APPS that Make Money

Ibotta grocery Cash Back - I have used this one but, I have found it very time consuming to watch a 2 minute video in order to save 10 cents. (While that might be an exaggeration, I do not prefer this app).

Ebates online shopping kick back - I love, love love Ebates! I can get oodles of cash back on regular purchases, which comes in handy during back to school, and often Christmas shopping. But, buyer beware, the sales do not always include the same items...

SwagBucks FREE gift card program - I am new to swagbucks, but I have earned 3$ in Amazon cash in the first 2 weeks, all I did was play some videos on my cell phone.. The more involved you get, the more money you will make.

SNAP grocery rebates - I always check these after grocery shopping, but its been a solid two years and I haven't gotten a pay out yet (20$ minimum).

Android users can get a PAID lockscreen (5$ a month min) - I cannot personally vouch for this, since I no longer am an android user, but the hubs used it a bit and cashed out every year by Christmas with 50$ or so.

Pact App pays you to be healthy! -- I used this for about a year and really liked it. It pays through Paypal and always paid on time. I only stopped when my paypal was hacked.

Viggle Music App -- Viggle ONLY pays to live tv watching, which I very seldom do, so I did not make a lot of cash here... but maybe YOU will?

Inbox dollard cash for emails! - I receive about 5$ a month for purchases and reading emails. It would take longer if you did not buy anything, but you do get .02 cents an email, just for opening them and often their are contests and surveys to earn more.

Surveys on The Go App - I have less time now for surveys than I used to, but this is a good one!

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SAVE Money for Disney

DISNEY vacations can be a HUGE expense for families, but they do not have to be... With the right choices and options a family can save hundreds if not thousands on a DISNEY vacation.

• One of the best and smartest ways to save for a Disney vacation is to open a separate savings account specifically for your vacation fund. If at all possible, jump-start the account with a lump sum, such as a tax refund. DISNEY offers these, and will add 'bonus' cash in your account as well! Check out more information on a Disney Vacation Account!

•  Disney gift cards can yield a savings as well. It might seem a little complicated BUT, it is an effective way to reduce your Disney spending by hundreds a ta time. You can save over 15% when buying a gift card online at a reduced cost (reputable sites only) to a store that sells DISNEY gift cards at a reduced rate (Target, Bj's, Costco, Sam's Club). Use those cards to buy the reduced cost DISNEY gift cards and use the gift cards to pay for your vacation. To further your discount, buy the original discount using your Disney Visa (get your 1-3% back in Disney points!) Check out Raise Discount Gift Cards or Cardpool Discount Gift Cards for purchasing gift cards

• Don't SPEND your change... save it in a jar! (a 2-liter bottle can hold 700$ in dimes) If you don’t want to roll the change, see if your bank takes unrolled change (TD Bank) or visit a coin-star machine (some even give gift cards instead of cash! Be careful some coin machines take a percentage).
  
  
   
  
  
  • Play the checking account game... When writing a check, round up your checkbook entry to the nearest dollar. (For instance, if you write a check for $57.12, record it in your checkbook as $58). Not only does this help you prevent overdrafts, it also means you’re accumulating a little extra in your account every time you write a check. Another good thing about this method is that you’re earning interest on that extra money, assuming you have an interest-bearing checking account. AND round down your deposit entries to the nearest dollar. (For instance, if you deposit $300.91, record it as $300). Again, you’re accumulating a little extra “ghost” money in your account.
  
  
  • If a payment ends, keep making it — to yourself! If you pay off a car or a credit card, keep making that payment, but instead write the check to yourself and deposit it into your vacation savings account.
  • Make a rule that “found” money goes in the vacation fund (rebate, tax refund, gift check, work bonus, EVEN laundry money) deposit it in the vacation account.
  •  Cut out one small daily expense and put the money you’re saving into your vacation fund. The savings can really add up (don't buy a latte, bring one; bring a snack from home instead of the vending machines).

• Ask your family to help you save. Often children aren’t very aware of how much small expenses can add up over time. If you point out that every nickel they can save the household will get them closer to seeing Mickey, they may surprise you! Solicit their ideas and suggestions, and then agree to put aside what you’ve saved for your vacation fund.(Collect returnable cans/bottles)

• Cut expenses....Spend less on entertainment and save where-ever/whenever you can (borrow videos from your public library, eat out less, and/or use grocery store coupons).

• Sell your junk. Have a big garage sale, list things on ebay/amazon or another tag sale site, use a consignment store or Craigslist.

• Evaluate your spending on cable television and telephone services. If you have a cell phone, see if there’s a better plan for you, that fits your usage patterns at a lower cost, likewise with your insurance companies.

• Re-evaluate gift-giving. Perhaps you can just start exchanging greeting cards. Or you might prefer to institute a gift exchange (each person draws one name) or switch to “gifts of love” (give each other certificates for back rubs, car washes, and other kind gestures that cost you nothing but your time and effort). Or set a low dollar limit on gifts and see how creative you can get.

• Hang on to your receipts: Some receipts from park restaurants include same-day discounts for Downtown Disney retailers in the fine print, so be sure to inspect yours before tossing it. You can use these discounts to buy marked-down toys and costumes for your kids!

• Check out APPS that earn you money or save you money! 

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....So you are going to Disney...Time to pack!

 Disney is an adventure in itself, and when you are on your way, you should be certain all the essentials are in tow.


Aloe - our family found it extremely useful (we used almost all of a 20 oz. bottle!) in the summer heat.
Antacids
Antibacterial lotion - This was a must before all meals when we couldn't get to water.
Aspirin
Autograph book and a fat pen (so the characters can hold it).
Backpack - to store cameras, ponchos, etc. in.
Baby Powder
Band-Aids
Bathing suit
Batteries/battery packs - for still and video cameras


Cell phone with battery and charger base


Contact lenses - make sure you bring *both* a spare set and your glasses.
Cooler -  a soft, collapsible one to tote sandwiches and drinks to the water parks
Dental floss
Gum - If you like to chew it, buy it in advance; you won't find any for sale on Disney property

Hats - straw, baseball whatever...something to bounce the sun off!
Insect repellent
Laundry Detergent - Rather than paying high prices for a small box of laundry detergent, bring some from home in a resealable plastic bag.
Lip Stuff - like Blistex or Chapstick - with sunscreen!
Prescription Medicines - Pack at least three extra days' worth of any prescriptions for everyone in your party, and make sure they are in the carry-on luggage.
Nail clippers and emery board
Q-tips
Poncho - so you can find your group amidst all those Disney slickers!

Proof of Insurance - to show when you rent your car so you don't need that expensive CDW (collision damage waver)
Safety pins and/or Diaper Pins - for broken zippers or missing buttons

Sensible shoes -- Comfy, well-broken in shoes are essential. This isn't the time to try a new pair of shoes. If you must get new shoes for your trip, be sure to break them in well before you depart for Florida.
Extra Socks and Sneakers and Undies - One thing my daughter and I found when we visited in August, was that we ran out of clean dry clothes pretty fast.
Stain Stick - the laundry pre-treating stick. Since none of us like to do laundry on vacation, just rubbing the stain with the pre-treatment will let you hold off doing laundry till you return home.

Sunscreen lots and lots of sunscreen
Sunglasses - for ALL members of your traveling tribe, and don't forget those handy-dandy straps that keep the sunglasses hanging around your neck. Much more convenient than tucking the sunglasses in a pocket or fanny pack every time you enter an attraction.

Tickets (or reservation numbers) -  Confirm or obtain airline seat numbers & departure times the day before.  We got to the airport over an hour early and still got 3 middle seats for ourselves! Since we made our plans 3 mos. early, we also found the departure time had changed by 20 minutes.  Nothing the airline called us about, but 20 extra minutes in an airport with kids is not part of a well-planned vacation.
Tissues
Tote Bag - to store ponchos and other items in.
Toys - for the kids

Tweezers

Watch
Water Bottles - especially in the summer.
Water shoes - to wear to/from as well as IN pools/water parks.
Wipes 
Zipper-top Bags / vacuum sealed bags

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What do Disney Cast Members want Guests to remember?

9. You Can’t Park Your Stroller Anywhere you Want
There are designated stroller areas for a reason. Often times guests park their strollers wherever they want, which can cause serious problems (like stealing) and is a safety concern if left in areas crowded by guests.
8. Don’t Cut In Line
We all wait in line for long lengths of time to enjoy our favorite rides and shows, so skipping the line isn’t the best answer to enjoying these experiences quicker. Not only do the guests become irate at times, but cast members are put in a weird situation of intervening.
7. Get Fastpasses Out
While fastpasses are used to experience minimal to no wait time, the wait time in the line can be increased by those who aren’t ready to scan their bands. Make sure you are prepared and have your MagicBands or park tickets out to make it easier for the guests behind you and the cast members who are keeping record of how many people are walking through the attraction.
6. Cast Members Don’t Make The Rules
In any profession, we can tend to complain or become upset with the wrong employees. Cast members are no different. If you are not satisfied with something, remember that they do not make the rules. If you do feel the need to complain or address the situation further, be sure to speak to the right cast member.
5. Follow Directions During Parades and Shows
Cast members always try their best to keep the ‘traffic’ of walking guests moving smoothly, but it can be very difficult to accomplish this when people stop in the middle of the pathways to watch. Find a safe and designated area to watch the parade without having to agitate the cast members with keeping the flow of traffic going.
4. Have Patience
There are some issues that can’t be resolved right away. Cast members always try their best to accommodate any guest no matter what their situation may be.
3. Don’t Try To Argue About The Height Requirement on a Ride Height requirements are strict to ensure the safety of all guests. There is a reason why cast members turn away guests in this predicament. Please be considerate to them and understand that they are just following protocol.
2. They Love It When You Show Your Appreciation
Small acts for kindness are surely appreciated by cast members. Keep in mind that they are often dealing with negative scenarios that guests have rather than positive ones. A compliment goes a long way, and the best part is, its free!
1. The Goal of Cast Members is to Put a Smile On Your Face
Cast members are always trying to give some extra magic to guests on a daily basis. There have been times where they have taken guests straight to the front of ride, upgraded a resort room, and even had “Mickey” pay for their dinner or souvenir. Offering extra magic is what cast members are known for and they do a great job of doing so!
BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like SIMPLY MAGICAL VACATIONS. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

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Roasted Vegetables

• 10 brussel sprouts, quartered
• 2 small onions, quartered
• 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
• 1 medium yellow summer squash, halved and sliced
• 1/2 pound fresh baby carrots
• 1 cup fresh cauliflowerets
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
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• Place vegetables in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients; drizzle over vegetables and toss to coat.
• Transfer to two greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Yield: 9 servings.

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Carrot Ginger Soup

BOMA! Crrot Ginger Soup

Ingredients:
Cornstarch Slurry - (1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cool water)
2 cups carrots, chunky cut
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar, adjust as needed
1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 cup American cheese, sliced or shredded (optional)
Method of Preparation:
1. In pot, cook carrots in water, sugar and ginger. Let simmer until carrots are soft. Using a food processer or blender, puree until smooth.
2. Add heavy cream and milk. Cook until soup is hot and slightly thick.
3. Bring to a boil, add cornstarch slurry while stirring. Bring back up to a boil. Remove from heat.
4. Add American cheese and stir well until cheese melts.
5. Adjust seasoning.
6. Enjoy!

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Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup skim milk
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup light blue cheese dressing (I used Marie’s – it’s the best!)
• 3-4 tablespoons Buffalo Wing sauce (I used Anchor Bar brand)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg white
• 1 cup cooked shredded boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 medium celery stalk, chopped small
• 4 cups cooked whole wheat or high fiber macaroni (about 8 oz uncooked)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400. Lightly mist a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, mixing it into the butter until thick. Stir in the milk and garlic powder and raise the temp to bring the mixture to just under a boil. Add the cheddar cheese and whisk mixture together until thoroughly combined into a cheese sauce.
3. Remove the cheese sauce from heat and then mix in the blue cheese dressing and Buffalo wing sauce. Beat together the eggs and egg white and then stir into the cheese sauce until combined.
4. Add the chicken and celery to the cheese sauce and stir together. Add the macaroni and continue to stir until coated. Spoon the macaroni mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops slightly brown. Let cool at least 15 minutes before removing from muffin tin. Letting the “muffins” cool before removing them from the pan is crucial if you want them to stay together.

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Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
• 15 ounces artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground mustard
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Spread into an 8x8'' baking pan or similar ovenproof dish (should be able to contain about 3 cups.).
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Serve hot with bagel chips, rye bread slices, tortilla chips, cheese crackers, pita, etc!

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