Credit for Cartridges at OfficeMax

Don't just throw your old ink cartridges away. Not only does it contribute to the masses of garbage in America's landfills, but you're wasting money. OfficeMax will give you a $3 credit for each used cartridge that you bring into the store...up to six per visit.

My store just takes the amount off of your total at check out, but I'm told that some stores give you a coupon for future use. Either way, it's money in your pocket.

^{(photo © istockphoto)}

The Power of a Penny at OfficeMax

OfficeMax is offering a variety of items for just one penny through September 13. Some are available in-store only and others can be ordered online. Included are:

• Sharpie Permanent Markers (in store only; limit 2)
• Sharpie Accent Mini Highlighters (in store only; limit 2)
• OfficeMax 50-pack of slim CD jewel cases; buy one, get one for one cent
• 2-packs of Avery Black View Binders; buy two, get one for one cent
• HP Photo Paper; buy one pack, get one for one cent

So make sure to get out to OfficeMax and get some (almost) free markers.

Selling the Plane on eBay

I'm not a big fan of the political conventions. They tend to be a little too self-congratulating for me. I do, however, usually watch...just in case someone says something noteworthy. This year, the highlight of both conventions was when Republican Vice Presidential candidate (and mother of five), Sarah Palin described how she sold the Alaska state private jet on eBay. If that's not in the spirit of living frugally, I don't know what is.

The eBay sale is also a good example of using non-traditional methods in business--something that can benefit any home office. Don't be afraid to take your personal finance saavy, such as clipping coupons, shopping sales, filling out rebate forms, and negotiating the best prices, to your business life.

By the way, the plane didn't sell on eBay, but the publicity surrounding the listing attracted a buyer. You can view the eBay listing here.

^{(photo © AlaskaDude/cc license)}

Free Road Atlas from DHL

I have no sense of direction and distance--a bad thing in these days of exorbitant gasoline prices. So, if a client or a bookstore wants me to visit them or participate in an event, I usually have to consult a map to see if it makes sense to drive that distance.

Fortunately for my dog-earred road atlas, DHL, the shipping company, is offering a new Rand McNally Road Atlas to those that visit their site and complete a short survey about their company's shipping habits. It's a $15 value. To send for yours, visit the DHL Web site.

Office Depot's Tech Recycling Program

Office Depot is making it relatively easy to be "green" and recycle your old computer equipment and electronics. Their tech recycling program allows consumers to purchase a large ($15), medium ($10), or small ($5) box and fill it with as many acceptable tech items as will fit. You then drop it off at an Office Depot store and they will forward the items to the appropriate recycling center.

Not only are cell phones, computer equipment, and other tech items jamming America's land-fills (and potentially leaking dangerous mercury and other elements into the earth), but getting rid of electronics can be a pain in the neck. In my area, for instance, the city only accepts such items twice a year. Office Depot makes being responsible easier. For more information on the Office Depot Tech Recycling Plan, visit their Web site.

^{(photo © 2007 S. Mitchell)}

Don't Be Afraid to Use Coupons

Do you feel uneasy using coupons when you shop? DON'T! According to a new study by the Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council, more than 89 percent of the overall US population report that they use coupons when shopping for grocery, household, and health and beauty items. In addition:

• Spending 20 minutes per week clipping and organizing coupons can save up to $1000 per year
• The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60/week using coupons
• More than $350 billion of packaged goods coupons are offered annually in the US
• The average value of each coupon is $1.25
• September is National Coupon Month

Fortunately for home businesses, more and more coupons are being offered for products like computer paper, pens and pencils, and other office necessities. Let's hope that trent continues.

Money-Saving Coupons from Bic

BIC has a new set of printable coupons on their Web site that save you money on their Mark-its, mechanical pencils, and Wite-out products. They have a 30-day rolling expiration date. Visit this site to print your copies.

Fall Food Links

In several of my other projects, I talk about food and cooking, along with a group of other talented food bloggers. Here's a little of what we've been discussing this week--fall foods, apples, Halloween treats, and planning for the holidays. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.

Harvest Party Snack Mix

A simple sweet snack for a fall harvest or Halloween party.

Holiday Cake with Kiwi

This New Orleans holiday recipe is as attractive as it is delicious.

Ohio Pioneer Apple Cake

Fall is Apple season in Ohio and this traditional recipe for Ohio Pioneer Apple Cake (pictured above) is a great way to use them.

Pumpkin Pies & More

Pumpkin pie, so popular in autumn, has a long history, going back to the 17th century.

Quick Apple Crisp

A sweet dessert to use up all those apples in season right now.

Summary of Latest Fat Fighting Research

If you’re concerned about your weight or the weight of someone you love, clip this article and post it near your food shopping list. More thoughtful shopping will keep health-giving foods on hand and help you resist the junk food aisle of your supermarket.

^{(photo © hook/cc license)}

Win a $250 Office Depot Gift Card

Is there a new office product that you just love and would like to share with the world? Your opinion could win you a $250 gift card from Office Depot. All you have to do to enter is write a product review and post it on the Office Depot site on or before 9/27/08. For details and posting instructions, visit the Office Depot Web site.

Office Depot is also offering 10 percent off of all online orders until 10/18/08. The offer excludes technology, printer and copy machine ink cartridges, and several other products. There's no minimum, so even if you just need some paper, envelopes, and other office supplies, this might be a good time to shop. They offer free delivery/shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use coupon code 77242882. You can follow the Office Depot icon on the sidebar to access the site.

Free Business Cards from Vista Print

Vista Print offers 250 business cards for free if you agree to have their logo on the bottom of the reverse side of the cards. It's not for everyone, but I've used their services both for the free and the "for-a-fee" cards and they do quality work.

For the free cards you have a choice of 42 different designs and you can put all of the standard information on the card, including name, company name, three address lines, city and state, and four fax, phone, email, or Web site lines. Logos and additional information are available for a fee.

To order your free cards, visit the Vista Print Web site. You'll be charged shipping, but mine was only a few dollars to Ohio. Your amount will vary depending on where you live.

Free Post-It Sample

Register to receive a free sample of recycled Post-it notes from 3M. The sample of 10 sheets of 4"x6" notes are available from their Web site. Recycled Post-its are made from 30 percent post-consumer product.

Enter to Win a $10,000 Dell Office Makeover

Does you home office need a makeover? Are you using that same equipment that you bought five--or ten--years ago? Then hurry up and enter Dell's "Synergistic Mission Critical" sweepstakes. One lucky small business owner will win $10,000 worth of Dell products to turn their home office into a state-of-the-art work station. In addition, there are daily prizes of computers, printers, digital cameras, and other useful stuff.

The contest is open to all businesses headquartered in the US and Washington DC, with the exception of Colorado, that have between 1 and 500 employees. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age.

You can enter daily by visiting this page through 9-3-08. Good Luck!