Cirkul Review Part 2

I have had this new product for a couple weeks now and I think it is safe to say I am loving it so far. I have a ton of positives to say, but also not going to leave out a couple negatives I have found along the way. So let's dive in and let me tell you my two cents on the Cirkul products.

After getting my trial in the mail (and by after, I mean literally within minutes), I found my whole family wanting their own and excited to try more flavors. So of course we ordered some to try besides what came in the trial. The minimum order is 8 sips, which ends up being two packs of four.  They offer several variety packs or individual flavors in four packs to choose from.  They currently have 39 flavors, so there should be something for everyone.  We have tried a little bit of everything and from each line. I don't have a specific line that I am in love with, but several of the flavors are delicious. I have included the flavors I have tried along with the survey rating I gave each one (scale is 1-10).  I also listed flavors that I have yet to try.

Flavors We Tried

• Fruit Punch- this is from the Life Sip line that has added vitamins.  I gave this flavor an 8.
• Mixed Berry- this is from the Fit Sip line that has added electrolytes.  I gave this flavor an 8.
• Strawberry Watermelon- this is from the Go Sip line that has caffeine.  I gave this flavor a 9.
• Orange Tangerine- this is from the Fit Sip line.  I gave this flavor a 2.  The reasoning for the low score was because it tasted extremely salty and nothing like citrus.  I was able to choke down two bottles (mainly because I didn't want to throw away money spent), but I did end up throwing the sip in the recycle and not finishing it.
• Cucumber- this is from the Pure Sip line that has pure essence of the fruit for flavoring.  I gave this flavor a 9.  As long as you don't have the dial turned way up, it taste just like sliced cucumbers in your water.
• Caramel Coffee- this is from the Brew Sip line and does have caffeine.  I gave this flavor a 10.  It tasted just like an iced caramel latte or macchiato.
• Green Apple- this is from the Go Sip line with added caffeine. I gave this flavor a 9.

Flavors We Will Try

• Brew Sips- vanilla iced coffee, Mocha iced coffee, and Classic iced coffee.
• Pure Sips-  Pear, Apple, Pineapple
• Go Sips- Grape and Black Cherry

I will have a part 3 review that will update you all on any other flavors we have tried or bought at that time.  All in all the majority of the flavors we have tried have been excellent.

The website says each sip lasts about 6 bottles worth.  My husband and I have been getting about 8 bottles out of each sip.  We keep our dials on 5 or 6 and then up them with the last couple bottles as the flavor does get diluted the more bottles you drink.  My son has had his sips only last about 3 bottles worth, but he insists on keeping his dial at a 10 all the time.  Since he was going through his sips so fast, I was curious to see if any flavor was left in the pouch within the sip. I found out how to get another bottles worth of flavor out of it. Please watch the attached video for those details.

Now that we have discussed the flavors, let's talk about incentives. Cirkul has a points rewards program, as well as a referral program. Both of these programs offer free product.

The Cirkulate tab is where you can find your referral code to send to friends, how many referrals you have made, and where you can redeem referral points. After 4 points you can redeem a four pack of sips or after 10 a metal bottle can be redeemed.

Cirkulate Tab Sample Screen

The Inner Cirkul tab shows how many points you have, a survey link to rate flavors and earn more points, and where you can redeem points for product. The only thing I caution about is to pay attention to small print. I have enough points to redeem product, but if not combined with an order there is a $3 shipping fee.

Inner Cirkul Tab Sample Screen

If you want to modify your flavors or shipping date you can do that under the Your Plan tab and the Your Details tab has your personal information. I go into more detail about the website, as well as the flavors in the attached video so give it a look.

Now we have talked about flavors, website, and programs, let's review the pros and cons again so you can decide if the product is right for you.

Pros

• 39 flavors
• Different types of sip lines : ex. Added caffeine, stevia, pure, vitamins, electrolytes, etc.
• Free product in not 1 but 2 programs 
• Adjust and set shipping date
• Can cancel or restart subscription anytime
• Cost is effective if use sips wisely

Cons

• May not like all flavors you buy
• Can not buy sips individually 
• Bottle sweats and doesn't keep ice long (chill sleeve may help with this. I will find out for part 3)
• If redeeming points product, shipping fee applies if not combined with purchase.

If you weren't interested in the Cirkul after the first review, then you most definitely should be after this one. The cons for me weren't important enough to be a deal breaker and the pros definitely outweigh them.  I would love to hear what you all think about it in the comments section or if you would like to try it, click here for your $5 trial.

Full Video Review

Happy sipping and hope you enjoyed my two cent tips!

Splenda Naturals Stevia Review

Hey folks! I have joined this community called BzzAgent that allows me to try and review awesome new products. I thought I would share with you all my thoughts on my first campaign. I was sent a table jar of Splenda's new sweetener called Naturals Stevia. It is a all natural, zero calorie sweetener that will give the artificial products a run for their money. So let's get into detail about my first impression.

The appearance of the packaging is of great quality. The jar is a good size to use for something you would sit out on your table for coffee or tea. The container itself is sturdy and has a tight fits snap lid. The container also has all the pertinent information on it. By this I mean ingredients, nutritional facts, how the product is made, safe for diabetics, and even a recipe.

Table Jar Sample

I opened the snap lid to find a product that looks just like granulated sugar. I smelled the product out of curiosity and at first reminded me of an artificial vanilla smell, but after a couple days, I believe it smells more like brown sugar. I of course couldn't wait to use it so I tasted a little bit on the tip of my finger to find it almost tasting like sweet air with a bit of powdery after taste that I for one associate with most artificial sweeteners.

Opened Product 

The first actual use was in my coffee along with French vanilla creamer and sugar free caramel flavoring syrup. I didn't want to alter how I made my coffee, so that I could get the truest taste of the sweetener. My first impression, I could still taste the slight powdery after taste. I then looked the container over more to realize that I had not made the proper adjustment to how much I had put into my coffee. This product only calls for half of what you would use with regular granulated sugar. One teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon of Naturals Stevia.

Once I made the proper adjustments and used the product for two or more days, the after taste was no longer a factor. I believe the combination of using too much product, along with the idea of using a sweetener other than sugar caused the after taste. I have never been a fan of artificial sweeteners and I associated this Splenda product with the artificial taste at first. 

Great in Hot Tea

 

I would definitely recommend this product. Granulated sugar has 15 calories per serving and this product taste the same and has zero!!!! It is also a great substitute for diabetics, which for I'm sure is a huge selling point for those on restricted diets.  If zero calories and a great taste doesn't have you convinced, it is an all natural product that contains stevia leaf extract and erythritol.  The erythritol is the natural sweetener extracted through the fermentation process. 

So there you have it, an all natural product that taste great, has zero calories, requires less than other products, and is safe for restricted diets such as diabetics!!!  Give it a try, I bet you will be surprised!!

8 Copycat Recipes that Keep Dining Out Cravings at Bay

Hey Folks!  I'm back to share more of my two cents!

One sure way to save money is to avoid going out to eat at all costs, but it can be difficult when you crave that restaurant style salsa or maybe some hibachi.  I have come across some great copycat recipes to help you stay in, as well as, some recipes that are better than the "convenience packaged" foods, so let's get started!

1.   Max and Erma's Famous Chicken Tortilla Soup:  

via food.com

This taste as close as you can get to the real deal.  I found the recipe here.  I followed the recipe almost exactly except in place of the green chilies and can of tomatoes, I used a can of Rotel since it has both ingredients and that is what I had at the time.  For the tortilla strips, I bought the fiesta seasoned Kroger or Meijer brand ( I've used both) tortilla strips and they worked very well in the soup.  This is a cheesy soup that hits the spot when the weather is getting colder.  It has a great taste that isn't too spicy for little ones, something the whole family will enjoy.


2.  Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper:

via countrysidecravings.com

The box of hamburger helper can be found on sale for pretty cheap most of the time, but why not make your own for just as cheap with ingredients you know are going into the recipe instead of leaving it up to General Mills.  This recipe taste better and doesn't need to be altered in anyway. It can be found here.

3.  Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, Waffle Fries, and Sauce:

via samsclub.com and buildyourbite.com

 

So this one I cheated a little, but Sam's Club has Member's Mark Southern Style Chicken Bites that are basically the same as the nuggets from the restaurant.  They even have a hint of pickle just like the real thing.  These are great because they can be microwaved in just a couple of minutes for a quick snack and it doesn't hurt the taste or texture of the product.  The Member's Mark Southern Style Waffle Fries are also available for a limited time at Sam's Club.  They taste like the restaurants', but the only down fall is they can't be fried for a crispier texture.  We have tried both of these products and love them because they taste just like the real thing.  Our Sam's Club doesn't carry it, but some clubs also have a Member's Mark Southern Style Chicken Sandwich which comes frozen with a bun and is suppose to taste like the restaurants' also.  So after you purchase the copycat products, you have to have some Chick-Fil-A Sauce to go with the nuggets and fries.  I found a pretty close recipe here.  The only thing that I did was add just a touch more mustard for my family's liking.  It is super easy to make and adjust to your taste.

4.  McCormick's Chili Seasoning:

via meatandpotatoesrecipes.blogspot.com

I love to season my chili with this seasoning packet, but it's becoming more expensive especially when I have all the ingredients in my spice cabinet.  In my opinion, this recipe is more of the Hot version and I would cut the cayenne powder in half to make it closer to the original recipe. We like it SPICY, so I left the recipe as is for us.

5.  Japanese Hibachi Shrimp Fried Rice:

via averiecooks.com

I am so thankful I found this recipe!  My family absolutely loves to go to our local hibachi restaurant, but it gets expensive really quick and before we know it, we are close to $100 in the hole for just one dinner.  This is super easy to make and curbs those restaurant cravings.  You can also substitute any meat you would like.  We have tried chicken and it was just as delicious as the shrimp.  Get the recipe here.  I did make some adjustments to the recipe to use what I had.  I omitted green onions and chopped a small yellow onion and sauteed it instead.  I also used olive oil instead of any other oils that the recipe called for.  I used a short cut and had the Birdseye frozen veggie blend (corn, peas, carrots, and green beans) that I tossed in instead of the individual veggies.  I sometimes like to add mushrooms too depending on our mood.  Follow the recipe as is or follow my adjustments, either way I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

6.  Carnival or Candied Nuts (aka German Nuts):  

via dinnerthendessert.com

I have found two recipes for these amazing little snacks!  These are also a  great idea for Christmas gifts or a sweet snack to bring along to parties.  I have made both the pecan recipe (here) and the almond recipe (here).  They are both crock pot recipes and take a few hours to make but you pretty much dump, mix, and then stir every hour or so to make sure the nuts stay coated and don't stick together.  Both recipes turned out amazing and they were extremely hard to put down once you got that sweet cinnamon goodness on your tongue.  With these recipes it can be fair and carnival season all year long (and as an added bonus it makes your house smell awesome!).

7.  Better Than Manwich Sloppy Joes:

via heatherlikesfood.com

This isn't exactly a copycat recipe, but it's more along the lines of the Hamburger Helper recipe listed above.  Making your own from scratch has way more flavor and is a lot healthier than anything served in a can or box.  Honestly, I have never been much of a sloppy joe fan, but the rest of my family loves them and this recipe definitely made that love even greater.  It turned a myself into a fan and is worth trying since you more than likely have all the ingredients right in your pantry.  You can find the recipe here and it is just perfect the way it is.  I didn't have to make any substitutions or adjustments.

8.  Mexican Restaurant Style Salsa:

via aspiceyperspective.com

This recipe is great because you can adjust the "heat" to your liking.  It also it a great way to use those garden veggies and herbs.  The original recipe can be found here and is a great snack around our house.  We are also Mexican food junkies and crave the restaurant style salsa a lot.  Sometimes I feel like we just go to the restaurant specifically for the chips and salsa.  Well if your family is like ours then I have found the solution.  Again we like heat so we kept our seeds in the jalapenos and added a couple more than the recipe called for.  I also used a can of diced tomatoes instead of the brand of crushed tomatoes the recipe called for and it still tasted like our local restaurant's.  This recipe more than hit the spot on cravings.

Hopefully these recipes help save you some money, expand your dinner or snack options, and/or have given you more ideas of how to get lost in the amazing Pinterest world.  Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family has!

Cirkul Review Part 1

Hey Folks!!!  I was tired of seeing the online ads for this product and wondering if it could help me with my hatred of water, so I ordered a trial!

Shipping Box

I just received my trial pack, which includes two flavor cartridges and the bottle.  It is a 22 ounce bottle, but it does not have measurement marks along the side, which I do find disappointing, but not a deal breaker.

Opened Trial Pack

The flavor cartridges included were Fruit Punch, which is part of the Life Sips line and Mixed Berry, which is part of the Fit Sips line.  Life Sips have vitamins added, Fit Sips have added electrolytes, Go Sips are caffeinated, Brew Sips are coffee flavored, Tea Sips are flavored teas, and Pure Sips are infused with natural flavoring and no added sweeteners.  There are a couple of the lines that offer a Stevia option as well.  For more information please refer to the video below.  Thanks!!!

Water Bottle with Cartridge

Trial Contents

Flavor Cartridge

I will continue this review in two weeks, so that I have enough time to try it out and let you know exactly how many bottles the cartridges last for me and so on.  The website says each cartridge should last about six bottle refills or 132 ounces.  I am hoping this is the solution to staying hydrated and kicking the sugary soda habit.  Only time will tell.

I hope you are looking forward to the second part of the review as much as I                                         am in posting it!!

The video below shows the product as I opened it, how it works, my first review of how it tastes , along with my personal preference on how much flavor works for me.  Check it out!!!!!!

You can find all this information on my Facebook page, Two Cent Tips.  Don't forget to like and follow to stay up to date on all new blog posts and reviews!!!  

Don't want to wait around for my full review and want to try it out for yourself? Get your $5 trial here!

Ditch the Cable and Satellite TV

Tired of paying outrageous cable or satellite bills? Or maybe you don't get all the channels you would prefer to have? Don't want to upgrade your package just to get channels you DO want?  Well ditch those bills and come on over to the streaming side!

All you need is Internet service and an Android box to watch practically free TV! Here's my experience and methods.

First you must have Internet service. We live in a rural area so our options are extremely limited. We found out that satellite Internet was extremely expensive and spotty to say the least. We live literally in the woods and even though our satellite had a "clear view," it went out not only when it stormed but when the wind blew. It was awful! That's when our cell phone carrier came into play. We have a Mifi or mobile Hotspot that allows up to 10 devices to be connected at once with unlimited Internet access. After so many GB the services slows down from 4LTE to 3G, but we have not seen a difference and we stream all television, movies, and have a smart home system. My particular service is $55 a month, but check with your cell phone provider to see if this is an option that would work for you. It could end up splitting your monthly Internet bill in half or maybe even more. 

ZTE MiFi

Next, purchase an Android box. This little machine comes pre-loaded with some apps and has the capability to download other apps through the Google Play Store. It's like having your phone or tablet on your television. It is similar to a Firestick or Roku, but has many more capabilities, without worrying if you are breaking certain policies associated with those devices.  We have two boxes, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. There are several brands and models, usually around the $50 range. I encourage you to do research and find out which box would work best for your family's uses.  Pictured below is the box that we found and took a chance on through the Wish website.  These boxes can also be purchased through Amazon.  We have been using these boxes for approximately two years now and I can honestly say we have no regrets!

MxQ Pro Android Box

After you purchase your box and get it hooked up to your television, there are a couple apps that I would suggest you download from the Google Play Store in order to watch virtually free TV.  If you have Hulu or Netflix, the boxes are compatible with these apps as well.  We currently use Hulu only because the service comes free with our cell service plan.  

• Kodi- a free app that allows access to movies and television shows.  This app once appropriate add-ons have been installed even includes Nexflix and Hulu inventory.  My family just recently watched a movie that was still currently in the movie theater.  I can't tell you the last time we paid to go see a movie!

• Within Kodi you will need to download Exodus Redux as an add-on in order to access the shows and movies, this usually doesn't come pre-loaded on the app.  No worries, I have included a YouTube tutorial on how to set this up, just click here to view.  Also if you have any problems with your box, YouTube is an excellent learning tool.

•  Tubi TV- a free app that has pre-loaded television shows and movies.  This is usually older shows or not so popular movies, but there are still some good things on here in order to have an option for something out of the ordinary.

• Pluto TV- another free app that is similar to Tubi TV.

All of the above apps are completely free and if you wanted to stop there and have access to completely free television then you can, but there is one downfall.....no Superbowl or other sporting events!  So if you are like my family and need to be able to watch NFL or NCAA basketball, I have a cheap solution to that too!

On your box you have a Internet browser icon, open it and you can search the web just as you do on a phone or computer.  You will need to download an APK called Exodus Live to your box, which you can do here.  This is LIVE TV with thousands of stations all around the world.  It is $5.99 per month that automatically is charged to my Paypal account on the first of the month. You also have the option to pay monthly, but I think auto pay is much easier once you know it is something you will utilize. This charge is per device, so currently we only have access to it on the box in the living room, which honestly is where most of our sports watching occurs anyway so it isn't a hassle. I highly suggest liking their Facebook page Configurator Apps because they keep you up to date on any updates or issues with the APK, as well as offer help through Messenger or the community.  I have been using this service for a year and they have made great strides in accessibility and making it easier to use.

        Side Note:  Since this APK offers channels from all over the world, the United Kingdom has something called Sky Movie Channels.  I highly recommend looking these up and adding them to your favorite list.  Disney, Family, Action, Greats, Drama, Thriller, and many more categories that seem to be more interesting than HBO or other movie channels offered here in the United States (in my opinion).

Now you may ask well ok I have all these channels, now how do I know what is on television.  I have downloaded two television guide apps. One is for United States and you set it up according to where you live and a local cable or satellite provider. The other one is a United Kingdom version so I can see what are on the UK movie channels.

United States TV Guide App

Example of Guide Listing

United Kingdom TV Guide App

Example of Guide Listing

So there you have it folks!!  We spent a one time fee of $50 (per box) and $5.99 a month for LIVE TV, while having access to any television show or movie we could ever want access too!  I have given you the tools to save a ton of money on something you use daily and let's face it most of us can't live without!  Now it's time for you to do the research and see if these options work for you and your family.  My guess is you will be saving money in no time!!!

Pricey Prescriptions

Pricey prescriptions gotcha down? There are a few options to look into when filling your medications even if you have insurance. 

• Grab those prescription discount cards displayed at the doctor's office or pharmacy counter tops. 

Example cards

As you can see, I have several and I carry them with me all the time. Different pharmacies accept different types or you may get a better discount with one card over another. The key is to have options! These cards usually can be used in conjunction with insurance.  If not they sometimes give you a bigger discount than insurance and it may be worth while to use it instead of your insurance. 

• Research price differences at your local pharmacies. 

Some places offer free antibiotics or cheap generic medications. A little bit of time can save you a good chunk of change. These pharmacies that offer cheaper generic medications usually offer even more of a discount if you purchase your "long term" medication in larger quantities. For example I have to take thyroid medication daily for the rest of my life, Walmart charges $4 for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply for my particular medication. A few phone calls or quick 5-10 minute internet search can usually help determine the price for your local pharmacies.

• Download the Good RX app. 

This app is the newest tool I have found to combat those pricey prescriptions.  It is easy to use and can help save you save hundreds depending on your prescriptions. I first decided to try this app, when my regular pharmacy didn't get my son's medication in on time and then proceeded to tell me it was on back-order. I decided to take the prescription to another pharmacy only to be told they don't accept my insurance and it was going to be $288 for a month supply of medication. I was at a loss, what do I do? So I went to the car to calm down and collect my thoughts when the Good RX advertisement (Thanks Hulu) came to mind.  

I downloaded the app, searched my son's prescription and I was presented with a list of pharmacies and prices they offered for the medication. 

Example of Medication Search

I finally had found a reasonable solution.  Not only did I have options since my regular pharmacy couldn't fill it, but now I found out that when the medication is in stock, I can get it for approximately $10 cheaper than through my insurance at my regular pharmacy. I now have made it a habit to check the app every time one of us has to have a prescription filled just to make sure we are always paying the lowest price possible.  Once you find the price and pharmacy you would like to use you can save the coupon and present it at the time of purchase.

Example Coupon to Present to Pharmacy 

The app has great money saving features, such as alerts to let you know if another pharmacy other than your selected favorite, has your medications for a lower price.  It also has a specific tool called "Find My Best Pharmacy."  This tool helps you find the pharmacy with the lowest total price for all your medications so that you don't have to use several pharmacies just to save money.

Example Savings Alert and Tool

Prescriptions and medications are a necessity for most of us to live happy, healthy, "normal" lives whether we want to admit it or not.  Whether you have an infection, virus, or need to take daily medication for a variety of reasons these methods are simple, free, and easy to do in order to save you money on the medications you need.  Don't go without when there are options that make medication affordable.  Remember, every little bit counts and can add up to a huge saving!!!

Free Family Fun

Attention Evansville area families: download the Towny Rewards app now!

Why you ask?

1.) It's Free to download

2.) Free mini golf for your group at Walther's! Expires (11/2019)

3.) Discounts and coupons for bowling and other activities 

4.) Several free appetizers and/or discounts at several participating restaurants 

5.) Discounts at other participating local businesses 

Evansville area deals

This app currently has deals from participating local businesses within the Henderson, Kentucky, Boonville and Evansville areas in Indiana, as well as, Waco, Texas. 

If you and your family are in the Evansville area, the app is worth just downloading it for free mini golf at Walther's and the half off arcade games from 5pm-6pm. The other discounts on food, bowling, and other local shops are just the icing on the cake. 

Don't forget to download the app and take advantage of these great deals! Also keep in mind new deals are being added frequently. You are helping local businesses, as well as, saving money.  

Enjoy!

Bad kitty + Leaky diapers = No problem

Have a cat or dog that has urinated on your bed due to bladder control issues or just out of spite? Or maybe your baby's diaper just couldn't last overnight?

Now you have a huge smelly urine stain on your mattress, what do you do?

I have the solution that works wonders and it even eliminates the odor from cat urine! You just have to grab some everyday items you already have in your cabinets.

For wet stains:

Baking soda

Vacuum 

White Distilled Vinegar

Warm Water

Washcloth

Directions: Poor baking soda onto the wet area and let it pull the urine out, which should turn the baking soda yellow. Vacuum up the baking soda.  Repeat this process until the baking soda is white. Then mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts warm water and wipe over area with washcloth to get any odors out. 

For dry stains:

2 tablespoons baking soda

2 cups hydrogen peroxide

2 small squirts of liquid dish soap

Spray bottle

Directions: mix the solution in a spray bottle and saturate the stain.  Let it soak for approximately 5 minutes and then blot any excess mixture. Then take a warm water washcloth and wipe over the stain removing any excess solution. Reapply solution to areas where the stain has not lifted. Make sure to "rinse" the area with the warm washcloth every time the solution is applied and then let dry. 

You will be amazed at how easy and well this simple DIY stain remover works. I have used it to remove urine stains, as well as soda that was spilled on my mattress pad by my toddler after he slung my soda can around like a carnival prize!  

Next time you change those sheets and ugly yellow stains are staring back at you or your pet has an accident, give this DIY stain remover a try. You won't be disappointed! 

Attention Online Shoppers!

Have you heard Ebates is now Rakuten? What's Ebates you ask? To answer simply, it is another way to earn "free money."

It's as easy as signing up. After your first purchase of at least $25, you get $10 just for signing up. After that it's as simple as shopping at your favorite online retailers and earning a percentage back. 

The percentage changes per retailer, as well as qualifying categories. For example Walmart may have up to 5% back, but then maybe only 3% on baby or 2% on apparel. It's best to just get in the habit of opening the Ebates app and shopping through it for any online purchases, so you don't miss out on any extra cash with the retailers you love. Lets face it, you are making the purchases anyway, why not take one extra step to earn money? 

Another great way to earn money through the app is to refer your friends! They make $10 just for signing up and after they make their first purchase you earn $25 for each referral.

Let me break down how simple this really is...

How it works after sign up:

Open Ebates app.

Find the retailer you want to shop with and click the shop icon.

You will be redirected to the retailer's website where you shop and checkout as normal.

Your savings if the purchase qualifies will be added to your Ebates account.

A paper check or your linked Paypal account will be credited with your savings quarterly.

There you go folks! It's that simple to earn extra money. I have only had this app for six months and have earned $71.40. 

For my family that paid for my son to play baseball in one extra league this year just because I added one step to my online shopping. What will you spend your extra money on?

Keep Those Receipts

Most of you all may have heard or even have seen advertisements for an app called Ibotta. This app is amazing! I have used it for about a year now and look at my earnings!

How it works:

• Sign up either through the app or website (Ibotta)
• Customize your list of favorite places to shop
• Add offers for money back on items you already purchase 
• Scan receipts 
• Earn cash back!
• Withdraw cash either through gift cards from a list of retailers or via PayPal. ($20 minimum withdraw)

There are all kinds of ways to earn money through this app. Some tips I have learned throughout the past year are:

Make sure to always search "any item."

There is usually generic cash back offers for any item and any brand items such as milk or bread. These may only be 25 cents, but every little bit adds up. 

Any item search

Bigger name brands have more cash back. For example I buy my baby formula from Sam's Club and had a cash back offer of $3 per container for up to 3 containers.

Example showing bonus offer.

Also make sure to scan through and look at the bonuses. These vary and usually are brand based. An example would be the Malt O Meal cereal bonus. Once you redeem so many offers (usually 2) then you get an additional bonus. So let's say you get a .50 offer on a 32oz bag or bigger and you use it twice while the bonus is being offered.  You then would get an additional $1 bonus for redeeming the offers. (This is just an example.)

Don't forget to link your store rewards cards.  Some stores such as Kroger let you link your account for automatic redemption of offers added. There is no need to scan your receipt, although I would recommend checking back in a day or two to make sure your cash back was added. 

Make sure you check for new offers frequently. If you have a grocery list, just search items before you go to make sure you aren't losing out on extra cash. 

My husband and I both have accounts because we each get different offers. We just check with each other to see which account we should submit our receipts to in order to get the most cash back. This method and app has paid for our $100 Sam's Club membership for two years now. I just wait until I have $50 to withdraw and get it in a gift card, which is emailed to me. 

Spread the word and refer your friends! You both make money! Once you redeem your first offer after signing up, you get $10 just for using the app! Referral bonus changes as they run different promotions, but can sometimes be up to $50!!!

Example of teammates 

Once you have referred friends and they sign up using your code, then they become part of your team. Your team can also earn bonuses depending on how many offers you collectively redeem.

Example of teammate bonus

Again, I can not stress enough how amazing Ibotta truly is. A free app that gives you cash back on items you would purchase anyway, what are you waiting for?

Introduction

Hello all and welcome to my new blog, "Two Cent Tips."

Foggy Country Morning View

I am a mom to a family of four living off of one income, which has taught me to be more frugal than I used to be.  I live on ten acres and through much research have found different ways to utilize our land and still survive comfortably.  I would love to share with you all what we as a family have learned and share our method to the madness!

This blog will include my favorite products, recipes, apps, money saving tips, animal care information I have accumulated throughout my many years as a veterinary technician, as well as, my zoology degree and much much more!

I hope you enjoy following along as much as I enjoy spreading my two cents.