The best things are (nearly) free...

So this summer we decided that we are going to spend a lot of time at the beach. (or as close to a beach as you can be in MN!) It's so relaxing, and can be really cheap! We found the perfect spot in Maple Grove at the Elm Creek Park Reserve's Swimming pond. It is a clorinated man-made pond with sand all around. It is smaller, but it is nice, and I like the lake effect with the treated water! They have changing rooms, a rinse station, and a snack booth. There are lifeguards on duty every day from noon to 8pm. There are huge umbrella shelters there to lay out under so you don't have to bring your own.

Cost: $3 per person, per day OR you can get a season pass for a family of 4 for $20! Just going two times more than pays for the season pass, so that is what we did. We have been there 5 times already, so it was so worth it! Parking is ample, and free.
This particular beach has water bottles that you can buy for $1 as well, and if you bring them back, they will refill with water for free, anytime. So, that was a good buy as well.

We may not be by the ocean or a huge lake, but the kids still have fun in the sand and water, and we still can relax on the sand under the shade. Bring a picnic, and you couldn't ask for a more perfect day!


Season pass for beach....$20. Making for PB&J's....$5. A whole day in the sand and sun with family....priceless!

The Drive in is open again!

YAY, YAY, YAY! The drive in is open again for the season every night!
Lake Elmo, right off 94 and Manning Dr.
www.valihi.com

Admission: $8 for adults and $1 for kids 5-12. Under 5 is still free!

Admission good for three movies!!

Food is cheap or you can bring your own, and movies start at dusk. Get there early though as there is always a line!

Still try....

So I called our cell phone company last week and threatened to leave them. I had absolutely no desire to leave them, but just wanted to toss that out there and see what they would say. They immediatly transferred me to their customer loyalty department who started going through our plan and additional services with a fine tooth comb. It became tricky because I have the bill so skimmed already that there really was no where else to cut corners, but lo and behold they found a way! We each have $30.00 data plans on our phones and I was able to get those whiddled down to $20 for life. Pretty awesome, considering everything else they have have already cut for me!
So okay, I know it's only a $20 savings per month, but it's enough to pay the life insurance preiums for the kids every month AND have enough left over for a cup of coffee!
Lesson to be learned: Even if you think there is nothing that can be done, still try. You just never know!

Our cell phone bill is still crazy if you ask me, but considering that we have 5 lines, an unpublished 1800 minute plan at a great rate, unlimited texting on all lines and 2 unlimited internet plans all for $160 a month when all of that SHOULD be $210, then I guess I feel pretty good!