Saturday, December 21, 2013

Monster Jam® Returns To “Rock The Dome" Features Local Drivers, Travis and Tyler Groth!

    Hello Washington!!  It is not too late to get tickets for Monster Jam® Returns To “Rock The Dome"!  This year's exciting event features twin brothers from Gig Harbor, Travis and Tyler Groth. Travis and Tyler were born in California, but moved to Gig Harbor, WA when they were three years old.  They were raised working on their dad's truck and were hooked!  After high school, they attended WYOTECH in Laramie, Wyoming where they studied diesel technology.  Travis and Tyler specialized in a different mechanical areas and went to work as heavy equipment mechanics.  Travis and Tyler's love for vehicles continued to grow.  They constructed, fixed, off-roaded and modified; jeeps, trucks and dirt bikes!  Eventually, they began crewing for Ranger Joe, owner and driver of Airborne Ranger and before long, the twins bought their own truck and began Mirror Image Racing.   



     Travis and Tyler will be driving Double Trouble and Captain USA at Monster Jam® Returns To “Rock The Dome", January 3rd through 5th!  It is sure to be a heart stopping night!  Tickets start at $15 for adults and $5 for kids!  These would make a GREAT Christmas present!  You can find out more information on how to purchase tickets here!

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.
  Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. 
 

Supercross Ticket Winners!!

Congratulations to:

Laura P.
&
Michele R.

You are the winners of the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Show!

Thanks for entering the drawing!  If you did not win, you can find a discount code for tickets here!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Phoenix SuperCross Ticket Giveaway!

    Hey there Phoenix friends!  You still have time to enter the giveaway for SuperCross Tickets!  I only have two entries, so odds are good so far.  The tickets do include Pit Passes!  They would make a great Christmas present!!  Do not wait!  You can see my original post here!  Check it out to enter or to find out more information on the event!



Thursday, December 19, 2013

Phoenix Event: Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Coming Soon!!

   Hey all my Phoenix readers!  I have some exciting news to share!  Monster Energy® AMA Supercross is coming to Phoenix for one exciting show!  The show is January 11, 2014 and I have tickets to giveaway and a discount code!


     Monster Energy Supercross is the world’s premier indoor motocross series, comprised of seventeen rounds of heart-stopping action in some of the largest venues in North America. The championship is made up of the world’s greatest racers, including Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed, Dean Wilson, James Stewart as well as Ryan Dungey to name a few. The racing is made up of two classes, Supercross and Supercross Lites, which challenge riders to overcome jaw-dropping obstacles in pursuit of the checkered flag. Complimenting the racing action is the Monster Energy Party in the Pits where fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of supercross.



     The Show is Saturday January 11th – 7:00 p.m., there is a Pit Party,  Saturday 11th (Qualifying) - 12:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Pit Party tickets are $10.  Show tickets range from $22 - $85 per seat and kids are $10 if purchased with an adult ticket at the $22 and $30 level.  Also, if you use the discount code RACING you will receive 20% off the $22 and $30 seats!  There are no double discounts and tickets will be $5 more the day of the show!  You can check out the website for more information and to purchase tickets today!
     Lastly, I have two sets, of two tickets each to giveaway! (Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion).   Just comment on this post to be entered into the drawing.  I will announce the winners this Saturday morning, December 21st, 2013.  Be sure to check back here Saturday at noon to see if you are the winner, I will need to get an address to mail your tickets to!

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.
Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. 




Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Puget Sound Event: Monster Jam® Returns To “Rock The Dome”

Hello all my Puget Sound friends!  I hope this Christmas Season is treating you well!  If you have any guys on your Christmas List, I am excited to tell you that Monster Jam® is returning to Tacoma! Check out the Press Release Below!


SIXTEEN of the world’s best monster trucks will battle it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction as the Monster Jam®: Rock The Dome event rolls into the Tacoma Dome from Friday, January 3 through Sunday, January 5, 2014.

Tickets are affordably priced for the whole family with Super Value seats starting at just $15 for Adults and only $5 for Kids tickets (advance purchase only).  Tickets are now on sale for these four action-packed events.
 
This year’s “Rock The Dome” event will be highlighted by three trucks appearing in Tacoma for the first time ever – the all-new 2014 season truck New Earth Authority (NEA), Metal Mulisha and 2012 World Freestyle Champion Northern Nightmare.   Monster Jam fan-favorite truck icons, including World Champions Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco® and Max-D®; along with local Gig Harbor , WA resident twin brother drivers Tyler & Travis Groth (driving Double Trouble and Captain USA respectively).  

The ultimate experience for any die-hard  Monster Jam fan, the “Party in the Pits” pre-show experience on Saturday, January 4th provides fans with unparalleled access by giving them the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive monster trucks. Saturday 2pm event ticket and Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Pass available to purchase for $10 each

WHEN:          Friday, January 3                  8:00PM

Saturday, January 4             2:00PM and 8:00PM

                                                                    *Pit Party scheduled from 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Sunday, January 5                1:00PM


WHERE:       Tacoma Dome – 2727 East D Street Tacoma , WA 98421                  

TICKETS: Ticket price levels are $15 and $25 for Adults; Kids tickets (age 2-12) available for only $5 on select seating (advance purchase only – Kids ticket price not available day of show; limit 4 discount kids tickets per Adult ticket purchase)

Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Tacoma Dome box office.

*above ticket prices are advance purchase only; all tickets priced $2 more day of show.  Tickets subject to convenience, service & handling fees

Special Ticket Offers include: Save $5 off Adult tickets for select seating with a coupon from Your Local Ford Store (while supplies last)

To learn more about Monster Jam®, log on to www.MonsterJam.com.
For more information on the Tacoma event, please visit http://www.monsterjam.com/Events/2014/01/03/Tacoma,_WA/

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.
 

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. 


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Disney on Ice, Rockin' Ever After In Review!

     Last night we had the privilege of attending Disney on Ice, Rockin' Ever After at the Showare Center in Kent, Washington.  I cannot say enough great things about this show and the venue.  Showare Center is easy to find with convenient parking and a great size.  I honestly do not think there is a bad seat in the house!  We arrived early enough to park in the parking lot just to the east of the arena and it was FREE!  Yes, I said it...the parking was free.
     The show itself was up to usual Disney standards!  Magical!  With Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy guiding us through the stories of Ariel, Rapunzel, Merida and Belle, we were captivated with wonderful songs and fantastic skating!  Even our eight year old son was thrilled with the show!  However, the highlight of the night was when our six year old daughter began giggling uncontrollably when the lights began dancing with the opening number.  Disney has a way of bringing joy to an evening in every way.
     I highly recommend this terrific show!  You can find all the ticketing information on my previous post Tonight's The Night!  The show will be here all weekend, so get your tickets today!

As a Feld Family Activator, I received complimentary tickets to the show. All opinions are 100% mine!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Tonight's the Night!!

     Disney on Ice is opening in Kent, Washington tonight!!  Apart from Disneyland, there is nothing quite as magical as Disney on Ice!  Do not miss your opportunity to see the show!  The show runs in Kent, November 13th - 18th at the Showare Center and in Everett, November 21st-24th at Comcast Arena, so don't delay!!

   

      Ticket prices for Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After range from $20 - $72 with special Kids tickets available for only $12*, along with Opening Night discount tickets priced at $14 each*. Tickets are available to purchase for the Kent shows online at www.showarecenter.com, charge by phone at 866-973-9613 or in-person at the ShoWare Center Box Office.  Tickets for the Everett shows are available to purchase online at www.comcastarenaeverett.com, charge by phone at 866-332-8499 or in-person at the Comcast Arena Box Office.                                                            *some restrictions apply  

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.
Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. 
  

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Disney on Ice Discount!

     Hey everyone, don't forget Disney on Ice is coming to the Puget Sound!  You only have a couple of more days to use the special discount available right here on my blog!  Check out my post, Disney on Ice is Back!  Don't miss your chance to save money at the box office!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Disney on Ice is Back!

     There is some big excitement in our house since finding out that Disney on Ice is coming to the Puget Sound area!  Disney on Ice presents Rockin' Ever After, is coming to Kent’s ShoWare Center from November 13-18, 2013 and Comcast Arena at Everett from November 21 – 24, 2013 and you do not want to miss it!  As usual, Disney on Ice has put together a terrific show, featuring Merida, Rapunzel, Ariel, Belle and more.  It is certain to thrill kids of all ages!


     Ticket prices for Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After range from $20 - $72 with special Kids tickets available for only $12*, along with Opening Night discount tickets priced at $14 each*. Tickets are available to purchase for the Kent shows online at www.showarecenter.com, charge by phone at 866-973-9613 or in-person at the ShoWare Center Box Office.  Tickets for the Everett shows are available to purchase online at www.comcastarenaeverett.com, charge by phone at 866-332-8499 or in-person at the Comcast Arena Box Office.                                                            *some restrictions apply        
      Also, if you use the discount code MOMBLOG, you will receive $5 off the "$20 Level" tickets.  This discount is valid in Kent for the Saturday 3:30 p.m or the Sunday 3:30 p.m. show only, and in Everett  for the Saturday 3:30 p.m. show or the Sunday 1:00 p.m. show.  You can use the discount code online, on the phone or at the Box office anytime from now until November 1st, so do not delay!
 
I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.
Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. 

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Target Teaser!

     Well, did you pick your first grocery store and go make a few coupoing deals?  I sure hope so!  Tomorrow is Sunday and there will be one coupon insert in the paper this week, so make sure you go out and pick up three, get them collated and in your file!  You want to be ready this week to go save money!
     I have again committed to couponing in a big way and I wanted to share tonight's trip with you!  I want to give you some motivation to get serious this week.  The picture below is from one trip to Target tonight.  It took me about an hour to prepare for the trip. Yes, it takes a little time, but as you will see, this hour's worth of work saved me $90.  I am not sure I could find a legal or respectable job to make that kind of money in an hour!

Total before coupons:  $146.73.  Total after coupons:  $56.73!
And I received $10 in Target gift cards to use next time!
     Couponing at Target has many layers, so it does take a little bit of time, but you can see that it is well worth it!  Come back on Sunday and we will dive into Target Couponing!  I will tell you all you need to know and even give you my list for the new week!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Wednesday - Grocery Ad Day!

     Well now that our coupons are all organized and ready to be used, the challenge is where to use them and when.  This is where a strategy is important.  All of us have clipped a coupon or two to use at the store saving a couple of dollars.  However, when you come up with a strategy, you may use 20 or 30 coupons and begin to see some serious savings.
     The idea is to use coupons when an item is on sale, therefore, maximizing savings.  Then, buy three of that item at that crazy, low price so you do not have to buy it again until it is on sale again and there is a coupon again.  You will begin to notice that coupons repeat about every four weeks and items go on sale every six weeks.  So if you stock up on an item at today's sale, you will not have to buy that item at full price again...because you will stock up, using your coupons, every six weeks. 
     If this is your first time couponing, I would suggest starting with one grocery store this week.  If you are one of my friends in Arizona, I highly suggest checking out Coupon$ense.  In my opinion, it is by far the best resource you will find.  There is a monthly fee, but it is soooo worth it.  It saves you tons of time and energy.  You can read more about why I love it here.  If you are not in Arizona or just do not want to pay at this time, I have listed my favorite couponing blogs at the bottom of this post.
     Since today is Wednesday, it is time to make a list.  You have your coupons all collated and organized, so now you need to gather the weekly grocery ads, a notebook and a computer or tablet and start searching for the best deals.  I would suggest taking a few minutes to get familiar with one of the blogs first, look around, view different posts, see how that blogger lists the current deals.  Then, pick one store, let's say Safeway.  Get on each blog and look for their most recent post for "Safeway Coupon Matchups or Deals" for this week.  Most of the blogs I have listed will tell you what is on sale and for how much, what coupons are available, printable and newspaper and then tell you the final price you will pay.
     As I go through the list, I write down the things that I think are a GREAT deal, I really like free the best, but under $1 always gets my attention as well.  On the list, newspaper coupons will be listed like this:  $1/1 Colgate Toothpaste RP 8/25/13.  You will notice the "RP 8/25/13"  This tells you which date the coupons came out and which set to find them in.  Since your coupons are all organized so nicely, after you make a list of all the items you are interested in, you can easily pull out the insert you need, cut all three coupons at one time and put them in a coupon, purse organizer or an envelope for your store.  Then, take your list and all your coupons and you are ready to go! 
    The blogs can be a bit overwhelming with tons of information, that is why I suggest starting with only one store.  As you are more comfortable with the whole process, adding stores will be simple.  I also suggest you go to each store's website or facebook page and print their coupon policy.  They are all different and it will help you to know what the store's rules are.  I also take the ad with me, just in case I cannot find an item.  So check out the blogs below and dive in!  I would love to hear about your first shopping trip!  Check back tomorrow where we will venture in to Couponing At The Drugstores...they are bit tricky, but huge savings are found in them!  Of course, as you get started, if you have any questions, please just ask!

Arizona Blogs and Resources:
Coupon$ense
Cents'able Shoppin

Washington Blogs:
The Coupon Project
The Thrifty Northwest Mom

Anywhere Blogs:
Fabulessly Frugal
Krazy Coupon Lady
Couponing To Disney

Each of these blogs is also on facebook and if you Like their pages, you will see deals in your news feed all day!


Monday, August 26, 2013

Monday - Coupon Organization

     One of the quickest ways to get frustrated couponing is to have a mess of  coupons everywhere!  I primarily use the coupons that come in the Sunday paper, so today we are going to get them organized!  I DO NOT cut out all my coupons and put them in binders.  I absolutely do not have time for that.  I keep my coupon inserts intact and file them in a bin labelled for each week, as you can see below.
  
     I bought the bin and the folders at Walmart for about $8 total.  On Sunday evening or Monday, I pull all the coupons from my Sunday Papers.  There can be anywhere from 1-6 inserts in the paper, so make sure to pull them all out.  There are a few different inserts you will see throughout the month.  There are Redplum (RP) inserts, Smartsource (SS) inserts, P&G (PG) inserts and occasionally, a General Mills (GM) insert or additional Redplum or Smartsource inserts.  At the top of each set you will see the name of the insert and on the spine, you will see the dates.



     I choose a folder and write (in pencil) this week's date and then I collate my coupons.  Collating is a huge time saver for later, so don't skip it.  I simply open up all three of my Redplum inserts and collate the pages inside, leaving the covers intact.  By doing this, when it is time to cut out the coupons I want, I do not have to rummage through three sets, all three coupons will be right together!


      Once I have all of my inserts collated, I close up the set, write the date from the spine on the front cover of each collated set and drop them in the proper folder.  By taking this little bit of time each week, I am preparing myself for a successful and pleasant week of couponing!


     Right now, go get those papers and even if you do not have a file box or an accordian file to use today, get those inserts collated and labelled!  Tomorrow we talk about how to make your first list!  If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, you are probably not the only one with that question!

     Also, since this is a new blog I would love to have you become one of my followers!  You can find that option on the right side of my blog where it says "Follow By Email"! 


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday - First Day of the Couponing Week

     Alright everyone, we are going on a journey together!  A journey to save money!  It can be a huge savings or a small savings, but still, we will be saving money!  Even if you have never "Couponed" before, you can get started today!  It does not matter if you are my friends from Arizona or from Washington or New York for that matter, the steps are the same.  This week I will guide you each day on how to organize your coupons, how to find deals and how to see big savings on the things you need everyday!  If you want to join me, start today with step one!

STEP ONE:  Go out and buy three newspapers.  

       Yes, I said three.  When we find a great item for free or next to free, we want to make sure we can get more than one of those items. When we get more than one free tube of toothpaste or razor, then we won't have to buy one at full price because about the time we are out, there will be a new coupon!  I will talk more about this later in the week!  For now, get your papers before the day is over!  (If you are in Washington, know that the Seattle Times does not offer all coupon inserts.)  Meet me back here tomorrow for Step Two!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Adventure #2 - Golden Gardens

     Today was a beautiful, bright, sunny day here in Seattle, so the kids and I needed an outdoor adventure.  I looked for another beach and found the beautiful, Golden Gardens in Ballard!  Wowie!  What an amazingly beautiful place and so close to the city, just 5 miles away from where we live.

 
     I thought ahead and brought a blanket, snacks and water, but the kiddos forgot their bag with bowls and spoons to dig in the sand with.  However, when we got here, there were quite a few women here with their kids, playing in the sand.  So my oldest daughter, (M) and I took off our shoes and laid down on the blanket while my two younger kids (J & E) headed right for the flock of kids, digging and making friends for the day!

This was what I saw from my spot laying down...you notice my daughter's book in the right corner!

     Many people were out today, a group of teenaged boys playing soccer and many families of all shapes and sizes all down the beach.  The sun was warm, the air was cool and we had a great view of the Puget Sound and the Cascades Mountains.

     After laying in the warm sun for about 30 minutes, I told my daughter I thought this must be close to heaven...she said that I am a dork.  Regardless, this place is breathtaking and for this busy, homeschooling, work at home, mom and wife, who just made the biggest change of her life, it felt restful and peaceful and perfect.
     The girls did decide to test the water, but although the sun was warm, it was only 55 degrees outside, so the water was VERY cold.  They certainly enjoyed trying it though!

The seals were swimming around that black dot you can see out in the water.
     Here you can, take a coastline stroll, hike a forest trail, sunbathe, sail a boat, fish off the pier, watch the sunset, have a beach fire, play in the sand, the water or on a playground, or simply rest and enjoy God's amazing creations.  You can pack a lunch, there are bathrooms, bbqs and decent parking.  If you are looking for something inexpensive to do with or without kids, this is a great place!  We could even hear seals barking out in the water!  Another great adventure without spending any money!

Monday, April 15, 2013

My Rite Aid Deals - Week of 4/14/13

Great day today at Rite Aid.  Out of Pocket (OOP), I only spent $2.25 and $2.02 of that was tax!  Oh, and I left with $7 in +Up Rewards to start off with next week!


I started out with $11 in +Up Rewards from last week.  The breakdown is as follows:

(2) Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent Power Pack:  on sale, 2/$7.  In this weeks Smart Source coupon insert was a coupon for $1 off 1 Arm and Hammer Detergent.  I used two of these.  (I buy three papers each week).  If you purchase 2 A&H Detergents, you receive $3 +Up Rewards (UPR).

(3) Simplify Napkins:  these are $1.00 each and you receive a $1 UPR with the purchase of 3.

(2) Almay One Coat Mascara:  On sale, buy one get one 50% (bogo50%).  They are $7.49 each and in this week's 4/14/13 Smart Source coupon insert is a $4 off one Almay cosmetic purchase, I used 2.  You also receive $3 UPR if you spend $10 on Almay products.

So here it is simply:                $7 + $3 + $11.23 = $21.23 (All products)
                  subtract:                $2 + $8 = $10.00 (all coupons)
                  subtotal:                $11.23
Subtract Last Week's +UPR:  $11.00 = $0.23!   
Then...I received $7 UPR to use next week!  Pretty Awesome!!


If you are starting out with no UPR, you will have to pay the $11.23 OOP this week (the mascara alone makes that worth it), and you will still leave with $7 UPR next week...and then it gets exciting!

Remember to get three newspapers each week and to ask your Rite Aid cashier to change your +Up Rewards so they print on your receipt each time you make a purchase!   Any questions?  Leave a comment or send me an email!




Friday, April 12, 2013

Rite Aid Pencil Deal!

     Homeschooling through a move is not always convenient.  We are doing pretty well, but having our whole house in storage still is a bit tricky.  I had one carry on bag that I stuffed with everything for homeschooling I could...but inevitably, we are always missing something.  For the last week it has been pencils.  We have been passing around the only one still sharp.  So off we went today in the cold and rain, and walked to Rite Aid.  I do not like to go out of necessity for things because it always seems to cost more than I could find them for if I have planned the purchase.  Today, however,  I was pleasantly surprised by the deal I found when I arrived!


A pack of five Paper Mate mechanical pencils for $1.99 with an $1.00 +UP Rewards!

Not a bad deal, mechanical pencils for $.99.  You still have time to pick some up before Sunday when the sale changes.  Also, I asked my cashier to please make it so my +Up Rewards could print at the end of my receipt instead of load to my card.  That way I can see them, touch them and plan with them easier each week!  Happy shopping!  Check back on Monday for new deals!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

What is Couponing and Is It Worth It?

      
About four years ago, I decided to dive into that crazy world of couponing?  I had seen little things here and there on serious couponing and I was interested to see if I could figure it all out and really save money.  I had certainly used coupons on items I purchased, but I only saved a dollar here and there.  I had also heard that many times people began to buy things they would not normally buy because of coupons and therefore, spent more money on their groceries than they would have without the coupons.  However, I had read some blogs of people who were seeing big savings and even saw a woman once pay $.14 for a whole cart of groceries...so I knew there was some piece I was missing.
     I started doing some research on couponing and surprisingly found that there really was a method to this couponing thing and along with it, some serious money to be saved.  The key things I found out were as follows:
  1. The prime time to use a coupon is when an item goes on sale.  So hold on to those coupons.
  2. Sales and coupons are cyclical.  Items will go on sale about every 6 weeks and coupons    come out about every 4 weeks.
  3. Some items and coupons come out during certain seasons (condiments around Memorial Day).
  4. When a product is new, high dollar coupons come out to entice you to try them.
With this knowledge, I was able to understand how some people were saving hundreds of dollars at the store every week.  I began to put this knowledge to good use and quickly cut our grocery budget from $800 to $300-400 per month (for a family of five).  Pretty amazing!  Not only was my bill lower, but I also began filling my cabinets and freezer!  I decided this couponing thing was definitely worth my time.
     In a very short amount of time, I was saving money and had a very modest "stockpile" of everything we used...food, toiletries and cleaning supplies.  I loved this game of going into a store and coming out with tons of stuff that did not kill my bank account.  Every time I would go into a store and get something for free, I felt like I had won...and I will say I enjoyed it.
     So in short, my method is to buy three papers each week so I have three sets of coupons.  I wait to use coupons until the item is on sale and then I "stock up" so I will not have to buy that item again until it is on sale and I have a coupon again.  Pretty simple!  I do not spend tons of time couponing...maybe an hour or two researching sales and then about 20 minutes in the store.   So is it worth it?  ABSOLUTELY!
    

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Adventure #1 - Alki Beach

     Coming from the hot, dry desert, one of the best things, so far, about moving to the Puget Sound area has been the water!  Currently, we are staying in Corporate Apartments in the downtown area of Seattle.  When we arrived, I immediately started looking for things to do and see...and wow, was I impressed.  There are many, many things to do for free here with kids and we are trying to get out at least three or four days a week to see something new.  But so far, our favorite things have included the water.
     The first Monday we were here, I looked for a place to get close to the water and happily found a few small beaches around the sound.  So, Adventure #1?  Alki Beach!  I wish you could have seen the looks on my kids faces when I said we were going to the beach.  They could not believe it would only take 10 minutes to get there.  So, we got our jackets, camera, a bag to collect shells in and we were on our way.

  
      Alki Beach is not huge, but it was nice and we were able to do some serious exploring.  Our first bit of excitement was over a sign posted telling us not to touch or bother any "Resting Harbor Seals".  What?!  We could see Harbor Seals on the beach???  Well...we didn't, but we did have a great time looking for shells and drawing in the sand.  At one point close to the water, we looked out to a small strip of sand in the water and saw a crab crawling up and walking along...then just a few steps away was another one, headed right for us. Pretty exciting day for a bunch of desert dwellers.


    I did not know at the time Alki beach has a very rich history.  Alki Beach is where the first white settlers landed in Seattle, and were greeted by Chief Seattle who helped them build a shelter.  This will definitely be a place we return to, especially since we will be studying Washington History during our next year of homeschooling!  Money spent?  Zero dollars...just my kind of day!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Rite Aid Couponing!

    There are no Rite Aid stores in Phoenix.  There I did all of my drugstore couponing at CVS and loved it!  Luckily, with the magic of Google, I was able to figure out the basics of couponing for Rite Aid.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out the two stores have very similar programs.
     With Rite Aid, I signed up for a Wellness+ card and discovered, that much like the CVS Extra Care Buck program, using my Wellness+ card for certain purchases each week will give me +Up rewards.  These rewards are as good as cash in Rite Aid.  Since there are so many great sites that go into great detail about this program, I am going to simply tell you to Google, "how to coupon at Rite Aid" and move on.  I started couponing last week (yes, didn't waste a week) and with my first round of purchases, I received $10 in +Up Rewards.  So tonight I went back for another round and I want to share it with you.


   These Stayfree products were on sale, 2/$6.  This weekend's paper has $1 off 1 coupons for Stayfree and the Rite Aid ad had an in store coupon for $1 off 1.  This week, if you buy $30 worth of select Johnson and Johnson products, you will receive $10 in +Up Rewards.
     So, since I only had this week's coupons to choose from, I went ahead and bought 10 packages, costing $30.  I buy three papers, so I had 3 of the $1 off coupons (would have been nice to have 10) and the $1 off coupon from the Rite Aid ad (this was limit one), plus my $10 +Up Rewards from last week.
     So, here is the breakdown, $30-$4-$10 = $16 for 10 packages of Stayfree pads...and I left with $10 to spend next week.  So, we can say $1.60 per package out of pocket (OOP) and if I consider the $10 reward, only $.60 per package (regular price $3.99).  Not a bad way to start my couponing at Rite Aid.
     If you want to venture into the couponing world, I would love to help you.  Every Monday I will post my purchases from Rite Aid.  So, sign up for that card, get your papers on Sunday and you can go out on Tuesday and get the same deals I post here!
     There were many other deals to be had, but I like things simple, so I will only post what I purchase.  However, there are some great couponers out there who post all the deals you can make.  If you are ambitious, simply Google, "Rite Aid coupon deals" with the current week's date!  Remember, saving in these small ways adds up quickly!

Adventures Abound!

     One of the most challenging part of raising kids is how much everything costs.  Something that frustrates me incredibly is finding fun, mind stirring things to do with my kiddos.  I get so tired of tv, video games and sitting around the house.  However, with a family of five, it seems like anytime I find something good, it would cost us a fortune.  So, I am always on the prowl for fun and different things to do and I am always hoping for free...or at least very inexpensive!
     My first night in this new town, what was I doing?  Googling "free things to do in Seattle" and I am very impressed!  There are many things to do and see and I cannot wait to share them all with you!  A great way to save money, no matter where you are is to search for fun, inexpensive things to do in your town!  There is nothing like a Saturday afternoon adventure that does not empty your wallet!  So get on that computer and search for something different to do this weekend!

This Crazy Move & A New Blog!

     Up until 11 days ago, I was a resident of Phoenix, Arizona.  Today, however, I am a resident of Seattle, Washington.  I was born in Arizona and lived all but the first seven years of my life in the Phoenix metropolitan area, so this move is a really, REALLY, crazy thing for me.  I am married and have three amazing children.  I work from home part time and homeschool my kiddos!  A few years ago, my husband was laid off and our income was cut in half and our world was turned upside down. 
     Through the craziness of completely changing everything about our lives, I learned some great lessons about saving money.  At first, I thought all our money saving would happen by cutting bills, but we got to a point where there were no more bills to cut...but still not enough money.  So I decided to venture into the world of couponing and I began to save hundreds of dollars every month. I was able to take our monthly grocery budget from $800 a month to $300-400 per month.
     What was more exciting to me was realizing, through couponing, that absolutely every penny was important.  So much of my married life, pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, even dollars were expendable.  Using coupons and being able to get a can of vegetables for $.09 made me see that the best way to save is by saving everyday on every little thing.  With that realization, I kind of became obsessed with finding every way I could save money!  That obsession led to my first blog, Surviving This Arizona Economy, where I searched for ways to make the most of life in Arizona, with three kids using very little money...and I succeeded and had a great time doing it!
     Now that I am in Washington, I am determined to do the same thing here...so here we are!  I hope you will join me on this crazy, exciting, money-saving adventure!!