How I Earn Target Gift Cards—Free Money!

Who doesn't want Target gift cards? I KNOW I'm not the only one who stops in for a certain item and leaves with a cart full of stuff. I personally love browsing the end caps for clearance items and may have the markdown schedule memorized.

If Target isn't your jam, no worries, you can also earn gift cards to Walmart, Old Navy, Lowes, and more. Check the end of the post for more ways to earn money for things you already do. 

The process is simple. Download the Shopkick app. Go to stores you already go to. Scan some products. That's it.

I had heard about Shopkick loooong before I downloaded the app and tried it out. And I wish I had started earlier. In the short time I've been using it, I've earned about $40.

I've now decided to save up my points to buy a new car seat for Emerson when he outgrows his infant seat.

Use my referral link and we both get a couple hundred bonus points—win, win! Earn this baby a new car seat! :D

Here's how it works!

Step 1: Download Shopkick app.

Step 2: Turn on your phone's location and bluetooth

Step 3: Open the app and see where points await

For example, you'll see below that Target is offering 30 walk-in kicks and 95 kicks for scanning products. Winn Dixie is offering 100 scanning kicks and 450 purchase kicks. (More info about those below.)

Step 4: Earn Walk In Kicks

If your bluetooth and location settings are active, the app will recognize when you are in the store and automatically award your kicks. If not, just open the app and click on the walking man icon to manual get those points. Typically you need to be in the entrance area of the store, but I've actually earned these quite a few times when I'm still in my car by the entrance haha. (But of course, you can't guarantee earning those).

You can get walk-ins each day, but there is a limit per month or something. I've also seen walk-ins worth as high as 300 kicks, especially on holiday weekends. 

Step 5: Scan Products In Store

The app will show pictures of the items available to scan and how many kicks they are worth. I've found that the scans tend to stay the same for a bit, so when I go into a store I typically know exactly where all the products are, and scanning does not add much time to my shopping trip at all. 

Step 5.5. Scan Receipts or Connect Card Purchases

You can also earn kicks for buying certain items or you can connect your card to earn kicks for every dollar you spend in a certain store (like Best Buy or clothing stores.) I have never earned kicks in this way so I can't vouch for how it works. 

Step 6: Redeem Kicks for Gift Cards

After you've acquired some points, you can browse the rewards area and decide how to redeem. The app will show you what you are eligible for and show how many kicks are needed for higher priced rewards. 

 

Step 7: Spend Your Money!!

When you select a reward, the digital gift card is actually stored right in the Shopkick app. Below is an example of a Target card I earned. You simply have the cashier scan that barcode at checkout or the numbers during an online checkout.

This is not an active card! 

Again, feel free to sign up for this app here and earn yourself a new pair of shoes. (I think I got myself two.) I love earning these small amounts of extra spending money while doing things I'd be doing anyways.

I've also earned a few hundred dollars through the Pact app (I wrote about the app when it was still called GymPact.) Of COURSE, I use Ebates for all my online shopping. It's the best and gives you cash back for a percentage of all your purchases! Use my referral link and I believe you get a bonus when you sign up.

And I use Ibotta for grocery shopping. It's like cash back couponing. I'm still exploring how to best use it for me, but this referral link will give you $10 when you sign up and redeem a rebate within 2 weeks. (You can earn for general things like purchasing milk, eggs, bread, and veggies!).

I've also heard people rave about the Walmart Savings Catcher program (via the Walmart app). I have not yet tried this one myself, but I hear great things! 

Do you use any similar programs?

An App You Should Get: Google Keep

The time has come. I'd like to introduce you to Google Keep and tell you why you should use this new Google product.

Google Keep was announced in March and made available to smart phone users in the following months. I have personally been using Keep for a little over a month. I admit, I was skeptically at first. I currently use Evernote, Dropbox, Google Drive, Tasks, Pinterest, Blogger, and even Gmail drafts as options for saving and storing information. I wasn't sure if there was a place for another program in my life. I've been trying to streamline where I store information and figured Keep would prove to be just another distraction. That is not the case. I currently choose Keep above every other option. And let me say, Keep is actually an entirely different tool. Keep is a tool I use each and every day to stay organized, record random thoughts or ideas, manage a to-do list or shopping list, save recipes on the go, and many other things. I use Evernote as a more long-term database for a lot of information and records. For any overlap between Keep and the other tools I listed above, well I think Keep is a much better option.

Things I Like About Google Keep

Android Widget
I love the widget on my Samsung Galaxy S3. It allows me to easily scroll through my past notes or quickly add a new one. I can also attach photos and add to existing notes. This is all available right now my screen. I love being able to see it all right there.

Syncs to Google Drive/Other Devices
Anything I type on my phone, tablet, or computer will sync to my other devices. So I have access to that information no matter where I am. Like other Google products (Hello, Gmail), you can archive notes but still search for them. All notes are organized into your Google Drive, plus Keep even has an offline options. (For example, I have written blog posts on my computer while I'm without internet access. Those posts sync once I'm reconnected.)

Photo/Voice Notes
Your notes can be composed of photo or voice. Or both. That's great.

Checklists
Yes, checklists. I love my checklists. This is actually a feature I didn't find until recently. Ok this week. I had actually found myself thinking, "Man, I wish I could make checklists with Keep." And magically, I seemed to find the feature. It's the best thing ever. I currently make a checklist each day. And have a checklist for each week. And have a checklist for the month. I love it.

Reminders
You can attach a reminder/alarm to any note. You will receive a notification or alert via Google Now. This stuff is cool.

Customize Options
Pick the colors you want, rearrange the notes how you'd like. Make this app your own. Use it to simplify your life.

I suggest downloading Google Keep now and putting the widget on your home screen (or a main screen...). Make it an option and explore how you can use it.

Get Paid For Working Out: GymPact App

A fellow Zumba instructor raved enough about this app that I had to try it myself. Let me introduce you to GymPact. P.S. This is not a referral code (for me at least), but enter "gympact$5" when you sign up to start with $5 of earnings.

This app allows you to make a "pact" for how many days you commit to work out each week and how much money you are putting on stake for each day missed.

I make a pact to work out 6 days a week and have a $5 stake. ($5 is the lowest option. You could bet $50 if you like.)

If you meet your pact, you get paid. If you don't meet your pact, the app charges the credit card you have on file. Keep in mind that you get paid the same amount, regardless of your stake.

For most users, the benefit of the app is psychological. If money is on the line, you are probably more likely to follow through on your commitment to workout.

For me, the benefit is a little bit of extra cash. Don't get me wrong, the benefits are small. I get paid about $3 a week for my 6 workouts. But I'm going to the gym pretty much every day anyways. So that $12 a month might become my music fund or something.

How Does It Work?

The app uses your phone or tablet's GPS to detect your location within a gym facility. You check in and check out through the app.

If you like to run or walk outside, you can connect the GymPact app to the RunKeeper app and use GPS to verify your distance and speed (i.e. you have to be moving). Or you can track your steps all day with the app Jawbone UP and count that. If you have an iPhone, you can also track movement around the house.

The one requirement, you check in for 30 minutes.

The app keeps track of your workouts and lets you track what you did each day. (I usually choose the closest option because I'm lazy). After the week has ended, they'll email you after a couple days to tell you how much you earned.

How Do You Get Paid?

You have to have at least $10 in your account to withdraw. This is done through your Paypal account. They say you have to wait up to seven days to see those funds, but mine were successfully available within 2 hours.

Not too shabby.

Remember enter "gympact$5" when you sign up to start with $5 of earnings.

Tutorial: How to Share a Doc on Google Drive

Today I'm doing a quick tutorial on sharing a document in Google Drive. Google Drive is an online (or cloud-based) program connected to your Google account that allows you to store, access, share, and collaborate on a variety of files. And you can access these files anywhere, at any time.

The main thing to note in this tutorial is that Google Drive can both STORE (upload) files and CREATE files. You might store files in Google Drive to access them anywhere, from any computer. Just as you go to "My Documents" to find files, you would go to Google Drive to find the files you saved there.

When you store a file on Google Drive, you can also choose to share that file with others. Sharing a stored file is like e-mailing an attachment with others. You are essentially duplicating the file.

The main part of this tutorial focuses on how to convert an existing document to a collaborative Google Doc.

How to Convert a File to a Collaborative Doc

First of all, a collaborative document is one that multiple people have the capability to edit and save.

Step One. Upload the document to Google Drive. Click the underlined arrow on the left side of your window. Select the file from your computer files that you wish to upload.

Step Two. Once you upload the document, you will see it show up in your list of documents in "My Drive." Please note the different icons that show up by your files. If you uploaded a Word document, you'll see the "W" icon shown to the right. (The blue square means the file is a Google Document.)

Step Three. Click the box next to the file you uploaded. Click "More," scroll over "Open with"and select "Google Docs."

Step Four. Go back to "My Drive" and now find the new document with the Google Doc icon next to it. Click on the name to open the new file. (It will still have the same name as the original file.) If you are concerned with organizing your files, you might delete the original file that you uploaded since it is backed up on your computer. 

Step Five. Find the blue "Share" button on the top right of the page.

Step Six: Type in the e-mail address of anyone you'd like to share the document with. If you have Google Contacts, type names. You can also make the doc accessible to anyone by changing the privacy status.

Crossfade Your Music in ITunes

You've heard the phrase: "There's an app for that." Yes, yes, there usually is. But sometimes you don't even need a special app; the feature just might already be available in a program you use and are familiar with.

Today I'm sharing the VERY simple steps to add a crossfade to your iTunes playlist. 

"Crossfade" definition: fading one song out while fading another song in. This eliminates any gaps between music. 

In the group fitness world, using a crossfade on your playlists helps keep the energy up and create a seamless class. And a lot of people don't know that they can add a crossfade to any playlist just in iTunes. Keep in mind that this option creates the same crossfade for every transition. You might need to try another program or research apps (I'll try to share more later) that offer more options. But for basic needs, iTunes does the job.

Here's what you do. 

Step 1: Open iTunes

Step 2: Click "iTunes" in your menu bar and select "Preferences"

Step 3: Select "Playback" in the popup box

Step 4: Click the "Crossfade" box

Step 5: Place the cursor where you'd like it on the glider. For a more gradual crossfade, move the cursor towards the 12 second range. 

Step 6: Choose a playlist to test the crossfade. Jump to the end of the song, so you can see how the crossfade sounds. Go back to Step 5 and adjust as necessary. 

That's it! Pretty simple, right? This is great for parties or background music too! In the choreographed group fitness world, you'll want to make sure the crossfade doesn't affect music cues at the beginning and end of songs. 

Did you also know you can change when a song begins and ends? I'll share that next week! 

Replace Google Reader: How to Transfer to Feedly

Today is your last day with Google Reader. Last week I kicked my procrastinating self into gear and focused on exploring the options to replace my Reader addiction.

Check out my posts "So Long, Google Reader," and "5 Steps to Export Your Google Reader Data" for some more info.

I'll walk you through the very easy setup options for the programs BlogLovin (click for post) and Feedly. I'm not sure if you'll be able to directly export your info after July 1, 2013, so I'd suggest setting up accounts TODAY or exporting your data to transfer later. You can always play around with the programs and choose which you'll use later.

Feedly

Here are some steps to import your data. It is very, very easy.

Step 1: Go to Feedly.com. Click button that says "One-click Google Reader Import." If you are already signed into a Google account, the popup will let you select which account your Reader is currently associated with. You will then accept Feedly's request to your info and such.

Step 2: That's pretty much it! That one-click button is pretty accurate. Once your import is complete, you'll see a screen that looks like this.  

Feedly is very straight forward (which I like about it). It has several view options. The above view is under "All." 

Or you click "Today," you see something like this.

You can also click "Index" and see a view like this with the capability to organize your feeds and such. (I desperately need to do that.)

You can also customize the themes and set your preferences. (So you can set your default view to whichever option you prefer.) 

And don't forget the Feedly mobile app. It operates pretty much exactly like the website. 

This is the main view:

In the categories, you can select the view options. (See the tiles above "Refresh")

Anyways, that's pretty much it! I'm very much liking the simplicity of this program. What do you think?

Replace Google Reader: How to Transfer to Bloglovin

Today is your last day with Google Reader. Last week I kicked my procrastinating self into gear and focused on exploring the options to replace my Reader addiction.

Check out my posts "So Long, Google Reader," and "5 Steps to Export Your Google Reader Data" for some more info.

I'll walk you through the very easy setup options for the programs BlogLovin and Feedly (click for post). I'm not sure if you'll be able to directly export your info after July 1, 2013, so I'd suggest setting up accounts TODAY or exporting your data to transfer later.

BlogLovin

For the personal blogging types (specifically a lot of craft, mommy and fitness blogs), Bloglovin seems to have been promoted in those communities as the only option to replace Google Reader. Great marketing, Bloglovin!

Here are some steps to import your data. It is very easy and very self explanatory.

Step 1: Go to Bloglovin.com. Click button that says "Join Bloglovin"

Step 2: Set up your account either through Facebook or an email. (I'm one of those who does not like things all connected to Facebook...I don't know why.) If you select Facebook, it will pop up with an option to grant access. Otherwise you'll enter your info and click a link that is set to your email account.

Step 3: Once you verify your account through email or Facebook, you'll have the option to import your blogs from Reader.

Step 4: Walaaa. You are done. Check out the home screen. 

Bloglovin's features do a lot more for blog promotion than a simple RSS feed program. For example, even when you check your feed's, you'll be able to see it in the blog frame, i.e. you'll see the blog design with a Bloglovin bar across the top. 

You'll also be exposed to a lot of different blogs (and as a blogger, you'll be able to promote your blog in different ways). You'll find options to visit popular posts and many featured categories and more. Bloglovin has a lot to offer if you want to explore some more.

5 Steps to Export Your Google Reader Data

You've heard the news. Google Reader will officially say "So, long" Monday. If you are a procrastinator like I am, you probably haven't taken any action on your Reader account. But now is the time! You don't want to lose your info!

Today's "How To" shows how to export your Google Reader data. This is a great option to have on hand if you don't know what program you want to use quite yet but want to make sure not to lose feeds. (If you DO know what program you'll use, you'll likely have the option to switch the data directly, i.e. go to the program site and see if there's an obvious "Import from Reader" option. I just don't know if that option will be available after July 1.) I'll go over basic steps for some programs tomorrow

OK, here goes:

If you don't know what program you want to use as a replacement for Google Reader:

Step 1: Sign into Reader and click the gear icon in the top right corner. Then click Reader settings.  (Gear icon = )

Step 2: In settings, click the "Import/Export" tab.

Step 3: Under "Export your information," click on the "Download your data through Takeout" link. (You can also go to https://www.google.com/takeout/#custom:reader directly.) Remember, you will have to enter your Google password again. 

Step 4: Once Takeout shows 100 percent, click the "Create Archive" button.

FYI Step: Takeout also provides these services for any Google product. Just click "Choose services" and select what information you'd like to export. 

Step 5: Takeout will prepare your data for download, and you'll see a screen like the one below. Click "Download" (and know where'll you save your file). You now have this data to upload later if needed.

So long, Google Reader

I feel as though I am losing a close friend. Pretty much every person in the blogging world knows that Google Reader will no longer be available after July 1, 2013—which means come Monday morning, my go-to source for following blogs and news feeds will be gone. Gone. Gone. Gone.

Aw, now I'm getting all nostalgic. Anyone remember the post I wrote in 2009 (WHAT??) about using Google Reader and setting up your subscriptions? Good times.

When Google made the announcement of Reader's demise back in March, I quickly started researching what I'd use as a replacement for Google Reader.

Admittedly, I didn't get very far and have been operating these last several months in complete denial. Until that lovely popup showed again last week.
Here are some articles I've skimmed: 8 Google Reader Alternatives, Google Reader Alternatives: What's the Best Replacement, Google Reader is going away, but here are some options to replace it, the ReplaceReader.com poll for favorite programs, 6 Feed Readers to Replace the Google Reader Void, and Turns Out Google's Reader Replacement is Pretty Much Useless.

Some of the most popular suggestions are Feedly, The Old Reader, NewsBlur, Bloglines, Pulse, Digg, My Yahoo, and, the program getting the most hype for the bloggers: Bloglovin.

I've already imported my data to Bloglovin but actually loved what I saw on Bloglines and will be looking into that program a bit more.

Come back Saturday morning for some last minute tips to transfer your Google Reader info to the new program of your choice. Next week I'll also explore some of the features of Bloglovin and probably Bloglines.

Sometimes Google is deceiving

Tuesday morning I woke to a cricket chirping as the sun began to shine in through the window.

This scene almost seems like a fantastic way to start the morning...right?

Well, that chirping very quickly became distracting and unsettling. Why do I hear a cricket in my apartment?

I needed to get up anyways, and as I walked from my bedroom through the kitchen and living room, I tried to get an idea of where this chirping was coming from. I didn't actually KNOW the sound was a cricket, but it was my best guess. I quickly decided that the sound seemed to be the loudest by my refrigerator. But the sound would start and stop, and since I needed to head out to teach a Zumba class, I ate breakfast and left with the decision to just see if the sound continued later on.

That afternoon I studied for my AFAA certification test in my apartment and unsurprisingly didn't notice the lack of chirping. Until it started again that evening. At this point I investigated my refrigerator area once again...but was the sound coming from the appliance or some insect in my apartment?

Like any technology-loving individual, I turned to Google, the all-knowing source that has the answer to any question. After searching a couple phrases related to crickets, chirping, and refrigerators, I found that chirping is actually a common sound for fridges to make when fan motors go out. Hmm ok. That's probably a bit more likely that my having a cricket in the apartment...a sneaky one that stops making noise when I open the fridge door or nudge the appliance.

I decided to call my landlord the next day to have her check out the fridge. But the chirping continues. And continues. And continues. I finally decide to completely move the fridge away from the wall. 

Guess what I found?

A cricket.

Yes, a cricket. I quickly got rid of the creature and then googled my search terms again because I was baffled at how common a chirping refrigerator seemed to be.