Using Serve to make your life easier (and a Giveaway!)

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Using Serve to make your life easier (and a Giveaway!)

Do you guys carry cash on you? I’m one of those people who literally spend cash like there’s a hole burning in my pocket. One day I have a couple twenties on me, the next I have no idea where all my money went… So I basically just stopped carrying cash with me. It’s just better that way.

But there’s always those nights where everyone is out and I’m the only one with a card and no cash. Usually I end up paying the bill and people give me cash, or we all throw in our cards and have the bill split. I am sure our server always appreciates that! American Express has come up with a solution for that very situation. It’s aptly called Serve. Instead of boring you with the details of what they’re all about or how it works, I’m going to show you how I used Serve on a girls night out the other day.

First I sent an email to a couple of my girlfriends to see if anyone wanted to get together for drinks and dinner. Shockingly, we were able to set a date fairly easily. Once that hurtle was overcome, we had to decide where to go. We all agreed we wanted to try something new. After quite a few emails back and forth, we decided on The Biltmore Grill in Newton. A key factor in that decision was the fact that they have Chicken and Waffles on the menu. We all agreed that there were so many things we wanted to try, that we’d order a little of everything and split it.

This isn’t a restaurant review, but I have to tell you the food there was comfort food to the max. The chicken and waffles were definitely the star of the evening and I really appreciated that they do beer flights. I enjoyed a variety of seasonal beers. I feel like there aren’t enough places to get a flight of beer nearby…

Ok so here’s where I tell you about how Serve made my life easier that night. First, I had already signed up for a Serve account online (you get a FREE $10 just for signing up). Second, I had installed the Serve app on my Android phone. And lastly, my Serve credit card had already come in the mail!

One thing to note about the credit card. It doesn’t have your name on it. I found that somewhat odd, but since it works like a pre-paid credit card, there’s no harm in someone using the card if you lost it. You could simply remove all funds from the card by going online or into your app.

So when the bill came that night, I got out my Serve credit card and paid for the entire bill myself. While the server was running the card, I logged in to my account on my phone.

I used the “Split the Bill” option within the app and put in the amount of the bill, the tip that I wanted to leave, and the number of people at dinner.

On the next screen, I put in everyone’s names (the app uses your address book to identify everyone via phone number or email address). Notice those bars under everyone’s name? You can use those to allocated different amounts for each person. It defaults to splitting the bill evenly, but it’s nice to have the option to have different people pay different amounts.

Since I was using the app to request money from others, they don’t have to have a Serve account at this point. To actually use Serve to send money, they would have to sign up for a Serve account.

The next screen prompted me for a message to include in the request. Once I hit submit, each of the girls was notified with an email in their Inbox requesting the amount due for their portion of the bill.

And I got transaction numbers so I could track the transactions on my app or online at Serve.com.

Once the payments have been made through Serve, the transactions will move from pending to completed.

While I was playing around with the app, I found some other useful things I wanted to share. First, check out all the options available when I logged into the app.

The Pizza Party option caught my eye. Check it out, you can divide the pizza bill by number of slices!

Another option that seems useful would be to link subaccounts. I could imagine using subaccounts to provide your children’s allowance or setting aside a certain amount of money for holiday shopping for example.

Overall, Serve was very easy to use and I can’t wait to explore the other options available. And now on to the good stuff, the giveaway!! American Express is offering one lucky reading a $100 Serve credit! (the winner will have to sign up for a Serve account to claim the prize)

Only one entry per person. To enter, leave a comment by midnight on 12/27 answering this question: What are your plans for the holidays?

To answer my own question, Hubby and I are working until Thursday, then we’re off the rest of the year. We’ll be heading down to his mom’s for Christmas with the family. There will be lots of food, family, and good times.

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a $250 stipend to try Serve from American Express. Sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Official sweepstakes rules and regulations may be found here: http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/4622317-win-serve-dollars-giveaway-official-rules

Uncategorized

1 comment »

97 Responses to “Geoff and Drew’s Giveaway”

#
1

Carol — January 31, 2011 at 9:41 pm

I would love some Toffee Brownies–yummy!
#
2

Carol — January 31, 2011 at 9:42 pm

Tweeted!
#
3

kelly — January 31, 2011 at 9:49 pm

If I won I would definitely try the chocolate sampler basket.
#
4

A Boston Food Diary — January 31, 2011 at 9:53 pm

Yummmm Geoff and Drews ARE delicious! Brownies sound delicious right now!
#
5

Ajgianna — January 31, 2011 at 9:54 pm

Tweeted. Thanks!
#
6

Audrey — January 31, 2011 at 9:55 pm

Oops! Tweeted under “Boston Food Finds”…ajgainna@hotmail.com.
#
7

Susan (Oliepants) — January 31, 2011 at 9:56 pm

I would order the silver celebration box of cookies and brownies! It really is hard to pick either or because the cookies and brownies look (and I’m sure taste!) delicious!!!! And the packaging is so pretty! I’m all over the double fudge! 🙂
#
8

Ashley Tiblier — January 31, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I would want to try all of the cookie and brownie flavors!
#
9

Ashley Tiblier — January 31, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I like Geoff and Drew’s on Facebook.
#
10

Ljyoung85 — January 31, 2011 at 10:21 pm

A cookie and brownie combo. I want to try both!
#
11

Bianca Garcia — January 31, 2011 at 10:26 pm

I’d love to try the signature brownies!
#
12

Lecklund24 — January 31, 2011 at 10:35 pm

Ahh the variety sampler 🙂 🙂 Soooo much goodness in one little box 🙂
#
13

krissy (dainty chef) — January 31, 2011 at 10:45 pm

I think the white chocolate cranberry cookie box! Yum!
#
14

Ashley — January 31, 2011 at 10:47 pm

I would pick the I Love You Red box. Yummy stuff!
#
15

BostonGirl — January 31, 2011 at 10:53 pm

The Silver Sampler looks terrific, and I would send it to my friend Ali in Cali! 🙂
#
16

kimz — January 31, 2011 at 11:06 pm

Oh what I would do to send my boyfriend the Sweetheart Treats Crate. Sweets for my sweets!
#
17

kimz — January 31, 2011 at 11:07 pm

Geoff & Drew’s FB page? Liked liked liked!
#
18

starsquiggle — January 31, 2011 at 11:17 pm

I would love to try the White Chocolate Cranberry
#
19

starsquiggle — January 31, 2011 at 11:18 pm

i “liked” Geoff and Drew on Facebook
#
20

starsquiggle — January 31, 2011 at 11:20 pm

I Tweeted on Geoff and Drew’s Twitter page
#
21

Pam — January 31, 2011 at 11:40 pm

Yum! I would love to try the signature chocolate chip cookies!
#
22

Pam — January 31, 2011 at 11:41 pm

Also “liked Geoff and Drer’s” on Facebook
#
23

Jen @ BakedByJen — January 31, 2011 at 11:49 pm

I’d love the Assorted Brownies and Cookies!
#
24

Danielle — January 31, 2011 at 11:55 pm

I would love to get an assortment–try everything!
#
25

Danielle — January 31, 2011 at 11:56 pm

tweeted @danid320
#
26

Danielle — January 31, 2011 at 11:57 pm

Geoff and Dre’s facebook page has been “liked”!
#
27

Missbrandy — January 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm

I’d get the Pretty in Pink 8 cookies- 8 brownies box. They’d be perfect for a fund-raising event I’m doing for the Susan G Komen 3day for the cure walk!
#
28

Missbrandy — February 1, 2011 at 12:01 am

I’ve liked G&D on facebook!
#
29

Christina — February 1, 2011 at 12:11 am

I would order the Silver Celebration of cookies – variety is the spice of life! 🙂
#
30

Ellen — February 1, 2011 at 12:57 am

Mmmm, I would certainly order a box of just the white chocolate cranberry cookies.
Sounds fantastic!
#
31

Katy Sundararajan — February 1, 2011 at 1:11 am

My choice would be the “I Love you Red – 8 Cookies & 8 Brownies,” the total chocolate version, as my Valentine has a serious sweet tooth. 🙂 Oo! I hope I win!
#
32

Alexis Ellysse Adams — February 1, 2011 at 1:13 am

I liked Geoff and Drew’s facebook page! 🙂 I LOVE cookies!!! YUM!
#
33

FunandFearlessinBeantown — February 1, 2011 at 1:15 am

What a great giveaway! I’m a big fan of the white chocolate cranberry cookies!
#
34

sab1976 — February 1, 2011 at 1:26 am

Yellow Celebration – 8 Cookies & 8 Brownies
#
35

Jenny — February 1, 2011 at 1:27 am

I’d love some double fudge cookies 🙂
#
36

Jennifer Landers — February 1, 2011 at 1:30 am

I would purchase the giant cookie heart…yummy!!
#
37

Whitequiet — February 1, 2011 at 1:32 am

I would love some of the assorted brownies!
#
38

Patricia — February 1, 2011 at 1:32 am

I would choose the Silver Sampler. It sounds delicious.
#
39

Jennifer Landers — February 1, 2011 at 1:33 am

I liked them!
#
40

Kelly V — February 1, 2011 at 1:34 am

I’d send my mom and her coworkers the giant heart brownie
#
41

Alicia Fidalgo — February 1, 2011 at 1:35 am

I would definitely get one of the assortment packs for my parent’s for valentine’s day! They’d love to try all the flavors of cookies!
#
42

Annie H — February 1, 2011 at 2:02 am

All of the brownie flavors sound delicious, so I would get a brownie assortment.
#
43

Cara — February 1, 2011 at 2:08 am

I’d never choose just one kind of cookie or brownie. I’d be all over the pretty in pink combo box!
#
44

Cara — February 1, 2011 at 2:09 am

tweeted for you!
#
45

Sarah C — February 1, 2011 at 2:09 am

I would have to go with the Silver Celebration of 16 Assorted Brownies. We LOVE brownies!
#
46

Sarah C — February 1, 2011 at 2:19 am

I liked them on FB!
#
47

Susie — February 1, 2011 at 3:25 am

I’m so getting the Valentine’s Day 12 cookie and 4 brownie combo. Mmm…cranberry and chocolate!
#
48

Susie C — February 1, 2011 at 3:27 am

I like Geoff and Drew’s on facebook, too!
#
49

Lynne — February 1, 2011 at 3:28 am

Probably the assorted pack of brownies. That way I can try more than one type!
#
50

Shelly8806 — February 1, 2011 at 3:55 am

I’d get the Pretty in Pink box so I can try a little bit of everything.
#
51

Shelly8806 — February 1, 2011 at 3:56 am

I liked Geoff & Drew’s on Facebook.
#
52

Sarah — February 1, 2011 at 4:27 am

I would go for the combination of brownies and cookies. They are all making me drool, omg!
#
53

chelsea rose — February 1, 2011 at 6:06 am

I would definitely get a cookie and brownie combination. Both are sooooo delicious!!
#
54

chelsea rose — February 1, 2011 at 6:09 am

and i like them on facebook 🙂
#
55

kayla — February 1, 2011 at 6:19 am

i’d order the valentine’s sampler to send to my mother 🙂
#
56

kayla — February 1, 2011 at 6:20 am

i like geoff and drew on facebook!
#
57

Jodonnell — February 1, 2011 at 1:04 pm

toffee brownies!!
#
58

Eva — February 1, 2011 at 1:38 pm

My best friend is having a baby girl in 2 weeks, so I’d order the Pastel Mini Tower for her!
#
59

Jen — February 1, 2011 at 1:38 pm

I would get a cookie-brownie combo…best of both worlds!! ; )
#
60

HeatherLynne13 — February 1, 2011 at 1:48 pm

I would go for a cookie/brownie combo. Definitely the white chocolate cranberry cookies though!
#
61

Tiffany and Ryan — February 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

I would order the white chocolate cranberry cookies. Everything on their site looks yummy!
#
62

Daisy — February 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm

I stand by that statement. These cookies are heaven. sign me up for chocolate chip!
#
63

Erin — February 1, 2011 at 2:32 pm

I’d get the Pretty in Pink-the 12 cookies & 4 brownies. Yum! 🙂
#
64

Daisy — February 1, 2011 at 2:32 pm

Liked them on Facebook!
#
65

Daisy — February 1, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Tweeted 🙂
#
66

Caroline — February 1, 2011 at 3:34 pm

That giant brownie heart has my name on it!
#
67

Cheryl — February 1, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Mmm. I am in love with brownies and my husband loves chocolate chip cookies so I’d order some of each! I “liked” them on FB also. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
#
68

Becky — February 1, 2011 at 4:05 pm

Yum Yum Yum – I’d definitely get the Double Fudge Cookies!
#
69

Helen — February 1, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Too many goodies to choose just one, so I’d go with the Cookies, Brownies, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels & Buttercrunch combo!
#
70

Amandaaldi — February 1, 2011 at 6:46 pm

Oh my god, probably the mint or toffee brownies!! Everything looks so good!
And no, I hadn’t heard of them and I live in Cambridge!!
#
71

Amandaaldi — February 1, 2011 at 6:48 pm

I also just liked them on Facebook! 🙂
#
72

Coleen — February 1, 2011 at 7:32 pm

I think brownie sampler would be amazing. I would love to try the mint and toffee brownies especially.
#
73

Marcie — February 1, 2011 at 7:34 pm

Wow, these look delish, I would order some brownies for me and my honey!
#
74

Marcie — February 1, 2011 at 7:34 pm

Liked them on Facebook
#
75

Nicole — February 1, 2011 at 7:57 pm

Yum! I would love any of the cookie assortments!
#
76

Jessie — February 1, 2011 at 8:23 pm

I would choose the I Love You Red brownie / cookie combo. Looks delish!
#
77

Amber-Lyn Johnson — February 2, 2011 at 12:15 am

I would use my winning certificate on a brownie and cookie assortment. They look yummy!
#
78

Amber-Lyn Johnson — February 2, 2011 at 12:16 am

I like Geoff and Drew’s Facebook Page
#
79

Amber-Lyn Johnson — February 2, 2011 at 12:16 am

I tweeted about the giveaway. Good luck everyone.
#
80

Anthea — February 2, 2011 at 5:27 pm

I tweeted!
#
81

Anthea — February 2, 2011 at 5:29 pm

Oh yes, and I’d get the double fudge cookies!
#
82

DC2ALB — February 2, 2011 at 6:06 pm

I would order the Silver Sampler for my best friend’s birthday. Might do that anyway…
#
83

DC2ALB — February 2, 2011 at 6:22 pm

Tweeted it as @DC2ALB
#
84

Susan O — February 2, 2011 at 6:57 pm

I would order the toffee brownies or double fudge cookies–yum!!
#
85

Susan O — February 2, 2011 at 6:59 pm

I like Geoff and Drew on facebook!
#
86

Aimee — February 2, 2011 at 7:56 pm

I like the Winter Snowflake assorted brownies
#
87

eatrunread — February 2, 2011 at 8:40 pm

Oh wow! I want the Silver Assorted Brownies box! Yummm!
#
88

Carly — February 2, 2011 at 10:27 pm

OMG toffee brownies and double chocolate cookies. I’m drooling
#
89

Carly — February 2, 2011 at 10:27 pm

I like Geoff and drew on fb!
#
90

susitravl — February 3, 2011 at 2:22 am

I would definitely get the Double Fudge Cookies.
susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com
#
91

susitravl — February 3, 2011 at 2:25 am

Like Geoff & Drew on FB
susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com
#
92

Linda — February 3, 2011 at 4:11 pm

I’d want the Fall Foliage Gift Box. Sounds yummy!
#
93

Elina (Healthy and Sane) — February 3, 2011 at 7:52 pm

I remember everyone raving about these. I’d get the Yellow Celebration – 8 Cookies & 8 Brownies. It sounds like the perfect sampler 🙂
#
94

Amanda L. — February 4, 2011 at 1:53 am

I would probably get one of the variety samplers. Try one of each!
#
95

Amanda L. — February 4, 2011 at 1:54 am

I tweeted the giveaway!
#
96

Lilmeyoga — February 4, 2011 at 3:05 am

We call the buttercrunch, heaven in a bag!! 🙂
#
97

Mary — February 4, 2011 at 3:31 am

These are the best cookies and brownies. I hope my husband orders me some! 🙂