New Adventures!

     As many of you know, at the beginning of this year, my hubby was offered a great job requiring us to move to the Seattle area.  After lots of praying and many tears, we decided taking the job and moving would be the right decision for us.  So here we are, five months later, living in the South Puget Sound area.  I have struggled since the move with how to handle this blog.  I am no longer Surviving in Arizona, but I have had a hard time letting go of my Arizona life.
     This week, I decided it was time to embrace the "New Adventures" God has placed before us and part of that is signing off of this blog.  So, this will be my last post on Surviving This Arizona Economy.  I started this blog while we were in the midst of job loss and I felt there were a great many people who were in the boat with us.  I thought it would be great to write about all the ways I learned to save money.  Although our job situation has changed greatly, we are still picking up the pieces four years of financial turmoil caused and I still LOVE to save money on everything!
     Over the last four years, I have learned A WHOLE LOT about how to get the things we want and need for much less than "ticket price" and I do not want to stop sharing tips, discounts and little quips about life here at Mayhem Manor (I decided to name our house a few years ago and this fit perfectly)!  I feel like the "Surviving" time of our life has ended (for the moment) and moving on to new things is a good step, so, I would love for you to follow me over to my new blog, Sound Savvy Mom.  At Sound Savvy Mom, I will share deals and discounts for both my Arizona friends and my new friends in the South Sound area!  I sure hope you will hop on over and follow me there!
     Thank you so much for all of your love and support and encouragement over the years!  You are a great bunch of readers and I look forward to hearing hearing from you soon!

Spicey Savings

     I was excited last week to make a great discovery.  Spices in the Winco, Bulk Foods area!!  Now this may not sound like a super exciting find to everyone, however, I have said many times, saving little bits of money here and there is what really begins to make a difference on your bottom line.  Spices have always annoyed me.  You spend $5.00 and get 2 oz...that is $40 per lb.  We would not pay that for anything! 
    When we moved to Washington, we were not allowed to bring any food with us, so I am starting with no spices once again.  It can be a huge expense to restock your spice shelf.  To my surprise, the spices in the Winco bulk section are very, very well priced and they have a whole shelf of various spices.  The best part?  The average cost for 2 oz was $0.25.  Yes, you read that right, twenty-five cents for 2 oz!  I bought garlic powder, rosemary, tumric, oregano, crushed red pepper, thyme and a few others and spent $1.18.  CRAZY!  That comes to only $2 per pound.  That is a 95% savings!

     The only downside is you have to put the spices in little baggies instead of those fancy jars.  They do sell little spice jars for $0.99 each. I will probably start picking up one on each visit or, you can just refill the empty spice jars you have, as I did with my garlic powder. Go check it out today!

Disney on Ice Winner is...

Sean B.!!  Congratulations Sean, you have won four tickets to Disney on Ice Treasure Trove on Thursday, April 11th!  I will email you with details on how to pick up your tickets! 

Thank you everyone for reading and entering!  Check back again for more giveaways!

Disney On Ice Treasure Trove

     Happy Spring Everyone!  It is that exciting time of year again...Disney on Ice is coming to Phoenix and I have a discount code for you and 4 tickets to give away for Opening Night!  To enter my drawing for the 4 tickets, simply comment on this blog with your favorite Disney Movie of all time!!  Also, send me a message with your contact information!  I will do the drawing on Friday, April 6th!

Feld Entertainment’s New Ice Spectacular

Celebrating the Legacy of Disney’s Classic Animated Films

Skates into the US Airways Center April 11 – 14, 2013

WHEN:           April 11 – 14, 2013

Thursday, April 11      7:00 PM

Friday, April 12           10:30 AM & 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 13       11:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 14         1:00 PM + Spanish Language Performance at 4:30 PM

WHERE:        US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

PRICES:         Ticket prices range from $18, $24, $40 (VIP) and $58 (Front Row)

                        Opening Night seats available for only 50% off (discount does not apply to premium seating)

                                **All seats reserved; service charges and handling fees may apply

  

Audiences will discover endless riches when an extraordinary lineup of stories from the Disney Vault come to life for the ultimate Disney animation celebration in Phoenix with the new production, Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove.  Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular spanning tales from the first full-length animated film to the 50^th Disney film, coming to the US Airways Center from April 11 – 14, 2013.  Tickets are now on sale and available to purchase through the US Airways Center Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. 

Use Discount Code PUMBA for $5 off each ticket!  

·         Good on all shows

·         Not valid on VIP or Front Row Seating

·         No double discounts

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided  with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Firebird Raceway Final Event Winner is...

     Congratulations Sonya S., you have won the four tickets to the Firebird Raceway Final Event.  I hope your sweet boy will enjoy a fun day watching the Monster Truck and Robosaurus!  I will send you an email with instructions on where to pick up your tickets!

Stars Wars DaGeDar Winner!

     Janene, you have won the new DaGeDar toys!  I will be sending you a message today!  Congratulations and thanks for entering!

Firebird Raceway Final Event Discount

     If you have lived in the Phoenix area long, you are quite familiar with Firebird Raceway.  For 30 years, Firebird has brought an array of fun events for auto lovers in the Valley.  April of this year, however, will mark Firebird's final event and you are all invited! 

NAPA AUTOPARTS FIREBIRD FINAL EVENT SPECTACULAR, PRESENTED BY THE ARIZONA FORD DEALERS

Event to feature Monster Trucks, Robosaurus™, Jet Dragsters, Funny Cars and an Interactive Kids Zone

      The event will take place on Saturday, March 30th, gates open at 4 pm with a Pit Party from 4:30-6:00 pm and the Main Event starts at 6 pm.  This is sure to be a great time for the whole family, you won't want to miss it, just check out that huge Robosaurus!

     Tickets are on sale now.  Regular priced, adult tickets are $25 each and children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.  I have been given a special discount to offer my readers of  $10 off each adult ticket!  That is a huge!!  Just follow these instructions to purchase your tickets online here!

 

Step 1: Select your tickets through the link below, you may choose either pit side or spectator side, general admission or reserved 

Step 2: Click "Apply Discount" to your tickets in your shopping cart and enter "MOMMYSAURUS" in the discount box 

Step 3: Select "$10 off Ticket" from the drop down menu and click "change discount".

Remember to apply the discount for EACH of your Adult tickets!

    I have also been given four tickets to give away!  Just leave a comment on this post and you will be entered into a drawing for the tickets!  I will do the drawing on Saturday, March 23rd, so don't wait!  Searching online for discounts to events like this are one of my favorite ways to Survive In This Economy!

Make sure to check back on Saturday to see if you have won.  I will need names and contact information for my winners!

 

Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove Big Disount!

    Hello all my Disney on Ice lovers!!  I received an exciting discount to share with you and it is the best one yet!! Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove is coming to Phoenix, April 11-14 and you have the chance to get tickets at 50% off!  Yes, I said it, 50%!!  Woo hoo!

   
     For one day only, Friday, March 22nd, you can take a brand new school supply to the US Airways Center and receive the opportunity to purchase tickets at 50% off.  The deal begins at noon, ends at 1:30 p.m. and is limited to 50 tickets, per performance, with a limit of 4 tickets per person (not valid on Front Row or VIP seating).  Once the limit is reached, you will still be able to purchase tickets with a $5.00 discount (not valid on Front Row or VIP seating).
     The school supplies will got to the childre of Children First Academy.  The children attending Children First Academy are homeless or living below the poverty line here in Phoenix.  Let's use this opportunity to serve, bless and bestow treasures on these precious kids! Go to the store and put together a bag of supplies and head to US Airways Center on the 22nd to get your tickets!  What better way to enjoy Disney On Ice?!!

DaGeDar® Star Wars®

     Hey everyone, we were fortunate enough to be chosen, to try a grea,t new toy called, DaGeDar®Star Wars® and we want to share it with you!  Cepia, the makers of ZhuZhuPets and the original DaGeDar have created an exciting new line, combining the excitement of DaGeDar with Star Wars.  What kid is not going to love this??  
     The DaGeDar®Star Wars® Racers are each a Star Wars character and when placed on the special Decoder, using RFID Technology, players can experience BOTH authentic Star Wars sounds, AND special animated videos!  There is a great track where kids can race someone with the Force against someone from the Darkside to see who wins.  My seven year old, J, and his cousin, B, can not get enough!  They absolutely love the characters and the sounds they make and race over and over to see who is going to win!
     The DaGeDar®Star Wars® line is not out in full force just yet.  However, I have two Dag Racers and a Decoder to give away to one lucky reader.  Also, ToysRUs has been given a limited amount of product here in the Phoenix area ahead of the release.  There will be themed track sets, audio and video decoders, special accessories, collector carrying cases, and of course, 100 collectable Dag Racer characters.  You can see our giveaway below.

 

     If you would like to be entered to win this Decoder, and two Dag Racers, Anakin and Darth Maul, just leave a comment on this post.  Tell me which Star Wars character is your little guy's favorite!  I will be doing the drawing Saturday morning, so make sure to check back and see if you are the winner!  I will need your mailing address if you are the winner!

Buckeye Air Fair 2013

     Are you looking for something interesting to do this weekend?  I stumbled upon this cool event and thought I would share.  The Buckeye Air Fair is happening this Saturday from 9am- 3pm at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Rd, Buckeye AZ 85326 .  If you have kids who are fascinated by planes, this looks like a great opportunity to see them up close!  The Air Fair is sure to be a lot of fun for the whole family and the weather will be perfect this weekend!

   
     The event will showcase more than 50 aircraft and will include flyovers and 72 vendors.  You can see over 20 World War II aircraft and vehicles and there will be plenty of activities.  A car show, hot air balloon rides, as well as bounce houses, a treasure hunt and face painting.  You can also enjoy a Science and Technology Expo with presentations by the Lowell Observatory, Challenger Space Center and many others.  The best part, admission and parking are free!!  Some activities do have a fee, but those are optional!  So, pack some snacks or a lunch and head west!  Check out the website for more information, Buckeye Air Fair.  Let me know if you go!

Picture used is from The Buckeye Air Fair website!

What's In The Oven?

     One of the unpleasant things about being self-employed is the irregularity of your income.  Now, do not misunderstand me, I love being self-employed for a ton of reasons, but January, February and March are extremely slow, slow months in a business that is dependent on weddings.  Therefore, we are having a tight few months in our house.
      Although I do not like watching every penny, every day...I have to admit, I do kind of like the challenge of making it all work with limited funds.  One of my favorite things to do is look through a mostly empty kitchen, make a short list of foods I have and then get online and look for tasty recipes!  I have found this year so far, at least three new favorites for my family this way.  One such recipe is what I simply call Onion Chicken (I found a base recipe and adapted it).  The first time I made this, my kids were ALLLLLL complaining, but after their first bites, all were happy...my seven year old, J, looked up at me and said in a breathy voice, "Thank you mom."  First time ever!  So here it is, let me know how your family responds.

Erin's Onion Chicken

1 stick of margarine melted
1 tbs of worstershire sauce
1 container of french's fried onions crushed
1 tbs of garlic powder
1 tbs ground pepper
1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix margarine and worstershire in one bowl, mix onions, garlic and pepper in a 2nd bowl.  Dip chicken in margarine first, then in onions.  Put in baking dish, cover remaining onions and margarine over chicken and bake covered at 375 for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for an addition 10 minutes.  Make sure chicken is cooked through.  Serve with rice or potatoes and your favorite veggies.

Cooking what we have in the house and staying out of the stores is a great way to save money...I maintain my thought, it is all about the little bit we save here and there!

NHRA Winners

     I am happy to announce that Kristin W. and Doug E. have each won 2 tickets to the NHRA Arizona Nationals for this Sunday!!  Woo hoo!  Have a great time!

2013 NHRA Arizona Nationals Ticket Giveaway

     Good morning!  I have tickets for the NHRA Arizona Nationals to give away to one of my readers!  If you are interested in attending these races on Sunday, February 24th, just become a follower and comment on this post.   Tickets are general admission and every ticket includes a pit pass.  Also, kids 12 and under get in free with each adult ticket!  It is sure to be a great day!   Check out my original post  which includes a discount for the event!  I will draw a name from those who comment on Thursday!

Drag Racing Anyone??

The NHRA Arizona Nationals is returning to Arizona, February 22nd - 24th at Firebird International Raceway!  Pro qualifying begins on Friday, Feb. 22 with sessions scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Feb. 23 at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. This promises to be an exciting day the whole family can enjoy!  Kids 12 & under are free to all general admission areas, every ticket is a pit pass, there is a big midway and kid zone! This promises to be an exciting day the whole family can enjoy! 

 

I have been given a GREAT discount for this event!  Tickets can be purchased for $10 off with the code MOMNHRA13 at www.FirebirdRaceway.com.  Check back on Sunday, I have tickets to give away!!

Disney On Ice-This is the Week!

     What an exciting week!!  The brand new Disney on Ice show will be in Phoenix this week!  It looks like a fabulous show and we are so excited to see it!  My five year old (E) ran in to get her older sister when she saw the commercial today...Rapunzel is sure to make many little girls happy!  Check out my post here for a great discount and get your tickets today!!

Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream!

     With January comes the excitement of Disney on Ice!  I cannot say enough good things about this incredible show and this year it is a new one:  Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream!  The show is FABULOUS and features scenes from Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Cinderella.  You do not want to miss this one!

     The show will be in Phoenix January 9-13, 2013 at US Airways Center, and I am able to offer you a great discount!  The code is good for $5 off tickets (excluding VIP and Front Row Seats, no double discounts).  Use the offer code RAPUNZEL to redeem this offer at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.  Let me know if you go to the show!  I would love to have one of my readers write a review as a guest blogger!

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided  with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.