Best Road Trip Ever: Planning your Best Itinerary

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

My family and I have been on a quest to visit all 50 states and capitals. Last year, we ticked off our 30th state! I absolutely adore these epic road trips and they are among my most cherished memories. Now that spring is here, you might be planning your family’s next vacation, so I thought it would be a perfect time to share some of our very best road trip planning tips. After brainstorming all my best tips and ideas, I’ve come up with a four post mini-series I’m calling Best Road Trip Ever.

My goal is to help connect you with resources, money-saving tips, and ideas you might not have thought of when planning your next road trip. Today, we’re going to talk about how to organize your best road trip itinerary. Over the next few weeks, we’ll talk about structuring your vacation budget, ideas to keep your kids occupied (that don’t involve screens!), and important to-do’s that might not be on your list (but need to be).

Bodie, California – a Ghost Town!

So, let’s dive in and chat itineraries, because this is where it all starts! Make it too ambitious, and everyone’s a grump with a sore rump. Make it too boring, and everyone’s, well – bored. Today I’m going to give you 6 tips for making sure your itinerary will get everyone excited.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Tip #1: Figure out your Big Destinations.

This might be a single destination (like Disneyland), or it may include a couple big stops (think National Parks in Arizona and Utah). Knowing where you’re going is the first major step. My advice, if you’re able: broaden your horizons. If you live in Western Washington as I do, it’s easy to head down I-5 to California or I-90 towards Montana. But, what else can you do? Have you considered going North, to Canada – or maybe onto Alaska? Ever drive to South Dakota or Utah, just to see some place new? Another approach we’ve taken is to fly in to a major city and then rent a car. By doing this, 100% of your road trip is new sites, which makes it really interesting. A road trip is a chance to engage that wanderlust, so let your inner adventurer run wild a bit. I love nights with my family, brainstorming over maps!View Post

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Amazon: Adjustable Gaming/Office Chair, Black & White – $88, shipped!

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

I’m really digging this office chair at Amazon! It’s adjustable, has a lumbar pillow – and let’s be honest, it just looks cool! It normally retails for $169.99, it’s selling for just $92.99 right now. Plus, there’s a clipless 5% off coupon, which drops the price to just $88.34.

This chair is pretty nifty. You can adjust the seat height, and you can tilt it back to 180°. It’s designed to look like a race car, making it a fun choice for a gaming chair. Reviewers have mentioned it’s sturdy, easy to assemble and comfortable.

You know the drill – prices and availability on Amazon can change at any time, without warning. Make sure to snag it now over at Amazon, while it’s at such a good price!

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Walgreens: FREE 8X10 Photo Enlargement through 4/21

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Walgreens is offering a FREE 8″ x 10″ photo print through April 21st when you use coupon code 8X10APRIL at checkout.

You can even pop by your local store for FREE pick-up! This would make an awesome last-minute Easter gift! Head to Walgreens Photo to get started.

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Zulily: Beautiful Maxi Dresses, just $19.79 (reg. $60) – thru 4/20 only

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Through tomorrow only, Zulily is having a sale on beautiful maxi dresses! They are just $19.79, down from the suggested retail price of $60. The dresses are available in a range of both solid colors and patterns, in both women’s and plus sizes.

Shipping adds $5.99 if you purchase one dress. If you buy two or more dresses, you’ll pay a flat $7.99 shipping. It’s also worth sharing that if your order is $35 or more, Zulily gives you the option of making 2 interest-free payments! I also love that you can use PayPal at checkout.

Head to Zulily to shop the entire sale, but remember – it’s only good for one more day. Some styles and sizes may sell out, so I encourage you to shop sooner rather than later.

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Top Costco Coupon Mailer Deals: 4/17-5/12

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

If you shop at Costco, you should have received your monthly coupon booklet in the mail recently. My pal at Frugal Living NW does an excellent job of going through the entire booklet and matches them to prices in the store. The cool thing about the Costco coupons is that they are good for a full month! The other cool thing is that if you forget your coupon booklet? It doesn’t matter. You’ll automatically get the discount at checkout (neat, huh?). These coupon deals went in effect April 17th and run through May 12th so you have a few weeks left to take advantage of them.

Here are a few of my favorite deals. But, you’re going to want to head on over to Frugal Living NW for the full list.

Chex Mix Traditional Snack Mix: $3.89 (limit 10)
This is a huge, Costco-sized bag!

Nature Valley Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bars (30 ct): $9.59 (limit 4)
Works out to $0.32 per bar

KIND Nut Bars Variety Pack (20 ct): $14.99 (limit 5)
Works out to $0.75 each

Frito-Lay Variety Pack (30 ct): $9.69 (limit 5)
Works out to $0.32 per bag

Mini Babybel Cheese (32 ct): $7.89 (no limit)
Buy 2, Get $1 cash back from Ibotta
Works out to just $0.23 each after savings + Ibotta rebate

Nestle Outshine Fruit Bar Variety Pack (24 ct): $6.49 (no limit)
Works out to $0.27 each

Yoplait Go-Gurt Simple Variety Pack (32 ct): $4.69 (no limit)
Works out to $0.22 each

Capri Sun 100% Juice Variety Pack (40 ct): $3.99 (limit 4)
Works out to $0.99 per 10 packs – the size you’d buy in the store. This is a GREAT price!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (11 ct): $6.99 (limit 2)
Works out to $0.63 per sponge

Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes (900 ct): $15.99 (limit 4)
Less than $0.02 per wipe

Get the full list of mailer matchups at Frugal Living NW. Want more Costco fun? Then make sure to check out the latest installment in Stuff I didn’t know I needed…until I went to Costco. You might also be interested to read my Top 10 Favorite Things I Found at Costco in 2018.

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Earth Day Freebies 2019

4/19/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Earth Day Freebies 2019

Monday, April 22nd is Earth Day, which means you can snag some great freebies and offers out there! Please note that these offers are good on select days only and some may be while supplies last. As always, I encourage you to phone ahead to inquire if your store is participating (or to check on quantities left) before making a special trip out.

Last updated: April 19th, 2019

Nationwide Earth Day Freebies & Deals

Buffalo Exchange: All locations across the country (excluding outlets) will have an Earth Day $1 Day Sale on April 20th. Shop a selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories for just $1 apiece. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of the United States.

Cafepress: Save an extra 25% on their collection of Earth Day gifts with coupon code SPRING2019 through April 22nd.

Care2: Check out a number of free Earth Day e-cards you can send to a loved one.

Caribou Coffee: Buy the Earth Month Tumbler for $39.99 which will get you free coffee or tea for the month of April as well as $2 crafted press drinks. Plus, get a Free Earth Day Bag with purchase of this tumbler with coupon code EarthDay online.

Earthbound Farm: Take a quiz to see how “green” your shopping cart is and enter for a chance to win a free reusable shopping bag.

EVOS: Come in for a free organic milkshake.

The Four Seasons App: Download a free iTunes app to help raise awareness and teach your children about the earth in an interactive children’s story book.

Free Educational Activities: Several educational websites have downloads available for teachers and homeschoolers to use in their classrooms, including Evan-Moor.

Goodwill (Seattle): Get a free reusable bag when you spend $25 or more on Earth Day. Excludes outlet stores.

Maps.com: Click and download a printable map of the world and the species we can save with change.

National Parks: Get free entrance to all National Parks on April 20th (note the different date) as part of National Park Week. For more information and to see the list of parks, please visit the National Parks website.

Natural Grocers: Get a free reusable bag with purchase, plus they’ll be randomly giving away gift cards at checkout all day long.

Origins: Get a free reusable tote, flowering plant pencil, and lotion with a $45 purchase when you use the coupon code EARTH. (A similar offer is also available at Macys.com.)

Primary Games: Kiddos can play a number of free Earth Day games online at PrimaryGames.com.

Punchbowl: Send a free Earth Day eCard or two to a loved one.

Sierra Club: Request a free Earth Day 2019 sticker and put a little planet love on your water bottle, notebook, computer – anywhere!

Staples: Gather up your old technology and bring it to your nearest Staples store for recycling from April 21st – 27th. Rewards members who do this will receive a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $30 or more (it’s free to join Staples Rewards).

Target: Recycle your old car seats at Target April 22nd – May 4th and you’ll save 20% on a new one. Details here.

Youfit Health Clubs: Stop by on April 22nd for a nationwide Earth Day open house. They’ll be hosting free workouts, group exercise classes, and lots more.

Zoya: Exchange your unwanted nail polish for brand-new bottles at Zoya.com and you’ll save 50% plus get free shipping with coupon code GREEN19 through April 30th – minimum of 6.

Seattle/Tacoma Earth Day Events

Des Moines Library: Celebrate Earth Day with crafts and garden activities on April 20th from 11 am – 12 pm.

IslandWood (Bainbridge Island): Explore the woods with the Afternoon on the Trails event on Sunday, April 28th from 1 – 5 pm and consult with the Ask the Naturalist panel to determine what you’ve discovered. Maps will be available, and greeters can suggest a route that is suitable for your family and abilities.

Kids Discovery Museum (Bainbridge Island): Enjoy special Earth Day Playtime activities April 22nd, all free with normal admission.

Lewis Creek Park Visitor Center (Bellevue): Bellevue’s annual Arbor Day – Earth Day Family Festival is being held on April 20th from 11 am – 1:30 pm. Check out free activities and eco-demonstrations, journey through various eco-stations, and enter to win a prize.

Magnuson Children’s Garden (Seattle): Check out the Earth Month Celebration on April 13th from 10 am – 2 pm. Activities include a community stewardship event, a family garden class, and garden and nature exploration activities.

Parks Appreciation Day (Pierce County): Sign up to help clean up your neighborhood park on April 27th from 9 am – noon. Check out the list of participating parks here.

Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle): Celebrate Earth Day with a special story time on Friday, April 19th from 10:30 – 11:30 am.

Seattle Children’s Museum: Play on the Planet on Sunday, April 21st from 10 am – 5 pm. All activities are included with admission.

Tacoma Nature Center: Check out the free Earth Day Extravaganza on April 20th from 12 – 4 pm.

Volunteer Park Conservatory (Seattle): Stop by for a free Earth Day family educational event on April 20th from 10 am – 1 pm. They’ll have rain and stormwater demonstrations, booths from community organizations, stormwater related crafts, lawn games, and quiz games with prizes.

Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle): Help spread mulch, remove invasive weeds, and maintain trails at the Arboretum on April 20th from 9 am – 1 pm. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and they will provide coffee, snacks, and a light lunch.

Washington State Parks: Earth Day is a free day for Washington State Parks – no Discover Pass required. (April 20th is a free day, as well!)

Wild Waves Parking Lot (Federal Way): King County residents can recycle a huge number of items at a free recycling event on April 20th from 9 am – 3 pm. Details here.

If you’re aware of an offer I’ve missed, please feel free to share by leaving a comment. Thanks!

Need a fun Earth Day craft? Check out this Earth Day Craft: Boot Planters I made with my daughter’s old rain boots!

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Amazon: Cute Plush Teddy Bear, over 50% off!

4/18/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Need a last-minute Easter gift? Head to Amazon where you can snag this adorable Plush 15″ Vermont Teddy Bear for just $11.20! Add it to your cart for $27.99, then enter coupon code XXMPXT88 at checkout to receive the discount! Even better – it ships free with Prime.

There are additional Vermont stuffed animals you can snag on deep discount thanks to coupon codes, too! Check it out:

Get 18″ plush Vermont Teddy Bear Panda, Fox, Koala, Monkey, or Cat for just $16 after coupon code PWOQL3NG at checkout (these are regularly $39.99!).

As always, prices and availability on Amazon can change at any time, without warning.

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7 Gifts Ideas for Game of Thrones Fans

4/18/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, know someone who is – or are just in it for the viewing parties and food (no judgment here!), you might be interested to check out some of the fun Game of Thrones merchandise I spotted on Amazon today.

Check it out:

A Feast of Ice & Fire: The Official Companion Cookbook (Amazon: $23.79)

Why not whip up some Game of Thrones-inspired eats while you binge on past episodes? This 5-star rated cookbook, developed by superfans contains over 100 recipes inspired from the series, all divided by region! It also includes dining and entertaining tips to help you serve it all up.

Dinner is Coming: Unisex Apron with 3 Pockets (Amazon: $29.77)

Pair this with the cookbook listed above, and you’ve got one outstanding gift idea! This apron has 3 pockets, making it perfect no matter if you’re cooking up dinner at the BBQ, the kitchen, or deep in the castle somewhere. It’s also got a 5-star average rating. Make sure to read the reviews and customer pictures on Amazon about the joke packaging it comes wrapped in! View Post

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Home Depot: Highly-Rated Ryobi 13-in Cordless Battery Push Mower just $149.99 – Shipped!

4/18/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Home Depot currently has the Ryobi 13in ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower priced at just $149.99 – $50 off the regular retail price! The Ryobi lithium-ion battery comes with a charger, and it works with over 125+ Ryobi tools! Even better, it ships for free.

This mower’s cutting deck is perfect for smaller yards (gee, I wish I had one!), comes with a push-button start, and can be adjusted to 5 different heights. The mower is light at only 27 pounds and the handle folds down, making it perfect for storing. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty from Ryobi!

The Ryobi Walk Behind Push Mower has over a 4-star average rating after over 300 reviews! Here’s what a few folks had to say:

This little mower makes cutting grass almost fun. The toy-like machine, including the battery, weighs about 24 lbs but it is deceptively strong and capable.

I found this little lawn mower to be perfect for some areas where a regular mower cannot fit or is hard to maneuver or where you have to use a trimmer to try and get an even cut. Also if you have a small yard. It,s only 13 inches wide but it cuts very well. I had an area that was overgrown and it had no problem cutting it. It mulches and has a grass catcher if you want to remove clippings. It is quiet because it’s battery operated. It has a key for safety. Runs for about half an hour continuous. All you do is push start and go. No fuel to add or extension to lug around. Another plus is you can use the battery (4 amp ) on other One+ Royobi power tools.

For it’s size and price, this cordless mower is excellent! It’s a good size for a small to medium size yard. I would recommend the larger mower/width if you have a large yard. With only 13″ width, it takes more passes to do the lawn. But it also makes the mower accessible to my youngest mower to manage the yard. It’s also easy to do our small side-yard where a larger mower would not fit. It easily adjusts height for length of grass. The battery managed the full front & back yard – about 1 hour and didn’t even need a recharge. It’s also so easy to get the batteries, that I’m not concerned about the future.

To learn more, and to snag yours now – head to Home Depot.

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Barnes & Noble Educator Appreciation Days: Extra 25% Off Books + More Every Weekend in April

4/18/19

Disclosure: the post below may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take action using these links, the site makes commission. For more information, please see my Disclosure Policy.

Every Saturday and Sunday through the month of April, Barnes & Noble stores are hosting Educator Appreciation Days in which educators will get 25% off almost everything, 10% off Café treats, and a free tall Starbucks coffee (hot or iced). The 25% off savings is available both in-stores and online.

Teachers can take advantage of these deals by applying for the Barnes & Noble Educator Program. Forms are available in store or can be downloaded online. This offer is valid for all pre-K-12 public, private, and homeschool teachers.

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