Home TwinCitiesFrugalMom.com

Twin Cities Frugal Mom

Living well while spending less in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area

Sever’s Rock Lights Drive-Thru Experience in Shakopee February 26th – 27th

By Leave a Comment

Sever's Rock Lights

I previously wrote about (and visited) two drive-thru events at Sever’s in Shakopee – their Stories, Riddles & Rhymes Drive-Thru, and their Holiday Lights Drive-Thru.

Well now – for one weekend only – you can drive through Sever’s to enjoy over 1 million lights synchronized to rock music!

Sever’s Rock Lights is a massive one-weekend light show set to a playlist of legendary hits by artists like Prince, Pink Floyd and The Who!

This looks so cool!

Plus, to support the local live music community during COVID-19, 10% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Twin Cities Music Community Trust.

Sever's Rock Lights
From: https://www.facebook.com/SeversFallFest

You can sing and dance along safely in your car (be careful if you’re driving though, ha). You can also share a video of your group rocking out for a chance tow in tickets to their 2021 Fall Festival,

Sever’s Rock Lights is open Friday, February 26th and Saturday, February 27th ONLY, and you have to buy tickets in advance.

Go to their website to see the list of songs and buy tickets!

3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Take Better Care of Your Skin

By Leave a Comment

Many of us have been experiencing skin care issues during the pandemic. From maskne to mass breakouts, the COVID-19 stress is real and many of us are seeing it on our faces. Unfortunately, skin care routines can sometimes seem out of our price range, leaving us wondering how we can look and feel better about ourselves without breaking our budget.

To help you find a skin care routine that works for you (and your bank account), here are a few tips you can use to take better care of your skin right now.

Determine the crux of your skin issues

The first thing you need to do before you begin a skin care routine is determine if the issues you’re looking to improve can actually be treated with over-the-counter products. The reason for this is that you could end up wasting a lot of money trying to repair a skin issue that can only be fixed with professional care or medication. To help save money in the long run, consider looking for a dermatologist if you’re dealing with something worse than acne or oily skin.

Make an appointment with a physician’s assistant

If you’re worried about not being able to afford a dermatology appointment, you’re not alone. About 30% of the average healthcare bill comes from the patient’s pocket. Fortunately, many nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants work in dermatology offices and have plenty of experience with treating skin issues. Physicians assistants are considered cost-effective alternatives to dermatologists. They may also be easier to find when it comes to availability because 50% of physicians leave their employment due to contract issues.

Start with the basics

When it comes to taking care of your skin, sometimes less is more, which is awesome when you’re trying to take better care of your skin on a budget. The basics of a skin care routine include a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer. You can typically find budget-friendly varieties that work for all skin types. Introduce new products to your skin care routine gradually to give your skin time to adjust. Even aestheticians agree that you should only get a professional facial just once a month to avoid irritating your skin.

Finding a skin care routine that works best for you can be a process of trial and error. But don’t be afraid to dabble, and don’t assume skin care products that are expensive are necessarily better for you.

Leprechaun Gnome Paper Craft

By Leave a Comment

Leprechaun Gnome Paper CraftLeprechaun Gnome Paper Craft

I have the perfect St. Patrick’s Day craft for you! 

It’s a Leprechaun Gnome Paper Craft! Make this cute gnome (who doesn’t love gnomes?) with simple items and a FREE printable template I provide below.

I have been seeing gnomes everywhere – in parks (used for scavenger hunts), in stores (Bachman’s and other gift stores have so many adorable ones), and even used as outdoor decor.

Where have you seen gnomes?

Well now you can make one yourself! You can give this paper gnome as a gift or decorate your home with it! And it’s super easy. Here are all the supplies you need and 7 simple steps.

Leprechaun Gnome Paper Craft Supplies

[Read more…]

MNsure Adds Open Enrollment Period February 16th – May 17th, 2021

By Leave a Comment

MNsure

If you are a Minnesota resident and you do not have health insurance, you do not have to wait until MNsure’s annual open enrollment period from October to December this year. You can enroll now!

MNsure is offering a special COVID-19 enrollment period (SEP) for any Minnesotan who is uninsured or who is not currently enrolled in a qualified health plan through MNsure.

The dates to enroll are Tuesday, February 16th through Monday, May 17th, 2021.

You can qualify if you do not have current health insurance, or you are not enrolled in a qualified health plan through MNsure.

If you are already enrolled in an insurance plan through MNsure, you cannot change it during this time. This open enrollment is only for people who do not have insurance through MNsure.

You may also be eligible for a lower-cost premium based on your income. It doesn’t hurt to check!

yoga

Not sure where to begin? Have questions?

You can get free enrollment assistance from MNsure-cerfitied brokers and navigators around the state. 

Note that all private health insurance plans sold on MNsure are waiving cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 in-network hospitalizations, as well as other COVID-19 costs. So if you don’t have insurance, now is the time to sign up!

Check out their website for more information.

*Expired* Personalized Easter Bunny Bag for $10.99 Shipped

By Leave a Comment

Personalized Bunny Bag

*Note: This deal has expired*

I found these super cute Personalized Easter Bunny Bags on Jane.com for $10.99 shipped! That’s $10.99 for each one and free shipping! They are regularly $26.99.

Personalize these bags with your kids’ names and fill with Easter goodies!

They are available through February 25th, 2021. They are expected to ship no later than March 9th.

Note that returns are not accepted on these items because they are personalized.

Check them out and order now!

More Easter fun:

Also check out these Personalized Unicorn Easter Baskets!

Personalized Unicorn Bags

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)

Get a FREE bag of Amora coffee (just pay $3.95 for Shipping)

By Leave a Comment

Amora free coffee

Anyone who has followed me here for a while knows how much I love good coffee, especially when I can get a great deal on it!

Well, how about a $14.95 half pound bag of quality coffee for only $1 reservation fee plus $2.95 shipping and handling???

Right now you can get a FREE bag of Amora coffee and only pay $3.95 for the shipping!

You can choose from 10 different blends, plus you can choose whether it’s whole bean or ground, and regular or decaf!

[Read more…]

Pandemic-EBT provides food benefits to eligible Minnesota families (apply by February 28th)

By Leave a Comment

Pandemic EBT

Minnesota families! There is a temporary food benefit program called P-EBT that is available to Minnesota families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were open.

P-EBT stands for Pandemic-EBT and families with eligible children will receive a per month payment of up to $130 per child on a new or existing EBT card. 

To avoid delays in receiving benefits, be sure to apply for free or reduced-price school meals before Feb. 28, 2021.

Wondering if your child is eligible?

To be eligible, K-12 students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and their school must also meet certain requirements. Students qualify for free or reduced-price meals in one of three ways:

  • Receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) benefits
  • Enrolled in a Community Eligibility Provision school
  • Approved for free or reduced-price school meals through the Application for Education Benefits at the child’s school.

Benefits are calculated based on whether the school was in a distance or hybrid status for the majority of the month. So families will receive different benefit amounts. Benefits will also be retroactive to September 2020!

Here’s how the benefits break down:

  • Students who spent the majority of the month in distance learning will receive $130 in P-EBT benefits for that month.
  • Students who spent the majority of the month in hybrid learning will receive $75 in P-EBT benefits for that month.
  • Students who spent the majority of the month doing in-person learning will not receive P-EBT benefits for that month. 

How to apply?

If you were not already approved for free or reduced-price meals for the 2020-2021 school year, apply for free or reduced-price school meals by asking your school for an Application for Educational Benefits and apply before February 28, 2021.

For more information: https://mn.gov/dhs/p-ebt/

For more food options for your family, view my guide “How to Get Free Food in Minnesota During COVID.”

Free Food COVID Minnesota

Best Family-Friendly National Parks for Your Next Vacation

By Leave a Comment

Grand Canyon

Spring break is right around the corner, but because of the pandemic, your family’s vacation may look a little different this year. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to plan a safe getaway the whole family will enjoy. Instead of the normal long-distance travel, cruises, or resort stays, a great option is to head out into the great outdoors. America’s national parks have seen record-setting attendance numbers this year. Not only are these parks beautiful, but they’re a safe place to visit because it’s easy to socially distance.

There are over 300 bills waiting for Senate action, but one they’ve recently passed is the Great American Outdoors Act. This act funds delayed maintenance in our national parks, with 70% of the fund’s contents going to the National Parks Service. Upgrades to our national parks mean they’ll be an even better option for your next family vacation. Here are some of the most family-friendly parks.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is full of activities the whole family can enjoy. There are many areas to explore, with expansive breathtaking views everywhere you look. Whether you drive along the rim, take a short hike, or ride a mule down to the bottom, kids and adults alike are sure to have a great time. Kids can become Junior Rangers to learn more about the area’s culture and natural history, and get involved in fun programs led by park rangers.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Studies show that unplugging and spending time in nature is one of the best ways to de-stress and boost your mood. Many older adults are now working longer, with 24% of men and 16% of women over the age of 65 still in the labor force in 2018. This means that grandparents and parents alike can benefit from a relaxing family vacation in one of our national parks.

The family-friendly activities at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are virtually endless. For a budget-friendly option, families can camp in one of the parks many campgrounds. There are also more than 300 miles of hiking trails to explore, ranging from short walks around shimmering lakes to more strenuous climbs up high mountains. Other activities include horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing.

Yellowstone National Park

There’s no better time to experience our national parks, as it is estimated that in the next five decades, at least 17 million acres of forest land will be lost permanently to urbanization and development. The whole family will love marveling at Yellowstone National Park’s iconic features, like geysers, hot springs, and thermal basins. Be sure the keep an eye out for all of the park’s various wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, and bison. If you’re up for a thrill, try white water rafting or ziplining in the park.

Everglades National Park

When you think of a Florida vacation, you probably think of the massive theme parks, resorts, and beaches. But the Everglades is also a great place for a family vacation in The Sunshine State. One of the best ways to explore the park is on an airboat ride through the swampland, where you can see alligators, colorful birds, turtles, and other native creatures. The park also offers hiking trails for various skill levels, kayaking, biking, and more.

Make your next family vacation one that you’ll never forget and explore America’s many national parks!

Also, if you have a 4th grader, be sure to sign up for the Every Kid in a Park program so your family can get free park admission!

The Croods: A New Age Prize Pack Giveaway (Ends 2/22)

By 23 Comments

The Croods 2 DVD

 

Hooray! The Croods 2 is now available on digital, and will be available on DVD on February 23rd!

And I am giving away a PRIZE PACK with a plushie, T-shirts, beanies, activity sheets and a digital copy of the movie!

Here are some pictures of what is included in the prize pack (contents may vary slightly):

[Read more…]