MySavings Media- Monetize Your Blog With Legitimate Offers
October 15, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under News, frugal tips
A few days ago I touched briefly on the subject of finding blog sponsorship programs. Today I want to share how you can generate some revenue by offering your readers free samples, coupons, and money saving offers by joining affiliate programs.
MySavings Media
One of my favorite affiliate networks happens to be MySavings Media Super Affiliate Program. They specialize in only legitimate, attractive brand name offers, Free Samples, and Printable Coupons. This ensures your users receive the best. You don’t have to sort through a bunch of spammy or scam offers to find Freebies your readers will enjoy.
The first step to is to apply. Complete the publisher application making sure to fill in all the required fields. The form requests site views per month so be prepared to be able to supply that traffic information. If for some reason you don’t get accepted into the program, don’t worry you can always try again at a later date.
After being accepted you will receive an email welcoming you into the program and explaining how to setup the campaigns on your site. Their easy plug-n- play “syndicated savings” page quickly allows you to add a hot deals, free samples, and coupons section to your blog. Choose your layout, generate the code, paste it where you want the ads to show, and your ready to go.
Every so often I receive emails from MySavings Media informing me of new campaigns I can add. They keep you up to date on any new offers or campaign alterations which is really great. This way you can make speedy changes to give your readers the new offers and increase your money making possibilities.
Strategically Place Offers/Ads
The first suggestion I want to make is you want to be able to give your blog visitors special offers they will enjoy without irritating them with too many ads. Nothing is worse (in my opinion) than going to a blog and being welcomed by hundreds of flashing annoying advertisements. The ads clutter up the blog and distract away from the true content. Your audience will more than likely be looking for the escape button within seconds and not returning. You’ve not only lost a possible loyal reader, but any extra cash that could have been produced by the ads. Strategically place the offers on your sidebar or create another page within your site to display them.
Sensible Goals
Have sensible goals in mind. Your not going to get rich quick by joining an affiliate program. I’m happy if I can make enough income to cover the costs of running my website. Sure I would like to have fists full of cash, but any extra income gained is better than what I started out with!
(FTC disclosure : In adherence to the recent FTC changes pertaining to blogger product reviews and sponsored postings it is necessary to add when ever I receive any compensation in return for posting about a company or product. I received compensation for this post. My opinions were of my own.)
Walmart Great Value Products – How Do They Compare?
September 25, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under News, frugal tips
My family is a one income household, and we have felt the full thrashing of the weak economy. Cutting back is important and saving money on grocery items helps make our dollars stretch to be able to place more food on the table. If I don’t have a coupon to bring a name brand item below the cost of a generic product, I will try and grab the money saving product instead.
Recently I was sent some Walmart Great Value products to sample and asked to give my opinion. The items I tested and tasted were…
Great Value Twist & Shout Sandwich Cookies. Compared to the Nabisco’s Oreos.
The Great Value Chocolate Twist & Shout Sandwich Cookies cost $2.00 in comparison to the Nabisco Oreos which were on sale for $2.78. Giving you a savings of $0.78.
The Great Value Cheese Crackers. Compared to the Sunshine Cheez-It.
The Great Value Cheese Crackers cost $2.38 in comparison to the Cheez-It crackers which were regularly $2.98. Buying the Great Value crackers would save you $0.60.
The Great Value Cinnamon Crunch cereal. Compared to the GM’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
The Great Value Cinnamon Crunch can be purchased at $2.24. The GM cereal costs $3.24. Your saving $1.00 by buying the Great Value product.
The Great Value Pecan Shortbread Cookies. Compared to Keebler’s Pecan Sandies.
The Great Value Pecan Shortbread Cookies were $2.38 in comparison to the Sandies which cost $2.98. Buying the Great Value cookies saves you $0.60.
The Great Value Honey Nut Spins. Compared to the GM’s Honey Nut Cheerios.
The Great Value Honey Nut Spins can be purchased for $2.36. The Honey Nut Cheerios cost $3.24. You save $0.88.
The total savings of choosing the five Great Value products over the name brand items is $3.86. The money I saved can help place more food in my cart. The Wamart Great Value line consists of more than 5,200 products. Imagine if you could do this with most of the items on your grocery list! How much would you save?
The only problem I have with the Great Value products is the packaging SCREAMS generic. I understand there is a need to keep production costs down in order to bring the products to the shelves at a low cost, but the packaging needs a face-lift. Walmart already changed the look of the items not to long ago, but I think there is a need for a new design and a more sustainable packaging idea. What do you think about the packaging?
The actual taste of the Great Value products are delicious and taste as good or better than the name brand items.
Have you tried the Great Value products? What is your opinion about them?
(prices may vary depending on location)
Homemade Pie Spice Air Freshener
September 5, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under Recipes, frugal tips
I love autumn and all the special gifts it brings. The apple festivals, beautiful foliage, Halloween festivities, Thanksgiving, and the sweet aroma of fresh baked apple pie make it my favorite time of the year.
Try this homemade aromatic mixture to give your house a homey fresh baked apple pie scent and help get you in the mood for fall. It only costs a few pennies to make and beats the smell of pricey commercial room fresheners.
3 cups water
6 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
6 pieces dried orange peel
In a small pan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until your home is filled with the spicy fragrance. Make sure to keep checking the water level!
Pinching Pennies
August 17, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
This time of year it is important for me to pinch pennies. The more I save, the more school supplies my daughter gets for going back to school! The best way for me to be thrifty is by grabbing deals and cutting the costs further by using coupons!
I’m always hunting for Walmart Coupons and other manufactures coupons online and in my Sunday paper. Sometimes I even find great deals at Amazon.com and other places like Overstock.com. If I purchase anything at Overstock.com I always do an Internet search looking for Overstock.com Coupons and percentage discount codes that can be applied before checking out. Especially for free shipping since your not saving if the shipping costs exceed the total price of what you would pay for an item at your local store.
There are tons of great back to school deals going on in stores and online, but make sure you do your research first as to what method will save you more money and time in the end. Even if I save only a dollar it can be used for buying extra pens or pencils for my daughter!
Homemade Insect Repellent
June 27, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
With summer underway its time to start thinking about protecting yourself from the buzzing blood sucking pests. Instead of spraying yourself with poisons why not try an all natural insect repellent? The essential ingredients in this homemade insect repellent have been shown to keep the nasty little biters far, far, ————–>far away. However, if you are in the deep woods or in an area of a high rate of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as West Nile, you may need a stronger protection.
This repellent is not recommended to be used on small children or infants.
15-20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
15-20 drops lemon essential oil
15-20 drops lemongrass essential oil
15-20 drops citronella essential oil
1 ounce olive oil
In a small spray bottle, mix the essential oils with the olive oil. Use as needed.
Honey Mask
May 7, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
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Why not treat yourself to a relaxing facial? You deserve it!
The ingredients in this facial mask are not only yummy but nourish your skin too!
Ingredients
1/2 cup hot water
10 tablespoons quick oats
1/2 apple, cored but with peel
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg white
Directions:
1. Clean your face thoroughly with a natural cleanser. In a small bowl, add oats into the hot water until the mixture is smooth. Let stand 5 minutes or until mixture thickens.
2. Place the apple, yogurt, honey, and egg white in a blender and pulse for 45 seconds to mix. Next add oat mixture and pulse for 20 seconds more.
3. Apply the mask evenly to the face, being careful to avoid the eyes, and let sit for 15 minutes or until skin feels tight. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Cellulite Massage Oil
May 7, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
Most woman develop cellulite at some time during their life. The thighs, abdomen, and buttocks get attacked with unattractive pockets of fat which cause the skin to dimple.
There are huge varieties of costly products on the market that claim to rid your body of cellulite but don’t perform as they claim. The most effective way of treating cellulite is to eat a healthy diet along with regular exercise. Massaging the area with oil also helps in decreasing the appearance by moisturizing the skin and increasing circulation to aid in breaking down the fatty deposits.
Here is a recipe for a natural massage oil which may help increase blood flow and lessen the look of cellulite.
Cellulite Massage Oil Recipe
2 tablespoons almond oil
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
1/2 teaspoon carrot oil
14 drops geranium essential oil
6 drops lemongrass essential oil
4 drops cypress essential oil
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a 1 1/2 to 2 ounce sterilized glass jar with a secure fitting lid. Shake to well mixed.
After showering, dry skin and massage a small amount of the oil on the cellulite areas, using circular movements. Apply only once a day.
Citrus Disinfectant
April 28, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
Peel from 1 orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime
3 cups white vinegar
1 clean quart jar with lid
1 clean 32 oz spray bottle
1. Combine the citrus peel and vinegar in the quart jar. Fasten the lid on the jar and store the mixture in your cabinet for approximately two weeks, shaking it occasionally.
2.Remove the citrus peel from the jar, strain the vinegar, and return it to the jar.
3.To use as a cleaner, pour 1 cup of the citrus vinegar in the spray bottle and fill with water.
4.To clean linoleum floors dilute 1 cup of the citrus vinegar with 2 gallons of water.
A simplistic yet effective natural cleaner that will leave your room smelling fresh while disinfecting!
How To Manage a Kid’s Cell Phone Use.
March 30, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
1. Set a limit on how many text messages she can make during a given week. My daughter knows she is allocated 10 text messages per week and anything above and beyond will result in loss of text messaging for the following week.
2. Limit talk time to a certain hour. I have limited her talk time to one hour per night. This is after 7pm so she is using anytime minutes and is before 9pm on school nights.
3. There is no text messaging or talking until all homework has been completed.
4. No ringtone downloads. She is not allowed to download ANY ringtones. They can become a costly habit.
5. No browsing the Internet. If I find out otherwise her cell phone usage is band until further notice.
I know some of these rules seem severely strict but are necessary for her own protection and my pocket book!
There are kid friendly cell phones for purchase such as Kajeet. Kajeet offers flexible and affordable rates while giving parents full control of cell phone usage. You are able to set up an allowance and Kajeet offers a full suite of online parental controls. The phone even includes a GPS locator to be able to locate your kid’s phone anytime! If you are interested in finding out more about Kajeet please click here. GO KAJEET.
Frugal Housekeeping Tips
March 29, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under Money Saving Ideas, frugal tips
1. Buy a multipurpose cleanser to replace the job of multiple products. Simple Green All Purpose cleaner can be economically diluted and used for many uses. It gets the jobs done and is also non-toxic. Not only does this save you money but also space! I know I have a multitude of cans, spray bottles, and canisters that are stuffed in my cabinet. Getting a multipurpose cleanser that can do the job of all those cleaning products and eliminating the clutter is a great idea!
2. Avoid pricey fabric softener sheets. Dampen an old sock or towel with diluted fabric softener, squeeze out any excess and toss in the dryer. This was one of my favorite tips since I do heaps of laundry. I like the clothes soft and smelling fresh but the dryer sheets are to expensive to use with every load.
3. Make your own room deodorizers. Put a few drops of an oil such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender on multiple cotton balls and place them in a decorative jar with a lid. When you want to deodorize the room simply remove the lid.
4. Remove muddy footprints on the carpet with salt. Sprinkle the muddy carpet with a generous amount of salt and rub it in. Wait an hour and vacuum it off. If any of the spot still remains or the mud is dried, make a solution by diluting 1/4 teaspoon dish washing liquid with a quart of warm water. Cover the spot with solution and vacuum again once spot has dried.
5. Remove hard water stains in your bathroom with toothpaste. Squeeze some on an old toothbrush and scrub the stains away.
6.Clean your toilet with baking soda and white vinegar. Let sit for a few hours, then scrub with a toilet brush.
7. Dry the clothes in consecutive batches. This helps cut energy because the dryer is already warm from the prior loads and does not have to warm up each time you begin a new one.
Check your local Dollar Store! The Dollar Store can be a fantastic source for saving money. I normally can buy most my cleaning supplies such as sponges, towels, gloves, and some cleaners for only $1.00 a piece.
