Friday, January 4, 2008

Snowboarding for Less

Yesterday was the first day of ski club for my 11 and 14 year old. My husband met them there after work and went skiing himself. This was my daughter's first time on a snowboard and my son and husband were very impressed with her! I was so happy for them to go out together. I don't know what I was thinking, though. When no one came home from school and work, I missed them! I was home with the little kids while they were out snowboarding, having a great time? I couldn't even remember why I was mad at them yesterday! I was just happy no one got hurt. That's my biggest worry.

Skiing can be very expensive. It's usually not a sport for someone on a tight budget, like us. Here's how we did it. First of all, let's just say, very generous grandma. She bought my son his snowboard for his Christmas present. Then she said she felt bad because she couldn't get him anything else. Puleeze! Don't feel bad! You're TOO generous! Now, if you don't have the generous grandma around, this is what my husband did! He had the skis, but needed boots. He searched Dick's, the swap and ski at the ski resort, Amazon (one of my favorite places), and EBay. Every place wanted at least $100 for used boots! A few weeks ago he went to the resort to pick up my son from snowboarding. Up on a high shelf they had used rental boots for sale. Get this, $10! They were the same ones that they were selling on Amazon, and they were in great shape! He said he felt like buying 10 pairs! What a deal!

Next, my mom and sister and I were going to buy him a buy 4 get 1 free lift pass for a Christmas present. After looking over their website carefully, I noticed they have a college discount. My husband takes 1 class a semester at the local college and is therefore considered a college student. The student price is only $19! Way cheaper than the buy 4 get 1 free! So, we just got my husband a gift card for the resort to pay for some of the $19 passes! Now, when I went to buy the card at the kiosk in the mall, the student price wasn't even advertised on their brochure. The girl working there didn't even know it existed! I had her call the resort to make sure I was right, and I was right!

So anyway, last night I got the two little ones to bed on time. While I was waiting for the rest of the gang to come home, I decided to watch Celebrity Apprentice. I usually don't like the Celebrity anything, but I loved it! I think this is going to be my favorite season. I like knowing these people from the start, and seeing who can do what. Stephen Baldwin is so funny. Wasn't he the one on Celebrity Mole? He made the whole show! I loved the hot dog sale. My husband said, "You wouldn't buy a hot dog for $100, would you?". I tried to explain to him that it was for charity and you get to buy it from a celebrity, but he didn't get it. (Actually, I still wouldn't have bought it.) I can't believe how many New Yorker's walk around with $100 in their pockets! I can't wait to see next week's show.

11 comments:

Kellan said...

Oh ... we just love skiing- but live too far away from any real ski resorts to get to go often. We usually go every winter at least twice for 4-5 days at a time. We didn't go this Christmas like we usually do and everyone is going through withdrawals. It sounds wonderful - your family is lucky to be able to enjoy this every year! Take care. Kellan

Burgh Baby said...

That is some serious penny-pinching right there. Well done!

Oh, and there are people with $100 cash in their pockets? Really? I never have $5 in my purse, let alone $100. Weird.

Shellie said...

Oh, if only grandma had money! I've ;lived in Utah for years but never been downhill, only cross country cuz I'm cheap! I think my boys would love snowboarding!

Kitty said...

You are becoming one expert budgeter! Well done. x

Leah said...

fun about the skiing/snowboarding! Although I've never skiid (spelling?) and have zero intention of ever doing so.... But I know plenty of people enjoy it! And good job on the deal hunting and finds. YAY!

And I watched Celebrety Apprentice as well (bullied into it by my husband...LOL). I get stressed out listening to all the bickering and blah blah blah. I think my blood pressure raised a few notches watching the girls throwing each other under the bus (figuratively) and not letting each other finish the sentences, or answer their own questions, or talking over the top of each other. aughhhh!!! I don't know if I'll watch next week or not!!! LOL

PS Thanks for tagging me for the birth month deal. I answere today if you've got time to come check it out!

Ally said...

I am Soooo impressed with your bargain-hunting abilities! That is awesome!

And what a sweet, kind grandma to buy that snowboard. Aren't grandparents wonderful?!

I used to watch the Apprentice.... until I had twin babies. Now, all I have time for is Sesame Street.

No, no. You don't have to say a word. I know you're envious.

Amy said...

Wow, what a deal!It makes my heart beat faster when I find deals like that... I never carry cash and I can't remember what $100 looks like lol....also bless your little meme writing heart... I have tagged you this time...smiles

Scribbit said...

I LOVE skiing, live for it, it's the best part of winter. Though I've never been snowboarding . . .

Becky said...

That's great they could all go have such fun!

Since I've become a mom, I never seem to have any cash. If my hubby isn't dipping into what I have, I'm nickeled and dimed to the point where I might just have enough for a cup of coffee somewhere. **sigh**

But alas, in New Yawk, they NEED that kind of money, because everything is so expensive!

Lisa said...

Dittos on never having cash! I'm lucky to have spare change, much less a hundred dollar bill! Our big boys love to ski and snowboard,but that's a hobby (habit) they had to wait and develop on their own! We're close to skiing, but havent been able to afford to take our troops. Though your thrifty ideas have gotten my wheels turning! I'd love to get to go again, after many years missing out!

Ashlee Moody said...

Thankk you for this