Calling all Budgetistas...(part 2)

My first Budgetista post covered links and websites that enable you to get free stuff. This list is covers the ways in which you can save money on items that you have to buy (like groceries and gas).

► Food - SouthernSavers

Our last grocery trip we purchased $89 worth of groceries before taxes. After coupons and using our rewards card we ending up paying only $50. Each week I match up the coupons in our local paper with the items on sale that week at the store. I was fortunate to find a blog in our area that organizing all the coupons in an MS Excel spreadsheet and that helps make the coupon matching go a lot smoother. 

On our best week: Total: $90, Paid: $40 - total saving of $50

We you save more than you spend, it's a GREAT feeling.

► Gas

Take advantage of reward programs: At Kroger the gas last weekend was $3.56/gal we paid $3.36/gal (06/25/2011).

At Sheetz you get $0.03 off per gallon with every gas purchase when you use your MySheetz card. The MySheetz card is not a credit card, it's their version of a rewards card.

►Clothing - Shop It To Me
Sign up for Shop It To Me, when you sign up they send you a list of items on sale. The list has been tailored to fit your style.

►Shoes - 6pm
I love shoes but my budget doesn't. So when I see a pair I want I will hunt for the best deal. While hunting one day, I came across 6pm.com, it offers some top brands for 50%-80% off. You can sign up for their email list and each day they will send you a list of brands that are marked even lower for that day. The best thing is that they ship fast. If I order a pair of shoes on Monday they usually arrive by Thursday. 6pm.com also has flat rate shipping.


All sites mentioned in the Budgetista posts have been tried by me (the guinea pig) and they are all legit sites. Happy shopping and happy savings! Enjoy!

Calling all Budgetistas...(part 2)

My first Budgetista post covered links and websites that enable you to get free stuff. This list is covers the ways in which you can save money on items that you have to buy (like groceries and gas).

► Food - SouthernSavers

Our last grocery trip we purchased $89 worth of groceries before taxes. After coupons and using our rewards card we ending up paying only $50. Each week I match up the coupons in our local paper with the items on sale that week at the store. I was fortunate to find a blog in our area that organizing all the coupons in an MS Excel spreadsheet and that helps make the coupon matching go a lot smoother. 

On our best week: Total: $90, Paid: $40 - total saving of $50

We you save more than you spend, it's a GREAT feeling.

► Gas

Take advantage of reward programs: At Kroger the gas last weekend was $3.56/gal we paid $3.36/gal (06/25/2011).

At Sheetz you get $0.03 off per gallon with every gas purchase when you use your MySheetz card. The MySheetz card is not a credit card, it's their version of a rewards card.

►Clothing - Shop It To Me
Sign up for Shop It To Me, when you sign up they send you a list of items on sale. The list has been tailored to fit your style.

►Shoes - 6pm
I love shoes but my budget doesn't. So when I see a pair I want I will hunt for the best deal. While hunting one day, I came across 6pm.com, it offers some top brands for 50%-80% off. You can sign up for their email list and each day they will send you a list of brands that are marked even lower for that day. The best thing is that they ship fast. If I order a pair of shoes on Monday they usually arrive by Thursday. 6pm.com also has flat rate shipping.


All sites mentioned in the Budgetista posts have been tried by me (the guinea pig) and they are all legit sites. Happy shopping and happy savings! Enjoy!

Calling all Budgetistas...

I love shopping to a certain extent but I hate spending money. When I spend my hard earned pennies I want the best for my money. I realized after starting that I am going to have to do this post in 2 parts - 1 for the free stuff and part 2 for the discounted items. Up first....the free!

Free Samples 
The samples from Walmart and Target will vary so it's best to check back at least weekly so that you won't miss something that you are interesting in obtaining.
Walmart Free Samples
Target - Free Samples

Cash/Prizes
► Swagbucks - earn points for searching the web and then redeem those points for prizes
A lot of folks believe this is scam and some even say that it put a virus on their computer. Let me share what I learned. DON'T download anything from any site if you do not have a good anti-virus software. Bookmark the website but don't set it to be your default homepage. You can download the toolbar and use the website that way. I have not had ANY problems whatsoever. Instead of using Google ALL the time, use the Swagbucks search engine every now and again so that you can rack up points quickly. Then redeem your points for prizes and enjoy. I just redeemed points to get a $50 amazon.com gift card - that will definitely come in handy.

► MyLikes - Like stuff, share it, and get paid - cash.
For this one, you must have a paypal account because that is how you will receive your earnings. The only thing that can be annoying about this site is that if you are constantly "liking" things, your followers/readers will get annoyed. I actually follow a person on twitter that "likes" more than she tweets...not cool. Some of the likes are really interesting so you have the option to share things that you are truly interested in sharing with others.

► Blogs/Websites
The web pages below are dedicated to directing you to daily deals that are FREE. Sometimes you have to "like" the product on Facebook in order to get your free sample and other times you just have to go to the manufacturers website and print off a coupon for the free item.
Free Product Samples
My Free Product Samples

If you get started now, you maybe able to get some of the little Christmas shopping out of the way now without even spending a dime. Enjoy!

Got any good free spots to share? 

If you have experience using any of the sites above please leave a comment with your thoughts.

Calling all Budgetistas...

I love shopping to a certain extent but I hate spending money. When I spend my hard earned pennies I want the best for my money. I realized after starting that I am going to have to do this post in 2 parts - 1 for the free stuff and part 2 for the discounted items. Up first....the free!

Free Samples 
The samples from Walmart and Target will vary so it's best to check back at least weekly so that you won't miss something that you are interesting in obtaining.
Walmart Free Samples
Target - Free Samples

Cash/Prizes
► Swagbucks - earn points for searching the web and then redeem those points for prizes
A lot of folks believe this is scam and some even say that it put a virus on their computer. Let me share what I learned. DON'T download anything from any site if you do not have a good anti-virus software. Bookmark the website but don't set it to be your default homepage. You can download the toolbar and use the website that way. I have not had ANY problems whatsoever. Instead of using Google ALL the time, use the Swagbucks search engine every now and again so that you can rack up points quickly. Then redeem your points for prizes and enjoy. I just redeemed points to get a $50 amazon.com gift card - that will definitely come in handy.

► MyLikes - Like stuff, share it, and get paid - cash.
For this one, you must have a paypal account because that is how you will receive your earnings. The only thing that can be annoying about this site is that if you are constantly "liking" things, your followers/readers will get annoyed. I actually follow a person on twitter that "likes" more than she tweets...not cool. Some of the likes are really interesting so you have the option to share things that you are truly interested in sharing with others.

► Blogs/Websites
The web pages below are dedicated to directing you to daily deals that are FREE. Sometimes you have to "like" the product on Facebook in order to get your free sample and other times you just have to go to the manufacturers website and print off a coupon for the free item.
Free Product Samples
My Free Product Samples

If you get started now, you maybe able to get some of the little Christmas shopping out of the way now without even spending a dime. Enjoy!

Got any good free spots to share? 

If you have experience using any of the sites above please leave a comment with your thoughts.

MyLikes: Sign up and earn cash

Do you have over 1000 followers? Join top celebs and make money. Sign up ~>MyLikes

-----
This one is NOT a scam, I signed up and did it for a few months before referring it to others. PLUS you are able to only "like" the ads/websites/articles that you really want to promote. I typically only "like" the ones that I feel are truly interesting. As you can see, I don't have a 1000 followers- you don't have too in order to sign up. Have fun!


I plan to do a post soon on how I shop, save money, and get free stuff. I feel quite talented in the Budgetista department :)

MyLikes: Sign up and earn cash

Do you have over 1000 followers? Join top celebs and make money. Sign up ~>MyLikes

-----
This one is NOT a scam, I signed up and did it for a few months before referring it to others. PLUS you are able to only "like" the ads/websites/articles that you really want to promote. I typically only "like" the ones that I feel are truly interesting. As you can see, I don't have a 1000 followers- you don't have too in order to sign up. Have fun!


I plan to do a post soon on how I shop, save money, and get free stuff. I feel quite talented in the Budgetista department :)

Where do the 'God-Fearing" ladies fit in?

First, let me say that EVERYONE is welcome to this blog. I am not that type of Christian that hates anyone. It's your life you live it the way you want to and no matter what I will still love you in theway that Christ modeled love over and over again. I am NOT perfect and I have no room to judge and no right to condemn. Today I just want to do something for a particular group of commenters on the blog.

Sometimes on these natural hair blogs, vlogs, and forums I feel kind of outcast. I'm not bothered by it because I understand that by choosing not to conform to the things of this world that I am not always up-to-date on the "cool" stuff. But the purpose of this post is not to preach, it's to refer- you know the good stuff, more websites to stalk :)

So many of you leave words of appreciation on the Sunday Post that I wanted to point you in the direction of some other sites/blogs that you may be interested in.

Daily Word Reading on YouTube by naturalhairful
-She reads from the Bible, she doesn't interpret or give her personal opinion

Sunday Morning by Sunny-Side Up
-Finally some fashion posts that covers the day that really matters to me - SUNDAY :)

Island Potpourri by Ruth
-Situations and scenarios that make you think about your own Christian Journey

Women of the Word Celeb Profiles by HerBestHair (me)
-A place to see natural hair in someplace other than secular music

Trendy Tee'z by Dymesha
-Scriptural & Spiritual clothing (I've actually ordered a few)

Protecting Your Crown and Glory - DPrincess28
-Natural hair and a natural world, it's a win-win combination

We can have us a "good ol time in the Lord" if we all come together and support one another. If you have/know of a blog that would fit in perfectly with this list, please leave the link in the comment box below.

Be blessed not stressed!

*I will check all links before publishing the comments

Where do the 'God-Fearing" ladies fit in?

First, let me say that EVERYONE is welcome to this blog. I am not that type of Christian that hates anyone. It's your life you live it the way you want to and no matter what I will still love you in theway that Christ modeled love over and over again. I am NOT perfect and I have no room to judge and no right to condemn. Today I just want to do something for a particular group of commenters on the blog.

Sometimes on these natural hair blogs, vlogs, and forums I feel kind of outcast. I'm not bothered by it because I understand that by choosing not to conform to the things of this world that I am not always up-to-date on the "cool" stuff. But the purpose of this post is not to preach, it's to refer- you know the good stuff, more websites to stalk :)

So many of you leave words of appreciation on the Sunday Post that I wanted to point you in the direction of some other sites/blogs that you may be interested in.

Daily Word Reading on YouTube by naturalhairful
-She reads from the Bible, she doesn't interpret or give her personal opinion

Sunday Morning by Sunny-Side Up
-Finally some fashion posts that covers the day that really matters to me - SUNDAY :)

Island Potpourri by Ruth
-Situations and scenarios that make you think about your own Christian Journey

Women of the Word Celeb Profiles by HerBestHair (me)
-A place to see natural hair in someplace other than secular music

Trendy Tee'z by Dymesha
-Scriptural & Spiritual clothing (I've actually ordered a few)

Protecting Your Crown and Glory - DPrincess28
-Natural hair and a natural world, it's a win-win combination

We can have us a "good ol time in the Lord" if we all come together and support one another. If you have/know of a blog that would fit in perfectly with this list, please leave the link in the comment box below.

Be blessed not stressed!

*I will check all links before publishing the comments

Top 10 Worst Fashion Trends

Fashion is fearless but some of these trends are just ridiculous! Check out the Top 10 Worst Fashion Trends!

Top 10 Worst Fashion Trends

Fashion is fearless but some of these trends are just ridiculous! Check out the Top 10 Worst Fashion Trends!

Do Natural Hair Guru's Really Exist?

Dictionary.com defines a guru as...

I read a rant over on Lipstix Natural Chica and it got me thinking... Click here to read the rant ---> Natural Hair Rant: Oh So Now You're A Guru

So what exactly makes a "natural hair guru"? I am NOT saying that there are not any natural hair gurus out there but I do wonder if we throw that title around too loosely.  Being a guru and being knowledgeable about how to care for your own hair are very different.

There are a few that label themselves "gurus" while others have been granted that title by those that admire them and their knowledge. Are there individuals that I consider gurus? Yes. They have a vast amount of knowledge and for the things they don't know, they have established an army of resources. Being able to use what you have but admit that you don't know it all is an admirable trait, in my opinion.

What I hate seeing the most is individuals that have suffered a setback in their healthy hair journey because they followed the advice of someone that labeled themselves a "guru." For example, check out this post on BGLH about bad hair advice ---> Bad Hair Advice Worse Than The Perm

I have also suffered my own setbacks due to taking advice from an online personality that we well-versed in their own hair care but not the care of other's hair. That was my own fault but at the time I did not know any better. Also, who's to say that the guru is really telling you the COMPLETE story behind their hair health and length? I have always wondered pondered that very question.

Discussing this topic is almost like beating a dead horse. If you do a search, see that the "guru" topic is one that has been addressed on youtube, blogs, and numerous hair forums. One of my favorite posts on this topic was by CurlyNikki and it is because she stated "be your own guru." That is the best advice I can give anyone embarking on a natural hair journey.

Do Natural Hair Guru's Really Exist?

Dictionary.com defines a guru as...

I read a rant over on Lipstix Natural Chica and it got me thinking... Click here to read the rant ---> Natural Hair Rant: Oh So Now You're A Guru

So what exactly makes a "natural hair guru"? I am NOT saying that there are not any natural hair gurus out there but I do wonder if we throw that title around too loosely.  Being a guru and being knowledgeable about how to care for your own hair are very different.

There are a few that label themselves "gurus" while others have been granted that title by those that admire them and their knowledge. Are there individuals that I consider gurus? Yes. They have a vast amount of knowledge and for the things they don't know, they have established an army of resources. Being able to use what you have but admit that you don't know it all is an admirable trait, in my opinion.

What I hate seeing the most is individuals that have suffered a setback in their healthy hair journey because they followed the advice of someone that labeled themselves a "guru." For example, check out this post on BGLH about bad hair advice ---> Bad Hair Advice Worse Than The Perm

I have also suffered my own setbacks due to taking advice from an online personality that we well-versed in their own hair care but not the care of other's hair. That was my own fault but at the time I did not know any better. Also, who's to say that the guru is really telling you the COMPLETE story behind their hair health and length? I have always wondered pondered that very question.

Discussing this topic is almost like beating a dead horse. If you do a search, see that the "guru" topic is one that has been addressed on youtube, blogs, and numerous hair forums. One of my favorite posts on this topic was by CurlyNikki and it is because she stated "be your own guru." That is the best advice I can give anyone embarking on a natural hair journey.

Dynamic Views

Flipcard View

This morning I read about blogger's new viewing features on How About Orange. This new feature is called Dynamic Views, click the link to check it out. The views available are Flipcard, Mosaic, Sidebar, Snapshot, and Timeslide. I think I like this feature.

See Her Best Hair in the timeslide (my fav) format ~> Her Best Hair

Dynamic Views

Flipcard View

This morning I read about blogger's new viewing features on How About Orange. This new feature is called Dynamic Views, click the link to check it out. The views available are Flipcard, Mosaic, Sidebar, Snapshot, and Timeslide. I think I like this feature.

See Her Best Hair in the timeslide (my fav) format ~> Her Best Hair

Natural Hair Search Engine

A few months ago I did a post about a natural hair search engine...I went looking for it and it was gone! UGH!

So I decided to take a few minutes of my time create another search engine that would pull from some of the wonderful natural hair blogs out there. Please feel free to utilize the search engine at the top of this page for some of your natural hair inquires.

There's more...
I need your help. If you know of a great resource for natural hair/healthy hair care information, please let me know so that I can add that to the link database.


Share this search engine with others:
Natural Hair Search Engine
Post it on your blog, link in your side bar, or share it on your favorite forum.

Happy Searching!!

Natural Hair Search Engine

A few months ago I did a post about a natural hair search engine...I went looking for it and it was gone! UGH!

So I decided to take a few minutes of my time create another search engine that would pull from some of the wonderful natural hair blogs out there. Please feel free to utilize the search engine at the top of this page for some of your natural hair inquires.

There's more...
I need your help. If you know of a great resource for natural hair/healthy hair care information, please let me know so that I can add that to the link database.


Share this search engine with others:
Natural Hair Search Engine
Post it on your blog, link in your side bar, or share it on your favorite forum.

Happy Searching!!

Could your sunglasses be destroying your hairline?

This morning I had to switch my sunglasses twice because the frames kept snagging the hair behind my ears. I  started freaking out because I immediately started thinking about this guy I know that has little to no hair behind his ears because of wearing sunglasses all the time.

I wear my sunglasses year-round but a lot more in the summer. So this is the time of year that I really start to notice any problems with my sunglasses. Sunglasses with frames similar to the ones below have a tendency to crack and peel over time. Some take longer than others before this starts to happen. I believe my problem started and worsened due to me leaving the shades in a hot car for hours at a time. Plastic melts.

To be on the safe side you may want to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses with frames similar to the ones below. Those frames are a lot smoother and typically made with a hard plastic substance that is less likely to crack and peel like the frames above.

There are quite a few places where you can obtain sunglasses that are affordable:
Aldo
Retro City Sunglasses
6pm.com
If you prefer a pair that is more high end, check out:
Saks
Nordstrom
Overstock

Happy sunglasses shopping! I know that is what I will be doing this weekend :)

Could your sunglasses be destroying your hairline?

This morning I had to switch my sunglasses twice because the frames kept snagging the hair behind my ears. I  started freaking out because I immediately started thinking about this guy I know that has little to no hair behind his ears because of wearing sunglasses all the time.

I wear my sunglasses year-round but a lot more in the summer. So this is the time of year that I really start to notice any problems with my sunglasses. Sunglasses with frames similar to the ones below have a tendency to crack and peel over time. Some take longer than others before this starts to happen. I believe my problem started and worsened due to me leaving the shades in a hot car for hours at a time. Plastic melts.

To be on the safe side you may want to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses with frames similar to the ones below. Those frames are a lot smoother and typically made with a hard plastic substance that is less likely to crack and peel like the frames above.

There are quite a few places where you can obtain sunglasses that are affordable:
Aldo
Retro City Sunglasses
6pm.com
If you prefer a pair that is more high end, check out:
Saks
Nordstrom
Overstock

Happy sunglasses shopping! I know that is what I will be doing this weekend :)

30 Day Blog Challenge

I came across this 30 day blog challenge on Flawless Mistake and it sounds like fun so I plan to participate.

If you plan to play along please let me know. I would love to see/comment on your posts.

30 Day Blog Challenge

I came across this 30 day blog challenge on Flawless Mistake and it sounds like fun so I plan to participate.

If you plan to play along please let me know. I would love to see/comment on your posts.