Local Coupons, Big Savings – thanks to Six

“Move closer to your world, my friend, take a little bit of time…”

Am I the only one who remembers the words of the old channel six Action News theme song? Well, okay then. My age is showing.

But even the older generation appreciates a bargain, and thanks to Channel Six and Action News, there are several to be had in the Delaware Valley area. Click on this link to find a bevy of clickable coupons from our favorite ABC affiliate, including a $10 off Sesame Place coupon and another that offers a free McCafe coffee at McDonalds when you purchase a sandwich. So move closer to your world, my friends, and have a a closer grip on your wallet, thanks to our buddies at Channel Six!

Quoth The Raven: Cheap Cheap Cheap

Well, yesterday was Sunday, and I was planning to enjoy the Sabbath by playing some Wii or watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the kids.  But my husband came down with some sort of nasty stomach bug, so the kids and I decided to vacate the premises fast. (That was part self-preservation, part kindness…after all, any noise we made was annoying!)

But this isn’t a post about how men are babies when they’re not feeling good. No, it’s a post about what to do with a 12 year old and a six year old when you only have a twenty in your pocket and it’s already 2 pm (thanks to losing an hour, doncha know?).  It seemed like the choices were rather limited…

But before I left home I (quietly, as not to annoy) checked out the Web site of the National Park Service to see if I could find a Junior Ranger project to engage the kids.  And I found a great one – The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site at 7th and Spring Garden. We paid our $4 to cross the bridge and found the site – with free parking right across the street. You can’t beat that!

Admission was also free, as is the whole Junior Ranger program (which my brother, one of the world’s most thrifty men, turned me on to when he was visiting Philly with his two boys last spring). The kids received age-appropriate workbooks which they were to complete during their visit to the house. First up: an 8 minute movie about the life of Poe (in which my little one learned that she has the same first name as “Eddy’s” mother, which thrilled her so much she made us sit through the movie twice).

We also did a self-directed tour of the house, completed the project booklets in the “reading room” (which also had some audiobooks of Poe works) and followed a timeline of Poe’s life. We read about cultural references (the kids wanted me point out “Eddy” on the Sgt. Pepper album) and dug through an old fashioned truck to find personal items of the era. The kids got a certificate and a Junior Ranger badge upon completion of their booklets (also cheap – and a great souvenir of the day).

In fact, we still had enough money left to get ice cream….now if only I had my Baskin Robbins BOGO coupon with me.  But alas! We had to settle for cones….and a great day on the cheap.

Post Game Skate – Dollar Dogs!

It’s a big weekend for the Phantoms….on Friday, February 27, our favorite farm team will debut their third specialty jersey this season. It’s Spectrum-themed – in honor of their soon to be demolished home – and will be worn several times between now and the end of the season. You big spenders, take note: these special jerseys will be auctioned off after the April 5th game. Talk about instant collector items!

But there are still Phantoms deals to be had, even for us with minor league budgets. On Saturday, February 28, kids 14 and under can skate with their favorite Phantoms stars after the game. It’s also Dollar Dog Night, so mom and dad can munch on dogs while the kids are skating. It’s all good.

For real Phantoms fans (or fans of a good deal), check out the new three game deal. You get six lower level tickets (two for three games) for just $79 – and they throw in a voucher for a free Phantoms hat and T-shirt. No skating on thin ice here – just a solid deal and great hockey.

A Little Philly Love (Lots of Value Everywhere)

The good folks at The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) sent a long a bunch of bargains, which I’m going to be sharing with you in the next few posts/days. The good news is the latest campaign is all about Philly Love – that’s Lots of Value Everywhere – which, of course, is just what we need when trying to live big on a small budget.

Here’s a deal for visitors – the popular Philly Overnight Hotel Package is now even better, thanks to extra incentives connected with the LOVE campaign. The package still offers two nights at one of more than 30 great city hotels, including free parking (now that’s a deal!), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun teddy bear (which will save on buying a souvenir for the kiddies).

But now, 100 lucky hotel package buyers will receive the extra special honor of being named “Philly Guest of the Day.” These randomly-selected guests will receive a bunch of good stuff, including attraction and museum tickets, hotel upgrades and gift certificates. But hurry – this promotion ends on March 16.

Read more about the Overnight Hotel package – or book a getaway of your own – here.