July's Love Drop: Let's Help 4-year-old Felicity

The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $5,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, the Aubin family, who was struggling financially after the passing of their dad, and this month they're ready to do it again and help out another person. :) They've given out over $45,000 in the past 6 months, and show no signs of stopping.  If you know of anyone yourself that could use their help, make sure to let them know.

This month they're heading down to Atlanta to help Felicity, a little 4-year-old girl who was just diagnosed with brain cancer. Felicity had immediate surgery and is currently undergoing aggressive radiation treatments for the remaining portion of her tumor. We want to raise $5,000 for her family to help cover mounting medical costs, as well as the future expenses of a new baby who's on its way will bring. With your support and generosity, we can really do something special for them!

Here are three ways you can help:

• Give $25 towards medical bills -- Click this link to contribute $25 towards Felicity's radiation treatments. It'll help them out a ton!
• Give a gift or service -- Gift cards are always helpful.  Places like Target, Wal-mart, restaurants, etc. would definitely help them out. Services too -- especially those you can offer yourselves, or from your company.
• Join our blogger network -- Blog about our Love Drops each month like I am. :) It's easy, it's rewarding, and it REALLY helps spread the word (which in turn helps our families). Love Drop will give you all the content you need.

Thanks so much guys!  Here's to a great month of paying it forward!

Green and Frugal: Ever Hear of Arbonne?

A few years ago I was invited to an Arbonne party. Arbonne is essentially a skin care, wellness and health company. They've been in business for more than 30 years and they tout high-quality products that are environmentally friendly.

Fast forward to this past month where I was once again invited to learn about Arbonne by a friend. However, this time I was presented with the Arbonne business opportunity, which is involves network marketing. Basically, it's about marketing peer to peer and leveraging your network of friends and family. Now I used to sell Cutco, so I'm familiar with how this works. While I swore I would never get involved in something like this, here I am, a new Arbonne Independent Consultant (ID: 19348436). Here's the kicker, I've never given much thought to my skin care. But as I approach middle-age (as my husband fondly reminded me the other night), I'm beginning to think more about anti-aging and the appropriate products to use. Enter the Arbonne RE9 Advanced Set, a comprehensive anti-aging skin care regimen for a youthful appearance; the set offers all six products (cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, day/night cream) for face, plus a complimentary travel-size Age-Defying Neck Cream.

After using the kit for a few days, I was hooked. I could feel and see a difference in my complexion. Not only that, when I went on vacation to Europe recently, I really missed the kit. (Note: I didn't want to pack the set for fear that it would be confiscated...which is what happened to my favorite hair gel.)

Why am I telling you all of this? For two reasons. 1) The green aspect of GreenandFrugalLiving's focus, which is exactly what all of Arbonne products are considered. They're high on quality and low on chemicals. 2) The business aspect of Arbonne is a great way to make some extra money on the side, especially if you're a stay-at-home mom or even if you work full-time outside the home. If you're dedicated and consistent, you can earn some serious money. Learn more.

Have you tried Arbonne? What did you think?

If you're interested in learning more, whether it's hosting a party (they offer great host gifts and perks), learning about the products or the business opportunity, just shoot me an email. I'd love to introduce you to Arbonne. :)

Green and Frugal: Best Places to Find Coupons

Coupons are one of the fastest and easiest ways to save money, especially online. Never ever buy an item online without first entering the site's name and the words "coupon code" into a Google search. Guaranteed you may find a percentage discount, free shipping -- or both!

Who better to offer advice than CouponSherpa.com? They just came out with 52 Places to Find Coupons.

While some places may not surprise you -- manufacturers' sites, newspapers and Facebook. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to find some new places to add to your coupon-scouring list, including coupon trains, tourist/visitor centers and casinos.

I, for one, just returned from a fabulous trip to France to celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary. When we booked our vacation on Expedia.com, we were offered a 3-day Strasbourg pass by their Office of Tourism. For $16, the little coupon book included a number of free offers (visit the cathedral viewing platform, rent a bike for half a day) and also offered significant discounts to other tourist attractions (50% off a boat tour and 30% off any merchandise in the Office of Tourism). We more than paid for the book by taking advantage of just a few offerings!

Have any good coupon stories you'd like to share? Saving money is like sport these days, and you never know where you'll find savings!