How Amazon saved us....

We are a busy family on the go juggling two households, in two states, with four kids. We believe in shopping local whenever we can and we do. But sometimes we just  need help! And we know we aren't alone.

​So this year Dave and I committed to simplify. In just about as many ways as you can dream of we are doing it.  If you haven't read our blog on getting ORGANIZED, check it out. It's a real glimpse into what I'm talking about, and how I personally kicked off the year...from Chaos to Calm! We all need it. Right?

Late last year we cancelled cable and are THRILLED with our Amazon Fire Sticks . Not only did it save us LITERALLY over $400 a month between our homes but collectively as a fam we watch way less TV, spend more time together and are more selective in our choices. In fact, we've even noticed we have eliminated having the TV on simply for background noise.

​It was after we made the switch to our Fire Sticks that we realized we weren't really capitalizing on all the benefits of the many Amazon accounts we have. So we took a look and researched some savings and resources we were totally missing out on.  It was so life changing we wanted to share  just a few ways specifically via Amazon that we have saved countless hours and many a dollar. 

It is no secret, we, well specifically me reads A LOT. Like A LOT, A LOT. I love real books, the smell the feel and all that jazz but I also love variety. Romance, Biographies, How to's, self help, true crime, best sellers--you name it. But I can't really haul several titles back and forth on trips without taking up space I'm not willing to compromise for my clothes. So we put Amazon to work and signed up for Kindle Unlimited. 

To me it's like thrift store shopping for a surprise find. Seriously, there are over a million ebooks and audio books that we can add on any of our devices for FREE. Amazon is now offering this promotion you should totally check out. You get one month free!. And if that isn't enough it's giftable too! What a cool gift for your favorite bookworm!

We also travel and spend a lot of windshield time driving back and forth between our homes and we love Audible!  We can listen anywhere whether it is down time between cheer competitions, soccer, basketball and softball tournaments. No matter where we are, in the car, on a plane, in a boat and even in a moat...:) We can share across devices so the kids and Dave can all access one audible account. If you want to try it sign up here. And if you have Kindle Unlimited many are audio books you can listen to on Audible. SCORE!

Amazon Prime Pantry is Dave's go to. And I'm talking for everything. From cat and dog food to toilet paper and trash bags. Need I say more. There is no convenient stop on his way home to Harmony Retreat. While he purchases all his groceries at the little grocery in town, the big items and brands they don't stock he shops for on Amazon.  It saves time and is delivered right to our door. Now, the real reason Dave loves it...well when Koda is down to the last of his kibbles (and that dog likes to eat), Dave can order on the go and have it before all 100lbs of sweet chocolate lab love misses his next meal. #winning

Amazon Prime is something we have had for quite awhile and is really popular. Because of our businesses and demographics we need to be able to get things fast and to the right home or business so this is just the bees knees.

The biggest benefits is Free two day shipping, and there is also no minimum order. But if you didn't know you let me share. You can get  movies, tv shows, and music on prime. And yet another bonus for the book worms you can borrow books through prime. Honestly, with my Amazon account I have not paid for an ebook in over 6 months. Hard copies...well that's another story. 

And speaking of business. We are huge advocates of Amazon Business. And so are these sweet smiling faces at our City View office. Think of it as a way to make procurement easier. Anyone who makes purchases for work at any of our businesses can have an account. It offers convenient delivery options, multiple payment options, and a competitive marketplace with business-only pricing and quantity discounts.  And the best thing is they don't have to wait for me to order....and I get a little time back. ​

Now here is one that hasn't actually saved our family money or time in a couple years but it is truly TOO COOl not to share.

Dave and I own an event venue in Iowa, Harmony Hall on Riverside. We see a lot of couples come through our doors and we love sharing this little tidbit.  Amazon has an amazing Wedding Registry.

In fact, we used it when we got married in 2017 in Tortola. This, was also kick ass--  we received up to 20% off  on most products, it was freaky fast, and again, FREE shipping. And the bomb.com is that it's universal. Which means using a universal "button" you can add items from other sites that you love to your Amazon registry simply by clicking a button. Now that is cool. 

​ Having a baby? The same holds true when you use their  baby registry     Who knew? 

While these are just some of our favorite Amazon resources the ones that have really SAVED our family in more ways than just a few bucks, there are many more out there for all lifestyles. Just go to AMAZON's SITE DIRECTORY and find what it is you are looking for. Happy shopping and happy savings! Here's to you and a 2019 without chaos and filled with CALM....OOOMMMMM!

NOTE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you real information about the areas of interest we are passionate about on our website like design, renovations, family, weddings, events and more.