How to MAKE Money Shopping?!

I never realized that I could actually make money by shopping for things that I need. Since I have discovered these money savers, I am shocked that everyone doesn’t use them. You’re basically just throwing money away if you don’t use these. I use all of these myself and cash real checks from the companies. They are all completely free to use.

I recommend that you download all of these to your browser. That way, when you’re shopping, the deals and cash back pops up so you don’t forget to use them.

Rakuten

Rakuten has so many stores that offer cash back. Each store offers a different percentage of cash back. This won’t earn you a huge amount of money, but it really adds up. I have recieved over $70 from Rakuten already. Don’t forget to use my code for $10 cash.

How to use:

Sign up, search the store you are shopping online at, and click “Shop Now.” A message will pop up to confirm the cash back, then continue to checkout like normal.

The cash will be loaded into your Rakuten account within a few days or weeks. They send checks out a few times each year, so you may wait a little while to receive your check. You can also search for in-store coupons for when you are not shopping online.

I love to have the Rakuten button downloaded to my browser so the cash back pops up when I’m shopping and I don’t forget to use it. When I go to a site that has cash back, the cash back pops up in the right corner and I can activate it easily.

My referral code is AVASIM20 or click here. Just for signing up with my code you will get $10 cash.

Honey

Honey offers you tons of coupons for online shopping. They can find you the best deal when you are shopping. Sign up for an account, download honey to your browser, and apply the coupons when you are ready to checkout online.

In this example below I saved $4.60 off of an $22.98 purchase. Honey really gives you the best codes that you won’t find anywhere else.

For my referral link click here.

Ibotta

I think that Ibotta is best for grocery shopping and in store purchases. They give you cash back for things that you buy.

How to use:

Sign up and download the app. Find offers and deals on the app and click the plus sign on them before you shop, they may prompt you to complete simple tasks like filling out a survey to get the reward. Next, go shop. Upload your receipt and then the cash back will be in your account within 72 hours. So easy!

My referral code is vgxjjxt or click here.

I hope that you guys will use my tips and be able to make money while you’re shopping. I will never shop without these companies again. Enjoy!

Sincerely, Ava Rains

Summer Date Ideas in the Twin Cities

I get it, it can be hard to come up with things to do all summer long with your boyfriend/girlfriend. People come to me all the time asking for ideas of what to do with their significant other. So, I decided to share with you my list of summer date ideas! These can be great to do with your boyfriend/girlfriend or even just your friends. Enjoy!

Adventurous Dates:

These ideas are for taking you a bit out of your comfort zone and making adventurous memories!

Kayaking

I love kayaking with my fiance and this can be a great date to do with another couple. I typically kayak down the Crow River, but other great places to go are the Minnehaha Creek,  the Rum River, and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. When kayaking down a river, park one car at the start of your route and a second car at the end. And remember to bring all of the keys with you down the river (yes, I forgot my keys for the second car in the first car.) Other than rivers, you can kayak on any lake near you. 

Bike Riding in Minneapolis

One of my favorite dates is renting out the green bikes in Minneapolis and riding around while seeing beautiful views. Renting the Nice Ride Bikes costs between $2-6 per person depending on how long you ride. I recommend renting the bikes near the Stone Arch Bridge and exploring Gold Medal Park. In this area you can also visit the Guthrie Theater lookout and stop for ice cream at Izzy’s Ice Cream. This was a date that my boyfriend and I did with other couples multiple times and it is always fun for everyone. 

Taylor’s Falls

This is a super fun date if you like hiking. It is on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin and has breathtaking views of cliffs, trees, and water.

Escape Room

I have wanted to do this date for so long! If you’re up for a thrill, try Escape The Room Minneapolis.

Boating

You can find a lake anywhere in Minnesota. Take a boat on the water for a fun day of skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing. 

Go to a Concert

There are so many different types of artists that there is a concert for everyone. Take your date out for a fun night of music! 

Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

This date is not for everyone. It might not be as fun if you are not an art lover (me and my fiance are not) but it was still fun for us to try something new and different. The sculpture garden outside was cool of course!

Mill City Farmers Market

This is a date that I would love to go on! Either bring your girls for a fun morning or bring your boyfriend out of his comfort zone on this cute date of shopping.  

Fun Dates: 

These dates are here to make you feel like a kid again!

Valley Fair

Ride all of the rides and scream like little kids in Shakopee. Or go in October for Valley Scare and cling to your boyfriend all the way through the haunted houses. 

Betty Danger’s

Betty Danger’s is a restaurant in Minneapolis where you can dine on a ferris wheel and play mini golf. Such a fun place if you want more than just going out to eat. 

Top Golf

Top Golf is in Brooklyn Center and is a super fun place to practice your swing! This is a great place for a group or double date, and it’s also cheaper to bring a group here.  

Ax Throwing

I have never done this date but it’s high on my bucket list. Bad Axe Throwing is one in Minneapolis and is highly recommend. This seems like a super fun and unique date and would be great for a group or double date. 

Berry Picking

Look up places to pick berries near you and make sure you go before the peak season is over. Many places grow strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. My favorite place near me is D Round Barn Berries but there are a lot of other great places to go. After you pick way too many berries, you can look up recipes to make with all of the extra berries you brought home. 

Como Zoo

Como Zoo is in St. Paul. You can see so many different types of animals and this is a very cheap date idea. My favorite part is the conservatory with all of the pretty plants and flowers!

Mini Golf 

I always love playing mini golf because it’s fun no matter how bad you are. There are great mini golf places all over the twin cities. Can Can Wonderland and Big Stone Mini Golf are my best recommendations.

Twins Game

Cheer on your favorite baseball team with your date this summer! You can typically find cheaper tickets during the week and it can be nice to go in the evening when it’s cooler outside. 

Canterbury Park

Watching horse races is super cool. I love deciding together which horses to bet on and cheering them on together!

MNice Cream

MN Nice Cream is my new favorite ice cream place! They make such beautiful cones and even offer lactose free ice cream. Also, lots of people bring their dogs here so it’s an added bonus to see cute dogs while eating ice cream. 

Romantic Dates: 

These dates are perfect for making romantic moments with your date.

Union Rooftop

I love and recommend going to eat at any nice restaurant that has a rooftop. This is perfect for a romantic summer night. You can both dress up and eat great food while looking over the city. 

Picnic

Take your date on a surprise, romantic picnic at your favorite grassy spot. Bring both of your favorite foods and drinks and set up your picnic in a pretty area near water or flowers. 

COV Wayzata

This is my absolute favorite restaurant to go to in the summer. It is a beautiful place on the water and just has the perfect romantic summer vibe. I would recommend going here during the day rather than at night. You can also walk around the shopping area or check out the yachts on the water here.

Chill/Last Minute Dates: 

These ideas or for those days where you want to do something, but not ~actually~ do something. 

Hammocking

Chill in a hammock with some snacks and take some time to relax with your boyfriend/girlfriend. 

Go Shopping

This date doesn’t have to be expensive and you can do it anytime. I usually go and look at all of the clothes I wish I could afford. Or go all out and buy new wardrobes. You can get advice on what outfits your date likes on you. 

Vali-Hi Drive In

This drive in movie location in Lake Elmo is perfect if you want to have a chill night but not just sit at home. Bring all your snacks, popcorn, and blankets and settle in for a cozy, romantic night. 

Sincerely, Ava Rains