The Best things in life are FREE!

A show of hands, how many you of you like Free stuff?  I know this momma certainly does.  I am not one of those extreme coupon types, at least not yet.  However, after a working mama shared with me how she cut her grocery bill of $242 down to about $12. Yep, I’m sold.  She also told me we should not pay for toilet paper nor paper towels.  Say what? According to her, toilet paper should be Free, nada, zilch.  That sounds great seeing my children go through toilet paper in our house like it is FREE.  Speaking of Free… Let’s get to the topic at hand.

I am one of those women who tries things out first before recommending it to others.  You can be assured the links I give below are trustworthy.  Many of my freebies comes from blogs in which I have become Facebook fans with.  My first deal was a one year subscription to ESPN for my husband for about $4.  Next, I scored FREE paint from ACE hardware when they were giving away paint every Saturday during the month of March.  My first quart of yellow paint (my favorite color) called Sunshine actually covered my whole laundry room. Whoohoo!  But that is not it.  Recently, my husband and I were able to enjoy an Artisan pizza from Domino’s for you guessed it, FREE.  And to work out that pizza I earned a FREE stability ball from FITstudio by just signing up for fitness news via email.

However, there is more, Yes, so much more.  I received this beauty in the mail last week.  A FREE beauty bag of cosmetics, skin care and hair products from Target.  To get it all I had to do was “like” Target on Facebook when they were offering a sign up for the beauty bag giveaway.  I hear they do this giveaway ever so often so keep checking back on their Facebook page.

And look at this! A  box of goodies from Valspar Paint.  The company was giving away certain amounts of free paint of any color choice to online Facebook fans.  The gift box features a small can of paint, paint roller/pan and coupons to use in the future.

I can not begin to tell you how euphoric it is to get something really good for FREE.  I want to share the joy with you my friends.  Below I have a list of sites, I follow either via Facebook or blog for daily super deals.  Again, these are sites I am familiar with and have used with no problems.  If you get a really good deal or snag a Fun FREE item let me know, won’t you?

Have a fabulous time!

Ro:)

Here are the sites for FREE stuff:

http://www.freebie-link.com/

The site touts you can find freebies, coupons and more!

https://www.facebook.com/FrugalLivingandHavingFun?ref=ts

On this Facebook page you can freebies, coupons, how-to’s, etc.

www.FrugalFreebiesandDeals.com

Jen says she can save you $54.79 or more daily.

http://www.chachingonashoestring.com

Living large on a limited budget; Sweet who couldn’t use that!

Why Shop Small?

Support Small Business

Today is the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of  the busiest shopping weekends of the year.  Millions are asked to shop small at their favorite local business to help fuel the economy ultimately creating a huge impact.  I have been a “real” business owner for almost a year.  I use the word “real” because before I started taking myself seriously I ran my business like a hobby, thus, it produced like a hobby.  But when I seriously invested my time and resources things changed.  I don’t have all of it perfect but I am learning a lot and I like it.

Growing up I never owned as much as a lemonade stand. Anything that had to do with my business really intimidated me.  Seriously, I cringe just balancing the checkbook. But my Pastor who is an entrepreneur and my husband encouraged me when I left my life as a television news producer to start my business.  I have always loved creating.  It actually is one of the reasons I stayed in television so long. I enjoy taking a blank slate, transforming it into something beautiful. Hence, To BEad Continued. A handmade jewelry company that never duplicates but creates unique pieces and custom accessories.

So why should you support small businesses today and everyday? Simple: Legacy.  If you believe in creating a better future for the next generation, passing on wealth and not debt, financial freedom and self-esteem, then YES you should support small business.  Afterall, business ownership is really the American Dream not homeownership! 

My goal with running my small business is to support my small business; my children. My husband and I have a dream our children will be better off financially that we ever were.  They will never be consumed by the thought of owing anyone. Can you imagine how much freedom it would be pay cash for a car and use the extra money to bless your family, friends or even your church? Wow, the thought makes me giddy.

So if you already made your major purchases at the “Big” stores consider today picking up a few handmade items or go to a local store in your community and show your gratitude.  Remember that small business brings tourism into your community, employs people and offer a unique service.

The Mom entrepreneur offers the following tips for shopping small.

• Take precautions with any purchase. See what the return policy is and whether or not there is any warranty.
• Don’t assume something is better quality because it is handmade. There are varying levels of skill, so read reviews if possible.
• Understand that other small business owners may be struggling with the economy, so pay in advance for a product being shipped to you.  
• For today, don’t try to barter or negotiate. Pay what the merchant is asking for.  
• Don’t buy something you don’t want or need, to support a friend. Be honest. (This is one of my personal favs)

Happy Shopping and Go Small Business!