So I was thinking I would give you a little peak at me…the woman behind the blog. So here are a few fun backs about lil ole’ me.

#1) I am short…seriously (only 5 feet tall). I can’t help it, I come from a long line of short.  My grandma just turned 91 a couple weeks ago and I think she is only 4’8 now…maybe less because unfortunately we shrink a little as we get older. NOT the news I wanted.

#2) I love to take pictures.  I was blessed that my kids and hubby got me a new Nikon D3100 for Mothers Day.  I also just got a new lens for it today. Watch out world! So far this dino toy from my backyard looks incredibly awesome. I am still trying to figure out all the settings.

#3) Hmm…last but not least, I love to cook.  That probably doesn’t surprise you.  I feel like I am much better at baking than cooking. Although, my family loves it when I do both. My favorite thing in the whole wide world to make? I love cookies…made with real butter and flour (my kids have allergies so this doesn’t happen often).

Now a little tid-bit about Go Daddy, since they are the reason I am writing this Did you know post.  They want you to learn a little more about them with Go Daddy You Don’t Know.

#1) Did you know Go Daddy is a great place to start a website for kids and family? With WebSite Tonight®, a Go Daddy site builder, you can access a template library containing over 2,000 design and color combinations and 120 pre-built websites. From silly to creative, there’s a style for everyone.

I actually started A Few Short Cuts with GoDaddy almost 3 Years ago.  I had no idea that I would end up here today!

There’s a lot you don’t know about Go Daddy! Including all the tools they have for bloggers! Check out www.godaddy.com to learn more!

Join the conversation for your chance to win 3 year Unlimited 4GH Hosting from Go Daddy! 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Go Daddy. The opinions and text are all mine.

Are you excited for summer? Are you worried there won’t be enough to keep your kids busy? Are you worried you may go broke before summer is over?

NEVER FEAR! Just check out this great list of Summer Fun Short Cuts! I have compiled a list of great free and cheap summer activities, educational websites, crafts and more!

I will be adding more too as we head into summer! So save this great list as a resource for when you start hearing “Mom….I’m bored!”

If you know of a great freebie or program I do not have listed feel free to email me so I can add it to the list!

If you purchased a Groupon Voucher Between November 1, 2008 and December 1, 2011 For Redemption in the United States, You May Be Eligible for Benefits From The Settlement.

If the settlement is approved, class members who complete and return a claim form may be eligible to receive a Settlement Voucher entitling them to redeem unused Groupon vouchers purchased between November 1, 2008 and December 1, 2011 for redemption in the United States that are past their stated expiration date.

For more info visit GrouponVoucherSettlement.com

Thanks Who Said Nothing In Life is Free??

Nielsen HomeScan has started accepting applicants again! Although it isn’t for every area, you may want to check.  They seem to open certain cities randomly. While this earning opportunity isn’t for all, it can be great for some.

Basically you fill out a quick application, Nielsen mails you a scanner, and you scan all your purchases.  You connect it to the internet once per week and earn points for prizes.  That is it!

It is a great project to let the kids take over the scanning duties. They think it is a ton of fun.  Plus, it is an amazing educational experience too! There are some pretty great prizes that would make really nice gifts! What are you waiting for! See if you qualify today!

SIGN UP HERE!

I bought a pair of these Shape ups.  If you bought a pair of Skecher Shape-ups or other “toning shoes” you will want to read this!

Charges were filed that Skechers misled consumers with claims that their Shape-Ups shoes would help you tone up and loose weight.  Skechers has agreed to pay $40 million to settle these charges. For more info, go to Skechers Shape-ups Settlement 2012!

How to Claim Your Settlement

You may fill out this Skechers refund form online or make sure to contact FTC’s Skechers Hotline at 866-325-4186 for information on how to receive reimbursement. For the Shape-Ups estimated settlement is $40.  There are several models of shoes involved, so check to see if this settlement includes yours.

Thanks Coupon Pro

Just wanted to quickly wish all you mom’s out there a Happy Mothers Day!  It is a job we do with pride, love, and a cup of coffee in hand. We all do our best and work hard at raising wonderful little people.  Some days are tougher than others, but yet we still persist to roll out of bed, and make them breakfast to get them off to school. There are sick days, cranky days, and just plain “Can we start this day over” Days. Yet, through it all one smile, hug, or kiss can melt your heart and stop you in your tracks.  So today, spend the day cherishing those smiles, hugs, kisses, and kind words because life is short and they grow up fast. Today is your gift!

Happy Mother’s Day

Nielsen HomeScan has started accepting applicants again! Although it isn’t for every area, you may want to check.  They seem to open certain cities randomly. While this earning opportunity isn’t for all, it can be great for some.

Basically you fill out a quick application, Nielsen mails you a scanner, and you scan all your purchases.  You connect it to the internet once per week and earn points for prizes.  That is it!

It is a great project to let the kids take over the scanning duties. They think it is a ton of fun.  Plus, it is an amazing educational experience too! There are some pretty great prizes that would make really nice gifts! What are you waiting for! See if you qualify today!

SIGN UP HERE!

While you read this I am on my way to Chicago to meet with Verizon Wireless.  I have been chosen to be a Verizon Midwest Savvy Saver! What does that mean?

It means that I will be bringing you some amazing Verizon Wireless Deals. I also get to try a new Verizon Device and tell you all about it.  I won’t know what it is until later today. I will keep you posted on my trip, and I can’t wait to get back home just in time for Mother’s Day

If you still haven’t found mom the right gift, you can get your Mom a Verizon 4G LTE DROID RAZR 16GB for only $99 this Mother’s Day! Lowest price ever! Details: http://bit.ly/KaKPIV

Unfortunately the folks over at TLC think that we all want more Extreme Couponing, when in reality I think we are all ready to show that throw out a window.  Not only has Extreme Couponing put couponers in a bad light, it has caused stores and manufacturers to change couponing policies for everyone.  Since the shows beginning, deals have become more scarce, coupon values have dropped, and store’s policies have become more strict. Thank You TLC for showing us How NOT to Extreme Coupon.

You all know how I feel about this atrocity! I think that TLC has a network has sunk to a new low this season.  In this preview they actually refer to coupons as addictive as crack?! Really?! Watch for yourself.

Frankly, I am speechless, and that doesn’t happen often. Don’t these people know how bad they look, or will they do anything for television? If you choose you can watch the Season 3 premiere on May 28 at 10/9c.  I personally will be avoiding it like the plague.

Learn Realistic Couponing

Want to learn how to save 50-75% on your groceries and household purchases each week legitimately? Check out my beginners coupon series! You will find info on how to start couponing the right way.

Coupon Classes

If you are in Iowa, or the surrounding area feel free to contact me about coupon classes.  I currently have classes scheduled in the Cedar Rapids area and have my calendar open to book more!

Your Opinion

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am still adjusting to the learning curve of growing in Iowa instead of Florida. I would have a full grown garden by now if we were in Florida, but I am just getting things going here in Iowa. And this year it is growing Organic! I have Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Herbs, and Strawberries. I am planning on adding a few more things, but I am going to see how these grow for now. I have been learning all about organic gardening. I started my garden with an organic soil and was concerned about how I was going to fertilize besides using compost. Then I learned about Whitney Farms organic plant food.

Whitney Farms® has a full line of 100% natural plant foods and soils with no additives, nothing artificial, just ingredients from the Earth, designed to give you big, beautiful flowers and veggies. I have done a lot of gardening in my day and I was surprised that Whitney Farms Fertilizer has low to no dust. There was no manure odor. I just got a cup and sprinkled it around my plants before I watered. I sat down to read the packaging and it is specially designed protein-based blends provide your plants with both macro and micronutrients they need to grow and thrive.

If you are interested in trying it you can print this $3 Whitney Farms Coupon!

Are you gardening this year? What are you growing? I would love to here about your garden!

There has been a major Dog Food Recall from Diamond Pet Foods.  They manufacture several brands including Kirkland Signature.

The recalled dog food may contain salmonella, which is not only affecting dogs but people. Please read the full Diamond Pet Food recall notice here

Cinemark is offering a great way for you to entertain the kids this summer! Pay as little as $0.50 to spend the morning at the theatre! It is $5 for 10 movies if you pay in advance or $1 per show if purchased at the box office.

Go to Cinemarks website for details and participating theaters or the image above.

If you are always looking for new recipes to add to your weekly Menu Plan here is a great one for this week.  Cinco De Mayo is Saturday, so why not take it easy and let the crock pot do all the work with this Mexican Pork Roast. It is delicious alone, or in taco shells.

With Spring and Summer travel plans in full swing I am excited to announce some great travel deals.  I will keep you posted on hot travel deals that are available to you!

For those of you planning a trip to Sea World this summer did you know you can buy a Fun Pass for a low rate and go back for the rest of the year free?! This is a great way to save if you live close by, or if you are planning a multi-day vacation!

Plus, you can visit the A Few Short Cuts Travel Deals Page!

This hot deal is back.  I posted this last month but in case you missed it – they’ve added a few more FREE memberships,so grab it before they run out again!

Looking for a great way to help you Meal Plan!  Check out Food on the Table!

Food on the Table is an easy meal planning service that is based on sales at local grocery stores. With Food on the Table, users will be able to: – find thousands of easy, healthy recipes – save money by knowing the items that are on sale – simplify your shopping experience with a well organized grocery list

For a very limited time, you can get a FREE lifetime membership to the Meal Planning service Foodonthetable.com! This is for NEW users and includes unlimited meals for life.

Food on the Table is an online service, they help you create a meal plan based on what you like to eat, what’s on sale at your local grocery store and your families preferences. Then, they send you to the store with a printable grocery list. Just go thru this special link HERE & enter your e-mail & the promo code SPRINGFREE. Hurry however, because these are very limited!

Click the image above to sign up!

This will save your life if you are traveling with kids this summer! Today’s Best Buy Daily Deal is for a, “Dynex™ 7? Portable DVD Player” at only $36.99!

Watch DVDs, listen to your favorite tunes, or view special photos while you’re on the go. Features a 7? display and a remote for easy control over media.

I have coupon classes to announce!

I will be teaching 2 classes in the Cedar Rapids area in the next couple months!

• The first is at the Hiawatha Library May 17th at 6:30 PM  please contact the library to register
• The second is at the Cedar Rapids Library on  June 26th at 6 PM you can register online at the Cedar Rapids Library’s Website.

I will  be teaching coupon basics along with tips for local stores: Hy-Vee, Fareway, Target, CVS, Walmart, & Walgreens. We will even have some great door prizes that you won’t want to miss!

Both of these classes have limited seating so reserve your spot now!

Also, if you know of a location and would like to schedule a coupon class for your church or other group please email me at afewshortcuts@gmail.com

1SaleADay has a deal today that I so want to take advantage of! Snag a Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP Digital Camera w/ 2.7″ Screen, 720p HD Video & 18-55mm IS Autofocus Lens for $399.99 plus $5 Shipping.

WOW…these are selling for $489 on amazon right now, so this is a great deal.

Hurry because this ends at Midnight EST 4/26/12

Happy Earth Day!  In case you missed them here is a list of the freebies you can snag today from different Retailers!

• Free Origins Moisturizer
• Free Bag at Target
• Free Bag at Disney store
• Free Coffee or Tea at Starbucks
• Free coffee at Caribou Coffee
• Juice Pouch Grocery Bag Craft