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Attractions Books for $15 or $20 each

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Attractions Books for $15 or $20 each

Photograph Credit: Attractions Dining and Value Guide

In finishing our Scheduling 2014 series yesterday, we focused on feeding our families. One fabulous find for our family has been our Attractions Dining and Value Guide.

In October of 2013, I paid $20 and purchased the 2013 Attractions book and received the 2014 Attractions book for FREE.

Having never used these books, I wanted to try them out. Well, I’m impressed. The book contains high valued coupons for a combined savings over $6,000.

Last year, we used coupons for FREE pizza, FREE meals, FREE desserts, and FREE entertainment. Though we did not use half of the coupons in the 2013 book, I definitely saved more than $20 on the savings used.

Each book is designed for your local area in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina with all offers valid until December 31, 2014. The coupons include places for formal dining, casual dining, informal dining, and fun. In addition to the coupons within the book, you can register your book online for additional savings.

While supplies last, all Attraction books are $5 off their regular price. As the books are either $20 or $25 depending on your area, you can purchase Attractions books for $15 or $20 each. When we purchased ours, I purchased a second set for my in-laws as these books make great gifts.

We keep our book in our vehicle. I have found that when our plans change, I turn to these coupons to feed our family without paying full price. These options are great for date nights, family nights, and going out with friends. We also enjoy trying new places, and having a coupon encourages our adventurous tendencies.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Attraction book, then check it out. You can even view the coupon savings before purchasing.

If you prefer ordering over the phone, call 1-800-897-1004, and the representative can answer any questions prior to purchasing. Happy savings while using time wisely with those you love!

Question: Do you use the Attractions books?

Chick-fil-A: Calendar Card

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Chick-fil-A: Calendar Card Last year, our family purchased a Chick-fil-A calendar for $6 and then received another calendar as a Christmas gift from a neighbor.

As Paul and I carried our cards and used them each month when we visited Chick-fil-A, we found the cards a great addition for our family.

This year, we purchased 4 calendars at $6 each which will save us all year long. When we combine a FREE family activity using our current membership with our Chick-fil-A calendar card freebies, we stretch our dollars and extend our family activity into a meal or snack.

For the details, each calendar card, located inside a plastic packet on the front page of each calendar, needs to be activated. Since we have 8-10 different e-mail accounts, we did not have an issue using a different e-mail address for each card.

Also, the monthly freebie is only good from the start of that month until the end of that month. So, the January offer of a FREE medium bowl of soup is valid from January 1 – 31, 2014.

We tried the chicken tortilla soup and found it a bit spicy. Now to clarify, our family does not care for fiery dishes, and the Chick-fil-A advertisements warn that it has a kick. We took a risk and tried it. It was good, but we needed part of a sandwich to squelch the sting. Yes, we are wimps when it comes to spice, but we make a mean mild chili. 😉

When we use the other 3 cards this month, we will opt for the Hearty Breast of Chicken soup as it will probably be more to our liking. Thankfully, most of the offers give customers a choice. The list of offers for the Chick-fil-A calendar card is as follows:

2014 Chick-fil-A Calendar Card Offers

        • January: Medium bowl of soup
        • February: Large waffle potato fries
        • March: Fan favorite classic entrée
        • April: Large Coca-Cola soft drink of your choice
        • May: Entrée salad of your choice
        • June: Mystery offer
        • July: Small hand-spun milkshake
        • August: Large Coca-Cola soft drink of your choice
        • September: Any breakfast entrée, plus large Coca-Cola soft drink of your choice
        • October: Large Coca-Cola soft drink of your choice
        • November: Mystery offer
        • December: Spicy chicken sandwich

This year, there are some different options. For example, the March fan favorite is via a vote. When registering each card, the cardholder gets one vote. At the time I voted, the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich was winning among 8-piece nuggets and 3-piece chicken strips.

Side Note: Ordering a 3-piece chicken strip entrée with 2 buttered and toasted buns will net you 2 Chick-fil-A sandwiches at about half the price. 😉

Another new option is the mystery offers. As Chick-fil-A communicates via the e-mail address provided at the time of registration, they will probably send information about that offer closer to that month.

For the FREE Coca-Cola drinks, most Chick-fil-A’s will give you whatever drink you want, even a sweet tea. 😉 If you prefer to swap out your offer for another, just ask. Some stores allow it while others do not.

As our family loves the family events at our local Chick-fil-A locations which include crafts, puppets, balloons, food, and games, we get much use out of our Chick-fil-A calendar cards. If you have your Chick-fil-A calendar card, be sure to register it, and then get your FREE bowl of soup on or before January 31, 2014. Happy savings!

Question: Have you tried the Chick-fil-A calendar card?

National Parks: FREE-Entrance Days in 2014

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National Parks: FREE-Entrance Days in 2013

Photograph Credit: National Parks

From hiking to a beautiful waterfall to exploring historical landmarks, a visit to a National Park makes for a wonderful family adventure.

If your family enjoys the great outdoors, then mark your calendar for the following National Parks FREE-entrance days in 2014:

  • January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • February 15-17: Presidents’ Day weekend
  • April 19-20: Opening weekend of National Park Week
  • August 25: National Park Service Birthday
  • September 27: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

Click here to find participating National Parks, organized by state. The first FREE-entrance day in 2014 begins this coming Monday. Enjoy a hike, picnic, or drive through your local National Park while using time wisely with your family and friends.

To find more family activities, visit Using Time Wisely’s event page on Facebook. Happy planning!

Weekend Activities for January 18-20, 2014

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Weekend Activities for January 18-20, 2014Coming off a week where Miss 6 has been struggling with a fever for the past 2 days, I am glad to have everyone home to get some rest this weekend.

Though we are limiting our outings, some of the available weekend activities for January 18-20, 2014, include the following:

Lakeshore Learning Store: FREE Soaring Skydivers

Each Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Stores offer a FREE craft project from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at participating locations. Soaring Skydivers is the FREE project for Saturday, January 18, 2014. The craft changes each week for children ages 3 and up, and no reservations are necessary.

Michaels: $2 Alien Foam Door Hanger

On January 18, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participating Michaels Craft Stores will reserve 30 minutes for your child to create an alien foam door hanger. Kids Club reservations are required with $2 fee and recommended for children ages 3 and up.

National Parks: Free Entrance Day

Participating National Parks will waive their entrance fees on Monday, January 20, 2014. With hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities available at National Parks, your family can learn something new, find a favorite picnic spot, and explore the outdoors.

Keep using time wisely this weekend. For those of you recovering from illnesses, may you get your rest, give yourself grace, and let your body heal.

Looking for other family weekend events? Check Using Time Wisely’s event page. While you are there, please “like” the page to stay updated. Have a great weekend!

Question: Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Einstein Bros Bagels: FREE Bagel on January 15, 2014

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Einstein Bros Bagels: FREE Bagel on January 15, 2014

Photograph Credit: Einstein Bros Bagels

Hopefully joining a friend or two, Miss 3 and I will enjoy a later breakfast or early snack at Einstein Bros Bagels with a FREE bagel on Wednesday, January 15 2014.

We have printed our coupons, and you can print or download yours from this link. You can either print the coupon or show it on your phone at a participating location.

This offer is ONLY available on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at participating locations for a FREE Thintastic bagel and shmear. Yum!

If you are near one of these locations, share this deal with a friend and enjoy the freebie while using time wisely. Happy choosing!