Archives for February 2012

Increase Your Online Buying Power

Increase Your Online Buying Power – New Feature on zuuzs.com

Most of you are probably already using zuuzs.com to earn cash rewards when you shop online. I used this so much during the holidays – When you combine their cash back reward with the awesome deals you find, and the cool online coupon codes that I share all of the time on Facebook and Twitter – You can rack up serious amounts of free cash.

New to zuuzs? Read this – How To Earn Free Money with zuuzs.com.

How to Increase your earnings

Now there’s a super cool new feature on zuuzs.com, that can help you rack up even more free money – It’s called Buying Power, and here’s how to get it –

Easy actions on their site can increase your buying power – Meaning, you earn higher cash back percentages from your favorite stores like Old Navy, Walmart, and Target.
Build and update your profile on zuuzs – Check it out here. Set your cash out amount, whether you want to be paid via check or debit card {coming soon!}, your favorite stores, and which emails you want to get, and how often. {They don’t ever want to bug you – So you get to set the amount of notices you want to receive!}
Invite friends – As you can see in the graphic above, the more people you have in your “Circle of Friendz” on zuuzs, the more you all earn! They also make it super simple to share their great deals and invite friends – On LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Make a purchase – Every time you make a purchase through zuuzs.com, you increase your buying power. Do you do a ton of shopping at Amazon.com? You know that no reward sites include Amazon…. But, when you shop at Amazon through zuuzs, you may not earn cash back, but you do INCREASE the cash back you earn at every other retailer! Cool, right?

What are you waiting for?

Head on over to zuuzs.com today – Sign up if you’re not a member yet. Update your profile and invite a few friends if you’re already signed up. And next time you’re shopping online – Make sure you type in zuuzs.com to get started, to earn some free cash in your pocket! And, if you’re a blogger – Make sure to sign up for the Blogger Affiliate program – Sign up an account, click Affiliates up top, then scroll down to set up your own customized blogging shopping site, get cool tools and more!

Remember – Friends Don’t Let Friends Pay Full Price!

Caregiver for Your Parents? This Tip Can Save a Life!

Are you a caregiver?

It’s hard for me to accept sometimes that my parents are getting older. I still picture them like they were when I was a kid. Plus, if THEY’RE getting older, that means I am too, which I have been having a hard time with since I turned 30. When the heck did I turn into an adult?? But – As our parents get older, you start thinking about how you’ll take care of them as they age. What if something happens to them? What if they get sick? Usually it falls to us, the daughters, to be the caregivers.

My Parents

My mom is still mostly healthy – She’s super active, works at a pretty physical job, is an amazing gardener, loves to dance. And her and I live together, which means I know she’s taken care of. But my father has had a lot of health problems. He broke his hip a year ago, and still has a lot of trouble getting around. He also recently moved to Seattle, on the other side of the state, so my brothers and I can’t stop in to check on him like we used to. I worry about him a lot, and hate that he’s so far away.

Help in an Emergency

We had gotten him set up with a medical emergency reporting system when we first moved him to his new house – Just in case. Like I said, he has a hard time getting around, and is known to fall and have a tough time getting to the phone. He thought it was a silly idea, and didn’t want to get it – I explained to him that it wasn’t even for HIM, it was for me, so I wouldn’t worry quite as much. All I can say is THANK GOODNESS he agreed – Two weeks ago he got incredibly sick. So sick he couldn’t get out of bed, couldn’t call anyone. But – his Medical Alert system is right next to the bed, so he was able to get an ambulance. He ended up needing emergency surgery. The surgeon said that the doctor he had here in town had missed some major problems for over a year now – if he hadn’t had this surgery, he could have died!

Protect Your Family

I am now such a big believer in these medical alert systems, and recommend them to anyone who has an older family member, friend, or loved one that has trouble getting around. It gives you piece of mind, and it can be a lifesaver for them. There are a ton of options out there to check out, and the cost is really not at all as high as I had expected.

What do you think?

Have you ever used any type of Medical Alert for your family? Do you have a close call story like this too? Share your stories or advice in the comments, to help others who are reading this find the best solution for their families too.

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 12, 2012 Filed Under: Busy Mom Solution | 1 Comment

Free Lorax Valentine’s Printables!

Free Valentine’s Day Printables for Kids

Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss, right? So many of my favorite books as a little girl were Dr. Seuss books…. My very favorite ever was There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! – There’s a line at the very end, “That’s the kind of house I live in, and I hope I never leave it!” – I have a big blended household of extended family living with me right now, and things get pretty crazy living with so many people, so I say this all the time, lol. I’m also really excited to see the brand new movie, The Lorax! Did you catch the cute clip during the Superbowl?

Get Free Lorax Printables for Valentine’s Day!

Head on over to the Lorax Blog to print out bunches of fun Lorax themed printables for Valentine’s Day – The kids can use them to make their own cards to hand out at school, and you can check out more fun clips from the movie too! Even bigger kids are going to get excited about this movie – It stars little mister heart throb Zac Efron, and everyone’s favorite girl-next-door, Taylor Swift. It also features one of my favorite funny ladies – Betty White!

You can find The Lorax on Facebook and Twitter – And learn some great “green” tips for your family on the Lorax website too!

{Disclosure: No compensation of any type was received for this. I am excited to see the movie, and know you’ll love it too! Happy Valentine’s Day!}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 11, 2012 Filed Under: Fun Stuff | No Comments

Save 20% on the Prettiest Products for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Shopping for YOU!

Every girl deserves something pretty for Valentine’s Day. If there’s no Mister to bring you gifts this year, why not do some shopping for yourself? Buy a few pretty products to pamper yourself, and pick up a few fun gifts for your single girlfriends too. The set above is one of my very favorites – I got one as a Christmas gift for myself last year {yes, I buy myself gifts…. Lol}, and it’s packed full of amazing stuff – The Belleza box is filled with travel sizes of some of the most popular items on their site – And they all smell absolutely delicious! {Just a heads up – The site, EdenFantasys, is an adult themed site, so be careful opening it in front of the kiddos. But they sell my favorite bath and body products, and I know you’ll love them too.}

Another of my favorites…

This is one of the best bath products that you’ll ever find! I’m a big fan of bubble baths – Although, as the momma of a toddler, they’re pretty rare these days. We have a big ol’ spa tub with jets, so when I do get the chance for a little “me time” – That’s where I head. Bubbles, a glass of wine, and a good book? Uh-may-zing, right? And this Bagno Bliss Mineral Bath totally rocks – Almost as good as a trip to the spa.

Save 20% on your order! Use coupon code ROSES to save 20% on your order – Plus FREE Next Day Air on all orders over $100!

{Warning: EdenFantasys is an adult themed site that also sells sex toys, so don’t shop while the kids are in the room! But, they also sell my favorite luxury bath and body products, and the prices are amazing.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 11, 2012 Filed Under: Deals and Coupon Codes, Shopping | No Comments

“Oh Internet” – A Love Song #humor

My Drunk Kitchen

Hannah from My Drunk Kitchen is THE. FUNNIEST. PERSON. Seriously – She totally cracks me up. I found her videos of cooking while intoxicated last summer, and have been hooked ever since. {You might remember her from the holiday Gingerbread video I posted around Christmas time} She is just totally charming….

Anti-SOPA Song

She says that this song started as an anti-SOPA song – {remember that totally sleazy bill from a month ago?} – But then turned into a love song devoted to the beauty that is our internet. I figured with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to share this video. I mean heck – I could write a love song to the internets too…. I spend more time there than with my own friends and family, and would be lost with out it.

Oh Internet, how I love thee, let me count the ways…..

Ok, so maybe I can’t write my own song. Not today at least. My creativity level is on low – I’ve got a sick little guy, a crabby as all heck toddler, and a ridiculous messy house. You’ll have to settle for Hannah’s version in the video above – But if you’ve got a great love poem to the internet, leave me a comment below. My favorite will get a $5 Amazon gift card……

Find My Drunk Kitchen on Facebook, and watch more great videos on her YouTube channel.

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 10, 2012 Filed Under: Fun Stuff | No Comments

Weekly Bloggertunities – 2/8

“If you want to accomplish anything in life, you can’t sit back and hope it will happen. You’ve got to make it happen.” – Chuck Norris

Yes, I really did just start this post with a quote from Chuck Norris, lol. I totally agree with this thinking – Do you ever sit and think, “Why don’t I get more sponsored post opportunities? Why don’t I get more traffic? Why don’t I… {insert whatever complaint you currently have about your blog here}” – Well, no one ever got ahead by sitting still, right? I’ve worked my tush off over the course of this past year to build my site – I’ve done a million free guest posts, I’ve worked for really low pay, and I spend hours reading and learning about social media, blogging tips, technology and coding – There’s always something new to learn. So – If you want to grow your blog, visit successful blogs that you would like your site to be more like – and make a list of what they’re doing right. Don’t copy – But learn. If you don’t have any sponsored posts or reviews – Start writing anyway. Write guest posts. Start an Examiner.com column {see mine here – Yakima Frugal Living Examiner}. Post about your own favorite products, sites, and services – then send a link to that company letting them know. The more you get yourself out there, the more opportunities will start flowing your way!

Weekly Bloggertunities

There aren’t that many paid opps this week, but I linked up to some other resources that I’ve found helpful. And as always – If you have an event coming up that’s open for sign ups, a cool opp or blogging network, or anything you’ve found helpful this week – share it in the comments!

Giving Back

Project Earth Day: If you’re a community do-gooder – and if you are, big high-five! – you can apply for a $1,000 grant to help you ramp up the great things you’re doing, or start a super cool new project! Get details and apply – Project Earth Day.
Social Good Moms: This is a wonderful new group to join – Help spread the word about amazing campaigns from the best non profits and charitable groups. Learn more here – Mom Bloggers for Social Good.

Free Business Booster Resources

Timeline Facebook Cards: These are the coolest business cards – Check out all of the cool examples turning your Facebook Timeline into business cards – And go here to get a set for free, you just pay shipping. Super fun.
Tax Tips: This article is filled with some really helpful and easy to understand info on how bloggers can manage their taxes, with links to other really great resources. Tax Tips for Bloggers.
Work at Home Tips: A great post with tips on how to work from home – How Mompreneurs Can Get Work Done with Kids at Home.
Blogger LinkUp: Get guest posts, offer guest posts, connect with sources for interviews, and more. Very cool, and I’m really liking it so far – Join Blogger LinkUp.
Mom Central: Sign up to get their Trend Report and Weekly Insights Round-Up of great info on marketing, trends, and social media in the mom space.

Non-Giveaway Events to Join

Photography: Learn a new tip each week to help you improve your photo skills, and then link up your favorite picture in that weeks color. It’s a fun way to learn some new tips and techniques, while showing off your great photos.
StumbleUpon: Want to learn how to use StumbleUpon for your blog, and benefit from the {sometimes uh-MAY-zing!} increases in traffic that it can bring? Join our weekly Stumble Tumble Tuesday link up!
Pinterest: Link up a favorite “Pin-able” post, and then browse and pin from the other fun posts too! Find pretty new things, meet new bloggy friends, and see more traffic from YOUR pics that get pinned too! Pinterest Blogger Linky.

Giveaway Events to Join

Spring Fever Event: This sounds like a very cool giveaway event… Only a limited number of bloggers will be accepted, to ensure a great event. You can find details and sign up here – Spring Fever Blogger Giveaway Event.
The Great Swag Swap: This is a really fun idea – If you have a ton of extra “swag” around – Giveaway items you’ve won and never opened, extra promo goodies, whatever – Join The Great Swag Swap Giveaway event! Get the details and sign up info on her post.

Writing & Social Media

She Speaks: They are looking for a Marketing Intern, for their New York office. If you have the skills needed, and are located near them, you can apply here –She Speaks is Hiring!

Product Review Opportunity

We’re looking for some awesome new mom bloggers to join our Mompact team. You’re blog needs to be professional – Pretty layout, good spelling and grammar, and focused on great content for moms. If this describes you, check out the great mom-invented products on Mompact.com to see if they’re a good fit for you and your site. These are not paid reviews – but you’ll get to try out and keep some of the best products invented by other moms. If you’re interested, send me an email letting me know a little bit about your site and why you’d be a good fit – Meagan, at sunshineandsippycups@gmail.com.

Help a Blogger Out!

We’ve all been there – You have a chance at a super-duper amazing opportunity, but it’s based on comments/clicks/votes/etc, and you’re struggling to get your numbers up, since you hate to keep bugging your same friends and fans each day. Well, here’s your chance to get some good blogging-karma by helping out Tiffany over at Sweet Phenomena! She is in a campaign where the blogger with the MOST giveaway entries will WIN a sponsorship to Blissdom! It’s so easy to help – Just enter her great giveaway! You get a chance to win prizes, and you’re helping her have a chance at a great prize too. Enter here – Supplementing Your Way to Great Health Giveaway.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

Posted by Meagan Paullin on February 10, 2012 Filed Under: Blogging Resources, Weekly Opp's | 4 Comments

3 Ways Walmart Can Help You Eat Healthy on a Budget

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

At first, that headline feels a little bit surprising, right? I mean – We all love Walmart, but you don’t usually associate it with healthy living. But that’s about to change – Walmart is rolling out a huge campaign to help children have access to better foods, help busy moms learn how to shop for healthier family meals, and have brought in Dr. Ro, one of America’s top nutritionists, to share easy steps that every family can take to eat healthier on a budget!

walmart

3 Ways Walmart is Helping Families Live Healthier

Walmart is giving away $9.5 million in grants to great organizations around the country that work to ensure families get access to healthier and more affordable food choices. This funding will help to support nutrition education programs, provide classes on learning to shop for healthier foods on a budget, and even provide live cooking demonstrations at local stores around the country – How cool is that?
The addition of Dr. Ro will help Walmart share easy to follow tips that can help moms learn which foods in their local Walmart are the best to feed to feed their families, and how to find the best value. I can’t wait to learn some of her great tips on healthy living!
Not every community has a health foods store – But almost everyone lives close enough to a Walmart store to visit and shop regularly! By educating families about healthier choices, and making them easy and accessible to shop for – Walmart can really make an impact on the diets of thousands of American families!

Shopping Matters Tour!

As you can see in the video, Walmart is working to busy moms the basics of how to find the best nutrition at the best prices in their own local stores. They’re also using all of that grant money I mentioned to fund amazing programs across the country – Like Action for Healthy Kids, a group that works to get healthier foods into schools nationwide. The $1.5 million grant from Walmart will bring better foods and nutrition education to 400 schools, which will impact over 160,000 children!

How these changes can help you

In our family, I’m always trying to guide us towards cleaner, greener, healthier lives. I’ve noticed over the past year that our diet and exercise habits have gone down hill quite a bit – The Mister was laid off and has been out of work for almost a year, I’m so busy running this site and all of my other projects I don’t always have time to plan for healthier meals, and I have a toddler now who can keep things running pretty crazy around here. I love that Walmart is using their enormous power as one of the biggest grocery retailers to encourage a movement towards better nutrition! Walmart reaches so many families, that they’re education programs can make a big difference in helping other busy moms like me shop for great foods to serve to their families.

What do you think?

I love hearing what you guys think about things – What do you think about the grants that Walmart will be sharing in communities across the country? Which one of the organizations listed are your favorite? Are you excited to see things like live cooking demonstrations or shopping education tours in your own local store? What else should Walmart do to help encourage and enable moms to prepare great meals for their kids? Share in the comments!