Saturday, June 28, 2014

Favorite Buy & Sell Websites


Facebook has groups that I have done really well with selling on.
Search – search for items you have listed or something you are looking for
PM – Private Message
Other Folder – When you message “non friends”
If “non friends” e-mail you, it will probably go to your “other” folder

You can also sell & buy things on Craigslist Akron.
  • By creating an account, you can renew your postings & delete once you sell.

Finally Ebay.  For bigger things you can also do local pick-up.  This is the only that you have to pay a commission on what you sell.

Just be smart with meeting people.  I tried to do it in public places.

To find garage sales - I check out the Daily Record on line  or Craigslist Akron has a garage sale listing.  People also list them on the Facebook groups.

Paypal – a way to send & receive payment

1. Include a Good Image

You need to have a clear image of the item you are selling. Potential buyers should be able to tell what it looks like, and see what condition it’s in. Blurry images, or no image at all, won’t be as effective. Since you are dealing with people who might not be able to see the item before they pay for it, accurate and clear representation is vital. If it’s allowed, multiple pictures, from different angles, should be used.

2. Be Specific

Clearly describe the item. Be specific about the dimensions. If you’re selling jewelry, you should be able to describe different features, such as the karat weight of the gold, or the clarity of the gemstone. When selling other items, you should be able to describe it as new, unopened, light wear, like new, or with some other designation. Pay attention to the specifics so that potential buyers can figure out if it really does fit their needs. Look at the descriptions of successful postings to get some ideas.

3. Price it Right

Before you post an item, make sure that you do some research. Find out what similar items in a similar condition are going for.  I check Craigslist & eBay before listing. Pay attention to pricing. Consider pairing related items together, and offering a discount. In some cases, you will be more successful selling a set, rather than splitting it up. You can also specify that you are willing to break up a set, if you want to remain more flexible. Consider being open to negotiation if you are really concerned about getting the item off your hands.

4. Repost After a Few Days

On many sites, the older listings get pushed to the bottom. After a few days, your listing will no longer be easy to access. Instead of waiting 14 days, or 30, for the listing to end, go ahead and post again after a few days. On an auction site, you can keep the length of the auction between four and seven days. Reposting can help you generate fresh interest in the item. Additionally, before you repost, think about why your item didn’t sell. Tweak your posting to see if you can sell your stuff with different wording, or better images — or a better price.

5. Respond Quickly

When you’re selling on eBay, potential buyers might ask questions — and you will need to respond quickly if you want a good rating, and to get a few more bids. When selling on local Classifieds sites, or selling on Craigslist, a fast response is vital as well, especially if you are “competing” against other sellers. Often, the first one to respond is the one who gets to sell the item. If you are slow, the buyer may purchase a similar item from someone else.
6. Safety
Be smart when you are meeting people you don’t know.  I always meet in a public place if my husband isn’t home.

7. Donate
Donate what you don’t need to want.  Our church collects clothing for harvest ministry/clothing giveaway.  Non-profits MCC Connections in Kidron or Goodwill can give you a tax form.
8. Garage Sale
Have a garage to sell your unwanted items.  I feel you can give more from selling online if you have time to meet people.  I try to sell my bigger tickets on line before my garage sale.




Favorite Phone Apps

 I know there are a lot of fun game apps, but I'd like to know some of your favorite apps that save you money, save you time, or make your life easier or better.

Some of mine are:

  • GasBuddy - save money on gas by finding the cheapest gas in the area
  • Kindle - read free books from Amazon
  • Holy Bible - lots of good reading plans and a ton of different versions of the Bible.  You can also select to listen to the Bible (You Version & Bible App for Kids
  • Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joann's - coupons 
  • Yelp - good for finding restaurants or stores in the area
  • MapQuest - GPS
  • iTV - TV guide
  • iHeartRadio - I like to listen to the Dave Ramsey channel
  • Focus on the Family Daily - the daily broadcast.  Great to listen to while I exercise
  • Pandora - free radio
  • SleepMachine Lite - noise machine to help me block out noise & sleep
  • Netflix - watch my Netflix shows
  • Cardstore - stores my loyalty card numbers so I don't have to carry them around.
  • Shop Savvy - can scan barcodes to compare prices
  • Amazon Instant Video - watch Amazon shows with Prime
  • Echo - set up texts for prayer request reminders
Let me know your favorite apps.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Fun/Cheap Activities for Kids in northeast Ohio & Membership Info-UPDATED



I'm trying to come up with a list of free or cheaper activities to do with our boys this summer.  We made our "to do" list last night.  Last summer we tried to do 1 thing on our list each week, so in August we weren't trying to get everything done.  This isn't our whole list but some ideas we used.

Please comment on things you have found.  We love to check out new places

Everything Rubbermaid store (Wooster) - 3rd floor has Step 2 play structures, kitchens, etc to play with for free

Kidron Auction (Thurs) - watch them sell animals.  Auction starts at 11 but can walk around the look at the animals before.

Massillon Rec center -  Daily Visit pass - Ages 4 & up - $6, Under 3 is free.The aquatics area features four bodies of water; a two-lane lap pool; a lazy river; a multipurpose splash down pool; a dry sauna, and a kiddie play pool.  The 19' high water slides just add more to the fun.  

Massillon McDonalds on 172 towards Target - I've heard good things about their playground.

First Christian Church (Canton) - FREE The playland has 4 levels with tubes, stairs, and slides for your kids to explore and enjoy. There is even a designated area for toddlers ages 2 and under to play safely. Spring hours: Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5pm and Sundays 1-3pm. Hours will be extended during summer months.

Wooster Sprayground & Kiddie Pool - Knights Park is very appealing to families with young children because of the newly developed Kiddy City and spray ground. Kiddy City is a 12,036 square foot area for children to ride there bikes or big wheels. Along with Kiddy City there is a 19,500 square foot spray ground with 6 different spraying features to keep the children entertained. If that is not enough for the kids there is a 4,929 square foot playground for them to run around in.  Someone thought it was $3 a kid.  You can get your hand stamped as you leave & then go swim for free at Freelander Park.

Kroc Center Spraypark (Ashland) - open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, weather permitting.  Free.   The spray ground consists of three areas -- a toddler area, a teen area with water cannons and a common area. Several pieces of the park are new products Rain Drop has developed, including the water cannons, an alligator in the toddler area that shoots water out its nose and cool tails -- water spouts resembling cattails

Amazone Family Center - Medina  Toddler playground for children under 3 – $4 for same day unlimited play.  Large playground for children 3 and above – $8 for same day unlimited play.  Watch for deals on Groupon or Living Social. Mon-Thurs 10-9, Fri & Sat- 10-midnight, Sun - noon-9pm.  Tues they have an animal show, Wed story time, Thurs craft.   All at 11 am.  You can't bring your own food.

Tuscora Park (New Philly) - includes three pools, year-round picnic pavilion and outdoor shelters, vintage kiddy amusement rides, miniature golf, and much more, surrounded by our beautiful green hillsides and shade trees.
Any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, plan to visit Tuscora Park and see what families from all over Ohio have been enjoying for decades!  Mon-Thurs 4:30-8:00, Fri-Sun noon-8:00
Prices: All Rides - $0.75 each, Book of 10 tickets - $6.00, Miniature Golf - $1.00 per person, Batting Cages - $1.00 for 20 balls

Harry London Chocolates (by Akron-Canton airport) -
Tour Times:      Mon-Fri 10-4  Free.  45 min tour.  Free piece of chocolate at the end of tour

Toyrifix (Smithville) -  toys & trains to play with in the store.

Orrville Library - summer reading program, story time, special events, trains & puzzles

Parks - Orrville - Orr Park & Gailey Park.  Wooster - Christmas Run & Freelander; Kidron, Dalton - 2 parks.  Jackson - a nice fenced in park across from the high school. Massillon - a nice one on 241 north of 30

Johnson's Woods - Fox Lake Rd - North of Orrville, nice place to walk on a raised path.

Towpath - starts in Dalton.  nice place to walk or ride bikes towards Massillon

Secrest Arboretum - (Wooster) - a HUGE slide

The Barn Restaurant (Smithville) - feed the ducks bread crusts

Nature Realm Metro Park on Smith Rd near Summit Mall Akron.  - you can feed chick a dees

Stark Wilderness Center (Wilmot ) - various programs & events 


Mohican State Park - hiking

Putt N Stuff (Orrville) - Look for discounts on I Shop Stark, Town Money Saver, the Orrville school card

Cinemark (Wooster)  $5 on Tues & $1 Wed summer moviews


Cinemark (Canton) $1 movies on Wed, but very cheap other days as well

Cinemark - Summer $1 Movies

Drive in Theaters - Barberton, Wadsworth, & Strasburg 

Akron Art Museum -  Free to children 12 & under with an adult.  Free on Thurs

Cleveland Art Museum - Free.  Within walking distance of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History & Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

McKinley Museum & Monument - Canton. Dinosaurs, live animals, hands on science experiments, history, huge model train display.  Museum Adults $8, Kids 3-18 $6.  Monument Free.  Mon-Sat 9-4, Sun Noon-4.   Planetarium-- Saturday at 1:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. During the summer months public shows are held at 1:00 PM Monday-Friday. Planetarium shows are included in your admission price. Please note that children must be 5 years of age or older to attend a planetarium show.  See the note below about a membership  

MAPS Museum - off of 241 near the Akron Canton Airport.  39 planes in various stages of restoration.  A good hands on, up close look at the planes.  Adults $8, Kids 6-12 $5.  Check I Shop Stark for discount tickets. Tues-Sat 9:00-4:30, Sun 11:30-4

Akron Fossils & Science Center - Copley.  Focuses on creationism & not evolution.  Includes a zip line & mini golf.  Starting May 28 open Tues-Sat 9-5.  Adults $9, kids 3-15 $7.  You can do the zip line, mini golf, & outdoor play area for $3.  We did this & really liked it.  The museum part isn't big but love the focus on God.

The Little Buckeye Children's Museum (Mansfield) Admission $7  Wed-Sun

Rolling Ridge (Mt Hope) - much cheaper if you can get a group of 15 or more - 9.95/person for the wagon ride

The Farm (Walnut Creek) Admission - 7.75/person with groups of 15 or more, Admission & Wagon Ride 10.25/person for groups of 15 or more.  We like it better than Rolling Ridge. Beautifully landscaped. Giraffes.  Found discount tickets on the Fish website.

Hershberger Farm & Bakery - Rt 557 Berlin on the way to Charm, right off of 62.   They have a free petting zoo with pigs, horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep, tons of goats (including ones of the roof of the barn), cows, dogs.  You can buy food for the animals $1 a cone or 6 for $5.  You can ride a pony or horse for $3.  You can also take a buggy or wagon ride for $5 a person.  They also have a very good bakery and produce section.  In the fall you can ride the wagon out & pick your own pumpkin.

P  Graham Dunn- 2014 - 
July 25 - August 2 - Customer Appreciation Sale. Saturday, Sept 20 - Kid's Fall Fishing Derby. Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4  - Fall Fun

Lodi Outlet Mall - Ride the train for $3.50, discount for AAA, coupons available on line

Orrville Railroad - ride train or track cars $2 for adults & $1 for kids Aug 9, 2014

Kids Bowl Free allows your family to bowl 2 Games FREE everyday all summer. Plus, there is a family pass option where parents, grandparents, older children that don't qualify for the Kids Bowl Free passes and babysitters can join in the fun and get the same great 2 FREE Game offer every day.  Locally this is available at Triway Lanes.

Kids Skate Free - Check out locations, nothing locally for me.


Hall of Fame Balloon Launch - July 18-20, 2014

Skymax - discount tickets on I Shop Stark

Orrville YMCA family swim - 3 free on the Orrville PTO card.



Baylor Beach - 3 and under free. 4 and up (Mon-Thurs) $6. Fri-Sun $7
June, July, and August
Mon.-Thurs - 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri., Sat., Sun. & Holidays - 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Caskey's - 11:00am-7:00pm (closed Monday). 15 & up $4, 14 & under $2, 2 and under free 

Aug/Sept

Bauman Orchard - pick your own apples, wagon ride, straw maze


Wayne County Fair - week after Labor Day

Missions at the Airport - Preferred Airport

Rodeo - Leway's Frontier Arena near Caskey's.  Usually the first Sat of Aug

Christmas
Oak Grove Mennonite - Search for the Christ child - usually first Sun of Dec

Journey to Bethlehem - Walnut Creek

Polar Express - library

Please confirm before attending these events as dated,  times & pricing may have changed.

If you travel a lot or live near a zoo or science center you might want to consider a science center and/or zoo membership.  These are all good for a year & you can usually activate them over the phone or online.  You don't have to live near the one you buy, but these are some of the best prices I have found.  Typically a family is up to 6 people.


I tried to use my Toledo membership at Great Lakes & they wouldn't let me.  They said because I lived less than 90 miles from Cleveland I couldn't use a membership besides Great Lakes for free or McKinley for 1/2 price.  They ended up letting me pay half price because they had given me incorrect information when I called.  I just say this as a warning about the 90 mile rule.  I think this applies at all of them.

Science Center Memberships:

McKinley Museum in Canton - $56 for a family.
  Pros - 350+ science centers for free, including COSI & Clev Natural History
  Cons - Great Lakes Science Center 1/2 price (Great Lakes General Admission - Adult $14, Kids (2-12) $12), doesn't reciprocate to Pittsburgh Children's Museum

Boonshoft Discovery in Dayton - $100 for a family (up to 6 kids)
  Pros - 350+ science centers for free150+ zoos - most for half price
  Cons - Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History 50% off,  COSI is 50% off (COSI Classic Exhibits - Adults $17.95, Kids (2-12) $12.95).  This wouldn't work at Great Lakes if you live less than 90 miles from Cleveland.

Akron Zoo - $75 for a family
  Pros - 150+ zoos - most for half price,  Akron Zoo & Parking free (Summer Adult $10, Kids 2-14  $7)
  Cons - Cleveland zoo is 1/2 price (Cleveland Zoo (Summer Adults $12.25, Children 2-11 $8.25)


Cleveland Zoo - $85 for a family.  Buy on line with code A100 & save 15%
Pros - 150+ zoos - most for half price,  free parking
  Cons - Akron zoo is 1/2 price (& you have to pay $3 to park there)

Here's a link to Staycations around the country.  It's also a good resource if you are visiting one of these areas.

Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit and debit cardholders get free admission into 150 zoos, science centers, & children's museums around the country the first full week-end of each month.  Check out the list here.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Family Binder

I encourage everyone to have a family binder or folder with important documents and information.

Here's one idea.  I would suggest adding passwords & dates and accounts for automatic payments.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Snapfish - 100 free prints for 12 months

Snapfish - Free prints for a year! Go mobile and enjoy 100 FREE 4" x 6" prints in the Snapfish App every month for the next 12 months, when you log in to the app from your phone or tablet by 4/30. No code needed.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Saving Star = Free Money

I haven't talked about this for a while, but here's an easy way to save money.  Load your frequent shopper account numbers & automatically earn coupons that you load on your account. I've earned $44 in probably 2 years on groceries I was buying anyway.


There is a new resource for digital coupon called SavingStar.com. Sign up for SavingStar.com (click the join for free link at the top of the page) and you will be able to load these coupons onto your store loyalty card:

I entered my zip code and I found that the following stores in my area that participate in this program:
  • Buehler's
  • Giant Eagle
  • Rite Aid
  • CVS
They have over 24,000 participating stores, so there should be several where you are located too!
This program is a little different than your usual eCoupons, instead of coming off at the register, the money is added to your SavingStar account and then they send you the money via check, pay pal or an Amazon gift card.

Here is exactly how it works:
  • Select the eCoupons you like on the website or mobile app, and they are automatically linked to your store card.
  • Use your card when you checkout and the money is added to your SavingStar account. The savings don’t change your bill at the register and the savings are not printed on the receipt. Instead, they get deposited into your account within 7-30 days depending upon where you shop.
  • Once your SavingStar account reaches $5 in savings, you can pick your payout from a bank account deposit, a PayPal account deposit, an Amazon gift card, or a donation to charity. More options to come!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Shopping Guide by Month

According to Yahoo these are the best months to shop for deals.


January: Best month to buy

White sales: Hit stores and online to find the largest savings of the year on table linensbeddingand towels.

HDTVs: Watch for deep discounts just before the Super Bowl. Not in the budget now? They also go on sale in March and December.
   
Fitness equipment: Retailers are cashing in on New Year's resolutions—take advantage of huge price cuts to jump on a new treadmill or a set of light weights.

Holiday leftovers: Wrapping paper and ornaments are slashed by up to 75 percent—be ready for next year.
BARGAIN TIP: The bigger the chain, the bigger the savings. Department stores such as Macy's andJCPenney have been known to discount their linens up to 60 percent during white sales.

February: Best month to buy

Fragrances: Get your favorites for less during Valentine's Day promotions.
Electronics: New models of MP3 playersDVD players anddigital cameras are announced at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show in January. Take advantage of this moment to grab last year's models at a huge discount.
Humidifiers: If you're suffering from a lingering cold or the drying effects of indoor heat, humidifiers are marked down this month and next.
BARGAIN TIP: Look for Presidents' Day sales! Compare and track discounts in your area atpresidentsdaysales.com.

March: Best month to buy

    Winter gear: Coatsskis and boots are moving out to make way or spring items—shop now for a major discount.
    A freezer full of meals: Look for a special coupon insert promoting Frozen Food Month in Sunday circulars, then stock up. Visit nfraweb.org for more details.
BARGAIN TIP: Whenever a new product is released, look for the old model on sale. Afraid you're buying second best? Ask the sales rep to explain the new model's upgrades—you may never need or use them anyway.

April: Best month to buy
Digital cameras: They go on sale again for families taking off for spring break.
Warm-weather clothes: Browse now for spring fashions as they begin
 to move to sale racks this month. If you wear a common size, hit the stores early.
BARGAIN TIP: When buying online, try to get free shipping. Before you check out, visitfreeshipping.org and search by store for coupons and codes.

May: Best month to buy

Picnic supplies, outdoor furniture and pantry staples:It's National Barbecue Month! Watch for discounts to get you eating outdoors.
    Athletic apparel: Save on last year's sneakers before next season's models roll in.   
Cookware: Ditch your dingy pots and pans and take advantage of sales wooing Mother's Day and wedding shoppers.
BARGAIN TIP: In the market for a big-ticket item? Some stores, such as Sears, have reinstated interest-free layaway policies. So if you want it, buy now and pay later!

June: Best month to buy

    Swimsuits and summer wear: Cash in as prices drop.
Lingerie: Look for the semi-annual sale at Victoria's Secret.   
Tools: Drillssaws and tech products (like GPS units) have deep discounts aimed at dads and grads.   
Dairy days: It's Dairy Month—time to serve up milk shakes, sundaes and cheese platters. Get details atnationaldairycouncil.org and plan a school's-out ice cream social on the cheap!
BARGAIN TIP: You've spotted a sale item with an unbeatable price, but the store's across town. Find out if your preferred store has an ad match policy and will match any local price (such asWalmart does).


July: Best month to buy

    Furniture: Deals abound as stores make room for new lines, according to the American Home Furnishings Alliance.   
Month-to-month gym memberships: Negotiate now, as health clubs try to keep up quotas throughout the summer.
BARGAIN TIP: Take a break from bargain hunting and let someone else do the work. Probargainhunter.com lists deals and coupons, and posts news about discounts.

August: Best month to buy

        Fall fashions, school supplies and computers: Get major price breaks for back-to-school shopping. Save even more by buying a refurbished computer at dell.com/outlet.   
Air conditioners, lawn mowers and yard equipment: As the heat index drops, prices do, too, so stores can clear shelves for incoming fall items.   
Camping equipment: Get the year's best prices on tents and other outdoor gear, just in time to put together a memorable Labor Day weekend under the stars.
BARGAIN TIP:  Look for back-to-school sales! Buy basics like pencils and paper in advance, but wait to purchase pricier items until teachers send out their list of required supplies.

September: Best month to buy

    Cars: As new models hit the showroom floor, older vehicles are the ones to buy. Before you shop, visit edmunds.com to find out the market value of different types of cars.   
Perennials, shrubs and trees: Keep your thumb green for less during fall. According to Consumer Reports, prices on greenery at this time of year can't be beat.   
Bikes: Reduce your carbon footprint with a new two-wheeler. Deals on bikes begin now and continue through autumn.
BARGAIN TIP: Look for Labor Day sales! Also, before you finish a purchase online, visitretailmenot.com, a free coupon Web site that publishes coupon codes for more than 20,000 online retailers.

October: Best month to buy

Grills: Prices drop as dinner moves indoors.   
Auto supplies: It's Fall Car Care Month—you'll see discounts on tires and car supplies.   
Appliances and vacuums: Look for sales on last year's kitchenand other appliances, including washers and dryers, as new models begin to arrive in stores.   
Winter gear: Take advantage of early discounts on coats, hats and scarves.

BARGAIN TIP: Look for Columbus Day sales! Also, know your discount lingo. A "sale" item can return to full price; "clearance" is the lowest it will go and is often a final sale—no refunds.


November: Best month to buy

    Stereos, TVs and clothing: These and other major items can be found for a steal on Black Friday. Get a head start on bargain hunting at bfads.net, which has Black Friday circulars from most major retailers.
Wedding dresses: Look for a gown between now and Christmas, when boutiques are empty and clearing out inventory. Salespeople are hungry!
BARGAIN TIP: Look for Black Friday sales! Not up for the post-turkey stampede? Take advantage of Cyber Monday, three days later. Finish up your holiday shopping online—in your jammies. Visitcybermonday.com for more info.


December: Best month to buy

Toys, electronics and more: 'Tis the season to save.   
New-model cars: Dealerships want to meet year-end goals—haggle.
BARGAIN TIP: Look for pre- and post-Christmas sales! Note price adjustment policies. At Target, if you buy something (excluding clearance items) that costs less the following week, you'll get the difference back.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Kindle Helps


There are so many free Kindle books & apps if you know how to find them.

Every day there's a free app in the App Store.  Occasionally on the top of the screen by the free app are apps on sale.  To find free apps, just use the search bar & add the word free to whatever you are looking for.

Here's a link for free apps from Amazon.

To find free Kindle books, use the search bar & add free to the description.  You'll be amazed at all of the free books out there.

Here's a link for free Kids books. Just make sure you check the price before you buy because sometimes the price changes or one that isn't free will show up.  You can narrow down the choices on the side.

Here's a link for free Christian books.


Here's a link to the guide for the Kindle.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013