Freebies and Samples

I started posting pictures on Facebook of many of the items I was getting for free (like the photo below) - and that generated some questions on how I got these things. I thought I would answer these questions once with this blog post.

I began my interest in receiving free items a few years ago- but never to the extent that I am involved in it now. About two months ago I saw this post on Pinterest. I got all excited- as what teenager doesn't love coupons! I started off by sitting down one Sunday afternoon and sending emails to everyone of those companies which my family uses. Out of those 30 or so emails I got 3 coupons. Now that I think about it- that is not a great odd- however I was very excited. I began to research if there were other things I could get coupons for or even for free.

I quickly found a few websites that have become my go-to resources for learning about freebies and samples. I use Vonbeau, My Free Product Samples, Freebie Shark, and I Crave Freebies. I do not have the time or the skill to go and search the Internet to find my own freebies, so I use these as my guides. I get so excited when I find an awesome new freebie or deal! I am working on the rest of my family- they tend to just role their eyes.

After I began and started ordering samples after samples- I lost track of what I was ordering and from where. That is when Genius Me decided it would be a brilliant idea to start a spreadsheet. Now this spreadsheet stays open at the bottom of my computer screen and I love to go and look at it often! I get so excited seeing what I may get next! So far I have reached row 78 so I will have a boat load of stuff coming in soon!

I also am a member of Swagbucks, Recyclebank, and Smiley 360. I love Swagbucks and Recyclebank! I am very new to Smiley 360- so when I get more equipped with it I will let you know how it is! With Swagbucks I have earned 2 $5 Amazon Gift Cards for free! Using Recyclebank, I have earned 1 magazine subscription and am close to getting another Amazon Gift Card! :) Both are TOTALLY FREE! What is better than that?! :)

I think that is all I have to say about my freebies and samples. One Tip I leave you with is- make a separate email account so that you do not have all these emails in your personal account! I have found this an easy way to separate the things I will read first from the things that I can read later! If you have any questions, or comments, or you have personally received free items, Let me know by leaving a comment or sending us an email!

~Sarah

Fourth of July Tip!

So you get up early and set your blankets out in the best place possible to watch the fireworks, you come back 10 hours later and the wind has blown your blankets in a pile behind a tree. What do you do? I don't know about your town but in ours, you can't use stake or rocks to hold down your blanket to watch the fireworks.

Last year as we rushed out early in the morning to get our spot, we saw one family had a brilliant idea! Take water bottles, the ones you can recycle/throw away, and fill them with water- put food coloring in them so people don't think they are trash, and put them on the corners of the blanket- when you come back later remove them and recycle or throw them out and your blanket has stayed put! Hallelujah! No longer dodging a tree to see the spectacular fireworks!

Happy 4th!,
Sarah