Summer is almost over…

New Hobby? Consider Buying Used Equipment…

Confession time: I think I’m going to take up tennis.  Running and weight lifting are already hobbies of mine, but tennis has always intrigued me! It’s fantastic cardio exercise and an awesome opportunity to play outdoors on beautiful crisp fall afternoons.  I’d also like to get involved in a local tennis league where I could meet new people. Though before I do that I’m going to take one-on-one lessons so that I can hit the court with more know-how and heightened skill level than my current skill level (or the lack there of).

There’s just one thing missing…a tennis racquet that is NOT made of heavy aluminum.  Technology and racquets have evolved since I received my first tennis racket.  Older tennis racquets are commonly made of aluminum, while more modern racquets are often made of lighter materials like graphite.  Therefore, a new graphite racquet is on my ‘list of wants’ but definitely NOT in my budget.

I’ve concluded that a used graphite racquet will be as efficient as a brand new one considering my amateur skill level.  Plus there is plenty of used tennis equipment out there just waiting to be brought out of retirement. Maybe someone out there bought some great tennis equipment and only used it a few times before deciding tennis wasn’t the right fit for them. (fingers crossed) So my mission this week is to visit local thrift stores and maybe even a nearby Play It Again Sports in hopes of acquiring a gently used racquet for a way lower cost than a new one.

Have you considered trying a new sport?  Do you plan to purchase used equipment?

See a Movie & Save Cash Thanks to Groupon

Groupon and Fandango have partnered together to save you some cash on your next visit to a movie theater around the Maryland Heights!

For the next 3 days only, you head over to Groupon and purchase a $12 movie ticket for ONLY $4 through Fandango!  Prices haven’t been that low since the 80s!  This deal won’t last forever, so take advantage it while the deal last!

How to get your voucher:

1.) Sign up or login to your Groupon Account

2) Click here to purchase the Fandango movie ticket deal

You have until February 28th, 2011 to use the voucher.

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• Groupon: *HOT!* $4 Fandango Movie Ticket! (hip2save.com)

Eat, Pray, Love is the Summer’s Must-See

Hitting theaters Friday August 13^th, Eat, Pray, Love has been the talk of the summer!  Saying I’m a huge Julia Roberts fan would be an understatement.  I’m also a sucker for ‘chick-flicks’, so I knew I was going to see this movie in theaters from the first time I watched the trailer. (Confession: I couldn’t wait until tonight to secure my tickets. I just purchased my tickets online for this evenings showing…just in case it was sold out!)

Here’s the trailer for the much-talked-about Eat, Pray, Love…

Check out showtimes around our area. What’s the best movie you’ve watched this summer?  Or are you still waiting for the release of a movie?

Annual Maxus Pool Party on Friday!

New Woodhollow Blog Poll!

Photo Hunt: Independence Day Edition!

photo credit: scubadive67

Save Money on Natural/Organic Products

Coupon Mom is a genius.  At least I think so! Watch as she teaches us how to save 80% on natural and organic products!  She even teaches us how to get products for FREE and how to ‘profit’ when you buy certain products!  Coupon Mom will have you reconsidering how much money you can save using coupons and store specials!

Which One Do You Check First? Vote!

image credits: Shawnzlea, benstein, dampeebe and kleinman

Melon Mania

Fresh fruits such as melons are synonymous with the start of summer.  They travel well to outdoor activities, are loved by kids and adults alike and satisfy any sweet tooth!

Are you aware of the health benefits of melons?  With their high water content, melons are refreshing but also low in calories.  They’re a great source of potassium and vitamin C.  Below you’ll find some interesting info about the 3 most popular melon varieties found at the local grocery stores this summer.

Watermelon contains more water than other melon varieties.  Be sure to select a watermelon that is firm, smooth and unblemished.  Watermelons should sound hollow when knocked.

A ripe Cantaloupe should have a strong, sweet (nearly floral) scent, and should give slightly when pressed.

Honeydew melons are the sweetest of all these three melons.  Honeydew melons’ sweetness pairs perfectly with cottage cheese for a nutritious snack!  Choose melons with a freckled rind, an indication of sweetness.

Always store melons (whole) at room temperature.  Once you’ve sliced the melons you should cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Which melon is your favorite?

photo by moreno0101

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