Why not another blog? It's for a good cause...

After ranting yesterday, mainly on Facebook, I decided to create a new blog.  What was I ranting about? Go to my new blog to find out... http://mailboxtoybox.blogspot.com/

May 24? 2011 Field Trip to Taffy Town and Temple Square

Sorry I've been slacking. Trying to catch up.

A few weeks ago we went on a field trip with my mom and uncle. I drove the van and pretended it was a school bus. Hee hee hee.We decided to check out Taffy Town. We watched a little video about how they make taffy and the company's history. If I remember correctly, honey was their first taffy flavor and their most popular. They used to be a candy company named Glade. Now they just make taffy. They do however sell a few other candies and I scored me some Dr. Pepper Jelly Bellys. YUM!!! We went home with all kinds of fun taffy flavors: honey, maple, strawberry cheesecake, cherry cola, rootbeer float and many more. We also got to sample some fudge.

After Taffy Town we decided to go to the Beehive House. I knew I'd heard of it, but I wasn't sure what exactly it was. Well, it was Brigham Young's home. Silly me. I didn't take any pictures there, sorry. But you can check it out here. What's cool though is that on our family vacation in 2010, we stopped in St. George and saw his Winter Quarters. 

It was really pretty walking through Temple Square and seeing the changes of Spring. There were flowers everywhere. Some I hadn't ever seen before.

Tristan was so excited to see a butterfly. She said she'd never seen one before. (I'm sure she's just forgotten)

On our way to the Beehive House, we were stopped and asked if we'd like to participate in something for the church. (yes THE church, lol) We were to write down things about hope on a little piece of paper. Then we had our picture taken with what we had written. We *might* end up in a little video on the internet. I'll let you know if we do.  If not, maybe I can at least hunt the guy down and get the picture he took.

We ended our field trip eating pizza at Papa John's. I hadn't had Papa John's pizza in a long time. When we lived in Florida we used to order it weekly.

I had a long drive home, so I had a yummy Rockstar. (one of the fruity guava ones) 

I shared it with my mom and she really liked it! 

I told her how they perk me up with all the B Vitamins.. and then I started talking a lot. 

Fun Day!  :)

Shop online and save money (guest post)

Save Money Shopping Online

One of the biggest pitfalls of successful budgeting involves splurge spending during shopping outings. We've all done it. Going to a store to pick up a few necessary items can lead to buying the latest trends in fashion or the much desired household items you've been eyeing. While this can be a lot of fun, it can also do major damage to our bank accounts and spending plans. If kicking the splurge spending habit just isn't a reasonable option, shopping online can really cut back on the costs of some of those highly desired items. These three tips will help you make the best of your online shopping experience.

Make a List

While this may sound silly for shopping online, having a list of the things you plan to get online can really help you shop more quickly and without distraction. Write down the things that you would like to find online and stick to getting only those items. At the bottom of the list write down what your budget is so that you won't overspend if you find something that is particularly grabbing. Keeping a shopping list helps you stay organized and keep track of the deals on various websites.

Shop Around

One of the biggest benefits of online shopping is the ability to shop around without having to leave your chair, couch, or bed. Go to several different websites and hunt for the best deal. There are numerous shopping websites out there. Some, however, have much better prices and offers than others. If you find an item that you like, bookmark the site and then search that specific product on other sites. Try to find the best deal. However, be wary of cheap initial prices on sites that hike up the shipping costs. They can be very sneaky. Don't spend too much time looking, but do look around a bit for a deal.

Utilizes Special Promotions

Perhaps the biggest perks of online shopping are the special promotions and deals that are offered. Even some of the most expensive and lavish stores offer web exclusive sales to individuals on their emailing list. If there are a few stores that you shop at regularly, sign up on their emailing list and receive promotional deals and coupons regularly. Of course, this can be an easy area to slip up in. Don't make the mistake of using every coupon that you are offered just because it is a deal. Use only the coupons and sales that are useful for you. Don't waste your money on something you don't need just because it is cheaper than it should be. Using online promotions is a great way to save some money and still pamper yourself just a little.

Online shopping is often looked down upon by the traditional budgeter. Find ways to make online shopping work for you. Save time and save money.

By-line:
Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online degrees.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.