Free personalized Mother's Day card

Well, the card is free but you will be charged .99 for shipping. Considering this is a personalized photo card I think .99 for the entire order is pretty sweet. I just made and sent one of these to my mom. We took some great pictures of her and the kids during our trip to Buffalo last week so I was able to use one of those for the card. Here are the details:

Go to the Kodak website and pick from over 83 designs that meet the criteria for the free card. You can upload one or several pictures and add text to different parts of the card, depending upon the design you choose. When checking out, enter code 4MOM to get the card for free. You can ship the card directly to the recipient but take care of the billing on your end. Limit is one per family. Order by 5-2 in order for the card to reach mom in time for Mother's Day. This offer ends on 5-6.

Groupon

Have you heard about this site? It is pretty cool and there are some great deals for higher end restaurants, spas and overall fun things in the metro area. Here is how groupon works:

1.Each day they feature something cool to do at an unbeatable price.

2.You only get it if enough people join that day… so invite your friends!

3.Check back the next day for another awesome Groupon!

Boulder County Family week

There are some great, free things happening in the Boulder County community this week. Follow the link to see events broken down by day and location along with a general description.

Well what do you know ....

I didn't really get to try out my unemployment ... I start work at Jefferson County on Monday morning as an intake worker. I'm a bit anxious but also excited about this new chapter in my career. I hope to be able to keep on top of the blog, perhaps during my lunch breaks or before I wind down for bed at night. Thanks for all of your encouragement and for following my love of finding deals to share with others.

Free India Buffet on Saturday

India Bistro is offering a free lunch buffet on Saturday, May 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to celebrate its grand opening. India Bistro is at 1132 West Dillon Road in Louisville. (NW corner Hwy 36 and McCaslin) Owner Ghugi Singh believes the free food offering will bring good luck to his restaurant and the recovering economy. There will be traditional and vegetarian entrees and free Entertainment.

Free days in Denver this week

Just a few right now ...

The Denver Art Museum is free Saturday, May 1.

The Children's Museum is free Tuesday, May 4. Admission to the Museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month thanks to Target. The free hours are only during 4-8pm. I've been to a free night before here and it gets crowded fast so make sure you get there early.

For a list of free things to do in Denver over the next year, check out Debbie's Deals at the denverchannel.com

Free sandwich at Jack N the Box with any purchase

These seem to be popping up all over the place. I have yet to try anything but I've heard pretty good things about their menu. Until Sunday you can get a free deli trio grilled sandwich with any purchase. That means you can buy a small drink, fry or some other cheap menu item and get a free sandwich. Don't forget the coupon ... you can also use that link to find a location near you.

30% off Old Navy

I just received an email from Old Navy and I saw an ad for this on TV last night so it is legit. You will receive 30% off of everything in their store starting today until Sunday. The only thing that does not qualify for the 30% off are giftcards. Looks like it is time to stock up on a few things at Old Navy.

Macy's 25% off code

Macy's is having their Friends and Family sale going on through 05/03/2010 with 25% off online using coupon code MACYSFF. Free shipping on orders over $99 or just hop over to an actual store and bring the printable coupon.

40% off at Borders

Borders and Waldenbooks offer a 40% off printable coupon for any one list-priced item through May 1, 2010.

Note, you must be a Borders Rewards member (free registration) to be eligible for the coupon.

Educational Kids Items for .99

Book Closeouts has Kids Educational Books for $0.99 each. Save $5 off $35 with coupon code courage. Shipping starts at $3.25.

Hardcover

Softcover

Paperback

Spiral

Flashcards

Stickerbooks

Wipe Off Activity Mats

Baskin and Robbins 31 cent scoop night

Baskin and Robbins is having a .31 scoop night on Wednesday, April 38 from 5 until 10pm. No coupon necessary .. just show up to your local store and request up to 3 scoops for .31 a piece.

Free samples

Did you know that Walmart.com has a free sample site that is updated regularly? There are several sites out there that regularly promote new or revamped items by offering free samples that usually come with a generous coupon for your first purchase if you like the item. Here are a few decent free samples currently available:

Plackers Grind No More night protectors

Pet N Shape healthy dog treats

Kotex newly designed items

Benefiber

Parents Choice Premium Infant Formula (Wal-mart's brand)

John Frieda Root Awakening products

Prilosec OTC

Dove Men + Care

Eucerin Daily Skin Balance Body Lotion - you will be asked to choose between two samples, the Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 and Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 or the Skin-Fortifying Body Lotion. I chose one and then went back in to choose the second. I received a message confirming that I am getting both samples so it looks like this is not limited to a one time sign up like some of these are.

If you want to keep an eye on the Wal-mart freebies section, bookmark their site and check back at least once per week. I've gotten some great items that have become favorites in my home just by getting a sample. A second reminder for these freebies, if you don't want to get sent a bunch of junk mail about upcoming promotions make sure you create a dummy email address for these. I have an account with gmail (free) that I always use when signing up for contests, promotions or freebies. This way I know where to look if I want to see if I've gotten any good notices AND it doesn't clog up my real email.

World Market Coupon

Gosh I love the World Market .. if I ever come into some money, I will redecorate and furnish my home completely from this store. For now, I relish the coupons that come out every once in a while so that I can slowly get small items to keep me happy until I become wealthy. There is currently a $10 off $30 coupon that is good until 5-16-10. Here is the small print:

Discount valid on current selling price. No discount on alcoholic beverages and gift cards.

One coupon per customer per day. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers and coupons. Cannot be combined with the following discounts: World Market Credit Card discount, Decorators discount, World Market Explorer 10% enrollment discount, employee discount.

No adjustments to prior purchases. No cash value or rain checks issued. Reproductions not accepted. Returns must be accompanied with original receipt. Returns will be credited as purchase price less the discount, and you will forfeit the discount. Offer good while supplies last.

Valid at World Market Stores. Not valid online.

Supermarket Deals for the week

The following were composed by thriftymomincolorado ... there are some great deals to be had:

Safeway

King Soopers

Walgreens

80% off Restaurant.com

So I just posted about the deals you can find at restaurant.com and today slickdeals.net posted an 80% off code. The $25 gift certificates are normally $10 or $15 (depending on restaurant), but are $2 or $3 with the code. They also sell $10 certificates for select restaurants for $4, making them 80 cents each with the code. When you are checking out, make sure you type in the word MEAL in the coupon / code box to receive the discount. Time to eat !!!

Travel sites

My travels this week have inspired me to post some great websites and phone apps, aside from the usual ones you may use, for those traveling, needing lodging, finding transportation and locating decent places to eat.

Travel websites:

Kayak.com allows you to compare prices at multiple travel and airline sites. Be forewarned though, Kayak.com does not compare prices for Southwest. I recommend doing a search on Kayak and then heading over to Southwest.com to check out their prices for the same flight before you make your purchase. Also, Kayak does not sell the ticket to you but will forward you to another site (e.g. travelocity, expedia, etc) that you choose based upon price and schedule.

Yapta.com tracks airline prices daily and sends you an email alert if the price drops.

SeatGuru.com guides you to the best airplane seats. Leg room, seat width, most comfortable .. you'll find that information here. I just used it for my trip back to Denver next week and now I have a better idea of where to sit :)

Phone Apps:

Airline Bag Fees - check this app before you pack and you'll find out the checked bag policy for 26 domestic airlines ($2.99 iTunes App store)

Flight Status - find the most up to date ETA on your flight when you search by flight number, route or airport ($4.99 iTunes App store)

Next Flight - this app tracks scheduled departures from more than 4,200 airports and 1,100 airlines. Simply select a carrier and get the information you need to find another flight ($2.99 iTunes App store)

Gate Maps - navigate your way through almost 40 airports before you land (.99 iTunes App store)

Lodging Websites:

Tripadvisor.com will allow you to read reviews from actual guests who have stayed at over 450,000 hotels worldwide.

Trekaroo.com gives you reviews for child friendly hotels in every state, written by parents who've stayed there.

Homeaway.com gives you a chance to save money for extended trips by renting a house or condo. They have more than 185,000 options available.

Phone Apps

Hotel Negotiator - this app from Priceline lets you bid low on last minute hotel bookings. (free at iTunes App Store)

Hotel Pal - not happy with your hotel then use this app to show hotels in the area with current vacancies, their rates and amenities. You can book a new hotel directly from the app (free at iTunes App Store)

Good Eats Websites

Yelp.com shows reviews from across the country from people who have eaten in numerous restaurants

Opentable.com allows you to see the menus and prices for over 11,000 restaurants AND make reservations on the spot

Restaurant.com is one of my favorite sites. Search by state and zip code to find participating restaurants in your area. Restaurants on the list offer coupons good for $10 up to $100 off the total bill for a fraction of the cost. ALWAYS check on slickdeals.net to see if there is an additional code for 80% off the total cost. These tend to pop up around the middle and end of the month when restaurants are trying to clear their inventory of coupons. My husband and I recently went to our favorite Indian restaurant for a celebration and I used one of these coupons. It took $35 off of our bill and I paid $3 for the coupon. GREAT deal ... words of caution, always check the fine print on the coupon before you buy it. Many of the restaurants that participate put a minimum amount of money that you have to spend before you can use a coupon. They also omit alcohol and taxes from the total needed and many add on 18% gratuity. Still a great deal when you use the 80% off coupon.

Phone Apps

Urbanspoon is a great guide to local restaurants that uses GPS technology to pinpoint them (free, iTunes App store; appworld.blackberry.com/webstore)

Kids Eat For gives you the nearest restaurants where kids eat free or at reduced prices ($2.99 iTunes App Store, kidseatfor.com/android)

Getting Around Websites

Urbanrail.net shows you subway maps for hundreds of cities

Breezenet.com shows you some of the best bargains on the Web from multiple well known companies, similar to Kayak.com but for transportation needs

Lowergear.com makes getting places easier with cheap handheld or automobile GPS rentals for as little as $19 for three days

Citypass.com gives you up to 50% off admissions to must see attractions in 10 major US cities

Phone Apps

Gotourit lets you download and buy GPS guided audio tours of cities, national parks and historic sites (Free, iTunes App Store)

Aroundme locates pharmacies, ATM's and other stuff you may need AND then it tells you how to get there (Free, iTunes App Store)

Random Stuff

Sitorsquat shows you the nearest public bathroom (Free iTunes App Store, blackberry.densebrain.com)

travelsavvymom.com directs you to a network of mom's who review family friendly hotels and destinations. Their hotel 411 gives a great review of properties with lots of details and room photos.

wejustgotback.com features reviews of kid friendly hotels and resorts, planning advice and real moms' travel tips and vacation deals.

Chipotle's Earth Day offer

Celebrate Earth Day with Chipotle and help support their mission of working with local farmers who are committed to raising antibiotic and hormone free meats / produce. Purchase a burrito, bowl, salad or tacos on Earth Day (April 22) and then bring back your receipt on April 24 or 25 for a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. No coupon needed ...

Redbox codes

Don't you just love those Redboxes ??? What I love even more about the convenience of these things is that there are always codes on the internet so that rentals cost you nothing. One site that I always visit before hitting a Redbox is Inside Redbox. Half way down the page you will see a list that is color coded to show what codes are reported to be working great, are possible, unlikely or unproven. I always write a few codes down before I hit the box just in case the one that I have is no longer working by the time I make my choice. I have yet to pay for a rental from a Redbox thanks to these codes. Trying to find your local Redbox location .. just follow this link and enter your zip code. The Redbox site will also tell you what movies are currently available and what is coming up in the near future.

5dollarsoftware.com

I found out about this site today while catching up on some long overdue magazine reading and thought it was great once I checked it out. 5dollarsoftware.com has all of the titles you would expect to find in the stores but at clearance prices. I really like the link to their $5 and under software for kids. If you sign up with a valid email you will receive coupons, free offers, & notifications of great deals! The website has software for adults as well as kids in all different price ranges. This looks like a great place to check for software before you head out to purchase something from one of the big guys.

Dairy Queen buy one blizzard get another for .25

Dairy Queen has buy one Dairy Queen Blizzard and get a second one for $0.25 Cents via Printable Coupon. Offer valid until April 25 at select stores so you may want to call ahead before making a special trip. Thanks slickdeals.net

Seehere photo book

SeeHere is currently offering custom photo books for as low as $2.50 shipped! Just use code mombook and you can get a 24-page custom mini photo book for $2.50 or a 20-page custom photo book for just $3.50.

- Register with seehere and as a new member you will receive 50 free photo prints by using promo code prints-6 . You do not have to use this deal when making the book but it is available to you as a new member. Shipping is NOT included for the 50 free prints regardless of when you redeem this so if you make the book and redeem this credit you will end up paying for shipping on the prints.
- Go to this link to start making your photo book
- Use promo code mombook at checkout to get the sale price plus with free shipping
- Offer expires 4/20/10 so you will need to act fast .. this would make a great mother's day gift

Thanks dealseekingmom.com

$10 off $30 at Bath and Body Works

This coupon can be used online or in the store and is good until May 9, 2010.

Bath and Body works coupon

Some online deals they have right now:

Buy 2 signature collection items get the 3rd free OR buy 3 signature items get 2 free

Buy 1 get 50% off another candle

Get 4 for $15 or 6 for $20 Anti-Bacterials

Get a preview of their new signature lotion scent for only $1 .. limit one per order

Select sponges are $3

Clearance

2 for $20 classic wallflowers

2 for $20 aromatherapy classics

If ordering online, you can get free shipping once you hit the $60 mark and use the code freeship60 at checkout

Meritline.com

One of the websites I frequent (slickdeals.net) seems to always have front page deals that come from Meritline.com. If you go to their website, it almost looks like a dollar store for a wide variety of items. I like that you can read reviews before buying something, especially with how cheap the items are to purchase. They offer daily deals and ongoing sales, along with everyday low prices. Here are some great finds for today that include free shipping:

1. USB SDHC Memory Card Reader, Multi in 1 USB2.0 Card Reader with Built-in USB Port, Smoke Color - .79 after using coupon code MLCK119106041970NL1

2. Pencil Shape Stationery Bag, Random Color - .99 after using coupon code MLCK400208041950NL1

3. Insulated cooler bag in forest green 11" X 8" X 6.5" - $1.99 after using coupon code MLCK207588041950NL1 - make sure you select the one on the left, if you choose the one on the right you will incur a shipping charge

To find lots more deals on random items that you might need visit meritline.com go to the specials tab and select daily deals

Home Depot Kids workshops

I posted a few weeks ago about the free workshops for kids on Saturday mornings. Brooklyn and I went to our first workshop this past weekend and built a super cute see through window box. We stopped by the garden section on our way out and grabbed a few hardy marigolds to plant when we get back from Buffalo. Daddy can't be trusted to water anything while we are gone plus, Brooklyn wants to be able to watch the seeds sprout. She also got a great red apron, goggles and a badge showing what she had built. It was a great time and I can see us attending these workshops regularly. We actually already signed up for the May 1 class to build a little school house.

I heard that Home Depot also does workshops for kids on Saturdays and was able to track down the link to that site.

Home Depot offers two chances to build your projects on Saturday mornings with the kids. The first chance is at 9am and the second is at noon. They recommend these workshops for kids ages 5 to 12 and a parent / caretaker must also be present. Kids who participate receive their finished project, an orange apron and badge of completion. Look towards the bottom of the page and you will see a button directing you to find your location.

Supermarket links for 4-18 to 4-24

I'm headed out to Buffalo tomorrow for a much overdue and very needed break to see my family and re-energize with some amazing Buffalo food. I'll try to post when I get a chance but I may be MIA for the next 10 days.

Walgreens - thanks thriftymomincolorado

Safeway - these are good until April 20 .. thanks thriftymomincolorado

King Sooper - these are good until April 20 .. thanks thriftymomincolorado

There is a good deal to mention at King Sooper. Mt. High Yogurt is on sale until May 2 for $1. There was a coupon in the 4-11 Red Plum insert that was .50 off 2. Since King Sooper doubles coupons up to $1 your yogurts will be free if you use this coupon. This sale runs until the middle of May so no need to rush out this week .. unless you really need some yogurt.

Free Benadryl Itch Relief Sticks

In this past Sunday's paper there was a $5/off 2 coupon in the Red Plum insert for any items in the Zyrtec, Benadryl, Visine, Sudafed PE, or Tylenol Sinus lines. Benadryl has itch relief sticks that run about $2.28 per stick at both Target and Wal-mart. Pick up two of these sticks with the coupon and the cost is ... free. I tried to grab a few at Wal-mart (136th and I-25) yesterday but they were sold out. Target (144th and I-25) had several left but of course I had forgotten my coupon. I did take a look while in King Sooper (136th and Huron) but they don't carry these. Looks like I have yet another reason to hit Target again this week :)

Thanks moneysavingmom and thriftymomincolorado

Free entrace fees to all National Parks

To make it easier to experience America's Great Outdoors, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees, so visitors can enjoy all 392 national parks for free April 17-25. Here is a link to Colorado's parks http://www.nps.gov/state/CO/index.htm or you can go back to the main page on that site to search another state.

Supermarket Links for the week

Thanks to thriftymomincolorado for putting together these amazing lists ...

Safeway - http://thriftymomincolorado.blogspot.com/2010/04/safeway-weekly-deals-414-420.html

King Soopers - http://thriftymomincolorado.blogspot.com/2010/04/king-soopers-weekly-deals-414-420.html

Thriftymomincolorado also came up with a great guide to learning how to use, where to get and how to organize your coupons - http://thriftymomincolorado.blogspot.com/2010/01/coupons-101-overview_26.html

A heads up about computer generated coupons and Wal-mart. There has been a lot of back and forth on different deal sites about some Wal-marts not accepting these coupons because they are too easy to produce fraud ones. I read an interesting email last week on such a site that talked about all Wal-mart's now enforcing this no computer generated policy after several stores lost $100's of dollars on fake coupons for electronics. Sure enough, I was at the store on 136th and I-25 yesterday and each register now has a sign stating that Wal-mart will no longer price match online ads or accept computer generated / copied coupons. Oh well ... as far as I know Target, King Sooper and Safeway still accept them.

Just Between Friends Sale this weekend

Another email from a friend means another blog entry ... thanks Michele

Just Between Friends Sales events are a savvy shopper's dream!
These are not retail stores but rather savings extravaganzas--shopping events that happen usually twice a year per location. At these events, consignors bring their new and gently-used children's and maternity merchandise to sell. Shoppers can then browse and purchase these items at great savings, usually 50 to 90% off retail prices! Merchandise is inspected to insure only high quality items will be sold. At a typical Just Between Friends event, you can find clothing, toys, baby equipment, strollers, high chairs, cribs, joggers, nursery gear, maternity wear, baby carriers, play yards, play sets, coats, shoes...well, you can see the list of items just goes on and on!

Spring/Summer Sales Event: April 16 – 18

Adams County Fairgrounds - Al Lesser Building
9755 Henderson Road (I-25 to 104th Ave, E. to Riverdale Rd, N. to Henderson Rd)

*Consignors, Volunteers, Teachers, First Time Parents and Military Families shop a special preview sale Thursday April 15. Open to the public Friday at 8am. Sale hours are: Friday 8am - 8pm - $1 admission, Saturday 8am - 8pm and Sunday 10am - 3pm - 1/2 Price Sale.

Shoppers: We will have over 22,000 items at the sale including brand name clothing for preemie to preteen (many new with tags), strollers, changing tables, toys, baby equipment, swimsuits, shoes, books, movies, maternity, highchairs and more – all at 50 to 90% off full retail prices.

College Day

I just got this forwarded to me by my good friend Lori ... thanks Lori!!

Tomorrow is College Friday. Wear your college apparel tomorrow! It's a good day to talk to students about college, and why you chose the school you attended. Also, Qdoba and Cold Stone are giving away free food!

College Friday is April 16th!

College Friday is the day designated to raise awareness about the importance of higher education for Colorado's youth. Wear your favorite college logo apparel on Friday, April 16, to support Colorado students' dreams of higher education.

Visit a participating Qdoba Mexican Grill in the Denver metro area any time on College Friday to receive a FREE order of Chips & 3-Cheese Queso simply for wearing your college gear. This offer is not valid with any other offer and is limited to one per person per visit. Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland and Colorado Mills Mall locations are excluded.

Wear your college gear to a Cold Stone Creamery in the metro area from 3-7 pm on College Friday and receive a FREE "Like-It" size ice cream with one topping. Participating locations https://secure.collegeincolorado.org/Images/CiC/pdfs/CSC_locations_Denver.pdf

Mark your calendars for the start of local Farmer's Markets

Some market's have already started but here is a quick guide to those closest to us, their start dates and links for more information:

1. The Orchard Town Center, located at 144th and I-25, has a market every Sunday that boasts more than 40 vendors who strive to bring the freshest foods possible to the public. The market runs June 7th through a yet to be determined date in October, from 10am until 3pm. The Orchard Town Center website doesn't have this up yet so I'm not sure where in the complex the market will be. Last year, they held it towards the back of their lot, near REI and the fitness club. Makes sense that they would have it there again but keep checking their website for future details. (theorchardtowncenter.com) and the farm that participates(http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/OrchardsMarket.asp)

2. Boulder's Farmer's Market on 13th Street, between Arapahoe and Canyon, can get fresh Colorado grown produce and other unique items (corn stalks, homemade soaps, pot-pourri, wreathes, eggs, honey, roasted chilies, food and drinks). The market runs Saturdays - April 3 to November 6,8 a.m to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays - May 5 through
October 6, 4 p.m to 8 p.m. (http://www.boulderfarmers.org/home.html)

3. Louisville Farmers Market runs Saturdays from June 5th through October, 9am-4pm and is located at 824 Front Street (corner of Walnut and Front St. at Steinbaugh Pavilion. Come to “A Taste of Louisville” on June 5th to celebrate the opening of the market with live entertainment all day. To see a list of 2010 vendors visit http://farmersmarketlouis.blogspot.com/

Computer Virus could cost you

I saw an article on thedenverchannel.com that brought me back to a year ago when I sat frozen in front of my Dell laptop watching it disintegrate before my eyes. I had picked up a virus that kept sending pop ups to my desktop warning that I had infected my computer and for a small fee it could be fixed. Throughout the day the pop ups became more numerous until finally I couldn't see anything else or navigate through screens. I was forced to shut the laptop down and crack open my spare. Now not many folks have a spare or a husband who works in IT that can clean an infected computer. I did some research and found the most economical way, aside from using my husbands skills, would set me back at least $100 for a basic purge and clean of my laptop. Yikes, for less than $200 more I could buy a new laptop. I wanted to pass the article along as a warning since this virus continues to change but typically presents the same way.

By Christin Ayers, 7NEWS Reporter - A new computer virus poses as popular antivirus software and experts claim it can harm your hardware and compromise your credit.

The virus appears to come from legitimate antivirus programs like McAfee and Norton. It tells users that their computer is infected, then urges the user to enter credit card information to purchase an upgrade to purge the computer.

Greg Cann, vice president of Centennial-based Accelerated Network Solutions, said once you enter your credit card information, hackers get access to your finances and your hard drive.


“It’s a new spin on an old scam,” said Cann.

Frank Martin almost fell victim to it. His wife nearly downloaded the software before realizing the so-called antivirus software was fraudulent.

“It looks exactly like our virus protection,” said Martin. “So how do you know if your virus protection is any good if this one is exactly like it?”

Cann said, this scam is more difficult to identify than the average email phishing scam, which can be deleted. The anti-virus scam can paralyze a hard drive, seemingly leaving the user with one option -- to pay for an upgrade.

But Cann said there is a way to distinguish a real antivirus scam from a fake one. He said most antivirus programs will not require you to buy anything to purge a virus. If a program requires you to enter financial information before purging your computer, it is probably a scam.

“That is a red flag,” said Cann.

Cann said anyone who downloads the fraudulent software will have to run a legitimate software program to get rid of it. He said users should watch out for new twists to the scam.

“It keeps evolving,” said Cann. “Every six months there's a new change. There's a new threat.”

Tax Day Deals

It is time to pay the man so how about some deals to cushion the blow. The following places are offering free or discounted items today:

Boston Market - Buy one individual plate get one free with the following coupon (http://bostonmarket.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=34359744918&StoreCode)

Baja Fresh is offering a $2 burrito today when you become their facebook friend (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3731245&id=91300429034)

Chick-Fil-A is offering a free mini biscuit today from 6:30 until 10am only. This is at select stores so find the closest one to you on the locator and give them a buzz before you head over (http://chick-fil-a.com/restlocator/)

Cinnabon will give you 2 free cupcake bites between 6-8pm (http://www.cinnabon.com/home.html)

PF Changs will give you 15% off your meals today (http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx)

On April 15th, bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee (http://www.starbucks.com/thebigpicture)

Walgreens deals good until Saturday

Here is Thriftymomincolorado's breakdown for this weeks Walgreens deals ..

http://thriftymomincolorado.blogspot.com/2010/04/walgreens-weekly-deals-411-417.html

Free Wooden Projects for Kids at Lowe's

So pretty much every Saturday morning at participating Lowe's stores there is a free wooden project for kids. The site recommends the clinic for those in 1st through 6th grade but younger children are welcome as long as their parent / caretaker stays to help them. Visit the Lowe's site to find out about upcoming projects and then register to guarantee your space. When you register, a drop down box of participating Lowe's stores in your area will appear. Children who participate receive not only the finished project but a pair of goggles, an apron, a patch related to the project and a certificate of completion. I signed up to do the see through growing planter this Saturday with my 4 year old daughter and we can't wait.

Restaurant freebies

Did you know that many restaurants will send you email coupons for free meals either on your birthday or just for joining their club? I know that this means more junk mail but there is an easy way to deal with this. I have a few different emails and one is dedicated to free offers and clubs that I sign up for. This way my regular email doesn't get clogged with coupons, event notices and offers. Gmail, hotmail and yahoo are just a few of the free providers that you can use for a "dummy" email to handle offer emails. Here is a list of some local establishments and what they offer:

Mimi's Cafe is offering a free breakfast for joining their club (http://www.mimiscafe.com/EClub.aspx)

Texas Roadhouse offers "delicious gifts" for joining (http://texasr.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W)

Red Lobster promises a "birthday gift" if you join their club (http://www.redlobster.com/club/)

Chili's will give you a coupon within 48 hours of joining their club for free chips and queso during your next visit (http://assets.fbmta.com/clt/chlscrp/lp/join/join.asp)

Benihana's will send you a certificate for a free dinner (up to $30) on your birthday (http://www.benihana.com/email)

Noodles offers you a free meal on your birthday (http://noodle.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W)

Qdoba will send you a coupon for a free order of chips and salsa along with random buy one get one free offers. This is a great one to sign up for if you like random free food (http://www.qdoba.com/EnthusiastEclub.aspx)

Tokyo Joe's addict club will alert you once a month about deals that only members can receive. There is also a posting from someone that mom's eat free on mother's day when they join the club (http://www.tokyojoes.com/addictclub.html)

Spicy Pickle will send you coupons for free stuff on your birthday and the anniversay that you joined their club (http://spicypickle.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W)

County Buffet offers a buy one get one free buffet and promises deals on your birthday and anniversary of joining their club (http://www.buffet.com/eclub)

Happy Sumo has a VIP list for special events and birthday vouchers (http://www.happysumosushi.com/vip.html)

Maggiano's sends out discount coupons for your birthday (http://maggianos.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&Inputsource=W)

Hacienda Colorado receive a free order of Fresh-made guacamole, fire-roasted salsa and tortilla chips when you purchase an entrée (http://www.haciendacolorado.com/contact.php)

C.B. and Potts will send you a certificate for a Buy-One-Get-One-Free World Famous Potts Burger AND get a FREE Mile High Mud Pie on your birthday (http://www.cbpotts.com/pottsmvp.shtml)

Sonic will send you a coupon for a free item on your birthday (http://www.sonicdrivein.com/home.jsp#/members)

Good Times will give you a free deluxe burger for joining their club (http://goodtimesburgers.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W)

Ted's Montana Grill will send you a coupon for a free birthday dessert and something for your anniversary (http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/mailingList.html)

Sign up for Uno's Chicago Grill Insider Club and get a free appetizer when you buy two entrees. (http://insidersclub.unos.com/insiders/)

Red Robin's e-mail club offers you a free burger on your birthday. (http://www.redrobin.com/eclub/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1)

Johnny Rockets offers a free hamburger when you sign up to the rocket e-club. (http://www.johnnyrockets.com/rockete-club/index.php)

Tony's Market has an e-club that offers member-only specials, recipes, cooking tips, etc. (http://www.tonysmarket.com/subscribe.cfm)

Pappadeaux has an e-club that offers promotions for members. For example, one person who did this received a coupon for a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees. (http://pappadeaux.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W)

Quizno's is offering a free cookie on your birthday, which isn't much but they also send out occasional coupons and hey, free is good. (http://www.quiznos.com/subsandwiches/Offers/OffersLanding.aspx

$3 Huggies Coupon and Safeway Sale

There have been several of these floating around but you are only able to print 2 from a computer. You can try to clear your cookies on your computer after you print the 2 allowed but I haven't had luck with that. Your next best bet is to go to a different computer to print 2 more. I suggest printing 4 of these coupons to stock up on a great deal Safeway has running until midnight tonight. When you spend $10 (which you will do easily with the diapers) and have a Safeway card (free if you don't have one already) you can purchase up to 4 packs of Huggies diapers for $7.99 a piece. Add the $3 coupon and that brings these down to $4.99 per pack .. a great deal for those of us with little ones in diapers. Here are the links to the coupons but I believe you can also grab a sale circular in Safeway for the diaper coupon. You will need to paste and cut these into your browser .. my link button is acting up :)

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.a...p=viwSatFc

http://weeklyspecials.safeway.com/customer_Frame.jsp?drpStoreID=1146
(page 5 of the sale circular that runs 4-7 until 4-13)

Jamba Juice buy one get one free

Mmmmm ... nothing like a tall Jamba Juice to get you going. To celebrate 20 years of business, they are offered a buy one get one free coupon good for any drink on their menu. The coupon is good until April 24, 2010.

I'm back .....

So surprise surprise ... social workers can be laid off. My official last day was April 7 and I have been taking a few days to clean my house, organize things and make a list of what I need to accomplish before that next job presents itself. In between applying for jobs (unemployment requires at least 5 applications per week), interviews (which haven't been many to date) and a long over due visit home to see my family (April 19-28) I will try to be more consistent with my posts. I have been following another blogger lately (thriftymomincolorado) and will post links to her page when she breaks down the sales at Walgreens, Safeway and King Sooper. She does a great job and there is no reason to reinvent what someone has spent a great deal of time researching. In addition to the deals I find, I also plan to post the ease or difficulty I encounter in trying to take on small and medium sized tasks around the house to save some money. I just installed a new doorbell this weekend after our old one blew out in December and you know what .. it was a breeze, only cost me $4 and left me with a huge sense of accomplishment (take that Bob Villa). If you have an ideas or find deals of your own that you would like to share, please email me at amylynn2024@hotmail.com.

Thanks for following my adventures in counting pennies and learning new tricks around the house.

Southwest Airlines Sale

Book a flight flying out of Denver by this Thursday (February 4) and your fare will be $30, $60 or $90 each way depending upon how far you are flying. Your travel dates must fall between April 6 and May 26, 2010 AND travel for this deal is only valid on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you can be flexible with your schedule, this is a great time to plan a getaway. Remember, the first two bags per paying customer on Southwest are free. Just remember to get online 24 hours prior to your scheduled take off to get your boarding number or you may end up sitting in a less desirable seat and / or away from people you are traveling with.

Small print (of course):
•Fares do not include federal excise tax of $3.70 per takeoff and landing, airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9, and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 one-way.
•Travel not available to/from Panama City Beach, FL.

http://travel.southwest.com/specialoffers/offerDetails.html?id=31894854

Denny's deals

It's back. Denny's is once again offering everyone a free Grand Slam breakfast for one morning only.

The offer is good on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Denny's restaurants across the country.

You may remember, Denny's offered everyone in America a free Grand Slam breakfast last year in their ad on the Super Bowl. At the Denny's on Wadsworth that day, the line went out the door most of the morning. Denny's gave away about 2 million meals. Denny's said the goal was to reacquaint America with its restaurants.


This year, Denny's will run three commercials on Super Bowl Sunday promoting another day of free breakfast meals. The ads will also talk about the return of the Denny's birthday giveaway, where customers get a free meal with proof of date of birth. You don't have to sign up in advance for the birthday deal, just come in on your birthday. That promotion hasn't been offered in nearly 15 years, said John Dillon, vp, marketing at Denny's. "For us, the benefit is that they usually bring other people with them," he added.

And there's one more deal. Visit the Denny's Web site for a contest to win free breakfast each week for a year. Thanks to Debbie's Deals at thedenverchannel.com for this deal!!

http://www.dennys.com/superbowl/splash1.html

Kids eat free

I love my kids but I do miss the days of picking a new restaurant out of the Entertainment Book each weekend and pretending that I'm a food critic. Now, eating out consists of looking at who offers crayons / coloring books, how dressed down can we be and cost. The Denver metro area has some amazing restaurants and a large selection of family friendly places to eat. Check out this website for an up to date listing of where and when kids eat for free:

http://www.kidseatfreeplaces.com/colorado.htm

p.s. Make sure you call ahead just to make sure the restaurant is still participating and to inquire about a waiting list. Nothing worse than waiting for a table with two starving kids and a ticked off husband :)

Diapers

In my next life, I plan to create or improve upon something that people cannot live without and thus, I'll be wealthy beyond belief. I'm thinking disposable diapers may fall into that category. A box of Pampers / Huggies will typically run you around $20 and if you are lucky and your child doesn't blow through diapers like my little guy does, you can get through two weeks before that box is empty. Still, that is a lot of moolah to spend on something that just gets thrown out pretty quickly. I have searched high and low for good quality disposable diapers that cost less than the big boys. I've tried a lot of no name brands and always ended up doing a ton of laundry during those trials due to leaks and blow outs. Target recently revamped their line of goods and these items now sport the name Up and Up. I've tried several of their comparison lines and have been pleasantly surprised with the findings. Recently, I did a little unscientific study where I put Pampers up against Up and Up for a week. I was a Pampers snob with my first child so I figured Up and Up had a low chance of knocking my favorite out. I rated the diapers on absorbability, cost, thickness and design. My experience was that both diapers came out pretty even in terms of leaks and ability to contain during the evening hours if I tried to go a long period without changing. I personally liked the thickness of the Up and Up brand and the cute polka dot design is gender friendly. The final step came with comparing the prices ... $20 for a box of Pampers at Wally World and $14 for a box of Up and Up at Target. Ding, ding, ding we have a winner ....

Just in time for my new found love of Up and Up diapers came a post on slickdeals.net about a sale Target is having on these diapers if you buy them online and in bulk. I ended up buying 4 boxes of the diapers for $44 shipped to my home, which includes tax. That is $11 a box with 96 diapers per box ... comes out to 11 cents per diaper. Yeah !!!!!! The deal can also be combined with formula, wipes, baby food and baby toiletries so this is a great time to stock up. Here is the deal for anyone who is interested:

Target has a great deal going for their own brand Up & Up diapers. Buy 3 save 10%, buy 4 or more save 15% on disposable diapers, wipes, baby food + formula and baby toiletries. Offer available online only. Discount applied at Checkout. On the checkout page enter URTYJLI8 for an additional 10% off. Don't worry if you are going through the check out process and don't see the 10 or 15% taken off yet .. it doesn't come off until you enter your payment information and go to the final page to confirm your order. This is also the page where you put the code in for an additional 10% off.

The best deals:
4x 56-pack of Size 1 $20 (9 cents per diaper)
4x 48-pack of Size 2 $20 (10 cents per diaper)
4x 96-pack of Size 3 $42 (11 cents per diaper)
4x 40-pack of Size 3 $20 (12 cents per diaper)
4x 82-pack of Size 4 $42 (13 cents per diaper)
4x 60-pack of Size 4 $33 (14 cents per diaper)
4x 34-pack of Size 4 $20 (15 cents per diaper)
4x 70-pack of Size 5 $42 (15 cents per diaper)
4x 54-pack of Size 5 $33 (15 cents per diaper)

http://www.target.com/up-Diapers/dp/B002IGD05Q

Let the spending begin

Hi all .. my name is Amy and I am a mom to two amazing little kiddos. I have always considered myself a savvy shopper but before my kids were born, my passion for finding deals wasn't really about finances. It was more about the thrill of the hunt and finding those great bargains than a way to survive financially. Four years later I have two kids under the age of five and despite working full time, I find myself needing to find new ways to stretch our dollars to make sure that not only are the kids basic needs met but that there is something left over for fun, household items and things that don't really need but desperately want. I subscribe to a variety of different sites to help me keep track of sales, coupons and price errors in an attempt to maximize our dollars. I also enjoy sharing my finds with friends and family but sometimes I feel like I'm inundating them with emails. A friend in the neighborhood recently sent me an email about one of her colleagues who started a blog about great deals. The light bulb went off in my head and I immediately knew that creating a similar site would allow everyone to see my finds, if they so chose, without me having to send mass emails. I'll try to keep this site updated weekly and most of the posts will focus on kid / family friendly items. Thanks and I hope this site will help others in their pursuit of making the most of their ever dwindling funds ...