14 Foods To Buy Organic

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Did you know there are some fruits and vegetables that have more pesticides on them? Besides the list I have provided below, you can also download a guide can be here.

Dirty Dozen (Buy These Organic)

  1. Apples
  2. Celery
  3. Sweet bell peppers
  4. Peaches
  5. Strawberries
  6. Nectarines – imported
  7. Grapes
  8. Spinach
  9. Lettuce
  10. Cucumbers
  11. Blueberries – domestic
  12. Potatoes

Plus
+Green beans
+Kale/Greens
+ May contain pesticide residues of special concern

Clean 15 (Lowest in Pesticides)

  1. Onions
  2. Sweet Corn
  3. Pineapples
  4. Avocado
  5. Cabbage
  6. Sweet peas
  7. Asparagus
  8. Mangoes
  9. Eggplant
  10. Kiwi
  11. Cantaloupe  domestic
  12. Sweet potatoes
  13. Grapefruit
  14. Watermelon
  15. Mushrooms

Refunds from Amex, Capital One and Discover

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If you have a Discover, American Express or Capital One card, you could be getting cash back! Discover, American Express and Capital One customers are in for a treat in the form of refunds hitting their accounts soon. Those three companies were ordered to pay up a total of $435 million to almost six million customers after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took action against deceptive credit card practices.

See complete article

Living Social Class Action Lawsuit

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Living Social Class Action Details Have Arrived

If you purchased or received a Living Social deal voucher before October 2012, you may be entitled to a refund from the $4.5 million class action settlement.

If you purchased or received any Living Social deal voucher prior to October 1, 2012 you are eligible to receive up to 100% of the amount paid for a Living Social Voucher that you were unable to redeem.  The amount may change depending on how many people file a claim.

To receive a refund from the Living Social voucher class action settlement you will need to submit a claim form either online at www.LivingSocialVoucherSettlement.com or mailed to the Settlement Administrator no later than February 8, 2013.

Kindle Users: Credit For Kindle Books

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I just received this email from Amazon. If you bought Kindle books between April 2010 and May 2012, you are entitled to a credit of $0.30 to $1.32 for every eligible Kindle book:

Dear Kindle Customer,

We have good news. You are entitled to a credit for some of your past e-book purchases as a result of legal settlements between several major e-book publishers and the Attorneys General of most U.S. states and territories, including yours. You do not need to do anything to receive this credit. We will contact you when the credit is applied to your Amazon.com account if the Court approves the settlements in February 2013.

Hachette, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster have settled an antitrust lawsuit about e-book prices. Under the proposed settlements, the publishers will provide funds for a credit that will be applied directly to your Amazon.com account. If the Court approves the settlements, the account credit will appear automatically and can be used to purchase Kindle books or print books. While we will not know the amount of your credit until the Court approves the settlements, the Attorneys General estimate that it will range from $0.30 to $1.32 for every eligible Kindle book that you purchased between April 2010 and May 2012. Alternatively, you may request a check in the amount of your credit by following the instructions included in the formal notice of the settlements, set forth below. You can learn more about the settlements here:
www.amazon.com/help/agencyebooksettlements

In addition to the account credit, the settlements impose limitations on the publishers’ ability to set e-book prices. We think these settlements are a big win for customers and look forward to lowering prices on more Kindle books in the future.

Thank you for being a Kindle customer.

The Amazon Kindle Team

7 Best Black Friday Shopping Apps

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Photo credit: CNN.com

Want to access Black Friday deals on the go? Here are the 7 best apps!

Everyone knows that Black Friday is a great day to get amazing deals. With the dealnews Black Friday App, you can view retailer “leaked” and confirmed ads, and browse all deals in one place.

TGI Black Friday is currently the highest rated Black Friday app for the Apple iPhone in 2011. The free app allows you to search thousands of Black Friday deals for every major retail store. You can create a personal shopping list and use your iPhone to shop smarter and faster on Black Friday.

Snap a photo of a receipt with your smartphone camera and the app will digitize and store the purchase record.

Perfect for Cyber Monday, turn Slice loose on your e-mail inbox and it will ferret out all of your purchases and start tracking them.

Zaarly offered up a how-to guide for using its service to "hack" Black Friday. TaskRabbit, which allows you to outsource your errands, is also fielding Black Friday requests -- everything from companies looking for people to hand out fliers to the traditional "wait in line" appeal.

Snap a picture of or scan the barcode on any any book, DVD, CD, or video game that SnapTell tracks and the app will let you know how much the item costs at nearby stores and at online retailers.

A number of retailers are offering up discounts to users who check in on Foursquare on Black Friday.

Source: CNN.com

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Tips for Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday

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Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving and has earned the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year. The name was adopted from an accounting term - red ink denotes a negative profit margin, where as "in the black" denotes a positive profit margin. Many retailers make or break their sales goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the season kicking off on the Friday after Thanksgiving, hence the name "Black Friday."
  • See all Online Black Friday and Thanksgiving Deals and Sales

1. Check Out the Ads:

Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m.

2. Do Your Research Before Friday:

If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions.

3. Compare Prices:

Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product, and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts that will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink.

4. Look for Early Bird Shopper Discounts:

The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering early-day shopper specials usually run the deals from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks," which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered.

 

5. Beat the Crowds with Night Owl Discounts on Thanksgiving:

Internet shoppers can beat the early birds by shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. Many retailers will be posting their Black Friday specials, which can be ordered online and picked-up at your local store. Special "Web only" deals will also be available starting as early as Thanksgiving eve. Many of the the aggressive outlet malls and factory stores will be opening Thursday at midnight, with early bird promotions in hopes of capturing your dollars before the competition has opened.

6. Bring the Ads:

Many stores offer a "lowest-price" guarantee; however you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less. Most local retailers will not meet Internet prices even when the product is advertised on the same company's website, but it cannot hurt to try. Print the Web page that details the product and shows the advertised price. It may give you additional bargaining power and push the sales person into waiving other charges such as assembly fees.

8. Know the Store Policies:

Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. A previous trend of extending "return days" during the holidays is being seen less this year. Many retailers are including restocking fees and shorter return deadlines. Almost all of the major retail chains have clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges, and many keep a database of individuals who tend to abuse return policies. If you get onto an "abuse" list, prepare yourself to be turned down.

9. Ask for Gift Receipts:

Gift receipts generally include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Including gift receipts inside the gift box will make returns or exchanges easier for the gift recipient. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item or risk receiving an exchange for the current selling price of the item.
Since many retailers begin permanently slashing prices as soon as Black Friday is over, the difference between what you pay for a gift during December and what it sells for in January can be significant. Including a gift-receipt should help insure a hassle-free return experience for gift recipients.

 

10. Saying "Charge It" Can Pay Off

Obviously, there is no bargain in running up high credit card bills and paying big interest rates, however, with proper spending disciplines intact, using the right charge card can be of value to consumers. Many credit card companies entice consumers with free benefits, which include extended free warranties, return protection and sale price protection.
  • Warranty Coverage - Your credit card company may offer to double or triple a manufacturer's warranty for free on a product you purchase - a good option instead of purchasing a service contract that costs money and has a shorter duration period.

    •  

  • Return Protection - A credit card company may guarantee a refund on a product up to 90 days where as the store may not. This is becoming particularly more important as retailers stiffen the allotted return days.

    •  

  • Sale Price Protection - Some of the credit card companies will offer this protection and refund you the difference if a product you buy is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).

An enormous amount of advertising, locally and online, can be confusing and nearly paralyzing to the Black Friday bargain hunter. To maximize the benefits of hitting the stores on a day where there are big crowds and a better deal around every corner, developing a plan and doing preliminary research will help insure that the day is a shopping success.

Have fun saving money while you shop!

Source: About.com

Toys R Us/ Babies R Us: New Price Match Guarantee

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Toys R Us and Babies R Us recently launched a new Price Match Guarantee policy – perfect for the upcoming holiday shopping! Through Christmas Eve (12/24), Toys R Us and Babies R Us will match competitor store pricing on ALL products in their store. Check out the guidelines below…

Price Matching Guidelines:
*Price Match is valid for in-store purchases only.
*They will match all competitor store advertised prices.
*They’ll match Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com online pricing in our stores, except for online-only prices.
*Items purchased must be identical to the items advertised (e.g., brand, color, size).
*The original, complete competitor ad, with valid dates, must be presented at time of purchase.
*Prices are matched after deducting any Toys”R”Us and/or Babies”R”Us coupon savings and other offers from our price.
*Price match is given at the time of purchase or within 7 days of purchase date with a valid receipt.

They will not match prices for competitors’:
*Category-wide or storewide discounts
*Buy One Get One with purchase offers
*Gift with purchase offers
*Percentage (%) off discounts
*Out-of-stock or limited quantity items
*Doorbuster items
*Prices advertised on Black Friday
*Internet pricing for non-baby gear items
*Coupons

Thanks Hip2Save!

 

Sears: Wave2Save New Coupon App

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Sears has just released a new program called Wave2Save. Wave2Save enables shoppers with smartphones to take advantage of exclusive in-store offers by simply waving their phones in front of a Wave2Save kiosk. These kiosks are currently located at select Sears locations across the country.

To get started, go here, enter your mobile phone number and then follow the instructions to download the free Sears app. Then just head to your local Sears and look for a Wave2Save kiosk. Wave your smartphone at the kiosk when you find an offer that you like (each kiosk will have up to 10 different exclusive offers) and then just show the cashier your unique offer key when you are checking out. What an easy way to save!

Target: New Way to Save at Target

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Source: Mashable.com

Apple’s Passbook has only been out for a few days, but so far retailers at least are embracing it. The app, which lets users store and retrieve coupons and loyalty cards from their favorite brands, was released as part of a software update (iOS 6) for Apple’s mobile and tablet devices. It comes pre-installed on iPhone 5 smartphones, which went on sale Friday morning.

On Thursday, Target populated Passbook with 10 offers, including $3 off a L’Oreal anti-aging facial skin care item and $3 off a 10 oz. model of Biotrue contact lens solution. Customers can browse offers and redeem them at checkout using a scannable bar code store in Passbook. They can also automatically subscribe to new offers as they become available, and opt to receive reminders about offers they’ve saved when they’re near or entering a Target — so they won’t, for instance, forget to stop by the beauty aisle.

Beyond Target and Gap, brands and retailers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Walgreens, Sephora and Fandango have integrated their loyalty rewards programs through Passbook. Adoption rates appear to be strong: Approximately 17,000 holders of Sephora’s “Beauty Insider” loyalty card added it to their Passbooks in the first 24 hours of iOS 6′s availability, according to Branding Brand, which built Sephora’s mobile app. The beauty retailer sent an e-mail blast prompting users to add their cards to Passbook on launch day.

Walmart: Top 20 Toy List

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Walmart has released its Top 20 Toys List!

Best Toys for All Kids

  •     FURBY: bigger than what you remember.  This is an interactive toy.
  •     Leapfrog LeapPad 2:  The #1 learning tablet just got better! LeapPad2 Explorerhas front-and-back cameras and video recorders, 4 GB of memory and a library of 325+ cartridges and downloadable apps, including eBooks, videos, music, creativity apps and more for limitless learning and fun.
  •     VTech InnoTab Learning App Tablet:  With the addition of a rotatable camera that can also take video, your child can capture memories of their friends and themselves
  •     Little Tikes iTikes Map: The iTikes Map lets a child explore the world through different maps, learning about countries, cultures, music and more.
  •     Playskool Rocktivity Walk ‘N Roll Rider:  It converts easily from walker to ride-on, and makes music with every step and scoot.
  •     Monopoly Millionaires: It’s just like the classic property-trading game, but with a new twist. Everything’s worth a lot more and there are more ways to play


Top Toys for Boys in 2012

  •     Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire Blaster
  •     Beyblade Destroyer Dome Play Set : looks awesome!
  •     Hot Wheels Terrain Twister R/C Vehicle
  •     Air Hogs Hover Assault Radio-Controlled Helicopter
  •     Fisher-Price Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle Play Set
  •     Power Wheels Dune Racer 12-Volt Battery-Powered Ride-on


Top Toys for Girls in 2012

  •     Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Melody B. Sharp Interactive Doll
  •     Monster High High School Playset
  •     Little People Disney Princess Songs Palace Play Set
  •     Baby Alive Baby Wanna Walk Doll
  •     Barbie Sisters Cruise Ship
  •     Holiday Barbie 2012 Doll
  •     Novi Stars Dolls
  •     Razor Pocket Mod Electric Scooter

Toys R Us: New Hot Toy Reservation Program

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The Hot Toy Reservation program will be available for the 50 items on Toys “R” Us’ soon-to-be announced Holiday Hot Toy List. It will launch when the list is revealed and continue through Oct. 31.

Customers must come into Toys “R” Us stores to register - reservations cannot be made online. They’ll get email notifications of when their items are available and will have until Dec. 16 to pick them up.

Some on the list include: the Yvolution Y Fliker, a newfangled three wheeled scooter that you propel with your hips ($59.99 to $129.99); Gelarti, a new line of customizable gel stickers for girls (items range from $9.99 to $24.99) and the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset for boys ($119.99).

Storch is also betting big on Fast Lane Mag Force, a line of vehicles and play sets powered by magnets, with items ranging in price from $9.99 to $39.99.

Grocery Savings Cycle Calendar

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January

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April

Easter:  Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

 

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

 

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November

Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

Thanks Living Richly on a Budget!