My introduction to candlepin bowling in Maine was going to the Strike and Spare bowling alley in Kezar Falls. That's where my grandfather, an avid bowler, was in a league. My cousins and I loved going with our Grandpa Maine — that's what we called him — because we didn't have that kind of bowling … [Read more...] about Candlepin Bowling in Maine
Leap Day Freebies and Deals
As you know, Leap Day and Leap Year happen but once every four years. Therefore, special deals for this extra day in February come around every four years only. Thankfully, in 2024, there are some worth noting. Leap Day Freebies and Deals Some places turn Leap Day or a Leap Year into a food … [Read more...] about Leap Day Freebies and Deals
GrubHub Amazon Prime Deal
After writing my article about the daylight savings time deal from GrubHub, I remembered that there was a GrubHub Amazon Prime offer that I'd still not taken advantage of. Basically: if you're an Amazon Prime member, which I am, you could get a year of GrubHub for free. This deal first came out … [Read more...] about GrubHub Amazon Prime Deal
When is Daylight Savings Time
Whenever I'm thinking about daylight savings time versus standard time, I always have to remember the adage my mother taught me: spring forward or fall back. That being said, I know the clocks move forward in spring and go back an hour in fall. However, into which measure of time? Is daylight … [Read more...] about When is Daylight Savings Time
Film Concerts Live in Portland
Have you ever wanted to enjoy film concerts live — meaning you watched a movie while a symphony orchestra plays along? Some people call these movies in concert. While I couldn't figure out when this phenomenon of live music with a movie in a concert hall, I did come across some pretty amazing … [Read more...] about Film Concerts Live in Portland
Mainers Can Still Get Energy Tax Credits
When the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, I knew that it offered all Americans the ability to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes and receive tax credits for it. However, it wasn't until I got a postcard in the mail from Efficiency Maine that I remembered those tax credits are … [Read more...] about Mainers Can Still Get Energy Tax Credits
How to Compost in the Winter
If you like to recycle your food scraps, you may think that you can't compost in the winter. Perhaps you assumed that working a compost pile is something you can only do during warm weather. Well, think again. This guide explains how it is, in fact, possible to continue composting all year long, … [Read more...] about How to Compost in the Winter
Maine Maple Weekend 2024: Where to Go and What to Do
For as long as I can remember, we’ve called Maine Maple Weekend this: maple syrup Sunday. That’s because on that sweet, sticky holiday we would visit the local sugaring house near my grandparents’ home in Kezar Falls (now Parsonsfield). Afterwards, we would enjoy homemade pancakes with, of … [Read more...] about Maine Maple Weekend 2024: Where to Go and What to Do
What You Need to Know about Flights to Portland Maine
If you’re looking for flights to Portland, Maine, there are a few important things you need to know. One, the Portland, Maine airport is actually called the Jetport. In fact, it’s the Portland International Jetport. Two, its call letters are PWM. And, three, it’s one of the nicest, small … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Flights to Portland Maine
Tips for Thrift Shopping
In my book Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, I talked about how I grew up going thrift shopping without even realizing it. That's because my Mainer mother learned to stretch a buck by reusing things and also shopping in thrift environments. These secondhand shops often … [Read more...] about Tips for Thrift Shopping
IHOP Free Pancakes on National Pancake Day
You have two opportunities to enjoy IHOP free pancakes on National Pancake Day each year. That's because there are two pancake holidays annually. One, there is IHOP free pancakes on IHOP's own pancake holiday. In 2024, that occurs on February 13. Two, then there is the nationwide National … [Read more...] about IHOP Free Pancakes on National Pancake Day
Participating Blue Star Museums in Maine
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families. It is in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. The Blue Star Museums program offers free entry to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their … [Read more...] about Participating Blue Star Museums in Maine