Daily Deals - 11/30/10 Baked goods, A Gift From My Heart

Don't forget to help me fill my virtual Salvation Army kettle!

My Favorite Charity

Dynamic fundraising meter for your Red Kettle campaign.

The Salvation Army is such a wonderful charity.  The number of people who have changed lives because of the selfless dedication of both the full time workers and the volunteers of this amazing organization is boggling to the mind.
Many of you may not know that the Salvation Army is indeed a Christian organization.  It's founder William Booth was disheartened in the late 1860's by the cold hearted approach that most churches held toward the poor and the downtrodden.  One of his mottos, "Soup, soap and salvation," tells of the practical common sense he held as a Christian leader.  He knew that it was much easier to minister to a sinner's soul when they are not distracted by hunger and want.  The Salvation Army also holds to the maxim, "Heart to God, hand to man."  This is such an appropriate approach to life seeing that the world will know that we are Christians by our love.
The Salvation Army reaches out to so many, whether poor in body or spirit with food pantries, clothing drives, missionary outreaches, drug rehabilitation centers and the list goes on and on.  Please consider giving in the above virtual bucket today.  It will be one of the best investments you'll make this Christmas season.

Don't go Cyber Monday Shopping Before Reading This!!

You may have heard about them and wondered how they work.  Today I'll be explaining how ebates and ShopAtHome internet rebate programs work.  Basically, when you sign-up, you provide them with your standard information.  Then, instead of going straight to the internet stores themselves, you sign in through the rebate program.  The stores reward the rebate company for the traffic, and the rebate company rewards you with a percentage back.  It's just that easy.  Last year, I did much of my Christmas shopping through the internet.    I was very surprised to receive a check for over $10 in the mail from ebates.  I wasn't even very careful about logging in through their service every time. Also, from time to time, each of the companies offers codes good for free shipping or other special offers.  It's kind of like using a Discover Card!  What are you waiting for?  I'd sign up right now!

Daily Deals - 11/29/10 CYBER MONDAY

Please consider clicking here.  It costs you nothing, but you can benefit the life of someone who needs help.  P & G will give one day's clean water supply to someone for simply clicking onto the above widget and confirming through your e-mail.  This is something EVERYONE can afford to do!

Here's a great deal from Aveda.  Today only, you can choose 5 free samples and receive free shipping and a free organic cotton bag with any order over $25!  Just use the code UPICK5 at checkout.

I am so excited about "Voyage of the Dawn Treader"!  It comes out on December 10th.  Anyway, here's a sweet deal for youth workers.  If you're looking for an inexpensive gift for your Sunday School class or youth group, head over to CBD.  They have tons of deals, many of them for under $1!! In fact, this devotional is only $0.25!!  There is free shipping for orders over $25.  The code is 338535.  

Restaurant.com is offering a great Cyber Monday deal!  Get $25 gift certificates for $2.  Plus, for each certificate you purchase you get the chance to win and iPad!  To make this a TOTALLY SWEET deal, ebates is offering 30% cash back if you order through them, and ShopAtHome is offering 35% back.   That means that each certificate is only $1.70!!!  Just enter the code DEAL at checkout.  If you're unsure how to use the rebate programs look at my blog entry "Don't shop Cyber Monday Without Reading This Blog Entry!"

philosophy is offering a nice deal.  With any purchase of $85 or more you'll receive the lovely gift set pictured above.  This gift set is valued at $100.  Just use the coupon code:  sparkleandjoy.  Plus, they are offering free ground shipping, no minimum!  And TODAY ONLY if you order through ShopAtHome, you'll receive a 11% rebate.  

American Eagle Outfitters - 20% + Free shipping!


American Eagle Outfitters has a sweet Cyber Monday deal.  20% off everything!  Including clearance!  Also, there is a buy 1 get one 50% off.  This does not include the clearance items.  Plus, there's free shipping.  If you order through ShopAtHome, you'll get 5% back!  I snagged this shirt for $6.76 shipped!  Yippee!

Daily Deals - 11/28/10

Please consider clicking here.  It costs you nothing, but you can benefit the life of someone who needs help.  P & G will give one day's clean water supply to someone for simply clicking onto the above widget and confirming through your e-mail.  This is something EVERYONE can afford to do!

itsThoughtful has a fun contest for the holiday season.  They'd like to know your best Christmas/holiday present ideas.  You could win $500!!  Just click on here and post your ideas!  

Today only!! Lee Jeans starting at $17.90 each PLUS  free shipping when your spend $30 or more!

So here's the deal, Today Only!!! The Signature Collection is offered at Buy 3 Get 3 Free.  Plus by logging in to Bath & Body Works via ebates you will receive a coupon code for a free gift with any $10 purchase.  Simply enter the code FREE4U.  In addition you'll receive a 3% rebate by logging into Bath & Body Works through ebates.  If you're unsure how this program works head on over to my previous blog on making money while shopping online.

J C Penney is one of my favorite places to shop.  Their sales are very generous.  Today is the last day of a sale in which over 400,000 items are between 50 and 75% off.  Plus, if you enter the code Jolly4U, you'll get free shipping on any order of $25 or more.  Log on through ebates or ShopAtHome, and you'll receive 6% back as a rebate.  In addition, many of you received coupon in the mail for an additional 15% any purchase at jcp.com.  See the link above if you're unsure how to use these rebate programs.


Amazon Deals


My girlfriends with younger children highly recommend this series.  They read them outloud to their children, because it makes them laugh!  This is a great present for that elementary aged child.  I find that boxed sets are easier to take care of.  I am less likely to lose them, because I want to keep the set together, and the fact that they are kept in a box keeps the binding tighter over the long run.  This price is 50% off the retail price.




Here's a great stocking stuffer idea at a great price!

Staples has started Cyber Monday today!  Here's just one of the great deals you can snag on their website.  $3.99 for a bluetooth!  Plus, if you spend $50 or more, you'll receive free shipping, and if you log in through ShopAtHome you'll receive a 4% back rebate.

Daily Deals - 11/27/10

Now that Thanksgiving and Black Friday are over, it's time to turn our attention to Christmas.  For those of you who are like me and enjoy a real Christmas tree, you can head on over to Home Depot.  They have trees starting at on.y $17.98!!  I also enjoy cutting my own tree, but for some reason it always costs more to cut down your own tree.  Go figure, huh?

Daily Deals - 11/24/10 “An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. ” ~ Irv Kupcinet

 Please consider clicking here.  It costs you nothing, but you can benefit the life of someone who needs help.  P & G will give one day's clean water supply to someone for simply clicking onto the above widget and confirming through your e-mail.  This is something EVERYONE can afford to do!

Starting today, Walgreens is offering a FREE 8 x 10 collage!!  Just enter the promo code "BFCOLLAGE" in the checkout section of the photo page on Walgreens.com!  This would be a great present for grandparents!

Here's a great deal from Bath & Body Works.  Receive this V.I.P Bag with any purchase of $40 or more.  This bag is packed with goodies.  The offer is good both on-line and in stores.  But you need to hurry.  There are a limited number of these!!  If you want to ensure your bag, I'd head over to their website now!  Just enter the code VIP2010 during checkout.

I love Mimi's Cafe.  I always get the quiche, it is soooo good.  Now they are offering 2 $5 off $15 coupons for updating your information.  (You may be able to get them for signing up as well).  The coupons do expire 12/05, so hurry over to this webpage, and fill in the information.  You can also get a coupon for "liking" them on your Facebook page!

ShopAtHome.com has an amazing deal for tomorrow only!!!  The standard percentage rebate for JCPenney's through ShopAtHome is 6%.  But for ONE day only, 11/25/10, the rebate for JCPenney's will be 10% back!  I think I might get an order ready so that after my "Gosh am I stuffed Thanksgiving nap", I'll quick make an order!

Here are a few ebates deals.  These are Pre-Black Friday deals.  If you're looking to purchase something from Tommy Hilfiger, you may want to consider purchasing from their website and through ebates.  Right now you can take 30% off any purchase sitewide.  In addition you can take another 20% off $125 by using the code EBTHNOV at checkout.  Plus, by logging in through ebates, you'll receive 3.5% cash back!

Another great deal from ebates and Elizabeth Arden.  With any order $65 or more, you'll receive FREE shipping and a 31-piece make-up bag valued at $300!!  Plus, by logging in through ebates, you'll receive 5% cash back!

If you are unsure how ebates and ShopAtHome works, check out my previous blog, "How To Earn Money While Shopping On-line".

Buy a Gift That Will Save Money All Year!!

Last Christmas I found one of the best money saving websites I've ever found.  It's called Restaurant.com.  A lot of my friends have expressed more than a little confusion at how this program works, so let me explain.

Restaurant.com is a service for restaurants.  By listing a restaurant with them these restaurants are able to get new customers to visit their location and receive feedback from them after they have visited.  Basically, you go to their website and put your zip code in the "Find A Restaurant And Save" box.  This will alert you to the restaurants participating in your area.  If you live near a large city you'll be surprised at how many restaurants use this service!  After choosing a restaurant you can purchase a "gift certificate" for that restaurant.  The certificates are usually anywhere from 70-80% off.  This means that a $25 gift certificate costs anywhere between $2-$3!!!!

Now, of course, there are special limitations.  Most $25 certificates require that you spend at least $35 before tip.  Many restaurants also specify that they will add the gratuity to your bill to ensure that your server gets tipped on the entire purchase before the certificate.  I'm sure all of you would do this anyway, right?
Occasionally there will be other restrictions such as no holidays, or weekends.  However, I've found this to be rare.

At Christmastime 2009, I purchased a Dinner of the Month Club Membership for my husband.  With this deal, I paid $36 for twelve $25 gift certificates and I received a $50 gift certificate as a bonus!  What a sweet deal.

Redeeming these certificates has been hassle-free as the restaurant management has to review their membership monthly.  I've never had a problem.  I do show the server my certificate when ordering.  A few days after we've dined using one of these certificates, I am e-mailed a short survey.  Honestly this survey takes less than 2 minutes.

Restaurant.com has saved us hundreds of dollars, and has allowed my husband and I to celebrate birthdays, and our anniversary by eating out, when we probably would not have been able to afford to.  Just the other night my husband, two teenagers and myself went out for a birthday dinner.  We went to a new pizza place in our neighborhood.  The food was excellent, atmosphere was great and service was superior!  We had a huge appetizer sampler plate, their largest Hawaiin pizza, and sodas.  The whole event cost us $18!!  Tip included!

Today, Restaurant.com  is offering an 80% off deal.  This means that each $25 certificate you purchase will cost you $2!!  Just enter the code GOBBLE at checkout for this amazing deal.  Stay tuned this Christmas season for more deals to come.

Daily Deals - 11/23/10

Please consider clicking here.  It costs you nothing, but you can benefit the life of someone who needs help.  P & G will give one day's clean water supply to someone for simply clicking onto the above widget and confirming through your e-mail.  This is something EVERYONE can afford to do!

For all you LeapFrog owners out there, Leap Frog is giving away a free baby book.  Simply head over here and sign up for the LeapFrog Learning Path.  The Learning Path is a free service for Leap Frog owners that allows you to track your child's progress.

CVS is offering a sweet deals to it's card members.  Head over here  and enter your CVS extracare card number and you'll receive your choice of a CVS/pharmacy brand angle or smart grip toothbrush OR a Bioluxe trial sized Shampoo or Conditioner.  I always put little things like this in stockings.  :)

Do you like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts?  I know I do!  Head over here to find a free coupon for a free doughnut.  You may want to consider becoming a Krispy Kreme friend and getting regular e-mails regarding upcoming specials!

Daily Deals 11/22/10

http://changents.com;
I am so pleased to be a part of the P & G Give Health Project!  Here is how it works:  By simply clicking the widget and typing your e-mail address, P & G will give away one day of clean water to a person in need.  After clicking this you will receive an e-mail, you must verify for the process to go through.  So basically, by clicking twice, you enable someone to have clean water today!  Yay! You can do this once a day, so I'll be including this widget at the top of each of my daily entries of Daily Deals.  This is a really cool way to make a difference to so many in need.  Pass along the link to my blog so that we can donate as much clean water as possible!!  I'm grateful that God provides seed for the sower.  Thanks P & G for providing a way for us to make a difference.

How about getting this book for the readers in your life?  There was a portion printed in the Chicago Tribune on friendship last Sunday.  It was priceless!!!  I never cease to be amazed at the office of the President of the United States.










If you like Bath & Body Works, you'll be excited about this deal.  Many of the classic fragrances are on sale for $5!  Also you'll get a free item with any $10 purchase (up to a $13 dollar value) when you use this coupon.  The coupon has a code as well so that you can use it for on-line or in-store ordering.  If you do order on line make sure you order through either ebates where you'll earn 3% cash back or ShopAtHome where you'll earn 4% cash back.  Plus, you'll get free shipping on any order of $50 or more.  Check out my upcoming blog on these two websites here

TJMaxx Sells A Very Limited Number of iPads to Get More Traffic on Black Friday

It's true.  TJMaxx did have iPads at a few stores.  According to USA-Daily they did have or will have about 80 of them.  Nationwide.  So was this a traffic-ing ploy?  Absolutely!  Will it help them have more customers on Black Friday?  Probably!  I guess I wish that everything was more upfront.  It would have excited me just as much for them to say.  "On Black Friday, a few of our select stores will be carrying a very limited number of iPads."  I would have been very excited for the few who got one.  But the secrecy, and the ambiguity for the purpose of getting more people through their doors kind of offends me.

On the other hand, it has increased their traffic, both on the web and in the stores...and if I'm honest I got a lot more traffic because of it too.  So, thanks TJMaxx! :)

Daily Deals - 11/21/10

If you'd like to save $10 off any purchase of $10 or more.  Just head over here and sign up for the e-mail news.  It looks like you have to be an expectant mom though....???

Famous Footwear is starting a buy one get one 1/2 off sale both on-line and in stores today!!  Head on over to your local store and start saving!!

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Best Buy has a deal where you can receive a $100-150 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy Select Apple Computers.  It's a cool idea since they can't give a discount on the computer themselves, but they can give you an incentive to buy it from them, and to come to their store later and purchase more (or give the card as a gift!)

Today is Bath & Body Works last day for the Buy 3, Get 3 free Signature Collection Promo.  By taking advantage of this deal you can save up to $85.50.  Plus, if you're a ShopAtHome member, you'll get 4% back for purchasing through their rewards program.  That should help pay for shipping!


Here's a fun Christmas Gift.  Especially for all of us 40 somethings..It was't the Christmas season for me until Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer came on TV...:)

Here's a cool deal Family TV is offering a video completely free!  Go here to request your free video today!!

Here's a nice stocking stuffer for the gardener in your life!  Go here to score yourself a free sample of wildflowers!!  You could also put these in a pretty mug with gardening gloves for a lovely little present.  I have someone in mind already....

UpDate of the iPad for TJMaxx

  It seems there is a lot of confusion regarding the TJ Maxx iPad deal.  Some sources say it will begin on Black Friday for most participating stores.  Others say it will only be on the east coast.  Most believe it to be an extremely limited offer for the purpose of causing high traffic at tjmaxx stores everywhere.

I guess we'll have to wait until Black Friday to find out exactly where this deal is good, but it is definitely true though it may be EXTREMELY limited...

16GB WIFI iPad for $399!!!!!!

I verified this through the TJMaxx!!  You can save $100 by purchasing the iPad at TJMaxx.  It's rumored that Marshalls has the same deal.  I would definitely call your local store before heading out, as I'm sure these are flying off the shelves.  I did call my local TJ Maxx and confirmed that although they had none, some stores are carrying iPads for $399. Let me know if you snag one.

Daily Deals 11/20/10

Here's a TODAY ONLY sale for all you Gap lovers!  This is an in-store only deal.  Just mention the words FLASH40 at the register and you will receive another 40% off everything INCLUDING  sale items!!  If you have a Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic Card mention FLASH45 and receive 45% off.  I'd love to hear of the deals you get with this.  Leave your trophy receipts in my comments section!

Here's a fun gift for the whole family.  Wii is such a good famliy night activity!!  This Nintendo Wii Compatable 5-in-1 Pro Grand Slam Sports Set is on $2.99 shipped!  Head on over to One Sale A Day and click Wireless tab to get yours!  I'm not sure this is official Wii product.  If anyone buys this, let me know how it works!

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Here's a cool thing!!  Remember when on Facebook I was asking you for your thoughtful gift memories?  You can use those in order to ear a $25 amazon.com gift card.  Just head over here to The Christmas Gifts Contest by ItsThoughtful.com fill out the form and then tell your friends about it.  You and your friends will have a chance at a $500 Contest.  If 15 of your referrals sign up for the contest you just got yourself a $25 Amazon Card!!  NOTE:  Please only send this to people who have shown an interest in these types of things before.  You don't want to be known as the annoying person who sends junk mail to everyone.  :)  

There is some fine print, nothing horrible though, just when the drawing will be etc.  You can check it out on Hip2Save.com!

Thanks Colin for always posting such fun stuff!

This is an interesting offer!  It is a reusable coupon.  Every time you go to Fridays and order an entre and appetizer, you'll get another entre free.  You can only use this coupon once per visit, but you can use it as many times as you want until December 5th.  Click here for this coupon.

Mimi's Cafe is offering two great breakfasts!  This Monday and Tuesday you can use a coupon for a 4-Pack of Muffins and then Wednesday you can buy any breakfast get another one free.

I LOVE Coach purses.  They are fabulous.  Really worth the extra money.  The cool thing is that if you live near a Coach Factory Store you don't have to spend the extra money!!  Go here and print this 20% off coupon, and apply it to the already discounted prices at the outlet and your doing pretty well for yourself.  And guys, HINT, designer handbags are almost like diamonds...just about every girl loves them.  You gotta move fast though, the coupon is only good through November 21.

Kohl's is always doing customer friendly things.  This time you can print the above coupon and take an additional 15% off everything, including clearance prices!!  Just head over here and print yours.  Notice this pass is only good until November 21.

I love all things foreign.  I love to experience different cultures and foods and decor.  World Market is one of my favorite stores.  I was very sad when they moved away from my neighborhood.  Print this coupon and snag $10 of any purchase of $30 or more.

Quit Being a Christmas Glutton - Don't Forget Your Charitable Giving

Remember the part in Little Women when they were about to sit down to a lovely Christmas breakfast, and ended up giving the bulk of it to a needy family?  I think Amy even stated, "Butter is divinity," just before having to wrap it up and giving it to someone else.

I was talking to a dear friend of mine recently who is part of a charitable organization.  She mentioned to me that in some circles, charitable giving is down between 40 and 70%!!  I know that times are difficult, but I also know that it's because times are difficult that we must reach deeper and look for more opportunities to be givers.

Here are some ways to give you may not have thought of:

1) Give the gift of a charitable donation to someone.  According to this Marie Claire article there are several gifts you can buy that give the proceeds to charities.

Just one of the gifts suggested is this Smash Box Palette.  It sells for $45, (although it's a $240 value) and donates a large portion of its profits to The Children's Network.  Check out the rest of the ideas at Marie Claire.

2) I challenge you to spend less money on your own family.  Sit down with your family and explain that you are doing Christmas differently this year.  Tell them to concentrate on one or two gifts that are especially thoughtful rather than 1000 things we don't really need.  I mean, do we really need to have 4000 presents under the Christmas tree?  Why not teach our family the true meaning of Christmas by concentrating on giving rather than receiving?  Have your children help shop for an adopt a child for Christmas program.  We cannot do this only when times are good.  There are more people suffering because of the economy, including us.  There are two charities I'd like to mention for this purpose, Toys For Tots and Samaritan's Purse.

3)  My favorite charity (other than my local church) has always been The Salvation Army.  There are many ways to give.
 a)  I ALWAYS keep all of my change during the Christmas season and NEVER pass a bucket without putting something in.  We all know how much change can collect in the bottom of a purse.  (This is disgusting, but one time I think I had like $10 in change in my purse at once.)
b) Give of your time.  Many times The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers.  They need people to ring those bells, to serve food to the needy, or even just to organize a food pantry.  One time for Thanksgiving my family served dinner at a SA Community Center.  I don't think my children have ever been so grateful on a Thanksgiving.  It was an amazing experience.

4)  Check out my previous blog Shop Small - Shop Locally for some of my favorite ways to stretch my dollar and give back to the community at the same time.


The moral of the story?  It's time to sacrifice a little.  Maybe for some of you it's sacrificing a lot.    Think of all the Christmas stories you admire.  From A Christmas Carol to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, they always include sacrificial giving.  After all, isn't that how  THE Christmas Story started?  Someone loving the world so much that He gave sacrificially?

If you have suggestions or comments on how to reach out this year, make sure to post in comments!

Daily Deals 11/19/10 - Part 2

Here are a few more deals as promised!

This is a very SWEET deal.  New York & Company has a code for $50 off any purchase of $100.  Use the code 6186 before 11/21 and you'll receive $50 off any purchase of $100 or more.  To make this deal even better, you can search through their many sales items.  In addition everything other than their clearance section has buy one get one half off!!  If you are a ShopAthome member, you'll also get 5% cash back.  Just log on here and proceed with your order.  Let me know what kind of deals you get!!!

Thanks Hip2Save for posting this!!!

If you're like me you have company coming for the holidays.  It's a great time to encourage your husband to get a few pesky things done around the house!!  Check out this Ace Hardware coupon at either their website or at  Coupon.com.  Tomorrow only!!!

There are also a couple of restaurant card deals I thought were worth mentioning...

Applebees:  For every $50 gift card you buy get a $10 bonus gift card.  Click here to check out the details.

Outback:  For every $100 gift card you purchase get a $20 bonus gift card.  Click here to find out the details.

Maggiano's Little Italy:  For every $100 gift card you purchase you get a $20 bonus gift card.  Click here to find out the details.

Purchase a $25 Q Club Cash Card and receive a $5 voucher.  Click here to find out the details.

Uno's Chicago Grill:  Last but certainly not least!  Purchase $25 on a gift card and receive a $5 voucher. Click here  to find out more details.

Shop Small - Shop Locally

As a followup of my previous blog Doubling Your Giving, I have decided to write about shopping locally. Due to the struggling economy, small businesses have really taken a hit.  They can not afford to offer the deals that larger companies run this time of year.  However, here's somethings to consider when shopping small and locally.  1)  You are giving back to the economic health of your community.  2)  You'll find things that you won't find anywhere else.  3)  Your gifts could prove to be more thoughtful, because of the unique items you are able to snag.  4)  You could actually spend LESS because your gift is so unusual that it's thought outweighs the prices of those "must have" Christmas items.

Here are some vendors I am personally aware of:

Etc., inc.  is a new store with a "mall" of individual local vendors.  From coach purses to locally designed designer tee shirts, you're sure to find something special.

Here's a cool gadget for drilling holes into your Christmas tree.  You pop this baby on your drill and then you don't have to twist those screws into your tree forever and ever.  Maybe if you contact him on his facebook page he could ship this product to your home in time for your tree!  :)

In addition my friend Megan makes beautiful original jewelry.  You can look at her products and "like
 her facebook page  at Just 4 Me Jewelry.  You can triple your giving here.  Many times she gives a good deal of her profit to charity!  So you're buying a gift #1.  You're prospering a small business #2.  You're giving to charity #3!  What an investment!!

Lastly, I have a dear friend who is working on raising money to send her husband to Haiti on a missions trip.  She is an excellent baker and is selling baked goods and candy as a fundraiser.  Here's a link where you can find out more...My Friend.