Save Money at Disney - One Tip on Drink Savings

Do you ever feel like most of the places you travel to are money sucking pits?
You know …
You walk down the street in Las Vegas and money magically disappears from your wallet. No, it isn’t pick-pocketed, it’s just gone because you …

• Rode a taxi  

• Walked into a casino 

• Ate a meal 

• Needed a drink of water 

• Had to go to the bathroom 

• Went to see a show

Do you know what I mean? These places are designed to suck money right out of your pocket.
Likewise … many theme parks feel the same way. (For example... Disney) You go to the park hoping to have a fun family outing, only to discover that a single meal for your family is going to run you $50. And if you stay there the entire day, how many meals will you plan on eating that day?

OUCH! It gets spendy … quick!

Now, I know that these exciting trips are few and far between, so it’s vitally important that you enjoy them, and your family has a great time as well. That’s the point of going on a trip like that, to have a great time together. And when you’re blowing your money, like it’s the water you’re drinking, it can be hard to have a good time.

So we came up with a strategy to help you save some money on drinks whenever you visit one of these theme parks. Not because it isn’t worth buying their food, and not because your family doesn’t need the food. On the contrary … if you use this cost-saving strategy you might be able to afford more of the ‘take home’ memorabilia options, rather than use all your money on drinks. This is particularly important in Florida, which is one of the hottest vacation spots in the U.S.  Here, temperatures hover from 90-100 degrees for 6 months out of the year. If you travel in Florida, you MUST drink and stay hydrated. There’s no other way around it.

Here’s how this works:
First - you can do this 2 ways:

Propel flavored water

1. You can buy a couple of bottles of Propel flavored water at any local grocery store
 (this is a drink company owned by Gatorade (TM)) . 

(To be fair, this isn’t like having an icy cold soda to quench your thirst, but it does give you a tasty drink that you can share, as a family, to start your day. And it’s pretty healthy too.) 

OR 

2. You can just use your own recycled water bottles and carry them with you, to fill up at your theme park’s water fountains throughout the day.

Unfortunately, depending on where you are in the country, the water flavor can vary greatly. You can go from sparkling cold refreshment … to a sandy, gritty pond scum taste based on where you might be vacationing. We lovingly refer to the tap water in Florida as 'swamp water'. Because that’s about what it tastes like. Water is great to drink when you need it … and this tip alone will save you money. But here’s where this tip gets even better …

Second -

Propel water mix powder packs

The same company (Propel, owned by Gatorade) has also created little individual drink powder packets. These packets come in multiple flavors, like berry, raspberry lemonade, and grape that kids (and adults) love to drink. The packets end up being the perfect size for adding to a 20 oz. bottle of water (which you already brought with you in step 1).

You simply fill up your water bottle with water when it’s empty, and add 1 packet of flavoring to the bottle for a tasty, refreshing drink that didn’t cost an arm and a leg to get.
By spending a couple bucks on a package of these drink packets, you can save yourself $10 or more, depending on how much soda, and other drinks, you might have purchased throughout your day. That’s a simple, but powerful, saving technique you should use the next time you go to any overpriced theme park.

And here’s our bonus tip … We typically buy the bottles of Propel in Step 1, and then we freeze the bottles overnight (lay them on their side in the freezer so they can expand properly). This way the drinks are ice cold just when you need them, after you’ve been walking around the park for an hour or two.
Ahh …
Refreshing! And cheap too.

Another bonus tip... ANY food restaurant in Disney will give you a free cup of ice water if you ask.  Just in case you run out of water later in the day.   Ice water, in the warm Florida heat, is a definite life saver.  Of course they do have drinking fountains at different locations throughout the park.  But, if you come to Florida in the Summer, I can guarantee you will be SO thankful that you read about getting ice water. 

Hope this helps you save, and enjoy your trip even more!
Al 

Save money on gas at the grocery store!

So I know that you may be thinking that I am crazy. Or maybe even that the title of this post is a typo. But it is not, you can save money on your monthly gas budget at the grocery store. This week Publix had a coupon in the weekly ad that was for a $10.00 savings on a $50.00 Gas card, with a $25.00 grocery purchase. When they have these coupons I like to make the most of them and get as many as I can. For the last several months now that is how we have been paying for our gas. And I love the feeling of getting a savings on something that is not always so easy to get savings on.
To make the most of the coupons that I had and were offered in the weekly ad I split my purchases into 3 different purchases. For ease I will add it all together here. the Total before sales and coupons for everything that I got this week would have been $369.83. And after sales and coupons I paid $117.14. That is a total savings of 69%! And Included in that total was $150.00 worth of gas gift cards!
Here is a photo and the breakdown...

The first purchase...
6- Sundown Vitamins $2.99 each I used a store coupon for $6.00 off 2 and manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them FREE with a total OVERAGE of $6.06!
6- Kraft Dressings $3.19 BOGO I used Target store coupons for Buy 2 get 1 free and $1.00 off 2 I also used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off 2 making them FREE with a total OVERAGE of  $1.81!
 4- Muellers Pasta $1.53 BOGO I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 each making them FREE with a total OVERAGE of .96 cents!
1- $50.00 Gas Gift Card I used the Publix store coupon for $10.00 off making it $40.00
I was also able to use a Store coupon that was from last weeks Sunday paper for $5.00 off a purchase of $30.00 or more.
So the total for the first Purchase was only $26.19!

The second Purchase...
6- Sundown Vitamins $2.99 I used store coupons for $6.00 off 2 and Manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them FREE with a total OVERAGE of $6.06!
4- BeechNut baby foods $2.00 BOGO I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them FREE!
2-Reynolds Wrap Foil $4.29 BOGO I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them $1.15 each
4- Lawrys Marinades. $2.89 BOGO Used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them .44 each
4- Lays chips $3.99 BOGO I used 2 manufactures coupons for a free bag making them all FREE!
1- $50.00 gas gift card I used the Publix store coupon for $10.00 off making it $40.00
Again with this purchase I was able to use the $5.00 off  $30.00 purchase from the paper making total $33.32 for this purchase!


The 3rd purchase...
4- Aunt Jamima Waffles $2.39 BOGO I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them .19 each
4- Quaker Granola bars $2.99 BOGO I used Target store coupons for $1.00 off 2 making them $.99 each
4- Goldfish crackers. $1.00 I used manufactures coupons for .55 off each making the .45 each
2- 1/2 Gallons Milk $2.69 I used a store coupon for $1.00 off 1 and manufactures coupons for $1.50 off each making them .69 each
2- Kraft Shredded Cheese $2.00 I used a Target store coupon for $1.50 off 2 and a Manufactures coupon for $1.00 off 2 making them .75 each
1- lb package Ground beef $3.11 I used a Winn Dixie store coupon for $2.00 off beef making it $1.11
4- Bushes Baked beans $2.29 BOGO I used a manufactures coupons for $1.00 off 4 making them .89 each
2- Natures Own Bread $2.69 BOGO No coupons used making them $1.14 each
1- 5lb bag Potatoes $2.99 No coupons used making them $2.99
2- Delmonte Pineapples $2.00 I used a manufactures coupon for $1.25 off 2 making them $1.37 each
1- Avocado $1.50 No coupons used making it $1.50
2- 2liters Pepsi $1.89 BOGO I used a manufactures coupon for $1.00 off 1 making them .44 each
6- Sundown Vitamins $2.99 each I used a store coupon for $6.00 off 2 and a manufactures coupon for $1.00 off each making them FREE with a total OVERAGE of $6.06!
2- Gallon Publix Sweet Tea $2.59 BOGO no coupons used making them $1.29 each
2- Rubbermaid water containers $1.89 each I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making the .89 each
2- Rubbermaid water containers $1.59 each I used manufactures coupons for $1.00 off each making them .59 each
1- $50.00 Gas Gift Card I used the store coupon for $10.00 off making it $40.00
Again I was able to use the $5.00 off $30.00 purchase making the total for this purchase $ 58.75!
So this is how you can get savings on your gas at the grocery store. These type of coupons don't always come out but when they do it is best to take advantage of them the best that you can. Make sure and split your purchases up so that you can get more than one gift card. And remember that the total has to reach the minimum amount BEFORE other coupons! So for both the gas coupon, $10.00 off a $50.00 gift card with a $25.00 grocery purchase and the coupon from the paper, $5.00 off $30.00 purchase, The total was before any other coupons and comes off first. That is the beauty of these coupons and how you can get the most out of your grocery budget.

Commuting by Bike - The basics of bike commuting

I want to talk to you a little bit about bike commuting.  It's something I've been doing for about 7 or 8 years, maybe longer.  Based on a 2007 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 5% of the U.S. population rides their bike to work at some time or another.  So, I wanted to take some time and share some tips and ideas I've learned, that will help you be successful at it.  If it's something you decide to use to help save money for your family. 

Why would you want to bike commute?

Image via Wikipedia
• You can drop down to a one car family
  This will save you a ton of money in car payments, insurance, and repair and maintenance costs.
• You can reduce wear and tear to your car when  you don't drive to work.  I typically ride to work and leave the car for Chris to use for anything she needs.  Of course, your spouse can ALWAYS come see you during the day, if either of you need a break.
• Save on commuting gas costs
• Build exercise into your lifestyle. 
   - Every day that I ride, I am meeting the federal recommendations for activity for that day.  It's not that I live my life according to their input.  But this should give  you some indication of what bike commuting can do for your health. 
    - Plus, it just feels good for your emotions.  It's a great way to kick-start your day.  And, it also helps you unwind properly at the end of a long, or stressful, day at work.  If you need to vent some frustrations, this is an excellent opportunity to do it.
    - And, instead of adding an extra activity (going to the gym) into an already hectic day, you won't have to cut out any time from your schedule to get great exercise.
• You can make it work in hot, southern climates and also northern colder environments.

 Important bike commuting considerations:

• Do you have a good bike that  you can use for your commute. 
  If possible, select a high-quality bike that will make your ride enjoyable and comfortable. 
   - Many people purchase the cheapest bike they can get, from Wally's World or Target.  These bikes will work, but they aren't built to provide you with lightweight, consistent performance.
    - They are generally heavier, not properly tuned, and break down faster than a high quality ride.  If you aren't able to properly tune one of these bikes yourself - derailleurs, hand gears, brakes, and rims, then this probably isn't a great bike for you to commute on.
  My best advice - buy a used bike from a bike store employee who has used and maintained the bike as long as they've owned it.  That bike will probably last you for the next 10 years or more.  I've owned my Gary Fisher over 15 years, and the freaking thing just keeps running.  Buy quality when you buy a bike.  It's not easy - but if you really want to successfully commute, you gotta do it.
• The second key - you want to have a plan for storing your bike once you get to work.  
   - Do they have outdoor bike locks you can lock up to?  Can you bring your bike inside and keep it at your desk or in your office?  Does your employer have a spare room, or storage spot, where you can keep your bike?  Or is it safe just to leave the bike outside. 
    - For me, currently, our office is in a quiet industrial area, so I don't really have a need to lock it up.  In Oregon, it was a busy office building, so I was able to bring my bike inside the office and kept it in a storage room inside the building.  
• How long will your trip take?  And how far is the ride?
  Here are my personal recommendations about riding:
   - I suggest a maximum of 1 hour ride time, which equals about 15-20 miles.   While some riders average well over 20 miles per hour, most of us aren't Olympiads, nor will we ever ride the Tour de France.  So we have to live with practical commuting times.
   - You should expect your bike ride to be about twice a car commute.  If you would normally drive for 10 minutes, your ride would be about 20 minutes.  Although cars drive faster, the lights, signs, and other the traffic congestion cause you to drive much slower than the speed limits.  Obviously, lots of highway time at 50-60 mph will cause your ride to be way slower than your drive. 
   - Another option is to do a partial commute.  You could drive a vehicle to a park and ride, or ride your bike and take public transport for part of the trip. 
• Road conditions and safety
  The most important advice I can offer in this regards, is to take a test ride of your entire route.  Know what conditions you will face when you ride, and know how you can get to your destination safely.  If you can't, then you'll probably have to try a different commuting option.
• Cleaning up before work
  A couple of suggestions on getting cleaned up and smelling nice before work.
   - Always give yourself at least 15 minutes of cool-down time.  If you can have some kind of personal fan, this is even better. 
   - If your company offers a shower, then definitely use it.
   - Alcohol wipes - The alcohol acts as a coolant as it evaporates on your skin, and the wipes will help you clean up - in case you get a bit 'ripe' from the ride.
   - Another options, instead of alcohol wipes is to bring wash cloths from home.  You can use one per day, and take it home with you to clean it. 
   - Additionally, I have about eight sets of work clothes that I keep at my office.  I can wear them once or twice before I have to clean them
  

Bike Commuting Essentials:

• Safety clothes and gear
   - Helmet -
  Although they can be hot and uncomfortable, ALWAYS wear one.  You never know when an unexpected crash could occur.  My worst commuting accident, occurred about 18 months ago.  The helmet I was wearing had large gashes along the side.  If I wasn't wearing the helmet, that would have been my head and a potential concussion, or maybe worse?
  
   - Bright clothes -
  It is always a good idea to bright colored shirts and reflective vests or jackets.  You want to be as visible as possible when you are on the road.  Most drivers pay very little attention to what is happening around them, so the more chances you give yourself to be seen - the better. 
  
   - Comfortable clothes -
  In addition to brightly colored and reflective clothing, I prefer padded and fitted biking clothes.  For long term commuting and riding, padded shorts are essential.  And the seams on bike gear aren't in all the wrong places, so you don't get rubbing and wear issues like you would with normal clothing.  (Bulky seams right up your crotch, while riding, don't feel good after a mile or two - just in case you were wondering?)
  
   - Rain / cold weather gear  -
  For cold or rainy weather, you want to look into getting a brightly colored rain-jacket.  You might also want to get some long gloves.  Standard biking gloves don't usually have fingers on them.  They are fine for warmer weather.  But if it gets cold, you want to have full-fingered gloves for your ride.  Even in Florida, I have to wear full gloves at times.
  
   - Glasses -
  I suggest wearing glasses for safety when you ride.  Sunglasses or normal, everyday wear can work.  The best choice is a large lens that covers as much of your eye as possible.  In Oregon, I got a piece of metal stuck in my eye during my morning ride, and I had to go in to a clinic to have it removed when it started hurting later that day.   
  
   - Flashing / solid lightsYou should definitely install lights onto your bike.  At the minimum, you should have a flashing light on the back of your bike.  This allows you to be seen by cars coming up behind you.  And since, as a cyclist, you will biking with the flow of traffic you want the drivers to see you ahead of them. 
  You should also think about getting a headlight as well.  For you, the headlight will only really be helpful in lower light conditions at dusk or at night.  But - you never know when you might be stuck out past dark on your bike.  So, it's a good idea to have some form of light to guide you. 
  Additionally, the light on the front of the bike helps cars see you coming towards them.  This is especially important, for cross-roads and streets.  MANY bike accidents  
  
  
• Carrying your gear
  It is preferential for you to have panniers, rather than a backpack.  The backpack will make you hotter, and will move all over as you ride.  You will constantly be shifting and adjusting it to make yourself more comfortable.  In the long run, a backpack will make your commute less enjoyable.
  The panniers, mounted on your bike, can carry a lot more supplies, all of which you can use at work or to maintain your ride.  It will easily carry things like work clothes for the day, your small lunch, tools, and drinks to keep you hydrated. 
  The rear rack and panniers can carry about 50 pounds of total weight.  So, you could have about 25 pounds for each bag, per side. You can even ride with only one side pannier.  In fact that is how I normally ride.  You don't want to overfill one side, and make your ride lopsided.  So, if you have a lot of weight,  you should plan on having bags on both sides and splitting up the weight evenly. 
  
• Commuting tips
  Always plan on arriving early - at least 15 minutes for a proper cool down. 
  A couple minutes (about 5-10 minutes) for cleaning up and getting dressed.
  Radial fan for help cooling off during your cool down.
  Shower if possible, or wash clothes and wipes for your clean up.
  Drive 1 or 2 days per week to make carrying clothes, food, drinks, or other essential heavy items easier to deal with.

My typical bike commute:

• Normal time is about 20-25 minutes for a 5 mile ride at a fairly slow pace.    25-30 minutes for a 7-8 mile ride.
• Cleaning strategy in Florida
  15 minute cool off, with fan.
  5 minutes to clean up with wash cloth and wipes. 
  And then getting dressed in work clothes that I leave in the office, and bring home for cleaning about every 2 weeks.  Currently, I have about 7-8 pairs of work clothing that I keep at the office. 

Here are Five safety rules I totally agree with, as posted at syracuse.com:

1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Follow the rules of the road. Don't ignore traffic lights and stop signs.
3. Practice defensive riding. Be aware of vehicles around you at all times. Always assume that drivers do not see you and will not yield.
4. Make eye contact with drivers. Once you establish eye-to-eye contact, motorists will be more aware of you.
5. Make animated hand signals when turning. Big, broad gestures are hard to miss.

Finally - one last tip for the road. 
This one could come in handy for anyone who has trouble getting comfortable riding your bike.


Raise your seat. 
No ... Seriously. Raise your seat.


Do you remember when you were a kid, and you could ride those short, BMX bikes?  Well, when you ride a small bike like that, your legs rarely leave a 90-degree right angle when you pedal.  This is NOT how you are supposed to ride your bike, especially for long-distance rides, or for commuting.   On your down stroke, when your foot is at the bottom of your stroke, your leg should be almost fully extending, with only a slight bend in your knee.  So, if you ever see someone riding along the highway, with their knees bouncing off of their chest as they pedal, that's dumb.  Don't you ride like that.  


This one change could revolutionize your riding experience.