Weekday Wacky Specials and Happy Hours

If this week calls for Happy Hour then you’ve come to the right place! Going out for a drink or some food can get expensive, but when you do proper research to find restaurants that offer specials and Happy Hours you can save a buck (or two or three!)  Restaurants often don’t do as much business on the weekdays so more and more restaurants are offering specials and extending Happy Hours to bring in the crowd.  A lot of other places are also throwing entertainment into the mix as well, such as running trivia nights or Karaoke.  Anyone have a karaoke go to song?  I’d love to hear it below. I used to live in Farmington, and still will head back to visit two of my favorite places for week night specials.  Basement Burger Bar, in downtown Farmington, and Peterlin’s about a mile away from downtown at 9 mile and Farmington Road.  (I only live in Walled Lake now, so I guess it’s really not that far, haha)  I’ve attached the links to both restaurants week night specials and events, personally I’d have to say my favorite would be Basement Burgers Bar’s amazing deals on Monday night. Half off draft beers, appetizers and Trivia night, AWESOME! Also, they offer Happy Hour everyday from 3pm-6pm.  Check out all the deals here http://basementburgerbar.com/home/specials/

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Wednesday night is also a personal favorite of mine at Peterlin’s my mom and I and some family friends of ours like to go as it is BOGO appetizers as well as Happy Hour drink deals all day long!  Normal Happy Hour is also served everyday in between 3pm-6pm.  Check out all the deals here http://peterlins.com/specials/

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Happy Hours usually run at most places from 3pm-6pm or 3pm-7pm, perfect for going out after work to grab a drink with a friend, coworkers or a significant other.  A lot of people run into the problem of not getting off work in time for Happy Hour (which is sometimes me!).  Don’t fret, there are also places that offer Happy Hour deals “late night” usually starting after 9pm.  Applebee’s has all of their appetizers ½ off after 9pm as well as drink specials!  (and bonus, going back on a previous blog post, Wednesday is girls night, grab some ladies and get some drinks, wait until after 9 and get some cheap appetizers too!)

Bennigan’s also has multiple $3 and $4 appetizers and mixed and specialty drinks under $5 after 9pm.  I went with a friend once and we ordered 3 appetizers and each had 4 drinks (liquor drinks, not beer!) and our tab was $20, I was shocked!

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So grab a friend, or two or anyone that likes a good deal for that matter and hit up  Happy Hour or weeknight special deals!! Enjoy drinks and food on a budget, a (1/2 off at Basement Burger Bar on Mondays) Beer Budget! =)

Cheap Date Night Ideas

When I told my boyfriend that this week’s blog was about cheap date night ideas the first words that came out of his mouth were “so does that mean we have to go on a date?”  I love doing research for my blog, thanks babe!  Dating can be a real money pit these days if you’re ‘too proud’ to use a coupon or search for a cheap deal.  There are SO many deals out there for restaurants and dining it would be silly to frequent expensive places that were already overpriced.  I do understand that we can’t give up those places all together, especially for special occasions, but that’s why saving your money and budgeting other dates is important.  There are also a number of date night ideas that are practically free, my favorite! I love saving money, but I also love having fun.  Tonight my boyfriend and I are having a Halloween themed date night and it’s not even going to cost us $10! He was relieved to find out that doing research for my blog wasn’t going to cost him an arm a leg… he obviously hasn’t read my blog or been listening to me when I have told him what it’s about :P.  The agenda for tomorrow includes carving pumpkins, renting a scary movie, making some homemade popcorn and getting spooky! (too cheesy? Haha).  There are a number of websites that offer free carving printouts for pumpkins, simply go to your favorite search engine and type ‘free pumpkin carving patterns’.  Carving pumpkins brings back the kid in all of us, and I can’t wait.  I’ll post some pictures on my FB Fan Page once we’re done and you can let me know what you think. 

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TIP: when renting movies, especially ones that have been out for a while visit your nearest Red Box.  Movies are less the $1.50 a night, which is much cheaper than the $5 or $6 you will spend from renting On Demand.  If you rent a movie a week for a year straight you can save around $235 by using Red Box!! Red Box also sends coupons to people that have used it before for $0.50 off rentals, buy one get one free and sometimes even free rentals.  You can take that money and go on a REALLY nice date for your next anniversary.  

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Some other free to inexpensive date ideas can include:

·         Pick a television series you’ve both always wanted to watch, and WATCH IT! Get some of your favorite snacks together, put on some comfy clothes and make a weekend out of it.  Of course it’s going to take longer than a weekend, but it can lead to filling up multiple free nights in the future together.  Currently my boyfriend and I have started Breaking Bad.  We didn’t even have to rent the DVD’s because I DVR’ed all of the episodes during the Breaking Bad marathon. We’re only on season 2, so no spoilers please!

·         Go to the park or for a walk.  With fall upon us and the leaves changing going for a walk can be a beautiful surprise, take a camera and bring your gloves and enjoy an afternoon of the outdoors.  Maybe you can even find some leaf piles to jump in!

·         Pack a picnic and go to the beach.  Although you have to wait until next summer for this one, add it to your list of things to do! A day at the beach with your man can be relaxing, fun and exciting all at the same time. 

·         Build a snow fort together and have a snow ball fight! As much as I hate to admit it, winter is coming and the snow will be here before we know it.  Instead of staying all cooped up inside go get silly with your man outdoors.   Build a snow fort/shelter anything to keep you safe from all the snowballs that are about to pelt you.  Make sure before starting the fight some ground rules are verbalized, otherwise this one could turn out with some bruises.  Make sure to keep it relaxed and fun (If you’re boyfriend or husband is some type of athlete that involves a lot of throwing I would probably sit this one out, lol).

·         Find a Groupon to a local sports bar/pub or café.  Most Groupons are offered at about 50% off face value, when you’re talking about going to a restaurant that already charges anywhere from $6-$10 for a meal you can go out and get a decent meal and drinks for less than $20! As you all know by now… I LOVE Groupon. 

·         Create a scavenger hunt of some sort and find another couple to do it with.  Scavenger hunts can be a blast, and the best part they are FREE.  The only thing you will have to pay for is the gas money you use by driving around to complete the tasks.  The more the merrier for scavenger hunts, grab some friends and turn it into a competition.  Loser buys a round a drinks afterwards!! 

 Below I’ve found a couple current deals online (Groupon) that would be great date night ideas. 

Remember, date night doesn’t have to empty your pockets fellas.  Doing some research online for coupons, or getting creative can save you tons of money on your future date nights!

Frugal Girls Night

I’m always living for the weekend, especially after a long work week.  The weekend is when I can finally get stuff done around the house, see friends, relax and sleep in! I love getting some nice rest after a restless 5 days of hard work.  The best part about the weekends can be a fun night out with friends, and the best laughs happen with girl’s night.  It’s not often that I get to see all my closest girl friends, but when it is we like to do it in style.  We’re all working as well as going back to school to further our education, which is very expensive.  My girls and I love to save money while doing our partying

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Some great nearly free ideas for a great girls night can include game night and cheap wine.  Barefoot wines are quite delicious and always offered at a low price at your local grocery store! The normal price is $6 a bottle, but they have it on sale at Kroger for $5 pretty often.  There are a number of free game apps that can be downloaded via the app store on your Smart phone.  Just last weekend my friends and I played a game mimicking Taboo for hours on end and I haven’t laughed that hard in months.  Some other cheap ideas would be catching up on a TV show you all enjoy together or renting a good chick flick.  

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Now for the fun stuff: Getting dolled up, putting on those cute jeans you’ve been hiding at the bottom of your drawer, putting on your favorite lipstick and heading out on the town.  Below are a few great deals for some places to go on girl’s night! 

 You can save up to 60%!!

Going out can get expensive but finding sites such as Groupon and Restaurant.com can be a money saver!  Also keep in mind most restaurants have Happy Hour specials from 4-6/7 and after 9pm every night.  Be sure to always ask your server about any specials before ordering. 

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Post about your great Girls Night out adventures.  Boys, post any questions you’ve always been dying to know about girls night and I’ll answer :P

Girls, need a cute outfit for the night out?! Post and I will forward you a $25 off $75 off coupon for Express, only good this weekend!

Fabuless Fall Finds and Fun

The season is upon us to cuddle up on the couch in our sweaters and watch the TV Fall lineup: The Voice anyone?!  Sooner than later Winter will be here, and unfortunately snow will be falling.  Until then we get to enjoy the beautiful season of FALL!! The leaves are changing and Halloween is just around the corner.  Being a first time homeowner and paying out of pocket for my Masters I don’t have much extra money for fun, so I’m hoping to share some of my frugal Fall finds with all of you.  My mom taught me well to never buy something at full price, and I have learned that you can buy almost anything at a bargain and still be satisfied! I’m a sucker for spending money, but have learned how to stretch my paycheck and live on a budget.  I hope you can all enjoy some Fabuless Fall finds I found. 

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Groupon has been a life saver for me, if you haven’t checked it out I highly recommend you do! They have all types of deals including clothing deals for every season. I found these cute boots for almost 70% off! I suggest looking around as there were many other boot choices, but don’t wait too long, Groupon only has a limited stock of certain items and things sell out fast.   

Homework I’m giving all of you. Sign on Groupon.com and try and tell me there isn’t one thing on there you can’t find to buy! And if you want to get $10 towards your first Groupon just enter my email and say I referred you.  I will be eternally grateful for the small reward I get too!! Kristen.m.stahl@gmail.com

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Another big part of fall besides just the clothing is the Holiday that falls at the end of October, Halloween!! It gives us all a chance to dress up scary, or like goofs and not be ourselves for a day.  Check out this sweet Groupon deal for 50% off Halloween costumes!

And no, you don’t have to look as serious in your Superman outfit as this kid does.  Another great frugal idea is making your own costume. JoAnn Fabrics and Michael's often offer coupons for 15-20% off in the Sunday paper ads or by signing up for their loyalty programs.  Making your own costume not only can save you money, but can be entertaining and keep you busy on a fun fall project!  What was your favorite Halloween costume growing up? Feel free to share below.

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And lastly, this one doesn’t need much commentary; check out livingsocial.com for multiple deals on Haunted Houses, Murder Mystery dinners, and Horror type shows throughout the end of October.  Most deals are at least 50% off like the one I found below to this Haunted House in Pontiac.  Tickets are normally $60 and are offered at $30 with this great deal.

Thank you all for reading my first ever blog post! Share your thoughts and your own Fall deals below!