Soda Pop and Magazines

I am a big fan of rewards programs. We earn rewards on our credit cards and at Best Buy and at the grocery store ... anywhere we can. Hubby just received a very nice high-quality free Phoenix Suns polo shirt in the mail from points earned grocery shopping at Fry's Foods.

So let's talk soda pop. Hubby has been drinking Fresca for years and years and the Granddaughter likes caffeine free Coke. I noticed last year as I was unloading cans into the refrigerator that there was a code printed into the tear off portion of the 12-pack case. At the computer, I went to http://www.mycokerewards.com/ and found out that if you register with the program, each time you enter the code from a soda package, you earn 10 points toward a magazine subscription or other great items. I'm sure I've mentioned before that I am a magazine junkie and getting free magazines practically makes me hyperventilate.

There are so many terrific rewards on this program - here are a few examples (most magazine subscriptions are for one year) ...

Redbook 100 points
Traditional Home 133
Good Housekeeping 133
Country Living 166
House Beautiful 166
Everyday Food 200
Golf Digest 200 (okay, this one's for Hubby)
Entertainment Weekly 210
Bon Appetit 250
Oprah 300

You can also earn points for things like free soda, gift cards for Omaha Steaks, American Idol judges' cups, and the list goes on and on. I saved points for Traditional Home magazine and my very first issue was the holiday/Christmas issue ... yay!

Here are a few things I love from the May 2010 issue ...

This house in Ross, California, was built to include windows as the back wall of the kitchen cabinets so they can actually see through the cupboards outside ...

They also had a bleached-wood floor put in that is forgiving to heavy traffic by children, as well as the never-ending dog hair of their golden retriever. The decorator, Samantha Lyman, said this was a first, finishing the floor to match a pet.

There is also a lovely article called "Pearls of Wisdom," about hosting a Mother's Day luncheon party with all the trimmings and trappings ...

Such pretty, pretty ideas and check out the little framed Mother's Day gift above. They calligraphed "Pearls of Wisdom from my mother" on a card and framed it. It includes some of mother's favorite sayings like "Remember who you are. Always write a thank you note. Never chew gum in public. Never be too proud to pick up a penny. The best way to make a friend is to be one." And ends with the line "I'll always love you the most." They put this card in a gold frame and glued pretty satin ribbon on the back to hang it with.

Anyway, as you can tell, I love reading Traditional Home magazine and all I had to do was sign up for the free rewards program. Here are the products for mycokerewards.com ...

I've been drinking Diet Sierra Mist for years now, but I may have to try Diet Sprite so I can earn points faster ... there are other magazines I'd like to read for free!