This One's Definitely Going To Save Me Money!!!

I was very fortunate that one of the products I was approved to review was the wonderful CutieLunch Reusable Food Pouches!  It's a 4-pk of BPA-free, dishwasher safe and environmentally friendly pouches that allow you to have the fun-factor (and convenience) of the food pouches without the crazy expense of them.  There's even a spot on one side for you to write a fun little note if you want.

When my 7 year old daughter accompanies me to the grocery store, she invariably asks me to buy her those yogurt pouches or the applesauce pouches (you know, $2.75+ for a 4-pk).  Instead, I gently push her encouragingly (ok, firmly) toward the applesauce cups because I can get a 6-pk for around $1.60.  That's a fairly significant savings and adds up to a bigger savings over time...

Now, I can purchase the large jar of applesauce (or yogurt, smoothie, etc.), fill the pouches, wash, re-use and SAVE MONEY!  I think by now people are starting to get the hint that I am on a tight budget and am single-minded in my pursuit of saving the golden dollar!

In case you are wondering about if they are difficult to fill, I filled all 4 in a couple minutes and I was in no hurry at all.  The seal is at the bottom of the container and is very Ziploc baggie-like (only the seal feels MUCH stronger).  Once you've filled the container (I suggest about 2/3rds of the way), zip it up, rinse anything that might've overflowed, then toss them in the fridge!  BON APETITE!

I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

#Cutielunchhomemadebabyfoodstorage

OMG, My First Video Product Review!

First off, be gentle with me!  This was my very first videoed product review...

Things went pretty well but I can definitely see some room for improvement. I think that over time I will get better (and more creative).

Well, there you go.  What did you think?  Do you think I mentioned the most important aspects of this set?  If not, what else might you have mentioned?  I sincerely am interested in the feedback (gently, of course).

Hopefully the customer (vendor) will be satisfied with my reviews.  I did one on Amazon that I'm still waiting to be approved and then this video one!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Budget - 4 Weeks In!

So my husband and I started our budget 'competition' on Monday, January 4th!  Basically the concept was that we cut out all excess spending and whoever did the best would get an extra $50 (2-week cycles)!  So far, I've won BOTH times!  Most people who know me would be shocked that I have cracked down so hard, to the point that my husband described me as 'militant' about the budget!  lol

For the first week, I cut down my spending on things like eating out for breakfast and lunch.  I utilize coupons to do this though, so I don't want to imply I never have a meal out.  I just am extremely careful!  That week I spent a whopping $1.94 on those meals.

For the following 3 weeks, I have managed to not spend a single penny on eating out for breakfast or lunch (during the work week M-F).  As an Executive Assistant, I have am often tasked with ordering catering for meetings.  As a perk, I always get to order myself something.  I want to make sure to stipulate that my boss is 100% aware that I include myself in the order!!!

Another thing that has been very helpful to me was differentiating a like/want versus a need and love!  When I started to put in perspective that by constantly indulging in to my likes and wants, I was actually keeping myself from achieving my loves.  That's a pretty bitter pill to swallow!  I was my own worst enemy!

My husband and I have many goals... we have debt to pay off, we have 3 children to put through college, retirement to plan for, vacations and travel, etc.  Our journey together will be so much richer by slowing down the indulgences so we can focus on our loves and passions!

Let it Rain!

How exciting!!!  I am less than 1 week into becoming a product reviewer and I'm up to 13 items for FREE (or almost... 1 item I paid a whole $.89 which retails for $21.99).  This brings my freebie total to over $300 worth of product!

One thing I want to make clear - I personally requested every item.  These are not random items being delivered to my home.  On each site that I belong to, I can click on items that interest me.  I don't want people thinking random packages arrive on my doorstep.

On a side note, there were a few items to choose from that have really raised my eyebrows!  Let's just say that I don't plan on doing any type of reviews for marital aids...   Not knocking them, just don't necessarily need the whole world in on that part of my life!



Another reason I'm loving the product reviews is that with my recent budget lock-down, I am getting a bit of a shopping fix without blowing the budget!  The family is benefiting too because they get to enjoy some of the items as well.  We call that a WIN/WIN/WIN!

Freebies I've Gotten So Far!

I've mentioned a few sites you can sign up with to obtain free (or seriously discounted) products.  Would you like to see what I'm getting so far?

Petiner No Bark Dog Training Shock Control Collar Energy Saving

Sold by: Petiner Retail

$15.99

Running for Women: Ditch the Excuses and Start Loving Your Run

Newon, Danica

Sold by: Amazon.com LLC

$11.67

PROCIRCLE Jump Rope ,Green- Crossfit Jump Rope With Dual Bearings- High Speed & Ultra Light- Must Have for Crossfit/WODs/Boxing/MMA/Body Training - 10

Sold by: 5Billion-Fitness

$16.95

ArtNaturals Eyelash Growth Serum (3.5ml) - Thicker, Longer Eyelashes & Eyebrows Enhancer with LUSH, No Irritation, Dermatologist Tested Product, Revol

Sold by: Art Naturals

$31.50

Number One Nutrition Probiotic Supplement, 11.5 Billion CFUs, 60 Vegetable Capsules

Sold by: N1 Brands

$19.99

Art Naturals® Anti Acne Serum Treatment 1 oz- Dermatologist Tested Product, Made with Revolutionary Evermat® & Organic Ingredients to Help Control & G

Sold by: Art Naturals

$21.50

Vitamin C Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid, 20% C + E Professional Topical Facial Skin Care Helps Repair Sun Damage, Fade Age Spots, Dark Circles,

Sold by: Pure Body Naturals®

$15.95

Argan Oil Hair Mask, 8 oz. Hair Treatment Therapy, Deep Conditioner for Damaged & Dry Hair, Heals & Restructures Hair Shaft & Growth, Detoxifies Scalp

Sold by: Pure Body Naturals®

$12.95

Art Naturals Stretch Mark & Scar Removal Cream 4.0 Oz - Best Body Moisturizer to Remove, Decrease & Prevent New / Old Stretch Marks & Scars - Made in

Sold by: Art Naturals

$15.95

KUKPO 8-Peice Measuring Cup And Measuring Spoon Set - High Quality Stainless Steel - To Measure Dry Rations And Liquids - Cups With Spouts For Easy Po

Sold by: KUKPO PRODUCTS

$21.99

Thus far I have paid $.89 for the Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoon Set (which I ordered today).  That brings my total to paying $.89 and saving $183.55!  I think that's a fantastic deal and can't wait to continue reviewing more amazing products!

Ready, Set, TAXES!!!

The dreaded Tax Season is almost upon us.  Are there any benefits to filing early?  Financial Guru Dave Ramsey says there are several benefits to getting it out of the way as soon as possible.  Here are some of the benefits that he mentioned:

1. Early filers average larger refunds
2. Early filers simply have less stress
3. Early filers who have to pay have time on their side
4. Early filers have more access to professional tax advice

Overall, those are some pretty good reasons to get your taxes out of the way!

How's Your Credit?

Do you know?  This is something that you can check and keep on top of very easily for free!  I highly recommend using Credit Karma to see where you stand.  It provides you with valuable information and can be used to see if you have any outstanding negative items that need resolved or disputed and get removed from your credit history! Watch your credit score go higher and higher!!!

Do I Really Need That?

One of the things I've come to realize is I want a lot of things!  Keeping up with the Jones' has got nothing on me...  Not because I want to 'keep up' but rather I love trying out new gadgets and gismos.  You could say it's my Achilles heel.

When I was working on Day 4 (Purposeful Spending) of the Live Richer Challenge, I had to identify what my needs and loves were versus my likes and wants.  One of the questions asked was something along the lines of "What was your best purchase of 2015?"  Followed by that question was "What did you buy in 2015 that you couldn't live without?"

So I sat there for a minute trying to think of what stand out purchases I had last year.  Hrmmm....  We bought the country house but that's about all I could think of.  The second question was a real humdinger though...  What couldn't I live without>  Ouch!  My big answer was NOTHING!  That sure shocks a little perspective into you, right?

My goal for 2016 is to really focus on my loves and reel in my likes and wants.  I have BIG plans for this year, but one of the best includes focusing on the things that truly make me happy and not the things that just make me happy for a few minutes!

Love Receiving FREE Stuff?

You can, but ONLY if you have an opinion and are willing to share it!

I became very interested in how people were receiving free items when reading the Amazon reviews.  I'd look at the reviews for whatever product I was interested in and poof, at the bottom there was the disclaimer.

 "I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review."  OR 
"I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review."

How in the world?

So I did what anyone else would... I searched on Pinterest!  Low and behold, I found a pin that was comprehensive, concise and ever so helpful.  A Proverbs 31 Wife laid it all out super clearly so anyone who was interest would have an excellent opportunity to take advantage of these incredible deals.

Basically, you need to have an Amazon account.  Even better, you should have Amazon Prime.  That way, you aren't stuck paying for any shipping charges you might incur.

Here are a few of the sites that I've already received (or are currently being shipped).

• Amazing Deals Group:  www.amazingdealsgroup.com 
• Elite Deal Club:  www.elitedealclub.com/?invcode=9D6jW5Wh  
• Review Kick:  www.reviewkick.com 
• Snag Shout:  www.snagshout.com 
• Third Voice Marketing:  www.thirdvoicemarketing.com 

Well, that's the down low so far on how to receive free items.  I will say that if you want to pay, some of the products are also at steep discounts.  I tend to go toward the free ones though!

Food Freebies and Discounts

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've cut down on spending at lunch.  However, there are a couple deals I should mention!

• Subway - Get a free 6" sub with the purchase of a 30 oz drink.  Where I am, the total came to $1.94
• Raising Canes - Get a free Box Combo when you sign up for the Caniac Club.  Now you have to get the card from one of the locations first, but this will make your next meal once you register the card FREE!

Starting a Budget!

Budget you say?  What???  Why do I have to have one of those?   Apparently, living in the real world means facing real-life challenges, including money ones.

My husband is the 'responsible one' and I am the 'spender'.  We've dutifully played our roles for 14 years and I've enjoyed the luxury of not having to have paid a single bill (YEP, you read that right) for our entire marriage.  I work full-time and I have a weekly stipend that I use to buy the groceries for our family and whatever is left is my spending money.  The rest of the money that I make goes into our joint account and he takes care of those icky bill things.  Hubby has made sure that I never truly wanted for anything.

Last year we purchased our second (weekend) home.  That doesn't just mean 2 mortgages, it also means 2 sets of bills for everything else as well (electricity, water, gas, cable, etc.)  Because of that, we needed to buckle down financially and start to spend a little wiser.  Enter the BUDGET... Duh duh duh duhhhhhhhhhhhh

BUDGET is not my favorite word.  However, that is starting to change.  I give thanks to a friend at work who introduced me to a budgeting group that has helped me open my eyes and making changes financially for the better.  Because of this resource group, I'm putting away money that I would have thoughtlessly spent on fast food lunches, useless trinkets that I 'just had to have', spoiling the kids needlessly and creating an expectation that they would get things all the time.  Wow, looking back, I'm a bit ashamed at everything I've taken for granted.

That is changing!  I started doing Tiffany The Budgetnista Aloche's Live Richer Challenge.  She has so thoughtfully put together a fairly easy program for changing those habits that I've developed for so many years and I love it.  I've learned that while I might be saying no to myself in the short term for those useless items, I'm saying yes to myself for things that I truly love and have a passion for.  Wow, that's pretty inspiring if I do say so myself.  I highly recommend that anyone look into her challenge because I doubt there are too many people out there who couldn't benefit from it.

Here are a few of my favorite tidbits:

• Digit - To save money without thinking about it!!!  I really love this one!
• Acorns - To invest money in small increments
• Dream Catchers : LIVE RICHER - Facebook group 

I'm very proud of the changes that I've made recently.  For the last 2 weeks I have spent a grand total of $1.94 on lunches eating out.  This is going from spending money for breakfast AND lunch almost every day to literally cutting away almost everything.  I'm still eating quite well (I know you were worried) and I expect that since I'm not getting fast food all the time, not only am I going to pad my pockets, I might also be trimming my waistline!  What's not to like about that?

Until next time, have a great day!