Bryan

Bryan Blathers: Because of Groupon, I Love Min J Asian Cuisine

I never pay full price, when I dine out. Never. (Big surprise, right?) I always have a coupon or promo in hand. That’s why I love Groupon. The vouchers give me an opportunity to experience new restaurants and shops that I would not otherwise try. (Don’t worry, I’m not a “bad cheapskate.” I always tip on the full amount of the bill before the discount and so should you. I’ve heard horror stories from wait staff of customers leaving a tip on the balance — sometimes just a buck or less.) To be honest, there are very few places I go back to (after using a voucher) because they’re just too expensive without a deal.

However, after using a Groupon voucher several months ago, I have a new favorite Chinese restaurant — Min J Asian Cuisine at 6585 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Greenwood Village. (It’s a relatively new restaurant — just a little more than a year old…I think.) It’s located next to the Greenwood Plaza Stadium 12 movie theater, tucked behind CB & Potts. (Perfect for a dinner-and-a-movie night, especially on Sundays because of the theater’s $6 ticket prices!) This is definitely a case of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” The exterior is a bit shabby, looking a little run down. However, it’s deceiving because the atmosphere inside is rather “fancy” and modern. The outside clearly does not match the inside, night and day. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Because of Groupon, I Love Min J Asian Cuisine

Updating Your Home Library? Sell Used Books at Tattered Cover

If you’re like everyone else, you have a stack of books somewhere at home that have been sitting there for months or even years. Many books you’ve read and enjoyed, but also lots of books you had hoped to read. Many books are bought (or gifted) with good intentions, but just never quite make it to the “completed” pile. [Read more…] about Updating Your Home Library? Sell Used Books at Tattered Cover

Bryan Blathers: My #1 Tip For Target Clearance

I’ve been known to make a Target clearance run on the weekends — just going from Target to Target and only shopping the clearance shelves. (Yes, I lead a very full life. Thank you very much.) Admittedly, I’ve found some of my best deals at Target. (I’ve never been a “Walmart person”, but many of my fellow bargain hunters tell me you can find great deals there, too.) If you’re unfamiliar with clearance at the bulls-eye retailer, you need to start looking for the red-orange tags. Clearance starts at 15% off and progresses up to 90% — with intervals at 30%, 50% and 70%. (Every now and then, I find items at 85% off. However, it’s rare to find items at 90% off, with the exception of seasonal merchandise. If you do, go crazy and fill your cart because you’re not going to find a better deal.) You can tell the markdown interval because it’s reflected on the upper-right hand corner of the tag — you’ll see a tiny 15, 30, 50, 70 or 90. Clearance is usually located on end caps, but can also be found in the aisles on occasion. Over the years, I have found a trick that I’ve kept to myself until now… [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My #1 Tip For Target Clearance

Domino’s Offers $7.99 Carryout Deal Every Day — Pizza, Wings and Combos

Domino’s continues its popular daily carryout special, sure to satisfy the cravings of frugal families. And, don’t worry, if somehow the pizza gets dropped before making it to the dining table? The chain offers complimentary “Carryout Insurance” on all carryout orders. If damage occurs to your carryout order after you leave the store, just take it back and they’ll remake it at no cost. [Read more…] about Domino’s Offers $7.99 Carryout Deal Every Day — Pizza, Wings and Combos

Safeway Offers Military Discount First Saturday Of The Month

Safeway is offering our heroes a well-deserved discount on their grocery bill. The chain’s military discount comes at the end of the bill, after all savings (including sale prices and coupons) have been tallied. The percentage off may not seem significant. However, when it comes to groceries, the discount can easily put $10 or $20 back in your pocket — even more, if you have a big family. [Read more…] about Safeway Offers Military Discount First Saturday Of The Month

Bryan Blathers: Thank You, Kind Strangers.

I must be the luckiest guy in the world. For years, I’ve read about pay-it-forward stories happening at restaurants and drive-thrus. Well, it happened to me for the second time. (The first time was at Taco Bell, a few years ago. At the time, I shared my experience here.) I was at Starbucks buying breakfast sandwiches for my elderly parents (in their 70s) on Tuesday morning and (surprise!) the family ahead of me in the drive-thru lane paid for them. It seems like such a small gesture, but I can tell you the impact is profound. In the moment the barista told me my tab was covered, I felt shocked, special and grateful. Unfortunately, it seems we no longer expect others to be kind, generous or thoughtful. The family pulled away so quickly. There was no chance to honk my horn or tap on the driver’s window to share my gratitude. They had no idea about my gender, race, political beliefs, religion or financial situation. They simply wanted to make a stranger’s day a little brighter. The act was not small by any means, especially for a bargain hunter like me. The $10 they saved me allows me to put more gas in the car, buy more groceries or add to my savings account. Every action has a reaction. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Thank You, Kind Strangers.

Elvis Cinemas Rolls Final Credits — Now Permanently Closed

Elvis has left the building. It’s a sad day for frugal film fanatics in Denver. After 23 years of being the go-to theater for movie lovers on a budget, Elvis Cinemas closed its doors permanently on March 1, 2023. The popular local theater chain showed second-run movies with cheap ticket prices for the majority of its years in business with three locations — Arvada, Denver and Littleton. [Read more…] about Elvis Cinemas Rolls Final Credits — Now Permanently Closed

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Offers BFD Tuesdays Special with Discounted Tickets

Frugal film fanatics know that the best day of the week to go to the movies is always on a Tuesday. And Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has joined the roster of movie theaters offering a Tuesday discount with its BFD Tuesdays special. The movie theater is known for the movie-themed food and drinks it serves, as well as its strict “no talking” policy. [Read more…] about Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Offers BFD Tuesdays Special with Discounted Tickets

Bryan Blathers: My #1 Money-Saving Tip For Groceries

As a well-known bargain hunter, I’m often asked, “How do you do save so much money?” (I’m also asked, “Are you a model or do you just look like one?” [insert laughter] Does anyone else remember those Barbizon School of Modeling commercials?) I’ve been a “cheapskate” for so long that it’s just become second-nature for me to always find a deal. I strive to save, at least, 75% on my grocery bill and I’m usually successful — sometimes even hitting upwards of 90% off. (On the rare occasion, I have hit the most-coveted 100% off. However, it’s typically on a few select items, such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste or soap.)

To me, it’s just one big game: They’re trying to get my money and I’m trying to keep my money. There’s no better feeling than walking out of the grocery store with several bags, knowing you’ve only spent $20 or so on $100 worth of groceries. (It might help that I have a bit of a photographic memory. I can match up coupons with sale prices rather quickly.) Okay, I’m boring you now. Are you ready for my #1 tip? (Drum roll, please.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My #1 Money-Saving Tip For Groceries

Now Available! CFA Tests New Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich in Denver

No deal here, but good news for Chick-fil-A fans looking for something different at the popular fast-food restaurant. Chick-fil-A is the latest to offer a plant-based menu item — the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich. The new “plant-forward” sandwich is an alternative to its iconic Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and it’s getting rave reviews from the few who’ve tasted it so far. [Read more…] about Now Available! CFA Tests New Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich in Denver

Starbucks Changes Loyalty Program Monday — Redeem Stars Now Before Rewards Increase!

Starbucks is stirring the pot (again) for Starbucks Rewards members! Anytime a company announces changes to its loyalty or rewards program, it’s usually not good news for the consumer. And such is the case with the upcoming changes the ubiquitous coffee company is making to it hugely popular Starbucks Rewards. (Did you know the loyalty program has more than 16 million members?) [Read more…] about Starbucks Changes Loyalty Program Monday — Redeem Stars Now Before Rewards Increase!

Bryan Blathers: My Dinner With Paula Abdul

Do you have a go-to story that you tell over and over? That one story of an experience that makes for a good ice breaker or belly laugh. For years, this was my go-to story — the one I would tell most often to new friends or co-workers. (Now, I realize it just makes me sound old and, possibly, creepy!) However, since we’re just getting to know each other, I will tell it one more time. It does give you an insight into my obsessive nature, especially when it comes to reading “the fine print.” Picture it: Denver, 1992. (Don’t you just love Sophia from “The Golden Girls”? My guess is only a few people will get the reference.) I was on summer break from the University of Northern Colorado, working as a tour guide for the Coors Brewing Company. I was a huge fan of Paula Abdul and knew she was coming to Fiddler’s Green (as part of her “Under My Spell Tour.” For the record, MTV held a contest to name the tour. I always thought my entry was better — “The AbracadAbdul Tour.” Okay, maybe not.) One day, while reading the Rocky Mountain News (I still miss that paper!), I spotted a sweepstakes for concert tickets and a backstage pass to meet the pop star before the show. Of course, I quickly clipped the entry form and mailed it off. However, I also noticed the fine print at the bottom of the ad, “For official rules, pick up a copy at the Rocky Mountain News.” (No clicking online here. You actually had to get in your car and drive to get information!) Given my obsessive nature, I headed to their main office on Colfax Avenue the same day. The woman working the front desk was clearly puzzled by my request. It seems no one asked for the official rules on any sweepstakes…ever. After several phone calls, she produced a copy. One rule, in particular, caught my attention. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My Dinner With Paula Abdul

Bryan Blathers: How I Filled My Gas Tank For $3.90

Saving money is often about using lots of different tips and tricks. And, of course, we would all love to save as much as possible, when it comes to our regular, necessary life expenditures — including filling our gas tank. (Luckily, the drop in gas prices has helped tremendously. I don’t miss the days, when it cost around $40 to fill my tank.) This week, I filled my gas tank (12.211 gallons, to be exact) for just $3.90. Here’s how I did it: [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: How I Filled My Gas Tank For $3.90

Last Chance! King Soopers: Earn 10x Fuel Points Through January 31

Bargain hunters love saving money at the pump, especially with the high price of gas right now. And King Soopers customers can get all revved up about earning extra fuel points on their grocery purchases. Thanks to this offer, earn fuel points faster. In fact, this is the biggest fuel point bonus King Soopers has ever offered! [Read more…] about Last Chance! King Soopers: Earn 10x Fuel Points Through January 31

Bryan Blathers: Hello, Friends.

With a new year comes many changes, so we’re tryin’ something new on Mile High On The Cheap. We’re looking to have a little more “personality” and find more ways to interact with readers in 2016. So we decided to start “Bryan Blathers.” No set schedule — just whenever the whim strikes. The post is an attempt to share a thought, experience, personal discovery, favorite thing (watch out, Oprah!) or money-saving tip — maybe even the occasional rant or movie review. (We might even have a guest columnist or two — Hello, Laura!) One thing for sure: It won’t be anything controversial or political. Of course, we want readers to share their take or thoughts by commenting. You can also always reach me directly at bryan@milehighonthecheap.com. I don’t profess to be clever, humorous or, even, smart — just a 40-something, overweight (I hope to lose weight in 2016! I think I made the same proclamation in 2015 *smile*) guy trying to save money and laugh as much as possible. (I’m pretty sure I was born a cheapskate. It’s just in me — I refuse to pay full price for anything and am never without a coupon!) As an introduction, my friends, here are some of my favorite things (in no particular order): [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Hello, Friends.

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