Cheap or Free Ways You Can Help Others

The inspiration for this post came from something I heard my 7 year old son say... "Wow, my dad helped the neighborhood and he helped the world". I wanted to share some ideas of how you can help people in little ways to make their lives better. This may spark something within them to want to pay it forward and help someone else.

• Volunteer at your child's school. 
• Getting rid of outgrown clothing from younger, school-age children? Consider donating them to your local elementary school's nurse's office. They always have the need for bottoms, underwear and socks. 
• Text a friend just to let them know you are thinking about them.
• Smile. A genuine smile triggers other people to smile. 
• Check up on your neighbors.
• Be a "Mystery Reader" for your child's class.
• Offer to help an elderly person in the grocery store.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Compliment a stranger (within reason).
• When you get a buy-one-get-one free deal, why not share the freebie with a friend or neighbor.
• Offer to babysit for a new mom.
• Give your neighbor's dog a treat at the fence.
• If you are in a store and see someone purchasing something that you have a coupon for, offer it to them. You would be amazed at the joy $1 off can bring to someone.
• Be the Coupon Fairy. Leave coupons in front of the items they are for in a store. Someone will be very happy to save a little extra money. 
• Call someone out of the blue. 
• If you baked something, send in extra for you child's teacher.
• Always ask the cashier at the store you are at how their day is going. No matter the attitude they may give off, you can still show that you care.
• Tell someone that you love them. 
• If you get a gift certificate for purchasing a certain amount in a store, consider giving it to someone. My kids give me their $10 Kohl's cash certificates all the time and it makes me so happy.
• Hug someone.
• Make people laugh!
• Rake or blow leaves for your elderly neighbor.
• Do a chore for another person in your home. I love when my walk into my bedroom and see my bed already made up.
• Paying with a gift card and have a small balance left? Give it to the person behind you in line. 
• Saying, "good morning" or "have a great day" gives off a positive vibe. 
• A simple "thank you" is always in order.
• Allowing your inner happiness to shine can bring much needed light to others.
• Send in a special treat for your child's class or your spouse's co-workers.
• Write notes to your family members.
• Write a letter and mail it to a friend. Embellish the envelope with fun stickers.
• Let your kids eat dessert for dinner once in a while. There's nothing wrong with the occasional ice cream sundae dinner.
• Show gratitude and appreciation every day.

Sharing love is FREE! What will you go out and do today that will make a difference to others? 

CardNInja Smartphone Wallet Review #TossYourWallet

I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for gadgets that help make my life a bit easier. I'm a busy woman and I admit, I love convenience. I received a neat item called the CardNinja Smartphone Wallet. I have heard about it before and was curious to see it in action. I was so happy to get one in magenta. Isn't it pretty?

The CardNinja comes in 6 colors: black, steel, eggplant, gold, blue raspberry & magenta. So what exactly do you do with this thing? This sleek smartphone wallet has an adhesive back designed to stick to most phone cases. All you have to do is peel the paper backing off, position it on your case, cover or phone back itself, and you are ready to use it. You can store your license or ID card, credit/debit cards, cash, earbuds or a single key with ease. This means not having to carry a wallet or purse when it's not convenient.

This is the perfect item for me to take to my son's school on days that I volunteer. I usually take my license out of my wallet and put it with my phone in my pocket. This always had me so paranoid because I once dropped my license on the floor and a teacher handed it to me. With the CardNinja, I can easily keep my license in the pouch along with my car key and feel confident about not losing anything.

You can purchase the CardNinja Smartphone Wallet on their website currently for $9.99 (reg $12.99) or at select retailers including CVS and Walmart. I think this is a perfect back-to-school gift for high school seniors and college students. It's also perfect for moms or dads who are always on-the-go, and would be a good teacher gift or stocking stuffer for the holidays. I love my CardNinja and I know I will get a lot of use out of it.

Find CardNinja on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

I received a sample product for review purposes and all opinions are 100% mine as always. 

The Women's Roadmap To Health

National Girlfriends Day was earlier this month, but it's always a good thing to have a friend remind you about keeping up with your annual wellness check-ups. It's easy for time to pass you by or to just put it off. Joining forces with your friends can be the push you need to get things done. My doctor even has a group of girlfriends who all schedule their annual woman's check-up in the same week and get together in one evening for margaritas to celebrate each other getting their health screenings done. I think that is such a cute idea.

Check out the infographic below from Oscar Health Insurance Company for details on what specific screenings you should have done and when. They're a new company wanting to shake up the health care field and help their members be proactive about their health through their various incentives. If you're in these areas, check out their health insurance plans in New Jersey and New York. Feel free to share with your girlfriends and family members.

Go here for additional information. Be well! xoxo

Double-Dipped French Toast from IHOP (Review)

I recently stopped by my local IHOP to try out their latest menu item-- Double-dipped French Toast. They come in two flavors:  Lemon Strawberry and Cinnamon Sugar. I decided in the Lemon Strawberry because it screamed summertime. I had the bacon combo which came with 4 strips of bacon, 2 eggs and hash browns. I was definitely most looking forward to trying the French Toast first. The fact that they use brioche made me already know that it was going to be extra delicious. The entree came with two thick slices of French toast that was dipped in a vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in crispy corn flakes and oatmeal, griddled, then topped with cool lemonade cream and glazed strawberries. The actual French Toast had a very light texture and was cooked to perfection. For some reason, I was expecting it to be a bit crunchy on the outside and it wasn't. I'm glad! I think the texture was exactly what you would expect from perfectly cooked French toast. The lemonade cream was so smooth and creamy with a nice balance of both sweet and tart. The strawberry topping was delicious and the perfect pair with the lemonade cream. It was like summer on a platter. There was not a single bite left on my plate! 

This lemon strawberry French toast was not too sweet and oh so scrumptious! 

I plan to go back this weekend with my family to try the Cinnamon Sugar variety to celebrate the kids going back to school. The Double-Dipped French Toast at is available until September 20th, so grab your family and head to your local IHOP to try it out for yourself. I promise, you'll love it and will want it to be a permanent menu offering (hint, hint IHOP).  

This combo was fairly priced. Perfect for a family meal out. 

Be sure to stay connected to IHOP on their website, Facebook and Twitter for their latest updates and promotions. Don't forget, IHOP gift cards make great gifts for teachers, college students and as a "just because". 

I received a gift card to try out the latest menu offering from IHOP in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

NEW Softsoap Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap Line (Giveaway)

CLOSED- Winner is Jacqueline A.- Congratulations! 

Softsoap has been a household brand name for many years. The brand has grown so much and offers a wide variety of products for bath and body. Their latest products are the Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap line. What makes this line different from the others is the elegant bottle design and luxurious feel and fragrance. The scents include:

• Jasmine and White Cotton: Impress your guests with the fresh scent of Jasmine and White Cotton. Its airy aroma makes every hand wash sparkle, while lush foam gently purifies the skin. 
• Whipped Cocoa Butter: Pamper your skin with the rich foaming lather infused with real cocoa butter extracts. The decadent scent of Whipped Cocoa Butter makes every hand wash a treat.
• Kitchen Citrus Bliss: Awaken your senses and brighten your home with the crisp, sun-drenched scent of Kitchen Citrus Bliss. Its vibrant aroma invigorates every hand wash, while lush foam gently cleans and soothes skin.

These hand soaps are perfect to place in guest bathrooms, your kitchen or any where you have a sink. It's always nice to enjoy your hand-washing experience in my opinion. I love the pretty bottles. These hand soaps are just as good as the high-end boutique brands I have tried for a fraction of the price! I don't think I can pick a favorite scent, because they are all amazing. I think these hand soaps would make a great addition to your home or office and even make a nice little gift. I can see adding this to a housewarming basket or even for a teacher, coworker or neighbor gift. I know I would LOVE it if someone gave it to me.

Stay connected to Softsoap on the web and on Facebook for updates on the latest products and promotions.

How would you like to try the NEW Softsoap Fragrant Foaming Collection Hand Soap Line for yourself? Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on August 31, 2015. One winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Be sure to follow all rules in Rafflecopter widget for all entries to count. Good luck!