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Luv Saving Money – Life on a Budget

My Favorite Protein Powders

I have been on a health journey continuously now for over a year and still plugging away. I’ve lost 38 lbs so far. I’m only a few pounds away from my goal weight. Then the goal will change to maintain. I have done a lot of things to get to this point including focusing on my diet.

In the past I tried counting macros. Of course that works but it would stress me out. I’d beat myself up if I went over on carbs or fat and didn’t hit protein. It got to the point that I started to feel defeated even when I was making progress. Then a tip I heard from a influencer stuck. I thought, hmm I’ll try that. You know what, it worked for me. That tip was. “Concentrate on protein and fiber, and throw in some veggies here and there” So simple right?

That’s not to say that some days I dont’ struggle to hit my protein. But I don’t beat myself up when I used to. In fact, I’m happy when I get closer to my protein goal.

That being said, for a busy mom like me sometimes a protein shake is awesome on the go or when I’m just not that hungry. Having flavor varieties on hand so I have options is another winner for me. But protein powders can be expensive. I’ve definitely bought some that I just didn’t like in the past. But here are my favorite brands with my favorite flavors.

Oath Nutrition

These, are awesome. Oath Nutrition is clear whey protein. A lot of people that don’t like the regular protein powder find these more palatable. I like to blend mine with water and some ice. Every flavor I’ve tried has been awesome. It blends smooth and tastes like a smoothie or juice. I’ve tried the frosty lemonade, mango, strawberry kiwi, coconut colada so far. As I said they’re all great but the flavor I keep going back to again and again is the frosted lemonade. It literally tastes like a frosty lemonade.

Pros: awesome flavor and consistency. Easy to drink, doesn’t taste like a typical protein shake. Grass fed whey. Only 1 g of sugar

Cons: Only 18 servings per bag. Only 20 g of protein (there are protein powders with more)

Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate

If you have not heard of this brand, definitely check them out. I’ll admit at first glance it looks like every other protein powder out there but I had the opportunity to sample Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate and since then I’ve bought 4 more containers of it. There protein powder have 30 grams of protein, offers a nice selection of flavors (including unflavored) and every flavor I’ve tried so far has been great. My tip, as with most protein powders, I prefer to blend mine in a personal blender. I feel like you get a creamier consistency.

They have basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or more unique flavors like strawberry acai and cake batter. I think the chocolate blended with unsweetened vanilla almond milk makes it tastes just like chocolate milk. My hubby’s favorite so far is the strawberry acai. A unique flavor for something different. I’ve used this just as a shake or I’ve used them in protein recipes like protein fluff, protein jello, and protein baked oats.

Pros: 30 g of protein. Nutricost offers frequent sales to be able to save some money. 24 servings in a 2 lb tub. They also offer 5 lb tubs. Good taste. Good flavor options.

Cons: Without a coupon can be just as expensive as the rest.

Save 10% off your order with my code: BEECHAN10

Quest Protein Powder

Quest Nutrition is a well known brand. A lot of people have tried the Quest protein powders or shakes. I think Quest has a lot of awesome products especially their line of protein treats. Their PB cups are awesome. Even my kids like them. I feel like their protein powders are hit or miss though. The Quest salted caramel protein powder is amazing. I like to blend mine with a little ice and either unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. I think it tastes just like a salted caramel milk shake. Their vanilla is pretty good. Not a fan of their chocolate. The cinnamon crunch I feel is awesome in protein recipes like protein baked oats but a little weird to drink because it has almost like cinnamon cereal chunks in it. This brand is generally more affordable than the others on my list too.

Pros: some flavors like salted caramel are amazing. And cinnamon crunch is recipes is great. Generally more affordable that most protein powders and found at more retail locations. 26 grams of protein per serving.

Cons: flavors are hit or miss for me.

Summary

In the end, these are my personal opinions. There are a few brands I’ve tried that I just didn’t like such as Muscle Milk. While other people seem to like it. In the end find what works for you and get that protein in however you like!

If there are any you think I should try, let me know. Maybe I’ll do a protein bar list next.

**This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links**

Spend $40 on Toys at Walmart get $40 CashBack! Here’s How…

Who couldn’t use a break on the holiday shopping expenses? I know I’d love it. Right now TopCashBack is offering new sign ups $40 cash back when you spend $40 or more at Walmart on toys!

So how does it work?

  • Follow the $40 cash back on toys at Walmart link. This will take you directly to the offer
  • Sign up for TopCashBack (it’s free to sign up)
  • Go through TopCashBack through the special Walmart link to start adding toys to your Walmart cart
  • Add $40 or more of toys in your cart ($40 must be before tax and shipping) and check out
  • Cashback will be added to our TopCashBack account within 14 days
  • Offer expires December 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST

What toys do you have on your holiday shopping list? Don’t forget, Walmart still has their Black Friday and Cyber week sales going on so you might be able to get more than you think!

I’ve been a TopCashBack member for years so unfortunately I can’t participate in this offer since it’s just for new sign ups. But I still get to take advantage of the cash back on the site. It is one of the few sites I still use for cashback. They consistently have some of the highest cash back from my favorite online stores.

Terms & Conditions:
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with TopCashback.  I may earn affiliate commission from any sales
Note: Transactions must contain at least $40 worth of purchases (before tax + shipping) to ensure the $40 Cash Back is credited to TopCashback accounts. Transactions may initially track lower, but within the 14 days after purchase it will be uplifted and turn payable at the amount of $40. Transactions may take up to seven days to appear in your TopCashback account. The deal is open until 11:59 p.m. PST on 12/7/2024 or until supplies run out; whichever happens first; applicable for purchases made directly after clicking through the TopCashback mobile or desktop website; not applicable for purchases made through the TopCashback app or merchant app. Only one TopCashback account is permitted per member. Only one freebie offer is permitted per new member. Cannot be combined with other TopCashback freebie offers.  Do not close the window, open any new tabs, or use non-TopCashback approved coupons while checking out.

Money Saving Reasons To Join AARP

Look I’m only 45 and I’ve been a member of AARP for several years now. You might be thinking, “I thought AARP was only for people of retirement age”. Maybe you’re thinking “What do I get out of an AARP membership that would be worth my while” Well the biggest reason for me joining, saving money.

Consumer Cellular customers save 5% off your monthly bill

I’m going to be honest, this was the main reason I signed up for AARP. We had AT&T or years. A coworker told me about consumer cellular (which uses AT&T and T-mobile towers and I was able to keep my phone number). Saved us a bunch on our cell phone bill to start. But then when I found out I could save another 5% by being an AARP member, well, I was sold.

Savings on Walmart+

So, I’m too late for this one. This seems to be a newer offering. And it seems it only applies to new Walmart+ customers that sign up via the AARP site. But you save $20/year off the cost of a Walmart+ membership as an AARP member.

Attraction and Theme Park Savings

AARP members can go through the site to find savings on attractions, amusement parks, and more with your AARP membership.

AARP reward points

AARP gives you lots of opportunities to earn reward points. Earn points by completing challenges, watching videos, learning with their education materials, linking your smartwatch to keep track of steps, just visting the website, and lots more.

With the reward points you can cash them in for discounts on gift cards, enter sweepstakes, subscription services, and more.

AARP’s Black Friday Deal

Right now AARP is offering an awesome deal on membership sign ups. So not only do you save on your membership you get to take advantage of any or all of the savings I’ve listed and then some.

Right now you can get your AARP membership for $9/year when you sign up for a 5 year membership. You also get a FREE gift when you sign up!

Sign up for AARP Black Friday Deal with free gift now

This deal won’t last though, grab it while you can!

This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a commission from new sign ups

Win a Football Fan Getaway to New Orleans from Hellmann’s

You might know that Sunday February 9, 2025 with be football’s Big Game in New Orleans, LA. For many football fans, the Big Game is a dream trip. I know it is for me. One of my bucket list destinations to see is New Orleans too. It would be so fun to knock two things off my bucket list at the same time.

If that sounds like a good time to you might be interested in Hellmann’s current sweepstakes.

Hellmann’s is giving a Football Fan and their friend a chance to win the ultimate football fan getaway in February 2025.

Grand Prize: You and a friend could be heading to New Orleans, inclusive of accommodation, and $10,000 in spending money to make for an unforgettable trip.

Wanna enter? Click the link below

Hellmann’s Ultimate Football Fan Getaway Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes ends 12/31/24 with winner being announced the first week of January 2025. One time entry

Who would you love to see play in football’s biggest game? Let me know if you entered

affiliate link: I will earn a small commission when you enter to win

September 17 is National Voter Registration Day

On November 5th 2024, the American people will vote for their next president among other political positions. But in order to vote you need to be registered before the election. Each state has their own voter registration deadline.

According to NPR voter registration deadline in Pennsylvania is Monday October 21. That’s for all ways to register: online, by mail, or in person. NPR has a helpful list of deadlines for voter registration in each state and territory. Several are coming up soon . If you’re not sure if you’re registered they also have links to check your voter registration status for each state.

I’m here to call all Pennsylvanians to consider registering to vote. You can do it online, it takes less than 10 minutes, and you’ll get in before the October 21, 2024 deadline to register. And, of course, it’s free.

Pennsylvania online voter registration link

Pennsylvania is always a major factor in the presidential races. A swing state that has a whopping 20 electoral college votes. So if you think your vote doesn’t make a difference, think again.

If you’ve never voted before, the process is pretty simple. You can vote by mail or in person (but never both). I prefer to go in person. I’m in a small town so it usually only takes me a few minutes to get a ballot, fill it out and submit it. The poll workers are helpful in getting you your ballot, where to submit it, etc. Pay attention to the hours of your local polling places. In my experience, going earlier in the day, if possible, is better than waiting until the last two hours that your polling place is open.

If you’re curious about how many electoral votes your states has, you can checkout this helpful list from the National Archive.

Just FYI Puerto Rico, your voter registration deadline is September 21, 2024 so don’t delay in registering. The next one coming up will be South Carolina. South Carolina your in-person voter registration deadline will be October 4, 2024 followed by online voter registration deadline of Oct 6.

If you do not register by the deadline for your state you will not be able to vote in this year’s presidential election. So take the time to get registered or check your registration now!