Ways to Earn Cash & Rewards

With Rob having health issues, and me being a stay at home mom, I'm looking for ways to add a little bit of extra income here and there.

All these sites and apps are free to sign up for.

Save up

This isn't so much a money making site but I've won twice from this website.  I have won a ipad3  and a $100 gift card to Lowe's I love how easy it is to use and even if you don't win anything it has great features.
Sign up here (Referral link, I get 10 free plays)

Swag bucks

This is probably my favorite.  I don't spend a lot of time on it, although I've been spending more lately.  I do the daily poll and the NOSO, and then occasionally some of the quick videos that you can watch to earn swagbucks.  I also use it as a search engine to try to get some points that way.  The points can then be redeemed for gift cards, discounts or other prizes.  I spend 5-10 minutes a day and could earn a $5 amazon gift card probably every other month. I've been saving them for paypal cash though since I've have earned a good amazon balance.
Sign up here (This is a referral link, I get a percentage of what you earn)

Inbox dollars
I've been using this since before Eleanor was born.  I've made around $35 but haven't cashed out yet. You can take surveys and use it as a search engine, but I haven't done that yet.  I get emails (I think at least 10 times a week) and just by opening it and clicking on the confirm button you make .2 cents.  It's a small amount, but takes less than ten seconds to do.
Sign up here (Using this link you get $5, and I get $2)

Ebates
I've been using ebates for three years and in that time I've gotten over $200 back.  Before shopping online I always check to see if the store or shop is listed on ebates.  One of my favorite to use is groupon.  When I ordered our wedding invitations through vista print I went through ebates and got cash back.  I ordered some magazines on black Friday and got 50% of my purchase back.  Awesome!
Sign up here (I think I get $5 when you make your first purchase) 

Nexercise
This one isn't technically online..  Nexercise is an app (I think it's available on apple and android) and you track exercise and earn points that can be redeemed for other gift cards etc... I have earned a few dollars in amazon gift cards, but since I started using the app there  been a few changes and I don't like it as much. Since all activity is through the app if you want to be my friend let me know and I can email you my friend link (I think we both earn more points through this). You can still benefit from it even if you don't have friends on there.It does take a while to earn enough points for something, but I still will keep using it because I like tracking my exercise.

Pampers rewards
I've been using this for a while, and have yet to spend any money on it.  I follow some other blogs and they post when there is a free point code.  This usually happens on a monthly basis.
Sign Up Here

Kellogg's family rewards
Just by signing up and entering codes from eligible products I've earned a free children's book, and have enough points for free prints from shutterfly.  I'm saving them for something bigger, although I'm not sure what yet. They also offer free points codes (follow them on facebook) at least once or twice a month. Click the link below to sign up.

Crowdtap.
This connects you with brands and when you answer questions or participate in missions you earn points which equal entries for gift card drawings.  I did win a $50 gift card to restaurant.com, a walmart gift card, and then $5 to amazon (many times).  I've also been able to sample several different products (body wash, cleaners, throat drops etc.)
Sign up here

Feature Points
Another app that I just started using.  I haven't earned enough to redeem but it seems fairly easy.
Referal Link is XDKBBZ

The following are cash back on groceries etc... type apps.

Jingit. 
I signed up when it first was launched and I didn't have a smartphone so I forgot about it. But I've been trying to remember to use it again.
Sign up here

Checkout51
An app you use to earn cashback on groceries.  You buy your groceries and then upload your receipt to earn cash back

Ibotta
Same as checkout 51.  This one does have the option to earn bonuses based on your team (friends who sign up) as well.  If you are wanting to check it out and sign up my referral code is nvggg

Shrink 
Another cash back savings site.  This one I'm pretty new to so I haven't earned much yet from it.  My referal code is IDMISN

Savings Star
Every friday they offer a freebie bonus and as a result I've gotten free snacks and even earned cash back into paypal account (which I actually already have had deposited).

Snap by Groupon
Yet another cash back site. I do have a referral link and if you want it let me know.  I can't seem to post it here. 

Weekly Wrap Up 12-28

I'm not sure when the last time I did one of these was.  Since basically the only thing I do is take care of Eleanor (which I know is work) she's my life and I update on her weekly anyway so I don't have much else to add here.

1) I'm trying to get back into the whole contest entering thing.  I won a dress shirt onesie thing that my nephew got for Christmas, and I got a few prizes that I won around the time Eleanor was born.  They included a money game for preschoolers and a baby care package.

2) I'm ready to get serious about finding a job.  It's the last thing I want to do, but I hate hate hate that I'm not financially contributing.  I hated it the whole time, but now that she's 12 weeks, it just isn't working out for me not to work.   I'd love to be able to find something part time that I can still have her with me (such as child care or a work at home job).

3) The weather here has me dealing with major cabin fever.  It's been constantly snowy and icy and I wouldn't go out if it was just myself, so I'm even less likely to take my little baby girl out.  My short little mini trips to the grocery store, a mile away when Rob get's home is what's keeping me sane.
So basically I don't want to leave, but if I didn't make at list a short trip out, I'd get super stir crazy.

4) I love Christmas and love the decorations, but I'm actually thinking about taking them down this weekend.  The tree is taking up room that I want back, and with nothing under it anymore it looks kind of sad.

So Christmas didn't go at all like I thought it would. On Christmas Eve we gave her her first gift, a pair of jammies, because I want to start that tradition. Eleanor did good at Rob's cousin until she needed a diaper change and was tired.  She was passed around and was doing good.  We ended up skipping my mom's extended family, for the second year in a row.  I was bummed but it just wound up overlapping our get together with his mom and sister. Again she was pretty happy unless her diaper was wet.  She slept six hours that night.  Her longest stretch ever!

How adorable is my niece?!?

Christmas morning she was happy! We opened gifts.  We kept it small because we just don't  have the budget this year.  Then we headed over to my sisters where she turned into a hot mess.  She cried and screamed and wouldn't sleep and the only thing that calmed her was nursing so I spent quite a bit of time doing that and just snuggling with her.  I didn't dare set her down or pass her off.  It was a little stressful and I never got a family picture like I had wanted.  

We finally left and got home and she was okay.  Then she napped for a few hours and nursed for a while and was happy when Rob's dad and sister showed up

I'm pretty sure she was just so overly tired and over stimulated, but it wasn't the first Christmas I had planned for her.

5) At the beginning of the week our power went out.  I was actually up at 3:00 am when it went out using the bathroom and then Eleanor wanted to nurse so I nursed her by flashlight.  I usually play on my phone to stay awake, but didn't want to drain the battery so it was boring.  Then the power came back on around 6:30 and went back off for a few hours in the afternoon, but we were pretty lucky that was all.  Some people were without for days and with super cold temps plus Christmas it would have been stressful.   The internet was down for a few days and I was going crazy.  I need the internet!

I was bored and was having a selfie session with Rob.

~38 Week Update~

It's my birthday (and my dads!) today!

How far along:  38 weeks

Baby Size:  

Weight:  It was up again.  It's right around the 35 lbs gained mark.

Symptoms:   

• Restless legs.  Rob told me I was annoying him the other day because it was 10:45 and I wouldn't sit down and relax.  I just couldn't sit.
• Itchy belly
• Insomnia
• Nauseousness 

Maternity Clothes:  If it doesn't have a stretchy waist I'm not fitting into it. Or I just don't to wear it.  Anything tighter I can't stand.  I wore yoga pants to the grocery store the other day.  It was 7 on a Sunday night.  Rob didn't want me to, but I'm nine months pregnant and don't care.  I saw a few people I knew actually.  But no one better say anything to me for wanting to be comfortable :)

Sleep:  I have developed this wierd sleep thing.  As if my sleep wasn't already messed up enough, I will get up, go to the bathroom, go back to sleep and then wake up 10 minutes later.  I can fall back asleep the second time, but it's annoying.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  

Yummy Jonamac Michigan Apples!

Belly Button: I don't think it popped out, but it's flat. 

Rings on or off: Off.  I feel like an unmarried underage (because I look young) mother most of the time.  If I'm with Rob than it's not so bad.

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: I've said before I think it's hilarious when she moves my stomach.  She did it a few days ago and I laughed.  Rob looked over and saw it.  I thought he had seen the alien-esqe movements, but I guess not.  The look on his face was awesome. It was like a disgusted, oh my word, what was that look.  

Stretch Marks: All over, but I don't think I've developed any new ones in the last week. 

Best moment: Not related to her, but celebrating my birthday and my sister in laws on Saturday

Looking forward to:  Meeting her

Nervous about: Money, being on my own with a newborn

What I miss:  

• Bending over.  I need one of those little grabber picker upper things. 
• Sleeping
• Walking without pain

Labor signs: So many braxton hicks

Appointments:  Later this afternoon

Misc. I have some sort of bladder infection or Uti.  I started to have pain when I peed on Sunday night.  It was very sudden and so I called yesterday and had my urine tested and the doctor called in a antibiotic prescription (which turns my pee orange like a pumpkin).  I saw the lab results this morning and my white blood cell count is really high (the normal range is 0-5, mine was 41).  Dr. google says that means an infection.  Obviously. So I'll follow up with that at my appointment this afternoon and see what they say. 

Weekly Wrap Up 9/14

1) I mentioned last week about being more positive because I have learned how quickly things can changed.  The woman I mentioned from church who had just found out her chemo didn't work and was going home on hospice passed away over the weekend.  The funeral was earlier this week.  I couldn't believe how many people were there.  I've never seen that many people in the church, even on combined service weeks.  It goes to show the impact a person can have just by being a friend to everyone who needs one.  

2)  My friend was in town for a few days this week for the funeral.  Even if it was a sad reason, it was nice to see her.  She came over and brought 4 donuts.  We each ate one.  Then after she left I ate another.  I offered Rob the last one, but he never ate it, so the next morning I ate the last one.  I must lack self-control or something like that.

3) Yesterday was my sister in law's birthday.  Happy Birthday Lisa!  This afternoon we are going to their moms house to celebrate her birthday and mine (which is Tuesday).  Tuesday is also my dad's birthday.  Will baby girl be the third generation to share a September 17 birthday?  

4) We are going to a housewarming party later for Rob's friends.  They just moved into a brand new never lived in house.  I'm a little jealous.  It's not that they have a huge house, it's just that it's new and shiny.  But I like our house and it fits our needs with plenty of room (even with baby).

5)  Winnings weren't great this week but I did win a chicco travel system.  Which is awesome, but winning it a month ago would have been even better before we got the chicco car seat and the keyfit caddy.
When I first heard I won it, I initially was going to sell it, but I told Rob about it and he wants to keep it.  This way he has a car seat base for his car, and he wants to keep the stroller in his car (and while it wouldn't fit in mine, it should fit in his).  That just leaves us with a extra infant car seat to attempt to sell or so whatever we choose to do with it. 

I also got a kids care bear dvd that I won recently.  I plan on using this as a gift if needed.

And I finally got the kids blanket I won...At the end of May.  I gave up on ever getting it so I was surprised when it showed up yesterday.  It's a taggie style blanket with the loops of fabric on it.  I have no need for more blankets, we have more than enough, but it's still kind of cute.

6) I've been keeping track of every single penny I spend/make for almost 2 months and it's pretty sad.  I don't really spend a lot of money on anything other than groceries or gas, and monthly bills.  We don't go out a lot, we have the internet and netflix.  No cable or any other indulgences like that.   I'm still positive money, but not by much and not for much longer.

I am getting super stressed out about it.  I've been wanting new couches for so long and a chest freezer and I can't see that happening.  Rob says we could use what money we have saved up (which is about 1/4) for the couches and try to finance the rest, but I don't want to do that.

I know that those are just things, but I want them.

And when I think about having to pay the deductible for our health insurance (which is $3,000), the  cost of the health insurance rising by adding another person onto the plan, car insurance (which is $800 for 6 months; due in the next month), and how bills just go up here in the winter (higher electrical cost, higher cost of heating the house; with a newborn I'm not just going to suck it up like I normally would if it were myself), and my dream of those things just slips away.

My savings is going to quickly be depleted I fear, and with no job and nothing even on the horizon I feel overwhelmed. I was crying about it the other day, and Rob tried to tell me it's okay, that right now I just need to focus on the baby and taking care of her.  Really though I'm confident that he's stressed out on the inside as well because he never planned on being the sole financial provider for us.

I don't even think looking for a job at this point is worth it because I could have a baby any day, but I've still been checking care.com.  I don't really know what else I could do, and this way I wouldn't have to pay child care.  I have found a job on there in the past so hopefully I will have good luck again.

7) I got my car back this week and I love it.  I'm not embarrassed of my car anymore.  It looks so nice and pretty.  I posted a picture on instagram, but I'll share it here as well.  If you don't follow me yet on instagram you can click on the photo icon on the right side bar or go to www.instagram/kelle017

I don't have the before picture; I can't believe I don't!, but look how nice the hood looks.  You can even see the reflection in it.  It's that shiny and pretty!

Win $250 in baby essentials today ~ Day 22

I could easily find a good use for the prize for today, and I know many of you could as well.  I hope one of you win!

Click here to win!

$300 for back to school + $10 amazon card. Purex 31 days of fun -

Here in Michigan schools start the day after labor day, but I know it's different through out the country.

The prize will help you get prepared no matter when that time comes. 

Enter by clicking here or by clicking on the image below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Double Digits & 26 Week Update

How far along: 26 weeks and am now down to double digits (today is 98 days until due date).

Uh what?

Baby Size:  A scallion in length (appx. 14 inches)

Weight:  I'm getting to the point I don't even want to share.  This week I thought I was doing well.  And then the scale was up 2 1/2 lbs.  I'm up 20.  I'm nervous at this point I'm going to hit 50 lbs, which at this rate is possible.   

I think part of it is from pop.  I used to drink diet, but switched to regular pop, which obviously has calories.

I know some will say not to worry about it, but I know I don't need to gain that much.

Though honestly I feel like I got a lot bigger in this last week so they weight gain shouldn't surprise me really.  Before the gain was more gradual and this week it was all like hello!  Maybe it's because I'm really starting to feel the aches and pains that I feel that way.

Symptoms:   

• Lot's of hip pain when I stand up or walk
• Back pain
• Peeing a lot, day and night
• Restless legs/arms
• Skin tags, I've noticed a few

Maternity Clothes:  Rob bought me some maternity clothes at Burlington on Friday.  I got 6 new tops, a pair of casual shorts (like yoga style) and a pair of jean shorts and it only cost around $70.  I fully planned on buying them myself, but he got his card out and told me he would get it.  Major points for him!

I want to get another maxi dress (which is sometimes tough for me to find because I'm short), and a few misc things, but I'm okay on tops probably.  Who knows though, because I hear just when you think you can't get any bigger you do.

And I bought a pair of shorts to sleep in at Target the other day.  I bought non-maternity in a large.  I only got one pair because I thought I had a pair at home that worked.  When I tried them on last night I realized that pair is only going to work for another week or two.

Sleep:  Still in 2 hour stretches.  I'm really contemplating taking unisom.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I had the milk issue for a while, but over the weekend I think it switched to all dairy and I am not okay with that.   All summer with no ice cream.  Nuh-uh!

Belly Button:  In

Rings on or off: On

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: She's picked up again her frequency and strength.  Less of the rolling, butterfly feeling and more thumps and pokes.  Feeling her move makes me smile.  I'm that cheesy pregnant lady now. 

Stretch Marks: I haven't seen any yet. 

Best moment: My best friend visiting.  She even brought some super cute outfits for baby. Rob even said he really liked one, and he doesn't really get excited about them.  Saying he thought it was cute is excited for him.
And we got our registry done.
And Rob put up the wall plaques and decals.

Looking forward to:  Baby showers, hearing the heartbeat again.

What I miss:  Sleep is a given.  I miss being able to eat whatever and not worrying or wondering if I would feel sick from it.


Labor signs: I didn't notice any BH contractions this week.  My goal is 39 weeks. 

Appointments:  28 week checkup in 2 weeks. 

Misc.  I've been saving money and not really buying stuff for the baby.  I did buy a pack of wipes for under $2 the other day and some totes for her out of control clothes.  It's been a few weeks since I bought anything for her though.  

The only thing I really spend money on though is groceries (including medicine, toiletries etc..).  I'm really starting to worry about finances and how we are going to make this all work in the fall.  Before when I wasn't working it was only a full month (with a month of sporadic days as well).  I'll be done working end of August, and ideally would like to not have to work until after the holidays, which would make it four months of not working.

Plus naturally bills go up in the winter.  More heating costs, more electricity etc....

I'm really hoping I can breastfeed because at least it's free. I know it's better for the baby and that's another reason, but my biggest reason is it's free.  Is that really bad of me to think money over her well being first?

(Side note:  Google reader is going away next week.  If you follow my blog that way, there is an easy fix.  On the right side bar at the top you can find a rectangle icon that says 'follow this blog'.  Click that and it will direct you to blog lovin where you can follow.  You will have to sign up if you haven't already)

Weekly Wrap Up 4.5.13

Still looking for a job. Its getting really stressful. I'm doing all I can to save money, or reduce spending.
I pay for groceries with pop can returns or change (at the self checkout during slow times) &I don't turn on the heat (extra socks and blankets). I don't turn on the lights during the day (I open the blinds; it does strain my eyes a little at times) and I don't flush the toilet every time I go (yeah I know it's gross) How about I tell you I don't shower every day? Although that is more because I don't leave the house everyday and am lazy. 

I did manage to pick up some very sporadic babysitting. It's only a few times a month though so I am still going to need something more. Especially since we just paid the mortgage, car insurance and AT&T bill. Goodbye $1,700. Eeek! 

Speaking of AT&T, last week I called to try and get our Internet bill lowered. I spent TWO hours on the phone before hanging up. So after that I called and signed up with charter. When I called to cancel AT&T I spent six minutes on the phone. SIX! From the time I dialed to the time I hung up. I guess they didn't want my money.

And I'm pretty sure that I reached my company call quota for the year because yesterday when I got home from babysitting, in the mail was an explanation of benefits from the insurance company for the blood work I had done a few weeks ago. Not usually a big deal, but this one listed a former employer of Rob's. One that he hasn't worked for in over a year. So I call the number listed on it, they can't find it because we have Blue Care (which is a division of Blue Cross, which we used to have, but not the same), so they transfer me. Neither can find the claim in the system. So then I call the office that ordered the blood work, and they tell me they have the right information. Which they should, because why would they even have the old information? So then I call the billing department, who also is confused and see's nothing
for the date listed, and that I should just wait for a bill and if it comes to call them and they can resubmit it. So while everyone was nice and friendly, no one really could figure it out. So I guess I just to wait to see if I'm going to get yet another bill and spend more money.

I was telling Rob how I am still really stressed about money, and he keeps telling me it will be fine, and that it's good for us to figure out how little we can really live on. And we can pay our bills at the moment, but nothing is going into savings, and  before I stopped working my bank account was at the highest it has ever been, so that keeps dropping and that makes me feel sad.

My sweet niece on Easter

Easter was fun. It's a hodgepodge at my parents with family from both sides. Then of course is the Easter egg hunt. Now that there are kids again my parents do one again

When I was a kid my parents always had a huge Easter egg hunt. All of my cousins,
friends and kids of my parents friends would come. There was always at least 25-30 kids. We would always try to peek out the window to see where they were being hidden and then they would just throw candy all over the yard. My parents have a big (almost 4 acres) yard. Some of that wasn't used, and they do have a  garden, but probably close to 2 acres were covered in eggs and candy. They also have pine trees lining 2 sides of the property. I remember finding eggs into the summer. I wouldn't eat the candy, but the ones that had money were always fun to find.

Baby also got it's first gift yesterday. Rob's grandparents brought this over. It laughs like a baby when you touch it's toes. It's cute, and I love that they were so thoughtful.
   

How I make money online

All these sites are free to sign up for.

Save up

This isn't so much a money making site but I've won twice from this website.  I have won a ipad3 last year and a $100 gift card to Lowe's last month.  I've been using this website for over a year and as a result I am ranked pretty high.  I am ranked right around 75th out of all users.  I don't know how many there are but I do know it is in the thousands.  I love how easy it is to use and even if you don't win anything it has great features.
Sign up here (Referral link, I get 10 free plays)

Swag bucks

This is probably my favorite.  I don't spend a lot of time on it, although I've been spending more lately.  I do the daily poll and the NOSO, and then occasionally some of the quick videos that you can watch to earn swagbucks.  I also use it as a search engine to try to get some points that way.  The points can then be redeemed for gift cards, discounts or other prizes.  I spend 5-10 minutes a day and earn a $5 amazon gift card probably every other month.
Sign up here (This is a referral link, but I don't know what I get for it)

Inbox dollars
I'm new to this one.  I've made around $8.00, but you need to have $30 in you account to cash out. You can take surveys and use it as a search engine, but I haven't done that yet.  I get emails (I think at least 10 times a week) and just by opening it and clicking on the confirm button you make .2 cents.  It's a small amount, but takes less than ten seconds to do.
Sign up here (I get .50 cents if you do everything on the to do list)

Ebates
I've been using ebates for three years and in that time I've gotten over $200 back.  Before shopping online I always check to see if the store or shop is listed on ebates.  One of my favorite to use in groupon.  When I ordered our wedding invitations through vista print I went through ebates and got 10% back.  I ordered some magazines on black friday and got 50% of my purchase back.  Awesome!
Sign up here (I think I get $5 when you make your first purchase) 

Nexercise
This one isn't technically online and I am brand new to it.  I've only used it twice.  Nexercise is an app (I think it's available on apple and android) and you track exercise and earn points that can be redeemed for other gift cards etc... I have no idea how long it will take to earn something though.  Since all activity is through the app if you want to be my friend let me know and I can email you my friend link (I think we both earn more points through this).
UPDATE:  It does take a while to earn enough points for something, but I still will keep using it.