July19- Instant Cash Sweepstakes- my report

I've been trying InstantCashSweepstakes.com for about a month now to see what all the hype was about.

My final decision: InstantCashSweepstakes.com is okay, not one I strongly suggest if you're in it for big bucks, but worth your few minutes of time daily. I will keep doing this one*.

I've been able to cash out a few times at the $2.00 level, so money is easily made but not in large amounts. I would still reccomend this one, however, because it really takes almost no time at all. While other surveys on online earning sites seem to drag on, you will never spend more than 3 minutes every three hours at this site. You can't- after answering a few rounds of simple questions you get "timed out" for three hours. If you're dedicated and come back often you'll earn more, if you go once a day I'd still say those few pennies here and there ad up.

*extra note: There is an upgraded membership that promises more surveys and more/faster earnings. I haven't tried this yet but will soon.

July 18- the Netflix Hike...

So when I was gone this past week the internet seemed to explode with people mad over Netflix price increases. I'm personally mixed because a 60% increase does sound like a lot, but they still give you more for your buck than alternatives such as Huluplus, Blockbuster, etc.

UNLESS...
ooh, there's an "unless"

Unless you know how to use the internet to your advantage. Which, I'm guessing you do since you've found this informative blog. Redbox is $1 a night for a DVD, but you can search the web and always find a code for a free rental. Same thing for Blockbuster Express DVD kiosks (aka redbox wannabee). In fact, I plan on adding these little gems of codes in the blog when I come across them- but I'm not a huge movie fan so I haven't been going after them lately.

Also, depending on your moral fiber, there are websites out there that you can watch TV and movies that are sometimes "pirating" and sometimes legal. Use at yor own risk, I'm not going there...

July 17: Back from Vacation

We got back from vacation and I have to brag a little that it was WONDERFUL! The husband spoiled me rotten with flying first class, eating at the best resteraunts, and of course 4 full days of Disneyland fun! Vacations like this don't come often (this was our first since our honeymoon 5 years ago) but the best part was- the vacation didn't follow us home! It is all paid off, no vacation debt.

This was achieved with a bit of vacation saving and a lot of online earning. While I've always said online earning isn't something to live off of, with little effort over time I was certainly able to vacation off of it. I'm back and ready to keep the deals/freebies/updates coming. I'd love to do a vacation like this again and maybe next time will be sooner than 5 years away!

July 6, An article for thought..

I read. A LOT. Information is everywhere for free and its good for the soul. I could go on about libraries being free yadda yadda, but I just like to stretch my mind using the internet, its full of useful information (ya gotta take with a grain of salt...)

Today I came across this article (click here) and feel like SOMEONE's been spying on the inner working of my mind. Because I'm "that frugal budget girl" people always think I have some magic answer than can help them as well. If I did I'd be selfishly selling it and making money- now look around and realize my blog is 100% free help. Yupp... no magic secrets here.

What got me is the "don't be manipulated" and "no cable TV is NOT an emergency"... oh the times people try the first, and I result to saying the second. Just a light read to refelctt on for today. Enjoy.

July 5th- SurveySaavy

Because surveysavvy sends a lot, and I qualify for only a rare few I don't focus on it a lot and often loose track of when I can cash out. Because I want to get July's totals jumping I checked in to see what was hiding in there- 7.50 isn't too shabby. Cashed out and glad to start the "Online Earnings I haven't spent at Disneyland" fund.

We leave this weekend! SO excited!

If you'd like to join surveysaavy check out the tab at the top of the blog, its full of info, help, and a link to get you going!

July 4- freebies and product testing

Happy 4th of July to all American readers,

and happy... well its still the 4th of July to anyone else, just without the American celebrations.

If your in America go out today and enjoy all the local freebie and fun to be had. I won't list it here, because the list would go on almost forever. You can find free parades, bbq, shows, entertainment, concerts, etc all over your local downtown.

As for me checking in, just wanted to say I got a new product to test and report back on. Two GIANT bottles of shampoo/conditioner arrived in my mailbox from one surveysite company. As usual, I can't say much about brand and such- but I get to test for 4 weeks and keep any extra. Two washes into it already, I am loving this product for my thin straight hair getting pumped up with some body and volume.

Free Sample: Purex Complete with Zout

Click HERE for a Free Sample. It will arrive in your mailbox in 8-12 weeks. But hey, its FREE! If you don't like waiting you can instead request a $1.oo off coupon.