Rika's Brain

I recently received these to review from #wisepalace through tomoson reviews. I applied because I am a sucker for fun ice (did you know they make denture ice cube trays?!?!) and could definitely use some coasters in my house!
 
I will admit, I was a little disappointed in the ice cube mold at first as there was a big ice ridge around the ball which kind of ruined the sphere shape. However, the flexible silicone mold allowed me to break it apart and the ice balls worked great!

Chasing a little one around is hard enough as it is. But when you take into account the diapers, feeding, trying to get to sleep.... being a parent is exhausting. Any way to save a little time and effort is very much welcomed.

I recently tried out these bandana bibs from Zoozik.

Go to walgreens.com and get a free 8x10 print if you order today and pick up in store (no shipping fee)... just enter code FREEPIC4U at checkout!

Frame Not Included

Hey guys,

I thought I would share with you some of my favorite ways to bring in a little extra cash with little to no extra effort.  Most of these only require time to be downloaded/ set-up.

Media Insiders Panel- $20/ month
This one is one of my favorites!
Media Insiders Panel is an ongoing research initiative that basically evaluates how people use technology.  It gives you $1.25/ week per device (up to 3+ computer) that you can redeem for numerous rewards, especially gift cards (I usually do Amazon.)  I have this on my phone, computer, and roomie's tablet. (shhh- don't tell!)

I know I said it's 1.25/ week per device, but I somehow end up with $5/ week, so however that math works!  Plus, you also get loyalty bonuses- I just got $5 for having it installed for 12 weeks.

In case it sounds too good to be true- this is my screenshot of my points (100=$1.)   You can cash out rewards at $5 (which is basically weekly.)



Screenwise Trends (Chrome Required)- $5/ month
This is a similar app to Media Insiders Panel, it's used to study web and mobile usage.  You have to put it on your computer, and then can also add mobile and tablet apps to earn more.  You get a bonus for signing up, based on how many apps you're running.  Here's the chart of how much you make initially, plus weekly.

Hey All!

Want a great date night idea that actually earns you money??

KIA is offering the same test drive offer they had last year.  Print out the certificate and bring it in to the dealer for a test drive and they will send you a FREE $25 Visa gift card.

https://www.kiatestdriveoffer.com/

All you have to do is get the dealer to fill out the certificate, and then you mail it in.  Easy!  Some salespeople even offer to validate your certificate without you taking the test drive (I suppose they don't want to waste their time if you know you're not going to buy.)  If you are test driving though, I highly suggest you try out the Sorento!

Then when you get the gift card in the mail a few months later, you can go ahead and treat yourself to another date night!


If you're interested in this kind of offer, I highly suggest you get on the mailing lists of all the car dealerships in your area, there are often test drive offers that are only sent out to those on their email lists.  I have gotten ones from an area Mazda dealer this way, and I know there are plenty others who do that as well.

Do it up!

I applaud you.  It must take a lot of guts to repost a picture taking a stand against shopping.  But let me tell you something; Walmart is not trolling Facebook, looking at your photos.  Target did not see your picture and think, "well, I guess we should change our plans."

Since you feel so bad for those workers, maybe on Thanksgiving you should also consider not getting robbed or sick, and don't even think about starting a fire with that beautiful turkey.  In fact maybe you shouldn't use your oven at all, just in case.  Then firefighters and paramedics can have the day off as well.  Doctors, nurses, policemen; they can all spend the whole day with their families.

Now I know, comparing people working to save our lives with those who are just obligated to sell us this year's hottest toy is very different.  But at the core they are all the same, they are all people.  What about the people who work in theaters so you can go to the Holiday premiere of your favorite movie?  I don't see anyone having a problem with that.  Or the hotel and restaurant workers there to support you when you visit family or burn your turkey?  Do we really care about the employees?  Or do we just jump at the opportunity to take a stand and follow the crowd?  Now what about this one, how many of you are also willing to not watch your team's Thanksgiving football game?  Do you know how many employees work Thanksgiving to make that game possible? (Hint: A LOT)

If you must take a stand, then take a stand.  Don't sit on your butt and post a picture. You're not changing anything that way.  If you believe in something that strongly, FIGHT for it.  Contact the companies, boycott on more than Thanksgiving Day (contrary to what you believe, they don't NEED your business on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of greedy people who will still be out shopping.)  Don't just take a stand against retail, boycott movie theaters and other unnecessary places that are open. Don't watch any football games, and definitely don't go to the game.

Do I think that anything will change?  No.  When it comes down to it our nation doesn't actually care about employees having the day off.  We care about entertainment and the money.  We care about comfort and being catered to.  We make a big deal about these individuals here, yet don't say a thing about the ones who make it possible to see our annual movie or go out for our yearly thanksgiving brunch.  We don't care about people who work so that we can sit in front of the tv for hours.  We're very selective in our fights.

So what do I propose?  If nothing is going to change, can we do anything?  Probably not.  But what if instead of staying home, we went to the stores.  What if we were there to be a smiling face, thanking the employees for working.  If we braved the crowds to give everyone working a thanksgiving card.  If all the people who value Thanksgiving are at home boycotting, who does that leave the workers to deal with?  The greedy (I know not EVERYONE shopping will be rude and greedy, but that's not the point) people who won't care a lick about the employees they are dealing with.  It's not going to be fun for them, so why can't we go cheer people up instead of just pouting that stores are open on Thanksgiving?  Leave generous tips at restaurants, or stores that allow it (stores can't regulate you leaving cards and cash on cars in the employee parking area, fyi.)  If we care about employees that have to work, lets show them we care.

For those of you who have friends and family who have to work, remember Thanksgiving isn't about the day.  Be lenient, modify your Thanksgiving plans so they can be a part of it too.  Get up earlier, so you can have dinner before they have to work.  Celebrate the day before or after.  Make it work, because you are thankful and you don't need a specific day to express that.

Let's spend less time boycotting corporations, and more time giving THANKS to the people who really matter.