SALE! Quick, ends tomorrow!

The kids & I are going hiking this next week. I figured it was the cheapest way to still give us a vacation away from home. We're borrowing camping equipment from friends and neighbors, and packing tons of food (yes, we'll find the food lockers at the campgrounds so we don't attract bears! But I realized a few days ago that the kids & I didn't really have any hiking-appropriate shoes. Their dad pretty much just buys them Vans-style shoes. They're great for school, and of course I'm not going to complain since I can't afford to buy them shoes at ALL right now. But it was a concern. So I asked him if he'd be willing to find hiking shoes for them before we go. He agreed (WOW!), but understandably didn't want to spend $50-$60/pair for shoes they'd use this one week then outgrow before getting to use them again.

Well, since I needed a pair as well, and being unemployed I don't HAVE much money to spend, I went hunting for a deal yesterday. Tried the big sporting goods store at the mall - nothing under $100. Awesome. I don't know why I even bothered. But then I went to the Big 5 not too far away. They had a GREAT sale going on!! Select shoes (and other items in the store as well) were at deep discounts! I managed to get these shoes for $20 for each of us! Ok ok...the kids are gonna kill me that we all have THE SAME SHOE! I took them over for the kids to try on at their dad's and my DD's first comment was "Mom, I'm not really into brown shoes. Couldn't you get them in pink? Maybe with Hello Kitty on them?" Ummmm...nope. We're gonna be shoe triplets.

All that to say that if you're needing any camping or sport supplies, head on over to Big 5 right now and see about this sale. I've been immensely pleased with them the last few months! Even got air mattresses for $20 back in June.

One caveat: These are cheap-ish shoes. Not bad quality, so far as I've been able to determine. But the interior foot cushioning leaves a bit to be desired. I recommend getting insoles for support and comfort. They don't need to be the expensive ones though. Just a simple, little insert at Rite Aid would do (3 for $15).