Swagbucks

My favorite online site to earn money is Swagbucks.  Instead of searching through Google, you search through Swagbucks and earn for doing so.  You can also earn by doing surveys, special offers, games, etc.  My goal is to earn 100 Swagbucks a day.  450 Swagbucks can be redeemed for a $5.00 Amazon gift card, and you can earn 5 per month.  Each and every month I earn $25.00 in Amazon gift cards and use those to buy birthday and Christmas presents.
The other amazing thing about Swagbucks is that you can earn cash.  For 2500 Swagbucks you can get $25 via paypal.  I generally earn $25 every other month.  Free cash.  Doesn't get better than that.

And though it doesn't seem like a lot of money, I've been doing this for 3 years.

2012 - $300 Amazon gift cards, $150 cash
2013 - $300 Amazon gift cards, $100 cash
2014 - $300 Amazon gift cards, $125 cash

The secret is doing the surveys.  You can earn your 100 Swagbucks by doing 1-2 surveys a day.

If you decide to try out Swagbucks please consider using my referral link!
Colleen's Swagbucks Referral Link

Money Making Apps

I'm all about making money from my smartphone.  It took me a long time to upgrade my phone to a smartphone because of the cost.  But what I found is that I can do small jobs to make money with my smartphone and it helps offset the bill every month.  Plus it's fun - I can snap a few pictures while I'm out running errands.

My absolute favorite apps are...

1.  Easyshift - It tracks where you are and shows you all jobs that are available.  The thing that makes this app better than the others is that you can reserve a shift for 24 hours.  Pays directly into your paypal account after each job is approved.

2.  Field Agent - Same idea as Easyshift but you can only reserve shifts for 2 hours.  Pays directly into your paypal account whenever you choose.  I like to save up the money and cash out right before Christmas.

3.  Gigwalk - Same as the others but you can reserve shifts for up to 36 hours.  There seems to be a lot of competition for jobs though and they have been scarce as of late.

4.  Zapiddy - These jobs can't be reserved so beware!  But if you happen to be at the right place at the right time you can earn a quick $4.00 per job.  At Thanksgiving my daughter and I made a good chunk of money taking pictures of different pumpkin pies.  Yep. 

5.  Mobee - These jobs tend to be a bit more tedious and the app pays in points.  Those points can then be converted into gift cards.  You can't reserve jobs on this app either, but these jobs are in less demand and are plentiful at the moment.

Never buy toothpaste again

I understand that couponing isn't for everyone (kind of, I kind of understand that).  At the very least though I hope I can convince you to never buy toothpaste again.  Really.  Unless you are a toothpaste snob.  But if you can live with Crest or Colgate there is NO reason to be buying it.  Save those $3.00 and enjoy a cup of coffee.  Or put it in your kid's college account.  I'm a firm believer that every dollar adds up.

It's entirely possible that Rite Aid is the greatest store that ever was.  I'm sure there are some eye rolls out there when reading this statement.  But I stand behind it 100%.  I shop there once a week and usually spend about $1.00 on at least $10.00 worth of items.  What my family doesn't need I donate to a local family resource center.

The reason this is all possible is because of Rite Aid's rewards system called Plus Up Rewards.  It's a free program and worth your time to sign up for.  Each week many items will give you a Plus Up Reward for buying it.  For example,

Colgate - $2.99
Plus Up Reward for you to use on your next purchase of anything- $2.00
Final price - $.99

Add in a coupon to that for $1.00 and you have free toothpaste.

Now the great thing is that you can roll the Plus Up Rewards.  Rolling is coupon talk for using the reward on your next purchase.  So the next day (must wait a day per Rite Aid rules) I go back to buy another tube of Colgate for $2.99.  I then use my Plus Up Reward from the day before making my out of pocket $.99 (I could use another $1.00 manufacturer's coupon as well making my out of pocket $0).  I would then get ANOTHER $2.00 Plus Up Reward meaning I was just paid $1.00 to buy the toothpaste.

Ten quick way to save money

When I decided to stay home nearly 7 years ago my biggest fear was that I'd never be able to retire.  I'm not the "typical" stay-at-home mom who treasures every second of being at home with her kids - though I doubt there are many moms who live that life.  I am home for the time being and plan on going back to work someday, actually, look forward to going back to work someday.  But just because my husband is still putting in hours every week at work doesn't mean that he should be able to retire before me.  That doesn't seem fair.  Not at all.  So I decided I would stay at home, but that my priority would be maxing out my Roth IRA each and every year.  Have I done it for 6 years?  No. But I have done it for the last 4.

I do everything I can to save our family money.  I menu plan, shop sales with coupons, sell the kids things at consignment sales, etc.  I make taking care of our finances as much as a priority as taking care of the kids.  Yep.  I'm serious.  It's my job and every year I do better and better at it.  

Shakeology Samples

My secret to staying in shape?  It's Shakeology.  I know, you've heard it all before.  But this isn't a sales pitch.  Shakeology has made this incredibly picky eater (I HATE VEGETABLES) healthier and more energetic.  And it's not gross.  It's actually, dare I say, pretty decently good.  

I drink Greenberry Shakeology every morning blended up with frozen blueberries and a banana.  It gives me a good start to the day and keeps me full until lunch.  When I'm especially good about drinking it EVERY DAY, it also takes away all my cravings for fast food and sweets.  Yep.  It's true.  

So even though my investment in Shakeology every month is a lot of money (especially for this cheapskate) I see it as an investment in my health.  And that ultimately saves me moolah.  I also end up saving money by not eating fast food - so in the end the $100 plus a month is a win-win for me.

If you are interested in trying Shakeology without a huge commitment, let me know.  I'd be happy to send you a complimentary sample of either chocolate, strawberry or vanilla.  I just ask in return that you don't already have a Beachbody coach.  I'm literally sending you a sample worth $6.00 out of my pocket because I think you'll find it as great as I did.  

Shoot me an e-mail at 

teambeingtrue@gmail.com and I'll get working on getting your sample to you.

Beachbody - my beginning

Last year I bought a Piyo challenge pack that really made a difference in my body.  It was a step outside of my comfort zone though but sometimes those decisions are the ones that change the direction of your life.
I'm small.  I've been small all my life.  If I get to be 100 pounds I know things are not OK with me (as I eat when I'm stressed).  Then I got pregnant with my first daughter.  I gained 50 pounds, was sick as a dog each and every day, and hated every second of being pregnant.  My legs hurt, my ankles were crazy swollen, I couldn't get off the couch without help, etc.  Meaning also that exercise was just the last thing on my mind.  After our first daughter I dropped the baby weight no problem.  Sure I had a few stretch marks but nothing that made me self-conscious.  Then 2 years later I was pregnant with #2.  Sick again, puking multiple times a day every day, and just hating life.  Once again I gained 50 pounds.
Getting back on track after #2 proved harder than the first time.  My body was, shall we say, less than happy with me.  And it had every right to be pissed.  I was completely and utterly ashamed of my body after #2.  I dropped the weight just fine, but was left with extra skin and stretch marks everywhere.  I wore those tank tops that suck in your fat but leave you so uncomfortable you can barely breathe.  I wore a belly band that ended up giving me blood clots.  I was stupid, I was stupid, I was stupid.
I had been a loyal Jillian Michael's video girl for 5 years on and off.  I'd do a good job, then someone in our family would get sick and I'd fall off the wagon.  I dreaded all her workouts that had me jumping around and kicking my legs up.  Half of the moves made me pee after giving birth to two babies.  But I did them because I wanted to be healthy.
Then Piyo came into my life.  No jumping?  No crazy moving around?  Sounded just right for me!  I followed the workouts for 60 days (it came with a calendar of what workouts to do and when to rest) and also came with Shakeology.  Now I'm a picky eater.  Pickier than anyone you know - I can guarantee that.  But I thought, what the hell?  I have it and this is probably my last chance to really see if I can have abs again.  So I drank Shakeology and did Piyo for 60 days.  I didn't change any of my other eating habits - I just couldn't.  I NEED caffeine and candy.  I just do, I can't explain it.
But you know what?  I loved the results.  Sure I still had stretch marks and extra skin.  But Piyo and Shakeology made me feel okay with my body once again.  It gave me some confidence back- confidence that I really needed.
Now let's be clear - I just signed up to be a Beachbody coach so I can get a discount on Shakeology, but also because I know the program works.  If you are looking for a change in your life and need a fitness friend who can cheer you on (and say it's okay to still cheat and be human) then contact me.  I'd love to help you and see if what worked for me could work for you!  I'm starting the 21 day fix soon and would love love love to do it with you.  Because it's 2015 and you and I are worth it.
Team Being True

It's one of those days

I just need a reset button for the day.  I'm going to give in, do a little self-care, and try again tomorrow.  I choose to look at this as another opportunity for tomorrow rather than a missed opportunity for today.

Ibotta - the best coupon app to date

Ibotta is a coupon app that pays you cash for buying certain items.  Last year, without trying, I made over $200 buying items I would have bought anyway.  I decided that I would actually try to see how much I can make with the app this year, and halfway through the month of January I've made $53.00. Sure, I've spent about $20 on products. But I only buy things our household uses - this month I bought tuna, hand soap, yogurt, organic kitchen cleaner, etc.  The beautiful thing about Ibotta is you can use it in addition to paper coupons. So this week you can score a few things for free - and nothing is better than free.

Fred Meyer/Winco
Swiffer Duster Kit $4.89
Use $2.00 Internet coupon (www.coupons.com)
Get back $3.00 from Ibotta

So Delicious coconut milk yogurt $1.50
Use $1.00 coupon from 1/11 Smartsource or www.coupons.com
Get back $1.00 from Ibotta

If you decide to start using Ibotta, please consider using my referral code zxmmw!

Coupon apps that pay

A newer idea that has been gaining a lot of traction lately are coupon apps that pay you.  Instead of (and in addition to) clipping coupons, you scan your receipt and the app pays you for buying certain products.  The great thing about these apps is that you can use a paper coupon in addition to these. For example I just bought some deodorant for my husband that was $3.88.  I had a $2.00 paper coupon, and a $2.00 coupon from Jingit.  I paid $1.88 out of pocket and then Jingit put $2.00 in my Jingit account.  I was paid to buy the deodorant.  Also, many of these coupon apps will have an item on multiple apps at the same time - double dipping for you!

1.  Ibotta - This app seems to be growing a a breakneck speed.  Shop from a huge list of grocery stores and retailers.  Complete the simple steps on the Ibotta app for the items you want to buy and then once you bought them scan their UPC code and your receipt.  Your money will be added to your account and you can cash out whenever you choose.  Ibotta just added a teamwork game that will help you get bonuses once your team buys a certain number of items.  If you want to join Ibotta please use my referral link zxmmw  If you'd like to know how to build your team up - shoot me an e-mail!  I'd be happy to share my secret!

2. Jingit - Lots of people don't like this app, but I think it's great.  It's very similar to Ibotta but has less offerings.  You are able though to earn money on this app simply by scanning certain products at the store.  You can cash out for e-gift cards.

3.  Checkout51 - Every week I loyally buy bananas and get $.25 put into my Checkout51 account for doing so from this app.  Doesn't seem like a lot but there are plenty of other offers as well.  It's the exact same concept a Ibotta.

4.  Shopmium - I've found this app to be hit and miss.  It has a limited amount of items to buy and I'm not interested in most of them.  But every now and then it has the same items as some of the other coupon apps so you can double dip.  This nice thing about this app too is that your paypal is paid immediately after your receipt is processed.

5.  Berrycart - This is just like all the others but focuses mainly on organic and natural foods.  If you're interested in this app please use my referral code https://www.berrycart.com/rf/3gW0eCWQ.

6.  Snap by Groupon - This app has started out bumpy and continues to be.  Once you hit $20 you can request either a check or a paypal payment.  People have reported lots of problems though with their receipts not processing or processing for the wrong dollar amount.  I use it because they often have coupons for diapers and wipes, but buyer beware.

Homemade Salsa

I love tomatoes - I love homemade salsa even more.  I'm not huge on onions, so I put in way more tomatoes than most, but it's delicious.  I'm kind of famous for my salsa- kind of.

Homemade Salsa

5-6 Roma Tomatoes - firm
1 small onion
cilantro

I use this handy little gadget to chop it all up...
Kitchenaid Mini Mixer

Chop up small onion and cilantro in mini mixer.  Put in a airtight container.  Chop up tomatoes.  Add all together in the airtight container.

Sometimes the most wonderful foods don't have to be complicated.  I add this to nearly everything I eat - omelets, tacos, nachos, late night chips and salsa, etc.

It's Hip To Be Square - Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

My kid's all-time favorite breakfast food?  Banana chocolate chip muffins.  Squared, not muffin shaped (picky little monsters).

1 1/2 cup flour - I usually do half white and half wheat
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
1/4 baking soda

2 mashed bananas
1/2 cup applesauce
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1/4 cup honey

1/2 chocolate chips

Whisk together all dry ingredients.  Add in wet ingredients, then chocolate chips.  Use a greased muffin pan (square or regular!) and cook at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Rest Day

Today is my rest day and I couldn't be happier about it.  Staying in shape is hard work.  Getting out of shape is so much more fun.
In my ongoing effort to get my family healthier too I am pleased to announce that I was able to sneak some carrots into my kids' smoothies.  They had no idea and I took extreme pleasure that I had succeeded finally in getting vegetables into them.

Healthier make-ahead Pancake Recipe

My youngest requested pancakes last night so after my work out this morning I decided to try for Mom-of-the-Year and blow her mind.  In an effort to make my life easier and begin our journey toward healthier eating I opted to get rid of the Bisquick.  My kids had no idea I had snuck in some healthy foods into their pancakes.

Healthier make-ahead Pancake Recipe
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 cups white flour
- 6 Tablespoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon wheat germ

- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg

Whisk all dry ingredients together and store in a Ziploc bag.  You won't be using all the dry mixture today (unless you have way more kids than hands).  Take about 1 1/2 cups of the dry mixture and add in banana, applesauce, milk and egg.
Cook that baby up!  I know they say to not push the pancake down once you've flipped it - but if you're feeling especially frisky go ahead and push it down!

No-Knead white bread (only 4 ingredients!!!)

I'm not a health nut.  Actually, I'd describe myself more as a white rice and meat kind of girl.  I love fruit and hate vegetables.  And don't get me started on soda...I simply l.o.v.e soda.  But I'm trying to interweave some healthy recipes into my family's meals. 

My first recipe may not necessarily be healthy since it's chock full of white flour.  But it only has 4 ingredients, your friends will think you've become an amazing baker and it tastes amazing.  Ever walked into a bakery and wanted to fall to your knees due to the amazing smell?  Yep, welcome to my house once a week. 

No-Knead White Bread
6 cups white flour (Costco anyone?)
1/2 teaspoon yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 2/3 cup cold water

Dump everything in a nice big bowl and mix.  I used a wooden spoon to mix for a long time, and just recently upgraded to this amazing Danish Dough Mixer per recommendation from the amazing blog that I got this recipe from (www.frugallivingnw).  She makes it with a bit more salt than I do, but I credit her fully for bringing this bread into my life!

Once it's all mixed up pull saran wrap over the bowl and let it sit overnight.  In the morning it will be nice and bubbly. Generously flour a kitchen towel and dump the dough onto it.  Cover with another towel for 1.5 hours.  After the 1.5 hours preheat your oven to 425 degrees with your covered Dutch Oven in it for 30 minutes.  Then put your dough in the dutch over, cover it and cook for 40-43 minutes.  Remove cover and cook for 10 more. 

Voila, you will have the most amazing looking bread ever. And it will taste even better than it looks.

I did it, even though I really didn't WANT to do it...

This morning my bed felt like the most wonderful cloud.  It was warm and perfectly comfortable, so when my husband's alarm when off I wanted to roll over and punch him in the face.  But I didn't (round of applause for me please).  Instead I laid in bed for ten minutes telling myself that I needed to get up and put my sports bra on so I could work out.  My body told me no, but this whole holding myself accountable thing eventually won out and I rolled out of bed.
Truth be told, I counted down every single minute of my piyo today.  BUT I DID IT.  I did it, I drank my Shakeology and I'm set to face the day.  Now I just need to get off the couch...

Finding me again

I'm starting this blog so I can hold myself personally accountable and follow through.  Follow through with re-finding my passion, my spark, and taking back control over my life.  I've been a mom only for too long.  In the middle of diapers and late night puke fests I put myself on the back burner and took care of everyone else around me - and now it's time for a change.  It's 2015 people and I've decided to change the course of my life and say yes to every opportunity presented to me.  I'll surely fail at some.  I'm going to learn to be okay with that.  Want to start this journey with me?

I'll be posting small ways that I make money - money that I then use to fund my children's college accounts and my retirement.  I'm also changing the way my family eats this year.  Listen, I'm real though and I'll probably still be drinking soda while I tell my kids that it's an adult's only drink.  I love candy.  But I'm going to start incorporating healthy foods into our lives - and will be sharing recipes and ides.

Finally, I just signed on as a Beachbody coach.  I started Piyo last year and found it to be the most amazing workout for my body ever.  This is coming from a huge Jillian Michael's fan too.  So now I'm starting my journey with Shakeology and just really getting back on track with being healthy.  I'm a real person who isn't going to become a personal trainer, this is just my life (soda and all).