Laura

MHOTC Getaway: Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop

No matter the time of year, there are times when you just need a good, long soak. And, I’m not talking your bathtub, even if it comes equipped with spa jets. Colorado may be best known for its ski slopes, 14ers and brew pubs, but when it comes to hot springs, we aren’t too shabby. In fact, the state’s hot springs are kinda cool.

The ultimate hot springs itinerary is a 720-mile route called the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop along several roads designated as Colorado Scenic Byways. Starting from any of the five resort towns, take a week to 10 days to really experience these special places. [Read more…] about MHOTC Getaway: Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop

Need To Get Rid of Hard-To-Recycle Items? SustainAbility Can Help

While many of us sit on our recyclable items, like a squirrel hoarding a winter nut stash, until we find a neighborhood or community recycling event, there is a year-round affordable alternative. Check out SustainAbility, a one-stop recycle site. [Read more…] about Need To Get Rid of Hard-To-Recycle Items? SustainAbility Can Help

Hunger Free Hotline Helps Coloradans Find Food

Help is just a phone call away for families, seniors and other individuals who are seeking food assistance anywhere in Colorado. Hunger Free Hotline, is a FREE bilingual “one-stop” resource that helps you find food assistance programs in your area. This can include food pantries, free meal sites and nutrition programs such as food stamps. Hunger Free Colorado’s food assistance navigators provide help based on each caller’s need.

They not only answer questions but also ensure that callers receive needed information—from directions and hours of operations to help applying for nutrition programs. To reach the hotline, call 855-855-4626 (that’s a toll-free number) or 720-382-2920.

You can get a real person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or after-hours you can leave a message. All calls are kept confidential, and messages will be returned the next business day.

Free Attraction & Museum Passes Thru Jeffco Library

The Jefferson County Public Library offers FREE passes to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Firefighters Museum, Dinosaur Ridge, the Denver Trolley, Golden History Museums, History Colorado Center, MCA Denver. Molly Brown House, Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum and Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys.

Passes are available in limited quantities each day and allow different numbers of people to enter the attraction at no cost. You must have a current JCPL library card (you’ll need the number handy to get your pass), but any Colorado resident can get a card, as long as you present some sort of photo ID at any one of its library locations.

Because the Culture Pass page can be sorted by date, the simplest method is to pick your day and see what’s available.

Laura Lets Loose: News You Can Use

Here’s the latest… What’s this? Another MHOTC column? Well… sort of. I know many of you love reading Bryan Blathers and while I’m not one to muse at length on a specific topic, I have come to realize that there are all sorts of tidbits of news and snippets of advice I have to offer on how to find a deal or save money.

Often these come to me as I’m out-and-about, in casual conversation, read social media or from your emails. Sometimes I wake up at 3 a.m. and I realize we published some terrific event or deal eons ago and it has fallen off your radar.

Most are short and not worth a standalone post, but noteworthy enough that it gnaws at me I haven’t shared.

So I’ve decided to pull all these bits and pieces together. I can’t promise a set schedule or fancy format. I just want to let you know, what I know, when I know it.

Sometimes, Bryan may even jump in, as he’s the master of scouting out deals and the fine print that often comes with them. Here’s the latest news you can use: [Read more…] about Laura Lets Loose: News You Can Use

Check It Out: New Garage Sale Page Launches This Week

Garage Sale (load full size) April showers may bring May flowers, but also sprouting up are garage sales. And so, we re-introduce MHOTC’s Garage Sales page (one of the tabs at the top of every page) this week. This is our brand new interactive map created in partnership with the folks at Garage Sales by Map, one of our favorite “go-to” garage, yard and estate sale sites. We think (actually, we know) you are going to love it, because it lists garage sales of all sizes across the Front Range. Some listings even boast photos of the stuff being sold. Best of all, you can add your own sale (or your neighborhood/community sale) and know it will be seen not only by MHOTC readers, but across the entire GSalR network – which is huge, as in millions of shoppers. Adding a sale is easy and FREE. Simply, click on Add A Sale at the top right of the map. That will take you to GSalR.com where you will need to set up an account with your email address, but it only takes a second. Then, post your sale – one home or dozens. You can even add photos or pay a small amount to GSalR to be “featured.” As we start to hear about large community sales, we’ll highlight a few each week in our Garage Sale post, so send an email to info@milehighonthecheap.com if your neighborhood has one planned. And, let us know what you think of the new page in the comment section below.

Borrow Tech Gadgets For Free at Arapahoe Libraries

Here’s one of the best deals we’ve come across and another reason to love, love, love our local libraries. Did you know that Arapahoe Library District cardholders can check out all sorts of gadgets for FREE? These include iPad Minis, Nooks, Go Pro cameras, Garmin GPS units, video cameras and solar light bulbs. Gadgets can be borrowed for seven days to three weeks, depending on the item. Some can be renewed and a few can even be placed “on hold” (reserved). But for some items, like the iPads, you need to see what’s available at what library and then go over and get it, no holds allowed. You’ll need to sign a borrower agreement and you want to return the item on time (don’t mess with a library, they will find you if you walk off with one of their gadgets). Find more details here. And remember, all Colorado residents can apply for an Arapahoe Library card. Thanks Jacqueline for sending us this tip!

$1 Admission to Denver Museums For SNAP Recipients

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients can now gain entry to three museums for just $1 per person. These include the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, Wings Over The Rockies, Butterfly Pavilion ($2 per person), History Colorado Center and the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. This program is valid for SNAP recipients in all Colorado counties and good for up to 10 people at any of the participating museums.

Here’s how it works: Just show your EBT card at the ticket counter. An EBT card can not be used to make purchases in the museum gift shops, cafés or to buy admission tickets. At DMNS, any Planetarium, IMAX and temporary exhibition tickets must be purchased separately and do not qualify for the SNAP discount. Special exhibits at History Colorado also do not qualify for the discount. At the Children’s Museum, all adults must be accompanied by a child.

Free Computer Classes at JeffCo Libraries

Libraries can teach you the basics (and not so basic) about computers for FREE. Jefferson County Public Library is another system that hosts a number of classes. Virtually all its libraries including Arvada, Belmar, Evergreen, Golden, Lakewood, and Standley Lake, offer classes ranging from Internet basics and social media to workshops on using Word and Excel. Here’s a link to their current schedule. There are even special interest classes such as how to sell your stuff online. All classes are FREE, but you do need to register by calling 303-235-5275.

Spread the Word. Send Us Your Deal

Hey, MHOTC readers! As the go-to site for deals and discounts across the Front Range, you can help businesses (big and small), community activities and cultural events reach more readers just like you. How can you help? We define ourself as “a community of Mile High Cheapskates” and the best way to contribute is to share your knowledge.

Tell your friends at local cultural and entertainment facilities, including theaters, concert halls, nightclubs, museums and attractions, to put us on their mailing or media list. Plus, we want to hear about sales and community events, so keep MHOTC in mind when you spot a deal, discount or online coupon at your favorite neighborhood restaurant, shop, salon or gym. [Read more…] about Spread the Word. Send Us Your Deal

Free Ball Bustin’ Bingo at Mile High Hamburger Mary’s

“Ball Bustin’ Bingo” with Drag Queen Mona Lott is not your Grandma’s church basement bingo. Mona Lott pulls the balls in what the Colorado Hometown Weekly calls, “the raunchiest rounds of bingo ever contested.” Mona keeps the bingo rocking by singing original song spoofs, doing stand-up comedy and coaching interactive games that prompt audience members to perform outrageous stunts. Her show stopping finale is not be missed. The bingo games are FREE at 8 p.m. every Monday at Hamburger Mary’s Denver (1336 E. 17th Ave.) Bingo cards and markers are also FREE. There is no minimum food/drink purchase or cover charge.

Special Discount For Our New Book: ‘The Ultimate Guide To Coupons’

Woo-hoo! Laura and Bryan are excited to announce that we are the authors of a brand new book. Along with Living On The Cheap’s Teresa Mears, we have just published “The Ultimate Guide to Coupons.” Maybe you have attended our Coupons 101 and 201 workshops. Now you can get all that information (totally updated), along with other tips and tricks right at your fingertips. Plus, you’ll read Bryan’s musing on why real men use coupons and Laura’s advice on how to coupon for charity.

To make it super simple, the guide can be downloaded as an e-book to your smartphone, tablet or desktop OR you can buy it in paperback through Amazon. [Read more…] about Special Discount For Our New Book: ‘The Ultimate Guide To Coupons’

MY Denver Card – Free Fun and Activities For Kids

The MY Denver Card just keeps getting better. What started as a program to give kids (ages 5 to 18) FREE year-round access to the city’s 28 recreation centers and 29 pools, as well as the Denver Public Library, also includes FREE admission and/or other deals at 13 arts, culture and science organizations and attractions, including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, History Colorado Center and, Buffalo Bill Museum.

Benefits at the various cultural sites are offered at various times throughout the year, so you need to check the MY Denver Card site for specifics. [Read more…] about MY Denver Card – Free Fun and Activities For Kids

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