Buy One Entree, Get One Free at Pei Wei!

And all you have to do is watch a 37 second video!  Just go to www.peiweimarket.com, watch the short clip, and enter your email addy to receive a BOGO coupon, via email.  Helloooooo, Pad Thai!

BOGO FREE Entree at Tijuana Flats – Today Only! Print this Coupon!

Happy Thursday!  Grab a friend or family member to enjoy this bogo deal.  But, plan to be home by 10pm – The Situation is getting punched out tonight on “Jersey Shore”!!

Kids Eat Free at On The Border – Today Only!!

This does not help me, at all… unless I can convince the OTB employees that Andrew is just large for 12.  LOL  If you have kids, this is for you!  If not, borrow somebody’s.  And don’t forget to print the coupon!

Spring Cleaning

Wasn’t it Sheryl Crow who sang that a change would do you good?  Well, Sheryl would be proud of me.  Since I last wrote, I’ve had my hair cut and dyed, began reading “Oprah”, started painting the master bedroom Showstopper red (two out of four walls), and changed my blog theme to “Bueno”.  That’s my version of spring cleaning!

I’ve still been pinching my pennies.  I found a “Jungle Babies” book at Barnes and Noble for $4.88, just in time for Jeremiah’s birthday.  (Barnes and Noble is having great sales on Easter books for children.)  I tried Chipotle for the first time ever with Chavon and, boy, was I impressed – great food at great prices and super healthy.  (www.chipotle.com)  Did you hear about the new Whole Foods store opening in North Raleigh at 8710 Six Forks Rd?  I signed up to receive email newsletters from them.  Check out the “What’s on sale?” icon in the top, right-hand corner of the local store’s website.  (www.wholefoodsmarket.com)  I tried Tijuana Flats with Grace Ann and have gone back twice since!  I enjoyed BOGO coupons 2 of the 3 times.  Think of a cross between Moe’s speedy service and Armadillo Grill’s trendy atmosphere.  (www.tijuanaflats.com)  Andrew and I enjoyed a FREE appetizer at Brixx, a BOGO deal at El Rodeo Grill, and $6 off at Shish Kabob.  Brixx offers an awesome late night special of all appetizers and pizzas BOGO when ordered after 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and after 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.  (www.brixxpizza.com)  I also redeemed a coupon for a FREE fruit and maple oatmeal cup at McDonald’s.  Through Living Social, I donated $5 to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake Pacific Tsunami fund and Living Social matched my donation 100%, totaling $10.  And, just today, I purchased from Lowe’s a Schlage doorknob/deadbolt combo at 30% off.  Andrew purchased a wireless router for $49.99 ($10 off) at Target, which will save $11.95 per month on the Time Warner Cable bill as a home networking charge.

Speaking of painting, Sherwin Williams runs a sale on paints and stains about once every month and a half or two months.  This past weekend, I was able to get 30% off.  Remember, you can buy paint when it is on sale and have it injected with the chosen color at a later date, in order to get the sale price.  The next sale will be April 8-10.  (www.sherwin-williams.com)

Ulta is offering a BOGO MicroZone Skin treatment through 4/2.  $20, 20 minutes, immediate results.  (www.ulta.com)

Like Old Navy on Facebook and get a coupon for 15% off a single item purchased through 4/7.  Also, like Suave Professionals on Facebook and receive a coupon for a FREE Suave Professionals product.  You’ll receive the coupon in the mail in 6-8 weeks.  (www.facebook.com)

Borders Final Week to Save – with the central Raleigh store closing (404-101 E. Six Forks Rd), get 50-70% off everything in the store.  At all other Borders stores that are remaining open, 4/16 is the Springtacular special kids’ event for children ages 3-8.  There will be FREE storytime, games, and crafts.  Show your Borders eReading app and get a FREE small brewed coffee in the cafe.  (www.borders.com)

The Race for the Cure registration fee will be $25 through 4/1.  This is part of the early bird special, which expires on 4/2.  Once expired, the fee increases to $30.  Join Team Pink Floyd and help save some tatas!  (www.komennctriangle.org)

Get a free men’s Dove sample delivered in 4 weeks.  (http://see.walmart.com/dovemencare)

Sign up for the new Living Social Raleigh-Durham Family edition to receive deals on family fun outings such as visits to museums, zoos, and aquariums.  (www.livingsocial.com)

We all love Trader Joe’s, but now that spring is in the air (well, it was and hopefully it will be back soon), stop by for amazing deals on gorgeous flowers – just a few examples are $4.99 for cut tulips and $2.99 for potted begonias.  (www.traderjoes.com)

For all you folks with kids, Barnes & Noble is offering a grand deal on “Parents” magazine – a one year subscription (12 issues) for just $1.  Enter code K4M8W9D at checkout.  (www.barnesandnoble.com)

Continuing to support those affected by the Japan crisis and those interested in staying up-to-date, Time Warner Cable is allowing the FREE viewing of channel 880 TV Japan to digital customers through 3/31.  (www.timewarnercable.com)

Shop for a good cause…  For every pair of shoes purchased from TOMS, a pair of new shoes will be donated to a child in need.  This is part of their “One for One” movement.  (www.toms.com)

Too sick to leave home?  Kerr Drug now delivers prescriptions for FREE.  (www.kerrdrug.com)

In the mood for some Italian food, but don’t have much cash?  Hungry Howie’s has 10 inch subs for $6.99 and salads for $4.99.  And, they are open until 3:00am on Friday and Saturday nights – just in case you stay up late playing a mean game of Uno.  (www.hungryhowies.com)

Love coffee?  Check out It’s a Grind.  With fun names like Nutty Cow, their drinks are tasty and cheaper than our beloved Starbucks.  (www.itsagrind.com)

In a recent issue of “Reader’s Digest”, there was a list of popular gadgets and the 2011 price prediction.  Not seeing these amounts yet?  Wait a little while and pay less!  Blu-ray Player – $39; Kindle eBook Reader – $99; 55-inch HDTV – $599; Full-size Digital SLR Camera – $299; 15- to 16-inch Dual-core Laptop – $199; Portable GPS – $40; and iPhone 3GS – $49

Lowes feeds kids’ curiosity with FREE Build and Grow clinics every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.  (www.lowes.com)

Feeling creative?  Stop by Ornamentea today between 10am and 8pm to give the Lovely Leather Necklace a whirl.  (www.ornamentea.com)

So, as the weather finally warms up, think about what to plant in your garden.  No yard?  No problem.  Many veggies grow nicely in pots on decks or porches.

Health.com recently rated the Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants.  The list includes Panera, Jason’s Deli, Noodles and Company, Chipotle, and… McDonald’s??  Yep.  McDonald’s is making changes to the menu to make it easier on the ol’ waistband.  I am excited to learn that so many of our inexpensive favorites made the cut!

Funny Big Toe

I am so proud of myself!  I took my first Try-It Tuesday class at Ornamentea with Bluefish, tonight.  From 10am to 8pm every Tuesday, you can stop by for a quick and easy project… all for $2!  Tonight’s item was a pair of green sparkly drops earrings, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday.  I also made a pair of antique brass filigree flower earrings.  These were just $6.  Check out some adorable and affordable items at Funny Big Toe.  (www.etsy.com/shop/funnybigtoe)

Have you heard?  The Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill offers discounted services by cosmetologists in training.  Cuts range from $19-$25, all over color with simple highlights goes up to $65, and spa pedicures are $25.  And the coolest part?  Tips are not accepted.  You may, however, donate to “Tips for a Cause” (the charity choice for that particular month) in lieu of tipping.  (www.avedainstitutechapelhill.com)

The Chick-fil-A cows have stepped up their game.  Chick-fil-A is offering FREE breakfast items every Tuesday during the month of March (8:00 – 10:30am).  Also, if you bring in your church bulletin from Saturday or Sunday each Monday, you’ll receive a FREE original sandwich when you buy a side item and medium drink.  (Verify that your Chick-fil-A location is a participating restaurant – www.chick-fil-a.com .)

Bruegger’s is offering a baker’s dozen of bagels for $5.99 every Wednesday.  (www.brueggers.com )

Sure, Costco seems to have a deal on everything, including…. contacts?  Why has this never dawned on me?!  The Raleigh store has an optical department and has the cheapest prices of contacts, on average, nationwide.  Simply know your prescription and brand when inquiring.  (www.costco.com )

Through 3/31, wear your favorite school’s baseball gear when you visit Biltmore Estate and receive $10 off your admission ($29 rather than $39).  (www.biltmore.com )

Bank of America debit and credit card holders will get FREE admission to 150 facilities nationwide (including Marbles Kids Museum) on the first full weekend of every month (4/2-3 is the next one).  (www.mbna.com )

CVS is now offering a new budget friendly brand (Just the Basics) for general household needs.  Look for the lower case “b”.  (www.cvs.com )

Macaroni Kid is a newsletter which suggests mostly FREE family activities in North Raleigh (http://northraleigh.macaronikid.com ), South Raleigh (http://southraleigh.macaronikid.com ), and Durham (http://durham.macaronikid.com ).

Wednesday (tomorrow) is the last day of the latest Central Raleigh Borders closing sale.  Prices are 30-50% off plus an extra 10%.  Even store fixtures and equipment are for sale!  (www.borders.com )

Tuesday night, I redeemed a coupon for a free cup of soup at Quizno’s.

I received on Wednesday my $10 gift card to Eye Care Associates for taking the online survey after my appointment.

Thursday night, I used two $50 gift cards at CVS (from submitting Blue Points through BCBS)!  Also on Thursday night, Andrew purchased a WaterSense toilet, which uses 1 gallon of water versus 3, and is eligible for a $100 rebate.

On Friday, I received my federal tax income refund.  I applied every cent to my credit card with the smallest balance.  Man, that felt good.  On Friday night, Andrew and I cashed in a $25 Living Social gift card ($10 price) to Pulcinella’s Italian Restaurant.  (www.pulcinellaraleigh.com )  I received $2 off of the $12 price for simply watching a 32 second trailer on NBC’s America’s Next Great Restaurant.

Saturday morning, Andrea and I attended the Downtown Designers Market.  I scored an African shell bracelet for $5!  (www.africanbeautyjewelryandartifacts.com )  Andrea brought with her my new “Oprah” book that she found at the Borders sale.  I am super excited to dive in.  Later that day, Andrew and I enjoyed a BOGO deal at Henry’s Gelato.  Try the bacio flavor.  (www.henrysgelato.com )  That night, my two Andys and I (Andrea and Andrew) visited Vinos Finos Y Picadas to hear Andy Coats perform solo – NO cover.  (www.vinosfinosypicadas.com )  Awesome cheese, nuts, and dried fruit.

Sunday night, Andrew and I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day early by redeeming a $15 Twongo gift card at Napper Tandy’s.  (www.nappertandysirishpub.com )

Also this week, I performed my first doorknob replacement, finished the Dave Ramsey book, and realized what to give up for Lent… my temper.  (I just heard my boyfriend sigh in relief!)

As I think of all that the Japanese are facing, I am so thankful for companies like Time Warner Cable, Vonage, AT&T, and Verizon which are allowing customers to call Japan for FREE for a limited time.

I’m excited to try another FREE yoga class, tomorrow night.  We just happened to have a substitute teacher in my Monday night yoga class, who announced that she teaches 4-5 students in her home each Wednesday evening.  Hip, hip, hooray!  Or, should it be hip flexor, hip flexor, hooray?!

Hot Pink Gnome Pajamas

 As I sit on the couch in my hot pink gnome pajamas, I am ready to catch some ZZZZs, but I simply cannot go to sleep without sharing all of the deals that will be available to you tomorrow.  The North Carolina Symphony (http://ncsymphony.org) is offering a BOGO deal on Copland and Rachmaninoff orchestra tickets.  You’ll get a FREE Starbucks coffee at Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) simply for trying out the new Nook Color.  From 9-11am at participating Target stores, kids can enjoy a FREE Dr. Seuss storytime in honor of his birthday.  Home Depot offers a FREE kids’ workshop from 9am-12pm and Lowe’s offers a FREE Build and Grow kids’ workshop at 10am.  Borders is also hosting a FREE birthday party – this one for Elmo at 2pm.  There will be lots of games, stories, and music for the kids.  If you need a snack after all of the fun, stop by Food Lion and pick up some red seedless grapes at 99 cents per pound.  Or if you are looking for more of a meal or relaxing drink, check out Raleigh Specials Tonight (www.raleighspecialstonight.com) for more deals.  While you are online, don’t forget to check out the “Your Ticket to Savings” section in each month’s Time Warner Cable email newsletter.  You are allowed to choose and print 4 discounts per month.  Then, go to Facebook and like Soy Joy to receive a free bar in the mail.  Sure, spring is around the corner, but the nights are still a little nippy.  Snag your little one a Disney fleece throw for $5.99 (regular price $19.50).

On Wednesday, I read that if you have a Borders discount card, Quail Ridge Books (www.quailridgebooks.com) will honor it with a FREE Quail Ridge Readers’ Club discount card good for one year.  Also on Wednesday, I had my yearly eye exam.  I can’t believe how excited I was to pay $50 towards my bill by using a Visa gift card (a Christmas gift).  Of all the trendy things I could have purchased, and I made such an adult-like decision.  Yay me!

On Thursday, I completed an online survey from my eye appointment the previous day and received a $10 gift certificate towards my next purchase.  (Thank goodness for this because I still have to buy contacts!)  I used a coupon at the local Kroger on my lunch break and got 3 Secret deodorants for the price of 2.  I scored another FREE rental at Redbox by liking them on Facebook.  I’ll have to let you know what I think of “Taken”.  After a pizza and martini catch up session with Chavon, I was surprised with a Queen’s Greatest Hits CD.  Thanks Andrew!  It’s the little things…

On Friday, I learned about the Snapfish deal – order at least $5 in photo gifts and receive a $25 gift certificate to Restaurant.com.  This deal ends on Monday (2/28).

And here are some things to look forward to…  On March 2 at GAP, buy any pants and get any top FREE.  March 4 is Free Fryday at Chick-fil-A.  Come in from 2-4pm to get a FREE medium order of waffle fries when you mention that you’d like to try the new Heinz Dip & Squeeze.

I’ll leave you with another subject that is near and dear to me – health.  Recently, I read an article on 15 ways to burn more fat.  Try to add a few of these to your lifestyle and see if you notice any change in your waistline:

1.  Don’t diet – Eat more nutrient-dense food

2.  Go to bed earlier

3.  Eat more protein

4.  Go organic when you can

5.  Get up, stand up – During long period of sitting, take periodic standing breaks

6.  Drink cold water – The body has to work harder to heat the water

7.  Eat the heat (peppers fire up your metabolism)

8.  Eat breakfast

9.  Drink coffee or tea

10.  Eat more fiber (fruits and veggies)

11.  Eat more iron-rich foods (shellfish, lean meats, beans, spinach)

12.  Get more vitamin D (tuna, eggs)

13.  Drink milk

14.  Eat watermelon

15.  Stay hydrated

Curls Just Wanna Have Fu-un

Hallelujah!  The five loads of laundry are done, with only one basket left to fold and put away.  What’s that?  A new pile?  Oh, the joys of being a responsible adult.  Besides conquering the dirty clothes, I marked something else off of my to-do list – covering up my skunk line.  On Thursday, Tammy at the Ulta Salon converted me to a strawberry blond and Zahra gave me the best eyebrow treatment ever.  Gals, you’re gonna love this – Anastasia tinted brow gel (I tried brunette).  Did you know that everyone’s brow color is always a shade darker than your natural hair color?  Anyway, I have three coupons for $20 off salon services if any of you would like to give it a whirl.  But, the best part of my visit was the chuckle I had when I read one of their many marketing signs… “Curls just wanna have fun.”  Indeed.

On Thursday, I filed my taxes for FREE through a tax adviser at work and heard about Zenni Optical (www.zennioptical.com).  Search for trendy prescription frames by type, style, shape, color, etc.  I also received an emailed BOGO coupon from Smoothie King and took advantage of a $12 Living Social deal for $25 worth of food at Cafe Asia.  Bogart’s (www.bogartsamericangrill.com) also emailed their latest deal.  To celebrate 10 years of service, on Wednesday 2/23 through Sunday 2/27 all entrees are $10 and 10% of all sales will be donated to the Foundation of Hope.

On Friday, I got crazy and started my evoo regimen and so far, so good – no residue or pungent odor or expensive price.  That $7 bottle will definitely last for months.  I apply in the mornings, but my co-worker, Janice, suggested applying on the heels and sleeping in socks for pedicure-like results.  In another attempt at moisturizing, I purchased a 6 cup Brita water pitcher for $14.88 to use at work.  I changed from carrying bottled water to a reusable thermos, but still felt like I wasn’t quenching my thirst.  There is no way I am going to get my lips near a water fountain, so I needed a way to have a never-ending supply of H2O.  Also on Friday, I purchased an $8 Twongo deal to Napper Tandy’s for $15 worth of food (www.nappertandysirishpub.com).  That night, Andrew and I took Andrea and Miles to Blue Note in Durham to hear Andy Coats and the Bank Walkers play (NO cover).  Andrea shared with me http://www.restaurant.com, which offers discounted gift certificates.  Their motto “Eat. Drink. Save Money.” is perfect.

Saturday was perfect weather for lounging outdoors on the patio of Armadillo Grill (www.armadillogrill.com) and strolling around NCSU’s campus.  It was also part of the Wake County Public Libraries Booksale and Festival (http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/events/booksale/default.htm) at the fairgrounds, but the line to even get in the door was massive, so I was unable to search for any good deals.  However, my sweetie pie of a friend Andrea snagged “Oprah: A Biography” at the Cary Border’s store closing for me for $7.  When I got home that evening, Annick (my Scentsy consultant) dropped off the 4 plug-ins and 4 bars that I ordered at a 10% discounted price several weeks ago.  I can’t wait to give these out as birthday gifts.

On Sunday, we were able to spend time with Andrew’s brother (Brian), sister-in-law (Sarah), nephew (Bryce, whom I affectionately call Brycie Poo), and his mother (Peggy).  There’s nothing like a lazy Sunday afternoon of yummy snacks and playing outside.  Andrew must be becoming brainwashed reading my blog posts; he made me proud by using a gift card AND a coupon to purchase new kicks at Dick’s Sporting Goods later that day.

On Monday, I was excited to receive an emailed BOGO coupon up to $9 off to Mimi’s Cafe (www.mimiscafe.com) for breakfast entrees.  But, I was saddened to hear of the closing of the Border’s store at the corner of Six Forks and Wake Forest roads.  Border’s sends out 33% off coupons weekly, making it the perfect store for birthday and Christmas gifts, and is practically walking distance from my office.  R.I.P.  Also on Monday, I researched a site that Andrea shared with me, Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com).  This is a wake-up call that makes you think twice before applying certain make-up, nail, and hair products.  Find out if the products you are using are safe.

Today, I signed up for Qdoba Rewards (www.qdoba.com) and received an automatic 100 points (1,000 points gets you a free entree).  I checked out Border’s on my lunch break and scored three birthday gifts for children – “The Great Big Book of Bedtime Stories and Rhyme” (15 stories), “Toolbox Trouble” (a Busy Bugz pop-up book), and a clothespin doll book and craft kit, all for a grand total of $18 and change.  Just remember, the Border’s stores that are closing won’t accept coupons.  My co-worker, Melissa, shared with me The Krazy Coupon Lady site (http://thekrazycouponlady.com).  This site is like the island of misfit toys, but for coupons.  Every coupon has a home here.  You can even search by store (Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc).  I wrapped up the day with a three-mile walk with Grace Ann at the ROC and grabbed dinner at Shish Kabob.  Should I have been surprised when one of the employees thanked me for all of the business Andrew and I have given them?

I want to take this time to say thanks to those of you who continue to feed my hunger by subscribing to this blog, posting comments, or just checking in every once in a while.  My latest update is to connect to Facebook, which will allow me to automatically share new posts with friends.  By the way, check out what Heather has to say about Moving Mantra Yoga Studio.  Thanks Heather!

Pointy Toe Boots

 Ugh.  So, I have a good excuse this time for not writing in so long.  Did you ever read the “Bubble Gum Monster” as a child?  In this book, Sam saves pieces of old, chewed bubble gum and, before long, the pile has turned into a monster that is sticking to everything.  Well, my adult version of this is the “Laundry Monster”.  I am totally serious when I tell you that I procrastinated until I had five… yes, five… loads of laundry to do at once.  It is a miracle that I wasn’t going to work wearing only my pointy toe boots!

Well, the desserts for the luncheon on Thursday were a hit.  (Thank goodness for Costco!)  If the old saying is true – “The way to man’s heart is through his stomach.” – then, I’m in big trouble.  Maybe I can overcome this flaw by charmingly and gracefully finding restaurant deals.  That same day, I signed up to receive The Flying Biscuit newsletter via email.  Imagine how thrilled I was to be rewarded with a BOGO coupon just for signing up.  I subscribed to Redbox and got a code for a free DVD rental, as a result. I also joined Living Social (www.livingsocial.com) and Twongo (www.twongo.com).  Both function like Groupon, in that you are emailed daily deals in your area.

On Friday, I celebrated the end of the work week with a BOGO coupon to Bruegger’s (tuna salad… mmmm) and by using yesterday’s code for a free DVD rental through Redbox.  If you have not seen it, “Salt” is a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

Saturday was a day of fun from dress shopping and lunch with Chavon and her girls to game night with Andrea and Rob.  It is so refreshing to know that spending time with friends doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg to be enjoyable.  I was super excited to learn that the sash I will wear at the wedding is only $15 at David’s Bridal.  So, that plus a solid black cocktail dress (hello Steinmart!) is well within reach.  Only 6 months until the big day…  The game night menu consisted of another giant pizza from Costco (this time, the tomato basil mozzarella), Trader Joe’s white cheddar popcorn, and Trader Joe’s maple cream cookies – a yummy, healthy, and affordable meal.  Note to self – less wine equals more wins.

On Sunday, Andrew and I enjoyed a nice visit with his grandmother and father.  I love going to her house on Sundays because I don’t have a subscription to the N&O and she always saves the boatload of coupons that comes in the Sunday paper.  Oh, how I loved hearing her say to take any coupons I wanted.  I clipped everything from Sherwin Williams to Suave to Tide.  Later that night, we were able to use a BOGO coupon at The Diner (tuna salad again!) and even received a free triple berry milkshake because the wait was a little longer than usual.  Score!

So, here’s the big question of the week – How was your Valentine’s Day?  Did you take advantage of the free raspberry cheesecake cookie at Subway or the dozen roses for $9.99 at Trader Joe’s or the free Redbox rental (the Valentine’s Day code was listed on their website) or the BOGO half off Massage Envy gift cards?  Whatever you did, I hope it was lovely.  I was lucky enough to receive a treat at work – roses, chocolates, and a card.  I was very surprised.  To avoid long lines and crowded restaurants, Andrew and I decided to celebrate the holiday later.  I attended my yoga class that night and scored on a BOGO deal at Cafe Carolina.  (Their Cafe Carolina Signature salad is a must – complete with strawberries and mandarin oranges.)

On Tuesday, I made my first ever appointment at an Ulta Salon.  I am super excited about becoming strawberry blond tomorrow.  The prices are affordable and the salon service counts towards the points system, so cross your fingers that I’ll be pleased with the results.  I also did my weekly three mile trek with Grace Ann.  The gossip and the exercise does a body good.  After walking, I grabbed a sandwich from Panera Bread (If you guessed tuna salad, you are right!) and was given a loyalty card to receive deals via email.  Also, I learned that day from my friend Bluefish that from 5-7pm on Tuesdays, Chick-fil-a offers a FREE 4 count kid’s meal with the purchase of any combo.

Today, I was checking out Ornamentea’s website (www.ornamentea.com) for classes and saw that the project offered from 6-9pm on the first Friday of each month is FREE.  This coordinates with Raleighwood’s First Friday event in which many downtown businesses offer specials and extended hours to encourage art, music, and dining appreciation.  Also, head over on any Tuesday for Try-It Tuesdays.  You’ll leave with a cute project, having learned a simple technique and all for about $2.  I registered my Panera card from last night and… drum roll… was rewarded with a FREE coffee, hot tea, or soda automatically loaded to my card.  Call me crazy, but I think I’ve found an inexpensive and natural moisturizer – EVOO.  A co-worker told me about her neighbor, who uses extra virgin olive oil externally in the morning and at night and has beautiful skin (http://www.naturalskincaresecrets.com/olive-oil-skin-care.html).  My Aunt Caroline suggested that I wear a rosemary sprig behind my ear and a garlic necklace.  C-dub sounds skeptical of my idea…  I just hope I don’t leave a trail of grease behind me.  Tonight, Andrew and I cashed in on the BOGO deal (from signing up to receive the newsletter) at The Flying Biscuit Cafe.  The smoked salmon scramble was scrumptious.

I’ve recently added a new email subscription feature that allows you to subscribe to the blog.  If subscribed, each time a new post is added or the blog is updated in some way, you will receive an email notification.  While I am adding items for you to do, here are two items to put on your calendar:  now – half price Valentine’s candy; and on 3/1 – FREE pancakes at IHOP.  For National Pancake Day, IHOP is serving up one complimentary short stack per person in hopes for a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The timer on the dryer just buzzed and I’m up to my ears in hangers, baskets, and lone socks.  Sounds like that Tide coupon is going to come in handy….

They Can’t All Top Janet Jackson

I survived the Superbowl, but the halftime show is another story.  Did anyone else have a flashback to the Oompa Loompas in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”?  Add robot/astronaut suits and a cheesy light show and voila!  Anyway, they can’t all top Janet Jackson, can they?

Groupon offered yet another awesome deal on Sunday that I had to take advantage of – $10 for $20 worth of food at The Flying Biscuit Cafe (www.flyingbiscuit.com).  This cafe, located in adorable Cameron Village, has delicious and unique food combinations.  While at Smoothie King Sunday afternoon, I noticed a new promotion.  Every Friday is Freeloader Friday, where you and a friend can take advantage of a BOGO deal.  That’s a healthy way to wrap up the work week.  Try the Grape Expectations.

On Monday, I spotted Subway’s new ad – Februany.  Any footlong is $5 during the month of February.  Normally, the $5 footlong deal applies only to particular subs, but in February you can choose from the entire menu.  On Monday night, I attended my beloved yoga class.  Oh, how I have missed it!  I began practicing yoga last summer.  In November, my yoga instructor had to take a leave of absence due to pregnancy.  No replacement was found until now.  Not only do I feel energized, relaxed, and toned after each yoga class, the class is FREE!  Christ Episcopal Church (www.christ-church-raleigh.org) provides the class for members and non-members, alike.  The class is made up of 15-20 women (every now and then a gentleman stops in to see what all the fuss is about) ranging from about 30 to about 70 years in age.  Who knew how good it could feel to do The Pigeon?  I believe it was John Cougar Mellencamp who said, “Come on baby, make it hurt so good.”  After yoga class, I used a BOGO coupon at Cafe Carolina & Bakery (www.cafecarolina.com). My total bill was just over $8!  I recommend the Cafe Tuna Salad Plate, complete with a hard boiled egg.

On Tuesday morning, I awoke 30 minutes late.  Eeeeek!  The strangest thing happened – the alarm was set properly and even went off, only the sound was missing!  Grrrrrrr  Later that day, I received an email coupon from Sherwin Williams for 25% off!  During the fall of last year, I purchased the painting paraphernalia needed and have since completed three bathrooms in St. Barts, Lemon Verbena, and Plantation Brown.  Next, is either the kitchen or one of the bedrooms.  (I am thinking Show Stopper for the master bedroom.)  So much to do, so little time!  On Tuesday night, I walked my usual three miles with Grace Ann at the ROC, the free gym at Trinity Baptist Church.  With all the talk of exercising and eating healthy, it dawned on me that I have not shared my favorite app, Calorie Counter.  With this app, you can search restaurants, popular brands, and supermarket brands for nutrition content, record your food and exercise diaries, and track your weight – all for FREE!

Have you ever seen the movie “Groundhog Day”?  Well, this morning’s alarm didn’t go off, either!  In the mornings, every second counts, so the 30 minutes of extra napping totally threw me off schedule.  What good is a Crackberry if it doesn’t work?!  At least the Facebook application works like a charm.  How else could I entertain myself?  Tomorrow at work, we are having a farewell lunch for a department that will be transferring to another building.  I am responsible for a dessert.  A dessert for about thirty people.  A dessert that I don’t have to cook or fuss over.  A dessert that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.  Wait a tic…  Is that a mirage in the distance?  No, it is Costco!  I ran right over on my lunch break and got 30 mini Belgian cakes with white chocolate shavings for $7.44!  I’ll just arrange them on a cute serving plate and tell my co-workers that I slaved over them all night.  Tonight for dinner, Andrew and I cashed in on the Flying Biscuit Cafe Groupon coupon.  We had an appetizer and two meals for $5.39, before tip ($15.39 counting the Groupon purchase)!  I would definitely get the black bean burger with guacamole, again.

In this Battle of the Blues, Andrew is unusually quiet.  No yelling at the referee or making fun of the announcer.  “It’s like having to choose between Satan and a terrorist,” he says.  “Can’t they both lose?”  Duke is puke, Wake is fake, the team I love is NC State!

Here’s to One Wabbit That Isn’t Pesky

Thursday marked the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit.  This year symbolizes sensitivity and wealth earned with hard work.  This is our year, baby!  It is written in the stars that through hard work, our debts will be paid down and our wealth will increase.  Here’s to one wabbit that isn’t pesky.

My Chinese New Year began with interesting news.  Driving to work that morning, I heard a commercial for NCSU’s new online MBA program (www.mgt.ncsu.edu/mba).  The program, which launches this fall, offers students the opportunity to earn an MBA via online methods.  In the past, NCSU offered an MBA offered via online and in person methods on a full or part-time basis.  The program that begins this fall will allow students to participate fully online with the exception of one three day residency in Raleigh and one overseas trip.  This is a wonderful opportunity for those who can’t commit to a traditional schedule.  Thanks to my alma mater for providing such a convenient program.

On Thursday night, I visited my cousin Thomas (aka Sweet T, aka T Rex, aka LL Cool T).  His mother was kind enough to buy him a new leather recliner.  Every bachelor knows that his palace isn’t complete without a throne.  And his takes the cake – black, leather, and as soft as a cloud.  Being the avid recycler that I am, I asked if I could rescue his old green hand-me-down to have rebuilt and recovered.  This chair is the Chair and a Half style and proved to be just that in weight.  My cousin and Andrew had no problems moving it from Thomas’s townhouse to Andrew’s car, but getting it from Andrew’s car into my townhouse was another story.  We ended up ‘rolling’ it up the stairs, with him on the verge of a breakdown and me laughing hysterically (an involuntary reflex during times of stress).  I thought he was going to lose it when it first appeared that the chair wouldn’t fit through the guest bedroom doorway.  I thought suggesting to him to “lift with his knees” was considerate.  Apparently not…

Eeeek!  Friday brought a headache, sniffles, and sneezing.  Note to self:  eat more super foods.  Those of you who know me well, know that I refuse to take medicine.  So, I am treating my symptoms with hot tea and rest.  To my relief, I have recovered tremendously since last night at this time.  With no groceries in the house (ever), I bundled up and enjoyed a BOGO dinner at A Slice of NY Pizza.  Our total bill was just over $8!  Afterwards, we rented “Date Night” through Redbox for $1.  Steve Carell and Tina Fey do not disappoint.

As part of the healing ritual, I slept until noon on Saturday.  Andrew and I enjoyed another BOGO meal, this time at Sunflower’s (www.sunflowersraleigh.com).  Healthy and fresh sandwiches of every combination…  need I say more?  In preparation for the Superbowl (let’s go…. commercials!), I braved Costco for some supplies.  For you last minute shoppers, Costco is offering a HUGE pepperoni pizza at the automatic $3 discounted price (no coupon needed) of $6.99.  Other honorable mentions are Little Sweets mini cinnamon rolls (32 for $5.99), Silk vanilla soy milk (3 half gallons for $6.99), and Kirkland’s organic creamy peanut butter ($7.79 for 2 28 ounce jars).  Tonight’s meal was a BOGO Mexican dinner at La Rancherita, totaling just over $13 for two even after tip.

As I watch Food Network at 2am (a bad idea), it dawns on me that it is now officially Superbowl Sunday.  May your chili be hearty and your wings kickin’.  And, ladies, his testosterone level will return to a semi-normal state in just a few hours…