Month Two Totals

This is how much I saved in February with coupons and free stuff:

Wal Mart - $19.10

CVS - $34.29

Walgreens - $0 (didn't step into store once!)

HEB - $0 (didn't shop there)

Kroger - $0 (didn't shop there either!)

Online/Other - $41.68 (This was using a 20% off diaper code on top of the 30% subscribe and save. Also includes savings from items on One Sale A Day site.)

FREE Book Value - $40.98

FREE Product Value - $66.98 (Party supplies from Coffee Mate, and something else I can't remember)

TOTAL: $203.30
Online Survey Earnings: $49.00
(Only includes account amounts earned in cash, point accounts not included until they are cashed out.)

How to Make Money and Influence People

There are plenty of legitimate ways to make money with the Internet. If you’re willing to devote a little time each day toward them, you can do pretty well. You’re not going to be able to replace a full time job, but you can supplement your income!

Everything I will mention is something I have personally used. I will include screen shots of my account totals when I can. There are other sites for the same types of deals out there.

The first way is to earn points or cash for shopping. If you’re someone who shops online a lot there are several sites that pay you back in a small percentage or points each time you shop through their site.

Some of the more popular ones are Ebates and MyPoints. Each site works differently and some even give you rewards for referring others to them. Make sure you find the one that you are most comfortable with and use it every time you shop.  MyPoints gives you points for reading emails and trying to do surveys. They also have a place where you can print grocery coupons and earn points simply by using them.

How much you can “earn” depends on how much you shop and which site you use. I personally use MyPoints and did not pay a penny for gift cards for friends and family at Christmas and birthdays last year:

Another way to earn a small amount is by using “search and win” sites. The one I prefer is SwagBucks. There are several ways to earn “free” points every day and you win points for searching with their site. There are other ways to earn such as shopping, trading in electronics and “special offers” but I’ve never used them. They also give points for referrals.

The points are traded in for all kinds of good things! I use it for Amazon gift codes and use those for Christmas and birthday gifts.  Last year I made over $200 with this site which made Christmas pretty much free:

The final way I make money online is the most time consuming…surveys. There are so many survey sites and it can be confusing to find the ones that work best for you. Just remember: never pay to be on a survey site. Surveys take time and sometimes they are mind-numbingly boring, but you can make money with them.

Here are some of the sites I use:

Opinion Outpost - pays in Amazon codes and cash, 50 points equals $5, gives referral points:

Mindfield - pays cash, gives referral points:

Synovate Global Opinion Panels - pays cash, no rewards for referrals, 5000 points equals $5, sometimes does product testing:

MommyTalk Surveys - pays in cash, $25 cash-out threshhold, $5 bonus for signing up, no referral bonus:

Reward Port Surveys - pays in cash, $25 cash-out threshhold, $5 bonus for signing up, no referral bonus:

American Consumer Opinion - lowest activity of all sites, but pays well in cash, sometimes does product testing. No screen shot because of privacy issues.

Ipsos Panels - 1000 points equals $10, referrals need to be emailed to get get points:

Toluna - 60,000 points equals $20, no referral bonus, points earned by surveys and polls:

Each time I get a survey credited to an account, or cash out points for money, I update the total on the right side of the screen. I think I'm doing pretty well so far this year!

DVD Review and GIveaway: Paws & Tales

Paws & Tales: God Cares For You
Providential Pictures, English and Spanish


Description: Using colorful animation, fun characters, and great lessons, Paws & Tales is an exciting tool for helping build godly character into kids. Based on the “Paws & Tales” nationally broadcast radio program presented by Chuck Swindoll’s Insight for Living, the Paws & Tales videos communicate biblical truth and show kids how they can apply it to real life. Kids will be captivated by the adventure, caught up in the laughter, and carried away in the fun . . . and the whole time they'll be on their way to understanding solid Bible theology. This first DVD in the series, based on Psalm 23:1 and Proverbs 10:25, teaches kids that God cares for them. The DVD features two full-length animated episodes, music videos, an e-book, activities, and parent resources.

Chuck Swindoll comments to parents: “Laying a good spiritual foundation in your children is essential . . . and even better when it’s reinforced early and often. Paws & Tales is a great tool for helping you build godly character into your kids.”

Review: I'm pretty picky about what my son can watch. He's even pickier about what he will watch. I'd never heard of the Paws & Tales series before and was happy to get a chance to review one of the DVDs. This DVD has two episodes, "A Good Foundation" and "The Good Shepherd", both of which we watched.

Now, my son is 4 and his sense of humor is developing to be really silly and quite sharp witted. That being said, I didn't really understand why there had to be underwear humor and why the characters responded to each other they way they did. One asked another "are you blind" when they were looking for a tree. There were other instances too which I think could have been worded differently to not be as sarcastic or mean. The animation isn't ground breaking, but is good and well done.

He did like the videos. I asked him if he learned from the first episode and he said "nope, everything broke, there were cracks". He laughed a lot during "The Good Shepherd" but found it a little scary and asked me to turn it off. He sat and watched the songs that coordinate with the episodes and asked me to keep playing them over and over. A few minutes after it was over, he started asking questions like "what's a solid rock?" and "how is God a shepherd?" so I guess he did get something from it!

I thought there would be more Biblical truths to the episodes, since they are from Chuck Swindoll, and was kinda disappointed that it was just kinda thrown in at the end of each episode. Even though, I'm going to put this in the church nursery, proudly.

For more information on the series, you can go to Tyndale House or the Paws & Tales Games site.


I have a certificate for a FREE copy of the DVD to give away to one of my readers. To enter just leave a comment letting me know you want the DVD.

One entry per person, giveaway ends March 5 at 10 PM CST. Giveaway limited to addresses in US only.

I received a review copy of the DVD from Tyndale House. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

CVS Trip

Here's my CVS results from today:

Bought:
2 packs Pull Ups, OS $8.99 ea
1 Speed Stick, OS 2.99
1 Nice & Easy Foam Hair Color, OS $7.99

Coupons Used:
2 $2 off Pull Ups
1 $0.50 off Speed Stick
1 FREE Nice & Easy Foam (cashier keyed as regular price of $9.99)
$10 Extra Bucks from last week

Total Paid: $4.84
Total Saved: $34.29
EB Received: $7

Sunday Coupon Preview

The list of this Sunday's coupons is HERE. Looks like a pretty slow weekend.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Portable Pediatrician

The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child's Health
By William Sears, MD, Martha Sears, RN, Robert Sears, MD, James Sears, MD and Peter Sears, MD
Little Brown and Company, 2011
English, 592 pgs


Description:
Imagine you are up at three o'clock in the morning with a sick child. Wouldn't it be nice to have expert advice readily at hand to help get you through the night? Encyclopedic in scope, THE PORTABLE PEDIATRICIAN features timely and practical information on every childhood illness and emergency, including when to call the doctor, what reassuring signs can help you know your child is okay, how to treat your child at home, and much more-all in a convenient A-to-Z format. Among the scores of topics covered: teething; sprains and broken bones; nosebleeds; measles; ear infections; choking; rashes; colic; headaches; eating disorders; fever; hip pain; warts; allergies; obesity; seizures; Asperger's Syndrome; bronchitis; masturbation; sunburns; pneumonia; speech delay; lice; vomiting; asthma; heart defects; blisters; sleep problems; and more.

The Searses guide parents and caregivers from a child's infancy through the teen years, teaching them what to expect at regular checkups as well as how to boost a child's well-being, devise a family health plan, work effectively with their pediatrician, and more. Distinguished by the Searses' trademark comprehensiveness, reliability, and accessible, comforting one, this book is a must-have for all families who want to keep their children healthy and happy.

About the Authors:
William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN, are the pediatric experts on whom American parents increasingly rely for advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, childcare, and family nutrition. Dr. Sears has practiced pediatrics for more than 40 years, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Martha Sears is a registered nurse and parenting and health consultant. Robert W. Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in private practice in southern California. James Sears, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and co-host of The Doctors. Peter Sears, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in family practice in Nashville, TN.

Review:
I am so happy to have this in my house now. There have been several instances in the past few months where I've felt so helpless because the boys were sick after hours or I didn't know what to do with them coughing or vomiting. This book is not intended to replace a doctor, but will be useful for those panic moments. I'm thinking this may be a book I give new parents because it has sections on how to choose a doctor, what to expect at the visits and a large A-Z section with just about everything you'll experience (well, I hope you don't) as a parent. I turned straight to the "screaming" section and found some helpful tips for the 4 year old. It also referred me to another Drs. Sears on discipline which I immediately went and bought!

The good folks at Hachette Book Group are giving away one copy of this book to one of my readers!

To enter just leave a comment telling me why

you want the book.

Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 

you start posting comments. 

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. You will have to provide a physical address, not a PO Box. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Friday, March 4 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com

 

I received a copy of the book from Hachette Book Group in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.

Book Review: Regret Free Parenting

Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right
By Catherine Hickem
Thomas Nelson, 2011
English, 256 pgs


Description:
A motherhood expert teaches the seven essential principles every mom needs to confidently raise her children.

Every mother wants her children to grow up happy, healthy, and fulfilled. But reaching that destination can be full of indecision, worry, and second-guessing. Ask any mother, "Do you think you're doing a good job?" and she'll likely give you a mixed answer. In her groundbreaking book, Regret-Free Parenting, Catherine Hickem offers seven principles for mothers to raise their children well . . . and know they're doing it right.

With nearly thirty years of experience as a psychotherapist, speaker, women's ministry director, and founder of Intentional Moms, Catherine Hickem shows how to build respect, companionship, trust, and emotional health as well as how to usher confident, centered, and secure adults into the world. If any mother has ever wondered, Am I raising a good kid and am I doing it right? she needs the impactful teaching of Regret-Free Parenting.

Review:
My kids' pediatrician once told me that if I'm questioning whether or not I'm doing a good job raising my boys, I probably am. I still wonder though. That's why I made a "bee line" to this book and "devoured" it within a week!

The 7 principles put forth by the author will answer any question you have and it's written in a plain, easy to understand way. It is not condescending at all. I fully admit I skipped the teenage chapter at first, but went back and read it. I love her concept of being a vision keeper for your child.

I think I've been lacking on her principle #4 (Be Intentional About Developing Emotional Intelligence) and learned a lot from the chapter that I'm starting to do with the boys. Part of that is that I'm kinda not a fan of emotions. I'd be perfectly happy to not have them. But I'm doing better teaching the boys about them now.

We're really working on the principle #5 as well (Be Intentional About Maintaining Your Position). My older son is realllllly testing boundaries and we're learning to make sure that we stick to them.

The Parenting Plan at the back is really useful too.

I received a review copy from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Delighted with Delights (CLOSED)

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

I love yogurt. It's been my evening snack for a few years now. I love that some of the flavors make me feel like I'm having a decadent dessert, but I'm really not. I usually put them in the freezer for about an hour and a half and it's just cold and icy and oh, so yummy.

The past few days, I've been enjoying Yoplait Delights. I was a bit disappointed that my Wal Mart didn't have the new flavors: Cherry Cheesecake and Chocolate Eclair. I tried the Chocolate Raspberry and really love it. I'd tried the Lemon Torte before and I didn't really care for that one so I was really happy that this flavor was good. The yogurt is creamy and really feels like a dessert.

Each parfait has two luscious layers that pack a double dose of rich and creamy yogurt with 100 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving! 

Go HERE to download a printable coupon for $0.50 towards the purchase of Yoplait Delights parfait yogurt today! 

The good people at MyBlogSpark are offering one of my readers a chance to win the same gift pack I received. This includes a coupon for a FREE pack of Yoplait Delights, a candle, an aromatherapy mask and a cute, cute, cute pink tote bag.

Entry Methods:

All entries MUST have your email in them. 

First, and mandatory, entry: Tell me which flavor you want to try! (1 Entry)


1 entry - Become a public follower of my blog. The link is on the right hand side of the page. If you're already a follower, leave a comment letting me know.
2 entries - Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to the giveaway (leave a link in your comment so I can verify)
1 entry - Become a Facebook fan of Faithful Finances or let me know if you're already a fan.
2 entries - Place my button on your site (You must leave a link so I can verify) 
3 entries - Follow me on Twitter (be sure to leave your name, so I can verify)

Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 

you start posting comments. 

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. You will have to provide a physical address, not a PO Box. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Friday, March 4 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com

I received product in exchange for this review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Yoplait provided me with a coupon for a FREE product to try and a gift pack through MyBlogSpark.

Weekend Coupon Preview

The weekend coupon preview is HERE. The General Mills insert looks good! Redplum looks a little small, but there are a few in there I do want!

Book Review: The Life Ready Woman

The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World
By Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis
B&H Books, 2011
English, 272 pgs


Description:
Whether a stay-at-home mom or an airplane-hopping executive, a student or a senior adult, most women need a contemporary, encouraging vision for what it means to be a godly, biblically guided female in the twenty-first century. A biblical woman takes God's Word seriously not just at church but also in the everyday walk of life.

But can a significant and satisfying twenty-first-century womanhood really be defined from Scripture? One that can apply to all women and yet not be guilty of cookie-cutter sameness, pressing everyone into a common mold? One that will stay fresh even as a woman grows older? One that can guide her to the best in life? The answer is yes, and the result is a femininity without excesses and regrets that mark those who just go with the flow of the world.

In Life Ready Woman, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn helps readers take five faith steps drawn from the Bible that will help to define the best life possible. Each one is easy to understand, but requires bold faith to activate. The reward is being ready for the deeper life that God has planned.

My Review:
I really like this book. It's kinda cool that the topic goes along with a women's Bible study I'm currently doing on Jonah. I know, huh? Jonah? Well, finding the best life possible, as the authors here try to help you do, can only be achieved within the context of a trusting relationship with God. The first part of the book is focused on the "background", such as what issues a woman deals with on a daily basis, a Biblical definition of womanhood, marriage and family and understanding the difference between a calling and talent. The second part of the book puts it all together within your particular life stage. Several times they talk about a video series and I think that would be amazing for a small group study. As soon as I get a chance, I have the perfect person in mind to pass this along to!

I received a copy of this book from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists and was not required to write a positive review.

Little Ones Book Contest

I received an email from Little Ones Books and I just HAVE to share this with you!

We are currently offering a contest to win a $50 Gift Certificate to use on our site. The button to sign up for the contest is on our homepage. There are lots of ways for someone to win.

You know I entered. My son loves books and I've found some really unique and great items on their site!


Good Luck!

Sorry about that

I'm so sorry I've been absent lately. My son has a cold and it's just making life miserable around here. Plus there's some kind of white cold stuff (snow) in my yard and I really don't like it. I'm working on some things for you though so keep checking back!

We Have a Winner!

The winner of the $35 CSN gift code, as picked by Random.org, is:

Laura said...
I follow csn on twitter!

lmerritt49903@XXXXXXX

January 24, 2011 9:02 AM

The winner is being emailed the gift code this morning. Congrats Laura!

FREE Flavor Friday

COFFEE MATE is going to be offering FREE coupons for their creamers starting at 9AM PACIFIC...this is 11AM Central and 12PM Eastern.

Go over and "Like" CoffeeMate on Facebook and get ready. Supplies are limited and I can guarantee it will be slammed.

New Coupons for February

Woo Hoo! I love the first of the month! That means new coupons are available to print! Here's some of what I saw this morning on Coupons.com:

• $1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookie
• $0.40 off Pillsbury Sweet Rolls
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
• $0.30 off Refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit
• $0.50 off Fiber One Chewy Bars 90 Calorie Bars
• $0.50 off Chex Mix OR Chex 100 Calorie Snack
• $0.50 off Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks
• $0.40 off Totino's Rolls Snacks
• $0.75 off Cascadian Farm products
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• $0.75 off Muir Glen Tomatoes
• $1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated
• $0.50 off Gardetto's Snack Mix
• $0.75 off Frozen Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits
• $0.50 off Yoplait Kids Yogurt
• $0.75 off Yoplait products
• $0.40 off Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads
• $1.50 off Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée
• $0.75 off Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza
• $0.55 off Cocoa Puffs cereal
• $0.75 off Cinnamon Burst Cheerios cereal
• $0.75 off Chex cereal
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries
• $1.00 off General Mills cereals
• $0.40 off Betty Crocker Cookie Mix
• $0.40 off Yoplait Yogurt
• Free Portrait Package & 50% OFF
• $1.00 off any Garnier Fructis Style Product
• $2.50 off any 2 packages of U by Kotex* tampons
• $3.00 off on any K-Y Brand Product
• $2.00 off any shade of Feria
• $3.00 off Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme
• $1.00 off Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner

Book Review: Becoming a Woman of Influence

Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others
By Carol Kent
NavPress, 2006
English, 224 pgs


Description:
Jesus’ twelve disciples changed the world forever. Wouldn’t you like to have a similar impact on others? But how do we accomplish this as human, imperfect people? How can we mentor others in a life-changing and even world-changing way? With Carol Kent’s help, discover the power you have in Christ to influence others like Jesus did. Learn seven simple, life-changing principles Jesus used to disciple His followers-such as asking questions, extending unconditional love, and telling stories. Through practical examples, see how your struggles and triumphs can inspire others. Whether you’re an “ordinary” Christian or a trained leader, prepare to live intentionally and become a valued mentor who leaves an eternal mark. Includes Impact Questions for personal reflection or discussion.

Review:
I spent more time on this book than I have on one in a long time. It wasn't that it was a hard read or anything, but I felt like it was more important than most I've read lately. The book is divided into 9 chapters, each of which could be used for a weekly study group. There are seven principles presented and I honestly feel that I learned from each one.  I've been asked by a few people about how to mentor someone and have been asked by a few to start a mentoring relationship and I feel this book will be a great addition to these endeavors.

I was provided with a copy of the book from NavPress. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Synovate Panel Open!

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• Earn points redeemable for cash by taking surveys with the Synovate Rewards Program

Their minimum payout is only $5, so you can start earning quickly. Signup now!

So far this year, I've cashed out for $5 and have enough points for another $10!