$0.50 Grilled Cheese at Sonic (12/30/15)

Whether you're still on vacation or headed to work, stop by your nearest Sonic Drive-In today for $0.50 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.  Just mention the deal when ordering!  Limit is 5, tax and add-ons are extra.

Kids Eat FREE at IKEA (12/28/15 - 1/1/16)

Taking the family out to "window shop" at IKEA is something we always enjoy.  You can spend hours in this store checking out the display rooms and all the great items they have.  But what else do they have there?  Why else would you spend an afternoon walking through this giant furniture store?  For the food of course!  IKEA has a great restaurant that is typically right in the middle of the store and more often than not, they run great deals.

Right now, you can take the family to IKEA and kids will eat FREE from today, December 28th, through January 1st.  Not a bad way to end the old year and bring in the new year.  

Fresh & Inexpensive Produce at ALDI Grocery Store

Now that Christmas is over, a lot of us are going to try and go to a bit of a healthier way of eating.  That doesn't mean that we are going to cut out all "junk food" but we want to try and add more fresh fruits, vegetables and other "good for you" foods to our diet.

ALDI grocery stores are the perfect place to help you do that and it won't take a big chunk out of your wallet.  

For example, this week at ALDI you can get avocados for $0.39 each, cucumbers for $0.29 each and a 2 pound bunch of organic bananas for just $0.99.  Pretty good, right?

And when it comes to meats, ALDI tends to run pretty good deals too.  Right now you can get a 5 pound roll of ground beef for only $9.99 and packages of chicken thighs run $0.49 per pound.

So if you're looking to add fresh and healthy to your meals, then head on over to your local ALDI and give your family fresh foods for less.

$0.79 Jr. Deluxe Cheeseburgers at Sonic (12/23/15)

On Wednesday, December 23rd, you can get a Jr. Deluxe Cheeseburger for a mere $0.79 at Sonic. This special will run all day but you must mention the deal when ordering and there is a limit of 5. Tax and add-ons are extra.  

Shared Blessings

Sometimes, during the holiday season, we get super busy and start to feel overextended with all that has to be done.  But try not to let that happen - try not to get so caught up in the "holiday fever" that you forget about those that might be a little less fortunate.

Last week, we were Blessed with a little extra money for the holidays so last night, when we were at our local Wal-mart, we noticed that the food pantry from our area was there and they were doing their once a year food drive.  They stand out there from 6am to 8pm collecting donations that will be used here in our local area and to be honest, I can't think of a better place to share our Blessings with than right here in our own neighborhood.

The kids and I looked at the list the food pantry was handing out and then we got right to it.  We ended up with 2 bags of flour, 4 packets of cornbread mix, 2 bags of split green peas, 2 bags of lentils, 2 cans of corn, 2 cans of green beans and 2 cans of peas - all for a mere $10.04.  And while it's not a shopping cart full, I don't think we did too bad and I'm sure that some family or person will appreciate it and it will go to good use.  

So if you can, share a little something this holiday season with your local food pantry - you never know who it might go to help and how much they might really need it.  As you can see - it sometimes doesn't take more than $10.00 to help those in need.

Try This Game - Crowd Squeezer

Here's another great game for you to play with your family and/or relatives this Thanksgiving holiday......and it won't cost a thing!  It's called "Crowd Squeezer" and all you need are people and a blanket.

Spread the blanket out on the floor - everyone gets on top of the blanket with no body parts hanging off.  If you succeed with this, then everyone gets up and the blanket is folded in half.  Now put the blanket back down and same thing - everyone gets on top of the blanket with no body parts hanging off.  If you are able to do it again, then the blanket is folded in half one more time.  You keep going until the blanket is as small as you can go with everyone on it.  What interesting combinations can you come up with to get everyone on!!

Leftovers Made New

Thanksgiving is almost here and some of you are about to have a house full of relatives that are ready to celebrate with you as we give Thanks for everything we are Blessed with in our lives.

But Thanksgiving also means - LEFTOVERS!!!!!!

Instead of getting everyone "sick of turkey" - turn the leftovers into a fun, family event that won't cost a thing!  Take those leftovers and any other ingredients you have in your kitchen and host a "Thanksgiving Leftover Cook-Off".

Divide up the relatives into cooks and judges - see who can come up with the best recipe and the best way to use up some of those leftovers.  Not only will you have fun and laughs but everyone will be able to try "something new".

Cold Weather Fun For Indoors

It's that time of year again where the weather tends to keep a lot of us indoors - and you know what that can mean - cranky, bored children!

So lets give them a fun outlet that isn't the same old thing - put away the video games, the dvds and get together for some silly, cheap fun.

Pull out some inexpensive, brown paper bags, markers, leftover yarn and any other scraps or craft materials you have hanging around and make Paper Bag Puppets!

And when they are all done, have your kids do a little puppet show that you can record and share online for all your friends and family.  Cheap entertainment for everyone!

Or what about this classic -

Thumb Wrestling!

Make it even more fun by adding faces to the thumbs with ink pens.  Cute, fun and cheap!

Bertolli Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

If you just read my last post about how I got my kids involved in the kitchen the other night, you might be having a craving for some easy, delicious spaghetti and meatballs right about now.  No worries, here is the recipe that we used - like I said - it's super simple for the kids to do and if your kids are older than mine, then they should be able to make the pasta as well.  Great times, lots of laughs and good food - time spent with family doesn't get any better than that.  Enjoy!

RECIPE SERVES: 4

PREP TIME	20 Minutes
COOK TIME	20 Minutes

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Serving Size1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories	600
Calories From Fat	180
Saturated Fat	7 g
Trans Fat	0.5 g
Total Fat	20 g
Cholesterol	130 mg
Sodium	1150 mg
Carbohydrates	66 g
Sugars	19 g
Dietary Fibre	6 g
Protein	40 g
Vitamin A	25 %
Vitamin C	10 %
Calcium	25 %
Iron	40 %

Bertolli Spaghetti & Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. garlic
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 jar Bertolli® Tomato & Basil Sauce
• 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, water, egg, garlic and salt in medium bowl; shape into 12 meatballs.
2. Bring Sauce to a boil over medium-high heat in 3-quart saucepan. Gently stir in uncooked meatballs.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are done, about 20 minutes. Serve over hot spaghetti and sprinkle, if desired, with additional Parmesan cheese.

Cost per recipe*: $8.39. Cost per serving*: $2.10. *Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

Get Kids Involved

Spending time with your kids is very important.  You all need to "disconnect" from technology every now and again to actually spend time together.  Sitting down at the table to have a family meal is a great place to start, but what about getting your kids involved in cooking the dinner with you?   It not only allows you to spend time with each other, but they end up learning valuable skills that will help them as they become young adults.

The other night, I decided to pull my kids away from the televisions and get them involved with making our dinner.  We decided on a simple Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe that we found in a Bertolli ad.  It wasn't difficult, it didn't have a lot of ingredients and that meant it wasn't going to cost a lot of money to make.

While I got the pasta cooking, the kids measured, mixed and rolled the meatballs.  Then they lowered them into the sauce where the meatballs cooked.  When everything was finished, we sat down together and shared this fabulously fun meal.  Not only did it taste good, but the kids were really proud of themselves and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

So get your kids involved - you might be surprised at how much fun you have with something as simple as cooking together.

10th Annual Halloween Hoopla

Halloween will be here before you know it and if your house is anything like mine, you've got little goblins and ghouls begging to go out for some devilish good times that end in a pile of sweet treats.  But in this day and age, it's hard to know if you're neighborhood is a good place to go trick or treating - is it safe?  Are the neighbors participating?  Or will your monster crew be disappointed?

Enter your wonderful community.  Lots of churches and local parks & recreation centers host alternative trick or treating events for you to take your kids to - a place where you can feel safe and enjoy yourselves.

Harker Heights is no exception:

Saturday, October 31, 530pm-830pm

10th Annual Halloween Hoopla

Harker Heights Community Park

1501 E. FM 2410

The city of Harker Heights will be hosting a fun-filled evening to provide the youth in the community with a fun, safe alternative to door-to-door Trick or Treating.  Games, inflatables, candy, activities and other forms of entertainment will be present.

And as always, this is a FREE event so get out there and have a spooky good time!

Get Involved - Volunteer

Sometimes, getting involved by volunteering can also lead to FREE fun-filled activities.  Check out your local activities center, library or city hall to see what opportunities there might be.  It's a great chance for you and your family to make friends, do something together and help out those in need.

Here are some great volunteer opportunities in Harker Heights:

Tuesday, October 27th, 5pm-730pm

Candy Bagging

Create 1,000 Bags of Candy

Saturday, October 31st, 430pm-845pm

Halloween Hoopla

Game Attendants

Saturday, November 14, 10am-11am

Tree Planting

Plant Trees

Friday, December 11, 430pm-9pm

Frost Fest

Holiday Specialists

Monday, December 14, 530pm-845pm

Heights Lights on Parade

Judges

Thank A Police Officer Day (9/19/15)

Today is national Thank A Police Officer Day so if you are out and about, make sure you tell one "Thank You".  They don't have an easy job and those simple words mean a lot to them.  So thank you to our local police officers for all you do in keeping our neighborhood safe!

Check Out Your Local Library

Lots of people think a library is just a place to go when you need to do homework, research something or use a computer - but the library can be so much more. They are a great example of FREE entertainment that can be found right in your local community.

The obvious entertainment they offer is books - all kinds of books that can either entertain you as is or help you with an interest.  For example - if you are a reader, like me, they have shelves upon shelves of great fiction and non-fiction books that you can check out and read where ever you are most comfortable.  Read at home in the evening to help you relax after a long day at work, take a book with you to the pool or beach and read as you soak up some rays - what about taking a book to the park where you can sit under a shade tree, enjoy some fresh air and get lost in the words of your favorite author?  

But what if you aren't a reader - well no worries there.  The library offers tons of books that can help you with other interests you may have.  They offer lots of cookbooks if you are interested in trying a new recipe with your kids, gardening books if you'd like to start a container garden and graphic novels of all kinds if you are still into comic books - and it's absolutely free to check them out.  All you have to do is take a few minutes to sign up for a library card.

However, the FREE entertainment doesn't stop there!  Almost all libraries have a DVD section where you can check out movies or t.v. series and some libraries even have a section of CDs for your listening pleasure that can be checked out too.

And when it comes to kids, there is generally always a fantastic kids' section with books, DVDs, CDs, toys - sometimes they hold special events with activities and costumes too!

Recently our local library had a whole month of super-hero Saturdays where both the staff and attendees dressed up.  They had story times, activities, snacks - it was so much fun and the kids really enjoyed it.

If you're lucky, your library might even offer "gaming" weekends, LEGO building or host other activities like when one of the local pizza companies came and taught kids about dough and how pizza is made.  

So get out there and see what the local library in your area offers.  You might be surprised to find that fun and FREE was right in your own neighborhood the whole time.

Out the Mix

Oh it's been too long!  We have been seriously out of the mix for almost two whole months!  We do apologize for that but life sometimes gets in the way of the things.  

There was the end of summer activities, getting everything ready for the new school year, actually starting the new school year and I myself started a new position - needless to say it's been go, go, go with barely time to breath.  

But now that the dust has finally started to settle, we will be able to get back to showing you how to live a fun filled life for less.

We hope you all had a great summer and a seamless reentry to school life - but now, lets get back to basics and save money while getting what we need and doing what we want.

$1.00 Hot Dogs at Sonic (7/23/15)

July 23rd is National Hot Dog Day and you can celebrate at Sonic with Chili Cheese Coneys or the All American Dog for just $1.00.

Save More Money with H.E.B. Digital Coupons

If you live in Texas or Louisiana, then you are probably familiar with the H.E.B. grocery chain.  It's a fantastic store that has great prices and great deals.

Recently, they started a "digital coupon" program that has really helped our family save money.  Here are some items that we picked up at H.E.B. this afternoon and the price we paid for the item after using the digital coupons:

The Uncle Ben's Broccoli Rice Au Gratin usually retails for $1.00 each, the digital coupon was for $1.00 off 2, which made them $0.50 a piece.  

The 11oz can of H.E.B. Chipotle Corn retails for $0.99 a can, the digital coupon was for $0.50 off, which made the can $0.49.

The H.E.B. 16oz bag of Penne Rigate retails for $0.89, the digital coupon was for $0.50 off, which made the pasta $0.39.

The Nature Valley Muesli retails for $3.68 and the digital coupon was to try it for FREE.

The total retail value of these items is $7.56, but we used $5.68 in digital coupons which brought our total down to $1.88.  As you can tell, this program can really help lower your grocery bill - putting extra money in your pocket.

$1.99 Bottled Water/24 Pack at H.E.B.

Right now, at H.E.B. Grocery Stores, you can pick up a 24 pack of 16.9oz bottled drinking water for $1.99 - great price for stocking up on this item.

Save Up to 75% Off at Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works is having their Semi-Annual Sale where you can save up to 75% on select items - both in store and online.  Check out Bath & Body Works now to see if they have your favorite scent on sale.  

Combine this awesome sale with $1.00 shipping on orders of $25.00 or more to score an even better deal.  Just use code 25SHIP at checkout.

Creamy JELL-O

JELL-O gelatin is something we all know and something we have all eaten at one time or another.  And while it was once branded as "America's Favorite Dessert", some of us have come to think of it as a little too plain and simplistic or we've forgotten about it all together.

Well no more!  JELL-O gelatin is very inexpensive and with the addition of one or two other ingredients you can transform into something tastefully elegant and simple - like Creamy JELL-O.

Creamy JELL-O can be made with any flavor and it uses only two (2) ingredients (not including water).  I made it for my kids this weekend with Island Pineapple flavored gelatin and they loved it.  It was a simple, inexpensive way for them to have something fun and delicious during these hot summer days.  

Ingredients:

          6oz of JELL-O gelatin mix

          8oz Cool Whip, thawed

          2 cups boiling water

          1/2 cup cold water

Directions:

          Empty gelatin mix into a large bowl, add 2 cups of boiling water and stir until dissolved.  Add 1/2 cup cold water then stir in cool whip.  Keep stirring until cool whip has "melted" into the gelatin (gelatin will become opaque).  Then pour mixture into an 8x8 pan or individual serving dishes.  Refrigerate for at least 4 hours - gelatin will separate into layers. Serve and enjoy.

FREE Movie Tickets for Southpaw

Want to attend an advanced movie screening for Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal?  Want FREE tickets to the advanced movie screening?  Then head over here to enter your zip and see if a theater near you is offering this fantastic deal.  

*This event is being offered in select cities only.

Make Your Own "Magic Shell"

Two little ingredients and you can make your own Magic Shell.  Use it to cover popsicles, homemade or store bought - dip your fruit in it to make fun, frozen summer treats; whatever way you choose to use it, it's sure to bring out a smile.

Ingredients:

          1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

          2 Tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

          Put chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, add coconut oil.  Put bowl in microwave and melt in one (1) minute increments until it reaches the right consistency, stirring as you go.  

          You can store this in a container, just heat it up before using.  If you find that it has thickened, add a little more coconut oil to it and stir until it thins out.

          Very simple, very fun, very delicious!

     

Molletes

Experimenting in the kitchen with my kids is something that we all look forward to.  We enjoy finding new dishes that we can add to our regular menu rotation - dishes that are packed full of flavor but don't cost a lot are our favorites.  Today's kitchen adventure was a real success in both of these categories.

Let me introduce you to the Mexican Mollete:

A mollete is a nice, crusty bolillo roll that has been cut in half, then each half is spread with refried beans, covered with shredded cheese and then popped under the broiler so that the edges get crispy and the cheese melty.  Doesn't it look delicious??  

Now there are a few different ways that these can be fixed but that will be up to each individual and their personal taste preference - you can use regular refried beans, refried black beans, jack cheese, cotija cheese - whatever you like. 

For our molletes, we used refried beans made from charro beans, a mexican cheese blend and then topped them with freshly made guacamole and freshly made pico de gallo.  Muy sabroso!

Learn Another Language for FREE

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at learning a second language but didn't have the extra money for it?  Well now you can and you can do it for FREE with Duolingo.

With thirteen different options, you're sure to find a language that interests you and since each lesson includes speaking, listening, and translation challenges you should be fluent in no time.  Give it a try, you might surprise yourself.

Watch Disney Movies Online For FREE

Did you know that if you go to http://Cornel1801.com/disney/movies.html you can watch old Disney movies online for FREE??  Great movies like Ichabod Crane, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White to name but a few.  Check it out next time you're looking for some wholesome entertainment for your family.

FREE Slurpee on 7-Eleven Day (7/11/15)

This Saturday you can take your family to 7-Eleven between the hours of 11am - 7pm to receive a FREE small slurpee!  Take advantage of this great offer that only comes around once a year!  

Half Price Cones at Sonic (7/9/15)

Tomorrow at Sonic you can get half price ice cream cones - ALL DAY!!  What a fabulous summer treat.  Stop by and help you family beat the heat for cheap.

7/10/15 Update: Stopped by Sonic yesterday and got our half price vanilla waffle cones.  They were just the right "pick me up".

Half Price Slushes at Sonic

Everyday from 2-4pm you can cool down with Sonic and their 1/2 price slushes!  Great way to help beat the summer heat and not have to spend a ton of money.

$3 Fan Favorite Flavor Grande at Starbucks (7/3-7/6/15)

The votes have been tallied!  Try a Grande Frappuccino fan favorite flavor at Starbucks on July 3-6, from 2-5pm for only $3.00.  

NEW at Wendy's - Baconator Fries

Starting July 6th, Wendy's will be adding Baconator Fries to their menu for a limited time.  These Baconator Fries will be a serving of their natural cut fries, covered with warm cheddar cheese sauce and then topped with freshly cooked Applewood Smoked Bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.  The suggested price for this bacontastic side is $1.99.

FREE Redbox Rental From 7-11 (expires 10/31/15)

Right now, at 7-11, get a FREE Redbox 1-Day DVD Rental when you buy a Big Gulp.  Code for the FREE rental expires 10/31/15

GuacGate 2015

Today, on Good Morning America, they showed a new, "healthy" way to make and eat guacamole - by adding peas to the avocado mixture.

Now I don't know about you, but for us, this is a "No Way Jose!" - the whole reason we eat guacamole is for the buttery texture and taste of the avocado.

So please, keep your peas out of our guacamole!  But what's your take on the great GuacGate of 2015?

FREE Stickers From G-Project

Stickers are great!  But FREE stickers are even better!  So head on over to G-Project and request yours before they're all gone.

$0.50 Cheese Nips at H.E.B.

Last night I stopped in at our local H.E.B. Grocery Store and came across their "great Cheese Nip" sale.  The regular retail price is $1.50 for a 7oz box but they are on sale for $1.00 a box.  Add to that the $0.50/1 coupon that is attached to the boxes and you can score this great snack for just $0.50 a box.  Stock up now for the upcoming school year and buy a few extra boxes for summer snack time fun.

A Fun Weekend Doesn't Have To Cost Anything

So if you've been following me, then you know I like to do things with my kids - I like to get out there and attend events or participate in activities that my kids enjoy - and now that summer is here, all three of us are ready to have some fun!

But fun can be costly, especially if you're on a budget - so how do you get around that?  Simple - take a little bit of time and research the area you live at online.  If you do this, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at what all is being offered.

This past weekend I decided to see what kind of a fun we could have for free.  Here is the break down of everything we did:

• Friday after work the kids and I went to the local library and picked up some books and DVDs. It was free to get the library card and it was free to check out the materials.
• Later Friday afternoon we went to use our KidsBowlFree coupons at the bowling alley.  It was free to register for the program and it was free to bowl 2 games.
• Friday night we packed some snacks, grabbed our chairs and headed to the Movie in The Park Event to watch Toy Story.  It was free to attend and they gave out free popcorn and free cotton candy.
• Saturday morning we went to the Army's Birthday Celebration that was held downtown.  They had free music, free cake, free popcorn, free water, free soda, free cupcakes and all the vendors/businesses were giving away things for free.  It was free to attend and we ended up with a bunch of cool stuff.
• Saturday afternoon we went to a Caribbean Festival that a local church was having at one of the local parks.  There was free music, free food and it was open to the public.  
• Sunday morning we went to a splash pad in one of the local parks.  It was free to get into the park and free to use the splash pad.

As you can see - free doesn't have to boring and being short on cash doesn't mean you have to sit at home and do nothing.  Just take a little bit of time to do the research and you can have an enjoyably, exhausting weekend like we did - for free.

Double Jack at Jack in the Box - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (exp 6/15/15)

Go to this link and print out a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Jack in the Box Coupon!  Then head on over to Jack in the Box for a Free Double Jack when you purchase a Double Jack.  Great way to save money while you treat your family to dinner out.

Black Pepper Cheeseburger at Jack in the Box - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE (exp 6/15/15)

Go to this link and print out a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Jack in the Box Coupon!  You'll be able to get yourself a Free Black Pepper Cheeseburger when you purchase a Black Pepper Cheeseburger.  Free food is a great way to treat your family and save money.

$1.99 Kids Meal at Wendy's After 4p.m

Right now you can get a Kids Meal at Wendy's for only $1.99 after 4p.m.  This great deal is valid until 6/28/15.

It's a great way to treat your kids without spending a lot and the healthy options they offer let you make a customized kids meal.  It's not just hamburgers and coke anymore - now you can pick juice, water, a jr frotsty; cheeseburger, chicken nuggets or even a grilled chicken wrap.  If they aren't down for fries, you can get them apple slices.  Whatever way you build it, they will be happy and your wallet will be happy.

FREE Teavana Iced Tea for National Tea Day (6/10/15)

If you're celebrating National Tea Day and you'd like to try something new, head on over to a participating Teavana store today to receive a FREE 16-oz Pineapple Berry Blue iced tea.  (No purchase required, one per customer, while supplies last.)

This flavor is a blend of their Pineapple Kona Pop and Blueberry Bliss Rooibos loose leaf teas and is a great way to have a refreshing day. 

To find your nearest location, click here.

FREE Snapple Tea for National Tea Day (6/10/15)

Celebrate National Tea Day with a FREE Snapple Tea, Juice Drink or Straight Up Tea by printing this coupon and taking it to any retailer that sells Snapple products.  Don't forget that you can print two coupons per computer.  Enjoy!

Pinch Me - For Product Samples

There are so many new products on the market that it is sometimes difficult to decide which is the best one for you and your family.

A simple way around this, without having to spend a ton of money on something (only to find out that the product isn't for you), would be to try a sample.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Unfortunately, not everything is sold in a sample size so you have to seek them elsewhere.

Enter Pinch Me!

Pinch Me is a great website that offers you the opportunity to try products for free.  You choose products that are available and then they deliver it to the address you provide for free.  That's right, you don't even have to pay for shipping and handling.  The only down side is that there are a limited number of samples available and they only reserve these products for you for a limited time.  For me, personally, I haven't really had that many issues when it comes to getting products and have always been able to receive something.

After you've tried the samples, you log back in and leave some feedback about the product.  This helps them to know what kinds of samples to offer you the next time around.  So visit their site now and "start pinching"!

Don't Rule Out The Most Unlikely Places

I've come to realize that sometimes, the most unlikely places or places we wouldn't normally think about, have great deals and sometimes even offer awesome freebies.

Typically, I wouldn't think about finding good deals at gas stations or convenience stores, but yesterday I came across a coupon for a FREE Breakfast Taco at Stripes Convenience Stores.  I myself am not familiar with this store but apparently they have a "restaurant" inside called Laredo Taco Company and they were who the breakfast taco was from.

Since the coupon was one per customer, I printed out three (one for me and one for each of my children) so that we could give them a try.  My kids each picked the Egg & Bacon while I chose the Egg  & Chorizo filling - and I'm glad we made the stop.  It was actually really good, the tortillas were freshly made and it was a great way for us to start the day.

So I guess you could say, the lesson learned is always check out all your local businesses because you never know who is offering what - and it never hurts to look.

P.S.  Thank you Stripes and Laredo Taco Company for affording us the opportunity to try something new!

KidsBowlFree.Com - It's Not Too Late

Did you sign your kids up for FREE summer bowling?  It's not too late - just head over to KidsBowlFree to register them now.  Each child you register will be able to bowl 2 FREE Games every single day of summer - an approximate value of $500.00 - and most bowling alleys have an unlimited shoe rental pass that you can purchase for around $20.00 (another great deal since shoe rentals average about $2-$3).

Did You Remember.......?

Have you been keeping track of all the fun, FREE stuff that's been going on lately?  Have you been remembering to take advantage of the things that are being offered?

We were definitely up and in our local Shipley's Donuts for National Doughnut Day yesterday.  The kids really enjoyed having a still hot, freshly made, freshly glazed doughnut and I enjoyed the fact that it was FREE.

Do whatever it takes to help you remember these events - book them in a calendar, set appointments in your phone or email system - whatever method works for you - trust me, the smiles will be worth it and your bank account will thank you.