Bryan Blathers

I hate audio books. I will never ever download an audio book. I love the feel and touch of an actual book and physically turning the pages. That was me a few years ago. I dug in my heels and would never budge. Now, 150+ audio books later, I can’t get enough of them. (I average about one book a week because I’m on the road so often.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Listen Up! Audio Books Are Great & Here’s Why I Love Them

No one really cares about my beliefs and I totally get it. Religion and spiritual beliefs are such a personal touchstone for each of us that, in truth, it really only matters to you. Whatever brings you comfort and peace belongs only to you, so I’m not going to babble about how I think it all works. (As is true for most of us, I have no idea. The best quote I’ve heard about life is from the late author Michelle McNamara, “It’s chaos. Be kind.” It’s a rule I try to follow. However, some days, it’s a struggle, when you encounter so many rude people in the world.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Are There More Than Just Sale Signs In The World?

Do you ever not enter a drawing because you don’t think you’ll win? Here’s what happened to me. “The Book of Mormon” was high on my must-see list, but it seemed way over my budget. Even the cheapest balcony seats were impossible to get. My hope was revived when an in-person ticket lottery was announced — only 24 orchestra seats sold before every show at just $25 each. I missed the first two nights, but was determined to go every day until I won. I left my car for my next trip downtown. At the light rail stop, I found a penny on the ground right in front of me. I shared the “good news” with my friend, who laughed it off. The crowd waiting this time numbered several hundred. I even recognized many faces from the day before. I was definitely not alone in my quest to see this show. As we all anxiously waited for the drawing to begin, I leaned over to my friend and said, “I’ll be the second name drawn.” Of course, he chuckled again. First name drawn was Melissa. Second name drawn was (drum roll, please) … Bryan! I got two center orchestra seats in the front row for $50 – seats that are normally $125 each. It was both an unbelievable and awe-inspiring night of theatre and a little luck. We wanted to share my story because many people wonder who wins. Plus, we hope the theatre lovers, like us at MHOTC, don’t give up and keep tryin’ — you just might be lucky, too. For all the details on the ticket lottery, click here. Good luck!

There’s no way around it, my parents are old. My father is in his late-70s and my mother is a few years behind. And, no, 70 is not the new 40. There is not a weekly visit that goes by that I don’t give a tutorial on the remote control, iPad and Smart TV.

That’s not to say I don’t know any “senior citizens” who are young and vivacious, like my 70-something twin neighbors — click here. It’s just that, unfortunately, my parents do not fall into that category. And, trust me, they’re not offended by the term “old.” My father almost swallowing his tiny hearing aids, thinking they were pills, always provides amusement at family gatherings. Or the fact that whenever the phone rings on the TV one of them inevitably answers the phone. “Hello? Hello?” (If you can’t tell, my family has a good sense of humor about it all.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Are Senior Discounts Really Worth It?

I believe the universe presents you with unique moments to “do the right thing”, if you’re paying attention. I’m usually aloof and only interested in me, but, every now and then, I’m in tune with the bigger world around me. (By the way, I’m not fishing for you’re-such-a-good-guy comments, but, if you must… Me: *blushing* “Oh, no! Any one with a heart would have done the same thing.”) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: No Good Deed Goes…?

It’s happened to all of us bargain hunters. The mystery of the missing deal. Excited to save money, you go to a business or restaurant only to be told no such promo exists. Even worse is when it happens at the checkout stand. Awkward!

You’re ready to pay and notice you did not receive the discount. It can make for a rather embarrassing scenario. (And, yes, even worse is when you realize you didn’t receive the right price until you finally review your receipt at home. It can be a nightmare to get a price adjustment.)

In the end, it’s frustrating, disappointing and, to be frank, quite infuriating — especially for those of us who refuse to pay full price for anything. I largely only patronize a business or restaurant because of a promo price, coupon or sale. As a result, when there’s a problem with getting a discount, I’m not happy…at all. (Anyone else?) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: The Case of the Misinformed Employee

There are many die-hard bargain hunters out there in the Mile High City, just like me. I can’t pass a clearance rack or sale sign without taking a quick look. You know who you are. Some days, it feels like a curse. I must stop or it will drive me crazy thinking about the savings I may have missed. However, over the years, it’s presented a few problems. Fellow “cheapskates” will totally understand and appreciate the dilemma. Let me explain. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Deal or No Deal?

This is a friendly PSA from someone who’s had his fair share of credit card fraud over the last several years. As a lifelong saver, there was a time I could tell you the balance in my checking and savings accounts right down to the penny. However, in the last year or so, I’ve become lazy — just eye-balling the various balances and think that “seems right.” My lackadaisical approach has largely been driven by the various alerts set on my accounts. I was lulled into thinking I was safe. I was not. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Check Your Credit Card Statement Now!

I’m not a theater critic, so I don’t have the credentials to thoughtfully critique any performance. That being said, I love the theater (especially musicals) and see just about every Broadway production that comes to town at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. (My all-time favorite is “Miss Saigon.” I’ve seen it more than 30 times. Obsessive much?)

Just like you, I know what I like — what makes my heart swell or gives me goosebumps. And the Broadway-bound production of “Frozen”, currently playing in Denver, made my heart swell, gave me goosebumps and more. Remember, I’m not a critic, so kindly excuse my rambling review. (I wrote it right after seeing the show on Friday night.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: “Frozen” Will Warm Your Heart

I’m back, bargain buddies! They say to never assume, right? So I should have known better. Based on recent reader feedback, it seems some bargain hunters need a refresher course on the ins and outs of freebies, discounts and deals. We know most readers are extremely appreciative of our bargain-hunting skills and know how to successfully navigate taking advantage of promos. (I have met so many wonderful readers at grand openings, store sales and sneak previews. Much of our success comes from great word-of-mouth by loyal readers like you. Did you know we now have more than 15,000 subscribers?)

However, you’d be surprised at the number of e-mails we receive just about every day with readers complaining about a deal, accusing us of posting falsehoods or claiming unfair treatment — always when a deal doesn’t work in their favor.

Much confusion and frustration can be avoided by simply reading the fine print and knowing most (if not, all) deals follow the same set of rules: participating locations only, limit one per person, while supplies last, etc. For more information on the deals we post, please read on… [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Price and Participation May Vary