Feed The Poor - Free

… just wanted to share an amazing website with all of you if you haven't already heard about it. It's called FreeRice.com, and it's a fun vocabulary-building site. For each question answered correctly, the organization and it's sponsors donate 20 grains of rice to poor villages all over the world. In just a few minutes each day, you can build brain power AND feed hungry children. CBS Evening News just did a follow-up story on the charity, and it was heart-warming to see the children benefiting from this organization. Fun, educational AND feeding the needy - you can't beat that. Enjoy! www.freerice.com

Unclaimed Money from the State

I would think that most of you guys have already heard of this - but in case you haven't and in case you have a few minutes to waist one the computer...

If a company is holding your money and they can't find you - they turn it into the state. This can be an overpayment of a power bill or water bill after you move, a stock certificate that you didn't realize you had or even a bank account that you forgot to close down. Lot of different reasons.

So how do you claim money that you never knew you had? Go to www.unclaimed.org

Here you can look up any of the US states and go directly to their website to search their records. I always have fun finding money for others also.

I would think if you have ever moved from one state to another - you would want to check out all states you may have lived in.

Check it out and let me know if you find any unclaimed money!

Free Hamburgers

This probably won't affect you unless you have a child playing baseball or softball in the Oak Mountain League - but I had to pass it along anyhow..... I don't want anyone to miss out on a great opportunity to get a free Hamburger Heaven - they are YUMMY!

Also, this might some extra business to them - it is just a glimpse of what a wonderful company they are.

Read on:

Due to the huge turn out this past weekend at Hamburger Heaven, the offer to enjoy free hamburgers for all Oak Mountain Baseball and Softball players has been extended until the end of the season on May 24th.OMYBS has teamed up with Hamburger Heaven on Hwy 280 to offer FREE hamburgers to all players of Oak Mountain Youth Baseball and Softball.All players, IN UNIFORM, that visit Hamburger Heaven on Hwy 280 from now until May 24th will receive a Free hamburger!Please make sure you thank Bob Henderson and the management staff of Hamburger Heaven for their continued support of Oak Mountain Baseball and Softball Programs!

Free Treats on YOUR Birthday

I love birthday gifts - doesn't everyone? Thanks to my friends Tammi - here is a website that tells you just what all free things you can get on your birthday.... looks like fun - it covers Adults, Kids and Pets.

See what you think :)

www.freebirthdaytreats.com

FREE Emission testing TODAY

Today at Vulcan. (yes, the big man who stands on the hill). Take your car and in minutes they will run a few test to make sure your emissions are OK - or whatever that means...(I am a female and don't really understand all that - but I do know that too much IS BAD!).

Let me know if you try this out....

Go GREEN

I found this article headlining on yahoo.com today. More about freecycle.com READ ON!


written by Sam Silverton Fri Apr 18, 2008 4:02pm PDT
I'm sure my family would enjoy our backyard campfires just fine if we'd paid for our fire pit. But the fact that the hammered-copper disc landed in our backyard for free adds luster to those starry evenings. I also get a warm feeling when I see the same model for sale at Smith & Hawken for $300.

Getting stuff through a Freecycle group is satisfying that way. It's like a shopping buzz without the hangover — or bill. You get the same thrill of the chase, the same satisfaction of telling the story behind your discovery. Each Freecycle item is one less deposit to the local landfill, which is good.
And it's free. All that's required is effort. And not much at that.
Instead of throwing out unwanted furniture, dishes, bikes, or electronics, people in "reuse groups" give them away to other people in their community who want them. The givers and takers find each other online. The first step is to sign up for the reuse group nearest you (minimizing travel time when spot something you want).
The granddaddy of all reuse groups is Freecycle.org, with more than 5 million global members the globe and counting. Search here to find the Freecycle group nearest you.

Other reuse groups are less well known, but are just as successful in putting perfectly good stuff in people's happy hands. Yahoo! has compiled a master list of reuse groups around the world and plotted them on a map. Use it to find a reuse group near you.
The next step? Check your email.
Stuff you want to give away, you post as "offered." Whoever wants it responds to you directly, and off you go.
For stuff you see offered and want to go get, it's the same process in reverse. Let the giver know you're interested, and set up a time and place to make the handoff. Yes, the whole thing is based on trust. It also works.
Reuse groups keep an estimated 300 tons of waste out of landfills every day, according to a University of Iowa study. This profile of an online-flea-market-where-Freecycle founder Deron Beal further illustrates the power of the idea in words and pictures.
In our own home, we've given away golf clubs, children's toys, and outgrown bicycles, clearing space in our garage. We've added: the fire ring, a garden hose, and a guitar that works fine but sounds awful. Talent is harder to pass around.
Sam Silverstein is the editor of Yahoo! Green.

Free Samples

I figured out something fun today - Walmart.com gives free samples via website.

you can go to www.walmart.com and click on "in stores now" and in the drop box you will find "free samples" .... lots different things listed and they change on a daily basis I think. You have to fill out your name and address and they will be delivered in your mailbox in 4-6 weeks. This all goes back to "free stuff in your mailbox" ! I LOVE IT!

enjoy and let me know if you do too

Free Southern Style Chicken from McDonalds

Mark you calendar - I am not 100% positive that this is at all McDonalds locations - but been told that some were giving away a FREE Southern Style Chicken Sandwich with the purchase of a Mickey D's Sweet Tea ($1.00)... only on April 27th.... it would be worth the try.

Free Information

I hate calling information on the phone (411) and being charged for the call - I think it is up to .75cents per call now - or even more.... even cell phone carriers charge you on your bill for this... I CAN TELL YOU HOW TO GET IT FREE!!!

You can call 205-870-1411 from anywhere in the US - you will get a person - not a computer response - they will look up any number for you - and they don't charge you for it! They can even connect your call for no fee!

What is even better - they will look up movie times at a theater for you - or start times for different events - or addresses - anything they can get off the internet for you they will do.

Try this and SAVE those dollars spent talking to a computer that can't understand you anyway..

Dave Ramsey would be proud

Ok, so i told you how I love deals and bargains... did I tell you how I got a 32" HDTV that hangs on the wall - NEW IN THE BOX - for only $400.00. ($150.00 less than the sale price).. I was so proud of hanging in there and not purchasing without price shopping first... I found it on www.craigslist.com ! It was NIB and being sold by gentleman that lives near me - he delivered it and everything. Now, I was a bit skeptical and made sure I asked all the questions I could think of to make sure this was legit and that it wasn't walked out of someones back door..

The part Dave Ramsey would be proud of was the way I paid him... He wanted $450.00 and I am not a good haggler or negotiator - so I simply made sure I had a check ready to write for $450.00 and only $400.00 in cash and gave him the option of which one he wanted - he took the cash! So, I was extremely pleased with my bargain for the day on an item that I WANTED badly and didn't want to pay $650.00 to purchase... not to mention that I had no sales tax to pay... So, check it out - www.craigslist.com and search out the items that you might be looking for.

Free things in your mailbox?

I LOVE free samples in my mailbox! I am a "mail junkie" - it can be my home mailbox or my inbox - I love MAIL! So.... every now and then when I am looking for something to search on the web - I go to www.fatwallet.com . There is lots to do at fatwallet - and the site is just what it means - they try to make your wallet a bit fatter! My favorite (to keep you from getting overwhelmed) is the forums. In particular is the "Free Stuff" and "Hot Deals" Forums.

Don't worry, you don't have to sign up to read all the posts in the forums - the entire site is free to read.

A bit like this blog - in the Free Stuff forum, individuals give you bits of information that they have learned and hear of or tried - you can click on links that will get you FREE things in your mailbox! too cool! Check it out!

Save on Groceries w/out coupons!

Do you price shop at the grocery store - or coupon shop? I have found the greatest savings without the coupons and without price shopping! Have you heard of ALDI? It is a grocery store that has discounted / warehouse type prices. They do not accept any coupons, they do not accept mc/visa/discover - but only accept debit cards or cash. You have to pay a quarter for a buggy - but get that back when you put your buggy back and they do not sack your groceries - you have to bring your own bags.. so now you are wondering why you should visit this "do it yourself" store...... THE PRICES ARE AWESOME! They do carry mostly their own brands - which are double price guaranteed - if you don't like them - they will refund your money - no questions asked! I have been told (even at checkout by an unassuming gentleman) that their own store brands are JUST as good if not BETTER than most brand name foods that you have previously used (even the ketchup)!

So now you are wondering if the prices can be that good? I paid 44 cents /pound for granny smith apples (Publix charges $1.99/pound) - they looked and tasted the same. I paid .38 cents a can for canned vegetables and .99 cents for a big bag of pretzels, tortilla chips and Doritos chips!
Milk is only 1.99 for a gallon - you can't find that price anywhere these days!

that is just a portion of the savings I found.....

their website shows 3 stores in the Birmingham Area - I visited Homewood (near Mazers on Greensprings hwy) - there is also one in Trussville and Bessemer. For me - this was definitely worth the drive - feeding 3 kids plus neighbors really puts a dent in my food bills!

Check it out and let me know what you think - share your favorite bargains!

Dave Ramsey would be proud!

TAX DAY

April 14, 2008
Don’t Forget to Sign Your Tax Return!
This is just a quick reminder to all of you who are filing a hard copy of your taxes…
Don’t forget forget to sign your tax return!
According to the IRS, your return is not considered to be a valid tax return unless you sign it. And if you’re filing jointly, your spouse will need to sign it, as well.

Get lots of free financial information at www.fivecentnickel.com - great website full of information on money matters!

15 Free Digital Prints

www.walgreens.com order digital prints and add "taxday" to promotional codes and you will get 15 FREE 4x6 prints .... this offer is only good on April 15th - you guessed it - tax day!

Walgreens online is really great for digital pictures. You don't have to fumble for credit card infomation to order and pay online - you can simply pick the "pick up and pay in store" option - then simply pick your favorite and most convenient store then pay when you pick them up! tooo easy!

Extra Cash for non working items?

I came across this a few weeks back - I haven't tried it but it sounds like fun... www.secondrotation.com - pays cash for non working cell phones, pda's, camera, video cameras, laptops or other electronic devices. They will estimate the cash they pay before you send it. Sounds like a great way to keep electronics out of the dump and out of the environment and get a little gas money in exchange... let me know what you think!

EASY crock pot recipe

This is another thing that I LOVE - cooking EASILY! I came across this recipe this past week and it was not only EASY - but VERY GOOD!!! The flavors were wonderful together - but don't let the name confuse you - it is not as chineseeee as it sounds.

Crock Pot Pepper Steak:

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
garlic powder to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

This would be good served over rice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles....... very yummy and exceptionally easy.

I get LOTS of my recipes from www.allrecipes.com - if you have never been there - check it out - you can set up your own recipe box and keep the ones you like... - you can even sign up for a new recipe every day in your inbox - which is where I get so many of my favorites from.

Video Game Trading

try the link to the right - I think if you join with this - i will get the 100 bonus points for referral!

Video Game Trading

Do you have a gamer in your family? I have run across this cool website where you trade video games. It is based on a point system - you simply list the games you have and don't play anymore and when someone wants it - they trade you for points. You then use your points to trade for a game you wish to try out.... the cost to you is postage plus $1.00 trade fee! My kids love this and they have been trading out lots of older games - which have seemed to go first. This SURE BEATS PAYING RETAIL PRICES or even used prices. You can trade any type games, PS2, WII, PC, GAMEBOY, etc and receive any type - you don't have to stick with one media form.... check it out! www.goozex.com BUT - if you decide to join - tell me so I can send you a link - I RECEIVE 100 BONUS POINTS FOR A NEW trader!!! I will send you the bonus link - just respond below and give me your email address :)

Mazers Tent Sale

I just bought a new bed - I have been thinking of a new bed for at least a year now... and just couldn't find the right bed for the right price... I happened on Mazers tent sale on Wednesday! I saw this tent in the parking lot of their Homewood store and LOTS of cars - so I couldn't pass the party up! I was amazed at all the STUFF. There were lots of broken items that were really cheap and LOTS of new and still packaged items that were in perfect condition - really cheap. I bought my king size sleigh bed for only $300.00.... i attempted to buy a chair for $200 that would have been perfect for the bedroom but Chris talked me out of it as did the lady who also wanted it... if you can fix something or have an eye for changing an item into something else - this is a GREAT bargain tent. Some items with broken mirrors would have been easy to fix - but I am not that creative.... I did find out that they restock with new merchandise every morning at 10am - they said that is when you need to be there for the best selection! I am not sure how long this tent sale goes on, so try it out soon!

Freecycle.org

Discounts don't get any better than free..... how about free and Saving the Earth ? subscribe to www.freecycle.org ! This is an email based organization that is TOTALLY GREEN! You post any items that you don't want - as free and someone will pick them up from you. no need to worry with filling the landfill with useable (and sometimes unusable) items. you can also RECEIVE items - all free! It works pretty easy and you would be surprised at what is your junk - is someone else's treasure! All items must be FREE with no charge and there are a few other restrictions - all pretty simple and understandable. Check it out - I received a practically new set of golf clubs for my 4 year old - bag and all... new cleats for the boys in baseball, and lots of other items - all free... I have also gotten rid of lots of items that were no worth to me and have someone pick them up and be happy about getting them! I even cleaned out all the unused hair products, sacked them up and had a HAPPY receiver of them! WOW! it doesn't get any better than that... check it out and let me know what you think....

First Post

This is my first post - my first OFFICIAL Post :) I have never blogged before so this is just a test! Are you wondering why I started a BLOG? so am I! I have all these ideas running around in my head - all the time and it is hard to remember who I told and who I wanted to tell and repeating the entire story several times drives me crazy! So..... here it is - I told my sister, I can at least type it once and feel like I have told the WORLD! even if no one reads it! HA! I am a 40 year old learner who loves her LAPTOP! I can sit for hours on my pc - what do I do though? well, I play solitare, check the stock market, check my ebay sales, search weird things on ebay and check other's websites! I am an official internet junkie!

The most enjoyable things I can do in a day - besides my prayers, my kids and my job, is search out the weird things in life, the free things and the bargains! I LOVE bargains and getting something that I need for less or free - so I hope to pass some of these things along to others as I learn about them. You should find lots of these ideas helpful in your life if you love a bargain..