Free-Bee Travel Guides

Posted by Erin (and sometimes The Todd) on Jul 16, 2010 in Free-Bees Giveaways, Resources

surf Even if you’re at the dreaming and planning stage, stopping by Free Travel Guides is a great way to find the best possible deals for your vacation. I actually ordered one for Salt Lake City just to find new places to take the twins around town! They’re all free and full of resources and places to stay, play and relax. Click here to get started–you’re allowed to order as many as you like.

Sneaky inside tip: when you do decide on your destination, type in the city on the Buy With Me website to see what bargains you can pick up for your vacation! (More details in the post below.)

The Maine problem with Staycations. A rare post from Todd!

Posted by Erin (and sometimes The Todd) on Aug 30, 2009 in The Todd's View on Things

These turbulent financial times mean that we, too, are staying close to home. We’re doing a lot of cool things that we might have overlooked in years past. We’ve been to Red Butte Gardens concerts…the Museum of Natural History…more Farmer’s Market visits, etc.

But, what is REALLY harshing my mellow this summer, is the fact that we are not going back to Maine. My family has a cottage on a lake there, that I’ve been going to since I was 12. The trips have always been more like a military exercise with the twins–the flights, the rental cars, and such. The cottage is small and the lack of privacy prevents most efforts at romance. But, it’s the reality of standing on the dock–the familiar humidity, the smell of the sweet ferns and pines–that sets me at rest. Our sons love it so much because it’s breakfast, followed by a full out run off the dock and into the lake. (It’s the same after every meal.)

Then there’s the simple joy I get from showing Erin my old stomping grounds, like a hidden light house on the coast, protruding from some barnacle-encrusted rocks in the stormy Atlantic. Or, introducing her to the descendants of the loons on the lake that I knew from my childhood. Maybe it’s the taste of the winter green growing on the forest floor…it all makes me feel proud to share it with her. (Erin also likes the fact that the state is crawling with lobsters. And I mean that literally.)

On every trip, I will find myself alone at some point in a canoe…floating in a pond surrounded by pines and sugar maples. The air is still. The water, calm, and covered with lily pads in bloom. Dragonflies perch on the fragrant petals. The fishing rod in my hands is at rest, as I have one of those moments that tells you: I remember this. I understand this, and I could not be happier than being here–right now.

The boys and Erin will miss Maine, but we keep the family activities fun, so they’re having a great summer, like I am.

So, on this year of “staycations” I have much enjoyed the task of walking my older brother Scott through the adventures of learning to fish those lily-covered ponds, via long-distance charges. Which is a little like telling somone how to make love while you’re serving a life sentence at Point of the Mountain. Scott’s joy gives me great satisfaction and his pictures bring me closer to him and my memories of Maine.

There will be more trips to Maine, and I look forward to them already. We all have those places, near or far. And we should never give up the passion of the thoughts and feelings that draw us there.

Todd

Ready To Coupon?

"Extreme Couponing" on TLC has done one thing for all us would-be frugalistas--while no one I know wants to be quite that crazed, couponing is looking more attractive, am I right? Here's your coupon options in a tidy, almost shamefully easy format:

Cellfire loads coupons directly to your card. Scan that bad boy at checkout--no clipping!

Coupons.com, hands-down my favorite for ease of navigation and big fat coupons. You'll need to download a toolbar to print. Do not fear the toolbar, it will bring you many goodies.

Coupon Deals Daily.com offers 50-90% off items locally available. Worth checking often, since nothing lasts for long.

So, "catalinas" are the slips of paper-style coupons you get at checkout along with your reciept to use for next time. Print them on Coupon Network.com, and use them THIS trip. Clever you!

No insurance? Or does your lousy coverage refuse to pay for certain medications? Enter the Pharmacy Coupons--this network allows you to print coupons for up to 75% off your prescription costs. In the economy? A literal lifesaver.

Red Plum Coupons cover a huge variety--everything from grocery to your local tire store. Take a look around by clicking below.

Do you have estrogen? Then you will love Woman Freebies.com. They send free girly samplys and piles of high-value coupons. No catch!

I’m no Martha Stewart.

But, if you're reading this, you're probably like me. This is the budget blog for the REST of us. The not-perfect girls who are excited if they remember their coupons like, say...half of the time. There's no need to be born a domestic diva if I can help you fake it, right?

You'll find piles of goodies, giveaways, expert advice and free-bee family activities here. Look for the "Sneaky Inside Tips" in red to get the most out of the post! I update free-bees and coupons every day. Check back. You can also find us on the radio at B 98.7 in Salt Lake City, streaming live on B987.com, ToddandErin on Twitter and ToddandErin Page II on Facebook. Same great taste, less filling.

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Todd and Erin

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The Maine problem with Staycations. A rare post from Todd!

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