Thoughts Archives - Page 62 of 127

Raise Your Hand If You Need A #PersonalShopper

October 16, 2013 by Melissa

This is a sponsored post. I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own.

Is your home or technology device stuck in the ‘90s? If this sounds like you, you don’t need a time machine, you need a Personal Shopper. There would be nothing better than to have my very own personal shopper because to be honest I am not really a fan of shopping.

Shop Your Way Members at Sears and Kmart have access to personal shopping experts in the fields of technology, interior design, fashion and more. These shopping experts know Kmart and Sears brands and go above and beyond to please. I know what you’re thinking, “A time machine would probably be cheaper!” Stop right there. Our Personal Shoppers are FREE! Sit back and let someone with the know-how do the research and comparing for you, and you’ll be up to date in no time.

If you’re on the opposing side of the scenario above, have you considered becoming a Personal Shopper? We’re always looking for shopping specialists to help our customers advise on quality purchase decisions. The best part is you can put your hard earned skills to work and make some extra dough. You’ll earn commission on every qualifying purchase your friends and family make at Sears, Kmart or Lands’ End. That’s extra cash that you can use to upgrade your tech device or pay towards your Layaway. Sign up and start earning today.

Don’t miss Acme #StockUpSale

October 10, 2013 by Melissa

Acme might call it their StockUpSale but I call it their staples sale. This week I’m hitting up Acme to load up on cereal, snacks and frozen veggies. This week I can afford to fill my overflow freezer and pantry shelves with things I know we’re going to eat. Cheerios is an all time favorite in our home so that’s always on our list. What a treat to be able to score them for less than $2 a box.

Golden Grahams is also just $1.88. This is what we call snacking cereal. It’s a great substitute for traditional cookies or buttery popcorn while watching a movie. Even better is making really easy Golden Grahams S’mores Treats.

Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups/1 bag mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Golden Grahams
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• pinch of salt (optional)
• cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large non-stick pot over medium heat melt butter and add marshmallow & till melted. Remove from heat and add cereal and salt and mix till well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.

Place a sandwich baggie over your hand and spray the bag with cooking spray. Press cereal mixture into prepared baking pan. Set aside to cool. Slice into squares and enjoy.

This type of treat bar can be made just almost any of the General Mills cereals on sale at Acme. Get your shopping list written and don’t miss the great deals found at all Albertsons’ stores starting 10/11 through 10/17. Always check your local stores for details or changes in inventory or sale dates.
smores picture courtesy of Lindsay Attaway via Flickr

#PersonalShopper Twitter Party 10/10 @ 1pm EST

October 9, 2013 by Melissa

With Halloween almost here it also means fall is here and I love decorating the house for fall as well as for Halloween. If you are a fan of Fall, Halloween and decor then you need to be in front of your computer tomorrow 10/10 at 12pm CT for an awesome Twitter Party being thrown by ShopYourWay.

To RSVP and have a chance to win one of the prizes, make sure you do the following:

Follow the host @ShopYourWay and co-host @Sears.
Retweet one of the promotional tweets announcing the party. These normally contain “RT to RSVP” in them.

Talk fall & Halloween decor 10/10 at 12pm CT! Join our #PersonalShopper Twitter Party, $200 in prizes, RT to RSVP: http://syw.co/1aTvUCy

Participate in the conversation when it occurs Thursday, October 10^th at 12pm CT, by answering questions and chatting to others under the #PersonalShopper hashtag. Make sure you use #PersonalShopper, or we won’t be able to see your replies!

The winners will be selected as the party goes on, but if any of the above criteria are missing you will be unable to claim your prize. If you are announced a winner, simply reply that you accept the prize and a Sears Holding Rep will be in contact with you via DM for the next steps.

#FreakyFab13 Twitter Party 10/8 @ 1pm EST

October 7, 2013 by Melissa

Halloween is almost here and if you ask me this is my favorite holiday. You get to dress like someone or something else for the day and get candy, what’s better than that, nothing. LOL. So if you are into Halloween and love Twitter parties then you need to be in front of your computer tomorrow 10/8 at 12pm CT for an awesome Twitter Party being thrown by Kmart.

To RSVP and have a chance to win one of the prizes, make sure you do the following:

Follow the host @Kmart account and co-host @KmartDeals.
Retweet one of the promotional tweets announcing the party. These normally contain “RT to RSVP” in them.

Join @Kmart & @UniversalEnt for our #FreakyFab13 Twitter Party on 10/8 at 12pm CT for petrifying prizes! RT to RSVP http://syw.co/1bIEHuD

Participate in the conversation when it occurs Tuesday, October 8^th at 12pm CT, by answering questions and chatting to others under the #FreakyFab13 hashtag. Make sure you use #FreakyFab13, or we won’t be able to see your replies!

On The Hunt For The Lowest Price Rate Plan

October 4, 2013 by Melissa

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

It’s hard to imagine every day life without my smartphone because it seems to be attached to my hand every waking moment. I can remember my very first mobile phone which was a bag phone when I was in college back in 1992 (yes I know I am old). I would only use my phone to make emergency phone calls due to how expensive it was considering back then there wasn’t a thing such as unlimited plans like there is today.

I also remember being locked into what I thought was an iron clad contract back then but these

days companies are offering contract as well as no contract phones. We are currently with Verizon and have three smart phones and each phone is locked into a 2 year contract. I have been with Verizon so long I am just used to the contract but I am seeing a lot of companies offering no contract phones like ##FamilyMobileSaves with Walmart Family Mobile. After realizing that our cell phone bill on a monthly basis is just way to much money I decided it was time to start hunting for a cheap wireless plan and see if I could save a few bucks a month.

While Melinda and I were at Walmart this past week picking up some odds and ends I noticed the no contract phones back in the entertainment section of the store. I will admit that I was in total overload from all of the different options and rate plans that were available to choose from. The one display that caught my eye was Walmart Family Mobile due to their phone selection, cheap wireless plans and phone pricing. I am HUGE into technology so when I decide to go no contract I want a phone that is new and fresh and with Walmart Family Mobile they offer the Samsung Galaxy S2, S3, S4 as well as the iPhone 5. They offer other phones as well but I am a Samsung fan and I currently have the Note 2 so when I make the switch I want to stick with Samsung so I will be getting the Galaxy S4.

Walmart Family Mobile offers two unlimited plans from what I saw. The first was $29.88 for unlimited talk and text and $39.88 for unlimited talk, text and web. Also you can mix and match up to five lines and when you do the price of those additional likes goes to $24.88 for unlimited talk and text and $34.88 for unlimited talk, text and web. They also offer online account management and information where you can add additional lines, pay your bill and much more. The one thing that you need to know and remember is that for no contract plans you need to purchase the phone out right. For me this is no problem because what I will be saving on a monthly basis will pay for the phone is about two to three months so for me this is a win win situation.

Like I mentioned earlier my phone is attached it my hands like glue and especially now since it’s football season. I am in two fantasy football leagues so I am on my phone non-stop checking games, player stats and how I am doing against my opponent each week so I need a phone and plan that aren’t going to let me down.

I was a little concerned at first about switching now especially during football season to a no contract plan but after doing my research I have nothing to fear. I am actually sorry that I didn’t check into this earlier so I could have been saving cash all alone but live and learn I guess.

Also, be sure to check out my Google+ album detailing my Walmart Family Mobile journey.

Shopping Acme Markets Box Tops for Education

October 3, 2013 by Melissa

Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite chores. I call it a chore not an errand. But recently Acme Markets and all Albertsons stores have eliminated the loyalty card. This doesn’t mean they are no longer offering great sales and deals it just means they are offered to everyone always.

I never really understood loyalty cards. They were free, easy to get and everyone had them. My key chain was full of them from all the local grocery stores, sporting good stores and even pet supply stores. Now I’m less a loyalty card and I’m excited about it. They’ll be more Acme Market shopping in my future.

Did you know about the Growing Local Learning Program. When you buy 10 participating General Mills Box Tops of Education Items in a single transaction from an Albertsons store you get 25 bonus eBoxTops on your register receipt. These box tops directly benefit the school of your choice. Log onto http://www.growinglocallearning.com/ for more details about the program.

Albertsons is an American grocery chain with over 1100 stores under the names Acme Markets, Jewel-Osco, Lucky Stores, Osco Pharmacy, Sav-on Pharmacy, Super Saver Foods, and Shaw’s and Star Market.

Give a Child a Shot When You Get a Shot #walgreens #giveashot #cbias #shop

September 23, 2013 by Melissa

For the past week and half I’ve been battling a cold. The kids have been back in school less than a month. Coincidence? I think not.

As a mom to 3 kids in school and activities I worry about germs and illness all the time. I encourage hand washing, not sharing personal items, keeping hands to themselves and of course stay on top of immunizations. What I do forget about sometimes is myself. I move along handling all of the kids materials, book bags and lunchboxes not thinking twice about where they’ve been all day. Now today I walk around the house hacking up a lung and sniffling as if my breathing depends on it, well because it does.

Staying on top of everyday health and wellness is important but so are staying up to date on vaccinations. Have you ever taken a closer look at the Healthcare Clinic at your local Walgreens? Immunizations such as the flu shot, pneumonia and shingles vaccine are available for walk ins, no appointment necessary.

Immunization is one of the world’s biggest public health success stories. Yet, 1 in 5 children still lack access to the lifesaving immunizations that help keep children in the U.S. healthy. Coordinated worldwide vaccination efforts have made significant progress, particularly in reducing cases of measles and polio.

Walgreens is stepping up with their Get a Shot Give a Shot program by offering not only easy access to adult immunizations but Now through October 14th, when you get a flu shot or any other immunization at Walgreens or Healthcare Clinic, we’ll help provide a life-saving vaccine through the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign.

Shot@Life educates, connects and empowers Americans to champion vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries. A national call to action for a global cause, the campaign rallies the American public, members of Congress, and civil society partners around the fact that together, we can save a child’s life every 20 seconds by expanding access to vaccines. By encouraging Americans to learn about, advocate for, and donate to vaccines, Shot@Life aims to decrease vaccine-preventable childhood deaths and give every child a shot at a healthy life.

There is no appointment necessary and most insurance plans are accepted making this an effortless step towards giving a child a shot at a future. The Shot@life program empowers Americans to help children in underdeveloped countries gain access to disease preventable vaccines.

Visit your local Walgreens Healthcare Clinic or Pharmacy for more information about the health services, immunizations and rewards programs they offer to your community. See how we maneuvered through out Walgreens shopping trip to learn more.

Don’t Suffer From Layaway Regret!!! #KmartLayaway

September 10, 2013 by Melissa

This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own.

Believe it or not it’s September already so that means Christmas is only three months away which is crazy to even say. I am a last minute shopper myself but for all you non procrastinators you need to check out Kmart’s Free Layaway on purchases made on 9/8/13 through 11/23/13 (See full details on their website). What better way to get all of your shopping done at once and having the ability to pay for it on a weekly or bi weekly basis since if you are like myself you don’t leave a huge amount of money laying around for Christmas purchases.

A lot of people use different excuses as to why they don’t use layaway or why it isn’t right for them but below are some really good replies to those excuses.

Excuse #1: I’ve never done Layaway before, it seems like too much effort.

Debunked: It’s all in your head. At Kmart, Layaway is not hard work. Whether you have 1 or 100 items , you can Layaway almost everything on your list without paying a service fee through 11/23. Plus, you can pay in store, online or using a mobile phone. Eight or 12 weeks later (depending on your contract) pick up your items and you’re good to go! Bonus: After you figure out how easy it is, you can Layaway all year round at Kmart!

Excuse #2: I don’t have time during the Holiday season to Layaway.

Debunked: Plan now with Layaway, get your holiday shopping done early, pay for it over time and have it just in time for gift giving! Go ahead and ask your family and friends what they want this year and start making your list. The sooner you Layaway, the better chance you have at getting the hottest toys and electronics locked away before everyone else. Bonus: You can relax over the holidays and avoid crazy lines!

Excuse #3: I’m not a ShopYourWay Member.

Debunked: That’s hardly an excuse since signing up for the Sears and Kmart rewards program, ShopYourWay only takes a few minutes (LINK to sign up here). You don’t need to be a ShopYourWay Rewards Member to use Kmart Layaway, but you will get MORE. Members earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed next time you shop (look for chances to get more points)! Members also have access to secret sales and extra discounts which helps you stay close to your holiday budget. If you’re opening a Layaway contract as a ShopYourWay Member, we’ll also waive your minimum purchase fee through 9/21.

Now that your excuses have been dismissed, you have no reason to suffer from ‘Layaway Regret’. It’s time to make your list, check it twice and make a Layaway that’s really nice!

Have you ever used layaway before? How did it work for you?

Give A Minute, Help Make-A-Wish #straighttalkwish

September 9, 2013 by Melissa

Make-A-Wish^® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition on average, every 38 minutes. These wishes don’t just happen. They are available through dedicated volunteers, staff, donors and supporters. This month Straight Talk will make a $1 donation up to $1,000,000 each time the video found on bit.ly/Straighttalkwish is viewed. Is the time of a sick child worth $1?

This is the second year in a row that Straight Talk will be hosting this program. Last year’s program was successful, reaching its $1,000,000 donation mark! Let’s not let the children down this year. Every Saturday in September, Straight Talk Wireless will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for each person that visits their participating local Walmart and takes a minute to learn more about Straight Talk.

This gives you 2 ways to help make a child’s wish come true.

Straight Talk is America’s largest no-contract cell phone provider. This service is available exclusively at Walmart so the cost savings of not having to maintain their own storefronts are passed on to their customers. For only $45 customers receive unlimited talk, text and data Nationwide anytime with calls to 411 at no additional charge.

By reaching their $1,000,000 goal last year, Straight Talk helped make wishes come true. Be a part of that goal this year.

Share this with your friends and family to help Straight Talk get to their goal.

Help Fight Childhood Obesity

September 4, 2013 by Melissa

This is a sponsored post that was written for and provided to Look What Mom Found…and Dad too!

Meet 555lb, 14 year old, Alexander Draper. His mother, Jerri Gray, was charged with criminal neglect for letting him gain too much weight. Alexander was soon placed in foster care and stripped away from his mother, as she faced her looming trial (2 felonies, 15 years, $50k bond). During her trial, she claimed that she didn’t have the education to help him live a healthy lifestyle nor the finances to put him in the recommended weight loss program. IS THIS CRIMINAL NEGLECT OR SOCIAL INJUSTICE?

Reset Wellness, a San Francisco Bay Area Non-Profit, has established a program that focuses on providing obesity intervention tools and academic enrichment to underprivileged children in U.S.(www.resetwellness.org) Later this year, Reset Wellness will be opening a child wellness center to expand their community reach and they need your help. “Alexander Draper’s situation is all too common. There’s a fine line between neglect and miseducation,” states Reset Wellness founder Jamal Williams. “As a nonprofit, we’ve come up with a program that educates families on healthy lifestyles and holds them accountable.”

Currently, there are no one-stop-shops, in the East Bay Area, that tackle child wellness and academics in a practical, economically accessible way. The child wellness center will be the first of its kind and will feature hydraulic strength training circuits, vertical community gardens, technology smart academic classrooms, a childproof kitchen, and health counseling for families.

Reset Wellness Center Smart Classroom Rendering

Donations to fund the $100,000 center start at $5, are tax deductible, and all donors will receive access to exclusive events, customized rewards from Nike, Specialized Bicycles, and more. Go to www.icanstopobesity.org to help make this center real, check out center renderings, and review donor rewards. Jamal concludes, “We’ve all heard the statistics, been alarmed by their severity, and know a child struggling with weight. However, our emotion is rarely combined with action. Donate and spread the word if you are able.Your help will improve the life of countless families.”

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