Announcing the winner of our Summer of Savings $500 gas card contest!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to…
Thank you to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more contest announcements coming soon!
When most of us use social media, we do it for fun. Twitter, Facebook and blogs are platforms to get information, socialize and even get our daily dosages of humor.
But, Shannon Schulte, the full-time sweeper behind the blog Sweepstakes Mama, has taken the social media boom, twisted it and made it into a career.
Though her methods may be controversial to some, you can’t deny the payoff. Shannon has won some impressive swag. So, we decided to ask her a few questions to better understand the Sweepstakes phenomenon and learn the benefits of sweeping.
Sweeping or “Sweepstaking” is a hobby that is tons of fun and has become part of my daily life. What started as a passion for finding deals, coupons, and freebies and finding a sweepstakes to win a new truck started a new part of my life. I was drawn to sweeping by trying to find a way to help our family financially, without sacrificing being at home for my kids and husband. When I started winning, I was enjoying bringing fun things home for free! Restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, toys, and even cash made us able to enjoy things we could not otherwise afford.
I’ve been sweeping for almost two years now. I started from entering just a few giveaways and sweepstakes a day to about 400-600 sweepstakes a day. I’ve taken it from a hobby to a career. I love sharing sweeps with my readers!
I spend about 7 hours a day on sweeps. Normally I get up very early, and do some sweeps before my sons wake up. I take a break and get them ready for the day. I normally start some chores, play with the boys for a while, then start them a quiet time activity so I can get to work. My daily sweepstakes routine normally starts about 6:30 am, earlier if I can, and I often don’t log off until about 8-9pm, sometimes later if there’s a Twitter party. This often means waking up as early as 5 am to get my family ready for the day. I start off as early as possible to complete my IWGs (Instant Win Games) and my first run of tweets for twitter contests. If I have other obligations or I’m running late sometimes I finish them at the end of the day. Next, I do my dailies which is somewhere between 200-400. This will take about 2-3 hours to finish, when I’m not disrupted. (That’s rarely the case as I’m a Navy wife, Mommy to a 6 and 2 year old boys, I have an eBay business, and I’m a busy blogger.) I continue on the evenings after dinner with Facebook and Twitter Sweeps and research of new sweeps for my readers at http://www.sweepstakesmama.com and maybe even a Twitter Party or two.
The time has consistently paid off in the end. Usually at least 6 days a week I have a win, whether it be big or small. My family relies on my wins to be able to afford to do fun things and have things we could not afford otherwise. Most days, my husband comes home and first thing he asks is “What did you win today?”
My favorite prize by far has been our trip to South Africa! It was fabulous! Here’s some other prizes I’ve won.
I love to enter Twitter sweeps and one-time entries. One-time entries are great because you can enter and hope that luck’s on your side. Daily sweepstakes can become very time consuming.
Last year (2010) was the first year we did not have to buy Christmas for any family members. I am definitely making more winning sweepstakes than I did on a teacher’s income, and I don’t have to pay for daycare. Winning sweepstakes helps those on a middle class income afford to do things they never could imagine doing. Some jokingly say we can do things when they “win the lottery.” I don’t know about winning the lottery (I have won some scratch off tickets), but it’s more than that. Once in a lifetime experiences, taking luxurious trips, and indulging in things we could only dream of is possible by winning sweepstakes. Our grocery bill has gone down about 25-30% since I’ve been sweeping due to food coupon wins, and I love that I can cover most of our date nights out with my husband.
If you’d like to get started sweeping, visit Shannon’s blog Sweepstakes Mama to find instant win games, daily sweeps, and more. She offers one-on-one sessions for those that are ready to get serious about winning as well. Send her an email for more information.
What are your thoughts on sweeping? Do you do it, or have you done it in the past? Share in a comment below!
It’s the 4th of July and time to show off your American pride! What better way to express your patriotism than a super cute (and super cheap) outfit!?
Whether you’re headed out to check out the fireworks, going to a family barbeque or celebrating with friends, we’ve found 3 outfits that are perfect for any 4th of July celebration.
Check ‘em out below!
What better way to celebrate the July 4th than with a classic American barbeque? Throw on that apron and show ‘em your best grilling skills. Do it in style with this fabulous outfit for only $68.08!
Earrings, Hat, Romper, Sunglasses, Sandals
See our Target and Old Navy coupons for extra savings!
Don’t you just love watching fireworks on the 4th of July? Something about it just seems so patriotic. This year let your colors burst with this oh so colorful outfit for only $86.18!
Dress, watch, earrings, sandals
See our Old Navy coupons for extra savings!
If you’re taking the day as an opportunity to party it up with your friends, try this super fab outfit below. For only $84.96 you’ll look pretty and all-American. A perfect look to show off your patriotic spirit!
Hat, Earrings, Sandals, Shirt, Shorts
Have you planned out your 4th of July outfit yet? What’ll you be wearing?
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Thank you to all that entered.
Have sky-rocketing gas prices put a damper on your summer plans?
Don’t worry! FabulousSavings is here to help! Announcing the Summer of Savings, $500 Gas Card Contest!
We want you to have a #fabulous summer, so we’re giving away a $500 gas card to one (very lucky) winner! Take a road trip, travel cross-country, or go see your distant relatives - it doesn’t matter cause the gas bill’s on us!
Visit FabulousSavings.com to find the secret page. Please have javascript enabled. You’ll know you’ve found it when a special pop-up appears! (If you’re having issues, go to our homepage and take a look under Featured Merchants ;)…) Then just tweet the provided message using the Twitter button.
To keep you on your toes, we’ll change the secret page each day (or maybe we won’t), so make sure to visit FabulousSavings.com every day. Anddd feel free to browse around our site for other fabulous coupons.
Contest begins 12pm EST Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and ends 11:59pm EST Wednesday, June 29, 2011.
When tweeting your daily entries, please keep in mind that we run by Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Good luck!
FabulousSavings.com reserves the right to cancel this contest at its discretion.
FabulousSavings.com reserves the right to change the rules at anytime.
FabulousSavings.com shall not be responsible for any possible technical difficulties or delays which might otherwise affect eligibility.
The following is a true story.
So the other night, I was out to dinner with my family. Everyone was there since it was Father’s Day: my brother, his wife, their kids, Mom and Dad, my grandparents.
My brother was telling us that he and his wife are excited about their vacation away from their kids and are staying at the Cosmopolitan. So being the Extreme Foodie that I am, I recommended the Wicked Spoon Buffet:
A bustling culinary food hall, the Wicked Spoon Buffet delivers well-crafted original selections for every appetite. With its mix of top quality, familiar staples in addition to imaginative and seasonal dishes, this Las Vegas eatery will satisfy cravings and invite discovery.
My sis-in-law gives me the Zoolander look.
Then began the awkward pause, and everyone looked at me like I was crazy.
Then out of nowhere my grandfather says, “What about the Lakers? They should have went all the way!”
That was when I realized I blurted out a Twitter friend’s name. It just came out so naturally that I didn’t even think about it.
Sis-in-law still looking like Zoolander.
Mom and Dad looked at each other like their kid is on drugs.
Leave it to my grandfather to break the silence again: “Too bad about Kobe and those Lakers.”
It’s been two days since, and I just got a call from Mom asking if everything is OK with me.
I guess not everyone tweets…
Share your funny story about Twitter by leaving a comment below. It could win you a $25 iTunes gift card to buy some funny movies with. Winner will be announced tomorrow.
Ah, June. Time to drag the AC out of storage, make room in the freezer for ice cube trays and seethe with jealousy over your BFF’s vacation album on Facebook. Well, seethe no longer! We’ve compiled a list of the 10 breeziest and most affordable vacations for the summer.
Based on Orbitz’s findings, all these dreamy destinations average under $700. Plus, our free Orbitz coupons save you an extra 5% off your hotel stay. Intrigued? Keep reading:
Avg. Airfare: $290, Avg. Hotel Rate: $94
If you’re a beach or Disney lover, this is really such a no-brainer. But if you ask us, the REAL reason to visit Orlando is Hogwarts. We’re still bitter over never getting our acceptance letters.
Avg. Airfare: $369, Avg. Hotel Rate: $89
Don’t let The Hangover fool you, Vegas isn’t all scary tigers, missing teeth and Mike Tyson. If you can’t get enough bright lights, big games and gaudy ambience, Las Vegas is for you.
Av. Airfare: $430, Avg. Hotel Rate: $132
How about a change of pace? Seattle’s summer is sunny enough, but for a west coast town, it has a laidback east coast vibe. Perfect for those seeking a bohemian getaway.
Avg. Airfare: $436, Avg. Hotel Rate: $215
Hey, there’s a reason why Jay-Z and Alicia Keys think these streets will make you feel brand new. It’s one of the slightly more expensive destinations on this list, but there’s a good reason for that. It’s NEW YORK! Go at least once in your life!
Avg. Airfare: $504, Avg. Hotel Rate: $157
On the other coast we have New York’s sunnier alternative. California’s colorful urban mecca attracts some of the most diverse citizens in the state. But the real reason to visit is to check out the street where they filmed the opening credits of Full House.
Avg. Airfare: $464, Avg. Hotel Rate: $160
Known to the world as the Windy City (and to geeks as Gotham City), Chicago is a great urban escape for city lovers. Plus, culture buffs owe it to themselves to check out the historic Chicago Theatre.
Avg. Airfare $481, Avg. Hotel Rate $106
Ah, the home of the stars. Believe it or not, there’s more to do in LA than run into Megan Fox or strike up a conversation with Ryan Reynolds. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Disney Concert Hall… the list goes on and on.
Avg. Airfare: $385, Avg. Hotel Rate: $115
Okay, get this: it’s a city near mountains. It has fresh air. A city with fresh air! How… refreshing. It also has a bustling nightlife and cultural scene, so there’s something to do in-between those hikes and morning jogs.
Avg. Airfare: $360, Avg. Hotel Rate: $204
Go Bruins! We here at FS have a special love for Boston, from its vibrant history to its legendary sports scene.
Avg. Airfare: $488, Avg. Hotel Rate: $196
Saved the best for last. If city trips aren’t doing it for you, bust out the sunscreen, beach towels and snorkel masks. Describing Cancun as ‘paradise’ would be short-changing it. Risk the sunburn and get going!
What is your most desired destination for the summer?
With our big new contest coming very shortly (I’m talking hours), I wanted to have a little pre-contest to get everyone ready to win and of course save at all of your fav merchants.
It seems like people come and people go so much on Twitter. One way I like to remember tweeps is by associating a song to their Twitter handle…at least the ones I have conversations with.
We are on Twitter almost 20 hours a day here (come test us out). Odds are we are somewhere around, so we meet and talk to tweeps day and night, night and day. Good thing my head is like one big iPod…and definitely not a mere 4 or 8 gig either.
For example, take @hairgirl1966. She is a superfreak (the one you don’t take home to mother, by the way). This is her favorite song, and she let us know about it.
Then you have @abitnerdy or otherwise known as The Agent. She makes me think of all things spy, James Bond and super cool… so hers is the first 40 seconds of this:
Our favorite girl caught between Cali and Hawaii is all about any and all of Colbie Caillat, so every time @lifeonprint comes down the stream, that’s what I am thinking:
Everyone knows what my theme song is, and if you don’t, maybe you should hang out with us a little more. So here is the fun part for all of you: I want you to tell me what you think your theme song should be or is. I will randomly pick a winner for a $25 iTunes card. Just comment below, and it could be you singing all the way to the Winners’ Circle.
Oh, and be on the lookout for our new and improved contest!
Whether you’re loving it or not, the heat and the sunshine has finally arrived, and so has The Body Shop’s 3 products for $30 deal!
Perfect timing since we’re no longer covering up our oh-so-fabulous skin in winter layers. That’s right folks – it’s time for shorts, strappy sandals and swimsuits! But don’t worry if you’re not ready, we’ve selected the best products we know you’ll love, to save you time, and get you feeling fabulous fast! All you need to do is relax, enjoy that summer sun and let your fabulousness shine!
Click on any of the images below for more information. And remember to check out our The Body Shop coupons for even more fabulous savings!
Looking for products to give you the confidence to rock that strappy summer dress? No prob! Below are three products that’ll leave your skin glowing all summer long.
1) Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil ScrubIt’s so important to exfoliate dry, dead winter skin away to get that summer glow you’re looking for. And, this scrub gets the job done, with olive stone granules and ground argan nuts. Good for all skin types, this gentle scrub will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and refined.
2) Argan & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower OilNext, you’ll need to wash away any dirt, oil and dry skin left behind after exfoliating. This bath & shower oil uses only Community Trade organically grown soya oil from Brazil to restore moisture and suppleness to the skin. And, Community Trade Brazil nut oil from Peru will leave your skin feeling moisturized and soft.
3) Morocco Argan Oil & Orange Blossom Body SouffleFinish up your summer skin treatment with this faaaabulous Moroccan moisturizer. Your skin will be swimming in a sea of lightly scented moisture after using this delectable moisturizing body souffle. With its whipped cream texture that indulges and moisturizes, your skin will be soft, cared for, scented and ready to shine!
Men need a little pampering too! Take off that rough and warm winter beard and get a clean start on summer with a smooth clean-shaven mug.
1) For Men Maca Root Energetic Face ProtectorThis multi-tasking wonder product will energize and hydrate your skin. With Community Trade Brazil nut oil moisturizers that soften and aloe vera that hydrates, your skin will be ready for anything. And if you thought that wasn’t enough, this face protector combats signs of fatigue and maintains firmness with a daily SPF 15 moisture.
2) For Men Maca Root Shave CreamGet shaving! Start with this Maca Root shave cream. You’ll experience a super close shave with a rich, skin-softening cream that protects from nicks, cuts and irritation.
3) For Men Maca Root Face WashIt’s time to clean up with this Maca Root face wash. It’ll give your skin the boost it needs with an energizing yet mild cleanser that has a rich foaming lather to leave skin refreshed and revived.
Tell us: How do you prepare your skin for summer? Leave a comment below!
Mother’s Day has come and gone, and now it’s time for dads to feel the love!
Father’s Day is coming up fast, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the hottest deals on presents your dad will be sure to love.
