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How to Get Free Stuff & Coupons from Your Favorite Businesses

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Here is a simple tip for how to get free stuff (including coupons and discounts) from the companies that you love.

There was a fast food restaurant in my old neighborhood that normally had very bad, slow service. Every time I left, I was sorry that I ever went! It was that bad.

But then one day I went in and everything was completely different. The clerks were nice, the service was lighting fast and the fries were very fresh and crispy. I decided to write the fast food chain headquarters a nice letter about how much I appreciated the change to that location.

A few weeks later, I opened up my mailbox and there was a letter from the fast food chain’s headquarters. Inside was a bunch of coupons for free food! I was so excited.

I learned a crucial lesson that day: positivity trumps negativity any day. I have sent negative feedback to businesses in the past — some didn’t ever send a reply and some did, but never can I remember getting such a great reward from it.

So if you want to increase your chances of getting free stuff, coupons, benefits and special deals from the companies you LOVE, take the time out to write more letters to tell them how great they’re doing. Here’s a quick step-by-step list of what to do:

  • Make a running list of all of the major businesses (medium to large companies) that you love and appreciate. Think of all the places that you visit each day, whether it’s the coffee shop, a restaurant or the gym. Include their name, corporate address and email address on your list (use a spreadsheet if possible).
  • Write a standard letter for each company. Here’s a simple format:
    1. Paragraph 1-describe the purpose of your letter (you recently visited the business and had a great experience and wanted to say thank you)
    2. Paragraph 2-include specifics about what happened at your recent visit that was so great.
    3. Paragraph 3- thank the company again and wrap it up.

As you can see, the only paragraph that you’ll probably have to edit in each letter is #2 – the rest can be the same or similar. A handwritten letter is a special touch — it shows that you put extra time and effort into the task.

  • Include your address, phone number (optional) and email address in the letter so that the company will have a way of contacting you back.
  • Drop your letters in the mail.

That’s it. Add to your list and do this as often as you’d like, but please remember one thing: make sure that your feedback is genuine and true.

The potential of getting free stuff and coupons isn’t the only benefit of writing positive feedback to the companies that you love. The more you take the time to do this (spreading positive energy), you may find that more and more positive experiences begin to happen when you patronize businesses in your area and beyond.

Happy writing!

Posted by Jade

Have a Meaningful Valentine’s Day for Under $200

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Here is a concept for a special and meaningful Valentine’s day with your love without breaking the bank. Everything suggested here will cost under $200 for both of you!

Step 1: Book a Hotel $100

This is the most expensive but most important part of your meaningful Valentine’s day by far: book one night in a hotel room. There’s something that’s just delightful about spending a night at a hotel instead of in your usual room or apartment.

There are now hotel booking apps that offer last minute deals, like Hotel Tonight. It’s so easy to find a room for $100 or less (even on V-Day). In fact, some sites offer special discounts for Valentine’s and other holidays at discreet but beautiful hotels.

With the Hotel Tonight app, you’ll receive $25 for signing up when you use the code NNONE9, so you just might find a hotel room for well under $100 including tax.

Step 2: The Decorations $25

Check in time for your hotel room will be around 3pm. Get there about an hour before that and try to check in early so that you’ll have more than enough time to decorate your room for your love. Keep it simple:

  • 4 red balloons (two tied to either side of the hotel bed)
  • A red comforter or satin sheet (if the hotel can’t provide, bring one of your own!)
  • A red table cloth or runner (you can find these at the Dollar store) for your champagne and goodies)
  • Rose petals shaped into a heart somewhere in the room (and some waiting by the bathtub)
  • A wall sticker with a message of love (these can easily be peeled back off in most cases)
  • A CD player or iPod playing soft and romantic, yet meaningful music (something like Beck’s Grammy award winning Morning Phase)
  • If you want to step it up a notch, install a portable bed canopy with a red or white sheer curtain.

Step 3: The Feast $40

There’s no need to order room service and rack up a large bill. Just bring a delicious feast that you can eat on ice or at room temperature. Here are some ideas for a Valentine’s feast in your hotel room:

  • Shrimp cocktail (find a large one at BJs Wholesale Club or Costco)
  • A hero sandwich shaped like a heart (also sometimes available at a wholesale club)
  • Deviled eggs
  • Sushi
  • Box or basket of candy / chocolates or cupcakes for you to share…

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Step 4: The Bath Together $20

One of the most meaningful and special moments you’ll have together on Valentine’s Day is a lovely, warm bubble bath together in your hotel tub. When you’re both fed and satisfied, run a hot bath with relaxing, romantic soap (if your love has sensitive skin, make sure it is the right formula) and sprinkle the rest of your petals on top. Light a fragrant candle on a safe place on the sink and enjoy. Take this time to tell each other something that will bring you even closer. For example:

  • What was the moment that you knew you loved this person?
  • What were you thinking about each other when you first met?
  • What is your favorite thing about your beloved?

Everything that happens after this point is up to you! Leave any and all negativity at the hotel desk. Have fun, be safe and love one another!

Posted by Jade

3 Good Cappuccino (Espresso) Makers Under $75

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Almost every time I visit a coffee shop, whether it’s Starbucks or a neighborhood cafe, I get an extra shot of espresso in my cup. I really enjoy it and it gives me a boost for my day and when doing work. Yet, what I do not particular enjoy is the cost per cup! I decided to browse Amazon.com for an affordable, durable and stylish cappuccino maker that I could put on my kitchen counter and use every morning. Here are the 3 interesting espresso maker machines, all under $75 (as of the publishing of this post), that I’m considering:

Krups XP 1000 Steam Expresso Machine With Frothing Nozzle For Cappuccino

Krups cappuccino machine.This machine resembles an “old school” coffee pot, only much smaller. It has a 3-way switch to adjust the strength of your cappuccino and froth the milk. The brew time is just 3 or 4 minutes. It’s a very compact espresso machine that will probably tuck comfortably into a small nook on your kitchen counter.

Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker

Hamilton Beach Espresso and Cappuccino machine.I like this machine because it looks a lot like the machine you might find in Starbucks or another popular coffee shop. It advertises “café quality results,” which is definitely what I’m looking for. It has a 15 bar Italian pump that presses out the espresso, and steams and froths the milk for a perfect white-topped cappuccino. It also can brew two individual cups of espresso at the same time, so you can make one for you and one for your love. A nice way to start the day.

Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker.This is a traditional espresso maker that’s popular in Italy. You add water and your favorite coffee to the bottom compartments and the espresso brews its way up to the top compartment in about 5 minutes. It’s comes in a 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 cup size depending on how much you like your espresso. While this doesn’t make cappuccinos, it is considered the premier way to make an authentic strong cup of espresso, takes up little space, and can be carried from room to room for serving to guests. It’s also reasonably priced at about $30.

I was really impressed at the choices and prices for these cappuccino maker machines on Amazon. I’m currently leaning toward the Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker because it’s right in the middle and gives me every option I’m looking for.

Posted by Jade

3 Must-Have Stylish & Practical Kitchen Appliances

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Having the right kitchen appliances are key to preparing meals successfully and beautifully. They should also add to your decor and be very functional.

I knew that Amazon would have a great selection of modern appliances to choose from, so I decided to do some browsing to see some of the latest products available. Here are 3 appliances that caught my eye—they will add style to your kitchen and assist you in preparing meals a lot easier.

Keep it Sharp

knife sharpenerOne of the most time consuming tasks that you have to accomplish when cooking is to chop up your vegetables and meats. The key to making this job quicker is to ensure that your knife is nice and sharp. The KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2 Stage Knife Sharpener efficiently and quickly sharpens your existing knives so that you’ll make quick work of your fruits, veggies and meat. And it’s under 7 bucks, worth every penny.

How Do Chefs Make Everything from Scratch?

food processorIf you are wondering how cooks, chefs and bakers are able to make everything from scratch, it’s because they always have a good food processor handy. The Cuisinart FP-8SV Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor in Silver is a highly rated, stylish machine that will do the job. Just slowly add your ingredients to the processor and allow the machine to do the work for everything from a perfect pie crust to a special sauce or salsa. You can also use it to chop up your vegetables in a hurry for a quick recipe. It’s easy to clean and has 350 watts of power.

Make Pasta like the Masters

pasta rollerIf you love pasta as much as I do, you definitely have to have a pasta machine in your kitchen! The Roma 6 Inch Traditional Style Pasta Machine is a handy little appliance that allows you to make homemade pasta just like the Old World chefs (like Lidia Bastianich) do. No preservatives or additives — just natural ingredients. Just make your pasta (use this recipe and your food processor), place the dough into the machine and turn the roller to create your spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine or lasagna. You can also make ravioli (yum).

Have fun with your new kitchen appliances!

Posted by Jade

3 Fun Cat Gifts that Your Kitty Will Absolutely LOVE

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Looking for a fun present to give your kitty on her birthday or during the holidays? Here are 3 fun cat gifts that your pet will absolutely love.

716k0isZpgL._SL1013_Sunny Seat Window-Mounted Cat Bed

Does your kitty love to spend time in the window, sun bathing? A Window Mounted Cat Bed will quickly become his favorite place. It suctions to the window and keeps him suspended above the window sill. You know how much cats love to be in high vantage points — if you have multiple cats, get one for each window.

9172Ypd5TzL._SL1500_K&H Pet Bed Warmer

Cats love to be warm and comfortable just as much as we do — that’s why they love to snuggle up next to you so much. If you add an indoor Pet Bed Warmer to your cat’s bed, you’ll probably find that he spends more time there than tangled up in your covers! Just plug it into a standard outlet, and it will warm up to about 102 degree (a cat’s ideal temperature).

SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy Concealed Motion Toy

41w2dGrOzcLCats are natural hunters, which is why they are obsessed with toys that move on their own. The Hot Pursuit Cat Toy Concealed Motion Toy is a fun mechanical toy that operates on a couple of batteries. A little “tail” randomly moves in either direction, mimicking that of a smaller animal and giving your kitty hours of fun. Four speeds available.

Are You Tired Of Scooping Cat Litter Like Me?

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I have been a cat owner for more than three decades. There is just one annoying chore that I really hate, scooping cat litter! Don’t get me wrong, I really love my cats. At the same time, I have a difficult time getting motivated to clean out their litter boxes. I hate the smell and don’t like to dispose of their waste. It has been like having a part time job taking care of the litter box. So, I decided to look on Amazon to hopefully find a solution. Here’s what I found:

A Self Cleaning Litter Box with Good Ratings

Self Cleaning Litter Box

The first, was a Scoop Free Ultra Self Cleaning Litter Box made a company called Pet Safe. Their basic unit costs about $125. The description says that you can go weeks without cleaning the litter box. Wouldn’t that be a little slice of heaven! It was designed by a person educated at MIT, so I guess you can call it a “smart litter box?” The only downside of this unit is that you have to keep buying their special blue litter granules, which I’m not sure my cats would like.

Another Self-Cleaning Box that Pushes the Litter to the Back

The second product that I researched is called the Litter Maid Automatic Self Cleaning Classic Litter Box. It costs under $100 and doesn’t require you to buy special litter. This brand offers litter boxes that can be used by multiple cats for less than the cost of purchasing two of their litter boxes. One issue that some people mention is that some cats may get nervous about the noise these machines make. Also, waste can get caught in the grates. I do like that there’s a pad to catch excess litter as the cat walks out of the box.

The Cat Genie

Self-cleaning litter box for cats.
Self-cleaning litter box for cats.

The next litter box that I researched was called the Cat Genie. It is a self-washing and self-flushing cat box. This option seems to be the “sophisticated” choice in self-cleaning litter boxes. Your cat basically looks like he’s going on a toilet, then it flushes for him.

It includes washable granules so you never have to buy or touch cat litter again. Now that might make it well worth the $200 price tag, but it has some pretty questionable reviews. It requires a rigid water line (in a bathroom, utility closet or laundry room) and a wrench or pliers (but I would suggest you get someone who really understands this type of hookup to avoid issues). It sounds like an interesting concept, but I don’t think I want to go that far to avoid scooping cat litter!

The Rolling Litter Box

Rolling Litter BoxRolling the Litter Box Example

This is the litter box I ultimately settled on, and I like it! It’s called the Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litter Box, otherwise known as a “rolling” litter box. Instead of scooping the litter, you roll the box to the side and the waste is deposited into a handy little scooping tray. The price is great for around $25 and it works reasonably well. It requires a little elbow grease, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it for an elderly person with mobility challenges, but it’s great for someone who’s reasonably athletic and able to lean down for a few moments to roll the box.

The Sifting Litter Box

sifting litter box

I actually bought this litter box a while back, and it worked reasonably well. It’s the Van Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Litter Pan. The only issue was that waste sometimes got stuck in the sifting pan. Basically, you place the sifting pan inside of the enclosed box, then add litter. When you’re ready to clean the litter box, lift the sifting pan and shake it thoroughly, then toss out the hardened matter. It helps to put a liner at the bottom of the enclosed box, then add the sifting pan, then add the litter. It’s a large box and can accommodate multiple cats. It’s also very affordable (I found it here for under $15, the price may change) and it gets pretty good reviews. Looking it this sifting litter box again (especially at that price) I think I should go ahead and get one again as a second option!

I highly recommend that all cat owners/lovers who are tired of scooping cat litter check out all of the modern litter box options that are now available on the market. Anything is great that can make our lives easier as pet owners, right? Buying a good litter box could save a lot of time and unnecessary stress on our bodies.

Posted by Jade