Friday, July 31, 2009

Great Buy for the Green Mom

Wow! This is an amazing buy for the sophisticatedly green mom! As well all know, this weekend is the Gap Friends and Family Event. Alone, that is an amazing sale. Well.... Gap's organic line (what all of us sophisticatedly green moms love!) is currently on sale for 30% off. That means if you purchase an organic item (blanket, onesies, pajamas, socks, etc...), you get 30% off automatically and then ANOTHER 30% off with your Gap Friends and Family coupon! Amazing savings! So, run.... yes, I said run (in your heels, of course!), don't walk, to the nearest Baby Gap and save, save, save the way only a sophisticatedly green mom can.

Who Doesn't LOVE a Giveaway!

If you love free giveaways like I do, you have to check out this blog http://giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/2009/07/today-july-31st-we-are-giving-away.html
Not only is it an adorable blog; but they have fabulous giveaways everyday!!! So, if you have a moment when you "should be" cleaning or cooking or even working; but you just don't feel like it, sign up for the daily giveaway at Giveawaytoday! Today's giveaway is a personalized 25 card package of any design from Cute Cards and More (http://cutecardsandmore.blogspot.com/).

Even if you aren't interested in the giveaway, check out Cute Cards and More. You will be smitten with their adorable birth announcements, beautiful shower invitations, and sweet birthday invitations. They are definitely the perfect stationary stop for the sophisticated mom!

More Half Off Savings

Since we are on the topic of getting gift certificates for less, I thought I would share the site http://www.halfoffdeals.com/. You can search by the city nearest to you or the city you will be visiting to get $50 gift certificates for 50-75% off! These certificates can be used for restaurants, venues, services and.... every sophisticatedly green mom's favorite ... salons and spas! I know, for my city, there is even a gift certificate for a Yoga and Pilates studio that offers prenatal, mom and baby, and tiny tots classes. So, visit www.halfoffdeals.com today, find your nearest spa and schedule a much deserved mani and pedi!

Eating Out on the Cheap!

Eating out is such a treat .... no prepping for dinner by taking something out the night before, no long hours in the kitchen trying to concentrate AND entertain a 2 year old, and, the best part, no dishes... *sigh*. Haha! I think you get my point! As you can tell, eating out is a real treat for me; but, I hate the thought of seeing my husband's face when he gets the final bill. You know what look I'm talking about!

If you want to eat out and avoid the look, go to http://www.restaurant.com/ . This site offers $10-100 gift certificates for anywhere from 50-80% off! That means that during the 80% off sale (by the way, today is the last day for it! Use the code: NAPKIN), you can get a $25 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant for......$2!!! You have 1 year to use the gift certificate and you can print it immediately if you are going out to eat that night. There are various specials they run, so get on their mailing list. AND, if you are a Border's Rewards member, you can get even better deals! So, sign up now! Always read the criteria to use the gift certificate at your favorite restaurants. Some restaurants allow you to use a $25 certificate on a $35 bill, others require the bill to be $50. Either way, it is a great way to save!

If you need a break during the week, why not check out http://www.kidseatfree.com/ to find a restaurant near you that has a Kids Eat Free night?! I saw this site listed in the latest Parent's magazine and I thought it was the greatest idea! If you know of other restaurants in your area that offer a Kid's Eat Free night, contact that site to add it to their list. All of us other moms will thank you!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

One More Freebie for the Day

I had to post this great deal I received from Tomorrow's Plight! Barnes and Noble is currently offering a free eReader ( www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index.asp ) for your blackberry, ipod touch, iphone, pc, or mac. Along with the free eReader, you will receive 6 free ebooks!! Two of the free books that come with the eReader are The Last of the Mohicans and Sense and Sensibility! You can't beat that!

Follow-up to Back to Nature Coupon

I wanted to give you all a wonderful tip. Through August 5th, Whole Foods has the Back to Nature Macaroni and Cheese on sale for $1. Well, the coupon I posted below for Back to Nature products is for $1! That means you can stock up with FREE Macaroni and Cheese (my husband loves this product!) Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/lsjhxx

How to save while shopping organic

Many sophisticatedly green moms choose to feed their family in the most "green" way - organic. This can pose one of the biggest money challenges for a green mom. You value the health and well being of your family, the well being and future of the environment; but you, also, value the green in your wallet! Here are some tips I have for shopping green, while keeping your green.



Organic product coupons are not found in the newspaper; but you can sign up for coupons to be mailed to you or you can print them out on your computer (usually requires you to sign up for their site... but, then, you always get their newest coupons). I have found that Whole Foods always accepts printed coupons. Some sites to look at for organic coupons are:



7th Generation (Target accepts these coupons, too!) for cleaning supplies:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/coupons



ECover - cleaning supplies:
http://www.ecovercoupons.com/



After the Fall - Juice:
http://www.atfjuices.com/



Alexia Foods - frozen breads, appetizers, and side dishes:
http://www.alexiafoods.com/coupons.html



Amy's Kitchen - delicious pizza, frozen meals, soups, etc...:
http://www.amyskitchen.com/newsletter/index.php



Annie's Naturals - wonderful assortment of salad dressings, marinades, sauces:
http://www.anniesnaturals.com/newsletter



Annie's Homegrown - receive free giveaways:
http://www.annies.com/freeloot



Applegate Farms - meats:
http://www.applegatefarms.com/



Arrowhead Mills - whole grain and gluten free foods:
http://www.arrowheadmills.com/index.php



Attune - probiotic bars and yogurts:
http://www.attunefoods.com/special-offers/



Aura Cacia - aromatherapy products for all ages:
http://www.auracacia.com/



Bakery on Main - Gourmet naturals (sign up for a $1.50 coupon):
https://secure.murgent.com/emopt/index.php?id=3586



BioKleen - cleaning products:
http://biokleenhome.com/node/68



Blue Diamond Almonds - coupons and contests:
http://www.bluediamond.com/index.cfm?navid=8



Brown Cow - Yogurts:
http://www.browncowfarm.com/ECoupons/ecoupons.cfm



Coleman Naturals - Meats (fill out survey to get $5 in coupons):
http://www.colemannatural.com/



Corazona's Heart Healthy Chips - sign up for newsletter to receive coupons:
http://corazonas.com/



Crown Price - tuna, salmon, crabmeat (under Consumer Corner there are printable coupons, coupons mailed to you, a cookbook offer, and frequent buyer program):
http://www.crownprince.com/



Delicious Living - a grouping of different printable organic product coupons:
http://tinyurl.com/lsjhxx



Dreamfields Pasta - $1 off coupon:
http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/



Earthbound Farms - produce (who ever heard of coupons for produce? This a great way to save! Complete the quiz and receive coupons and a pocket guide to organics in the mail):
http://www.ebfarm.com/AboutUs/HealthyFamilies/HealthyChildQuiz.aspx



Earth's Best Organics - baby food, formula, snacks:
http://www.earthsbest.com/promos/coolsavings.php



Enjoy Life Foods - Gluten free and free of eight of the most common allergens! Cookies, snacks, granola, and bagels:
http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/



Food for Life - Ezekiel 4:9 breads:
http://www.foodforlife.com/#



Free Bird Chicken - antibiotic free chicken:
http://www.freebirdchicken.com/free-recipes-tips/homecooks-downloads.asp



Garden of Eatin' - delicious chips (I highly recommend Chili and Lime flavor)! Sign up for the newsletters to receive coupons and promotions:
http://www.gardenofeatin.com/



Genisoy - soy bars and soy crisps (coupons are usually found under the special offers section):
http://www.genisoy.com/specials/online/



Gerber Tender Harvest - organic baby food (coupons, contests, and promotions):
http://www.gerber.com/Special_Offers/Default.aspx



Health Valley Organic - soups, bars, and cereals (sign up for the newsletters to receive coupons):
http://www.healthvalley.com/



Health eSaver Printable Coupons:
http://tinyurl.com/mnbrzg



Horizons - organic milk (click on coupons for the pop-up to sign up):
http://www.horizonorganic.com/



Hylands - homeopathic remedies:
http://www.hylands.com/consumerpromo.php



Ians - frozen foods, snacks, breakfasts, and fries for kids (downloadable coupons):
http://iansnaturalfoods.com/



Imagine foods - soups and broths:
http://www.imaginefoods.com/offers/index.php



Kahiki - frozen Asian entrees and appetizers:
http://kahiki.com/



Kashi - cereals, bars, crackers, cookies, etc... (sign up to receive coupons):
http://www.kashi.com/



Knudsen - juices:
http://www.knudsenjuices.com/coupons



Lifeway Kefir - probiotic products (sign up to receive coupons):

http://www.lifeway.net/CustomerService/UserAccount.aspx



Mambo Sprouts - printable and mailed to you organic coupons:
http://www.mambosprouts.com/



Maranatha - nut butter products:
http://tinyurl.com/nchn82



Morningstar Farms - veggie burgers, veggie breakfasts, meatless hot dogs, etc... (sign up for the newsletter to receive coupons):
http://www.morningstarfarms.com/



Muir Glen - tomato products (love this offer! Sign up for the tomato connoisseurs club to receive coupons including and immediate $1 coupon):
https://www.muirglen.com/club/join.aspx



Napa Valley Naturals - sign up to receive money saving offers:
http://tinyurl.com/kwmg5m



Nature Made - vitamins (sign up and receive a $3 coupon immediately!):
http://www.naturemade.com/bonusoffers/bo_main.asp?kbid=1060



Nature's One Organic Baby Formula - for every 24 proofs of purchase, Nature's One will send you coupons for two free cans of formula!:
http://www.naturesone.com/rebate.php



Odwalla - delicious drinks and bars! (sign up to receive coupons):
http://www.odwalla.com/



Organic Prarie - organic frozen meats (printable coupons):
http://www.organicprairie.coop/coupons/



Organic Valley - eggs, milk, cheese, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese (printable coupons):
http://www.organicvalley.coop/coupons/?gclid=CP3l_urOtI4CFQO0HgodZRvVyg



Pacific Naturals - entire line of organic products (sign up for the newsletter to receive continual coupons):
http://www.pacificfoods.com/get-to-know-us/contact-us



PJ Madisons - organic gelatto style ice cream (sign up and immediately receive printable coupon):
http://www.pjmadisons.com/promos.php



Rice Select - various rice (immediate $2 coupon!):
http://www.riceselect.com/?id=1



Rosetto - pastas (sign up for coupons):
http://www.rosetto.com/



Rudi's Organic Bakery - breads and bakery goods (sign up for continual coupons!):
http://www.rudisbakery.com/utility/newsletter.jsp



San-J - sauces, spices (sign up to receive coupons):
https://www.san-j.com/register.asp

Santa Cruz - Organic Juices (they offer coupons at different times, so always check back. I loaded up on the $.75 off coupons that are good until the end of 2009. When the juice is on sale at Whole Foods for $.99, I end up only paying $.24 a bottle! Can't beat that!):
https://www.scojuice.com/

Silk - soy milk (sign up for an immediate $.75 coupon):
http://www.silksoymilk.com/

SoyJoy - bars (sign up for the newsletter to receive coupons):
http://www.soyjoy.com/index.aspx

Stonyfield - yogurts, frozen yogurt, yogurt drinks (all delicious! My son and I LOVE the Cookies n Dream frozen yogurt!!)
http://coupons.stonyfield.com/new_coupon3.cfm

The Natural Dentist - natural teeth cleaning products ($1 off printable coupon):
http://www.thenaturaldentist.com/web/

Turtle Island Foods - Tofurkey and other tofu foods (sign up for the newsletter to receive coupons and promotions. Plus there are many promotions listed under "Fun Stuff" on their site):
http://www.tofurky.com/aboutus.htm

VegWeb.com - list of printable coupons:
http://tinyurl.com/nzvvkq

Yogi - tea and cereal (Yogi offers free samples and if you sign up for the newsletter, you receive coupons):
http://www.yogiproducts.com/

Whew! I hope you enjoy the list of coupons I have compiled! And, the sophisticatedly green mom never leaves home without her reusable shopping bags. Most stores will take money off of your final bill for each bag you use. So, save the environment and money while looking sophisticatedly green by bringing your bags each time you shop!

Don't forget to pick-up Wholefoods publication, The Whole Deal, in stores. This publication offers tons of clipable coupons and great tips for money saving meals! Also, my WF store switches sales every Wednesday, so Tuesday evening, I go through their online circular to plan my meals for shopping in advance and to organize my coupons. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's offers excellent "store brand" options that cost less. Utilize these products and their low prices to save. Whole Foods offers specials such as their Happy Hour special, Fish Fridays, and Tasting Tuesdays. Going during those select times will send you home with a full stomach and it will help you keep the green in your wallet! Sign up for their newsletter, to receive extra savings in your email box and to learn when these great events are at your store: http://www.wholefoods.com/ .

Enjoy your sophisticatedly green shopping!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Happy National Cheesecake Day!

As you all may or may not know, tomorrow, July 30th, is National Cheesecake day. So, why not celebrate at one of my favorite restaurants, Cheesecake Factory?! Tomorrow, for all eat-in patrons, they are offering a half-price slice of delicious cheesecake. Eat up and Enjoy!

Protect your computer... for FREE!

We all know how important it is to protect your computer from all of the nasty viruses there days; but it can get costly! That is why I had to share with you this great money saving secret compliments of www.commonsensewithmoney.com. You can get McAfee Internet Security 2009 (Retails for $60) for free after rebate from www.Amazon.com . When you order, the full-price rebate form is on the order page AND the item qualifies for Super Saver FREE shipping! So, place your order by August 1, 2009 to take advantage of this amazing deal!

If you are more interested in McAfee VirusScan Plus 2009, you can get it for a whopping $4.99 after the $50 rebate! This offer is good on Amazon through tonight, July 29th. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

More Info on Working from Home

My post the other day was just the beginning of what I have learned about finding a work-from-home job that fits you, your lifestyle and your needs. I mentioned one of the many websites that specialize in gathering legitimate work from-home-opportunities, http://www.wahm.com/ . There are a few others I would like to recommend. http://incmoms.com/ is the first. It is a very user friendly website listing jobs by date. This site offers a wider variety of job openings, a user friendly layout, and is easy to navigate. I highly recommend this site. Another is http://www.dirtydiapersyndrome.com/ . This site has a very large assortment of job openings and it is easy to go through the archives if you are looking for something specific.

Another site where you can find legitimate job opportunities is http://www.craigslist.com/ . I do caution that you ask a LOT of questions before giving out too much personal information. But, you can find great openings or you can post your service. Some services that are highly utilized from this site are: babysitting, tutoring, handy work, sewing, cleaning, resume help, if you are a photographer, videographer, make-up artist, hairstylist, or you make stationary. Those are just some of the few talents you can market on Craigslist!

Speaking of marketing your talent, if you are a mom-preneur and you have a talent for making things, look to http://www.etsy.com/ to sell your product. This a mom friendly site that sells handmade products and personalized services. If you are looking for a special gift or a way to bring in some extra income doing what you love, this is the site to look to.

Other thoughts on marketing your product or service is to advertise locally. Your local churches, community centers, community bulletins, grocery stores, pet salons, doctors offices, and restaurant placemats are just a few of the places you can get advertising that is usually free. Offer a discount for referrals or first time buyers. This is always a sure way to get someone to try your service or product over your competitors! Lastly, NEVER underestimate the power of the people! The people in your life can be your biggest advocates and advertisers when starting your own business. Utilize them and honor their help with some freebies and a nice thank you:)

Mark Your Calendars!

Thursday, July 30th from 5-9pm, all "R" Us members are invited to save big at both Toys "r" Us and Babies "r" Us. Click on this link to view the $900 worth of savings:
http://tinyurl.com/lsq2zm
Savings include: $70 off of Ride-on toys, $50 on Play Kitchens, Free Mattress with the purchase of a crib, free $15 gift card when you purchase 2 boxes of Pampers Diapers, big savings on formula, $20 off of video monitor (a definite must have for the new baby and toddler!), toddler cups, toys and more! See you there and have fun saving!

Gap Friends and Family Time!

Guess what?? The time has come, again, for the Gap Friends and Family event! This event is not just about saving money; but it is for the extremely Sophisticatedly Green Mom. Every time you or your friends make a purchase during this event, 5% of your purchase is donated to the charity of your choice. Definitely makes shopping an all around "green" event! The Gap Friends and Family event lasts from July 30th-August 2nd. Happy shopping!

Great Savings - 2 days only

I am not sure how many of you have ever been on the savings site www.hautelook.com ; but you can find some really great deals on there! Today is one of those days. For two days, Hautelook has Lancome products for sale - up to 31% off! I love when they have product sales - I have purchased Kiehls and Smashbox products off of this site in the past. They always have great sales on clothes, sunglasses, jewelry, kitchen products, shoes and bags - definitely worth the free sign-up! I have found coupons in the past to make the savings even greater. Currently, I just found a coupon for $10 off your first purchase. It says to use the coupon code: SWANKYMOM . Good luck! I have found nothing beats Lancome's mascara - definitely a great buy!

Rewards Cards

Let's talk reward cards, today. You know, the supermarket, drugstore, bookstore, restaurant frequent buyer cards that earn you points or rewards. I have been on the hunt for a good deal on a new cell phone. Well, it was looking like I was going to have to pay the price listed on verizonwireless.com. Those prices are good; but I really thought I could do better. This morning, I opened my email to find a list of savings I am eligible for through my Borders Rewards card. Lo and behold, there are amazing savings listed on Blackberry phones! It tells you what phones are available for each wireless network.

There are four Blackberry phones listed for Verizon. The first two are the Blackberry Storm Pink and the Blackberry Pearl Flip. Currently, with savings, the Storm is listed for $49.99 and the Pearl is listed for $79.99 on Verizon's site. Through the Border's Rewards program, both phones are FREE!! You can't beat that! For the more selective phone user, there is the Blackberry Storm (Verizon's only touch screen blackberry). This phone retails for $199.99, it is currently on sale for $99.99 on Verizon's website. Through the Rewards program, the Storm is available for $29.99 - basically, a $170 savings! And, for the phone user who always wants the latest and greatest, there is the Blackberry Tour (Verizon's newest Blackberry phone). Are you ready to hear these savings?!.... This phone retails for $269.99 and is, currently, on sale for $199.99 - still pricey. Well, here is the deal all of you sophisticatedly green moms have been waiting for.... it is $49.99 for Border's Rewards members! That is a savings of $220! Wow!

If you are not already a Borders member, run to your nearest store today to join - it is free!
As a member, you receive savings on books and various websites such as: Restaurant.com, Omaha Steaks, Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor.com, as well and many, many more sites.

Other rewards programs I highly recommend are: Acme (you earn coupons off of Exxon Mobil gas, plus you can use it to get the sale price on in-store items), TGI Friday's Stripes program ( you receive coupons for free appetizers, money off your bill, buy one get one entrees, etc...), CVS (earn CVS dollars quarterly to redeem in-store), "r"Us (as in Toys "r" Us, and Babies "r" Us), DSW Shoes (Get a coupon for your birthday and earn DSW dollars) and Cutter's Mill (you receive emails frequently for in-store savings). All of these programs are free to join and you will see the rewards almost right away!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Summer Toy Savings

I don't know about you; but we are running out of fun things to do and to play with this summer and it is only July!!! So I thought I would share some excellent deals at Toys R Us today. They have ride-on toys marked down from $99 to $59! That is a $40 savings and worth it for the fun outside you will have this summer:) For Christmas, I bought Helmet Heroes for my nephews who are 3 and 5 - they LOVE them! When I was shopping for them in December, I couldn't find them for less than $25... they are on sale for $17.49 (50% off) today! One last amazing deal is Crayola products. They are buy 1, get 2 FREE!!! Definitely an amazing buy for the budding artist:) Also, the toysrus site has coupons for $10 off $100, $20 off of $150, and $30 off of $200. Happy Shopping!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Tips for working from home

Today I thought I would share the insight I have learned from my LONG search for a reliable, consistent work-from-home opportunity. I really had no idea how or where to start when I began the search two years ago, this is until I was driving into work about 5 weeks before my due date. I consistently listened to abc on the radio (back before the digital switch) every morning. This particular morning, Good Morning America did a segment on legitimate work-from-home opportunities. Of course, as soon as I got into work, I looked up the online article. This is what I found: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/TakeControlOfYourLife/Story?id=2621388

Well, that got me thinking, "how could I make that a reality for myself and my family??". I started off to a slow start.... probably because the search started shortly after my son was born and he did not sleep for more than 3 hours at a time. But, I am proud to report that after 9 months of searching, I found a legitimate company who utilizes stay-at-home parents. The company is http://www.americanworkforce.com/ . It is a recruiting and placement company for telecommuting opportunities. This was a fantastic find and I enjoyed my time with the company. However, consistency was not an adjective I would use to describe this opportunity. So, for the stay-at-home parent looking for some fun work every once in a while, I would say this a perfect option.

The search began again and after a few more months and a lot more searching I found this article http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/Story?id=5522191&page=2 which recommended tutoring online as a legitimate and dependable opportunity. I, then, found a job opportunity on my favorite work-at-home job site, www.wahm.com, for an opening at Brainfuse.com . This is a fabulous tutoring company who has contracts with various school districts and home schooling parents. This company tutors children and adults in various subjects from kindergarten level through college. They even tutor language, job search and resume writing, SAT testing, MCATs, LSATs, etc.... Basically, anything you think of, they tutor.

This worked out wonderfully for me! I took all of the exams and was soon approved as an English, Reading, SAT, History, Social Studies, and Writing Tutor for all levels. My dream of working from home, while caring for my family and taking care of my home had finally come to fruition! Shortly after I was approved, I was scheduled for 40 hours a week - it was out of control!!! Little did I know, though, this, 40 hours a week opportunity, was a short time frame. Tutoring follows a school schedule, so come May, things slowed drastically. However, I would still recommend it as an amazing opportunity for the work-at-home parent who loves teaching and learning and has time available in the afternoons and evenings to dedicate to tutoring. Another tutoring option from home is: www.tutor.com .

Whew! This is a lot of information to give you all at once! I think I will close tonight with one thought. If you have a passion and you want to work from home, then you will find something that works for you. Do NOT give up and follow your gut instinct. There is something out there for you and if you don't find it out there, already, then create it! This is an ever-changing world and the appreciation for creativity, family, and necessity are there... put your talents to work and find/create something that works for you and your family. I know you can and I know you will!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wow! The pressure of the first post! Well, I guess I will start with what "green" things I did today. One of the ways I bring in the "green" is through tutoring online, well things have been slow this summer... needless to say, my hubby is not thrilled with that! lol So, I decided to use a free resource... my college career center. I sent them my resume today and asked for tips in finding legitimate work-from-home opportunities. I will keep all of you posted on the feedback I receive:)

I, also, signed up for some freebies. Who doesn't love to get something for free??? And, I am not talking about those freebies that just waste packaging and time (that would not be very "green" of me, would it??). I am talking about fun things like 5 free months of O magazine!!! How fun is that?! If anyone is interested, click here and you can get it, too:)
http://startsampling.com/product.iphtml?item=32256
And, to not forget those of you who love soaps like my sister-in-law... here is a link for a free subscription to Soap Opera Digest: http://www.freebizmag.com/emailsoapdigest01welcome.htm

One last freebie I want to share with you tonight is a free photo package at Picture People. It is only good through this week; but, hey, why not take advantage of it?!
http://www.picturepeople.com/promotion/email/summer_2009/sfr2_landing1.html

Enjoy your freebies... I know I will enjoy mine:)