Apparently, He Brought Obama’s Birth Certificate

How was your Easter?  I had a lovely time in Newton Grove (or Circle City, as my Daddy likes to call it).  On my way down on Sunday morning, I ran by the new Whole Foods on Six Forks Rd and grabbed two fruit tarts for $4.99 each for Sweet Thing and Uncle Carl, and a lavender bunny cake for $6.99 for Mama and Daddy.  They were a hit!  And I loved that my family was eating products made with ingredients like cage-free eggs, natural butter, and unbleached flour.  (www.wholefoodsmarket.com)  I was able to spend the entire afternoon relaxing and visiting and chatting.  I love using Hallmark’s FREE e-cards to surprise friends and family on holidays (my favorite this year was ‘Candy Wrappers’, a rapping chick and bunny duo), but I also picked up seven Easter cards and one birthday card at Kroger for $8.18.  (www.hallmark.com)  Of course, my folks never let me come back to Raleighwood empty-handed.  Mama saved her recent collection of “Good Housekeeping”, “Southern Living”, and “Redbook” magazines for me, and Daddy had three baby tomato plants waiting.  The simple gifts are always the sweetest.  Looks like the Easter Bunny wasn’t empty-handed, either, in DC… Apparently, he brought Obama’s birth certificate.

Since last week, I walked my dog, downward-facing, at one of my two FREE yoga classes offered each week.  Both classes break for the summer, so I need to get in the habit of practicing on my own.  Instead of paying for gym membership fees, Andrew and I have opted to take part in FREE outdoor activities now that the temperatures are soaring and the days are longer, like walking around Lake Lynn with Chuti, Scott, Alex, and Chela.  (Can you imagine how excited I was to hear almost-two-year-old Alex say my name?!)  (http://www.raleighfree.com/lake_lynn_park.html)  Andrew and I took a road trip to Goldsboro to the Wings Over Wayne air show on Sunday.  My absolute favorite trick was the snow white exhaust from a jet forming a humongous heart in the bright, blue sky.  Afterwards, we had dinner at the local Outback.  I was able to get my favorite Signature Side Salad (the blue cheese pecan chopped salad) in an entree size, at NO additional charge ($3.99).  Andrew’s father, Dale, gave me a FREE Adele CD.  Love, love, love it.  Think Macy Gray meets Amy Winehouse.  We redeemed a $4 off coupon at Red Lobster.  I had one of my favorite dishes (a tuna salad salad) at one of my favorite places (Shish Kabob) for only $5.50.  I used the last of my $50 gift card to Goodberry’s that I paid only $25 for.  I will miss those late night frozen custard runs.  I racked up at Trader Joe’s:  salsa, spicy black bean dip, gorgonzola crackers, fig cereal bars, pita chips, 2 pounds of pink lady apples, blue corn tortilla chips, apricot and raspberry shortbread cookies, oat and wheat bran cereal, 2 cans of no salt added albacore tuna, 4 bananas, and tea tree oil facial wash…. all for $32.49.  No coupons, none needed, and still not cooking!  (www.traderjoes.com)  I destroyed my Citipass book.  It was starting to look mangy from all of the missing coupons and pages, so I put it out of its misery and ripped out all of the remaining pages.  For the coupons that I wouldn’t use, I made piles for various friends and passed the rest around my office.  (http://raleighcitipass.com/)  On Monday, Andrew and I took advantage of PF Chang’s tax day special (15% off all orders) and dined on Mandarin Chicken and Buddha’s Feast for $17.47.  On 4/19, I did Ornamentea’s Try-It Tuesday project (Fabulous Floral Earrings) with Bluefish.  We wrapped pastel flowers and beads around copper-colored hoops.  On 4/26, Andrea and I did the Try-It Tuesday Comfy Summer Bangle project.  I made mine for Miss Morgan, with purple beads, of course.  (www.ornamentea.com)  It’s that time of year again – time to take continuing ed classes to keep my NC real estate license active.  Of all the schools (HPW, JY Monk, Fonville Morisey, etc), Legacy offers the most affordable classes at $45 per class versus $50-$65 for other schools.  (www.legacyrealestateschool.com)  I know it is only April, but I have already ordered my first Christmas gift, for Andrew’s grandmother!  I also found a cute gift for Brian, whose birthday is not until August.  With such passion for the ‘Pack, this family is easy to shop for.  (www.ncstateshop.com)  Tonight, Chavon, Andrew, and I joined tons of other folks at Brio for $2.95 appetizers in the bar.  Don’t let the price fool you; these appetizers are hearty.  Try the margherita flatbread and ravioli.  (www.brioitalian.com)

In response to the devastation caused by last Saturday’s tornadoes, folks at work donated items to the Red Cross.  (www.redcross.org)  I shopped at Costco, which allowed me to buy in bulk and use coupons from this month’s coupon booklet for 5 out of 8 items purchased, saving me $11.75.  I donated 90 33-gallon Kirkland trash bags, 36 jumbo rolls of Cottonelle toilet tissue, 12 rolls of Kirkland paper towels, 2 loaves of Nature’s Own bread, 4 packs of 320 Lysol wipes, 35 half-liters of Deer Park bottled water, 152 Ziploc gallon size freezer bags, and 2 48-ounce JIF creamy peanut butter jars, all for about $81.  We also held a bake sale to raise $565 for Christina Alvarez.  You may have read about her story on WRAL.  (http://www.wral.com/weather/story/9474504/)  She lost two nephews, a son, and an infant daughter when a tree crushed her home.  Donations can be made at the McDonald’s at the corner of Six Forks and Wake Forest roads.  In times like these, a high school classmate’s recent Facebook status comes to mind, “Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.”  It is my hope that Kewana’s thoughts touch your heart and encourage you to give time, money, or needed items.

From Thursday until Saturday, Andrew and I enjoyed a mini vacation in Richmond, Virginia.  Andrew’s childhood friend, Quincy Latimore, plays minor league baseball and we always try to watch as many games as possible.  He plays for Altoona Curve, which happened to be the away team playing against the Richmond Flying Squirrels, that weekend.  (http://altoona.curve.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t452)  Quincy is sweet enough to offer FREE tickets to his games, which we gratefully accepted for both Thursday and Friday nights.  I thought I was a damn good sport (no pun intended) on Friday night when we finally left the ball field at 11:30pm, after 5 hours and 15 innings, wearing a sweater and three light jackets (I could barely bend my arms, like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story”), holding an umbrella in 48 degree temps.  Ugh.  At least Altoona won…  While vacationing, we received 15% off of our meal at Quaker by simply showing our hotel room key and enjoyed complimentary breakfasts (including divine Earl Grey tea… mmmmm).  Admission to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was FREE and I scored Sweet Thing’s birthday gift of Renoir greeting cards for $13.95 and an adorable bird mobile for the guest bedroom at $6.95.  (http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Default.aspx)  We were super excited to find a Costco near our hotel, which saved us money on gas.  On our way home on Saturday, we stopped by downtown to attend Richmond’s Earth Day street festival, with live music and a gorgeous view from the top of the pedestrian bridge.

Some Things To Look Forward To:

Today 4/29 – Whole Foods One Day Sale – organic strawberries $1.99/lb  (www.wholefoodsmarket.com)

Today 4/29 – FREE Midnight showing of “Princess Bride” at NCSU’s Witherspoon Student Center  (http://www.ncsu.edu/cinema/index.html)

4/29-30 – 25th Annual NC Pickle Festival (Mt. Olive) – FREE admission  (www.ncpicklefest.org)

4/30 – Designer’s Downtown Market  (http://www.designersdowntownmarket.com/)

4/30 – 18th Annual Spring Daze (Cary) – FREE admission  (http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/Parks__Recreation___Cultural_Resources/events/festivals/springdaze.htm)

5/1 – American Tobacco’s “Explore… Create… Move” (Durham) – a 4 part series for kids featuring an expert leader and a theme – $5 registration fee  (http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/goaskmom/blogpost/9500062/)

5/1-8 – Sherwin Williams – 25% off paint  (www.sherwin-williams.com)

Through 5/2 – Lowe’s 4 for $10 Spring Essential Sale  (www.lowes.com)

5/2-3 – FREE 7pm and 9pm showings of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers:  The Movie” at NCSU’s Witherspoon Student Center (http://www.ncsu.edu/cinema/index.html)

5/3 – $2 Try-It Tuesday Coreopsis Bangle project at Ornamentea  (www.ornamentea.com)

5/6-7 – North Carolina Symphony – $20 tickets to “Blues in the Night” – code SPRING*  (http://www.ncsymphony.org/?link=1&trid=380)

Through 5/8, $3.50 off any $10 purchase at Ulta (http://search.ulta.com/nav/marketing/couponwk1260640e/0?n=ulta&CID=ET_wk1311_Mon_SH_TStore_TN_x_x_x&ET_LID=Coupon&RID=358350579)

5/12-14 – North Carolina Symphony – $20 tickets to “Composer Portraits:  Mahler” – code SPRING*  (http://www.ncsymphony.org/?link=1&trid=380)

Every Thursday through 8/25 – Midtown Music Concert Series – FREE  (http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/)

20th of Every Month – Shop Local Raleigh – $20 on the 20th  (http://shoplocalraleigh.org/care/$20-onthe-$20th-Promotions)

Beginning Every Tuesday – Half price rolls at Carolina Sushi and Roll.  Check under “Events” for a list of the discounted items and also under “Coupon” for a buy one get one half off deal.  Tell Edward and Nahbi that Andrew and Amanda sent you.  C-dub and I dined their recently for only $11!  (www.carolinasushiandroll.com)

Borders Bargain Blowout – BOGO FREE  (www.borders.com)

Bed, Bath, & Beyond now offers wedding invitations and stationery, online.  FREE shipping on your FREE printed samples.  (http://invitations.bedbathandbeyond.com/index.jsp?utm_source=e&utm_medium=e&utm_term=e&utm_content=BridalInvitations&utm_name=BridalInvitations)

Vestique – fabulous styles at affordable prices.  Be sure to read “Our Story”.  (www.vestique.com)

Hamlin Drug Company – FREE deliveries to downtown Raleigh for prescriptions, which are by Segway  (www.hamlindrug.com)

Taste of Home – $5 cookbook sale  (http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/$5-Cookbooks/5CBK,default,sc.html)

Food Network Breast Cancer Merchandise – all items $5 or $10 – 100% of the net profit is donated  (http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/foodnetwork_new/WomensCauseMerchandise.jsp?om_mid=_20110428_BCMerch)

FREE legal assistance by the North Carolina Bar Association to those affected by recent storms  (http://www.wral.com/news/local/noteworthy/story/9496873/)

$1.00 off any cream cheese tub at Bruegger’s  (http://www.wired-differently.com/bei/dlz/11/042511/nodup_x111005.jpg)

JC Penney – $10 off a $25 purchase  (http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/2/95827765/welcomemain.html)

Happy Royal Wedding Day!  I am super excited to see Kate’s gown and to view the festivities on tv.  Get prepared by purchasing a big, fancy hat and perfecting your royal wedding guest name (Lady or Lord + your grandmother’s or grandfather’s first name + the name of your first pet + the name of the street where you grew up).

Regards,

Lady LaRoyce Midnight Rosin Hill

Put ‘Em Up! Put ‘Em Up!

What a scary day with tornadoes, high winds, and severe thunderstorms.  Luckily, I saw only rain at my house, but the area around downtown Raleigh and Yonkers Rd was another story.  There, the bad weather brought with it downed power lines, uprooted trees, and even an overturned truck.  The Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz” said it best…  “Unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?”

Last Sunday, Andrew and I celebrated 2 years together.  You can imagine my surprise when I received 2 dozen roses delivered to my office on Friday!  What a great way to start the weekend.  The surprises continued on Saturday with dinner at Second Empire and tickets to the new “Hop” movie.  My treats to him on Sunday were massages at Massage Envy for both of us and dinner at Kanki.  Who said you can’t find deals for special occasions?  You’ll be proud to know that the massages were a special introductory rate of $49.99 each for one hour and Kanki offered a 5 course meal for 2 for $39.99.  Sure, we don’t like to spend that kind of money for any ol’ meal, but that was a decent price for an anniversary meal of soup, salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert (plus the fake ketchup squirt and volcano onion).  Speaking of Kanki, triangle sushi chef and Japanese native Yuya Chiba of the Durham Kanki restaurant designed a special sushi roll to raise money for the earthquake victims in Japan.  Three triangle Kanki restaurants are selling the $10 rolls, with $5 going to the Japanese Relief Fund established by the United Nations Children’s Fund.  These restaurants are also selling the chef’s original artwork and T-shirts to raise money for the cause.

Spring is in the air and Easter is quickly approaching.  Are you ready?  Costco has 21 cute and delicious frosted spring sugar cookies for $3.89 versus 8-10 cookies of the same type at any typical grocery store for about the same price.  This would be a super easy way to contribute a festive dessert to an Easter gathering.  Just place the cookies on a pastel plate and sprinkle flour in your hair.  Voila!  Also at Costco are braided azalea trees (2.65 quarts) for $21.65.  With rich color options like red, white, light pink, and hot pink, you can’t go wrong.  Andrew’s grandmother loved the light pink kind for her birthday.  For Miss Morgan, I decided on Build-A-Bear’s Make-And-Play Hoppy Spring Bunny ($10 from Wal-Mart).  She’ll be able to sew, stuff, decorate, and dress her bunny with the included stuffing, safety needle, clothes, and accessories.

Well, so far the carpet paint cleaning failed!  Even with Justin’s steam cleaner and the special Lowes solution, the new red designs just aren’t budging.  At this point, I’m willing to try anything.  With Mama’s and Kendrick’s suggestions, I purchased from Wal-Mart Clorox ($1.22) and WD-40 ($3.27).  If the paint doesn’t come up, I’ll either have a white or black spot where the red once was.  Oh well, at least the accent colors are red, black, and white, already!

There will be no more decreased sale prices to report at the Borders central Raleigh store, as it has officially closed.  Luckily, the Six Forks Rd location is still fairly close to both my house and office, so the weekly coupons will still be appreciated.

Since you last heard from me, I redeemed a coupon for $1 off at Shish Kabob.  I enjoyed a FREE vanilla concrete with bananas and Reese’s peanut butter cups at Goodberry’s with my gift card.  I redeemed a Groupon coupon to The Pickled Onion ($10 for $20 worth of food).  Try the ahi tuna steak and enjoy the laid back atmosphere and sports trivia (http://thepickledonionrestaurant.com).  I received another $50 gift card from Blue Cross Blue Shield via their Points system.  I enjoyed a BOGO FREE meal deal at Cafe Carolina.  Thanks Donna!  Speaking of Cafe Carolina, try their new coconut cream and strawberries and cream cupcakes.  Also courtesy of Donna, I am now reading “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan” by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi.  And I received the Dove men’s samples of deodorant and body wash that I registered online for several weeks ago.  Andrew reaps the benefit of that freebie!

As summer approaches, do you wish for fresh produce but can’t always make it to your local farmer’s market?  Check out The Produce Box at www.theproducebox.com.  Have your box delivered to your home or office, decide to skip a week or even an extended period of time, and choose the contents of your box.

I was actually able to listen to The Dave Ramsey Show this week.  I was running errands when it dawned on me that perhaps I could hear the man who provides such inspiration for this very blog.  Of course, William responded to my text in a nanosecond with “680A.M. 11am-2pm”.  This witty line stuck with me for the rest of the day: “The man who became a gazillionaire by being so cheap,” a reference to Dave by a colleague being interviewed by him.

Race for the Cure’s 15th anniversary challenge encourages participants to raise $300 for the cause to receive a $25 gift card to Belk.  So, hound your friends and family for some funds to “Save Second Base”.  (I couldn’t resist using this charming slogan.)  (www.komennctriangle.org)

Upcoming Events:

Today, 4/17, is the Wings Over Wayne FREE air show.  Andrew and I are prepared with his new chair in a bag from Wal-Mart for $9.88 (NCSU red, of course) and ear plugs (6 pairs for $1.97).  (www.wingsoverwayneairshow.com)

Also today, get a $6 Durham Bulls ticket for a Terrace Reserved or Diamond View seat and a Brightleaf hot dog.  Just use promo code “TWC” at checkout, online.  There is a limit of 8 tickets per household.  (www.dbulls.com)

At Johnny Carinos, take part in their Pasta Harvest and enjoy all you can eat pasta and salad for $8.99 per person.  (www.carinos.com)

4/17-18, Bruegger’s hosts a Tax Day Special of a baker’s dozen of bagels and 2 tubs of cream cheese for $10.40. (http://niuminc.com/brueggers/deals/bbtaxdayoffer_1040_exp041811/no_dup.jpg)

Through 4/18, Lowes has 2-quart perennials, 3 for $10.  (www.lowes.com)

4/18 is a Tax Relief Special at PF Chang’s, with 15% off all orders.  (www.pfchangs.com)

Like Chili’s on Facebook and get a coupon for one FREE appetizer or dessert per table on 4/18.  (www.facebook.com)

On 4/18 at participating locations, Cinnabon will be giving out two FREE bites to each customer from 6-8pm.  (www.cinnabon.com)

In honor of tax season, Office Depot is welcoming all customers to make copies of their 2010 tax returns, FREE, anytime through Monday, 4/18.  (www.officedepot.com)

With Maggie Moo’s Sundae Stimulus, all customers get a FREE mini sundae from 3 – 6pm on 4/18. The freebie being handed out is a Crumb Cake Fundae, which consists of cinnamon ice cream, cinnamon cake, caramel sauce, nuts, and whipped cream.  (www.maggiemoos.com)

While not tied directly to tax season, 4/16-24 just happens to be National Parks Week, when admission is FREE to all parks and monuments that normally charge fees. Some of your tax money goes to funding these parks, so here’s your chance to enjoy them without having to pay more at the gate.  (www.nps.gov)

McCormick & Schmick’s offers $10.40 “Tax Relief Certificates” to guests dining in the bar on 4/18. Special entrees are priced at $10.40, too.  (www.mccormickandschmicks.com)

Through 4/18 at Snapfish, buy one custom photo book and get 2 FREE.  Use the code MOMMYBOOKS at checkout.  Also, through 4/20, spend $25 and save $10.40 using code TAXDAY at your online checkout.  (www.snapfish.com)

Ornamentea’s Try-It Tuesday class on 4/19 features Fabulous Floral Earrings, for just $2.  (www.ornamentea.com)

Now through 5/12, Barnes & Noble’s latest offer is to buy 2 paperbacks, get the 3rd FREE.  Selected titles only.  (www.barnesandnoble.com)

The Kids Bowl Free program starts 5/1.  This program allows 2 FREE games of bowling per child per day and lasts throughout the summer.  (www.kidsbowlfree.com)

At 2pm on 5/7 is the Throne of Fire Release Party at Borders.  Kids ages 8-12 are invited to celebrate the new Rick Riordan book with a FREE Lego Pharaoh’s Quest building set.  (www.borders.com)

Vinos Finos & Picadas offers FREE wine tasting every Tuesday night from 5:30-7pm.  (www.vinosfinosypicadas.com)

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Mirage, buy one sushi roll, get one FREE.  (www.mirageraleigh.com)

Each week, Toys R Us holds FREE events for babies and older children, alike.  (www.toysrus.com)

Each month, Barnes & Noble offers an online story time.  Currently the story being read online is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, read by the book’s author Eric Carle.  Beginning 5/3, the story read online will be “Charlie the Ranch Dog”.  (www.barnesandnoble.com)

Whew!  Lots for you to plan and do!  If I don’t post again before Sunday, may you find lots of freebies and discounts in your basket.  And don’t forget to stock up on half price chocolates on Monday, 4/25.  Happy Easter!