It has been an amazing few days for me because I am in a national magazine! Well me and RichSingleMomma.com that is.

How exciting for me and so wonderful when friends call me to say they saw me while casually browsing through one of the best selling magazines in the country.

The mystery publication is Essence magazine. I am in the December 2013 issue which came out this month. Ironically a couple of my friends saw it before I did so I was scrambling trying to find my copy.

Watch the video

My appearance in the Work and Wealth section is because of a shopping challenge I was a part of along with bloggers at sistersavealot.com and doublesavingdivas.com. The challenge was for us to spend $250 on 10 premium gifts for family and friends using deal sites, mobile apps, coupons, and unique savings strategies.

I bought fantastic gifts for my family and friends at 78% off retail. I’ll share my techniques in a future article or video. I had so much fun with the challenge and proving you can buy great gifts for less.

What strategies do you use or plan to use for your gift buying this holiday season? Are you looking for a gift guide to help you find great deals?

Have you been thinking about starting a business but don’t know exactly where to begin?

Think you have to be super talented to make money from home?

Been searching for ways to cut back on your food budget but still have delicious meals?

Thinking about visiting Atlanta and need free things to do?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions you are about to find out how you can reach your goals without paying a penny!

My friends and I have decided to give away one copy each of our ebooks to help you earn money, have fun, and cook great meals without breaking the bank.

Here is list of the books and the authors:

• Use What You Know: A Business Idea Guide for Moms by Joyce Brewer
• The $5.00 Cookbook: Easy Dinners for Busy Families by Tiffany Wong
• 100 Free Things to Do in Atlanta by Sue Rodman
• The Simple Outsourcing Guide by Samantha Gregory

The giveaway begins July 18 and runs until August 1, 2013 at midnight. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Be sure to follow the instructions for multiple chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway