Saturday, January 26, 2013

A Big list of Sweeps, IWG, & Contests I have entered

Sunday, January 20, 2013

How to Get Started with Word of Mouth Campaigning

I often get asked "How do you get all this FREE stuff and where do I sign up!?" While there are many ways to get free samples and goodies, this is one of my favorite. It's called word of mouth campaigning. Word of mouth campaigning is a popular way for companies to reach consumers and gain truthful feedback about their products. Companies are willing to give out product for FREE in exchange for honest reviews of their products. There are many different sites you can join if you are interested in doing word of mouth campaigning.

I have taken the time to give you an idea of how this works as well as some reputable companies you can try.

How does it work?

Companies team up with these sites to give consumers FREE product to try in exchange for their honest, unedited feedback about the products they try. It's a win/win... you get to try something for FREE and the company gets valuable feedback on what people think of their products.

How Do I get Started?

Once you sign up for a site (I will link them later with a breakdown of what each one is like), you will fill out a profile and probably some surveys. Some sites require you to apply for each campaign you are interested in (Mom Ambassador and House Party are examples). Others send you invitations when you meet the demographics they are looking to target (BzzAgent and Smiley360 are examples of this).

How long does it take to start getting FREE stuff!?

It depends on a lot of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to, how many spaces are available for a particular campaign, how active you are (Do you complete surveys? Do you apply to host samplings? Do you follow up as you are supposed to with reviews and spreading the word?), the demographics the company is looking to reach (age, where you live, whether you have pets, kids, own a home, make X amount of money, etc.) All of these things are factors that determine who gets chosen. Some you cannot control (demographics), others you can (activity and follow through). Let's face it... NOTHING is TRULY free. You still gotta work for it.

Does this sound up your alley?

If it does, keep reading. Here are some of the best companies to work with.

Neutrogena Norwegian formula Hand Creme Bzzcampaign

                                     THE WORST HAND CREME I HAVE EVER TRIED!

the claims from Neutrogena's website:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Neutrogena® Hand Cream delivers effective relief for dry, chapped hands.

This clinically proven, highly concentrated formula rapidly heals dry hands. It noticeably improves the look and feel of your skin.

Hands feel soft and smooth after just one application.

Long-lasting
Glycerin-rich
Concentrated
Available in Original and Fragrance-free

The suggested retail price is $4.99 for a 2 oz tube

I think the title says it all on this one. I was super excited to try the Neutrogena Norwegian formula hand creme. I get really dry hands in the winter time so I go through a lot of hand creme. I received a 2 oz. full size tube that was the unscented version and claims to contain 200+ applications (not sure I buy that claim but, to be fair, I did not use it all), as well as 6 0.5 oz. samples in original scented to share. Though I usually do not like "unscented" anything because it usually smells like SOMETHING, just not a GOOD something, the unscented surprised me in that, it actually did not smell like anything. That was a plus. The Norwegian hand creme claims to only require a dab, which it does. I put it on my hands and rubbed it in... and continued to rub it in... then rubbed it in some more... and some more until my hands actually hurt from rubbing them together so much. No matter how much I rubbed, I could not get it to absorb. It left a waxy, very noticeable and uncomfortable film on my hands. The worst part was it made my hands extremely sticky. I pressed my fingers together and pulled them apart and I could actually feel the gumminess. I actually had to go wash it off my hands. To be fair, I waited 2 days and tried again to make sure. I used even less creme thinking I may have used too much the first time. Again, same results. I tried AGAIN for the third and final time the next day using barely any (so little that I had a hard time distributing it all over my hands). Still, it left my hands feeling sticky and waxy. I would never use this hand creme again. Had I purchased it, I would be returning it to the store. It was that bad. The ONLY thing positive I can say about it is that the fragrance-free actually IS fragrance-free.

<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/neutrogena-hand-cream.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=2088085882&Campaign=1107899099&Uid=1082738&token=c32889f492cd615b70e31a502c0dda71" alt=""/>

Covergirl BlastFLIPSTICK Bzzcampaign

I just recently got a Bzzcampaign to try Covergirl BlastFLIPstick. This is what it says about the product on http://www.covergirl.com/blastflipstick:

2 lipsticks in 1 BlastFlipstick! Flip your look from day to night, soft to bright, with BlastFlipstick's double-ended lipstick duos. With a creamy shade on one side and a shimmer shade on the other, it's two wearable, blendable, lipcolors in one!

Double-eneded stick

One shimmer, one cream shade

Blend to create unique looks

I tried all 3 of the Covergirl Blast Flipstick samples I was sent from Bzzagent. My initial reaction when seeing the selection of color choices I was sent, was, "all of these are going to look AWFUL on me.", which they did. I have a very light skintone and the colors I received did not compliment me well (855 Minx: a dark, deep brown on one end, a shimmery copper on the other, 820 vixen: a bright burgundy on one end, a medium shimmery pink on the other, 840 Stunner: a very bold reddish orange on one end and a shimmery "sunny" gold on the other). However, with that said, there are 13 double-ended color choices in the blastflipstick line, so, I am pretty confident that there would be one that I would like should I want to try a better suited color. My opinion of the concept is that it is a really neat way to purchase just one item and have the versatility that the Covergirl blastflipstick offers. Though I did not care for the colors, I did decide to wear it around the house to get a fair opinion of it. I noticed that it did not dry out and become chalky but rather smooth and I could still rub my lips together. It did not feather much and it left my lips not feeling like I needed to run for lip balm. The color did have very good staying power and I did not have to reapply in the 7 hours that I wore it. However, as far as transfer, it did transfer to my glass and my napkin and my husband (hehe) which is one thing I disliked, BUT, usually expect from lipstick. I realize this is not an edible product but considering that it is on your lips, it is almost impossible to not get it in your mouth and the "taste" is awful. Overall, assuming you can find a color that compliments your skintone and you can deal with the taste of it, I would absolutely recommend it. I would recommend to Covergirl to expand the color options and do something about the taste of it though.

This was the Bzzkit they sent me. I thought the presentation was very visually appealing. The box was cute and they sent a TON of coupons!

These are the sample Blast Flipsticks. From top to bottom: Vixen 820, minx 855, stunner 840

<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/blastflipstick.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8685210688&Campaign=1937617816&Uid=1082738&token=e5e6a2e0f8e6e1fe7fce11aab5fbac94" alt=""/>

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

Pureology http://www.pureology.com/ and Influenster http://www.influenster.com/ are teaming up to bring the Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition.

Here is the information from http://www.pureology.com/ to explain why going gree in schools is so important:

WHY GREEN SCHOOLS?

When a school goes green, children benefit—as well as the environment! Green schools lead to:
Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves!
More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.
Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

This is such a great opportunity to win something really great for my son's school. School is so important to a child's foundation and future. For anyone who doesn't know, Tyler goes to a charter school. There is a lot of interaction and support from the familes in his school community and countless hours doing fundraisers. Though we have a great community and are able to to accomplish so much through our joint efforts, if the school were able to cut costs and better the educational environment, they would be able to put their resources towards other areas to even further better the school and help our children shine. It would be so great to win the prize so that Eduprize could cut costs by becoming"greener" and more energy efficient.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

our christmas card

<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AasWrFo1aM2bng&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AasWrFo1aM2cA/0AasWrFo1aM2cOSg/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1322348050000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>5x7 Folded Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

http://www.shutterfly.com/ssc/viewPreview.sfly?fid=7b6e467c737b3d1f328a6b68bbcad23c5625c431369d420afd12f45bbad520eada27fa73774b895dd32ce44a791c72c7

Monday, June 27, 2011

coupon lingo: abbreviations you need to know

The coupon/deal lingo: Here is a list of abbreviations you will probably see me use a lot and what they mean:
Abbreviations:
*ECB's Extra Care Bucks (CVS)
*RR's Register Rewards (Walgreens)
*BOGO Buy One Get One
*WYB   When You Buy
*OYNO On Your Next Order
*GM    General Mills Insert
*SS    Smart Source Insert
*RP    Redplum Insert
*P&G   Proctor & Gamble Insert
*Q     Coupon
*CAT   Catalina
*IP    Internet Printable coupon
*TQ    Target Coupon
*OOP   out of pocket (the amount you have to dish out in real money)
*MM=   Money maker
*MQ=   manufacturer coupon (any coupon that says "manufacturer coupon" on the top and can be used at any retailer)
SQ=    store coupon (coupons for a specific store)
RR=    register rewards (given at walgreens)
ECB= extra care bucks (given out at CVS)
CRT=   a coupon given out at cvs from their red machine when you swipe your card
CAT=   stands for catalina (a coupon printed at registers of lots of retailers when you buy qualifying items)
P&G=   Proctor and Gamble (refferes to the company who makes the product and also puts out coupons)
RP=    Redplum (you will find their coupons in the newspaper)
SS=    SmartSource (you will also find their coupons in the newspaper)
WAGS= walgreens
WM=    walmart
stacking= when you use a SQ and a MQ for the same item
PM= price matching
BBW= bath and body works
MIR= mail-in rebate
FARR= free after register rewards
FAR= free after rebate
GC= gift card
NPN= no purchase necessary
NBPR= No beer purchase required (refers to lingo on a rebate form. some states are exempt from having to purchase alcohol as a condition of a rebate. AZ, TX and CA are not in that group :(
Blinkie= coupons that you get out of the little machines hooked to shelves in grocery store aisles
tearpads= coupons that are found on promotional displays throughout stores
IP= internet printable coupons
hangtags= coupons hanging on the necks of bottles at the store
peelies= coupons stuck to products but peel off

What is THAT!?
Register Rewards: When you purchase qualifying items at Walgreens, you’ll receive “Register Rewards” printed from the catalina machine at checkout. They are valid for use on your next purchase. Or… you could split your items up into more than 1 transaction and use your “Register Rewards” on your second transaction if you’d like to use them that same day!

Extra Care Bucks: When you purchase qualifying items, you’ll receive “extra care bucks” printed on the bottom of your receipt. They are valid for use on your next purchase. Or… you could split your items up into more than 1 transaction and use your “extra bucks” on your second transaction if you’d like to use them that same trip.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

CVS 6/5-6/11

Colgate MaxClean SmartFoam, MaxFresh, MaxWhite 6oz: Sale $2.79
Use: $0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste 4oz+ (6/5 SS)
Get back $2.00 ECB's
= $.04 after coupon and ECB's

Excedrin extra strength, PM or Migraine 8ct: $0.99
get back $0.99 ECB
= FREE after ECB's

Crest Pro-Health rinse 1L: Sale $4.50
Use: $2/1 Crest Pro-Health (6/5 P&G)
pay $2.50
Get back $2.50 ECB's
= FREE after coupon and ECB's

Fuze: Sale 5/$5
Use: (3) $1/2 Fuze or Fuze Slenderize (4/10 SS)
Pay $3.00 for 6
Get back $2.00 ECB's
= $1.00 for 6 after coupons and ECB's

Walgreens 6/5-6/11

Reach Total care floss 30 yd., Total care, ultra clean, or 2 pk. advanced design toothbrushes: Sale 2/$5
Use: (2) $1.00 off Reach floss OR toothbrush OR listerine (4/17 SS)
Pay: $3 for 2, get back $3 RR's
= FREE after coupons and RR's
*NOTE: there is also another month long Reach promo. buy 2 Reach toothbrushes, get $1 RR.

Sobe Lifewater: Sale $1.00
Get back $1.00 RR
= FREE after RR's

Omega Smart Super Critical Ultimate Fish Oil: $10
Get back $10 RR's
= FREE after RR's

Nivea for Men Face Care Product: Sale 2/$7
Use: (2) $2/1 MQ (6/5 RP)
Pay $3.00 for 2
Get back $2.00 RR's
= $.50 each after coupons and RR's

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor System: Sale $9.89
Use: $4.00 off (6/5 P&G)
pay $5.89
Get back $5.00 RR's
= $.89 after coupon and RR's

Product Reviews