Geri's 2 Cents

iLuminate at the Strat Review + 30% off Coupon Code

If you are ready for a night out with the girls (or family), I have got a show

for you... Illuminate at the Strat.

I really had no idea what to expect which sometime makes it better to be surprised. I brought the family, 2 adults and 2 teens.

Everyone thought it was really entertaining, the way they mix dance, lights, and music was great.

It’s like a high-energy party with amazing choreography and mind-blowing visuals. The kids thought the best part was the interactive part!?! So cool! It’s not just one of those shows where you sit back and watch; you really feel part of it.

It did have a storyline which I thought made it flow well. If you have little ones that don't like snakes they might not love the snake scene. As an adult I will admit that the snake scene was my least favorite. It appeared they were talking about VooDoo and I am not into that kind of stuff. I was glad when the storyline moved on.

The music they play is spot-on too—lots of today’s hits, but also some awesome throwbacks from the '80s and '90s. Honestly, it seems like the perfect thing for something different, fun, and totally memorable. Plus, it’s always nice to have an excuse to get dressed up and do something a little out of the ordinary!

Speaking of dressing up. Just look at all the talent that made this show what it is. Not only do you have the amazing dancers, choreograph but the outfits that they created with lights was just incredible.

If you think the pictures I took aren't the best, just remember that I am the money saver not necessarily the photographer. Now that we are talking about saving money, let me help you save 30% OFF TICKETS be sure to use coupon code: MKT30 Click here for tickets!

Getting Organized can save you so much Money!

I have been working on systems that can help my small house be more organized. By doing that it will not only help me happier and save money at the same time! Did you hear that!

I have probably the worst pantry design ever for us! It is the cabinet style, that is very deep and when you put pantry items away it covers up all the other items. It is so annoying. We can't even tell what we have in there, so I can't tell you how many times we have repurchased the same items or the items in the back will go bad and then it is trash!

This week I ordered these Food Storage Airtight Containers. They are freezer safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe HOLLA! Dishwasher safe is probably my favorite one.

That's right

4 X 5.2L (175.9oz) LARGE WIDE Food Storage Container Size 6.3’’X6.3’’X8.86’’ (Each Container)
Measuring Cups (4 INCLUDED- 250 ML Each)

FOOD STORAGE AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS * Airtight, Watertight & Leak Proof
* Dishwasher Safe, Freezer Safe, Microwave Safe (Remove Lid)
* Stackable Design
* Non-Slip & Sealing Lids
* BPA Free
* Reusable & Durable

Pros:

I love that I can see what is in these containers
It is fun with the chalk labels
I love that it comes with measuring cups
Square containers give you more room in the pantry

Cons:

You do lose a little space in the pantry by being organized

That's really it because I am really liking these.

30% OFF TICKETS FOR iLuminate at the Strat

Calling all my Vegas people!

I just planned date night or family night!

From the moment the lights fade to darkness, you're transported into another world...another dimension, where the music moves you and the visuals are unlike anything you've ever seen.

Welcome to the world of iLuminate. Named "Best New Act in America" by America's Got Talent, the brilliant cast of the country's top dancers outfitted in custom LED light suits move through non-stop dancing action paired with energetic music to create a mind-blowing, multi-sensory live show. As the show progresses, each scene creates a new "room" inside "Club iLuminate" where an exhilarating blend of music, dance, illusion, technology and comedy comes to life to create a multi-sensory live show experience that's fun for all ages! iLuminate.com

Score 30% OFF TICKETS!* Use Code: MKT30 or Click On Website Link.

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Debt Free Living: 52 Week Challenge!

It's that time of year again.

Our main goal is to be Debt FREE and that not only means for Christmas but for every aspect of our lives. Being Debt Free is a HUGE goal and takes some planning in our lives.

I know that this 52 week Challenge is all over the internet and hard to pin point who actually came up with it first but I thought that my readers would like to join me in planning for Christmas 2018.

This 52 week challenge is pretty simple, you save the dollar amount that corresponds with that week. So the week of Jan 1st you save $1,

the week of Jan 7th you deposit $2 and so on,

by the end of the year you will have $1378 in cash for anything you choose.

You can also do this challenge backwards where you save the $52 on Jan 1st and take away $1 every week.

I like things more uniformed so I think for me I like the 52 Week Challenge EVEN plan. I will just deposit $27 in my envelope every week and by the time Christmas comes I will have $1404.

This challenge and everything else is 100% up to you. You don't have to use these particular plan or if you feel you need more or less money at the end of the year change your weekly deposits. This is totally up to you and your families needs.

Click on any of the forms above to the printable version.

We are starting up our next session of Financial Freedom classes! If you are ready to grab a plan to becoming debt free, you should join us! Check out more info here.

YMCA Las Vegas Family Activities plus a Free Week Trial

I am always so blown away by all the family events that the YMCA has. They are so much more than just a gym and pool area, friends.

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Friday of every money because it is Family Night! This is at all the YMCA Las Vegas locations. They provide the space and family friendly activities. You know, like games, crafts, movies and seasonal festivities. I was checking out the calendar and they have planned through May 2023! That makes the planner in me so happy! If you want to check out some of the Family programs the Y has to offer in the coming months, be sure to check it out here.

Now we know that you love your littles and the Family Nights are amazing, but let's face it, alone time is amazing too! Sometimes it is forgotten with all the daily to-dos going on. The YMCA wants to help

you out with the kids while you take a much needed Parents' Night Out. Oh yah, the Y understands how important it is so they offer 2 nights a month. The 2nd and 4th Friday of the month! Your little one ages 3-12 will enjoy themed games, crafts, science experiments, movies, swimming and so much more. This is only $10 per kiddo but really rejuvenating your relationship after a long week is priceless! Want additional info on Parents' Night Out? Be sure to check out the link here. I wish I knew about these events when my kids were little.

If you are looking for different workout classes be sure to download the YMCA app. I get notifications keeping me in the know about my favorite Y facilities, which I love. I can see the schedule, sign up for workout classes (not mandatory), and they even have workout videos that you can do from home, right on the app. I just recently noticed the app has a progress chart, keeping track of my goals, workouts and I can join challenges with others. It really is a little community right at your fingertips.

If you haven't checked out the YMCA Las Vegas, what are you waiting for?!? Here is a week trial just for you. Click on this link and fill out the info. You will be glad you did.

Let's make 2023 a year to remember.

How to Add to Your Classic Happy Planner

If you know me well, you know that I love paper planners. I don't know what it is about them that I love so much but I can get lost in all the organizations and fun stuff that goes with it.

For the past few years my planner of choice is the The Happy Planner. They have so many different fun covers, colors and styles to choose from. I also love that it is a disc style binder. Which means you can add to it. That's right, with the help from the Happy Planner hole punch, (or an ARC Punch) you can add any document, list, manual that you want into your binder and personalize it just for you! Believe me, I have tons of extra stuff in my binder.

The trick when printing from your computer is to downsize the text. Don't worry it is super easy. If you are like me, you are a visual person and could really use pictures to describe the steps.

The Classic Happy Planner is the most popular, it is smaller than a 8x11 piece of paper but big enough to write out all your appointments, plans, goals, organization and so much more.

At the print screen:

be sure to change the CUSTOM SCALE to 83% and

make sure that the orientation is PORTRAIT. (That way the text is not only smaller size but it also placed in the top left part of the page.)

Then I grab my scrapbooking paper cutter and cut off the right side and bottom to match up with your Happy Planner.

Then I punch the holes on the left side and you are ready to go.

Adding papers you want and need into your datebook.

Talk about easy peasy!

Every year I think about switching to a different planner but I keep on coming back to The Happy Planner for the incredible customization as you go.

Babysitting Training Course for Teens at the Y

I am just blown away by all the different things the Las Vegas YMCA offers! They have events for Families, Parents, Hikes and so much more.

Calling all teens! This one is for you!

The Skyview YMCA is offering 2 American Red Cross Babysitter's Training courses in the next couple of months!

This training course will help provide youth that are planning on babysitting with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. They will become certified in pediatric CPR and First Aid when they pass the written and practical exam. This training is designed for kids ages 11 to 15.

The American Red Cross Babysitter's Training course will help participants develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business; keep themselves and others safe; help children behave; and learn about basic child care and basic first aid.

I wish I knew about a training like this when I was a teen. I would have loved to turn my babysitting the neighbors son into a real business. That would have been amazing! It might be too late for me, but if you are teen (or know one) be sure to check it out. You can click this link to sign up or get additional information.

The next 2 courses at Skyview YMCA in Las Vegas are on:

November 11, 2022 - Nov 12, 2022 and

December 9, 2022 - December 10, 2022.

A Simple Plan For DEBT FREE

If you had an $400 emergency, would you be able to take care of it right now?

That could be a scary questions for some but the fact is that most small emergencies are about $400 and 39% of Americans would not be able to cover that total.

Just thinking of that is super scary. At any moment we could have vehicle issues, a refrigerator go out, the A/C stop pumping cool air, you name it, something could happen to put you in a situation that could be of some concern. Those hypothetical items I listed above are not something you can wait until payday for. They would need to be repaired and pretty quick. Another horrifying statistic is that 80% of

Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. That was in 2019 during the economic boom, I am sure that number is through the roof right now. As if those weren’t shocking enough, money is the number 1 reason couples get divorced. Number 1! Money or lack thereof causes fights, divorce, stress, overwhelming, depression, anxiety and so many other issues that don't need to be.

I don’t think that people are living paycheck to paycheck because they think it is cool. They aren’t doing it because they like “living on the edge” I personally think 80% are living paycheck to paycheck because they weren’t taught how to look at money. How to manage it. It might seem boring or hard to use a budget. Maybe budget is a bad word. Does it make you feel that they are now restricted so, why bother.

What if I told you that creating a budget or an expense sheet will free you, would you believe me? A little planning, will help you to see where your money is going so that you can have your “cake and eat it too”! You can still buy those clothes, you can still go out and eat, you can even do those amazing trips you love so much.

The only difference is you will be planning for them ahead of time, so that you can afford them. Maybe your trip is on pause for a little bit, 6 months or even a year. The outcome will be that you go to more places or come home to NO credit card bills.

If you have ever experienced a vacation or even Christmas that is paid off before it happens, you would never go back. Those trips mean more when you are not stressing out about how you are going to pay for it.

What about your marriage! Can you imagine what it would like if

you didn’t have to fight about money. Does that even seem possible? No more fighting! It can happen when you are both on the same plan and working toward that plan.

I get it, we live in an instant gratification world. We text someone and if they don’t reply back immediately, we start to wonder why. (pssst, they could be in the bathroom)

Instead of saving for an item: a purse, a car or even a new house, we just go out and get it now because “we deserve it”. We might get it because “we will look cooler when everyone sees us with XYZ”. Regardless if you are purchasing items to “keep up with the Jones’” or not, we all do this to some degree. The question to ask yourself is why? Why do you need that item, right now? Why are we looking for others approval? In the big picture of life, they don’t matter.

If not fighting about money sounds like something you want to try.

If you want to walk into the Christmas season with a plan so that it's paid for before December 25th. If you are just sick and tired of working so hard but you can't figure out where your money went, you should join us in the next session Financial Freedom!

This is not one of those courses that tells you can't have fun ever again.
This is not a course that is boring and hard to follow.
This course has quick, easy and simple steps in order to get that financial plan up and running.
This IS a group of like minded people that are working on similar goals, and they are simple. Plan your money!

Check out Financial Freedom! What do you have to lose... some debt?

Family Night at the Y

If you are like me you have a hard time planning dinner and fun family time! That's ok the YMCA has you covered once a month with Family Night at the Y! I still haven't mastered the "What's for dinner" issue but that's another story.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Friday of the month from 5pm -7pm.

Family Night at the Y provides families with a time and place to come together for a good time through family-friendly activities such as games, crafts, movies and seasonal festivities.

This month get laughing and join the Y for laughter yoga on September 16th! Be ready to have a blast! The Y is providing all the fun! Please feel free to invite your friends, family and neighbors! This is a FREE family event and the more the merrier.

It's All About WATER

I have heard all my life how important it is to drink water! Growing up I would hear we should drink 8 - 8oz glasses a day. Now that I am older I hear we need to drink half your body weight in water. It doesn't really matter which one you follow, just make sure that you are getting enough water on a daily basis.

Here are a few reasons you should be drinking all the water you can.

Your body is made up of 60% water. That is super important especially because it not only helps get your body functioning properly but it helps with your circulation, digestive, saliva, absorption and so much more.

Have you ever been constipated (sorry but someone has to talk about it) and wondered what's really going on? Most of the time you are low on fluids. So next time you are struggling to get things to "release", drink some more water and see if that fixes your pipes. And you thought fiber was the only thing to help when constipated.😉
I found these amazing Contigo water bottles, they are 20oz so this way I can easily keep track of how much water I am drinking. I love that I can put mine in the car and the water stays cold! That's incredible to me, especially because it gets to be 109 degrees outside and no one likes to get a refreshing drink of HOT WATER. 😕 It's worth having an amazing water bottle.

Water helps to break down the foods you eat. Did you know that when you are drinking water at meal times it actually helping your digestive system. It's true and we need all the help we can get. The foods that we are eating now don't have the same nutrients that our parents or even grandparents were getting. Our bodies were not meant to digest these GMOs or processed foods. Even if you are eating amazingly with whole foods, they are still not the same as 50 years ago. The pesticides and soil alone have changed the quality of our food. That's just one more reason it is important to drink extra water and help our bodies every chance we can.

Weight loss is another great reason to make sure you are drinking enough water. It is not a magic drink but it does help to fill up your stomach with a non calorie beverage like water and you have less room in your belly for your meals. Meaning you are eating less calories. It also helps you to stay healthier by absorbing the important vitamins, minerals and nutrients from the foods you eat. How awesome is that. If you want to know some other great ways that I have been able to lose 40lbs be sure to grab my free guide here.

Helps to fight illnesses. We have already talked a little about constipation but did you know that drinking extra water can help reduce kidney stones (I wish someone would tell my husband. He drinks so much Mountain Dew and ignores me when I tell him to drink more water). Reduces UTIs, and if you have ever had one you might be thinking, "it's so worth drinking extra water not to have to experience that uncomfortable again". I agree!

Helps with cognitive brain function. Who knew that water and staying hydrated helps with so many things, including your brain function. It helps to keep you focused, alert and helps your short term memory!

Helps brighten your day, starting with your complexion. You read that right! When you stay hydrated it can reduce the effects of aging.

Prevents dehydration! That just sounds silly, doesn't it?!? Of course it prevents dehydration when you drink enough water but this is super important! When you are dehydrated it can cause swelling in your brain, kidney problems, seizures and other scary complications. I also was told by a doctor recently that for every cup of coffee you drink you need to drink two glasses of water. Did you know that those amazing cups of coffee help to dehydrate you? I didn't either.

I guess the moral to this story is drink enough water and make sure that you are drinking extra in the summer time when it's hot and you are sweating more.

How much water have you been drinking?

So Much Going on at the Las Vegas YMCA

I can't even believe that that kids are back in school, it feels like they just got out for the summer. It is time to get back into the swing of things, new routines, new school activities, and fall sports.

The YMCA offers so much more than just a place to workout and classes. They offer Parent' Night Out, Hikes at the Mountains, Family Nights and so much more.

Let's check out some of the fun happening in the next few weeks.

Did you know that the YMCA has fall sports offered right at the Las Vegas clubs. It's true!

With a Youth or Family Y Membership, your kids can enjoy group exercise classes like Y Kids Play, Bootcamp, Yoga, Hip Hop, Circuit Training and more. All of the classes are age appropriate and taught by instructors specializing in children’s fitness. In addition to free member activities and classes, the Y also offers fee-based youth sports programs, including basketball, baseball, soccer, martial arts, gymnastics, dance and more.

Take a Hike with the Y:

Grab your cameras, hiking shoes, plenty of water and even a snack. They are meeting at Mount Charleston this Saturday, August 27th from 10am -12pm. Not only will you be getting some exercise, meeting new friends, but you will be able to identify and document different plants in the area. It's like a treasure hunt. How fun is that!

Parents' Night out at the Y

Want a Date Night? You know you need one but don't know where the kids could hang out?

The Y has you covered. You can drop the kids off at the Y, where they will have a blast with 3 hours of supervised fun! This is for kids 3-12 year old.

So now that the Y has the kids taken care of it is time for you and the one you love to start planning an amazing night away.

You're Welcome!

I told you, they have so much going on at the Y right now. If you have been wanting to try the Y out for yourself be sure to give it a "Try the Y before you buy for 1 week"

Giveaway! $90 Premium Grass-Fed beef

Calling all Las Vegas and surrounding areas, this one's for you

How about $90 FREE Premium Grass-Fed beef! Yes please!

I was given a sample of Grassy Mountain Beef to see what I thought of it before I recommend it to you. I have to say that I was surprised at the quality.

The first thing I noticed is the packaging. Yes it was in a cooler type of shipping box to stay fresh during the shipping process but I was more impressed that it was neatly packed. I always put the frozen meat in the frig to defrost and it always leaks and creates a big mess. That didn't happen with this beef! It had 2 layers of wrapping but even after thawing it out and unwrapping it, I saw very little liquids. YAY NO MESS!

We were excited to not only entertain guests but taste the beef verses all the ingredients I usually put in to make burgers. This time I only added Montreal Steak Seasoning. It was gluten free option for my friend and quite delicious for us. Talk about a win/win.

Before you all make fun of me, it was over 100 degrees so I decided to grill them on the George Foreman. It was amazing in the A/C and not out in the dreadful sun.

Something else I noticed is that this beef didn't have all the fillers that the store brand beef has. We didn't have very much grease come from the beef at all BUT the burgers were juicy and delicious.

This was probably the only time that I remember cleaning the grill and not having to struggle to get it cleaned. It wiped off very easily and I think that is because of the quality of the Grassy Mountain Beef.

It was hard to get a picture before everyone started chowing down but I was able to get one of the double burgers. I will say that everyone loved the burgers and I had absolutely NO leftovers.

We all know that grass-fed meat is better for you because it is leaner and provides you antioxidants and vitamins but let’s face it, a guilt free burger always tastes better. Being able to purchase from a rancher allows us options of knowing exactly what we are getting without the struggle finding empty grocery shelves.

A little about Grassy Mountain Beef:

Grassy Mountain Beef is a 6 generation family owned ranch, based in St. George UT. The cows are roaming free over hundreds of miles in the “Arizona Strip”, a large, rugged, virtually untouched area of range found in the northwest corner of Arizona, bordering Utah and Nevada.

The cattle are mostly Black Angus, but also include Red Angus, Charley, and Beef Master.
These cows are born and naturally raised across acres of free range.
They are not treated with any type of hormones or antibiotics.
Diet consists of a wide variety of grasses and forage native to the area.

You can check out all that Grassy Mountain Beef has to offer here. They serve Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, St. George and everything in between.

Be sure to use coupon code GERI at checkout to save 15%.

Now let's get to the GIVEAWAY. This is for a sample pack worth $90

3 lbs of ground beef
3 Steaks
1 roast

and the winner is......

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A post shared by 💖 Geri. 💖 (@geris2cents)

Instant Pot Refried Beans

I am really not sure anyone can make Refried Beans look great in a picture but I will tell you that this recipe is absolutely amazing and easy to make!

I promise to get a picture of the beans before the family devour them. (It's true, it is a thing)

Using the Instant Pot is the only way that I will make these because they are so fast and delicious. No need to sit and watch your food cooking. It is just doing the work for you so you can do other things. I love that kind of cooking.

Ingredients:

4 cups dried Pinto Beans
9 cups water
1 yellow onion (quartered)
2+ TBS minced garlic (your preference)
1/2 - 1 Jalapeno (I use canned)
6tsp Salt
2tsp pepper
1/8tsp cumin

Directions:

I rinse off my pinto beans in a strainer.

The rest of this recipe is just dump it in the Instant Pot.

Add all ingredients and stir

Turn the IP on manual for 45 minutes.

Make sure the seal is closed

When it is done and beeps, let the IP natural release for about 10 minutes.

Then you want to release the pressure, and open up the IP away from you. It will be super hot.

I take a large glass and start taking some of the water (only) out of the pot. You will need some of the water for reserves.

When you think you have enough water out of the pot, grab that Immersion Hand Mixer and start blending the beans right in the IP.

If you feel that you don't have enough water, add some in.

If you feel that you have too much water, take some out.

From this point on this is your preference.

You will want to blend these until you get the consistency that you like.

You can't mess this up

I usually keep some of the reserved water for the leftovers. That way when we eat them the next day they are not dry.

Enjoy!

If you have leftovers you can freeze them. I like to put them in Food Saver bags and pull them out weeks later when we need them.

Debt Free Planning: 52 Week Saving Challenge 2021

It's that time of year again.

Our main goal is to be Debt FREE and that not only means for Christmas but for every aspect of our lives. Being Debt Free is a HUGE goal and takes some planning in our lives.

This 52 week challenge is pretty simple, you save the dollar amount that corresponds with that week. So the week of Jan 1st you save $1,

the week of Jan 7th you deposit $2 and so on,

by the end of the year you will have $1378 in cash for anything you choose.

You can also do this challenge backwards where you save the $52 on Jan 1st and take away $1 every week.

I like things more uniformed so I think for me I like the 52 Week Challenge EVEN plan. I will just deposit $27 in my envelope every week and by the time Christmas comes I will have $1404.

Click on any of the forms above to the printable version.

We are starting up our next session of Financial Freedom classes! If you are ready to grab a plan to becoming debt free, you should join us! Check out more info here.

Veteran's Day Deals to Honor YOU!

Happy Veterans Day to all our service members. Without your sacrifice and love for our country we would not be here! We owe you so much more than we could ever imagine!

This day is to honor you and here are some discounts around town that you can score. Be sure to check your local stores to make sure they are participating before heading over there.

Veterans Day discounts and meals at restaurants

Bob Evans – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military receive a special menu of seven (7) homestyle favorites for FREE at local restaurants. Dine-in only. Visit the Bob Evans website for more details.

The Chop House – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active military receive a 50% discount off any entrée with a valid military ID on November 11. Dine-in only. Please call ahead to your local Chop House if you have any questions about your Veterans Day Discount, or visit the Chop House website for additional details.

Cotton Patch Café – November 11, 2021

All Veterans and active military members are being offered a Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken FREE on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Cotton Patch Café if you have any questions about your Veterans Day Discount.

IHOP – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military are being offered FREE red, white and blue pancakes on November 11.

In honor of my birthday month, I decided it would be cool to see what kind of freebies I could find. Here are just a few places that have great deals. You need to register at these websites at least a couple of weeks before your birthday so that their systems are updated early enough to get the great items.

I am so excited to get all my goodies this month.

Baskin Robbin
Free Ice Cream

Buca di Beppo
Free Desert

Chili’s
free chips & queso within 48 hours of signing up and a free birthday dessert

Dairy Queen
Buy one get one free Blizzard

Dennys
Show your ID and get a FREE Grand Slam

Famous Dave's
weeks before you birthday you will receive a coupon for free food.

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