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?

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

Funny Big Toe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Pointy Toe Boots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They Can’t All Top Janet Jackson

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

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

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

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

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

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