Ways to Save While You Continue Your Job Search

There’s no question that the current job market is challenging for even the most qualified college grads presently seeking employment. So much for stating the obvious! This is truly a market that requires a creative, “think outside of the box” mentality - - albeit with perseverance, and a lot of luck. But don’t despair; resources abound with tips to make this time in your lives a bit more palatable. The suggestions in this article, 10 Thrifty Tips for Hip Grads, may not be new to you, but it’s always helpful to be re-reminded in print. This article appeared on the blog Grad to Great. Consider following the blog on Twitter @GradtoGreat. If you have a tip to add, please share it in the comment box below.

While you continue your job search, here are a couple more freebies for the taking:

It’s Friday, and time to sign up and receive free chocolate from Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. Mars has generously given away 250,000 coupons for free chocolate each Friday since May. That’s a lot of chocolate! Who can say no to M&M’s, Snickers and other favorites?

If you’re based in New England, stop by a participating McDonald’s for a free Newman’s Own Organics Coffee through the end of September. Don’t you just love free coffee? Apparently Tuesday the 29th is National Coffee Day. I’m not yet sure what that means, but it sounds better than yesterday’s National Punctuation Day! Who knew? There’s a “day” for everything, I guess.

Reminder: Tomorrow is Museum Day, sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine. Take a break from your job search and check out all the free events at museums around the country. It'll do your spirits a world of good, and not break your budget!




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you can find additional postings from Mom Knows Best at:
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Thanks,
Mom
Follow me on Twitter: MomBlogsBest

An Abundance of Freebies to Welcome You Back!

After a short hiatus, the blog is back! Special thanks to those subscribers who gently nudged me to rekindle the blog.

So much to write….where to begin…..

How about a bunch of freebies and coupons:

Baskin Robbins is offering $1 off any Medium or Large Cappuccino Blast before October 15, 2009.

On Thursday, September 24, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. Cold Stone Creamery is offering a free 3 oz. Make-A-Wish Creation with a donation.

Carvel is having Customer Appreciation Day on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 3 to 7 and will be offering free Oreo Lil’ Rounders. (Truth be told, I’m a huge Oreo fan! They are my all time favorite store bought cookie.)

Are you a Jamba Juice fan like my daughter? Print this coupon and buy one smoothie and get one 16 ounce for a dollar. Hurry up; this offer expires on September 27th.

How about a free sample of New Total Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal shipped directly to your dorm or apartment?

And while you are at it, sign up for a free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios and they will also send you a dollar coupon off your next purchase.

Before they run out, there are still free Kashi samples available.

Looking ahead to this coming weekend, on Saturday, September 26th, be sure to check out Museum Day, with free museum admission available at countless museums throughout the country. Many of these museums are planning special one day events to coincide with Museum Day.

That should be enough to get you started and help you with your college or post college budget!

Please Note: If you are reading a posting from this blog through sources
other than the actual blog or a subscription to the blog,
you can find additional postings from Mom Knows Best at:
http://bloggermomknowsbest.blogspot.com/
where you will also find a link enabling you to subscribe directly to the blog.
Thanks,
Mom
Follow me on Twitter: MomBlogsBest

Those Freebies Never Stop

Lots of freebies to enjoy this week.......

If you have a Bank of America check, ATM or credit card you can gain free admission to many museums throughout the country during the first weekend of each month (that means this one, March 7 and 8!). Check the site for specific museum locations and additional information. You can even sign up on the site to receive a monthly reminder. That can mean a huge savings for the college student trying to stick to a budget!

Sign up, while supplies last, to receive a free Glade Plugins Scented Oil warmer and a Hawaiian Breeze refill.

Buy one Baskin and Robbins sundae and get one free through March 28, 2009. Sign up on the Baskin and Robbins site to join the Birthday Club and receive free ice cream on your birthday.

Check out the site Free Birthday Treats to receive free items ("bowling, dinners, golf, movies, skiing and spa treatments"....) on your birthday.
(Thanks Beth!)

Enjoy your weekend and remember to change your clocks!


Please Note: If you are reading a posting from this blog through sources
other than the actual blog or a subscription to the blog,
you can find additional postings from Mom Knows Best at:
http://bloggermomknowsbest.blogspot.com/
where you will also find a link enabling you to subscribe directly to the blog.
Thanks.
Mom

So Many Freebies, So Little Time

The freebies are plentiful this week. At the risk of supplies running out, which often happens, I opted to share the wealth of freebies with you all in one posting, and not wait until “Freebie Friday”. Give these a try:

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond True Delights from Quaker

Mini rice and multigrain snacks (cheddar or chocolatey drizzle) from Quaker

Bear Naked Fruit and Nut Granola

Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix

There are only two weeks left until Valentine's Day. You can order 6 free valentines from Stories by Everyone (expires February 1, 2009). This site is apparently quite busy during peak hours, so be patient and try the site at odd hours of the day and night (easy for you college students!), for best results.

I saved my personal favorite for last: Stop by a Godiva store between January 30th and February 1st, and again between February 6th and 8th, to sample a variety of mousse chocolates. If you miss either of those events, then head back on February 13th to 15th to sample wrapped demitasse. Check Godiva's website for locations and in-store events available at your local store. Oh, how I love chocolate!

It's Freebie Friday And You Know What That Means!

The holidays are upon us and the stores are doing everything possible to lure us in to shop.

First, I’ll share a coupon for a 30% discount at the Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. It’s also for a good cause. Specify a nonprofit, and 5% of your purchase will be donated to your chosen charity. Details are on the coupon, but be aware that it is only good through November 16th.

Time for a little pampering!
Purchase an Almay mascara for $6.99 at Walgreens and receive a rebate for $6.99. Not a bad deal, huh? All you need to do is go to your local Walgreens and pick up the current Easy Saver Catalogue (good October 24, 2008 - November 22, 2008). This offer is mentioned on page 38. If you prefer, you can view the catalogue and rebate details on the store website.

And, if mom happens to be reading my blog, or you'd like to spread the word or "treat" her, on the same page they are offering L'Oreal Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector (moisturizer), for $19.99 with a $19.99 rebate. Please note: Consolidate your rebate with mom's since only one refund is allowed per address, per family, per household, per month. (That’s a lot of “pers”!) If your roommate is submitting a rebate to your same address, you'll lose out. Read the instructions carefully. You can purchase these products online, just be cognizant of the shipping costs.

Be sure to save your receipt, and then go online to arrange for your rebate by clicking on Easy Saver Catalog and "claim rebates". If you prefer, you can submit your rebate by mail, as explained in the Catalog. Follow the instructions carefully, and be certain to postmark/submit your rebate online by November 29, 2008. If you opt to receive the rebate on a Walgreens gift card, then you will receive an additional 10% back. Requesting a check, however, only entitles you to a rebate for $6.99. It couldn't be any easier, especially when you claim it online.

As an added bonus, Walgreens is offering a coupon for $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. This coupon is good today and Saturday only. Read the fine print for restrictions.

Happy weekend!

Who doesn't love chocolate......

especially when it's free? I wanted to get the weekend word out, before it's too late. Head to a Godiva store near you and sample some mouth watering truffles. You can check the store locator to find a location near you. It's the perfect study break, the perfect anything break, really! There are additional dates for free tastings listed on the site.

It's Freebie Friday!

Who doesn't love freebies?! I can't promise one every Friday, but I'll alert you to steals and deals as often as I can.

While I don't mean to nag, as your virtual mother I ask you, "When was the last time you cleaned your room or apartment?" It's been that long, huh? Take advantage of a new environmentally friendly product from Arm and Hammer. Purchase prior to December 15, 2008, and be sure to mail for your rebate by December 31, 2008. Read the rebate form for instructions. And while you're at it, send this posting to good ole mom and dad and let them take advantage of this rebate, too.

I fed you on election day, now get cleaning!

Freebies on Election Day

After a long time in the thinking stage, it is time to get this blog going. So I ask, if a mom blogs on the web, will anyone find her? Will anyone listen?

Special thanks to Sarah, Dan, Mary and Marc who participated in an extremely "scientific poll" to choose the name for this blog.

The concept for this blog developed in recent years when my kids, their friends, and my friends' kids headed off to college. While many were so well prepared to live independently, there were inevitably some questions that would arise: the how-to's of laundry, shopping, cooking, cleaning; the best way to find a bargain in airfare, train fare, theatre tickets, restaurants, books, toiletries; and numerous other topics. There's plenty to chat about.

Tomorrow is our long awaited election. By now, I hope that those of you who are of voting age have long since registered to vote, intend to vote locally or have mailed your absentee ballots. For most college students, this is more than likely your first election. History in the making.

To celebrate Election Day and for exercising your right to vote, there are a few freebies that you can enjoy on November 4th:
Ben and Jerry's, from 5 to 8 pm will be offering a free single scoop of ice cream.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering free star shaped patriotic donuts to all customers who present an "I Voted" sticker.
And similarly, head to your local Starbucks, tell them you voted and they'll give you a free tall (12 oz) cup of coffee.
But most importantly, remember to get out and vote in this extremely important election!

I hope you'll come back soon!