Online Shopping: Money Saving Tips

Since it's that time of year and Cyber Monday is just around the corner, I thought would let you in on some money-saving secrets!  These are super easy and they really do make a difference.
And if you're a borderline-unhealthy-online-shopaholic like me, the money you save with these tips really does add up!  There is no point in spending more money than you need to!
We college students know the struggle of stretching a buck.

Numba 1:  EBATES

I cannot stress this enough.
You basically get a percentage back on your online purchases.
Yes, the percentage is usually small, but like I said, it adds up!
All you do is:
log on, search for the site you want to shop on, and then click the link on ebates for that site.
It will open a new page and direct you to the site.
After 6 months, all the money you've accumulated will be sent to you via a BIG FAT check (that's literally what it's called), paypal, or Amazon credit!  It's awesome!

 It's like dis.

I've been using this for about 2 or 3 years and I've yet to discover a catch.
Just click the link above to get started!

(Note: Not all stores will be listed on Ebates, but there are a lot that are. The major stores like Target and Walmart are definitely on there.)

Numba 2: COUPON CODES

These can be used in COMBINATION with Ebates.
There may not always be coupon codes for the sites you're shopping on, but always look anyway.
I usually use RetailMeNot, but I just Google search until I find the best one.
At some stores like Skechers, sometimes they will have 30% plus free shipping if you have a log-in account.
Stores such as Bath and Body Works almost always have a coupon code, but it changes all the time.
Sales!  Kohl's and Bath and Body Works almost always have a sale.

 Once you find a code, just enter it into the little box that says PROMO CODE or something of the sort.

 Numba 3: SALES

 The word is so beautiful, it's almost poetic.

Lastly, always be sure to be on the lookout for the sales.  
This is mostly relevant to a couple stores in particular, like Kohl's and Bath and Body Works.
BBW charges a lot for one bottle of lotion, so if you ever shop there, make sure it's on a "Buy 3, get 3 free" day.  And sometimes the candles are 2 for $22! Then, use your coupons in combination with those deals.  
BAM! Money saved.

When used effectively and in the right combination, you can save a lot of money!
So, if you want to avoid the crowds and shop online, be sure to take these tips into consideration.
I am sure there are a ton of other awesome tips out there that I am unaware of, but these are just the ones I use. If you find some, feel free to share!

 

Happy shopping!

Kid President Lays Down Some TRUTH

I often think about how we are using all this technology that we have.

It can be used for so much good!

So many good things can be shared and learned if we use it right.

But it seems that we use it the wrong way a lot of the time.

Kid President lays down some serious truth about our use of the internet.

Like the fact that people spend $600,000 per DAY on Candy Crush.

Really?!

We live in a time of instant gratification and mind-numbing distractions.

This kid has some really valid points. 

Plus, he's adorable and hilarious.

(Sorry this is a little late for the SOCKTOBER thing)

We all have a lot to be thankful for.

This video is so funny 'cause it's all true.
Sometimes we just need to shut the full cup.
You gotta be able to laugh at yourself right?!

 We are bombarded by distractions in this world on the daily.
We are fortunate to receive more and more technological advances that make our lives easier,
yet they seem to be pushing us farther and farther apart from each other.
What really matters?
As you go about your day, take some time to think about how you're using technology
and how you can use it to do some good for your fellow earthling!
And hey, while you're at it, think of at least 5 things you're grateful for.
No matter how bad things are for you, there is always at least 1 thing you can be thankful for.
So, I'll leave you with this...

How are you using the internet?

Mini Rant: Black Friday

Can someone please explain to me what is going on with the world?

Black Friday is no longer Black FRIDAY.
Every year it seems to start earlier and earlier during Thanksgiving week.

Now, retail workers are forced to work on Thanksgiving day!
They not only have to work on almost every other holiday--not to mention that they have to work on the worst day of retail shopping ever (Black Friday)--but now they have to work on THANKSGIVING, too?!
Do you know how stressful it is to work in retail on Black Friday??
Pretty soon it will be called Black Week (that almost doesn't sound PC, but you get what I mean). 
Does anyone else see the absurdity in this?!

When greed, consumerism, and material objects become more important than
family, relaxing on a holiday, and moral values...I think something is very, very wrong.
It's this society.  It's all this commercial BS that is turning family holidays that are supposed to be about love and togetherness into a money-making scheme!!
I can't even handle the chaos of Black Friday, though.  It's too much.
People become real cray just to save a couple bucks.
The social psychology behind how we act in groups is fascinating.

 I mean, this is just scary.
People legit get trampled and seriously injured because of this.

I saw this article about Wal-Mart workers going on strike because of having to work on Thanksgiving.
I say more power to them!
Having to worry about losing your job if you don't work on Thanksgiving is completely ludicrous.
These companies are not valuing their employees.
The people making these decisions probably don't have to work this day.

I don't know if this will make a difference, but I signed this petition for Target to stay closed on Thanksgiving.
I had to try!

GET IT TOGETHER, SOCIETY!

I don't usually like to have angry rants, but in this situation I feel it's necessary to get the message across.

You can always make your own DIY gifts!
Homemade is always better anyway!

I hope you all get to enjoy a magical and ooey-gooey Thanksgiving filled with a cornucopia of love and laughter!!

I am thankful for all of you who have to work on Black Friday.
It takes real strength and patience.
There is so much abundance available to us and it has NOTHING to do with material possessions.
We need to take a step back from all these distractions and think about what truly matters to us.
 Let's be thankful for what we have!

I think Kid President says it best:

Holiday Gift Guide for the Ethical Shopper (or the Vegan in Your Life)

It's no secret that I am Christmas-crazy.  Just ask anyone I come into contact with.
And it's not about the presents or the commercial stuff (I kind of hate that).
It's that warm and fuzzy feeling you get seeing everything lit up with sparkly lights,
the magic in the air,
giving thoughtful gifts from the heart,
bundling up in layers upon layers of clothing (unless you live in SoCal),
and spreading more love to everyone!

So, since it's already mid-November, I'm itching to get the holiday festivities started!

This is basically me.

Ok, enough rambling.  Let's get to the good stuff!

No matter what holiday you celebrate, or even if you want some ideas for yourself, you've come to the right place.

If you are an ethical shopper or there is a vegan in your life and you're totally lost when it comes to buying them a gift, HAVE NO FEAR.  

I have compiled a few idears for ya!

Proceed...

Cruelty-Free Treats

Gotta get it started with food, obviously.

Rescue Chocolate

 I recently heard of this company from a Vegan Cuts box that my sister got in the mail.

They're AMAZING.

 100% of the profits go to animal rescues,

they're made from organic and fairly-traded ingredients,

they're vegan,

AND the wrappers are eco-friendly.

Oh yeah, and they delicious. I guess that matter, too.

It's a win-win-win-win!

(The catch: they're pretty expensive. But it's for a good cause!)

 

Vegan Cuts Snack Box

 This is a really cool way to try and learn about a bunch of vegan food products 

without the commitment of buying an entire bag of something that you don't know if you'll even like.

They send you 7-10 samples of vegan goodies!

You can either buy one box for $19.95 (includes free US shipping!)

or you can get a subscription for the year.

 You can get this directly from their website with the link above,

or you can help a sister out (my sister, more specifically) 

and go through her blog because she is an ambassador.

Spiralizer

This isn't food, but you use it to make food, so it counts!

Raw vegans probably already have this, but you can use this baby to make veggie pasta!

You just stick a veggie like a zucchini in there, and it comes out spiraly!

Beauty Products

Lip balms:

EOS 

 First of all, these are adorable.

But that's not why I love them.

They are 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. 

And hey, they don't test on animals!!!

Available almost everywhere, including: Target, Walmart, Costco, & ULTA.

Crazy Rumors

 These come in a WIDE variety of flavors, and they all smell amazing.

These make my lips really soft, and that's important to me.

They even have unscented for them manly-men.

 All-natural, cruelty-free, and vegan :)

 Hurraw!

Finally a lip balm that is as excited as I am about soft lips!

This is the brand that got me started on my cruelty-free & vegan lip balm kick.

They're a big glossier than the other two.

But they're still awesome and you can even find them at Mother's Market!

 Makeup:

ELF Cosmetics 

If you're looking for SUPER CHEAP yet quality makeup, this is your brand.

 I wouldn't recommend everything they have,

but there are definitely some awesome products, and you can't beat the price.

Try the baked blushes, studio blushes, clear brow gel, studio brushes & acne-fighting foundation.

You can find some of these at Target, but they almost always have free shipping coupon codes

so I would recommend shopping on their website.

Tarte

I'm a little bit obsessed with this mascara.

My friend bought it for me for my birthday, and I was blown away!

It makes your lashes super voluminous and long!

This company is also cruelty-free and they have so many great products!

(But it's on the more expensive side.)

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box

Vegan Cuts also offers a beauty-related box with all kinds of cruelty-free and natural products!

It's the same price as the other one, but this one offers 4-7 products per month.

Again, you can purchase these from the above link or from my sister's blog :)

Other Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands:
NYX Cosmetics (available at ULTA and now Target!)
Smashbox
Urban Decay

Hair Care/Lotions:

SheaMoisture

LOVE this company.

They offer everything from lotions to shampoos/conditioners to men's shaving cream to acne masks.

They use natural ingredients, don't use sulfates, and don't test on animals!

Available at Target and Walgreens.

On a side note, I would have recommended Bath and Body Works before, but I recently found out that none of their products are vegan :(

They don't test on animals, though.

Reading Material

VegNews Magazine 

 $20 for a year's subscription!

There is a ton of great info in here and even recipes!

If you shop around and use a coupon code, you can probably even find a better deal.

Go through ebates and get cash back!

A Vegan Cookbook

 There are tons of options for this!  Just do a search on Amazon!
Any cookbook by Isa is pretty popular.
But I just have to say that the gingery pumpkiny cupcakes from Chef Chloe's cookbook 
are gone the second I frost them in my house.  Vegans and non-vegans a like devour these.
I will say, though, that her baking recipes are better than her cooking ones.
Luckily, she has a whole cookbook dedicated solely to baking!

Books

 There are loads of great books out there about living more ethically.

Here are some suggestions:

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer (It might make you cry)

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell & Thomas M. Campbell II (Straight facts)

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows by Melanie Joy

Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr (It's not a diet, but a lifestyle)

The Bond  by Wayne Pacelle

Farm Sanctuary by Gene Baur

I'm also gonna throw some movies your way

Here are some suggestions:

Forks Over Knives (Very informative)

 Hungry for Change

Vegucated  (Graphic)

 Practical Shutff

Sexy Veg Calendar

Who doesn't love hot girls?

Reusable Bags

Let's save the sea animals and environment by using reusable bags!

There are tons of these everywhere now.  

You can find them at your favorite non-profit, too!

Reusable Anything Else

This can include water bottles, baggies, lunch boxes, you name it!

Conscious Box 

This is similar to the Vegan Cuts boxes, but this one is for eco-friendly products, too! 
They offer different boxes, such as:
beauty, food, health, home/garden, & conscious living!
Same price, too! 

Activities

Perhaps you're move a do-er than an object-giver.

 

Trip to an Animal Sanctuary

Take someone to an animal sanctuary!

The animals are so cute and you get to see them the way they were meant to live!

Try Farm Sanctuary or Animal Acres!

Dine at a Vegan Restaurant

My absolute favorite thing to do is eat at Native Foods Cafe.

You can find veg restaurants near you by looking on Happy Cow or Yelp.

Gift Cards

For something quick and easy (and virtually any price), get a gift card to a grocery store they frequent.

Suggestions:

Trader Joe's

Mother's Market

Whole Foods

Sprouts

Donations

 Make a donation in their name for a cause that they support!

Suggestions:

The Humane Society

PETA

Farm Sanctuary

OR

"Adopt" an animal for them!

Free Gifts are the Best Gifts

You don't have to spend money to show someone you care.

You can offer anyone these things for the price of FREE!

-A hug

 -A smile

-Your time

-A compliment

-An act of kindness

-Love

Look, I made a Christmas tree of kindness!

No matter if you're vegan, a tree hugger, an alien, or anything else....
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY and spread the love!

And don't forget your reusable bag for your holiday shopping!

Other sites to check out for awesome gifts:

  Herbivore Clothing Co.
Alternative Outtfitters

Farm Sanctuary

PETA shop

HSUS

Foodie Friday: Trader Joe's Edition (vegan)

We like to eat.  It's one of our favorite things to do.  Also, we have to eat or we will die.

Trader Joe's is definitely a magical place for a vegan.
There are so many options available that we 0.5-percenters don't normally have at regular grocery stores. So--needless to say--grocery shopping has become exciting for me.

I have compiled a few of my favorite vegan items from Trader Joe's for ya'll; complete with (low-quality) pictures!!  (In my defense, I was uber paranoid that I would be kicked out of the store for taking pictures of the merch, so I was tryin' to be swift like a ninja.  I broke the law for you.  That's kind of romantic.)

DISCLAIMER: Just 'cause it's vegan, don't mean it's healthy! Vegans can still eat (most) sugar and bread products.  I try to eat the healthy stuff, but this list includes things that aren't so healthy.

Let's start with...

Fall Treats 

('cause they won't be here for long)

Unfortunately, there aren't too many vegan fall options.  A lot of the pumpkin-flavored things have milk or eggs in them.  
BUT this first item makes up for all that.  It is so delicious!  It's like autumn in your mouth.

Personally, I like to warm up a cup of this apple-cinnamon-spice flavored liquid goodness in the microwave.  It's perfect for that crisp fall morning.

 I love all things festive, so...you got me, Trader Joe's.  These are basically cute oreos.
They're vegan and look like pumpkins. Sign me up!

 **Be aware that this stuff has honey in it.

Snacky-Snacks

Here are just two things out of the plethora of vegan snacks that TJ's offers.

These babies are nacho cheese flavored. But alas!  They contain no dairy!

If you like saltiness and all things low-calorie, these are for you.

Food-Food 

 

I use this to make the most AMAZING pad thai.  

These almost taste like real chicken.  It kind of scares me.
 

CHEESELESS enchiladas.  'Nuff said. 

Eggrolls without the egg!  They have a really good flavor--it's kind of sweet on the inside.
One con: they get kind of soggy on the bottom.
They are good alone, but you can also pair them with...

It's very sweet, sorta spicy, and garlicy.

These are real good with hummus in a wrap.

Great on the grill.  I like to bring these to baseball games.
Makes me feel all American-like.

SO GOOD.

This pad thai is really yummy, but it basically only serves one person.

These are SO flavorful!  I eat them just by themselves with no bun or nothin'.

If you miss orange chicken, just buy these already.

Not the healthiest option, but these are super easy to take to work.
There are three flavors (peanut satay, kung pao, and pad thai), but I like this one the best.

This pizza has no cheese!  It does taste good, but the middle always stays cold/soggy for some reason.
**HOWEVER, this contains honey.

I could eat a whole bag of this for dinner, but you probably shouldn't do that.  
It has squash, zucchini, and sweet potato.  It also has a little kick to it.

Condiments

I like me some Vegannaise.  But that ish is expensive!  
I saw this by chance and upon reading the ingredients, I discovered that it is vegan!  

Yes, you can have cream cheese.  You can make cream cheese frostings, too.  
Let's take a moment to rejoice.  
Plus, the label makes me laugh...to myself...in a room full of strangers.

Every vegan has to have Earth Balance butter replacement. 

Sweet Thangs
  

 PROCEED WITH CAUTION.  These are highly addictive.

Great for making banana chocolate chip muffins!

Sweet, salty, and crunchy.

It's a giant candy bar. With almonds.

Cookie butter is the devil.  The sweet, sweet devil.  I like to put it on toast.
 

It just sounds super classy.  And hey, I get to drink hot chocolate!

I use this to make bomb milkshakes.
I like to blend it with espresso, peanut butter, bananas, almond milk, homemade caramel, you name it.
(Also available in cherry chocolate chip)

Heaven!  I'm not usually a fan of strawberry flavored things, but this ice cream is a winnah!
(Also available in chocolate)

My all. time. favorite. things to eat in the world, ever.  In terms of cookies, anyway.
Vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies...without a weird texture or aftertaste!
PRAISE [insert deity of choice]!!!

Dranks

A lot of beers and wines are not vegan.  There are probably a lot at TJ's that are vegan, but these are the ones I personally like.  Check out Barnivore to see if your favorite alchy drinks are vegan-friendly.

Now, I don't really like beer.  But I will drink New Castle.
This is a CHEAP DUPE for New Castle!!!
It's got that very familiar taste.

And the good old (formerly-known-as) Two Buck Chuck.
They raised the price by .49 and I wasn't too happy about that.
But hey, it's still a steal.
**HOWEVER, only the RED one is vegan.  The white one and the white zinfandel ones are not!

That was a lot to take in.  I'm proud of you for truckin' through it.  I wish I could've shared everything that I love with you.  But wait!  I can!

Here is a list of all the vegan products available at a Trader Joe's near you!  

Happy cruelty-free snacking! 

do good. be good. feel good.