Show and Tell Tuesday: Steal and Splurge

I always loved a good "Show and Tell" in kindergarten, so I'm pleased as a peach to link up with Andrea at Momfessionals for Show and Tell Tuesday to share a few ways this household does a STEAL and a SPLURGE.

We are by no means couponing people. I tried. I really did. I watched multiple episodes of "Extreme Coupling" and became inspired. But it's just not something I want to put the effort or brain power into. My hats are off to those who do it, and do it well. We try to save in other areas. These are the STEALS.

We buy Broadway tickets at half price.

Living close to the city allows us the opportunity to ride in within an hour, do something fun, and get out before it's too late. We decided we would try to see a few shows when we got married, but these shows aren't for the ones who don't want to spend a little cash. A friend of mine told me all about Broadway Week and half price tickets. They do one in the Fall and one in the Winter. There may be a few more, but I'm not certain. We were able to see Wicked in September and will see Dear Evan Hansen in a few weeks for less than $150 for two tickets. Broadway needs to keep the income high, so they run these specials when people are naturally coming to the city in masses. Word to the wise - Plan a trip to the Apple accordingly.

We stalk out plane tickets.

We travel quite a bit because our families don't live close by - so either I'm buying tickets for us, or I'm helping them scope out the greatest deals. Kayak offers a great service of helping you know just the right time to buy a flight. (This is also my own opinion.) I usually start looking about 9 weeks out from my trip to know when to strike. The best time is between Monday night and Thursday night around 7-8 weeks out.

We use the Old Navy card to buy largish purchases.

We don't typically buy anything on credit. It's just easier to go ahead and pay it out. However, I found the Old Navy card does a few great Rewards stints throughout the year. I try to maximize my larger purchases with this card - flights, hotels, play tickets etc-- so I can earn "bucks" back. After Christmas I was able to buy two pair of jeans without paying a dime. Hello!?! It can't get much easier than that.

I started using SwagBucks.

Insert an eye-roll years ago. I used to think I didn't have time for this. BUT I search the Internet for anything and EVERYTHING. Why wouldn't I take the opportunity to earn SwagBucks while I search the Internet. Fellow blogger Bailey introduced me to this on her blog. Basically you earn SwagBucks by making your normal online purchase through their site. You get a percentage back and your bucks add up. You can turn those into useful gift cards to make your normal purchases. How easy and fantastic is that?! You can use my referral link: here to start your own account. (I do get a bonus of 10% of your SB purchases towards my own SB account.) Let the fun begin!

And this... this is where we SPLURGE.

I am a Loft girl. 

For the most part, I like to buy my stuff at Loft. I use my Old Navy bucks for the occasional trendy piece that can fit into my wardrobe. But Loft provides the basics that will last a lifetime. Maybe not a lifetime, but you know. It's all about the quality.

We like to travel.

We like to splurge by traveling and taking in all the opportunities around us. This past year we were able to go to Disney World, Niagara Falls, Boston, South Carolina and Tennessee. We pretty much did some of the cheaper options at each place but also took part in military discounts. The splurge is that we get to travel often!

We are starting to eat more natural products and organic meats.

Because I don't want to put a picture of organic chicken on here, these meats are big splurges. After the cyst situation of 2016, I decided to incorporate more wholesome eating into our diet. Yes, it does cost more, but I'm hoping (and I know) it will make an impact on our overall well-being.

I'm sure there are more ways we Splurge and Save/Steal but for now.. the laundry is calling. Happy Tuesday!