Snowballs in Spring

I’m an aunt… again!  No, Morgan isn’t yet a big sister.  I love to call myself “aunt” whenever my close friends have babies.  Congratulations to Ambie and Josh!  I can’t wait to meet their sweet bundle of joy, Daniel Troy.  (And, this is even more reason to visit them in sunny FL!)  How was your Cinco de Mayo?  Your Mother’s Day?  Your past few weeks?  I hope you’ve been seeing snowballs in spring… debt snowballs.

Doing things outdoors, like walking around the lake, attending Jimmy’s birthday pig pick’n, and grilling out with William and his friends, has made me think of lazy summer past times… and the new organic apple acai smoothie at Smoothie King.  As the temperatures creep up to the 90s and the neighborhood pools open, we begin to dream about vacationing with our toes in the sand and drinks with tiny umbrellas.  Sure, Stein Mart’s swimsuits (www.steinmart.com) are 30% off and Kohl’s (www.kohls.com) are up to 50% off, but consider Dave’s latest article before you’ve taken two baby steps back – “Does your vacation match your budget?”  (www.daveramsey.com)  Speaking of summer, Wal-Mart has a pink double knock out rose-bush in a 3 gallon container for $16 and an 18 gallon beverage container with handles in red, orange, blue, and green for $5.97 – just the things you need for deck parties.  (www.walmart.com)

I was excited to read “The Budget Family Weekend: Atlanta” in the April 2011 edition of “Southern Living” magazine. (www.southernliving.com)  A family of three saved money on dining by purchasing a picnic lunch from our beloved Trader Joe’s (www.traderjoes.com), enjoying it in Piedmont Park, and having breakfast at the very lovely Flying Biscuit Cafe (www.flyingbiscuit.com).  I was so glad to learn that two of my favorite places made the savings cut!  Also in the same magazine edition, Mia James restores her Baton Rouge home and had these five steps to guide anyone on home purchases:  1) Buy only what you love; 2) Use a signature color palette; 3) Make antiques the focal point; 4) Choose art with your heart; and 5) Pick furniture that will work in multiple spaces.  I know I’m always in a hurry to complete a room, but it is wise to be sure about your purchases so that you’ll use them for years to come and will get your money’s worth.

These past few weeks have flown by!  I did a few of the TIT projects at Ornamentea – a Coreopsis Bangle on 5/3 with Bluefish and Joanna and a Pearl Cocktail Ring on 5/17 with Bluefish.  Nothing like FREE Hershey’s Kisses and FREE hot tea to help you focus on a jewelry project.  While I was there this past Tuesday, I bought beads for one of the two pairs of earrings that I’ll make for Peggy’s birthday.  I just hope she likes them!  (www.ornamentea.com)  I completed my two continuing ed real estate classes.  I don’t know what intrigued me more – real estate taxes and form changes or listening to my teacher’s Texas accent.  If any agents/brokers need to fulfill some credits, Legacy Real Estate school offers pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing ed classes ($45/class) at lower rates.  (www.legacyrealestateschool.com)  I saved money in the food area by taking advantage of the Moe’s (www.moes.com) Cinco de Mayo promotion (two meals were $9 and change), having the two for $20 special at Chili’s (www.chilis.com) with Chuti (definitely splurge on the Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie), and making nachos at home.  At least this didn’t require me to turn on the oven.  I saved $5 per ticket purchasing two Cape Fear Beer Fest tickets (www.capefearbeerfest.com) for Mama and Daddy, as a Father’s Day gift.  Tickets were $35 rather than $40 when purchased prior to 5/15, if a promotional code was used.  I just googled this code and found that a local radio station published “encore”.  Easy as pie!  I bought Miss Morgan nature bracelets (butterflies, insects, and plants) from Blockbuster, on clearance for $.99.  (www.blockbuster.com)  Andrew and I bought Mother’s Day flowers from Trader Joe’s for the mothers in both of our families.  Potted begonias (white, pink, or red) were only $2.99 and cut cream-colored hydrangeas were only $5.99.  The Red Room (the master bedroom in Show Stopper red) is now complete!  All that’s left to do is purchase a small rug to cover the paint stain on the floor.  Until then, I’ll just tell my guests to be snobby and look up.  I joined Moolala (www.moolala.com), which is similar to Groupon and Living Social.  The only difference is that Moolala gives members 2% back on every deal purchased.  Andrew and I tried two new places that I must share with you.  Pronto Pasta (www.prontopasta.com) offers fast and fresh soups and pastas.  Try the quinoa with spinach pesto and tomato basil soup.  Thanks Bryan!  Relish Cafe & Bar (www.relishraleigh.com) serves comfort food with a twist.  Dig in to the Italian mac & cheese skillet.  Thanks C-dub!  Thanks to Sarah, I have a new gem on my list to try – Gigi’s Cupcakes.  With flavors like Champagne and Kentucky Bourbon Pie, this is a must.  Be sure to read “Gigi’s Story”.  (www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/raleighnc)  I babysat sweet Alex.  He spoke partly in Thai while I perfected my Southern accent.  Why is it so mesmerizing to watch a child take everything out of my purse, then put everything back in all the wrong places?  I could just squeeze him.

Some Things to Look Forward to:

For a limited time while supplies last, Borders offers 40% off CDs and DVDs, in stores only.  (www.borders.com)

Through 4pm today, take the Hen-side the Beltline Tour D’Coop, the 6th annual Raleigh garden tour of hens and coops.  Admission – a non-perishable food item or cash donation to Urban Ministries of Wake County.  100% of the proceeds will be donated.  (http://tourdcoop.com)

Through 5pm today, the Magic Wings Festival is held at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.  Admission – Adults $12.95, children ages 3-12 $9.95, children under 3 FREE.  (www.ncmls.org)

Through today only, get $5 off a $25 purchase at Dollar General.  (http://dollargeneral.com/coupons/Pages/index.aspx)

Also through today only, Old Navy offers $1 flip-flops.  Limit 5 per customer.  Bring in your old flip-flops to be recycled.  Also, get $5 off a $35 purchase.  (http://oldnavy1.m.delivery.net/w/webView?cid=22462892314&mid=1945212391&pid=789178&vid=131&ee=YmlybWluZ2hhbWjhcmdhaW5tb21AZ21haWwuY29t&si=&mv=H&bv=H&oc=H&sc=&k=1pyPNd)

Through 5pm tomorrow, Raleigh’s Museum of Life and Science hosts Astronomy Days.  FREE admission.  How cool is this in conjunction with Pope Benedict XVI’s first papal call to space?!  (http://naturalsciences.org)

Through tomorrow, the musical version of “Stuart Little” is being performed at the North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre.  Tonight’s show is at 7pm ($15) and tomorrow’s matinée is at 3pm ($10).  Senior and student tickets are $12.   (www.nract.org)

Through tomorrow, Artsplosure 2011, the Raleigh Arts Festival, is held in Moore Square and City Plaza.  Admission – $5 per person.  (www.artsplosure.org)

Through tomorrow, the Got to be NC Festival is at the State Fairgrounds with food, rides, and live entertainment.  FREE admission and FREE parking.  The Smurfs will make an appearance today, through 5pm!  (www.ncagfest.com)

Through tomorrow at Earth Fare, get a coupon for a FREE pound of shrimp with any $10 purchase.  (www.earthfare.com)

Through 5/23, Borders is holding its Customer Appreciation weekend.  If you are a member, check your email for the 50% off coupon for one item and the coupon for 50% off one large cafe beverage.  If you aren’t a member, sign up!  It’s FREE.  (www.borders.com)

Through 5/25, Redbox is offering texted discounts on movie rentals.  Each day, text DEALS to 727272 to receive a new daily discount code, offering anywhere from $.10 to $1.50 off your rental.  Andrew and I did this last night and received $.50 off our rental for “The Next Three Days”.  (www.redbox.com)

Through 5/28 at Ulta, Rejuvenating Bath & Shower Gels and 3 in 1 Shower Smoothies are buy 2 get 2 FREE (mix and match).  Includes yummy smells like Mandarin Mint and Chocolate Milkshake.  (www.ulta.com)

Through 6/7 in conjunction with Barnes & Noble, Ree Drummond performs an online reading of her children’s book, “Charlie the Ranch Dog.”  A new online story begins on 6/7.  (www.barnesandnoble.com)

Through 6/15, get $1 off McDonald’s new McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade.  (http://cdn.eyewonder.com/100125/769897/1478424/coupon_landing_page.html)

5/22-30, Sherwin Williams paints and stains are 30% off.  (www.sherwin-williams.com)

On 5/24, Ornamentea’s TIT project is Ruffle Ear Drops for only $2.  (www.ornamentea.com)

On 5/26, the Midtown Beach Music Series spotlighted band is The Magnificents.  6-9pm.  North Hills Commons.  FREE  (www.northhillsraleigh.com/news/3758)

On 5/28 at 10am, the Lowe’s Build and Grow FREE project for kids is Biplane.  (www.lowes.com)

From 6/1 – 9/5 for kids 12 and under, Borders offers a “read 10 books get 1 free” promotion with its Double-Dog Dare Challenge.  (http://media.bordersstores.com/pdf/formDoubleDogDare.pdf)

At the 6/4 game against the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Durham Bulls (players, coaches, and Wooley Bull) will be going pink to show their support in the fight against breast cancer.  $12 gets you a ticket, a Bulls baseball cap, and a pink Komen for the Cure bracelet.  $2 from every Komen Go Pink $12 package sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.  Enter promotional code “KOMEN”, for online ticket purchases.  (www.dbulls.com)  Kohl’s has also joined in the fight against breast cancer, offering $5 and $10 Food Network breast cancer merchandise.  Shop for a cure.  (www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/foodnetwork_new/WomensCauseMerchandise.jsp?om_mid=_20110428_BCMerch)  Our Race for the Cure team, Pink Floyd, has grown to 28 registered walkers/runners, 60 team t-shirt orders, and over $1,000 in donations!  There’s still time to make a difference.  (http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/DUR_NCTriangleAffiliate/16677936?pg=team&fr_id=2137&team_id=152919)

On 6/11 at 10am, the Lowe’s Build and Grow FREE project for kids is Goofy Golf.  (www.lowes.com)

Beginning 6/14 through August, Raleigh Grande 16 Movie Theatre presents the 2011 Free Family Film Series, offering a FREE movie every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am and a $4 drink and popcorn combo.  (www.carolinacinemas.com/raleigh/announcements.php)

On 6/18 in historic downtown Burgaw, is the 8th annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival.  Admission is FREE.  (www.ncblueberryfestival.com)

On 6/25 at 10am, the Lowe’s Build and Grow FREE project for kids is Waving Flag.  (www.lowes.com)

On 7/9 at 10am, the Lowe’s Build and Grow FREE project for kids is Tow Truck.  (www.lowes.com)

On 7/23 at 10am, the Lowe’s Build and Grow FREE project for kids is Binoculars.  (www.lowes.com)

Check out the NC Museum of Art’s new FREE mobile app.  (http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/2011/05/north-carolina-museum-of-art-launches-first-ipad-app-free-video)

Salon Blu offers New Talent Mondays and Tuesdays, with men’s cuts for $19, women’s cuts for $29, and cut and color combos for $79.  Salons are located in midtown, Brier Creek, and North Raleigh and have won awards including Best Hair Salon in Wake County (Independent Weekly 2008) and Trendiest Salon (Social Magazine 2008).  (www.salonbluhair.com)

Raleigh’s new Contemporary Art Museum has opened its doors.  General admission is $5, but FREE for members, children 10 and under, members of the military, and NC State students, faculty, and staff.  (http://camraleigh.org)

Here’s a new savings website:  www.southernsavers.com.  Thank you Jenny!

Are you in need of a gift?  Check out Sam Moon’s latest collar necklaces in funky styles and lovely colors.  (http://www.sammoon.com/dev/product.asp?cat=jewelry&tempcat=Trendy_Style⊂=sub)  For a young child, I always love Kohl’s Cares books and stuffed animals.  At only $5 each, 100% of the net profits will be donated to kids’ health and education initiatives nationwide.  The latest?  “Llama Llama Red Pajama” and “Llama Llama Misses Mama” books with llama and zebra stuffed animals.  (www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/kohlscares/kidscausemerchandise.jsp)

Keep your eyes open for treats for Father’s Day, which is less than a month away.  Scentsy is offering “manly” scents such as Amber Road and products such as the Magellan warmer to mask the man cave.  (http://scentsy.net)  If he is an NCSU graduate or fan, take a look at NC State’s online store, where purchases are shipped in 3 days.  (www.ncstateshop.com)  Through 5/23, enter promotional code “BOOK4MAY” to receive a $15 8×11 custom photo book through Snapfish.  (www.snapfish.com)  Or do like Andrew and buy something functional.  He found a fun pen/fan combo for himself at Stein Mart for only $5.  (www.steinmart.com)

Well, I’m off to get ready for Chavon’s bridal shower.  She and Ken didn’t register for the typical types of gifts that most engaged couples register for (china, towels, etc).  They have everything they need, so Chavon’s matron of honor is hosting a Honeymoon Shower.  Guests will bring gifts that can be used by Chavon and Kendrick while they are honeymooning in a beachy setting.  How fun is that?!

Cheese Pie

I’ve found the perfect combination – rainy weather, a blanket, and a Goodberry’s vanilla concrete with bananas and Reese’s peanut butter cups.   (Of course, I used my Goodberry’s gift card to make the purchase!)  I recently got back from a mini vacation in Newton Grove, my teeny tiny hometown.  We celebrated Morgie’s (my sweet niece) fifth birthday with cake, ice cream, and presents.  I think she enjoyed the festivities; she was chased by dinosaurs on her John Deere Gator, was given a unicorn horn of sudsy shampoo in her hair, and even made a cheese pie (cheesecake).

Last Sunday, I was fortunate enough to see “In the Heights” with Andrea at the DPAC for FREE!  She had an extra ticket and offered it to yours truly.  Who can turn down a Mexican lunch and musical?  Tickets for the 2011-2012 season are as low as $15 per ticket on Tuesday or Wednesday nights for balcony seats (Peak Seats package).  Andrea mentioned the latest Charlie Goodnight’s deal – $30 Thursday.  This includes dinner and a show for two for only $30 (limited availability and can only be used towards specific comedians).  See http://www.goodnightscomedy.com for more info.  After the musical, I found loads of $1 items at Target to throw in Morgie’s gift bag – Dora socks, coloring books, and markers, a sunflower seed kit, and a frog puzzle.  (By the way, she absolutely loved the big bedtime storybook from Borders!)

On Tuesday night, I watched TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” for the first time.  Wow.  I am definitely an amateur at this saving money thing.  These coupon kings and queens were dumpster diving for coupons, had their own organized notebooks, were being assisted by grocery store employees with cart pushing on one of their many weekly grocery store visits (and loading their very own trailers to transport the goods home), and had garages of stockpiled items.  These folks could feed a small army and donate razors and toothbrushes, too.  This episode was part of a trial show to see if there would be an interested audience.  Folks must have loved it – the new “Extreme Couponing” series of 12 episodes begins April 6.  Set your DVR for Wednesdays at 9:30pm.  I did my part by purchasing today’s copy of the N&O.  I am hoping for lots of coupons, although I’m not quite ready for dumpster diving.

On Wednesday, Smoothie King emailed their latest deal.  Through 3/13, stop by before 10:00am or after 5:00pm any day of the week and purchase any 20 oz small for $2.99, any 32 oz medium for $4.99, or any 40 oz large for $6.69.  I had a Light and Fluffy on Saturday morning.  Divine.  Wednesday night, Andrew and I cashed in our $25 coupon ($12 price) to Cafe Asia through Living Social.  The decor was awesome and the shrimp Pad Thai fantastic.  Go hungry – the portions are monstrous.

On Thursday night, Andrew and I redeemed a $6 coupon at La Rancherita.  Ole!  Speaking of coupons, Whole Foods now offers printable coupons on their website (www.wholefoodsmarket.com).  No more cringing at the prices of natural and organic items.  But the price of gas is making us cringe.  As the new per gallon price changes 6 and 10 cents overnight, I am glad to know that I don’t drive a truck or SUV.  My Sally is 11 years old.  Dave Ramsey would be so proud.  She had a check-up on Friday and is still going strong.  No power windows, no air conditioning, and the CD player works when it wants to, but no car payment!  So when you see me and my ‘fro driving around town, just smile and wave (above the pearls, below the crown).

Since yoga class was canceled the past two Monday nights, I am in much need of some bending and stretching tomorrow.  I hope you, too, are bending and stretching… your money, that is.  Make it last.  I’m off to upload pics from Morgie’s party and show them off to my friends and family.  Be sure to check out Lori’s latest comments for ways to recycle and reuse, and learn how to swap books, CDs, and DVDs.  Thanks Lori!  Will I see you Saturday at the Designers Downtown Market?  Anybody who is anybody will be there!

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!

Those Greeks Sure Know Their Way Around the Kitchen

What a long and fun week of savings!  As you have noticed Andrew and I aren’t fans of cooking, but he is more willing to fire up the oven than I am; the extent of my contribution is using the trusty microwave or handy Keurig (savings of 20% at Bed, Bath, & Beyond).  To give you a better idea of how much I despise the domestic task, I purchased a magnet in Arizona in 2009 that reads, “I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.”  Hilarious and, yet, so true.  That being said, we look for ways to find tasty, healthy, and affordable options on weekends and weeknights (we brown bag it during the week).  Going out is fun, but seeing how much money you can save while going out on the town makes it even more fun.  Two Saturday nights ago, we used our best resource – the Citipass book that I mentioned in an earlier post.  We used a buy one get one free coupon to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner (an $8 and change savings).  The following night, we used a $25 gift card to Olive Garden that my brother had given me for Christmas.  Thanks William!

Monday night brought snow, ice, and free pizzas!  We had a coupon for a free large pizza from Hungry Howie’s.  (Never had it?  They offer pizza with flavored crusts – try the garlic herb.)  When Andrew went to pick it up, they were afraid we wouldn’t be happy with the first pizza because it was a little done on one side, so they made us a second one and let us keep both.  Score!  This worked out wonderfully, since the parking lot on Tuesday was a sheet of ice.  We already had a meal for the night and didn’t have to go out to get it.

Remember the $50 gift card that I opted to receive through BCBS, last week?  Well, it came in the mail on Thursday!

On Friday, I took my precious black winter boots to the shoe repair store.  This isn’t just any shoe repair store – not for my pointy toe heels.  This place (Watkin’s) is locally owned and charges only $7.00 to have the heels redone for BOTH shoes.  Prior to finding this jewel, I was having my babies worked on at another shoe place, which charged $7.00 PER shoe.  And, the best part?  They are ready to be picked up tomorrow.  Talk about inexpensive and quick service…  More good news was shared with me on Friday.  For the past few years, I have participated in the Race for the Cure to raise money for the research and prevention of breast cancer.  It is an awesome experience to sweat it out in the heat of a June day and see more than 30,000 other volunteers all around you.  I received an email reminding past participants that registration was now open for the 15th annual 2011 Race for the Cure on Saturday, June 11.  Not since I began participating has a discount been offered.  This year, if you register and join a team before April 1, you’ll receive $5 off of your $25 registration fee.  What’s that you say?  You’d like to sign up, but don’t know of a team to join.  No worries – team Pink Floyd to the rescue!  Pink Floyd was created last year in honor of a co-worker and breast cancer survivor.  If you’d like more details on the event, just let me know.  I’d be glad to share.  Friday night, Andrew and I took friends of ours (Dave, Nikki, and Aaliyah) to Shish Kabob (you’ll hear about this place over and over and over and over….).  We never tire of it.  We used a coupon, of course – $2 off of a $10 purchase.  Those Greeks sure know their way around the kitchen.  Andrew loves his coffee and I adore the occasional chai tea latte, so we used a coupon for a 99 cents coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts and saved over $3.

On Saturday, we were treated to the “Discover the Real George Washington” exhibit at the Museum of History.  My dear friend, Grace Ann, volunteers there and gave me two free tickets (a $20 savings).  I’ll have to say, the most interesting and disgusting part of the exhibit was the display of animal and human teeth on a metal frame, the only surviving set of dentures worn by Washington.  I was excited to find a birthday gift for my great Uncle Carl in the museum gift shop.  Even though his birthday isn’t until September, I’d rather purchase a gift early that he’ll love rather than shop like a mad woman later and feel like I’m settling for a so-so gift.

Sunday, Andrew and I headed for Smithfield.  On the way there, we used a buy one get one free coupon for smoothies at Smoothie King (a $4 and change savings).  Smithfield is home of the Carolina Pottery and Outlets.  I always make a trip there to buy my Yankee candles and Bath & Body Works liquid hand soaps.  Both outlet stores offer amazing prices compared to non-outlet stores in the mall, for example.  In the outlet stores, large and medium size candles are $12 and $10 respectively and hand soaps were 6 for $20!  Two special editions of hand soap were $1.99.  I was able to take home 8 hand soaps for around $25.  After the steals at the Pottery, we opted for a matinee viewing of “Tron”.  Of course, we were at the theater before 6pm and received the discounted price (and were able to keep the super cute 3-D glasses).

Today, we’ve enjoyed a day off from work and took more friends (Miles and Farrad) to Shish Kabob.  I know, I know – we were just there!  We were able to redeem another coupon of $1.00 off.  (Hey, every dollar counts!)

I hope your week has been as chock-full of savings as mine and that you are taking advantage of coupons and discounts.  I am excited to burn my new Fresh Mint candle and to learn more about the new 13th Zodiac sign, this week.  I’m hoping the short work week will be a good one…