't use some extra cash!

Look to the left for coupons to keep your money after you earn it!

You Data

I just made 72¢!!!

Alright, not a ton of money, but all I had to do was click a few buttons and see a few ads. It took all of about 2 minutes of my day. And they've already paid me via PayPal. If you're interested in getting a few extra dollars every month, give it a shot: YouData.com

Amazing Shopping Trips...

Thanks to the coupons found at Coupons.com and Target.com, I was able to save over $200 this week between Target and Cub Foods (a Supervalu chain store). My stashes are restocked and I'm prepared for the worst in this challenging economy. Check out some of the great deals... some of the best coupons can still be found in the blue bar located at the left:

Target
Morningstar was 2/$4, used 2 $1 Mfg coupons and 2 Target.com coupons. Final price - FREE

Kraft Dressings (14 of them!) priced at $2.29 each. Used 14 $1.50 Tearpad coupons and 14 Target.com coupons for an OVERAGE of $2.94

Cub Foods
Smores Fixings... Hersey 6 pack, Grahams and Marshmallows - priced at $6.50 for all three. Used $3 Mfg coupon (Tearpad from Cub) and a $3 coupon from Cub. Final price for all three, 50¢

1 pound of grapes and 1 pound of bananas - Free with Cub Coupons

Cub Spring Water 24 packs (2 of them) - priced at 2/$7. Used Cub coupon, bringing them down to 99¢ each! What a deal.

Coupons.com and the end of the month!

The end of the month is nearly here... don't forget to print out the coupons you need today. By Wednesday they could be gone! Stop by at Coupons.com and snag these great deals:

Hasbro Games
- $5.00/1 Pitureka! Game
- $10.00 Monopoly Electronic Banking
- $10.00 Scrabble Diamond Anniversary Ed.

FREE SUB at QUIZNOS WYB one of equal or greater value & Reg. Fountain Drink (excl. Torpedoes)

$5.00/$25.00 Rite Aid Pharmacy
$1.00/1 Special K Protein Shakes (4 ct or larger/any flavor)
$.50/1 any Green Works product
$1.00/1 Scotchgard
$1.00/1 Wisk laundry detergent
$1.00/1 Eggo Bake Shop
$1.00/1 Caribou Coffee
$1.25/1 DiGiorno Crispy Flatbread Pizza
$1.00/2 Gorton's Bagged items
$.75/1 Solo Cups, Plates or Bowls
$1.00/2 Hefty Plates or Bowls
$1.00/1 Aleve
$1.00/1 Excedrin Back & Body
$1.00/1 One A Day Adult or Teen Multivitamin
$3.00/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers

Money for Nothing...

Isn't that part of a song?!!!

In today's economic challenging world, we are all searching for a few extra dollars, me included. With a 2 year old, things are always "financially challenged" I'll put it. Which is why I turn to coupons. From the great ones found every month at Coupons.com to the ones you can find on Target.com (did you know you can use both a manufacturer coupon AND a Target coupon for the same item... what a deal) I seem to keep a good sized stockpile of the needs and wants of my family. Let me show you how...

Take for example this week's Target deals:

Pepperidge Farm Bread - $2.49- Use $.75/1 Target printable
- Use $.55/1 in 6/14 SS insert (that's the SmartSource insert)
Final = $1.19

But if you're looking for something a little better, check this out:

Crystal Light (3 packs) by the registers .99
Use the $1/1 coupon or the $2/2 coupon from here
Final cost FREE!

Nothing's better than filling your cupboards without breaking the bank!!! Enjoy your savings. I'll be back.

Jodi

Sunny in Minnesota

Today is gorgeous here in Minnesota. Spring is (hopefully) officially here and I'm excited about the opportunities for this summer and the fun I will have with my 2 year old. Following are a few FREE ideas we will take advantage of this year:

- WALKS. What a great way to stay in shape, teach your little ones about the world and spend some great time together. Make a game out of it... give your kid a page of items to look for on your walk like a bird, mailbox, bunny, bikerider...
- STORYTIMES. Our local library has weekly story hours. Reading to your kids is important both in their development and spending quality time together.
- THE BEACH. Free water is always a blast. Take your kids to the local beach for a free afternoon of fun. Run through the water, pick shells, build sandcastles or just have a picnic by the water.
- FARMERS MARKET. You don't need to buy anything to "window shop" the farmers market, but you may want to pick up a few fresh veggies or fruit.
- FREE MUSEUM DAYS. Most local kids museums have free kids days. Ours is the 3rd Sunday of the month. Take advantage and save some bucks! My only recommendation - go early. It gets crazy late morning and early afternoon!

Have fun this spring and learn to enjoy each other without spending any money!

The World Today

We are all struggling today in our own ways... some may be out of work, some may be trying to make ends meet on a small income and some may be battling stress and health related issues. What ever your issues, join me as we explore ways to make things a little better. I aim to post at least once a week ideas that can improve the way you live and view the world.

Here's to improving your life and enjoying what you have! To a great week!!!

Jodi