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!

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!

Hello Spring!

It felt so strange to leave for work this morning with no coat and no gloves!  While temperatures soared to near 70 degrees, I read stories about massive blizzards and bone-chilling conditions in the Midwest.  Thank goodness the warm weather lured Punxsutawney Phil from his cozy burrow.  Hello Spring!

Yesterday, in preparation for the Superbowl, I was researching pizza options and stumbled upon Papa’s Points – Papa John’s rewards program.  One point is earned for every $5 spent online and 25 points gets you a free pizza.  Lots of places will be offering Superbowl deals on Sunday for game food like pizza and wings, but don’t forget about places like Trader Joe’s that offer unique (and healthy) appetizer options at inexpensive prices.

Tuesday nights are always walking nights with Grace Ann.  We walk on the track in the Recreation Outreach Center at Trinity Baptist Church (www.rocraleigh.com).  This church offers FREE gym services to anybody – membership not required.  All you do is sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave.  Services include basketball courts, weights, treadmills, ellipticals, etc.  As a reward to myself for trekking three miles with GA, I used my Goodberry’s gift card for a treat.

Call me crazy, but I’m trying out a new food schedule.  I have read that eating 5-6 small meals per day is actually a good thing, as long as you spread your calories throughout the day.  I’ve made a schedule that should be pretty easy to stick to, well, at work.  I plan to eat every two hours.  I started yesterday, but wasn’t on the schedule I was aiming for because I started later than the first time slot.  But today, I stuck to it.  And I was starving at the end of each two hour period!  I am hoping this meant that my metabolism was increasing and the calories were being burned off quickly.  I am willing to give it several weeks to see if I feel any differently.

Tonight, Andrew and I had a FREE dinner!  We redeemed the Pei Wei cards for the new Korean BBQ dish.  It was fantastic!  Try it with tofu and veggies.

As I wind down with a glass of red wine and chapter 2 of “The Total Money Makeover”, I leave you with a question from Dave, “Is there too much month left at the end of your money?”

Zhen Bang!

What a gorgeous weekend – and 65 on Wednesday!  These temperatures have me looking forward to spring.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the warm weather and lots of savings during the past week.

On Monday, I purchased my first bottle of buckwheat honey from Fresh Market (www.freshmarket.com) – another super food marked off my list!  Because it is so dark, the flavor and scent are very strong.  I add one teaspoon to my hot, green tea each night.  To mask the strong flavor, I also add cinnamon to taste and… voila!  Monday also brought the debut of our family photos.  I must say, they are too cute.  On my list of things to do this week is to select the poses that I’d like to purchase.  On Monday night, Andrew and I were able to use a $10 coupon at Peking Garden (www.pekinggardenraleigh.com) – talk about a surprise in the mail.  The pad thai with tofu was zhen bang!

Tuesday night was my regular night with Grace Ann – walking and dinner.  I think of the Mexican dinner (www.elrodeogrill.com) as a reward for our three mile stint, and the $6 coupon made the meal even more enjoyable.  Try the veggie wrap with vanilla vinaigrette……mmmmm.  Grace Ann introduced me to the Regal Crown Club.  By joining, you earn rewards for going to the movies, like free movie tickets, popcorn, and drinks!

On Wednesday, my mother told me about Triangle Restaurant Week (http://trirestaurantweek.com).  She heard about the event on the news.  January 24 – 30, participating restaurants offered $15 lunches and $20 or $30 dinners.  For restaurants like Mura, Ruth’s Chris, and Gravy, these prices were greatly discounted, but not enough to fit into my budget.  Missed it?  No worries, the event happens again June 6 – 12.  Wednesday brought good news.  I applied to be an examiner (www.examiner.com), and was accepted!  This way, I’ll be able to write about the same subject matter that I blog about, and will be able to share with more folks searching for ways to save money.  I am super excited about this new opportunity!  On Wednesday night, Andrew and I used a $1 coupon to… you guessed it… Shish Kabob.  My tuna salad gyro was a perfect after-gym meal.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Pei Wei (www.peiwei.com) offered a card, redeemable for a free Korean BBQ meal.  So, I picked up mine on Thursday night.  While in Brier Creek, Andrew and I used a BOGO free coupon at A Slice of New York Pizza (www.slicenypizza.com).  One (huge!) slice of roma tomato hit the spot.

This weekend brought the NHL All-Star Weekend, a two day event covering seven city blocks, and all free!  Two thumbs up to the city of Raleighwood for hosting such events that attract visitors and stimulate cash flow.  I did not attend but I’m sure my hockey nut friends Rob and Andrea can fill us in with all the details!

On Friday, I purchased soymilk for the first time – the Trader Joe’s vanilla version.  It is super tasty, with 5 grams of protein and 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving.  Friday night, Andrew and I rented “Dinner for Schmucks” for $1 through Redbox.  Steve Carell is a genius.  I laughed the entire time.  Hysterically.

On Saturday night, Andrew and I were able to use another surprise BOGO coupon, received in the mail.   We had a great date night at Johnny Carino’s (www.carinos.com) and I was able to get an inexpensive and healthy meal of angel hair with artichokes and, later, a strap for my yoga mat.

Tonight, Andrew and I visited Lowe’s again and learned about the WaterSense high efficiency toilet rebate program.  Certain high efficiency toilets qualify for a rebate of $100!  There is no limit to the number of qualifying toilets purchased and the rebate program lasts as long as the money is available to reward participating customers.  So, not only would the purchase allow you to save water with each flush, but you’d only pay $38 per toilet (for the model that I am considering)!  I hope to make this transition very soon.

Here’s to a fabulous and inexpensive week!  I’ll let you know how the new Pei Wei Korean BBQ dish is.  There is at least one fun and free event in the near future – the Superbowl (and the commercials)!