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You are here: Home / Social / Spare change? (awesome giveaway)

Social South Florida

Spare change? (awesome giveaway)

My change cache

At the end of each day I empty the change out of my wallet.

I do it religiously, but not for the reasons that you’d think. I do it so that my handbag doesn’t get too heavy and hurt my back. I do it so that my overpriced leather wallet doesn’t rip (and I’d have to buy a new one). I do it to have a fabulous night out with friends.

You might have guessed the 3rd one. It’s no secret that I love to enjoy a little “me time” and frankly my regular budget isn’t what you THINK it is. I’ve become a MASTER at getting what I want and need even when I don’t have the extra funds. Hence my big bucket-‘o-change.

One of my favorite things to do is head to Fort Lauderdale and just spend time with my besties and my brother.  

The spot we most often pick? Any one of the fabulous restaurants at the Marriott Harbor Beach. Why? Well, because we have a family membership to the club there, it’s got a GREAT spa, and a few of my favorite eating/drinking spots.  I suppose that I enjoy going a little TOO OFTEN, but my big bucket-‘o-change helps.

A little over a week ago we had friends in from NYC.

We wanted a casual spot to have dinner and talk, but since they were in from the city we KNEW that they would want to be out on the ocean. So back to the Marriott Harbor Beach we went to enjoy their newest restaurant Sea Level & Ocean Bar.

BUT FIRST….

I packed up my sack ‘o coins and took them to my nearest Coinstar. You see, when you use Coinstar to convert your change to Marriott gift cards you don’t have to pay a fee. That means no coin rolling for me, just a dump my spare change into the hopper and in a minute I’ve got myself a gift voucher that I can use on ANY Marriott product – a hotel room, spa, or even DINNER at Sea Level.

If you’ve never used Coinstar free coin counting for a Marriott eCard it’s SO SIMPLE to use. Simply find a Coinstar kiosk that offers Marriott eCards and head over with your stash of coins. Pour your pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters into the hopper, press MARRIOTT as your choice of cards, and VOILÁ your Coinstar will spit out an eCard that you can use for a fun stay, a cabana day, dinner, spa, or ANYTHING that you can find on a Marriott property.

Specials at Sea Level - Marriott Harbor Beach

Specials at Sea Level – Marriott Harbor Beach

I love the restaurants at our Marriott

Down here we’ve got the famous

  • 3030 Ocean
  • Riva
  • Sea Level & Ocean Bar

The menus LIGHT UP!

By the way, we had a fabulous dinner that was comfortable (casual). We laughed, enjoyed drinks on the ocean terrace after dinner, and had an AMAZING time (if you find yourself at Sea Level order the Florida Red Snapper – photo below).

Now you know what I DO with my big bucket-‘o-coins at Marriott. My question to you is. What would YOU do with an eCard from Coinstar at Marriott? Would you join me for dinner at Sea Level or….?????

Dinner!

GIVEAWAY

Winner – Jude M – Chicago, IL

Coinstar and Marriott have paid me to blog about their products/service. All opinions are my own.


131 Comments

About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

« Riding Around In My Automobile
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Comments

  1. Jerrilynn Atherton says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:26 am

    I would LOVE to meet you for dinner!!! If that wasn’t possible…I’d use it for a night away in New Orleans!

  2. Jamie Anderson says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:26 am

    If I won the $100 Coinstar Marriott eCard I would pay for a weekend honeymoon for my fiance and I! We’re having a civil ceremony with our parents and our two children, then hoping to take a two night stay somewhere to get some “alone time” following the ceremony. This would definitely be put to good use!

    Awesome giveaway!

    Jamie Anderson
    msjamesteagall@yahoo dot com

  3. Ross Olson says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:37 am

    I would use it for a fun stay at a Marriott somewhere warm! Thanks!
    Ross Olson

  4. lynda T. says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    I would use it for our summer vacation next year! Thanks!

  5. Amie Olson says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    I would use the $100 Marriott ecard towards a weekend getaway for our Anniversary! Thanks!
    Amie Olson

  6. Dawn Lambert says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    I would use it to send my father on a much needed vacation since he works 7 days a week just to pay the bills for our combined family.

  7. Mark Watson says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    Just to get away.

  8. deb says

    October 16, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    I would use it for dinner or maybe the spa….decisions, decisions.

  9. Lisa Roberts says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    Oh my, I would add my Coinstar stockpile of change for another Marriot card. That way my best friend ( of 51 years) could have a girls weekend. How great would that be?

  10. Charles says

    October 16, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    I’d use it for gas.. It’s killing me!

  11. Donna Smith says

    October 16, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    A fancy dinner for me & mom sounds good to me!

  12. Kelly D says

    October 16, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    I would use it towards a hotel stay so my mom and I could take a little vacation.

  13. Jewel says

    October 16, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    i’d buy a tank and a half of GAS!!!

  14. Michele Orozco says

    October 16, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    I would use it for a weekend getaway with my husband when he returns home from Fort Sill.

  15. Tiffany M says

    October 16, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    I would use it for a weekend getaway. This year has been rough and a weekend away is much needed.

  16. Heidi V. says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    For gas to pick up my Daughter from college for thanksgiving.

  17. John L says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:47 am

    come and do this someone will win

  18. Toni Holbrook aka:Native Heart says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:39 am

    Spend some special time with my sweet hubby <3

  19. alison huffaker says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:47 am

    i would use the ecard on something special for my husband. im currently unable to work so he busts his butt at 2 jobs for us to be comfortable. 🙂

  20. Lorissa Gaskell says

    October 17, 2012 at 6:13 am

    Would love to win this

  21. Jackie says

    October 17, 2012 at 8:57 am

    I’d love to use it for a nice dinner.
    Thank you!

  22. Dottie d says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:02 am

    yahhhh our vacation!!

  23. Donna says

    October 17, 2012 at 9:54 am

    I would use it for vacay time! Cool giveaway!

  24. Karen Ott says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I could really really use this. Would love to win!

  25. tammy basden says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:24 am

    i would use it on our christmas vacation. My 2 children could use it for their spending money:)

  26. Brandy says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:37 am

    I would use it to experience a new place, never been to any Marriott properties so I think that is what i would do. Probably dinner!

  27. Ingrid says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:47 am

    I would use it in the Spring when my sister comes to visit from California. We’re planning to take several mini trips while she visits for a month. It’s a good thing we’re both retired.

  28. Holly B says

    October 17, 2012 at 11:41 am

    I’d use it for a hotel stay when I go back home for Christmas.

  29. Amy K Schmidt says

    October 17, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    I’d also use it for a room at Christmas.

  30. Elaine A says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Marriott = Consistent quality. Favorite hotel chain. Always.

  31. Karen K says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    I would use it for a much needed get-away

  32. Martha Mantel says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    I would use it when I visit my son who has a small apartment.

  33. Rebecca E. Parsons says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I would buy the gas to come visit you!!! TEE HEE

  34. Naomi says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    I’d have a weekend away with Bob!

  35. gail says

    October 17, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    a nice dinner

  36. Anna says

    October 17, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    I would love to use it for a weekend getaway!

  37. Elena says

    October 17, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    I would spend one night in Marriott in San Diego

  38. Amy Green says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:23 am

    Go crazy on room service, and maybe rent some movies!

  39. Cheryl Evans says

    October 18, 2012 at 3:40 am

    I start college (at 44) in Jan. I would use mine on school supplies.

  40. Lorissa Gaskell says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:28 am

    Would love to win this!

  41. Mary Happymommy says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:56 am

    I would use it for an overnight stay when visiting relatives.

  42. Paula Standley says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:14 am

    I would use it on our summer vacation. (A little something to look forward to!)

  43. Wendy T says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:01 am

    I’d use it toward taking my son to Chicago for a weekend trip.

    Thank you.

  44. courtney b says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:32 am

    i would go on a trip with my husband!

  45. Lisa E says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:36 am

    I would use it towards my daughter’s HS graduation gift in June.

  46. Shannon says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:28 am

    I’d use it towards a weekend getaway.

  47. Jenny Stanek says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Id definitely use it for a night in Columbus with my kid’s and husband

  48. dale bartlett says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:15 am

    i would get away for a weekend

  49. Emily says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:16 am

    A weekend getaway for me and my husband! Our third anniversary was yesterday and we haven’t had the money to do anything for any of our anniversaries!

  50. laura says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I would love to have a fun quick getaway with my husband!

  51. Lisa says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:44 am

    I would use mine to have a nice evning with my man on St. Augustine Bch.

  52. Wendy Kroy says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    A weekend with my long distance boyfriend.

  53. Amy Peschel says

    October 18, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    My son is getting married in Florida on March 16, 2013. This would help pay for a hotel room for me.

  54. Christine burd says

    October 18, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    I would love to use this for a special anniversary night with my husband

  55. Trevor says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    A long awaited getaway would be fantastic!

  56. cw says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    On a trip to Fresno to visit in-laws

  57. Jennifer Marie says

    October 18, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    For a weekend get away with the family!

  58. Faith Bosnick says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    For a weekend trip with just me and the hubby!

  59. Bee C. says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    A trip to Chicago!

  60. Thomas Murphy says

    October 18, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    I would use it at one of there restaurants

  61. Tina M says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    I would use it for our road trip!

  62. scott says

    October 18, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I would use the card online

  63. Jessicca Ruffell says

    October 18, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    If I won I would use it to see my grandparents one more time.

  64. d schmidt says

    October 18, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    An overnight stay near family!

  65. Jeni T. says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    While dinner does sound lovely, I think I might opt for a visit to the beach with the husband instead.

  66. Amy W. says

    October 18, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    I would use it towards a weekend getaway with my husband.

  67. Sonya says

    October 19, 2012 at 12:44 am

    I would use it for a getaway

  68. ron bartlett sr. says

    October 19, 2012 at 10:05 am

    i would use for dinner with my wife

  69. David Coshow says

    October 19, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    This is great!

  70. Carol Klaman says

    October 19, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    Would love to win for my grandkids, have 7 & 1 great grandkid, need $$ for Christmas gifts

  71. Karen K says

    October 20, 2012 at 9:54 am

    tweeted coffeemamam/status/259668666172444672

  72. dale bartlett says

    October 20, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    a night away

  73. Kaitlin miller says

    October 20, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Girls night in new Orleans !

  74. Christal says

    October 20, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I would use it towards a second honeymoon

  75. jaimee wood says

    October 20, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    I’d use it on a night away with my husband- without kids!

  76. Sarah says

    October 21, 2012 at 4:10 am

    I would use it for a trip to New York next year! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway, and best wishes to you for much continued success with your site! 🙂

  77. Amy says

    October 21, 2012 at 5:16 am

    I would use it towards a romantic getaway and surprise my husband with it!!

  78. Crystal N says

    October 21, 2012 at 7:16 am

    I would use it for when we travel out of state – it would be nice to have a pretty room instead of the not so classy rooms that are more in our price range 🙂

  79. AB says

    October 21, 2012 at 7:41 am

    I would love o spend it on myself for something fun, but probably buy groceries instead as we must eat

  80. Karen Howard says

    October 21, 2012 at 8:45 am

    I’d Probably stay in CT. or Vt. At a Marriot w/Jacuzzi for a Weekend Getaway to See The Sights & Dine Out!

  81. Karen says

    October 21, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    follow on facebook

  82. Marcia Goss says

    October 21, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    I would use it for a weekend getaway in Atlanta with my husband.

  83. Monica Young says

    October 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    I’m currently saving up to see an old friend in Seattle so I’d definitely use it for that trip. When and IF it happens :p thank you for the chance to win!

  84. AB says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:14 am

    It will be groceries!

  85. Karen says

    October 22, 2012 at 7:44 am

    We would use it for a stay at a Marriott Hotel… Thanks.

  86. Kim says

    October 22, 2012 at 9:17 am

    We would use it for a hotel stay!

  87. dale bartlett says

    October 22, 2012 at 10:19 am

    food

  88. Alaine says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    I’d go to Oklahoma City for the weekend w/ my husband.

  89. Rust says

    October 22, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    Trip to New Orleans!

  90. Dannyel J says

    October 22, 2012 at 10:45 pm

    If I won the gift card, I would have to use it toward one last weekend away with the kids somewhere fun before winter.

  91. Tiffany says

    October 22, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    If i won i would take my husband to the marriot marquis in times sqaure after a long day at work!!! Im sucha good wife ;))

  92. Janice Milliken says

    October 22, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    Can you spell P-A-R-T-Y? Whee!

  93. AB says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:21 am

    buy lunch today

  94. Amy C says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:54 am

    I would love to take my kids to the marriot in Atlanta. We have gone in to seen the lobby area and they were thrilled to see a fancy hotel and hope to stay there one day.

  95. dale bartlett says

    October 23, 2012 at 11:36 am

    i would gostay south for awhile

  96. sue hieber says

    October 23, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    with 11 grandkids right here in wichita, i would use it to hide for a night or two. no housecleaning, no babysitting, and best of all, no diapers.

  97. AB says

    October 24, 2012 at 5:12 am

    I would use it to do something fun with the GK

  98. Sabrina Gomez says

    October 24, 2012 at 9:19 am

    This is awesome! I would use this gift to surprise my soon to be husband. We are getting married in three weeks! 😀

  99. dale bartlett says

    October 24, 2012 at 11:42 am

    i would buy my awesome husband some-thing

  100. Linda F says

    October 24, 2012 at 9:35 pm

    I’d use it for a romantic dinner with my husband

  101. AB says

    October 25, 2012 at 5:14 am

    Would spend it on FOOD

  102. Judy Tilley says

    October 25, 2012 at 8:47 am

    i would use it for when we head south for the winter, as we motel it going down!

  103. dale bartlett says

    October 25, 2012 at 11:33 am

    would like to win it first

  104. Debbie Terry says

    October 25, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    A dinner while I am staying there

  105. kim davis says

    October 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    I would very much enjoy it. on anything!!!!!

  106. Cindy Ruoff says

    October 26, 2012 at 1:12 am

    I would use the eCard for a hotel stay in the Phoenix area – my Mom travels down from Northern AZ for chemo treatment almost every month and it is a 2-day process – this would be very helpful…

  107. Judy Tilley says

    October 26, 2012 at 8:39 am

    My husband and I would truly enjoy this!

  108. dale bartlett says

    October 26, 2012 at 10:56 am

    i would visit a nice warm place in the winter

  109. Misses Giveaways says

    October 26, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    I would use it during my anniversary weekend trip.

  110. Judy Tilley says

    October 27, 2012 at 8:51 am

    use it for our trip south this winter!

  111. dale bartlett says

    October 27, 2012 at 11:34 am

    a nice anniversary dinner

  112. Rodney says

    October 27, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    I’d use it to help build my kids outdoor playhouse I’m working on!

  113. Dolores olsen says

    October 27, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    I would use it for gas and lodging for a casino hopping trip

  114. Marilyn Wons says

    October 27, 2012 at 10:33 pm

    I would use the card in a Marriott gift shop

  115. Jennifer Thompson says

    October 27, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    I would use it to stay the night halfway with my my family while traveling to visit my parents. We stay at the Marriot in FL on our way when we go and this would help on the next trip home 🙂

  116. tallcapp says

    October 27, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    I would be able to stay at a Mariott during one of my granddaughter’s competitions.

  117. Jannie Gomoll says

    October 28, 2012 at 6:24 am

    Would love to stay a a Marriott in Disney.

  118. Jennifer Thompson says

    October 28, 2012 at 8:09 am

    A room to get away.

  119. PatrickJ says

    October 28, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Spa treatment for my wife’s birthday at our local Marriott

  120. stony says

    October 28, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    we would use it to visit our new grandchild

  121. dale bartlett says

    October 28, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    use it for my 34th anniversary

  122. terry shifflett says

    October 28, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    I just got my wife of 24 years out of the hospital today. She had a 90% blockage in an artery to her heart, and she is doing well. I would love to take her to the coast of Galveston, and walk in the sand with my Sweetie, just like i promised her 24 years ago. This would make her day, as she has never been to the ocean.

  123. dale bartlett says

    October 29, 2012 at 10:17 am

    i would do some-thing nice for my hubby. nov4th is our 34th anns.

  124. Judy Tilley says

    October 29, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Great getaway!

  125. lisa f says

    October 29, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    a sexy, champagne filled staycation for the man and me:)

  126. Jannie Gomoll says

    October 30, 2012 at 8:01 am

    Love to stay at a Marriott on our anniversary on Feb. 2nd.

  127. Giveaway Gal says

    October 30, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I would use it on dinner or a spa treatment.

  128. dale bartlett says

    October 30, 2012 at 11:34 am

    gas

  129. Tiffany Hoyt says

    October 30, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    I would use it for vacation.

  130. Mike's Road Trip says

    November 1, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    Hey Zippy Just curious if you were selected as one of the winning bloggers? I too participated in this campaign, but didn’t win. 🙁 http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/coinstar-marriott

    Cheers,
    Mike

Trackbacks

  1. Marriott eCard | Big List of Giveaways says:
    October 16, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    […] Link to enter giveaway: http://champagneliving.net/spare-change/ […]

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