Dollar Days at Maryland Science Center

Our Brachiosaurus Buddy  (c) M. Ibrahim

At the risk of dealing with mobs of people, we decided to plow ahead and attempt Dollar Days at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.  For one weekend in December, Baltimore reduces the admission to many of it's museums and attractions to a dollar.  (Thanks to @worldtravelmom on Twitter for the reminder!)

Of course, The Frugal Writer has taken advantage of this deal before.  At the Aquarium one year, it was frenzied madness.  Port Discovery was also jam packed one year, and I had to get my heart out of my throat many times as I attempted to keep track of two preschoolers in the ensuing multilevel chaos.  No thanks....

This year, I decided to plot my course for the Maryland Science Center.  The third, red headed stepchild of the museum trio attracted me because:

1. There was no ticket sale limit, so I could go after church and not risk being denied admission.
2. Population levels would be less than the "more popular" aquarium and discovery siblings.  (My theory anyway).
3. The exhibit spaces are wider and you can take a more leisurely pace.
4. There is off-street parking nearby.

I was greatly rewarded for my efforts.  We all had a blast and there was something for everyone.  We didn't have to deal with the sold out crowds at the aquarium or losing body parts in Port Discovery.  The Kid's Room at the Science Center has an awesome water table and just enough manipulatives that rival Port Discovery without the mob scene or multilevel heart attack waiting to happen.  The pace was our own since you could spend as much or as little time in an exhibit area without being "herded" to the next spot.

The Water Table at MD Science Center

I was able to manuever a stroller comfortably, but was also able to ditch it in convenient parking spots, along with our cumbersome jackets, if need be.  Food was a non-issue as well and we were able to enjoy our own brown bag goodies in the cafe downstairs.  I did splurge on parking, since the streets were jam packed and it was cold.  I was appreciative of that big ticket expense later on when we ended up staying for three and a half hours.  I didn't have to worry about my car and the walk in blustery winds with three in tow was a snap.

In hindsight, I would have planned the trip a little better.  We spent so much time in Newton's Alley and the Dinosaur exhibit that we missed the Planetarium show and only had 20 minutes in the Kid's Room.  The kids didn't mind and there was plenty to see and do.  The pace was nice and unhurried, which was great since I could stop and nurse while the other two explored.  Crowd control was a non-issue, so my theory on population levels was correct even though there was actually a birthday party in session.

My budding scientists!

Of course, the kids want to come again.  And we will, on the next Dollar Days.  If this place gets too crowded, we may steal away to the Museum of Visionary Arts instead, which may prove to be another under-appreciated jewel in Baltimore.

5 Reasons Frugal Mamas Should get a Smartphone This Christmas

Think a smartphone is an unneeded luxury? The Frugal Writer thought so as well, until she received one as a birthday gift. (My previous flip phone was falling apart, too). Although I fought the urge to get a smartphone and pay the extra data plan charge, I have become a convert. Here are 5 ways that mom can save time and money juggling life with a smartphone. (Let’s face it, dad probably already has one, but these tips can apply to him as well.)

• Instant camera and video: This alone was the main reason I opted for the smartphone when replacing my phone. Mom no longer has to lament, “I wish I brought the camera..” or miss another Kodak moment. Even if you are terrible at taking pictures (like me!), the high resolution cameras available on phones these days makes almost any picture a good one. Those priceless memories are worth a few extra bucks for a data plan, especially if you have fast growing preschoolers.

• Using Online Coupons – Moms can use smartphones to generate serious savings for shopping and entertainment. My favorite internet coupon manager is Coupon Mom. You could use your laptop for these coupons, but nothing beats saving on the fly while you are at the store! Restaurants also provide coupons and you can search online with your phone to find deals while you are out. Ruby Tuesday has their “So Connected” program. Sign up with them and you’ll get legitimate coupons and discounts in your inbox. Think I’m kidding? Now, I never pay for a second entrée at Ruby Tuesdays because they gladly honor the coupons displayed on my smartphone. Which leads to #3….

• Manage your calendar, emails and address book right on your phone. Once you sync the phone to your computer, you can have access to your personal contact information and email with minimal effort. I sync my iPhone with Outlook, so I can manage my calendar and address book with either the phone or my computer and just sync the devices together. You can also sync email the same way, or access your internet based email (Google, Hotmail, etc) via the internet browser. Now, Mom can remember and confirm appointments, practice schedules and school closings with no problem. She also doesn’t have to carry around a bulky planner, calendar or address book. Let’s face it, even if you’re doing business in slippers and pajamas, you’ll impress folks with your organizational prowess.

• Fast and easy “scrapbooking” with zero guilt. The Cozi online calendar is accessible on the internet, using your phone’s mobile browser or app. Also, the calendar is private but can be accessed by family members and color coded by person so everyone can keep up with what’s going on. No time for scrapbooking? Cozi’s journaling feature is hard to beat. You can share milestones, photos, family memories and other news with a few taps on your smartphone. No more expensive scrapbooking supplies needed!
  

• Manage To Do’s like a pro with Intuition. This free iPhone app was designed by busy moms to help you customize and keep track of lists. While there is a bit of overlap with Cozi, the “nearby” feature in Intuition reminds Mom of things to do based on her location. That saves car trips and time. Pretty nifty…

My readers know I love a bargain, which is why I’m including a bonus reason (or #5 if you don't get an iPhone...):

• Streaming music with Pandora! Now you can stream all kinds of music based on your tastes with your smartphone. Plug in an AUX jack from your phone to your car speakers and you no longer need a satellite radio subscription or to remember your kid’s selection of favorite CDs. Pandora is available for free for most smartphones and streams music based on a favorite artist or song. The best thing is that you can be a hero for having such a great selection of children’s music and yet blame Pandora for not allowing you to repeat a song! Hee, hee…

Of course, there are a ton of things you can do with a smartphone, but these are my top uses. If you have other reasons why mom (or dad!) should have a smartphone this Christmas, please comment below!

Quick Tips: Save Time with Laundry

Place a magnet on the door of your dryer (or the top, if you have little ones) to remind yourself that there is a load of clothes drying. This eliminates the mystery of whether there are clothes in the dryer without having to open the door. If your washing machine does not have a glass window, this is also a helpful tip for identifying that clothes are in the washer. Now, you can quickly assess your laundry situation at a glance without having to open doors.

Quick Tips: Save Time in the Kitchen

Quick and Cheap Disinfecting

Did you know that a kitchen cleaning sponge is full of bacteria? Ironically, many folks use these bacteria laden tools for cleaning and keep swishing those germs around.

For a quick way to protect your family, rinse that sponge and pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes. While you are at it, use that hot sponge to wipe down the insides of that microwave. Baked in grime comes off easier and you'll now have a clean microwave and a lot less germs on that sponge. Just be sure to wear kitchen gloves when handling that hot sponge!

Remove Odors from Garbage Pail

A quick way to get odors out of that garbage can is to put a few drops of lavender essential oil in the can after it is emptied. A quick wipe with a paper towel spreads the lavender love and picks up bits of dust left over too.

Severna Park Patch

My concept of "Unworking" is becoming a reality. Don't get me wrong, when I left the "corporate world" to "stop working", I never did stop working. What I did do was to work on my own terms and I started with my own family.

I've never worked harder at anything since I've started a family. But now, the writing bug is kicking again in high gear. I'm pleased to be a feature writer for the newly launched Severna Park Patch.

You can also become a Fan of my Facebook page, The Frugal Writer, to keep up with my writing.

Regards,
Maribel
The Frugal Writer

Nescafé® Tasters Choice vs Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee

Well, the samples are in and my completely unscientific taste test has commenced. Nescafé is marketing their own brand of instant coffee to provide an affordable answer to the Starbucks VIA.

I made a cup of the Taster's Choice similar to the Starbucks, using half water and heavy on the steamed milk for optimum flavor. I also tried the hazelnut flavored Nescafe, when I probably should have stuck with the Columbian blend to compare apples to apples. Or, should I say, coffee to coffee. But I digress...

Does it pass the test? Is the Starbucks VIA just a bunch of hype? According to this frugal coffee drinker, the verdict is in. While the Taster's Choice does offer a different choice for instant, microbrewed single serve coffee, the delivery is lacking. It makes for a nice hot beverage, but lacks the firepower imbued in the VIA. Both drinks have a very smooth delivery, which is not typical of instant coffees, so they both represent an improvement. However, the VIA packed a lot of coffee flavor and the high octane energy boost to boot. After drinking the Taster's Choice, I was still dragging and felt like the extra hazelnut flavor replaced the missing coffee.

So there you have it. The Starbucks VIA is an instant coffee with a smooth delivery that really does pack a punch! Looks like you can believe the hype.

Pasadena Maryland Freecycle Meet and Greet

Another deal that I just stumbled upon.... it's happening TODAY, Saturday November 13th!!!!! Don't miss it!

Money Stretching Family: Pasadena Maryland Freecycle Annual Free For All & ...: "Come all, come one next Saturday to our annual Pasadena Freecycle Free For All and Meet and Greet. We hope to see you there!! TimeSaturday..."