Are you a crafter? If not, you likely have someone in your life who is! It used to be that if you wanted a custom t-shirt, tea towel, door mat or any one of a number of other projects, you’d have to find a graphic designer, get a design created, then send it off to have it applied to your item. And it was likely expensive unless you were purchase several at a time.

Now everyone either is or knows someone who has an electronic cutting machine, like a Silhouette or the popular Cricut. These machines are so versatile!

What is it? These are die-cutting machines. It’s like printer; you create an image or design on your computer and then “print” it with the machine. But in this case, the cutting machine “cuts” the design out of whatever material you’ve decided to use, like faux leather, vinyl, fabric, and a lot more.  

Most people who use the Cricut or the Silhouette use something called SVG files. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphic.  It is a two-dimensional XML-based vector image format.

What does that mean?  It’s a vector file that will communicate with your cutting machine and tell it not only where to cut lines, but also give you the ability to make the design larger or smaller without any design corruption.

There are many places online where you can download SVG files, such as DesignBundles.net. You’ll find designs to work for any kind of project: clothing, kitchen items, household décor, scrapbooking and more.

After you’ve downloaded your SVG file and go back to look at it, you may find that you don’t have the software installed to actually use it. But don’t fret! There’s an easy fix for this. The Cricut uses software called Design Space to design and edit vector files for use. You can also use several different Adobe Creative Suite programs, such as Illustrator and Photoshop. And freebies such as Gimp and Inkscape. Just download them to your computer and you should be up and running using all of those great SVG files you just purchased from DesignBundles.net!

Normally, SVG Files come in .zip files. This is basically a compressed folder that contains several files.  When you download the .zip file it will likely automatically save to your “downloads folder” unless your computer is set up differently. From where you’ve saved your .zip files, you simply “unzip” them and you’re ready to roll!

More about DesignBundles.net

Design Bundles began in July 2016 as a way to provide their customers with affordable digital products such as Graphics, Templates, Mock Ups, Patterns, Illustrations and Craft Files. Since that time, they have experienced phenomenal growth and amassed a stunning customer base of OVER 1 million users. At Design Bundles, you can browse over 150,000 Marketplace Products and realize a large savings on their Curated Design Bundles, which are up to 96% off the Regular Retail Price. DesignBundles has an outstanding reputation for quality at affordable prices with customer service being their #1 priority.

When you own a home, it is inevitable that you will experience issues such as structural problems, poor electrics, or plumbing emergencies, that will need to be repaired as soon as possible. If not, these can worsen and affect the safety and value of your home. Many homeowners struggle to pay for the necessary repairs when their home is damaged, especially if they are on a budget. However, through finding the right expertise and learning the best ways to budget, it is possible to fix home emergencies for a viable cost and make sure that your equipment and house can be maintained.

1.   Hire Professional Expertise

If you do not have the correct expertise to repair the issue in your home, such as plumbing problems, the most viable option can be to employ professional help to repair your home. Rather than waste your funds on DIY maintenance that will soon become damaged and does not have the longevity of a professional job, hiring an expert tradesperson in the area of the repair can help your home emergency to be fixed in as little time as possible and in the correct manner. However, it is crucial that you look around for the best deals when it comes to professional help to ensure that you get the best, most reliable option within your budget. For instance, if you are looking for local plumbers within your budget, Porch can help you to find a professional that matches your needs and funds.

2.   Open an Emergency Savings Account

However, it is always important that you are prepared for the eventuality of a home emergency, as these could happen at any time. You should save throughout the year to insure yourself against emergencies. Sources suggest that you should have three months worth of wages within your bank account in case of emergencies, such as repairs or the loss of your job or income. Although for some families, it may be challenging to save, you should try to put away a portion of your wages each month, even if this is the equivalent of $10, and you should save money when you are able, such as if you inherit wealth or have excess funds at a specific time. Having a different bank account for your funds can help you to save a portion of your money each month, as this allows you to build a nest egg for your savings that is separate from your current account, meaning that they are less tempting to use.

3.   Consider DIY Methods

If you have the correct skills to be able to do so, you may want to consider a range of DIY methods which can help you to repair the issue until you have the available funds to repair or replace your equipment professionally. Although for some problems, such as plumbing and electrics, you may have to call out a professional, other issues can be repaired using DIY guides and resources online. Not only this, but there are often many DIY courses and groups that you can join in your local area that will be able to teach the basics of DIY to homeowners and how they will be able to implement these skills within their own home.

4.   Contact Your Insurance Provider

When an emergency occurs, the first thing that you should do is to contact your insurance provider to check your insurance policy and determine whether you are covered. Homeowners should all have insurance, and you should check before you take this out that it covers the aspects of homeownership that you need support with. If your emergency is covered by your insurance scheme, you will be able to be reimbursed for the whole or partial cost of the repairs for the damage, or the professional work that needs to be done to restore your equipment or home to its previous quality.

Many homeowners struggle to save and prepare adequately for emergencies, and this can cause problems when a home incident inevitably occurs, as repairs can often be incredibly expensive if you do not shop around or ask for quotes before the work is conducted. However, through the ability to save appropriately and know your options when it comes to repairs, you will be able to fix home emergencies while sticking to a budget. Whether you decide to conduct DIY repairs or hire a professional team, it is simple to perform the maintenance and repairs that you need whatever your budget.

Have you ever broken your phone? Do you have a good story on how it happened? Recently Gazelle asked their customers for stories on how they broke their phones, and then compiled some of the weirdest stories for an article on their new technology news blog called “The Horn”. Did you know that your broken iPhone could be worth over $100!? Gazelle offers a fast and easy way for consumers to get cash for their used or broken iPhones. More than 500,000 consumers have used Gazelle to sell nearly one million gadgets. Visit Gazelle today, and see what your broken iPhone is worth!

What’s another way to make a little cash? Sell your old clunker car that’s just sitting around! Visit a site like www.webuyjunkcarsfast.com and they’ll give you an instant offer! It’s just sitting in your garage, driveway, or worse, your yard. This is a way to clean up as you clean up!

Another way to make a little extra is to visit a site like Swip Swap or Craigslist in your area, where you can list your items. Remember, your junk might be someone’s treasure. And here’s a tip: if you’re meeting a prospective buyer, ALWAYS meet them in a public place. Under no circumstances should you invite a stranger to your home, especially if you’re going to be alone.

Finally, consider taking on a few mystery shopping jobs. Although there are a lot of scam companies out there, there are also several who are totally above board. We have worked for Reality Based Group before and we can vouch that they are on the up and up. You won’t become rich, but you’ll make enough for dinner! And in a lot of cases, you’ll be mystery shopping in restaurants…so free dinner!

Have you heard of the company 100% Pure? If you have, you may have been scammed.

Here’s the deal: this company offered $15 credits to first time buyers and to the person who referred them. Several of us worked really hard to pass the word and great deal with our readers. We earned credits that never showed up in our account.

When asked about this, the company said that their site had been “exploited” and they were going to void any referral credits earned. What does this mean? It means that they had a bunch of people (us included) diligently working to get the word out about their company and then refused to honor their committment. In good faith, we promoted this company. It’s usually a win-win. But when we do our part, and they don’t do theirs, it speaks to their lack of character. Additionally, if your $15 credit resulted in a $0 order, they cancelled it. But there was never a “minimum purchase” required to use the credit. This is unethical at best…is it even legal?

I then got another message from the company asking if they could speak to me by phone. They asked for my phone number and a good time to call. I gave them my number and several times when I’d be available. Guess what. They never called. I’m not surprised. Another example of poor customer service. 

Here’s the takeaway – DO NOT ORDER FROM A COMPANY THAT HAS PROVEN ITSELF TO HAVE UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES. If you have an order problem, will they fix it? If they send an order that’s damaged, will they fix it? If they send the wrong product, will they fix it? Will they send your order at all?

There are enough companies out there who are above-board and trustworthy. Don’t take your chances on one that has proven not to live up to its promises.

In today’s world, both homeowners and businesses have come to rely on air conditioning. Not only does air conditioning keep us more comfortable during the warmer months of the year, there are many other benefits as well.

Let’s take a look at some of those benefits:

1. When an air conditioner has been properly installed (and this is vitally important), it can help to improve and renew air quality.
2. Heat and humidity are extreme conditions that can actually have an adverse impact on our overall physical and intellectual activity. You have probably experienced that when you’re overly heated, even a simple task can be burdensome. If your environment is at a comfortable temperature with heat and humidity reduced, you will find that it’s easier to perform and complete those tasks that you need to complete.
3. When you are too hot, you may experience excessive sweating, which could lead to dehydration. The lower temperatures provided by proper air conditioning can lessen the possibility of dehydration and the complications that this condition brings.

If you are looking to install or replace an air conditioning unit in your home or office, make sure that you contact a company that has proven results in proper installation.

If the new air conditioner is installed wrong, you could encounter several problems that you don’t want to deal with. First of all, did you know that an improperly installed air conditioning unit could actually cause your utility bill to go up by 30%? Not only that, you could find yourself having to pay a lot of money for repairs, or even face a failure of the entire air conditioning system.

Your air conditioner installer must be able to calculate the right sized unit for the amount of space that you are cooling. This is one of the first, and most important, steps of your overall installation and it will ensure that you get the greatest performance possible from your unit. The installer will have to perform a cooling and heating load calculation and from there, the correct size unit is determined.

Finally, it’s important to properly maintain your system. The easiest way to do this is to change your filters regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change them about every 90 days for a typical suburban home without pets. At the start of each cooling season, brush obstruction and dirt from the coils and drains. And if the air conditioner doesn’t seem to be producing as much cold air as it normally does, call a repair service because this could indicate refrigerant charge or air flow problems.

With proper installation and maintenance, your air conditioning unit should keep you and your family comfortable for years.

There’s a brand new app (very similar to iBotta) where you can get cash back on the stuff you buy at the grocery store – but here’s what’s great; the cash back is higher than iBotta and other apps!!!! Yay!

Right now you can get $1 back on milk and $3 back on Huggies diapers, plus about 30 other cash back products.

If you’ve never used one of these apps before, it’s like money in your pocket.

1. Open an account or download the Snap by Groupon App.
2. Shop anywhere.
3. Take a photo of your receipt with your phone and upload it. No phone? No worries!! You can upload receipts from your computer, too!
4. Get cash!!!

There is NO reason not to download this app! It’s free, and everyone can use cash back, right?

For me, doing my nails is not a priority because within a day or two they start to chip and look horrible! I don’t have the time, inclination or money to have them professionally done on a regular basis.

But I just learned how to do a gel manicure at home, and I couldn’t believe how long the polish stayed on my nails without chipping, and keeping that shiny, clear, “just polished” appearance. They last at least a week, and usually several days longer.

Since you do need to let each application dry slightly, I typically do this while I’m watching TV.

Here’s how:

I used Gelous gel base coat and Out the Door top coat. I got the Gelous gel at Sally Beauty Supply for around $5.99 and the top coat was about $4. (I also looked online before visiting Sally’s and found a $3 off $12 coupon!)

Step #1

Apply 2 coats of Gelous nail gel to each nail then let dry slightly (about 2 or 3 minutes)

Step #2

Apply a layer of your nail color and let dry slightly (about 2 or 3 minutes)

Step #3

Apply another layer of Gelous nail gel and let dry for about 5 minutes

Step #4

Apply another layer of nail color and let dry for 5 – 10 minutes

Step #5

Apply Out the Door top coat.

Voila! Done! Beautifully manicured nails for a really inexpensive price without going to the nail salon!

Tip: Don’t worry to much if you get polish on the sides of your fingers when using your nail color. After it dries well, it’s really easy to get off.

Tip: Swipe some of the top coat across the top of your nail to seal in the color and keep them beautiful longer.

Here’s a HUGE list of discounts available for those of you who are 50+ years young. Remember, you have to ASK for the discount…if you don’t ask – you don’t get it. I had no idea there were so many of these. Someone in the Coupondipity household qualifies – I’m going to start saving even MORE! Yay!!!

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili’s: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off ( 55 +)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me … if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL:
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)Modell’s Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY:
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays – Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria – NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy – NYC 20% off all “Happy Endings” (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

Pfabulous and Pfanciful Pfashions Pfor Pfamilies! Pfrom Pfister!

Pfirst things Pfirst…

It’s the year 2003, and you’ve just gotten married. Congratulations! In 2006, you and your spouse decide to buy your first home – a ‘starter’ home. It’s small, and more of a fixer-upper than you would prefer, but you have some design skills, right? You watch HGTV a few times a month, right? And then the babies arrive…

Pfast Pforward…

It’s now 2014, and You. Haven’t. Moved. Not only have you stayed put, you haven’t ‘pfixed up’ your ‘pfixer-upper’. And since the housing market went the way of the Titanic, you’ll be staying right where you are for the foreseeable pfuture. What to do? Take heart. You have options. You have the internet, you have Google, the term DIY is now in the dictionary, and you have Pfister!

Pflea Market Pfurniture Pfinds…

Your local flea market or thrift store can provide you with a plethora of options. A little bit of elbow grease and knowhow will give you a whole new look. Check out this great piece from Stephen Floyd Design:

Stephen says, “I picked up this old style dresser out of the neighbor’s trash. Took the old hardware off and wrapped the bottom with a 6 inch reclaimed plank of old oak. The inspiration for color and finish came from an exterior wall at the Aquarium in Charleston SC. Everywhere I travel, or even walking down the street, I seem to absorb and mentally file color schemes and textures that inspire me for future works.”                           

A quick internet search on ‘DIY design projects’ will turn up enough results to keep you busy for the next pfifteen years, until the kids are in college and you can turn their rooms into something pfun for you! Like your dream closet…or…your dream closet.

Paint is your Pfriend

Speaking of paint, it’s a design star. Whether house paint or craft paint, it can help you turn a boring, blah room into something that you can be proud of. The painted geometric pattern on this bathroom floor is a stunning example, again from Stephen Floyd Design. Originally a herringbone-pattern hardwood floor, the paint was hand mixed, and tape was not used, so as to present an authentic, handcrafted look.      

Pfamily Pfriendly Pfine Pfurnishings

“Don’t touch that! Don’t sit there! Don’t walk on that! Don’t even look at that!” How many times have those words come out of your mouth when the kids are around? Did you know that with a little ingenuity, it’s possible to have a lovely room filled with beautiful things that work with your family? While the kids are growing, consider using ‘pfurnishings’ that will not give you a panic attack when touched or played with. A glass vase full of seashells, a wooden bowl of baby pinecones, nubby pillows and comfy throws are all friendly pieces that will enhance your room and are easily replaceable when little hands get involved. This comfy corner in a room designed by CSR Interiors is a perfect example. Notice the natural elements on the side table, and the soft throw on the arm of the chair. This is the perfect place to curl up with a 3 year old and a Dr. Seuss book. ‘One Pfish, Two Pfish’, maybe?

And speaking of little hands, consider allowing those little hands to help you decorate. Give your kids an 8×10 canvas and some paint and let them go at it. You will be amazed at how the pop of color on your walls adds to the décor, and this is original art that comes cheap!

For another ‘pfamily pfriendly’ idea: buy a roll of chalkboard film.

Chalkboard film is a very inexpensive way to get a very unique look. The inside doors of this pantry were updated with two panels of chalkboard film to give it a homey appearance. Small squares of chalkboard film can be applied to mason jars to identify contents, or placed on the back of a kitchen door to keep track of family appointments and events. And little ones can have a ball ‘coloring on the walls’ if you put a piece of chalkboard film where they tend to showcase their ‘artistic abilities’.

Pfinally…Pfister

Here’s what you need to remember: spend less money on items that are not as permanent, like pillows and knick-knacks, and allocate more of your design budget to those items that tend to be more permanent ‘pfixtures’, like kitchen and bathroom hardware and accessories. Your faucets and handles will likely have to last a long time, as well as complement your décor and stand up to a lot of family wear and tear. Pfister has a beautiful selection of kitchen and bathroom pieces that will fit any style, whether ultra-modern and sleek or ‘Pfrench Pfarmhouse’. The easy-to-use faucet selector will help you to choose your perfect faucet for your kitchen or bath.

I’m going to let you in on a secret – did you know that you can use Twitter Ads for free to schedule Tweets? It’s super easy, too!

You will have to create a business account (free – just takes a minute) and it will automatically be linked to your regular Twitter Account.

Know this first: if you will be scheduling the ‘same’ Tweet for several dates and/or times, make sure you copy it so that you can easily paste each time.

Here’s how: do this first step to create your account then repeat this first step to begin scheduling a tweet…