Edited to add: Links to contest posts at the bottom and you can read my contesting advice such as it is HERE.
Two conversations earlier in the week sparked this post. My contesting is something I have the luxury of time to participate in, like any hobby, and not everyone has that. Not everyone is interested, or sees the point of it, and there's a lot of scoffing. Should I pretend the air of smirking isn't stenchy? That kind of hurts. Which is probably why this is all over the place.
When a one-entry contest came up for a $2500 prize and I know someone who will be making a large purchase in a related area, I mentioned it. Instead of saying, "Hey, thanks for thinking of me" and leaving it at that, it became a bit of a discussion that left me feeling like a joke. I'm sure that wasn't the intention. My thought was why not give it a try? Sure, it's a long-shot, but one that could be a plus to the budget and make a not insignificant upgrade if it paid off.
What took a couple of days to process was that not everyone I know struggles financially. The true struggles that grind on and means going without more and more often. They don't know, or remember, what desperation feels like. For that, I am thrilled because trust me, poverty sucks. Hard. Disability is a bitch. Getting through the day with five of them can make a lot of days feel like a never-ending battle nobody understands because they don't feel the pain.
The absolute truth of the matter is, every week is hanging on by my fingernails while juggling to keep it all from collapsing. My love language is doing for others and gift giving. When I can't do that, it's crushing. Yes, it's the thought that counts, but let's be real here...nobody remembers a good thought after a day. I've been going so hard on the contesting lately to try to win Christmas presents because there simply isn't any money to buy them or supplies to make them. None. There aren't any corners left to cut. They've been ground into a glass-like sphere. Life in the round is brutal but I try to be positive and always stay aware of things I do have to be grateful for. This isn't a call for pity, but for compassion and a bit of kindness and understanding.
While chatting with Belle last night, I was again reminded how enthusiastic she is whenever I tell her about any win, no matter how small. Considering the income bracket she just moved into, it would be easy to feel quite pathetic, but she never fails to come up with a 'free stuff is good, mama' acknowledgement. I asked if she'll send me screenshots of her tags from McDonald's Coast to Coast Monopoly game. How she laughed - not in a condescending way, more an amusement of my resourcefulness. "Leave it to you to win prizes from McDicks!"
Look, times is rough and a free cheeseburger and free coffee was already a meal for me. Snacks and beverages won from the convenience store are perks I would normally do without. So gratitude and all, but Christmas is coming, and Dear. Universe. I. Want. Cash. Please.
Iced tea is my jam these days and Kitty will often treat me by picking one up on her way home from work.It's actually cheaper than buying it in the grocery store and we both say the bit from her childhood: "I'm the good child." From those treats and last night's Happy Meal, I also got three free months of Paramount+ which will give Kitty, Mancub and I nice options over the holiday season. So if you're reading this and you're not going to use them, email or text me the codes thankyouverymuch. Moi will gladly spend the 73 seconds it takes to enter them on Ronnie's little website.
Should you want to try to win something, I'll keep adding some quick and dirty contests and giveaways here and you can find this post later on the link "Try Your Luck" above. Good luck!
Are you addicted to your daily Starbucks? Do you order on your app? Are you playing Star Days for a chance to win some goodies? There's over 8000 various Star Prizes and a chance to win one of ten prizes of 5,000 Aeroplan points worth $150. You can enter without a purchase by playing one of their online games, which they admit are completely random. You'll need to sign up for the free membership, which takes less time than you're spending reading this.
Atlas Canada is offering up the chance to win a $100 Dining Card. Pick your favourite Halloween candy with a click and enter your info. It turns out I'm terribly common.
I'm not sure how much easier it gets than the Kraft Add Joy contest -- pop a balloon each day for a chance to win one of 840 $50 Gift Cards.
Roots x Saje teamed up for the Ultimate Holiday Giveaway -- $500 of Saje Bestsellers + $250 Roots Winter Essentials + a $250 Roots Gift Card. Yes, please.
Royal Draw's latest up for grabs is a $50 Canadian Tire Gift Card. Little known fact, Canadian Tire is The Best Place to do last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve. Seriously, it's always dead quiet, there's something for absolutely anyone and they've already started slashing prices for Boxing Day so going in the morning is great. Sssh, don't tell anyone. I don't want it to get all peopley. Back to Royal Draw, you'll also find great printable coupons, sales, and have access to contests members share on their site. Becoming a member of RD is simple, there's no obligation, and they only send one email per day informing you of what the latest prize is. There are new draws every day for $50 - $100 Gift Cards. Available as I write this: Amex, App & iTunes Store, Best Buy, MasterCard, Netflix, Starbucks, Uber & UberEats, Visa, and a Wildcard Winner's Choice. One click, quick & dirty.
Circle K's Drink, Snack & Score Game is another one where I've had small wins of beverages, snacks and gas discounts. There are larger prizes to be won and I'm told it's easier to score goals playing on a phone than a laptop. Personally, I think it's just random and I sure wouldn't be able to beat a real goalie!
Linen Chest regularly puts on giveaways and is a good newsletter to subscribe to if you enjoy home furnishings -- they have a lot of other luxe products as well. This link is for the Braun Small Kithcen Appliances giveaway.
NEW:
Winter tires are one of those expensive necessities in Canada. For a chance to win a set of Ice Blazer Tires, visit Sailun for a quick one-time roll of the dice for wheels.
Not green, but hello yellow! Take a chance on winning a $2000 Leon's Furniture Shopping Spree.
GOOD LUCK!
