Deals and Money-Savers you Should Know About

I'm pretty much an obsessed fan when it comes to good deals. I always tell friends about deals I come across, and after expressing concern for my mental state, many friends tell me I should be writing a blog about my money-saving tips. My husband jokingly tells me I should be arrested for some of the deals I get. Well, I've compiled my favorites, so here you go:


Ebates 
www.ebates.com
Sign up for a free account, and start getting cash back when you shop online. Anytime you buy a Groupon deal, or make a purchase from Nordstrom or Sears, or even Expedia, go to Ebates first and then search for the store/website. Each store has a different percentage of cash back that they give you, and many times, Ebates gives you a coupon code to use on that store's website as well. Once you make a purchase at that store, the cash back information is saved in Ebates as "Pending." After some time, your cash back is mailed to you in the form of a Big Fat Check. I didn't give it that title, but I wish I did. The last Big Fat Check I got was for $20, and I got it just for shopping online at a few stores I was already going to purchase from. You may think, "3% back is not worth it." Whatever, MoneyBags Magoo. Those small percentages add up over time. Duh.


Julep
www.julep.com
This beauty company offers a subscription box service, and when you sign up, the first box is free! You can cancel at any time. I paid $2.99 just to cover the shipping cost, and a few days later, I got my box with 3 nail polishes, a two-sided eyeliner (brown and black), a pencil sharpener, and a lip gloss. The products are great quality, and are made without harmful, toxic chemicals. Use this link to get your box for free: http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/1191775/


Swagbucks
www.swagbucks.com
Earn points for internet searches, daily polls, etc., and turn those points into gift cards. I've cashed in at least $50 for amazon, just from using Swagbucks as a search engine.


Mogl
www.mogl.com
Certain restaurants in big cities are starting to participate in Mogl. Create an account on Mogl, and link your credit and debit card to it. When you go to a participating restaurant, use one of the cards linked to your account, and you'll get cash back. A really awesome bonus is that they donate a meal to a local food bank each time you use your account.


Double Take Offers
www.doubletakeoffers.com
This is a good website to use to get coupons or deals in your area. There's a BBQ place by us that we love going to, and they have a $10 for $20 deal right now. It's awesome.

Support Handmade: My Favorite Etsy Shops

As a shop owner on Etsy, I've come to really appreciate the world of handmade items. It's pretty incredible what people can do; I am in awe of so many of the shops on Etsy. I read the Etsy blog for inspiration, ideas, and business strategies, and I discover new shops all the time. In the spirit of supporting small businesses and creative hard-working independent artisans, I wanted to share a few of my most recent favorites.

Julie Ann Art

https://www.etsy.com/shop/julieannart

I found this shop on one of Etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" editions. Each week or so, Etsy highlights a shop owner that has (in case you couldn't guess) quit their day job and moved into full time selling. It's pretty inspiring. I really like Julie's sense of humor, and I can definitely get behind the quirkiness of her cards. They're really simple, inexpensive, and super creative cards for every occasion. Her blog is fun too, and she always has cool giveaways going on. 

Jayma Malme (What's in a Frame)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaymaMalme

Jayma is actually a friend of mine from college. We both majored in Literature and Writing at Cal State San Marcos, and we found that we had a common interest in crafty things. In addition to being a great writer (check out her blog), she's also very artistically talented. She makes custom framed pieces for birthdays, nurseries, anniversaries, weddings, etc. If you're looking for a unique gift, visit her Etsy shop and discover what she can make for you.

Periwinkle Nuthatch

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeriwinkleNuthatch

These illustrated pieces are awesome. Emily, the shop owner makes necklaces, pin cushions, and cute little clay figurines. I love finding shops that really show someone's personality in their work. The woodland creatures that she draws have the cutest faces and so much character.

I also just discovered that she has another shop for small pet beds and pet accessories. Her own guinea pigs are in each photo, and they are freaking adorable.

Woodink

https://www.etsy.com/shop/woodink

A husband and wife team, Ryan and Ashleigh run this shop, and I'm obsessed with it. Their custom engraved cutting boards make unique, awesome gifts for a wedding, anniversary, or that hard-to-buy-for person you know that loves to cook. 

Have fun checking out these shops, and I hope you find something unique for yourself or someone special. Support handmade!