Wednesday, October 31, 2012

*EXPIRED* FREE Redbox Video Game Code!




I didn't even know that Redbox rented video games!

You can text JUSTDANCE to 727272 on your cell phone for a FREE 1-day Redbox Video Game Rental Code!  Your code expires 12/31 at 11:59pm. HOWEVER, I don't know how long the offer to GET the free code will last. So, text to get your free code soon! (Remember, Message and data rates my apply!)


I really need to start using Redbox again. I have been overlooking them ever since we got Netflix, but there are times when I'd really like to see a movie when it comes out on DVD, and not all Netflix movies are available on instant view. Redbox will be my economical source for seeing those "must see" movies a lot sooner!


I just did sent my text, and got my code for a free video game rental within seconds. 
Also, what I liked is that Redbox sent a second text telling me I could reply with a "Y" if I want to join the Redbox Games Text Club. That means, just because I texted them for the free video game code, they aren't going to automatically sign me up for future texts. Very nice! I really do appreciate being asked first!

A BIG thank you to DEALSEEKINGMOM.com for posting the link to this free Redbox video game rental code! DealSeekingMom has tons of great info on Coupons, Deals, Freebies, Living on Less, Money-Making Ideas, Store Deals, etc. Please visit her site and tell her SAHMonomics sent you!

Enjoy!
Diana

Have You Heard of TopFloor? Take a Look!





Just found out about TopFloor and am looking to learn more. Have you visited their site? What do you think?  They seem to have an interesting spin on the deals they offer. Each deal is offered for a limited time, and they offer items in a group, though it looks like you can purchase just one of the items, the items will have some sort of common theme. Also, they provide a sneak preview of what items they'll have up for sale and a countdown to when those items will be available. They say they have the following: Exclusive Sales. Top Brands. Stylist Videos. I took a look at their site and they have some items that seem to be very reasonably priced, and other items that, though it may be a good price for that item, I'm just not going to spend THAT MUCH for an item, no matter who the manufacturer is or how well the product is made.

That being said, TopFloor is offering you 2 months Free Shipping when you use this link*:  http://www.topfloor.com/?ref=63841-d8aafb

Take a look at their site and let me know what you think!

*Disclosure: FYI, I will receive a $1.00 credit to TopFloor for each person who signs up for their site via this link.

Thanks and enjoy!
Diana

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Food Waste: How to Avoid It


I have had little daydreams of tabulating all that my family spends on food, just to know what our monthly food spend is. Has that happened yet? Heck no! But, I think about it. A lot.
One way to help save on food spend is to not waste food. Seems simple enough, right?

Here are a few ways to help cut back on the dreaded Food Waste:

1. Portion out the evening meal's leftovers into individual containers for the next day's lunch. (Instead of storing those leftovers in a single, large container, take a few extra moments to get those bad boys lined up for lunch!)

2. Meal Planning. Oh, again, how I wish... Everyone I know who has started to plan out their week's (or month's!) meals swears by it. Fewer trips to the grocery store and avoiding the dreaded, "What am I going to make for dinner?" are just a few of the reasons to plan out your family's meals. Oh, and a little something called saving money. By planning out your family's meals, and taking into account how much will be eaten for dinner, or saved as leftovers for the following day's lunch, taking advantage of sales on meat, fruits, and vegetables, etc., you not only save time in the long run, but also money and FOOD.

3. Trying a new recipe? Make a half-batch. If you are trying a new recipe, and you're not sure how it turn out, then make only half. That way, if it's a dud, there will be less waste. Is it a main dish? Serve it as a side dish. Who cares?? Your family will appreciate that there isn't a ton of a new recipe to eat if it isn't their favorite. And, if they like it? They'll be clamoring for more, and you'll have a sure-fire winner to add to your dinner repertoire! *NOTE: Make sure to note your recipe so you don't accidentally use the original amount when you meant to use half.

4. Designate a "Spot of Honor" in your refrigerator for leftovers. Sounds silly, but how many times have you full well intended on eating (and enjoying!) leftovers of your one of your favorites, only to find it three weeks later looking like a science experiment? So disappointing. Why does that happen? It happens because our little leftover containers get shoved to the back of the refrigerator.

5. Use Only See-Through Containers. Think "Out of sight, out of mind." It's true. What we don't see, we quickly forget. Me? I'm a stickler for glass only food storage. I switched over to all glass storage containers a few years back, and I've been very happy with that decision. I'm fine with a plastic lid, as long as that lid doesn't come within five feet of the microwave. I don't care if the container's instructions say it's microwave safe. No way. No how. Not ever.

6. Made Too Much? Freeze It! If you know that the food is safe and will still taste great after a stint in the freezer, package it properly and store it away. I like to freeze in individual containers so I can pop out that serving, thaw, and give to my busy middle-schooler for a quick after-school snack.

7. Food Waste: What is it Costing Your Family? OK, we've discussed how to avoid it, but what is Food Waste costing your family? The cost is not measured in dollars and cents alone. Have you someone you love experienced food poisoning? It's just terrible! Sometimes, in the rush of life, a family member won't notice that one section of that leftover casserole has something fuzzy growing on it. A food's smell and spices can mask the beginnings of when the food starts to turn bad. We are all so busy, wouldn't it be awful if you or a member of your family has to sit out from activities, school, or work because of some food that has, so to speak, gone south?

So, this all brings me to my recent discover of Kristen's "The Frugal Girl - cheerfully living on less" blog. Kristen, realizing that she and her family were wasting food, a lot of food, started documenting that waste on Food Waste Friday.

Just look at her logo. I love it! The Frugal Girl figured that if she posted her food waste for others to see, perhaps she'd be better about not wasting food in the first place. Not everyone is willing to shame herself via social media into behavior modification, but I'm game. I plan on following up with a photo or two of my own family's food waste. Thanks, Kristin, for the inspiration! Everyone, please make sure to visit The Frugal Girl for more of her tips. I know I will!

*EXPIRED* FREE Bic Hybrid Advance 4 Razor (Facebook Offer)





Hurry, these will go fast. Click on the link below to get your free Bic Hybrid Advance 4 razor.

Please note: This is a Facebook offer, so you must like the Bic Razor page.
You'll then vote between baseball and football.
This offer is for the first 50,000 respondants.
Limit one per person.

Click Here to link to Bic Razor's Facebook Page and giveaway.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the heads up on this cool offer.

Making Something New...Every Day?



Can you imagine making something new, every day? Well, that's what my online friend Jeanne Haegele has been doing for over 200 days now. I first learned about Jeanne because of her Life Less Plastic blog. Jeanne is a really neat person, and I just wanted to give her and Making Made a little shout out today.

Life, of late, has been zigging when I zag, so I haven't posted in quite a long time. (Moving cross country seems to do that to me.) But, looking at what Jeanne has done inspired me to get back in the saddle. Please take a look at MakingMade.com. Jeanne has cooked, drawn, photographed, doodled, sketched, and crafted some really interesting things. I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy!