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”!!

BOGO FREE – Tonight Only!! Print this coupon!

750 Calories Later

Workin’ on My Slice of the Pie

I am as tight as a tick… and it is GLORIOUS.  For my readers who don’t know me personally, I totally just gave away the fact that I’m from the country.  Hee hee.  My daddy would be proud.  Tonight, I took advantage of the two-day promotion at Pei Wei.  An online order with the promotional code “BIRTHDAY” (not mine – I’m 29 and holding from here on out) knocked off 20% of the total bill.  I was able to get two meals for $13.15, after tax.  Not bad.  And worth all 750 calories…

Don’t worry, I’ve got tomorrow night’s dinner and date night this weekend covered, too – BOGO FREE at Tijuana Flats (good only tomorrow) and BOGO FREE at Draft (expires 7/31/11).

Speaking of dinner, are you in need of groceries?  Tired of losing that list on a sticky note and trying to remember what was on it?  Hello, FREE Out of Milk app!  Thanks to that doll of a friend, Bluefish, my life just got easier.  And when you get back home with your organic peanut butter, did you know that storing the jar upside down prevents the oil from pooling at the top?  Thanks Trader Joe’s employee!

While we’re on a roll in the organization department… if I need to send e-invitations or e-cards, I typically use Hallmark (though the FREE pool of e-cards is quickly dwindling) and Evite.  Watch out!  Thanks to Samantha, Chavon’s matron of honor, I have been introduced to Punchbowl.  This service provides both FREE e-cards and e-invitations that are adorable.  The best part?  Clicking on the mailbox and watching your “card” open.  Even lets you customize your stamp!

I am sad to report that Borders is closing for good.  The going out of business sales have already begun at all stores, with items up to 40% off.  I am thinking of early Christmas gifts!

An Apple a Day

Hate that harsh chemical smell of your nail polish remover (and worry about skin contact)?  Try Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Lavender. ($12)

Show up for FREE yoga classes and get your stretch on at North Regional Library on 8/4 and 8/23 at 7pm.  Howie is hilarious and uses phrases like, “Isn’t that savory?”  Who knew retired dentists were so flexible?

Whether it is a craving after too much partying or the “meat” of your Midol and chocolate sandwich…  When ordering pizza, you can still go the healthy route:  Ask for thin crust (less bread equals less calories); pile on the veggies (less room for cheese equals less calories); steer clear of pesto (has more calories than tomato sauce); if adding meat, choose ham or chicken over sausage or meatballs (less fat); and blot your pizza with a napkin.

Bling Bling

Take advantage of Ornamentea’s Try-It-Tuesday class on 8/2.  Learn a technique and leave with a cute accessory, all for $3!

I’m super excited to share my news – I am now on Etsy!  My collection of TIT pieces was overflowing and I’ve even started making jewelry at home, so I compiled everything and created my very own StrawberryBlossoms store.  Hooray!

Girls Just Wanna Have…

Need a creative birthday gift?  Scentsy’s warmer of the month, Cupcake, is 10% off through July.

Rent 2 Redbox movies at the same time between now and July 31, verify your email address at checkout, and receive a FREE one-night DVD promo code good between 8/1 – 8/14.

Attend Raleigh’s FREE ComeUnityNow Festival on July 30 10am-10pm in City Plaza. Stop by the Logan’s Trading Company tent to get a coupon.

State Fair tickets go on sale at 10am on 8/1. You’ll be able to buy them online on the fair’s website at a discounted rate. Advance price tickets for adults ages 13 to 64 will be $6 (instead of the regular price of $8). The price is $2, instead of $3, for kids ages 6 to 12. And ride tickets will be $10 for a sheet of 18. They’ll sell for $1 per ticket during the fair. The advance price is good from 8/1 to 10/13. Tickets for concerts in Dorton Arena also go on sale on 8/1 (Tift Merritt performs on 10/16!). The State Fair runs 10/13 to 10/23, this year.

I have been thinking of incorporating this slight change to Fashion Cents on a Dime.  There are four areas of life that remain high on my list of priorities – saving money, health, making jewelry, and having fun, and I’d like to touch on each area during most blog posts.  Who doesn’t want to be rich, feel fabulous, look fabulous, and have fun doing all three?

Post Pink

I think I have recovered from the Race for the Cure!   The 5k of a parade of pink, survivor smiles, and friendly neighbors is well worth the 90 degree temps.  Many thanks to Team Pink Floyd for each member’s participation and motivation – 32 registered walkers and runners and 92 t-shirt orders is something to brag about!  And thanks to Andrea who has become my annual sidekick.  3.1 miles go by quickly with great conversations and lots of laughs.

Speaking of 90 degree temps, I have been busy doing all kinds of fun, summery things. From dining al fresco with the Hoovers in their backyard and Andy on the patio at Armadillo Grill to tending to my tomato babies on the deck to doing laps in the neighborhood pool to redeeming BOGO 1/2 off coupons at Goodberry’s to playing horseshoes with William and the gang.

At Chavon and Ken’s honeymoon shower, I won an Island Margarita Bath & Body Works hand soap (my favorite brand!) for decoding a word jumble.  But the best part of the shower was meeting Chavon’s nephew, Jeremiah.  I could just eat him up!  I finally used up all my beloved Bumble & Bumble hair cream that costs an arm and a leg and have tried Suave Professionals Captivating Curls from Target.  Nothing like spending $2.74 and getting similar results like that of a product that was $25!  I highly recommend this mousse cream for anyone with curly hair.  Love the cream factor and the yummy smell.  Andy’s decision to become a barista on a part-time basis at Starbucks has been lovely!  He gets free drinks while on the clock, 30% off products when off the clock (hello Chai Tea Latte!), and gets a free tin of Tazo green tea each week for yours truly.  Talk about earning extra money AND saving money.  The Tazo tea is awesome with hints of lemon and spearmint.  Recently, I was at K-Mart attempting to use a $4.99 coupon, but was told by the associate that I’d have to become a Rewards Member before using the coupon.  She said the process would only take 2 seconds… and she was right.  I provided my name, phone number, and zip code and was set.  Once registered, a customer earns 10 points for ever $1 spent.  This applies to Sears and Land’s End purchases, as well.  Andrew and I purchased $5 footlongs from Subway (this time, I actually saved my second half for lunch then next day) and redeemed a $4 coupon at Olive Garden.  Andrew used my Stein Mart coupon for 20% off of a pair of khaki shorts.  Remember Relish Cafe from my last post?  Well, they now offer a brunch menu, which began this weekend.  I cannot wait to sample some of the breakfast items.   I’ve done a few TIT classes at Ornamentea with Bluefish – a bird nest charm and a daisy drop wristlet ($2.00 each).  We also stopped by during First Friday and made a pair of hammered spiral earring… for FREE!   Every project offered on First Friday is always FREE.  You might have to browse for a few minutes until a seat at the craft table is available, but it is well worth the wait.  I know I’ve told you about how fabulous Watkin’s Shoe Repair on Peace St is, but honestly…  I took my pair of wedge sandals in on my lunch break to have the strap on one shoe repaired.  It was obvious that they were swamped, but the lady helping me stopped what she was doing and fixed my shoe while I waited.  I was there all of 10 minutes and she charged me only $3.  Now, that’s customer service.  With Alex’s birthday coming up in just a few weeks, I found a nice, thick Thomas the Train book for him for only $5.99 from Costco!  If you are in need of groceries and a child’s birthday gift, stop by.  Grace Ann told me about FREE yoga classes offered at the North Regional Library and at the Ladies Fitness and Wellness Center.  I’d never had a male yoga instructor before, but he was great.. and funny.  Yes, it is possible to laugh in a pretzel position.  (www.youcallthisyoga.org)  Did you get your FREE doughnut on National Doughnut Day?  I treated myself to an original glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme – totally FREE!  Andrea tells me the newest flavor is cookies and kreme.  Must… have… willpower.  I received more FREE gift cards through Blue Cross Blue Shield.  Are they your insurance provider?  Just sign up online and tally your fruits and veggies consumed and your exercises performed and choose your FREE gift!  I redeemed an $8 AutoWash coupon and finally had Sally cleaned.  It is amazing how much younger she looks when she is shiny!  Andrew and I enjoyed BOGO FREE pizzas at Brixx (after 11pm on weekends, 10pm during the week).  I visited Ikea for the first time with Chuti.  Oh… my… goodness.  I fell in love!  If I had extra money, I would re-do every room in my townhouse, using all Ikea products.  Get your best shopping buddy and head to Charlotte for a fun day trip.  I purchased 2 each of a six-pack of matching plastic plates, bowls, and cups for Troy and Warren (think Roy G. Biv minus one) at $1.99 each, a fleece blanket for Christmas for Troy for $3.99, 3 huge chocolate bars for $2.49, and 3 rolls of cookies for $4.  You’ll receive a small discount for using your debit card.  Chuti gave me her discount and I gave mine to the person in line behind me since you can’t use it during the same transaction.  One word of caution:  do not eat at Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe in Concord Mills.  Eeeeek!  Since I’ve signed up to receive texts from Redbox, I received a one day FREE rental code and watched “The Dilemma”.  No need for you to spend money on it.  Have you seen the trailer?  Then you’ve seen the movie…  We finally received the $100 toilet rebate for purchasing and installing a Water Sense toilet.  Now, we have a toilet that was only $38, after the rebate, and uses less water with each flush – a win-win.  Andrew and I also redeemed a BOGO FREE coupon at Tijuana Flats. Sign up for their emails!

I know I was just going on about doughnuts, but… Have you heard about the new Food Pyramid?  (You know I have to always share health-related FYIs.)  The USDA has created a new Food Pyramid which is no longer a pyramid.  Suggested foods include vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy, with the focus on vegetables and fruits.  (www.choosemyplate.org)

Upcoming Events:

While you are playing outdoors with your kids or hiking with friends, download Smithsonian’s FREE app, Leafsnap, to help identify plants for added fun and education.

Visit your local library’s website for FREE classes and clubs for adults, events for teens, and projects and story times for babies and toddlers.

Selected kids’ books are BOGO 1/2 off, online only, through Barnes & Noble.  Also, buy 2 kids’ DVDs, get the 3rd FREE.

Don’t forget Sam Moon offers cute and affordable hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags for kids!  (http://www.sammoon.com/dev/product.asp?cat=kids)

Now!  Selected Dave Ramsey books, CDs, and DVDs on sale for $10!  (http://www.daveramsey.com/store/index.ep)

Also, enter to win Dave’s Rainy Day Cash Giveaway.  (http://www.daveramsey.com/specials/rainy-day-cash-giveaway?ectid=dd1106.1_1)

Borders selected paperbacks are BOGO 1/2 off.

For Father’s Day, Stein Mart is offering selected ties for $10.99, and wallets and boxers for $9.99.

Through June 13 at 6pm, Snapfish offers FREE overnight shipping for orders $30 or more.  Enter code “FAST4DAD” and select “Overnight”.

June 14 – make a pair of Confetti Dusters earrings at Ornamentea for only $2.  Do you have kids?  They also offer Monday Youth Classes and Kids Work Wednesdays.

Through June 16 at Ruby Tuesday, get a FREE garden bar add-on with the purchase on any adult entree.  (http://pages.rubytuesdayrestaurants.com/0611_Facebook_FGBCoupon/)

June 16 – From 11am until 1pm, Blueberry Day at the State Farmers Market offers everything blueberry from recipes to activities.

June 18 – Cary’s Polar Ice House will have an Open House from 1-4pm, with FREE ice skating, games, prizes, food, and a visit from Stormy, the Carolina Hurricane’s mascot.

June 18 – Borders’ will hold its “Cars 2” release party at 2pm.  Best for ages 3-8.

Through June 20, Perfumania offers BOGO 1/2 off cologne as a Father’s Day promotion, plus FREE shipping on orders of $25 or more.  (www.perfumania.com)  Not sure about cologne?  Shop by interest online through Bed, Bath, & Beyond, or by price range online through Kohl’s or Lowe’s.

For a midweek treat, each Wednesday between June 22 and July 27 Redbox is offering 50 cents off select family movie titles (PG-13 and under) when reserved online.

Through July 5 – Barnes & Noble’s online story time book is “Ladybug Girl at the Beach” by David Soman and Jacky Davis.

Through July 6 – Bruegger’s offers its Bottomless Mug Half Year sale.  Get FREE refills of coffee, tea, or soft drinks for 6 months for $99.

Through July 9 – The Kroger in Wakefield Commons is closing, but clearance deals have already begun (examples are 50% off of cosmetics and 20% off of light bulbs).

July 1 – FREE Independence Day concert with fireworks – Festival Park, Fayetteville – 8pm

July 3 – FREE Independence Day concert with fireworks – Lake Benson Park, Garner – 8:30pm

July 4 – FREE Independence Day concert with fireworks – Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary – 7:30pm

July 9 and August 13 – Second Saturdays combine arts and heritage with food and fun at all 37 museums and historic sites across the state.  (http://www.ncdcr.gov/2ndsaturdays.asp)

I am looking forward to this weekend in Newton Grove.  On Saturday, Daddy and I have planned a canoe trip (please don’t turn us over this time, Daddy!).  On Sunday, the whole family will celebrate Father’s Day with a nice meal and gifts for Strawberry.  Hopefully, there will be some free car maintenance in it for me!  I have been missing NG since hearing one of mama’s stories, last week.  She got 2 pints of fresh local blueberries for $5, straight out of the back of a farmer’s truck, plus a free scoop of homemade blueberry peach ice cream.  Now, that describes summertime.  Speaking of blueberries, I came across a recipe for a blueberry cream smoothie.  For those of you who have read a few of my blog posts or who know me personally, you know that a recipe must fall in the “recipes for dummies” category for me to even consider trying one.  Here goes:

Blueberry Cream Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh blueberries

4 scoops frozen vanilla yogurt (I suggest Fage’s Total 2% Greek yogurt, with 20 grams of protein.)

1/2 cup milk (I suggest 2% milk.)

Directions:

Combine blueberries, frozen yogurt, and milk in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into chilled glass and garnish with blueberries.

Voila!  Enjoy.

Yo Quiero Cinco de Mayo

Hola!  I couldn’t let Cinco de Mayo pass without letting you know where to wear that big, colorful sombrero of yours!

Cantina 18 will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo block party in Cameron Village at 4pm.  Admission is FREE.  Sounds like a fun event with outdoor beer and margarita bars and prize giveaways.  (http://www.cantina18.com/)

Jibarra, a modern Mexican restaurant and tequila lounge downtown, will offer $3 Cerveza Victoria all day.  There will also be specials on select tequilas and fresh citrus margaritas.  (www.jibarra.net)

Moe’s will celebrate Cinco de Moe’s with $3 Joey burritos.  Get your choice of chicken, ground beef, or tofu and, as always, chips and salsa with every order.  (www.moes.com)

Tijuana Flats, at the corner of Millbrook and Falls of Neuse roads, will have $2 Mexican beers (Corona, C0rona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, & Pacifico) to help you celebrate.  (www.tijuanaflats.com)

Dos Taquitos Centro, downtown, will serve up $5 margaritas and $10 buckets of Negra Modelo and Pacifico beers.  There will be a DJ playing Latin American music and a special dinner menu for the holiday.  (www.dostaquitoscentro.com)

And once you’ve had all the tacos and tequila you can stand, head over to North Hills Commons where Sleeping Booty will provide your entertainment as this week’s featured Midtown Music Series band.  The fun lasts from 6-9pm and is FREE.  (www.northhillsraleigh.com/news/3758/)

Adios!

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!