Sunday, March 29, 2015

Spring cleaning? Not my favorite chore....

Its that time of year when cleaning out the clutter is necessary. We were preparing for a move but it seems that wasn't happening just yet. As I packed, I came across things that we never use, don't need anymore, or just don't want. I took a bag filled with old movies to Hastings first. While they didn't take everything, it cleared out a chunk of space and gave me a hefty bit of store credit so I can get the things I actually want. Those movies were ones that we had but either never watched or didn't even know why we had them. I also have some books that I tried cashing in, but was told I'd get .75 for each. While browsing posts by the Krazy Coupon Lady, I came across one she had for de-cluttering the home. She had a link for a website you can sell your books on and see how much you'd get for each one. Sadly, I'd get the same price as if I sold them at Hastings or Half Price Books. I'm thinking I'll list them on Listia or eBay instead.
Listia is a credit-based trading site. No money is exchanged for the items themselves, though you can have buyers pay the shipping. You instead get credits that can only be used on the website to "bid and buy". It's auction styled like eBay.

As for clothing, I have a large amount of boys and girls clothing that my kids have outgrown. I've just been tossing them into bags and piling them up. I tried Craigslist. Didn't get any hits off that. I tried posting to a local swap page on Facebook without much luck either. My last resort will be ThredUp. You just order a prepaid postage bag and when you get it, stuff it with clothes to send back. You can look up what types or brands are accepted. Whatever they don't buy, they will donate to a local charity.


I have to do some other organizing around here. Since my husbands Lego hobby is taking over more and more of the small apartment we currently share, I'm packing away my own stuff to make room and see how much I have so I'll know what kind of truck to rent when I move the kids and I out next year. I found some cool tips to help make extra space from the Krazy Coupon Lady. Here's a post on getting organized.

So here's to making room and maybe making money to boot! Let's get rid of the clutter and make more space for the things we enjoy. 

Saturday, March 14, 2015

February's Bulu Box review

My February Bulu Box arrived. Forgive my delay at finishing the review, but I wasn't all that thrilled this time. This one contained; 28 heart healthy tips, trubrain THINK DRINK, MET-Rx PRIME peanut butter banana bar, 2 packs of VITA PERK, Sant kickstarter, and a Balance Bare bar. 

Since February was National Health Month, we should be taking time to increase our healthy living activities. Heart disease runs strong, so I like having this guide with tips that I can easily hang on the fridge and glance over often. On the back, they included a few coupons as well. Though don't think February is the only month to be heart conscious!

The MET-Rx Prime bar has 20g of protein, 12g of fiber and only 210 calories.
It's great for your metabolism. They are free of artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors. They are also gluten-free with 300mg of Omega-3's from flaxseed. I am happy that they are free of artificial growth hormones. This makes it safer to give my kids some when they want a bite. It's recommended that you eat one with 8 ounces of water for best results. It's thick and chewy.
You can taste the hint of banana amidst the peanut butter. You're definitely going to need to drink water with it. Not too bad overall. 
Balance bare bar was delicious. It was chewy and crunchy all at once with well defined fruit mixed in. It's a nutritional energy bar. Non-gmo, soy free, gluten free and even dairy free.
It makes a good source of fiber in your diet while helping you feel a little full in between meals. 
TruBRAIN think drink tasted like a super sweet fruit punch.
Like Koolaid on sweet steroids. It had a tangy kick to it. It's supposed to help you "access your brains full potential". I had to look it up as there was no information on the sample I'd received. 

"Why did we reinvent energy drinks?

Our team of UCLA trained neuroscientists set out to solve the problem that energy drinks do not genuine focus.
  • Crafted with the perfect amounts of active nootropics
  • Loaded with amino acids to fuel the thinking process
  • Flavored with all natural ingredients like blue agave and monk fruit
  • Provides direct support for concentration and focus
  • Validated with the latest wearable technology"
I don't drink coffee, so I'll be sending the Vita Perk packs home with my dad to try in his coffee. They are packets that add vitamins and minerals to your coffee. I will try the Sant Kickstarter. Its a dried super fruit that you infuse in water. 
You can check out Bulu Box subscriptions here. They are good for those who want to try unusual but healthy things to get life into better habits. 

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Making Minion cupcakes

I really love baking. So much so, that I have to seriously start working out again. When I do bake, I try to bring and share at work. Really good way to make sure I'm not stuck eating it all myself. Today, we had cupcake wars.
Sadly, I'm the only one who brought in anything and won by default. Not cool! But getting a gift card was cool... I made these adorable Minion cupcakes along with multi flavored icing-topped cupcakes. 
What you need: 
Cupcakes, make any kind you like
Twinkies, each one makes 2 minions
Smarties candy or premade sugar eyes
Black detailing icing
Blue icing: you can use blue confetti icing and skip the confetti or buy white icing and blue food coloring

Ice the tops of your cupcakes. Then follow the video instructions below to make your minions.