Thursday, October 13, 2011

SwagBucks - The Tutorial!



Swagbucks = google that pays you. A swagbuck (sb) is a point system that you redeem for prizes, the most coveted being the $5 amazon.com giftcard. Using the following steps I earn about 1 giftcard a month, which I put toward diaper delivery (that post is up next). So here it is, step by step, with pictures :)

the homepage (my swagname is MegMagic and I'm an awesome chemist chick)

1. Sign up by clicking here!. It's free, and they give you sb to get you started. Each person picks a "swagname" which is your username and will also be part of your referral code. Like pyramid marketing, the more people who sign up under you, the most sb you earn, so help a girl out ;o) Still, up until this point I had ZERO referrals and was happily earning a giftcard a month all on my own.

2. The dailies. These are things you can do once per day through swagbucks site to earn sb. There are lots of options, but I prefer the quick and easy kind--I want the payoff to be worth my time.


  • The Daily Poll (third row down on the left hand column): click here for a quick, one question poll of the day. Doesn't matter which answer you choose, and sometimes they are even entertaining. Worth 1sb. Time commitment = 10 seconds.
the calendar at the bottom right shows which days you have participated, but you can't go back and earn sb for days missed!




  • NOSO (No Obligation Special Offers - 6th item down on the left hand column): There are about 5 screens to click through. If something interests you, you can click for more info or to sign up, which will usually earn you more sb. 99% of the time I just click "next" or "skip" until I get to the final screen. Worth 2sb. Time commitment = 30 seconds, depending on how fast things load.
NOSO start page

 3. Search wins. I try to get at least 1 search win per day, but it depends on how much I'm using my computer. Basically, it's like google. The results aren't quite as good, so if I have something tricky or specific, I use google. For a basic query, swagbucks pays me so I'm happier :o) Just start typing in the search bar at the top of the homepage, or click the search tab in the lefthand column. Search wins can be any value, but are generally between 5-15 sb. Time commitment = less than 2 minutes. I'm not that patient. By 2 minutes I've either found what I'm looking for, have tweaked my search query a few times, or get bored. If I don't win now, I might try again later. Fridays are the best days for search wins because they are "Mega Swagbucks Fridays" - meaning, search wins can be a lot more rewarding. I routinely win 17, 24, or once I even got 50 sb from a single Friday search. Good luck!
i won while i was waiting for these pictures to load to my blog
4. But what do I DO with my swagbucks? This is the best part. Check out the swagstore (located under the "redeem" drop down menu across the top of the homepage). There are tons of prizes, which usually don't impress me much, but I'm a big fan of the $5 amazon.com gift card. Earn 450 sb, click to redeem it, confirm your order (you'll get a confirmation email) and the code will appear in your swagbucks account with 2 weeks.
my favorite prize. Don't have enough to redeem it because I just ordered one yesterday...
 

5. Swagcodes: these are unpredictable but a great bonus. Some days the site puts of 10 codes, sometimes a week will pass with nothing. The best way to find codes is to like swagbucks on facebook, have a swidget on your blog (scroll all the way down and you'll see what I'm talking about!) or know where to find one, and try a swagcode friendly site like swagbuckstricks. These places will notify you either on your facebook feed, when you click a button, or even send you texts when a new code is posted. Sometimes they give you the code straight up, sometimes it's a link to where to find it in a blogpost, and sometimes it's a scavenger hunt. Generally, if it takes more than 2 steps it's not worth my time, but feel free :) For more info on finding swagcodes or what to do with them, click here.
see the swagcode box under my nice little picture? swagcodes are always one long word

6. But I want more! I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with - how can I earn more? There are plenty of other ways, and I've tried most of them at one point in time, so if you are wondering feel free to ask. 
  • SURVEYS give you anywhere from 5-150 sb at a time and they'll tell you upfront how much its worth, BUT you have to qualify. I usually spend at least 5 minutes answering questions just to be told I DON'T qualify. Out of pity they give you 1 sb for trying (up to 5 per day) but that's not very useful. It is probably worth it to complete sections of your survey profile.
the "trusted surveys" homepage tells you what is available for you
  • COUPONS if you are a couponer, you can find some decent coupons through the swagbucks site, both printable and electronic (they load to your shopper's card) and each coupon you save or print and then use is worth 10sb. There is quite a delay (like 2 months) before coupon sb show up in your account, but there are usually bonuses for using a certain amount of coupons per month.
coupons for printing or electronic use, usually the same as coupons.com or kroger
  • SWAGBUCKS TV you can click to watch videos and as your time accrues you earn sb, usually in 3sb increments. Occasionally I'll pull up a video or two while I'm waiting for something to load.
your "swagbuck meter" in the upper right hand corner tells you how close you are to earning sb. It saves from previous times so you don't have to watch consecutively.
  • TASKS change from time to time in complexity and point value. Sometimes they are interesting but often they are more complicated than they appear and can take a lot of time. Swagbucks has changed their system so you can earn a few sb for each page of the task, instead of having to make it through 10 pages for a big payout.  If I am close to a reward and really hoping to earn it before my next diaper shipment is headed out, I'll do a task to make up the difference.
  • INVITE FRIENDS: like I said, it works just fine by yourself, but the more people you refer who actually use the site, the more you earn. You can refer friends through your referral link, through a button like this, Search & Win or through the invite friends tab on the homepage. When you do it that way, you can connect through facebook, and you can earn an extra sb a day (just once) for inviting someone whether they join or not. Easy bucks, but I try not to bug people so I rarely use it ;o)
Well, if that's not information overload, I don't know what is. Good luck, and happy swagbucking!
Have any tricks of your own? I'd love to hear them!
 

Saturday, October 16, 2010

I'm back!

After a ridiculously long hiatus, I have returned! Of course, over the past year and a half I moved to a new state, finished my master's degree, bought a house and a minivan, and had another baby. So what is to become of this blog? For now, it's a collection of things I've gathered that inspire me. Cool craft blogs. Tutorials I want to try. Projects I'm working on. Amazing photography. Food for thought. Recipes that look manageable but amazing. Organizing tips. Cool happenings in my area (Chandler, AZ). Who knows! Have something you think might interest me? Please let me know!

For now, here is an amazing blog I stumbled across tonight and two projects I'm already dying to do.

lil luna button


1. Silhouette pictures of my kids!


 This is actually cardstock on scrapbook paper (as opposed to glass etching or something complicated). Yeah, I think I can manage that. I probably won't hang them from a board but simply incorporate them into our growing "family is forever" wall display.

2. Temple block
Wood block, picture, modge podge and ribbon. She includes a variety of images on her site for you to choose from if you're not AZ local :o)

Check out her site and find something that inspires you!




Thursday, June 25, 2009

Help me win!

So, I've taken a break from giveaways for the past few months, though I did manage to still win a lip smoothing salon pack from the one I did splurge my time on. I stumbled across this one and have decided that I HAVE to win!

I want these:
So I'm blogging about the great giveaway of a $100 giftcard to eye buy direct, courtesy of "Livin' in a Little White House"

I'd tell you all to go enter, but I really NEED new glasses! Having a toddler has been a little rough on the eye wear around here--my frames are scratched to nearly opaque and Eric's have been redesigned for a more angled face...



...or a cyclops.

Here's hoping I win!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

You're Invited!



Thanks to everyone who's expressed interest :o) Want in? Call me to schedule a specific time. I'll see you there! I might even bring treats...


Sunday, June 14, 2009

New Projects

So I'm busy with school and packing and yardwork, which means I'm suddenly in the mood to get seriously crafty. Here are some new projects on the horizon. Interested? Let me know, we can make them together!


A toddler neck pillow, since his poor head flops around in his forward-facing car seat!



A toddler bag, so Scotty can carry his own gear and diapers instead of commandeering my purse!


Looking for something different? Check out this great site for easy step by step tutorials.

makeitandloveit


Friday, June 12, 2009

Portrait Party: continued

Our portrait party is in the works! We need to pick which day works best, so vote in the poll in the right side bar! Pick every day that will work for you.

The tentative plan is to meet at the waterfall area by the bell tower on BYU campus. Times will be available from approximately 4-7pm on the date of our choice, and you can either pick a specific slot or we can make it a come and go format. I'll bring treats, so come hang out!

Have any friends you think would be interested? Let me know!


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Portrait Party: update

Ok, I think I'm really going to do this :o) BUT, I need a few more people, so let me know if you're interested! Sorry that the previous link didn't work--please check out her work and see for yourself.

Shanda's new site! You can catch a glimpse of my cute boy (and even a shot of me) in her gallery.

Want great pictures for super cheap? post a comment. let me know.


Friday, June 5, 2009

Portrait Party

So, I found a great photographer through Craig'slist this past week! She's trying to expand her portfolio and get business going, so she offered me a free half hour session and 5 images on CD. I figured I had nothing to lose, but I had no idea I would get such great pictures FOR FREE! I do have an adorable son, but still, these are super professional--and Scotty just threw rocks into Utah Lake for the entire session.

I think her work is so great, and I know many of you are looking to get affordable pictures of your cute kids, so I'm thinking of hosting a portrait party. Here's how it works. I pick a location and invite my friends (and their kids). Every guest gets a free 20 minute shoot, including individuals or groups as needed, without paying any session fees! You can bring any people or props you wish, and photos will be edited and posted to a secure site within a week.

There is no pressure to buy any
of the portraits taken!


CD

Guests can purchase a CD with their images
5 images - $15
10 images - $25
15 images - $35
20 images - $45
all images - $55

Prints

8 wallets - $10
4x6 - $10
5x7 - $10
8x10 - $15
11x14 - $20

I might even make it more of a party and provide food and treats to keep us entertained. Anyone interested? Let me know! I have to have at least four people to schedule...

check out her website as well!

P.S. if you want to see Scotty's pics, let me know and I'll email you a link.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Family Art Day (Provo)

Tuesday, June 10th, BYU's Museum of Art is hosting a Family Art Day!

The event is free from 10am-3pm.

The colorful visual puzzles and mind-bending optical tricks of Walter Wick, author and photographer of the popular “I Spy” and “Can You See What I See?” children’s books, are the inspiration for this year’s Family Art Day celebration.

Family Art Day will feature games and activities based on the images of Wick’s imaginative and playful world presented in the museum’s current exhibition of his work, “Walter Wick: Games, Gizmos, and Toys in the Attic.”

Families with children of all ages are invited to this free event. For more information about Family Art Day, contact the Museum of Art at (801) 422-8287 or visit the museum’s Web site at http://moa.byu.edu.




Friday, May 29, 2009

Freesale Saturday

I've been meaning to post this all week but the time has gotten away from me. Don't forget about the freesale this Saturday!

Saturday, May 30th
10am-12pm
on the lawn at 500 N 100 E


Women's clothes, men's clothes, baby clothes, sweaters, coats, movies, home decor, yard care supplies, etc. Bring anything you have to give away! Anything left will be taken to Deseret Industries. Please invite your friends and I'll see you there!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Program at the Provo City Library is just around the corner. For those of you who like to read, this is a great way to win prizes! The children's program is great for infants on up--get rewarded for feeling like a good mom and reading to your kid(s)!

The kickoff is this Saturday, May 30, from 9am-6pm in the Provo City Library Ballroom. If you want a free T-shirt for your kid come to the kickoff party! Registration continues through June 27. Bring your library card.

Other summer library activities:

CANOPY CAPERS
every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July at 12:00-12:30 pm under the canopy on the south side of the library. Storytelling for families. Bring your lunch, pillows and blankets!

SUMMER STORY TIME
every Wednesday in June and July from 9:30-10:00 am and 10:30-11:00 am for toddlers and their caregivers in the Story Circle.


SUMMER BOOK BABIES
every Wednesday in June and July at 11:30 am-12:00 noon. Age-appropriate stories, songs, and finger plays for babies (0-12 months) and their parents/caregivers in the Story Circle.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Provo Fun: Plantarium Shows

Looking for a short break from real life but don't want to spend money? BYU Astronomy is celebrating AstroFest with free planetarium shows in the Eyring Science Center tomorrow, May 16! Every hour, on the hour, from 10-3. Did I mention it was free?

*they turn off the theater lights so it's dark--not recommended for small children.


Friday, May 1, 2009

Freecycle Swap

Provo Freecycle (like Craigslist but all free) is hosting a yard sale swap tomorrow!

Saturday, May 2
10am-12pm
547 E. 600 N. Provo, UT
(if it rains it will be under the covered parking garage)

Everything is free--please bring someone of your own to exchange. Have stuff you were going to take to the DI? Bring it here first! They'll take whatever is left over to the DI for you, assuming it's easily transportable.

Right now there are a few bags of stuff we'll be putting on the front lawn...
stuffed animals
random plates, bowls, kitchen utensils
men's clothes (average size is M)
women's clothes (average size is S/M)
a few baskets, kids toys
coolers
cd/radio
large desk
blinds
double stroller (one of the brakes isn't working I was told)
computer (this will go by free raffle to someone who could really use it-- its a
mac all-in-one that has the capability of hooking up to the internet and works
great to type on for reports, etc.)

plus everything everyone else brings!


A few fun backgrounds

Well it's been awhile, with busy schedules and computer problems, but I've been sprucing up a few other hobbies in the meantime. Like, designing new blog backgrounds. Let me know what you think, and you're welcome to use one if you want. Don't know how to change your background? Scroll to the end of the post for step by step directions :o)

The pictures shown include a few headers I was just messing around with--the code it just for the background.


















Don't Worry--you won't lose any gadgets, widgets, photos, or posts!

*First you must remove the layout you already have if you have a previous one applied
*To apply all backgrounds you must change your template to minima.
*Go to your dashboard.

To change your Blog Template:


1. Click the Layout link from your dashboard below the blog you would like to customize.
2. From the Pick new Template sub-tab choose the minima layout.
3. Click save to apply your new template.

To then apply your new Blog Background:


1. Click the Layout link from your dashboard below the blog you would like to customize.
2. From the Page Elements sub-tab, click Add a Gadget to add a new one.
3. To add a new gadget after you've clicked Add a Gadget, simply click the plus sign next to HTML/JavaScript gadget.
4. Paste the provided code from the background you wish to apply.
5. Click save and you should now have your new Blog Background.


Friday, April 10, 2009

Looking for free but informative?

Check out your local public library! Many libraries are currently handing out passes good for free admission to local zoos and museums free of charge.

Many also offer regular story time programs for kids, summer reading programs with rewards and activities, and adult seminars.

At the Provo library:

Gardening basics: getting started on a vegetable garden
April 21, 7 pm, Bullock Room #309
no registration required

Coming up:
Becoming credit wise (May 19)
Safely preserving foods (June 16)

Provo library also hosts free Monday night programs from 7:30-8pm, including stories and puppet shows, in the ballroom.

Home with a kid during the day? Check out their amazing story time programs! there are multiple age ranges.

Book Babies (0-12 months)
Friday at 10 am

Mother Goose (13-24 months)
Friday at 11 and 11:30am

Toddler Time (2-3 years)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:10 and 11:10am

Story Time (3-5 years, check-in at the children's desk)
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 and 11 am sharp
*Children are signed in and attend story time without their parents, doors close promptly on the hour

Spanish story time (all ages, all in Spanish)
Monday 7pm, Friday 10:30am


Monday, April 6, 2009

Spring Cleaning

I was reading Reader's Digest this weekend when I saw it: the list of the 10 germ-iest places in your house. Some I expected but a few shocked me, and led to my morning cleaning adventures. I cleaned probably the dirtiest thing I have ever cleaned in my life: a vacuum cleaner.

Have you ever cleaned yours? Like, REALLY cleaned it? In a national study, 1/3 of vacuum cleaners tested positive for salmonella. If you ever vacuum your kitchen floor, or any food particles, the bacteria lives and grows inside your vacuum cleaner. Then, when you vacuum your house, you spread that bacteria everywhere! GROSS!

I thought it was time to take action. I took out all the filters, cleaned all the dirt out, and soaked them for a few minutes in a diluted bleach solution. The article recommended doing this once a month--and don't forget to clean the wheels! It took a little time, but it was oddly satisfying to get rid of all that gunk. Besides, I bet my vacuum cleaner will work much better next time I turn it on!


Friday, April 3, 2009

Provo's Hidden Gems: Part II

Part 2: Great little restaurants

I love the treat of eating out but we're on a tight budget. Here are some of my favorites around town.

El Salvador (332 W Center St)--great authentic Salvadorian food. Try the papusas, they're great and cheap!

Diego's Taco Shop (45 W 300 N) they moved a year ago to this new location but are still close enough to walk to. They make the best horchata I have ever tasted! It's pure heaven. I also love the chicken nachos.

Thai Ruby (744 E 820 N) I don't consider this a cheap eat, but we often stop in just for dessert--mango with sticky rice. If you like Thai food or mango, this is to die for! The perfect addition to make a basic home cooked meal seem like a classy night out.

7-11 (496 N University Ave) still the cheapest place for a quick summer fix: the Slurpee. If you're really cheap, buy a bigger, reusable cup and save it. The price is cheaper for refills. Best slurpee flavor: crystal light.

Provo Bakery
(190 E 100 N--closed Mondays) is a great little shop hidden in south Provo. Stop in a try a homemade doughnut or muffin.

J Dawgs (880 N 700 E) worth it at least once--eating a J Dawg is like hiking the Y. Tradition.

Doc's Pizza Buffet (2250 N University Pkwy # 22--by Cafe Rio in the Movies 8 complex). If you haven't been here in awhile, it's worth another look. Under new management it's a little more expensive and there's no longer hilarious karaoke, but the pizza is better. Price includes pasta, salad, pizza (request your favorite!), breadsticks, dessert pizza, drinks, and an ice cream cone.

Want to get a great deal on eating out? Check out City Deals for half price gift cards. Order in the morning, pick up in the afternoon!

Missing your favorite? Let me know! I'm always up for something new :o)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Provo's Hidden Gems: Part I

Ok, it's April, but still gray and cold outside. I personally spend hours wandering around outside every week to keep my son entertained, and in so doing, have stumbled upon some less well-known places. For those of you who live in or around Provo, enjoy!

Part 1: Food and Clothing for Less


Smith's Food and Drug (350 N Freedom) has a student fresh values card that takes 5% off every shopping order. Essentially, all of your food is tax free! Smith's also has 2 Redbox rental stations. Their weekly ad comes out every Wednesday and they participate in the Shortcuts electronic coupon program.

Walmart (1355 Sandhill Rd, Orem). Never fails. Not the best shopping experience but the deals don't get any better. Bring store ads for all the local grocery and retail stores and Walmart will price match (if it's the exact brand and size). If you have the time and energy to spare, it's worth the haggle.

Honk's Dollar Store (650 N Freedom) offers good deals on basic cleansers, office supplies, stationary, gift bags, etc. Every Tuesday every dollar deal is reduced to 88 cents! My favorite buys: scented diaper disposal bags (a life saver for that between breastfeeding and pottytraining stage!) and knock-off teddy grahams.

Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (626 N Freedom--right next to Honk's). This place is amazing for several reasons.
1) You can drop off almost any extra building materials you don't want to store or dispose of.
2) You can buy supplies for a quick fix at insanely low prices--a gallon of oil based paint is only $1. Great for paintbrushes, wood stain, nails and screws, or odds and ends.
3) They offer monthly home maintenance classes for free.
4) They offer a tool-rental system just like a public library that lends tools for personal use free of cost.
5) This place keeps any kid entertained for at least 20 minutes because it is full of gadgets, gizmos, and interesting people!

Kid to Kid (2250 N University Pky, #26--next to Cafe Rio in the Movies 8 complex). Kids grow way too fast to pay full price for clothes, shoes, socks, toys, strollers, etc. The provo store has a great selection of kids clothes in all sizes, as well as two racks of shoes, a variety of toys, and a surprisingly good selection of maternity clothes. All products are gently used, look brand new, and most are name brand. My favorites:
1) 3 pairs of socks for $0.99--and I get to try them on his wriggling feet to know how long they will last!

2) Every Tuesday at the Provo location is grandparent's day. Simply show off a picture of your adorable grandchild and get 10% off your entire purchase. (I love to shop Tuesdays when my mom is in town visiting!)
3) A walled in kids zone full of toys to keep my monkey occupied while I browse.
4) If you really need to stock up, pick up a frequent shopper card to earn a free purchase. These cards are now accepted at any location.

Deseret Industries
(1415 N State St) In addition to accepting donations and helping you recycle your used stuff, the DI has some great bargains. My favorites: cheap games (I've bought Racko for $1 and Scene It for $1.50) and kids shoes ($2-$3!)

Plato's Closet (592 E University Pkwy, Orem--just across from University Mall) Kid to Kid for moms :o) If you don't mind gently used clothing or want to spice up your wardrobe with something trendy, this is a great place to pick up fashion ideas or that perfect pair of jeans or shoes on the cheap. Also, if your wardrobe is "classy and trendy" enough, you can sell your gently used clothing and accessories for some easy cash.

Ross Dress for Less (222 W 1300 S, Orem). No shopping list of mine would be complete without Ross--I owe almost my entire wardrobe to this store, including my amazing red heels and all my favorite pairs of jeans. The Ross in Orem isn't the best ever, though their petite section is expanding and offers some great options for walking the fine line between forever teenaged and frumpy mom. If you ever need help finding something great, call me--I never fail.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Freebies: Pantene, Quaker, Jergens

Want more free products and samples?

Quaker snacks: try their new chocolate drizzle or cheddar cheese snacks

Pantene: Pro-V Nature Fusion sample

Jergens: "Glow" light tanning facial moisturizer sample


Want to find more freebies? Sign up for Sweet Free Stuff's daily email of freebies!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Free Haircuts in Provo

If you're in Provo, The Paul Mitchell Academy is sponsoring free haircuts on BYU's campus in Brigham Square (just outside the WSC) Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 pm. Think it's time for a change but want to save money? Give it a shot! There will probably be a line but it's worth it--plus, there are lots of grassy spots for kids to run around in while you wait.

Can't make it but are desperate for a cheap fix? Let me know, and if you trust me, I'd be happy to cut it for you. Or teach you some magic tricks with bobby pins!