Final Epic Mickey Countdown and a Disney Freebie

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Build Your Disney Side Decal

I love this freebie! We did one a while back but it's disappeared. You can create your own little vinyl decal family. I love the idea of making a cute picture frame with the decal and a picture from our Disney trip.

And if you didn't catch that...  we are totally COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL OUR DISNEY TRIP!

My husband and I were questioning if Disney really is the right way to celebrate our victory over debt because well, it is quite expensive to get there.

But after reviewing all the Disney on a Dime posts, I started to think that maybe we really could do it and stick to a budget and let's be honest, my husband is super excited. We are all super excited!

It was something he grew up doing with his family(I did not). I did, however, grow up on a budget. 

So we are going to Disneyland! 
We decided to even let the secret out to our littles so that there is no turning back.
(We had a little swim party to celebrate- hence the swim apparel)

These are snap shots from my phone- please excuse the blur... also caused by extremely excited children who wouldn't sit still long enough for a photo. LOL!

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To Disney or To NOT... feeling torn

Sooo... ya know 46 MONTHS later... and now seeing savings adding up.... My husband and I are feeling torn on whether we should actually spend a small fortune on a family Disney trip. 

Don't get me wrong. WE LOVE DISNEY. We love the rides, the yummy treats, seeing the characters, seeing our kids(and our own) excitement and the escape from reality. Disney really brings it all. We just DON'T love the price tag. 

I think that through those 46 months of pinching our pennies, something happened to us. WE CHANGED. We really do budget differently and we value what we have to work with SO much more now. We still have lots to learn but the feeling of dropping $2000-$3000 on a trip to Disney just isn't settling well with us. I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to Disney with many of the posts on how to do it on the cheap... but even on the cheap, you'll still be forking over a fair amount of moola. Aaanndd.let'sbehonest. If you are going to Disney you don't want to worry about finances while you are there. They've made it so magical and inviting and EXPENSIVE... that experiencing Disney the right way -in my opinion- is not having to worry about the $$ spent on yummy park treats and a couple souvenirs as well as not having to tote around a cooler for your meals... have I made my point yet? Of course, if you are willing to pinch your pennies for Disney, you may be able to go more than once too... could be worth it.

In short, Disney = spending a small fortune 

(or stressing over every expense while you are there)

There are sooo many other WAY less expensive options that could be just as memorable and enjoyable. The real kicker is that my husband works for an airline company and gets great flying benefits. My kids LOVE Hawaii... which would cost a third the amount of a Disney trip. We've never been to Legoland and my kids have asked many times to go there.Way less than Disney. We could even buy passports for our kids and go somewhere foreign. Less than Disney. We could almost do all three for the same amount as ONE Disney trip. 

In short again, Not going to Disney = New adventure elsewhere, more adventures elsewhere, AND more than likely saving money.

When ya lay it out like that, it's hard to choose Disney. Not that we won't ever go back but maybe right now is not the time for it? After all, we have kids ages 8, 6, 4, and 2. There would be a lot of missed rides and kids who may not remember it anyway and I'd most likely end up pushing the stroller around for hours with sleeping kids. Maybe it's all about timing here. Maybe when they are all old enough to ride it all! This year got a lot busier for my husband too. He's almost finished with his dreadful but fulfilling CPA exams(Hoping this time around we-yes we- are finished with the CPA exams chapter of life). He's a lot busier at work too which had influenced our travel dates anyway. We haven't decided to ditch Disney (for a couple more years) just yet. There are some other family factors I haven't mentioned but will you hate it if our Epic Mickey gets dusty.... really dusty? 

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Winter Getaway Deals!

Winter getaway deals

The groundhog declared an early spring, but you may need a break! I know I do! Save money on winter vacations when you use these coupons from BeFrugal:

·        Marriott coupon code: 20% off Marriott Vacation Club Resorts, expires 2/27. Plus get up to 6% cash back.

·        Dollar Rent A Car coupon code: 10% off any vehicle, expires 3/25. Plus get 1% cash back.

·        Luggage Guru coupon code: 22% off Samsonite luggage, expires soon. Plus get 6% cash back.

Cash back rates can change from day to day. These rates were valid 2/5/13. Join now for free and earn cash back when you shop!

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Be sure to enter these giveaways:

Shower In Style (LED lit Shower head)

$75 Pottery Barn GC Giveaway

Apple Ipad 2 Giveaway

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Who wants to go on Vacation HERE?!! ME ME!

I'm so ready for a vacation to a beautiful place like this! How nice of Living Social to get us a deal!?  Head to Florida Keys and stay here for only $111 a night! That's $40 savings EACH NIGHT! But forget the savings and just take in the views, make some memories!

Ok, reality hits, I can't go... but maybe YOU can! If so, enjoy it for me and send me a post card! 

It looks beautiful! And so exclusive!

How I love beaches!

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While you are here, be sure to enter these Giveaways:

Mickey Mouse Halloween Giveaway

Portare Bag Giveaway

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Travellers 3-Device Charging Station Set of 2 only $8.99

Just in case there are some who won't look at the last post because they don't need a new fan, I wanted to re-post this awesome deal on the charging station! Get two for only $8.99!! Normally $40 EACH! Although if this is all you are ordering, you will be paying $6.99 in shipping- so just remember that. 

If you go through Shop At Home you can get 6% cash back on this purchase too! 

If you are new to Shop At Home, you will receive an additional $5 credit just for signing up! 

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Take Me Back to Paradise! Hawaiian Hotel- 3 nights $390!

I so wish we could have used this deal on our trip... 

or even more, I wish we could take another trip back to Hawaii! :) It is so relaxing and wonderful! 

This is an AWESOME deal on a hotel in Lanai City, Hawaii. It normally costs $557 for 3 nights but you can get it for $390 on Living Social. It also comes with free breakfast and a $50 credit to the diner! 

Ahh... Hawaii... someone please take me back! :)

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While you are visiting be sure to enter the following giveaways:

Famous Dave's Professional Self Tanner

Summer Patio Giveaway

250 Business Card Giveaway from Uprinting

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Mojave in Hurricane, UT Getaway Deal in the Canyons!

On Living Social, you could get an awesome getaway to the beautiful deserts and canyons in Hurricane! 

For all of those getting married but want a nice place to stay for the first couple "Honey Moon" nights or for those just wanting a romantic weekend that won't break the budget or that you don't have to travel far, 

check it out! 

At normally $699 this is an awesome deal for only $418 for a two night stay!

Be sure you ENTER CARRI'S CREATIONS GIVEAWAY while you are here visiting!

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