On Hiatus

I'm going on an indefinite break. Google has decided to drop me from both Google Adsense and their Affiliate Network. I've written to them to find out why my account is being deactivated, but have heard no word back. Thus, I won't be posting for a while. Thanks Google, you sure do know how be a buzzkill. (As a reaction, I'm now going to cancel my gmail and officially become a proud and loyal Yahoo account user).


Hope you enjoyed the rebates and samples I posted, some are still active so feel free to explore some older posts. Take care.


~Katherine

P.S. I feel like Google has ripped out my guts and destroyed my livelihood, in a way.

Tip of the Week

There are a lot of great Deal websites available today - such as Groupon, LivingSocial, KGBDeals, and a few others. But there in my experience there is 1 Deal Site I will NEVER use again called HOMERUN.com . I purchased a deal from here once and that was a Huge mistake. I spent $10 in order to receive $20 worth of baked goods at a selected bakery near my home. When I finally went to go use the certificate the place didn't seem to exist. Not only that but I also tried to call the number of the bakery and it was just a recording, so I assume the establishment went out of business.
Now, I can certainly understand that. In the past, when something has occurred of a similar nature -which rarely happens, but it does - Groupon and LivingSocial were quick to kindly credit me the money I was owed. I called the HomeRun.com customer service number half a dozen times and left messages as well. I also wrote several emails stating the problem. It was 2 weeks before anyone got back to me with any sort of response. I was told I'd be refunded the money in check form. It's now over 2 months and I've yet to see that check. I'm still sending numerous emails a day trying to pester the company into refunding my money. AVOID Homerun.com.

Be careful with lesser known websites, but don't ever feel shy to fight for your money back. That's my tip, stick with the more common and reliable deal sites like Groupon.

*I've checked online recently, and this company HomeRun has had numerous complaints about refund refusals for the services they could not provide, so I'm not the only one.

2 Movie Tickets for $9 from FANDANGO - Deal

Fantastic, awesome, fabulous, terrific, super cool deal to pay only $9 for 2 movie tickets. Instead of paying $25 (or more) for you and your friend, date, mom? (lol), you only pay $9.
GET IT!!!


Deal Expires: March 4, 2011 at Noon

http://livingsocial.com/deals/28498-two-movie-tickets?msdc_id=3

Free U by KOTEX Sample

Get either some tampons or pantyliners samples from U by Kotex. It's up to U to click the link and sign up. Never can have enough feminine items lying around the house.

http://www.ubykotex.com/mobile/mission/index.shtml

Free PURINA ONE BEYOND Cat & Dog Sample

Walmart's got a free sample of the new Purina One Beyond pet food - choose a sample of either cat or dog food. Does anyone else love a pet freebie like I do?
:-)

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid82797.aspx#/home/pov3

Free KIRKLAND HOUSEHOLD SURFACE WIPES Sample

Get a sample of Kirkland Wipes and see how they match up to your Clorox or Lysol wipes. When you get the sample there'll be no excuse not to wipe down a few surfaces that you've been neglecting.


**Now it's only for Costco members, but wasn't when I posted it originally.

https://secure.startsampling.com/sm/wipes101556/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101556&source=

Free NATURAL NIBBLE Dog Food Sample

Time to sign up for yet another dog food sample, I'm sure your dog isn't sick of these samples yet :)

http://naturalnibbles.com/free_samples.html

Free NEILMED SINUS RINSE BOTTLE

Sign up for a free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle and receive 2 sinus rinse packets too.  Finally clear up your sinuses which must have been clogged all winter like mine.

*If you've signed up for this deal in the past, like I, you cannot get another one - only 1 per household. But keep in mind, you can still get this rinse if you only signed up for the Neti Pot last time, which is a different product.

http://www.neilmed.com/usa/cust_survey.php

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE at CHIPOTLE

Until March 3rd 2011, you can visit Facebook to get a BUY 1 GET 1 Free Coupon to use at Chipotle either on their tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads.

https://www.facebook.com/americasnextgreatrestaurant

Free CREME OF NATURE Shampoo Sample

Try the new fragrance shampoo from Creme of Nature - sunflower & coconut. Make your hair smell sweet and fruity, for free.

http://www.cremeofnature.com/nature/creme_of_nature_new_fragrance_shampoo_promotion.html

Free SILK SOYMILK - Coupon or Rebate (your choice)

Silk soymilk has a "Love it Guarantee," which basically states: you can receive a Silk replacement coupon OR your money back, when you purchase Silk and you are not very happy with the product. If you’re dissatisfied with Silk a 2nd time (after you chose the coupon option), please contact them via mail, with proof of purchase, to receive your money back. Include your printed full name, mailing address, and brief reason for why you're unhappy with Silk.


I personally don't like Silk, I much prefer ZenSoy or Greenway, so this rebate works for me :-)


http://silksoymilk.com/love-it-rules

Free DREAMFIELDS PASTA - Rebate

If you buy a box of Dreamfield's pasta and don't think it's better than your normal Barilla (or other favorite) pasta, you can get a full refund of your purchase price + an extra 50 cents for the postage.
You just have to mail your receipt, UPC code from the product, and tell them why it wasn't great.

http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/dreamfields-pasta-guarantee.html

Free NIDODERM CQ Patch Sample + Coupon

If you're trying to quit smoking, there is no better time than now. Get a free Nicoderm patch sample and they'll also send you a $7 off coupon.

https://www.nicodermcq.com/promotions/nicodermcqsample7dollar.promo?sessioncheck=true

Free ORGANIX BEAUTY Sample(s)

Enter your name and address info until April 1, 2011. There'll be 1,000 lucky people who will supposedly get a bunch of free samples as a prize.

http://beautypureandsimple.com/FreeSample.asp

Free MIO Liquid Water Enhancer sample

I have no idea what this Mio water enhancer will taste like, but I signed up for a sample because I'm dying to find out. Their Facebook page is giving out 100,000 samples, so get it before it runs out.

And if you're wondering "What is Mio Liquid Water Enhancer?", well, it's basically like Crystal Light but as a liquid and not powder. It's meant to jazz up regular water and make it taste better, and you can add as many drops of the Mio as you like so you can choose how sweet you want to make your water (without any extra calories).

http://www.facebook.com/MiO?sk=app_181925831846437

Tip of the Week

Here's a great article called "8 Known Carcinogens to Remove From Your House." It makes you think twice about the stuff you buy and bring into your home. Purchasing more green products with less harsh chemicals will do a world of good for our bodies.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/8-known-carcinogens-to-remove-from-your-house-2452966/

Free MIRACLE WHIP Mayo Sample

If you're a Hellman's kind-of person, try a Miracle Whip sample and maybe you'll make the mayo switch.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/mw101655/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101655&source=&ss_id=&key=b36c399912a6568691d124c3129c9b52

Free WORX ENERGY DRINK Sample

Coffee just not doing it for you in the morning anymore? Try this new energy drink then, it's called Worx, but I'm not sure if it works yet since I'm waiting for my sample still.
**Free samples are gone, they'll send you a BUY 1 GET 1 coupon now.

http://worxenergy.com/freesample.php

*They'll send you an email just to confirm your address. (Remember, it's good to use a "spam email address" so you don't have too much junk email in your more important email account. I have an email address that I only use for signing up for freebies).

Free Rachel Ray NUTRISH DOG FOOD Sample

Rachel Ray has her own line of dog food now, so get your pup a sample that he can chow down on.

http://www.rachaelray.com/pets/switch.php

Free NATURAL NUTRITION Cat Food Sample

Get your kitty a yummy cat food sample. I'm sure your kitty will thank you by rubbing up on your leg, as usual.

http://www.purecat.net/sample.php

Tip of the Week

You don't need to go out and pay $50 for a facial at a spa or waste money on facials-in-a-bottle from high priced stores like Sephora. You can make your own sweet-smelling and cheap facial at home using items you have in your fridge.


The simplest one is the Lemon Facial:  Create a facial that both exfoliates and moisturizes by mixing the juice from 1 lemon with ¼ cup olive oil or sweet almond oil.


The weirdest one is the Mustard Facial: Pat your face with mild yellow mustard for a bracing facial that will soothe and stimulate your skin. Try it on a small test area first to make sure it will not be irritating.


Here are 9 different facial mask recipes you can try out at home:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/9-soothing-facial-masks-from-the-kitchen-2440204/

And if you don't have some of the items for the recipes at home and need to go out to the supermarket, here's a tip for grocery shopping: 

If you hate crowds and lines, shop at dinnertime (5 to 9 p.m.) or even later. Only 4 percent of shoppers hit the aisles between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Least-crowded day of the week? Wednesday.

Great SNAPFISH Deal - 100 Prints for only $5

Time to finally print all those vacation photos you've stored on your laptop and never gotten around to printing. Head over to the Snapfish website and upload 100 pics, use code CUPIDPICS at checkout, and have your photos shipped to you. It will all cost only $5.00, meaning it's just 5 cents a photo, which is far cheaper than going to any drugstore kiosk. 
And if you aren't a Snapfish member yet, they always give you 50 Free Prints just for signing up (and you pay shipping on those).


Expires: February 20, 2011

http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/welcome

I Finally got around to printing pics of my Mila.

And here's yet another great Snapfish deal:
Order 20 FREE Flat Photo Cards with envelopes! Just use coupon code NEWMOMMY at checkout and save $14.99! Only pay $5.99 S&H. 
Go to "SHOP," then "PRODUCTS," and "CARDS" to find the "FLAT PHOTO CARDS." Look for the picture cards that say "From 29 cents per card" to find the sets of 20 that cost $14.99. But only 1 coupon code per account. (And I'm not sure of the expiration on this deal).

Free HEAD & SHOULDERS HAIR ENDURANCE for MEN - Rebate

Looks like Head & Shoulders wants you to take their challenge. They promise you'll see "thicker looking hair in 1 week guaranteed." So this is a win-win situation. Either you have thicker, nicer hair, or at least you'll get your money back for giving it a try. 
You'll need to *Mail product and original cash register receipt for up to $12.99 (incld. S&H). Only 1 refund per household and name. And valid 1 year from date of purchase.


Simply call 1-800-843-3543 for full details.

Free NICE 'N EASY COLOR BLEND FOAM - Rebate

Clairol just came out with the Nice 'N Easy Color Blend Foam which is supposed to add more dimension to your color and make your hair look even better. They guarantee satisfaction or they'll refund your money. You'll just have to send back the original receipt (and probably the UPC code), and only 1 refund per home.


Just call 1-800-CLAIROL for the full details, since it's not listed on their homepage.

Free DOVE DEODORANT Sample

I love getting travel-sized deodorants. Keep your pits smelling April fresh with Dove deodorant.

Get your deodorant!

Free LANACANE ANTI-CHAFING GEL Sample

Stop the chafing, wherever it hits you. Try a Lanacane anti-chafing gel sample and let it soothe you and prevent your skin from rubbing.

http://www.lanacane.com/

Free 1,000 Rollover Minutes from AT&T

If you are an AT&T subscriber, you can get an extra 1,000 rollover minutes free. Simply text "YES" to number: 11113020. I've checked online and this is working for people who have an AT&T cell phone plan.


Offer Expires: 3/31/2011

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/atandt-handing-over-1000-free-rollover-minutes-to-all-of-its-custo/

Free EAS SPORTS NUTRITION BAR

Add a little protein to your diet to get ready for that killer workout. Just Like the EAS page on Facebook and enter your address. 
Technically it's a contest page so you can potentially win a 4 day trip for two (including hotel, airfare, and sports tickets) to Chicago. And after signing up for their contest they're supposed to send you a free nutrition bar as a a 'thank you' for participating.


Good luck! (Although I hope I win).

http://www.facebook.com/easbrand?v=app_6009294086

Free SNAPFISH COLLAGE POSTER

Put your memories from 2010 together in an 11x14 collage, which you can make at Snapfish.com. Get it free with coupon code POSTERBABY (an $8.99 value). Only pay $1.99 in shipping and like a dollar in salestax.

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/storepage/storePageId=storecollage/campaignName=commissionjunction_upcollage

Tip of the Week

Here's a terrific article called "14 Ways to Save Money on Groceries." 


Two tips I liked and will be using:


-  In order to make cottage cheese or sour cream last longer, place the container upside down in the fridge. Inverting the tub creates a vacuum that inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes food to spoil.


-  Believe it or not, honey is the only nonperishable food substance, so don’t get rid of the stuff if it crystallizes or becomes cloudy. Microwave on medium heat, in 30-second increments, to make honey clear again.


To read all 14 helpful tips, check out the article:
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/14-ways-to-save-money-on-groceries-2447559/

Happy reading!

Free AVEDA MEN'S AFTERSHAVE - Sample

Simply request your free sample online and then a page will pop out allowing you to print the coupon and take it to any Aveda store. If you want to get your special man a nice travel-sized aftershave you should get him the new Aveda Thanks Man dual action aftershave.

http://www.avedathanksman.com/?cm_mmc=Email-_-August10_MenSkinShaveLaunch_Default-_-083110-_-thksman

And here's the Store Locator

Free CAREFREE LINERS Sample

Every lady needs a bit of extra protection to be Carefree. Sign up for some samples today.

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid73198.aspx?wmlspartner=lw9MynSeamY&sourceid=34122734541599771889

***If they run out of samples, they'll just send you money off coupons.

Free P&G Coupon Booklet

I snagged this for myself and can't wait for it to come in the mail. Procter & Gamble make all types of products from Crest, Olay, Pantene, Dawn, Febreze, etc. Sign up for a booklet now through Facebook and you'll receive a whole slew of coupons.

http://www.facebook.com/PGEverydaySolutions?v=app_187076941324607

Free $2 AMAZON MP3 CREDIT

You can get a free credit of $2 from Amazon to use on any MP3 purchase or album purchase.
Use code: VDAYMP3S


Expires: 2/14/2011


http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&gcIsProcess=1&docId=1000296831&gcpcCode=VDAYMP3S

ALSO, Amazon gives out a lot of Totally Free MP3s, so check out the songs and see if there's anything good you'd like to download.
http://www.amazon.com/Free-Songs-Music/b?ie=UTF8&node=334897011

And free albums too:
Free albums for all

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE - LAND O LAKES Butter

Do you like butter? I know I do. Do you like olive oil? Please, who doesn't. Well now you can get Land O Lakes Butter made with Olive Oil.


If you buy 1 tub, then send in your receipt and rebate form, you'll receive a coupon by mail for another Land O Lakes Butter with Olive Oil. So it's a 2 for 1 deal.

http://www.landolakes.com/Offers/buy_one_get_one_free.aspx

Free ARM & HAMMER Double Duty Cat Litter

If you try Arm & Hammer's Double Duty Clumping Litter and don't love it better than your current litter, you can get a full rebate of $11.99. No excuse now to let your home smell like cat pee.


Expires: 12/31/2011

http://www.armandhammer.com/PDF/pet_care/MoneyBackGuarantee.pdf

Free VEGETABLE SEEDS

If you've got a green thumb or just want to try your hand at starting a garden, here are some free vegetable seeds to help you along.

http://www.dinnergarden.org/needSeeds.php

Free GBG Chewable Multi-Vitamin Sample

Sick of your One-A-Day vitamins and don't dig Gummi Vites either? Try a GBG vitamin sample and see if you like it.

http://www.gbgvitality.com/free-gbg-chewable-samples.html

Free PEACE CEREAL - Rebate

Get some peace (and cereal) in your life. Try new Peace Cereal and mail in your receipt to get a rebate of $3.00. 


Expires: 3/31/2011

http://www.peacecereal.com/rebate3/

Find stores and locations that sell Peace Cereal (stores like WholeFoods, Fairway, etc.)
http://www.peacecereal.com/WhereToBuy/WhereToBuyResults.asp

Free CHEEZ-ITS Sample

All you need is a facebook account and you're all set. Sign up for a free bag of Cheez-Its. Not sure if they're made with real cheese, but that doesn't make them any less yummy.

http://www.facebook.com/cheezit?v=app_137697646284792

Become a Maker's Mark Ambassador

When you sign up to be a Maker's Mark ambassador, you will periodically be sent items in the mail from them. 
(I've received a shaker, an ice tray to make round balls of ice, and some other good stuff).

http://www.makersmark.com/LegalAge.aspx?

Free FITNESS GLOVES from Shore Fitness

If you're like me and have clammy hands, it definitely helps to wear gloves when picking up weights and working on equipment at the gym. The Shore Fitness Club is offering free fitness glove, so grab them before they're all gone.

http://www.shorefitnessclub.com/glovesRequest.php

Tip of the Week

Did you know that the best day to buy airline tickets is Tuesday?


Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com, studied three years worth of airline prices and concluded that 3 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday was the best time to buy. "That's when the maximum number of cheapest seats are in the marketplace," he said.


The day you depart can more heavily influence the fare than the day you buy. If your plans are flexible, travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday and you typically find prices far below Monday, Friday or Sunday flights.


Also, How far in advance you buy still impacts pricing. While few domestic fares require purchase 21 days before departure, the cheapest tickets often still require 14-day advance purchase. To get tickets before the cheapest seats sell out, buy a month or two in advance.


http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/111970/where-not-to-buy-airline-tickets?mod=bb-budgeting

Hope this article was useful :-)

Free BY NATURE Natural Dog Food - Rebate

I did this rebate for my house (and a few friends' homes) and it was AWESOME! You get a rebate check back for $12.99. And my dog hasn't complained, seeing as it tastes good to her and it's actually good for her too.


Expires: 6/30/2011

http://www.bynaturepetfoods.com/coupons/index.php

Free VALENTINE'S DAY Card Mailed

I just finished making a card for my Valentine (and I know he's going to love it). I only had to pay $0.44 cents for it to be shipped. 


Tiny Prints has a sweet offer. You can personalize a Valentine’s Day card with your own pictures and writing. When you go to checkout, use code FREELOVE and the card is free (that's a savings of $3.99).


But it only comes to the 1st 5,000 orders so hurry up and make yours soon!  


UPDATE: Their campaign was very successful and all the 5,000 free cards are gone, but you can still get them for just $1.49 using code LASTLOVE.  

UPDATE #2: They have codes at the top of the page regularly posted for various holidays, so check back to see what specials they have up.

http://www.tinyprints.com/greeting/shop/valentines-greeting-cards.htm

Free HEAROS Ear Plugs

If you're like me and you have 1 looney old woman who cranks Bach like nobody's business and you have another neighbor who's constantly cussing out her husband, you need these earplugs too.

http://www.hearos.com/index/trial

Free QUEST Protein Bars

Get 2 free Quest bars in your mail just like I did.

http://www.questproteinbar.com/free/index.asp

Free SNAPFISH VALENTINE'S DAY Photo Cards

There is no excuse not to send me a Valentine's Day card now that you can make one for free :)


New SeeHere customers can receive 24 Free V-day cards just for signing up (all you'll pay is $2.49 S&H). Create a sweet personalized 4x8 single-sided flat photo card, add 24 to your cart and then head to the checkout with the code:  25cards.

http://www.seehere.com/proProductDetails.do?productGroup=ALL&productId=12245&cm_mmc=CJ-_-2606283-_-3333492-_-SeeHere+Product+Catalog

Free REDBOX Movie Rental Codes

Pick up a free movie rental from a Redbox near you with a code:

• N6TRWTV 
• BREAKROOM
• DVDONME
• DVDATWAG  (Only at Walgreens Redbox locations)
• DVDKROG (Only at Kroger stores)
• FEB7MOVIE (Valid til Feb. 7)
• BEMINE (Valid ONLY on Feb. 14)
• 4G47RW5 (Valid ONLY on Feb. 25)

You can pick up 1 DVD per code per credit/debit card. 

Locate a Redbox near you:

http://www.redbox.com/Locations/LocationSearch.aspx

**I hope these codes work, I don't have a Redbox near me to try them out.

Free VASELINE INTENSIVE RESCUE Lotion Sample

Keep your dry winter skin moisturized with some Vaseline lotion. And when someone touches your arm and says "Wow, that's soft and smooth," you can have moi to thank :)

https://www.everydayhealth.com/leadgen/vaseline/eh/ad/offer.aspx

Free ORIGINS PLANTSCRIPTION Anti-Wrinkle Sample

I really like Origins products (I'm still using the FullSized 'Checks and Balances' Facewash I got for free as last year's Earth Day promotion).


Just go to their facebook page, Like them, and order your sample of their new Plantscription Anti-Wrinkle cream  :)
http://www.facebook.com/Origins?v=app_7146470109

Great Rebate on ACUVUE CONTACTS

You don't contact lenses to SEE that this is a sweet deal. (Was that too lame?) Anyways, you can get a good rebate on various Acuvue contacts on purchases made between 1/01/2011 and 6/30/2011.
Valid on 1•DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST, 1•DAY ACUVUE^® TruEye™, and ACUVUE^® OASYS brands.

http://www.acuvue.com/buying-rebates.htm?WT.nv=left-nav-content

Free DOVE DAILY TREATMENT CONDITIONER - Sample

I love Dove products and you can be good to your hair with this sample. Time to try to salvage what's left of our strands from this harsh cold season.

http://content.dove.us/dovehairmsn/free_sample.aspx