Saving money at its best!

I must confess: it's no secret that I'm a bargain hunter. It's hobby really and I love doing it. I wanted to share some websites for finding good deals on restaurants, entertainment, etc. I have used all of these personally and I'm not getting anything for it, just wanted to share what I know.

Websites for 'flash sales' – you've probably heard of many of these, and some you probably haven't, but these are the sites that put deals on sales for a few days such as $10 for a $25 coupon for a local restaurant. I like these better than restaurant.com because there is no minimum spending to use the coupon, but they do have expiration dates. And they aren't coupon sites where you have to download a coupon printer to your computer and then search for coupons that you don't use anyway.

Deal Sites for restaurants and services:

www.groupon.com

www.halfoffdepot.com

www.tippr.com

www.loclly.com

www.dealchicken.com

www.livingsocial.com

www.scoutmob.com

www.sweetjack.com

www.kudzu.com/deals

www.dealfind.com

www.kgbdeals.com

www.local.amazon.com

www.google.com/offers

Deal sites for products:

www.groopdealz.com (personal favorite!)

www.saveology.com

www.bradsdeals.com (another personal favorite!)

www.5stardeal.com

www.tanga.com

Happy Saving!

Wendy

Vacation!!

I must confess: I love the beach! I mean who doesn't really? Oh right, my husband. I love the beach, he sits in the shade. But we both love the pool. We just spent a week at my in-laws in Panama City Beach, FL. Now before you get that crunched up 'eww gross' look on your face, I have to ask, when was the last time you were in PCB? Because in the last 5 years, it has changed A LOT! They now have a shopping center across from the pier called Pier Park. With a Margaritaville, Dicks Last Resort, a Tootsies Orchid Lounge and tons of shops and restaurants, a movie theater and lots for the kids to do. Its just not the same as it was 10 years ago. It's better, lots of new resorts with tons of amenities. Ok enough about that. 

 At the beach, sans husband of course!

 

With that being said, Eric and I have different ideas of vacationing, which can make for difficulties when traveling. He just wants to sit around (in the shade) and do nothing, and swim every now and then, while I want to go out (in the sun) and see and do stuff. But somehow after being together for 10 years we've found a way to make it work. The key to marriage is compromise! We go out and do stuff then sit around and do nothing. We've somehow made it work where both of us are happy. I love nothing more than spending lots of time with my hubby. We never seem to get bored with each other. We got back yesterday from our week long vacay in PCB, now the post vacation sadness has set in. You know what I'm talking about, that dreaded feeling of having to go back to work and household chores. Retirement must feel like a permanent vacation. Looking forward to those days! 

Where ever you go this year, enjoy it before heading back into the dreaded 'real world'.

Happy Summer!

Wendy

Girls Night Out- Redefined

I must confess: I love the new definition of Girls Night Out. Remember when GNO was getting dressed up and meeting your girlfriends out for dinner, drinks, dancing, movies, etc? Well that is still popular, but there's a new definition. Companies are getting in on the action and organizing events at their places of business. Recently I've been to two GNO events. The first one was at a local department store, where they offered a silent auction, an additional 20% discount on your purchases, and raffles for various items. They had an acoustic guitarist who also sang and some little things to nibble on. I went with a friend and it was nice. Really nice, just to be out with a friend for some designated, quality time together. Which these days seems harder and harder to do.

Then, a week later, I went to event number two. It was held at a local plastic surgery center, where they do more than just plastic surgery. This one had sponsors. At the door we received a gift bag. Then we were sent up to the next floor to receive our complimentary Peanut Butter and Jelly Martini's. Which were gross by the way, but free. Then off to the silent auction, see a pattern here? After the silent auction, were were able to wander around and visit various 'booths'. A booth for Dior makeup and perfume, put on by a national department store, and a boutique with handbags & clothes (nothing over a size 10, so nothing for this big girl). There was a DJ and live performance by someone we didn't know, but was a Grammy nominated artist. Then we could watch women get 'injectibles', it is a plastic surgery center after all. We were able to speak with doctors, nurses, patients, etc. They also offered wine tasting, temporary tattoos, food, dessert, and raffles. And all of this was free. We just had to sign up beforehand. I went with my cousin and one of her friends, it was so nice. Again, designated time to spend with friends. And this is what I love about. A preplanned event where all we have to do is show up. No making dinner plans, picking restaurants, bars, movies, etc. It's all done for me! YAY! I will be attending more events like this because it's so easy, not to mention affordable!

So check you local business: department stores, hair salons, plastic surgery centers, esthetician centers for your own Girls Night Out!

Happy GNO y'all!

Wendy