Once again, as I said in this post, I often wonder where the locals really hang out in the places I visit (or when I move to a new place). So, I am going to share my top five local hang out spots from the places I have lived.   I posted about Omaha and about Spokane so far. 
Today's Top 5: Scottsdale So, after living in Omaha for 8 years (with a one year break in the middle in Spokane), we moved to Scottsdale, AZ where my husband was doing a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic there. So, like Spokane, it was only a  year spent there, but unlike Spokane, I was not on bed rest! :) Yeah! We loved Scottsdale and really tried to take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather! I learned that I love hot places. I had great air conditioning in our rental house (and basically everywhere), so the extremely hot summers didn't even bother me. It was actually a pretty heavenly year. 
In no particular order, here are my top 5 favorite Family hang outs in (and around) Scottsdale: 
1. Fountain Hill Park 
What is it? A Park surrounding a lake with fountain. With a disc golf course and a Spray ground (important stuff in Scottsdale)!
My Experience with it: I know, this is not in Scottsdale, but in Fountain Hills. But guys, I love it here. Seriously, LOVE it! From where we lived, it was a short drive up to Fountain Hills. It was a very oft visited park for us since we love disc golf and the splash pad was a great place to cool off in the Arizona heat. I would guess we came here once a week at least...
Where is it? 12925 N Seguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 
What can you do there and what does it cost? FREE to disc golf, play on the playground or splash pad, or to walk around the park). But since you will already be in Fountain Hills, you should stop over and spend some money on some of the most delectable chocolates ever at Chocofin! YUM!  2. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in McDowell Sonoran Preserve 
What is it? Hiking Trails in a preserve
My Experience with it: We like to hike and be active as a family as much as possible, so this was an awesome find! When my kids started school in Arizona, we discovered that there was a parking area and trail head for great hikes, just past their school. It was awesome. So close to home, and really fun! We went on these trails often. Once or twice a month at least. They are family friendly, but stay on the trails to avoid the walking cacti. And MAKE SURE to bring WATER!!! (Gotta stay hydrated in that hot climate)
Where is it? Located at the North end of 124th Street beyond Anasazi Elementary School. (Go to Anasazi at 12121 N 124th St in Scottsdale, drive north past the school and you will drive right into the parking lot for the trail heads)
What can you do there and what does it cost? You can hike some awesome trails! It's FREE! Bring Water!
3. Camelback
What is it? Another Hiking Spot, right in the middle of town
My Experience with it: Here is where I get to hang my head in shame. I only tried to hike this 2 times, both times we had all our kids with us. The youngest 2 were 1 and 3 at the time. It was hard to help them up and at some point I turned around with them both times and sent my husband the rest of the way up with the older kids. So, I have never made it to the top. It is now a bucket list item to do so! Side note-if you have young kids like that it may be a tougher hike than they can handle...but if youare fit and can help them, you can totally make it. BRING WATER though...
Where is it? There are 2 trails up. Echo Canyon Tail parking is at 4925 E. McDonald Dr. And Cholla Trail (which incidentally does NOT have parking at the trail head) is at 6131 E. Cholla Lane. But you can park down the street. Here is the official Phoenix.gov page with info about Camelback. Also Check out this page for some great info about where to park when planning to hike either of these trails. 
What can you do there and what does it cost? Hike. Hike to the top of Camelback then come back here and shame me for not making it to the top. Oh, it's free, but parking is a beast so plan to go early in the morning (like 4 am early) or plan to take a while to park. BRING WATER!!! Staying hydrated in the AZ heat is super duper important friends! 
Please check out this awesome site for lots of info about Camelback.  
4. Phoenix Zoo
What is it? A zoo.
My experience with it: One of my biggest regrets about my time in Scottsdale is that I did not discover the zoo sooner. It was my own fault really. Lots of friends told me to go, but I just honestly didn't want to pay. But near the end of our year there, my mother in law came to visit and she and I decided to fork out the big bucks and take the kids there. 
Where is it? 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008  
What can you do there and what does it cost? First of all, as I mentioned above, it is expensive (base prices are about $25/day for ages 14+, $15/day for ages 3-13. Free for ages 2 and under), but it was worthwhile to spend some time there. In retrospect I should have bought a membership when I first moved there and we for sure would have made it worth the $170 it costs for the Family membership (Now I have enough kids over the age of 3 that I would need to buy the $270Family Plus plan, but I still think that would be worth it.)  BUT there really is a lot to do there. Obviously there are lots of cool animal exhibits, but they also have (for additional costs) a 4-D theater, a train, a carousel and camel rides.
5. Wet N Wild Phoenix
What is it? An awesome water park
My Experience with it: Let me tell you something, when we were moving to Scottsdale, most of the houses had pools. I searched and searched for a house without a pool because I had 5 kids under 10 years old and none of them were great swimmers (ironic as I am now living in Yakima and looking to buy a house with a pool). I quickly regretted that decision (though I did feel safer at home without a pool in the back yard). We needed a place to go a cool off. We discovered there was a Wet N Wild water park in Phoenix, AND we discovered that there was a deal on season passes. So we splurged and bought season passes for the whole family. It was a bit of a drive away, but the kids and I spent a big chunk of our summer there. 
Where is it? 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, AZ 85310
What can you do there and what does it cost? Prices are a little much for daily passes, but you can usually get a great deal on season passes. Current daily prices are listed here and season pass info is here. As far as what you can do, there is a variety of slides, a wave pool (my fave), and a lazy river. Lots to do and a great place to cool off during the summer. 
It was super hard to keep this list to 5 items and here are a few Honorable mentions that really could easily have been on this list. So, make sure to check these out as well!

• McCormick Stillman Railroad Park at 7301 E Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale. It is a blast! Do not miss it.
• Pools are a huge deal in AZ since it is so hot! Most houses have pools, so if you live there, make friends, if you stay at a hotel, plan to make use of the pool, or if all else fails, go to a public pool. There is a list of public pools here. 
• Professional Baseball teams do Spring Training in Scottsdale/Phoenix area. If you are there for that, make sure to catch a game! 

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market (I no longer shop here due to their terrible customer service and their rude manager, but I post the deals for pricematching purposes...just an FYI...)

• Cuties Clementines 3 lb 2/$5
• Coke Pepsi or 7Up 12 packs 4/$9 (When you buy 4 WITH a minimum $25 purchase)
• Lay's Potato Chips 10-10.5 oz, Santitas 11 oz or Chester's Puffcorn 3.5-4.5 oz $1.88 (limit 4 on the Lay's)
• Jennie O Blue Ribbon Deli Turky Breast $2.99/lb (limit 2 lbs-additional $4.99/lb)
• Kellogg's Cereal 11.4-18 oz $1.99 (This is part of a mix and match sale where you have to buy 8 participating items to get this price. If you do not buy 8 items, the price is $.50 more)
• Capri Sun or Kool Aid Jammers 10 pk $1.79 (This is part of a mix and match sale where you have to buy 8 participating items to get this price. If you do not buy 8 items, the price is $.50 more)
• Super Lean Ground Beef 93% Lean 3 lbs or more $2.77/lb
• Extra Lean Ground Beef 85% Lean 3 lbs or more $2.59/lb
• Chicken Breasts of Thighs $1.99/lb
• Armour Meatballs 14 oz Frozen BOGO (Buy one at regular price of $3.99 each, get second free)
• Fresh Made Guacamole 12 oz $3.99

Bashas (Remember, their sales are almost always WITH your Basha's Thank You Card)

• Fresh Baby Back Ribs Buy 1 get 2 free
• Blueberries (fresh full dry pint) $1.77
• Large Slicing or Red Ripe Roma Tomatoes $.77/lb
• Lay's Potato Chips 10-10.5 oz $1.88
• Food Club Chunks, Bars, bars, or shreds (6-8 oz) $1.88
• Chex Cereal 12.8-14 oz 4/$6 (when you buy 4 in single transaction)
• Welch's Grape Jam or Jelly 2/$4
• Danimals Crush Cup or Dannon Activia Breakfast Blends 4 pack, 4or 6 oz 3/$5
• Large Haas Avocados 10/$10
• Large Fuji, Ambrosia, Braeburn or Red or Golden Delicious Apples $.99/lb
• Sweet Onions or Jicima $.99/lb
• Large Green Bell Peppers 2/$1
• Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce 2/$3 (18 oz)
• McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning 2.5-3.5 oz 2/$3

In addition to their regular week long special, Basha's also has a 3 Day Sale Friday 2/1-Sunday 2/3 that includes the following:

• Haas Small Avocado 5/$1

Fresh & Easy

• f&e tri tip roast $2.99/lb
• f&e Guacamole 12 oz $3.49
• Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps 7.2 oz 2/$5

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Pork Loin Back Ribs or St Louis Style Ribs Buy 1 get 2 Free
• California Seedless Mandarines or Cara Cara Navel Oranges 3 lb bag $2.47
• Kroger boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts or tenderloins $1.88/lb
• Kroger Cheese 6-8 oz $1.99Kroger Orange Juice Gallon $2.99 (from concentrate)
• Mini Peeled Carrots 1 lb bag $.98
• Mini Sweet Peppers 2 lb bag $2.99

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Rancher's Reserve Whole Beef Top Sirloin (sold whole in the bag) $2.77/lb
• Farmer Johns Hot Dogs 16 oz $.88
• Pantry Essentials Milk $1.67
• Fresh baked Muffins 9 ct $5
• Safeway Select Artisan All Butter Croissants 15 ct $5Fresh Baked Cookies 50 ct $5
• Mangoes 10/$10
• Red Vines or Sour Punch Twist Tub 2.78 or 4 lb $6.99
• Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Carton 30 oz $6.49

In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway also has a 3 Day, $5 Sale Friday 2/1-Sunday 2/3 that includes the following:

• Signature Cafe Family Size Cheese Pizza OR 15 ct (18 oz) Bone In Chicken OR 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken Wings $5 each
• Fresh Bakes Strudel or Gourmet Croissants (Dare I hope they are chocolate Croissants?!) $5
• Tony Roma's Ribs (16 oz) OR Bar S Sausage (40 oz) $5 While Supplies last!
• Lucerne or Open Nature Cheese 24-32 oz Chuck or Shredded $5
• Safeway Trash Bags 18, 20, 25, 38, 45, or 50 count $5
• Foster Farms Corn Dogs OR Smucker's Uncrustables OR Totinos Pizza Rolls $5
• 5 lb Clementines $5
• General Mills Trix 10.7 oz, Cocoa Puffs 11.8 oz, Cereal or Quaker Chewy Granola bars 8 ct 3/$5 ($1.67 each)
• The Snack Artist 28-31 oz Peanuts $5

Sprouts

• Roma Tomatos 3 lb/$1
• Organic Red delicious apples $.48/lb
• Crisp Cucumbers or Green Bell Peppers $.48 each
• Red, Yellow, or Orange Bell Peppers $.88 each
• Strawberries 1 lb clamshell 2/$4
• California Navel Oranges $.48/lb
• Braeburn or Fuji Apples $.88/lb
• Garnet or Jewel Yams $.88/lb
• Grape Tomatoes (1 dry pint) or hothouse cucumbers 4/$5
• Baby Carrots $.88 each (1 lb bag)
• Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps 7.2 oz 2/$5

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market

• Petite Sirloin Steak Buy 1 get 2 free (8.99/lb reg price)
• Boneless Pork Loin Chops Buy 1 Get 2 Free ($5.99/lb reg price)
• Navel Oranges $.77/lb
• Bartlett Pears $.77/lb
• Albertsons Milk Gallon $1.77 (limit 2)
• Fresh Broccoli Crowns $.77/lb
• Alberstons Butter 1 lb quarters $1.99 (limit 2)
• Albertsons Large Eggs dozen  $1.27
• Snow Crab Clusters 8 Up $5.99/lb
• Whole Cooked Lobster 12-14 oz $5.99 each
• Chex Cereal 13.5-14.25 oz $1.99 each when you buy 3
• Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms 6 pack $3.99
• Fresh Made Guacamole 12 oz $3.99 (and folks, this Guacamole is AWESOME!!)

The following items are on sale 10/$10. At Albertsons you do not have to get 10 items to get this price. BUT this week, if you buy 12 of any combination of the following items you get them for $.83 each. Essentially they are $1 each unless you buy at least 12, then the price drops to $.83 each. Here are the items:

• Banquet Value Meals 4.66-10.25 oz
• Banquet Pot Pies 7 oz
• Hunts Pasta Sauce or Ketchup 24 oz
• Hunts Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz
• Hunts Tomato Sauce 15 oz
• Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding 4 pack
• Rosarita Refried Beans 16 oz
• Blue Bonnet Spread 1 lb quarters
• Chef Boyardee Pasta 7.5-15 oz
• Ro Tel Diced Tomatoes 10 oz
• David Sunflower Seeds 5.25 oz
• Van Camp's Pork N Beans or Ranch Style Beans

Bashas (Bashas deals are almost always WITH their card! Just a reminder)
****Note that for a limited time, Bashas has "Coupon Magic" going on where all Manufacturer's coupons will be worth $1. So if you have any of those lower value coupons (like $.10 off) this is the week to use them at Bashas! They will be worth $1!!****

• Bashas' Hometown Grocer Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.69/lb (first 4)
• Pork Loin (whole bone in) $.99/lb (first 1 only)
• Bashas' Large Eggs dozen $1.29
• California Grown Strawberries $.97 (for 16 oz package, first 3)
• Large Tomatoes $.77/lb (first 5 lbs)
• Large Navel Oranges $.77/lb (first 10 lbs)
• Food Club Cheese 6-8 oz chunks, shreds or cubes $1.88
• Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz $1.99
• Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag 2/$3
• Dole Ready to go Salads $.99 (Classic Iceberg 12 oz, shredded lettuce 8 oz, or classic cole slaw 14 oz)

The following deals are available with in ad coupon (Price listed is the price AFTER the coupon:

• PF Chang's frozen meals 22 oz $4.99
• Jose Ole Taquitos or Minis $1.99
• California Pizza Kitchen Pizza $2.99
• Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream 14 oz $1.99
• Eggo Waffles 9.8-12.7 oz 2/$3
• Farm Rich Appetizers 20-28 oz $3.99
• PF Chang's Appetizers 12-12.5 oz $3.99
• Yoplait Frozen Yogurt or Yogurt Bars 16 oz, 6-10 ct packs 2/$5

In addition to their regular week long special, Bashas also has a 4 Day Sale Friday 10/5-Monday 10/8 that includes the following:

• Bananas $.33/lb (First 6 lbs)
• Haas Avocados 3/$.99 (first 6)
• Bashas' Drinking water 24 pack 500 ML bottles $1.99 (first 4)

Fresh & Easy

• Lays XXL 10-10.5 oz Buy One @$4.18, get 1 free
• Gala apples $.79/lb (sold in 3 lb bag for $2.37)
• Rainbow pears $.79/lb (sold in 3 lb bag for $2.37)
• Fresh and Easy sparkling cider 25.4 fl oz Buy 1 @$2.98 get 1 free!

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Cook's Shank Portion Ham Bone in $1.29/lb
• Pepsi Product 20 packs $4.99
• Fry's Milk half gallons $.88 (limit 4)
• Red or Yellow Bell Peppers $.88 each
• Mini Peeled Carrots 16 oz $.88
• Kroger Cheese bar or shredded 8 oz $1.88
• Gala, Granny Smith, Red or Gold Delicious Apples $.77/lb

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)
****If you spend $75 or more in a single transaction using your club card between 10/3 and 10/7, you get a $10 rewards coupon for use on your next trip to Safeway.****

• Ranchers Reserve Boneless Beef Bottom Round Roast $2.99/lb
• Tomatoes on the vine $.88/lb
• Pantry Essentials Milk gallon $1.77
• Coca Cola Product 12 packs $3.29
• Gorton's frozen fish products 6.3-24.5 oz Buy 1 get 1 free
• Pepsi Products 2 L $.99

Safeway has a Just for U card where you can load coupons onto your card. There are always great coupons. You can use the coupons by loading them on your card or by cutting out the coupons from the ads. The following items all have coupons from this weeks add that can be clipped or just loaded onto your card. Prices listed below are the Price after the coupon:

• Hilshire Farm Ultra thin Lunch meat $2.49
• Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag $.99
• Chex Mix, Gardettos, or Bugles 7.5-8.75 oz $1.50
• Ocean Spray 100% Fruit Juice & Veggie or Cranberry Juice 64 oz $1.79
• Fritos or Cheetos 9-10.5 oz $1.99
• Mr Clean 40 or 48 oz Multi Surface cleaners limit 2 $1.99
• Swiffer WetJet 1 Starter Kit Limit 1 $14.99
• Safeway Select Salsa $1.99 24 oz
• Safeway Select olive Oil 25 oz $4.99 (limit 4)
• Ken's Salad Dressing 16 oz $1.19 (limit 3)
• Mt Olive Pickles 24 oz $1.49 (limit 3)
• 7Up Product 2L $.88 (limit 4)
• Kleenex Facial Tissue 100 ct $.79
• Quaker Rice Snacks 3-3.52 oz $.99 (limit 10)
• Silk Soy Milk 64 oz $2.89 (limit 3)

In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway also has a $5 Sale Friday 10/5-Saturday 10/6 that includes the following:

• Sabra Hummus 2/$5
• The Snack Artist Roasted Pistachios with sea salt 16 oz $5
• 7Up Product 12 packs 2/$5
• Nice N Easy, Garnier Fructis or Pantene Hair Care $5
• StarKist Solid White Tuna 5/$5

Sprouts

• Yellow Onions 2 lb/$1
• Green Bell Peppers 2/$1
• Roma Tomatoes 2 lb/$1
• Haas Avocados 2/$1
• Red Bell Peppers 3/$1
• Baby Carrots  1 lb bag $.88
• Mild Cheddar cheese bulk cut $2.99/lb
• Almond Breeze Almondmilk 64 oz 2/$5

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market

• London Broil (boneless) $1.99/lb (limit 2)
• 85% lean ground beef $2.49/lb (3 lb or more)
• Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, always fresh, NO sodium based solution added) $1.77/lb
• Driscoll's Raspberries 6 oz $.88 (limit 4)
• Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag $1.99
• Kellogg's Cereal 10.5-14 oz, Pop tarts 12 ct, Special K Bars 5-6 ct, or Crackers 4-8 oz $1.99 (Also, if you buy 4 Kellogg's items, you get one free gallon of Albertsons Milk-not chocolate)
• Albertsons sandwich bread 24 oz 10/$10 (you do not have to buy 10 to get this price at Albertsons-I learned that from a checker there the other day FYI)
• 7-Up 12 packs 4/$10
• Pepsi 12 packs 3/$10 (must buy 3-only ok, but I know we have lots of soda drinkers...)
• Fresh Carrots 2 lb bag $1
• Large English Cucumbers $1 each

Bashas

• Bashas Milk half gallon (whole, 2%, 1%, or fat free) $.88 (first 4)
• California grown sweet red, green or black seedless grapes $.88/lb (first 5 lbs)
• Gala Apples or Bartlett Pears $.77/lb
• Large Tomatoes $.88/lb
• Coke products 12 packs 3/$11 (kinda crappy, but the best deal I see this week for the Coke fans)
• Purex Laundry Products (select varieties 60-66 oz liquid, 40 oz powder, 44 oz fabric softener, 120 ct softener sheets) $2.99
• Haas Avocados 2/$1
• Dole Salad Blends 5-12 oz $1.99 each

Fresh & Easy

• f&e whole chicken, never frozen $.64/lb
• f&e romaine lettuce or Italian salad $.98
• f&e cantaloupe $.98 each
• f&e bacon 12-16 oz (thick, sliced, hickory, or applewood) $2.99

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Fry's Milk (Vitamin D, 2%, 1%, Skim) gallon $1.59
• Russet Potatoes 5 lb $.99
• Sun Chips 9-10.5 oz, Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz or Lays Kettle Chips 8.5 oz 2/$5
• Navel Oranges $.99/lb

In addition to their regular week long special, Frys also has a 3 Day Sale Friday 9/28-Sunday 9/30 that includes the following:

• Driscoll's Raspberries 6 oz $.88 (limit 4)
• Pepsi Product 20 packs $4.99 each (eh...)
• Cheerios Cereal 8.9-12.9 oz $1.88
• Nature Valley Granola Bars or Fiber One 5-12 ct $1.88
• Tostitos Tortilla CHips 9-13 oz $1.88
• Big K 2 L sodas $.69
• Kroger Salted Butter 165 oz $2.39
• Kroger cheese 12-16 oz bars or shreds $2.99

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Bananas $.39/lb
• Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.99/lb
• Fresh 80% Lean ground Beef $2.49
• Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Top Round London Broil Steak $2.79
• Fresh Express Spinach or Garden Plus Salads 8-16 oz $.99 each
• Lucerne Shredded or Chunk Cheese 6-8 oz 2/$4
• 12 Pack Pepsi Products Buy 2 get 2 free (this ends up being about 4/$13 so only an ok deal...)
• Safeway Selects Appetizers 7-8 oz 2/$5
• Almond Breeze Milk 64 oz $2.99

In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway also has a 3 Day $5 Sale Friday 9/28-Sunday 9/30. All of the following items ar $5 all weekend:

• Lloyd's Baby Back Ribs 1.42 lb (while supplies last, no rainchecks, up to limit of 5)
• Lucerne or Open Nature cheese Shredded 24-32 oz
• Coke Producte 20 packs (limit 3)
• Safeway Selects Artisen Cream Style Cheesecake

Sprouts

• Strawberries (1 lb clamshell) $.99 each
• Red Bell Peppers 3/$1
• Sprouts Butter 2/$5
• Seapoint Farms Shelled Edamame 2/$4

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market

• Pork Loin   (bone in, previously frozen, reg retail $7.99/lb) Buy 1 Get 2 Free
• Pork Spare Ribs (bone in, previously frozen, reg retail $4.99/lb) But 1 Get 2 Free
• Sanderson Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (tray pack reg retail $4.99/lb) Buy 1 Get 2 Free
• Seedless Watermelon $.17/lb (limit 2)
• Coke product 24 packs 4/$8 (When you buy 4 with minimum $25 purchase, without min purchase sale price is 4/$11)
• Albertsons Drinking water 24 pack 16.9 oz 4/$8 (limit 4)
• Lay's 10-10.5 oz (limit 4) or Santitas 11 oz or Chester's Snack Mix 3.5-4.5 oz $1.77
• Super Lean Ground Beef  (93% Lean) $2.77/lb (3 lbs or more)
• Gatorade 32 oz $.69 each when you buy 15 (otherwise the ale price is 10/$10
• Roma Tomatoes $.99/lb
• Gourmet Mini Snacking Peppers 2 lb $4.99

Bashas (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Bashas Hometown Grocer Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.67/lb (limit 4)
• Pepsi Product 12 packs 4/$8.88 (when you buy 4, with minimum $25 purchase)
• Powerade 32 oz $.50 (when you buy 15 in a single transaction) 

In addition to their regular week long special, Bashas also has a 4 Day Sale Friday 8/31-Monday 9/3 that includes the following:

• Pork Baby Back Ribs $2.77/lb (first 2)
•  Cantaloupe $.19/lb (first 3 melons)
• Frito Lay Snacks (3.5-11 oz) or Pop-Chips (3 oz) $1.77

Fresh & Easy

• Farmer John Wieners 16 oz $.99
• fresh&easy Italian deli or tomato Mozzarella Salad 32 oz $5.99

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Nabisco Snack Crackers 5.5-10 oz $1.99
• Popsicle Frozen Treats 6-8 ct $.49 (within ad coupon and card, limit 2, additional are on sale 10/$10)
• Bar S Franks 16 oz $.49 (with in ad coupon and card, limit 2)
• Bush's Best Baked Beans 21-28 oz $.99 (limit 4 with coupon and card)
• Green Grapes $.69/lb
• Kroger Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream or Dip 16 oz 10/$10
• Nectarines $.75/lb
• Dole Salad Blends or Kits 5-12 oz $1
• Kroger cheese 6-8 oz $1.88
• Kroger Butter 2/$5
• Bananas $.57/lb

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Tony Roma's or Primrose Back Ribs 16 oz limit 5 $5
• 12 pack Coke, Pepsi or 7Up products Buy 2 Get 2 Free
• Nectarines $.99/lb
• Lobster Tails 4 oz $5.99 each (must buy 2)
• Lucerne Milk 64 oz whole, 2%, 1%, fat free or creamy fat free $.99 (with in ad coupon and card, limit 3)
• Lucerne Butter 16 oz $2.49 (with in ad coupon and card, limit 4)

Safeway has a Just for U card where you can load coupons onto your card. There are always great coupons. The following items all have coupons you can add to your card to get the prices listed below:

• Oscar Mayer Meat Franks 16 oz  $.99
• 2-Liter 7Up products $.79
• Capri Suns 10 pack 6 oz $1.79

In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway also has a 4 Day Sale Friday 8/31-Monday 9/3 that includes the following:

• Jennie-O Turkey Store Lean Ground Turkey 20 oz  Buy 1 Get 1 Free
• Post Honey Bunches of Oats  or Fruity Pebbles 11 oz $1.88

Sprouts (The Sprouts ad actually goes from 8/29-9/5-ONE EXTRA DAY)

• Limes 5/$1
• Haas Avocados 3/$1
• Dried and Sweetened Mango Slices $3.99/lb
• Sabra Hummus 2/$6

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market
***Please Note that this week (through 8/28) Albertsons is doubling all manufacturers coupons up to and including $.50!***

• Bartlett Pears $.49/lb
• Essential Everyday Shredded Cheese 7-8oz $1.99 (limit 4)
• Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals 64 oz juices $1.49 (limit 2)
• Bananas $.39/lb
• Tri-Tip Roast or Top Sirloin Steak $2.97/lb
• Chicken Thigh or Breast (skinless boneless, fresh with no sodium solution added) $1.67/lb
• Pork Sirloin Chops $1.67/lb
• Pepsi Product 12 packs 4/$10 (with minimum $25 purchase)

In their ad this week, Albertsons also has coupons in their ad that includes the following (You have to have the coupons to get the prices listed below, so grab an ad on your way in the store or bring your ad with you!):

• Crystal Geyser Spring Water 24 pk, 16.9 oz $2.47 each limit 4
• Homelife Soft Choice Bath Tissues 12 Double rolls OR Awesome! Paper Towels 8 Rolls $3.88 (limit 4)
• Donald Duck OJ 59 oz $1.49 (limit 2)
• Campbells tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup 10.75 oz 2/$1 (limit 4)
• Kraft Macaroni and Cheese $.69 (limit 3)

Bashas (Please Note that Bashas sale prices are almost always WITH their Thank You Card.)

• Utah Peaches $.77/lb
• Coke 12 packs 4/$9 (with $25 minimum purchase, first 4 only)
• General Mills Cereal 8.9-14 oz $1.50 each (when 4 are purchased in a single transaction-limit of 8)
• Haas Avocados 2/$1
• Large Avocados $.99
• Large Navel Oranges $.99/lb
• Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag $3.49 or 5 lb bag $1.99
• Large Tomatoes $.99/lb

In their ad this week, Bashas also has SHOCKER coupons in their ad that includes the following (You have to have the coupons and your Thank You Card to get the prices listed below, so grab an ad on your way in the store or bring your ad with you!):

• Bashas' Hometown Grocer Flour Tortillas 8 ct $.99 (limit 4)
• Bashas' Hometown Grocer Salad Blends 5-12 oz $.99 (limit 4)
• Bashas' Drinking Water $1.99 24 pack 500ml bottles (limit 2)
• Food Club Tomato Sauce 8 oz can $.10 (limit 10)
• Capri Suns 3/$5 (which is about $1.67 each, limit 6)

Fresh & Easy

• Fresh Avocados $.50 each (sold in 4 pack for $1.99
• Tyson Breaded Chicken frozen/20-32 oz  Buy 1 for $5.98, get 1 Free

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Roma Tomatoes $.88/lb
• Raspberries 6 oz $.98 (limit 4)

Frys has a Buy 10 get $5 off deal this week again. The following are part of that deal and the price I am listing the the price AFTER the $.50 per item is deducted:

• Pepsi product 2 L $.99
• Ocean Spray Juice Cocktail 4 ct or 64 oz $1.79
• Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz $1.88
• Ragu Sauce 16-26 oz $1.07
• Pepperidge Farms Goldfish 6.6-8 oz $.99
• Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks or treats 6-10 ct $1.49
• Blue Diamond Almond Milk half gallon $1.99

In addition to their regular week long sale, Fry's has a 3 Day Sale running 8/24-8/26, that includes the following:

• Fry's half gallon milk (vitamin D, 2%, 1% or Fat-Free) $.77
• Fry's Sandwich Bread $.88
• Dryer's Ice Cream $1.99 (limit 2)
• USDA Choice Beef Brisket sold in bag $1.99/lb (limit 2)

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Coke Product 12 packs are Buy 2, get 2 Free + get a free bag of Snack Artist chips (8.5-13 oz)
• Safeway Farms Grape Tomatoes 10 oz Container $.99
• Fresh Express Salads 8-16 oz $.99 ea.
• Pepsi or 7Up product 2 Liters $.99

Safeway has a Just for U card where you can load coupons onto your card. There are always great coupons. The following items all have coupons you can add to your card to get the prices listed below:

• 12 Pack 7Up products $2.79 (sale price is $3.79, coupon on the card is for $1 off)
• Nabisco Snack Crackers 5.5-10 oz $1.99 (limit 2)
• Kraft Homestyle Dinners 12.6 oz $1.49
• 2 Liter Dr Pepper Products $.49 each (must buy 2 to get this price)

Sprouts

• Red, Black, or Green seedless grapes $.69/lb
• Green Bell Peppers 2/$1
• Cucumbers 2/$1
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese Bulk Cut $3.99/lb

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Following is my original explaination of what the Weekend Warrior series was intended to be:

As a reminder, I intend for this series of posts to give suggestions of good day trips you can make in and around Omaha with your family. Hopefully it will give some good ideas of things to do close to home for local readers (and for those of you visiting Omaha, it might give you some ideas of what to do while you are here).

The Weekend Warrior Spots I wrote about near Omaha are:

• The Henry Doorly Zoo here
• Adventureland in Iowa here
• Eugene T Mahoney State Park here
• Shenandoah, Iowa here
• Lake Zorinsky here

I will probably continue to write about places around Omaha as I think of them, but since I have moved to Scottsdale, AZ now, I will also write about Daycations/Weekend Warrior Spots near here. I have not been to many (really only to Wet N Wild, Tombstone and the first part of the Apache Trail so far), but I have a list of places I want to write about. Here is my goal list:

• Tombstone
• Bizbee
• Apache Trail
• Tuscon
• Phoenix Zoo
• Wet N Wild
• Sonoran Desert near Tuscon
• Tonto National Forest (including Three Bar wildlife enclosure)
• Grand Canyon!

If you have any suggestions of places I should research and add to this list, I WELCOME (cough cough BEG FOR cough cough) suggestions!!!!

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market

• 7Up 12 packs 4/$10 (with minimum $25 purchase)
• Albertsons Gallon Milk $1.67
• Fritos or Cheetos 9-10.5 oz $1.99
• Snow Crab 8Up, Previously Frozen $4.99/lb
• Blueberries (local grown) 18 oz 2/$4 (limit 2)
• London Broil, Cross Rib or Bottom Round Roast or Steak (family pack, boneless) $2.99/lb
• Toufayan Pita Bread 12 oz 10/$10
• Plums $1/lb
• Gourmet Mini Carrots 1 lb bag $1 each

In addition to their regular week long special, HyVee also has a 4 Days of Savings Sale Friday 7/22-Sunday 7/24 that includes the following:

• 7U

Bashas

• Bashas Homwtown Grocer Split Chicken Breasts ot leg Quarters $.97lb (first 4)
• Farmer John's Bacom 12 oz $1.99 (first 3)
• 7-Up, RC Cola or Canada Dry Products 4/$10
• Fresh California Peaches or Nectarines $.59/lb (first 5 lbs)
• Bananas $.35/lb (first 6 lbs)
• Beech Nut Fruities on the Go 4 oz $.69 (this is an AWESOME price-I will be stocking up on this one!!!)
• Roma Tomatoes $.98/lb
• Haas Avocados 2/$1 each
• Organic Avocados $.99 each

Fresh & Easy

• Kitchens Best Mushrooms 5 oz $.98
• f&e whole chicken (fresh never frozen) $.77/lb
• Blue Diamond Almond Milk 64 fl oz $2.99
• Farmer's Gems eggs 18 ct 2/$4

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Fry's Water 24 pack 16.9 oz bottles $2.79
• Frys Sandwich Bread 24 oz 10/$10

The following items are part of a buy 10 get $5 off deal. You can mix and match the items, but the price shown is AFTER the reward (meaning you have to buy 10 qualifying items to get this price) AND you must use your shopper card to get these prices as well:

• Kroger Peanut Butter 16-18 oz $1.99
• Pepperidge Farms Goldfish 6.6-8 oz $.99

In addition to their regular week long special, Frys also has a 3 Day Sale Friday 8/17-Sunday 8/19 that includes the following:

• Shamrock Dairy Sale 50% off!!
• Kroger Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, frozen 3 lb bag $4.77 (That is only $1.59lb!, Limit 2 bags)
• Korger Bratwurst or Italian Sausage 18 oz, limit 2 $1.99

The following items on the 3 day sale are part of a buy 10 get $5 off deal. You can mix and match the items, but the price shown is AFTER the reward (meaning you have to buy 10 qualifying items to get this price) AND you must use your shopper card to get these prices as well:

• Doritos $1.88 (after D Back rewards)
• Pepsi 2 L $.99 (after D Back rewards)
• American Beauty Pasta $.39 (16 oz, After D Back Rewards)
• Blue Almond Almond Breeze Beverage $1.99 After D Back Rewards)

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Navel Oranges or Pears $.88
• Pantry Essentials Milk $1.67

As part of $5 Friday there is ONE deal I think is AWESOME and worth mention. Today only you can get Lucerne Chunk Cheese 32 oz for $5!!!

Sprouts

• Whole Cantaloupe 3/$1
• Red Bell Peppers 3/$1

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:

Albertsons Market

• 80% Lean Ground Chuck 3 lbs or more $1.99/lb
• Red ripe strawberries 3 lb pack $2.99
• Resers Classic Potato Salad from the deli $1/lb
• Albertsons Sandwich Bread 24 oz $1
• Malt O Meal Cereal 10-12 oz $1
• 7-Up Product 12 packs $1.99 each when you buy 4 AND minimum $25 purchase
• Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz, Fritos or Cheetos 9-10.5 oz $1.99 each when you buy 3 ($2.99 each otherwise)
• Quaker cereal 12.3-16 oz, Breakfast cookies or bars 5-8 ct $1.99
• Albertsons Milk 64 oz $.88 (limit 4)
• London Broil, Bottom Round or Cross Rib Roast or Steaks $2.99/lb
• Essential Everyday or Albertsons Chink cheese 8 oz $1.78

In addition to their regular week long special, HyVee also has a 4 Days of Savings Sale Friday 7/22-Sunday 7/24 that includes the following:

• 7U

Bashas (Remember their sales are almost always WITH thank you card)

• Boneless Skinless chicken breasts $1.59/lb (first 2)
• Bashas' Milk gallon (Whole, 2%, 1%  or fat free) $1.57 (first 2)
• Boneless Beef Top Sirloin Steak or Boneless Sirloin Cut Pork Chops $2.99/lb (value packs only, first 2 value packs)
• London Broil $2.99/lb (value packs only, first 2 value packs)
• Farmer Johns Bacon 12 oz $1.99
• Simply Hash Brown 20 oz $1.99
• IF YOU PLAN TO BUY both the bacon and hash browns listed above, you get a free dozen eggs.
• Bashas' Drinking water 32 pack of 500 ml bottles 3/$9.99
• Sweet Red Seedless Grapes $.65/lb (first 3 lbs)
• Large Tomatoes $.97/lb
• Fresh Kiwi 3/$.99
• Russet Potatoes 5 lb bags 2/$3
• Fritos or Cheetos chips or fritos dip 9-10.5 oz $1.99

Fresh & Easy

• Broccoli Florets 12 oz $.98
• fresh&easy romaine lettuce 9 oz $.98
• fresh&easy corn tortillas 36 ct $1.50
• fresh&easy avocados $.50 each
• fresh&easy ground chuck beef 80/20 $1.99/lb
• Quaker Quakes 3.03 oz - 3.52 oz B1G1 (Buy 1 Get 1 free, they are $2.49 each)

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Fry's Milk (Whole, 2%, 1%, or nonfat) gallon 2/$3 (with min $25 purchase, limit 2)
• Roma Tomatoes $.88/lb
• Strawberries 1 Lb $.88 (limit 4)
• Kroger butter 16 oz $1.99
• Powerade or Powerade Zero 32 oz $.59
• Bananas $.57/lb

There is a Buy 10, Save $5 deal again this week. Below are some of my favorite items included in this sale. The price listed is the price AFTER the $5 off (so if you do not buy 10 participating items, these would be $.50 more each):

• Quaker Cereal 12.5-14 oz $1.49
• Prego Pasta Sauce 23.5-24 oz $1.29
• Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz $1.88

The following are not groceries, but a couple back to school items you may want to grab this week:

• Top Flight Notebooks, 70 sheet $.19 (limit 10)
• Crayola Crayons 24 ct $.39 (limit 4)

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Sweet Red Cherries $1.28/lb
• Sweet Mangoes $.48/each
• O Organics Grape Tomatoes 10 oz container $1.48
• Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Chuck Cross Rib Steak $2.99
• Lobster tails 4 oz (frozen/thawed) $5.99/lb
• Kraft Salad Dressing 14-16 oz $1.29
• 12 pack Refreshe Soda 5/$10
• Safeway Breakfast Breads 16-22 oz $2 (I only include this because those breads include the raisin bread and other yummy ones like it)
• Ragu Pasta sauce 2/$3 (and when you buy 2 you get a free package of dry pasta)
• Black Plums $.99/lb
• Silk Soy, Almond or Coconut Milk 64 oz $2.99 (with card and in ad coupon, limit 3)
• Lucerne Ice Cream Cones 8-10 ct $3.99 (with card and in ad coupon, limit 3)

In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway also has a 4 Day Sale Friday 7/13-Monday 7/16 that includes the following:

• Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, or Froot Loops (10.5-12.2 oz ) $1.88
• BOGO 6-8 oz Hormel Natural lunch meats
• BOGO Oroweat Variety breads
• Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo 22-30 oz $1.99

Also, In addition to their regular week long special, Safeway has a $5 Friday sale on Friday the 13th (of July) that includes the following:

• Lucerne Chunk Cheese 32 oz $5 (limit 4)
• Signature Cafe Whole Roasted Chicken 30 oz $5

Sprouts

• Whole Seedless watermelon $.10/lb
• Sprouts large eggs $.99/doz
• Cucumbers, green onion bunches  3/$1

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

As I am looking for deals here in Scottsdale here, and trying to find fun activities, I have stumbled upon a lot of interesting sites. One I was just looking at is titled "100 Days, 100 Ways to Save: Summer in Scottsdale". Some of my favorite tips for freebies or cheapies from this site:

• If you're an Arizona resident, ask about a Locals' Discount when making summer reservations at Scottsdale resorts, golf courses, spas and other establishments.
• The Scottsdale Public Library presents fun, informative and free programs and events! You can check out the details at the library site here: library.ci.scottsdale.az.us
• The Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place every Thursday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. along Main Street and Marshall Way in the downtown Arts District. The galleries open their doors and show off works by some of the Southwest’s most outstanding artists. The process is simple - proceed at your own pace, browse the galleries that catch your eye, and enjoy the many outdoor sculptures that are part of Scottsdale's Public Art Program. http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/about.html
• The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers free Native American cultural performances every Friday at 5 p.m. http://www.scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-scottsdale/index.jsp?null
• Want to explore the Desert Botanical Garden? Or maybe you'd like to discover your inner geek at the Arizona Science Center? Now you can - for free! Valley library card holders can check out the Culture Pass for free admission for two people to participating arts and cultural institutions. http://phoenix.showup.com/page/culture_pass
• The free Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series takes place every Saturday evening in the Center Plaza. http://www.kierlandcommons.com/
• The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) offers free admission every Thursday from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. http://www.smoca.org/indexnew.php
• The Penske Racing Museum showcases and amazing collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. The Penske team has more than 40 years of racing experience and over 300 major wins highlighted by 15 Indianapolis 500-mile victories. Admission is free. http://penskeracingmuseum.com/
• Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Bring a blanket or folding chair, then relax on the lawn and listen to your favorite local bands. Train and carousel rides are $2.00 each. http://therailroadpark.com/
• Discover the beauty of desert plants at Desert Botanical Garden with docent-guided tours, family activities, events, an outdoor café and gift shop. The Garden offers free admission every Tuesday from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.. http://www.dbg.org/
• Although Scottsdale is most well-known for its Sonoran Desert scenery, the area is also filled with lakes and rivers that are brimming with action in the summer. Canyon, Apache, Saguaro, Pleasant and Roosevelt lakes are all within a 40-mile drive of Scottsdale and have public beaches available for picnicking, swimming and fishing. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/phoenix-lakes-boating.html
• The Phoenix Art Museum, the Southwest's premier destination for world-class visual art, hosts major changing exhibitions alongside a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works. Enjoy the museum for free every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on the first Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.phxart.org/
• Dust off your picnic basket and head over to Chaparral Park and Community Center, where you'll have a 100 acres to play. You'll find a 10-acre lake for boating and fishing, a playground, ball fields, swimming pool and a four-acre, off-leash dog park. Don't forget your blanket and Frisbee! http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/chap
• Running through the center of the city, the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is an interconnected string of lush urban parks. Featuring lighted walking and recreation paths, fishing ponds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a skate park and see-and-be-seen dog park, this popular 11-mile urban playground is perfect for walking, riding your bike or spending the day. http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/desert-exploration/indian-bend-wash-greenbelt/
• The air-conditioned downtown Scottsdale Trolley is free and runs year-round. Hop on and off as many times as you'd like as you explore the Arts District, Old Town, Fifth Avenue Shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square and more. You'll be delighted at the myriad options you find in downtown, including 100+ galleries, 80 restaurants and nightclubs, and shopping that will test the skills of even the savviest retail browser. Daily: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; additional hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. http://www.scottsdalecvb.com/transportation/resort-trolley/
• For more than 30 years, Harkins Theatres has brought back some of Hollywood's best family films to keep kids entertained and cool during the summer. Kids can enjoy a movie a week for 10 weeks, for less than $1 per film. http://www.harkinstheatres.com/summerMovieFun.aspx

So, there are a lot of FREE activities for us to try out!! I am excited to get started on this list!

When we started telling people we were moving to Scottsdale, AZ, lots of people laughed and asked how a deals blogger would live in Scottsdale. Apparently Scottsdale is generally a well off area. It is more "Tiffany and Co" than "Walmart" kind of people (in general). Honestly, the Walmart is pretty far from where I live as is the Target. BUT in just 2 short weeks living here, I have started to find the deals.

The first thing Wes and I googled and tried to find in Scottsdale was FREE, fun family activities. I should mention that Scottsdale is a suburb of Phoenix in the North East part of the valley. Phoenix is a huge sprawling metropolitan area and there is a lot of Phoenix information for me to wade through still, but Scottsdale itself, and nearby areas (like Fountain Hill) are somewhat lacking in Free family fun. At least at first glance. We have had to look for activities one at a time.

The first thing I wanted to find was a cheap or free way to cool off. Most homes here have pools int he back yard. The one we are renting does not. We have friends and neighbors here already that have offered us use of their pools, but I have as yet not taken anyone up on that offer (it's hard to take 5 kids to someones house to swim when you hardly know the people and the kids only kind of swim...) I found water parks and pools (looks like I need to figure out how to get discounts on some of those) and they were fairly pricey, so I began my search for Splash parks!

Right off I found one not too far from my house in Fountain Hill: Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. (Pictured above) We have been there like 5 times already. The kids love it, and the bonus for us is that there is also a Disc Golf course there around the lake (long time readers and friends will know that my husband, Wes LOVES to disc golf!). We played disc golf on the 4th of July. Had a blast, but lost 2 discs in the lake...might need a course further from water for future games... The splash pad there is really fun with lots of different water features. I recommend it as a great free, fun, wet, cooling family activity in Scottsdale.

There is only one other splash pad we have been to, and that one was at a shopping center: Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road. The kids loved that one because we went in the evening after Wes got home and after we ate dinner. It was Friday night and as it starts to get dark they have colorful lights that go on in the water area. The kids adored it. From my viewpoint, at first I was taken a back a little because Scottsdale Quarter is a little ritzy. And the splash area is basically right by the valet parking. So all the fancy dressed date night couples go to the valet to drop off their car, then they have to pass the water pad to get to the restaurant or club of their choice. At first I was a little antsy there (felt pretty under dressed), but then I just sat back and started to enjoy the pure people watching entertainment! WOW! I think I may need a bedazzler to fit in here! BUT, I Loved it!! People watching is awesome...Also a great FREE activity (Free if you can resist all the shops and restaurants).

And, I just found a great list of other splash pads in Scottsdale on azcentral.com (which is think is maybe the news?). I guess I have a few more places to check out now...

Please Note, I am still getting used to the prices and teh different grocery trends here in Scottsdale, so my deals will likely change over time. I have already learned that bread is much more expensive here than Omaha, and milk much less, but most other things are fairly comprable so far. That in mind, Here are my favorite deals in Scottsdale grocery this week:
Albertsons Market

• Albertsons Milk Gallon $1.57 (limit 2)
• Blueberries 18 oz 2/$4 (limit 2)
• Albertonsons Purified Drinking Water 16.9 oz 24 pk 4/$10
• Essential Everyday cereal 11.8-20 oz OR Kellogg's Cereal 9-15 oz $1.88
• Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Whole Grain White or Wheat Bread 20 oz $1.88
• Powerade Sports Drink 32 oz $.58 (limit 10)
• Donald Duck Orange Juice 59 oz $1.69 (limit 2)
• Prego Pasta Sauce 23.5-24 oz $1.49 (limit 2)
• Doritos 10.5-11.5 oz or Ruffles 8.5-9.5 oz $1.99 each (when you buy 3)
• Large Tropical Mangos 2/$1
• Albertsons Large Eggs 12 ct $.88 (limit 4)

Bashas
**Note that Bashas currently has a limited time deal where ALL Manufacturerers' coupons are worth $1. So if you have some of those $.10 or $.25 coupons, this would be the time to use them!!**

• Blue Bunny Ice Cream 1.75 quart $1.88 (This is their "Shocker coupon". I assume you have to have the coupon from the ad to get this?!)
• Fresh Ground Chuck value packs $2.39/lb (limit 2 value packs)
• Pepsi Product 12 packs 4/$9 (that's $2.25 each)
• Ruffles (8-9 oz), Doritos (10.5-11.5 oz), or food club corn chips (10-10.5 oz) $1.99
• Powerade Sports Drink 32 oz $.59 (limit 15) (penny more than Albertsons, but higher limit)
• Fresh Cucumber 2/$1
• Whole Seedless Watermelon $.15/lb (first 2 melons only)
• Driscoll's Premium Strawberries 16 oz package $.97 (first 3 only)

Fresh & Easy

• Peaches, Nectarines, or Plums $.49/lb (sold in 2 lb pack for $.98 each)
• Red Cherries $1.99/lb (sold in 2 lb pack for $3.96)
• Tomatoes on the Vine 16 oz $.98
• All Quaker Cereal or granola  bars 6.7-18 oz $1.99
• f&e chicken breast family pack (boneless skinless with rib meat) $1.99/lb
• (There is also a coupon in their ad for $3 off when you spend $30 or more there, and it looks like they have a rewards card you can get for "even more rewards". See info on that here.

Fry's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Sweet Corn 6/$1 ($.18 each)
• Tomatoes on the Vine $.97/lb
• Raspberries 6 oz $.97/lb
• Kroger Cheese 6-8 oz (shredded, sliced, block) $1.79
• Kroger Butter 16 oz 2/$4

This is a Kroger store like Baker's and has similar deals. This week there is a "Save $3 Now and $2 later when you mix and match any 10 participating items. So the following items are listed at prices AFTER the $.30 is taken off (meaning this is the price of the item IF you buy 10 participatimg items-any combo mix or match):

• Gatorade or G2 32 oz $.59
• Cheetos 9-9.75 oz or Fritos 10.5 oz $1.69
• General Mills Cereal 8.9-16.1 oz $1.69
• Totinos Party Pizza 9.8-10.9 oz $.89
• Ritz Crackers 7.5-16 oz $1.69
• Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks or General Mills treats 6-10 count $1.69
• Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Easy Mac 4 ct $3.69
• El Monterey Snacks 21-24 oz $4.69

Safeway (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.88/lb
• Fresh Cucumber 2/$1
• Pantry Essentials Milk gallon (whole, 2%, 1%, fat free) $1.57
• Crisp celery $.99/lb
• Navel Oranges $.99/lb
• Coke Product 12 packs are buy 2 get 2 free (must buy 4)
• If you buy 2 Ragu sauces (2/$3) you get 1 Free Safeway Dry Pasta
• If you buy 1 package of Oreo cookies, you get another Oreo pack of equal or lesser value free PLUS a 12 pack of refreshe soda free.

Safeway coupons in the ad include (Note to get these you must have a safeway card AND the coupons):

• Yoplait gogurt or trix yogurt $1.88 (limit 3)
• Minute Maid Orange Juice 89 oz chilled $3.99
• Lucerne Ice Cream Sandwiches 24 ct $4.99

Sprouts

• Avocados 3/$1
• Cucumbers or Green Bell Peppers 2/$1
• Broccoli crowns, cluster tomatoes or green beans $.99/lb

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

We have made it to Arizona!!

We are settling into out house here in Scottsdale. We have been here for a week and a half, and there are less boxes in the house, but that is of course a work in progress:

But to be honest, I have not been JUST unpacking. We have also tried to have a little fun and discover this new home of ours a little.
I am looking for lots of FREE activities to share about Scottsdale (a little hard to do, but I have found some so far). I am going to find out about where kids eat free here and when, and I just got my first set of grocery ads here the other day, so I am working on my first Scottsdale grocery deals.
For my OMAHA fans, I will continue to post the things I know about Omaha going on (like Railroad Days coming next week!), but I will not be doing grocery deals anymore. There is a blogger in Omaha that posts her favorite grocery deals each week-it is not as extensive as my long list, but will give you a few of the best deals. I will post her info later today along with a list of other Omaha blogs I know of!

As for me and my blog, we have moved to Scottsdale (for a year) and have a new adventure ahead!

AWAY WE GO!! More coming today!