Sunday, June 30, 2013

Local: Downtown East Lansing Sidewalk Sales July 18-21

Get ready for a mega sidewalk sale with over 180 merchants participating!  On July 18-21, East Lansing merchants are hosting a sidewalk sale full of discounts.

Local: Free Moonlight Film Festival in EL

Starting July 11th, you an watch FREE movies at Valley Court Park in downtown East Lansing for the Moonlight Film Festival. Enjoy live music one hour before showtime. BYOblanket or lawn chair.

National: Free can of cat food @Petco (just pay tax)

Print this coupon for a free can of Nutro Natural Choice cat food at Petco.  Just pay sales tax.  Expires 8/1/13.

National: some Target deals

Market Pantry sandwich bread only 28 cents:  Here http://wp.me/p1Z9Lp-yFqj

Snickers Twix, Milky Way or M&M’s Brand ice cream bars only 49 cents:  http://ftmdeals.co/15WdJaR

Buy (4) Ears of Corn $1.00
use $1.00/1 Fresh Vegetable Coupon (text JULY4 to 827438)
or use $1.00/1 Fresh Vegetable Coupon (text FRESH to 827438)
Free after coupon

Buy (4) Bananas $1.00
use $1.00/1 Fresh Fruit Coupon (text JULY4 to 827438)
or use $1.00/1 Fresh Fruit Coupon (text FRESH to 827438)
Free after coupon

And more here:  http://forthemommas.com/featured-r/target-coupon-matchups-week-of-63013

Thanks, ForTheMommas!

National: $4 rebate off Jagermeister?!

There's a coupon for a $4 rebate for Jagermeister going on right now.  Yup, get it right here.  May need to do some digging to get to it, but for me it was on page 9 and make sure that you have zip code 48823 put in at the top.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Weekly Roundup

For your convenience, I'm going to start a weekly roundup where you can find everything that I've posted for the week in one spot.  If the deal is expired, I won't include it.


Friday, June 28, 2013

National: Discounts for folks over 50

I know this doesn't apply to most of my readership, but I'm sure you all have parents and grandparents over 50.  Here's a list of discounts for people 50+ just make sure that they ask!

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT ;:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - - - and remember ----

YOU must ASK for your discount ---- no ask, no discount.
I Know everyone knows someone over 50 please pass the one on!!!!!

Friday, June 21, 2013

Local: FREE Gardening classes in Lansing

Let's Garden! hosts free gardening classes in various locations around Lansing.  Call ahead to reserve a spot!  I'm excited about the Salsa Making Workshop August 21st.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

National: DirecTV customers free Showtime weekend!

DirecTV customers are getting a free trial of Showtime channels the weekend starting on June 21st - 23rd. Check your movie channels this weekend for a free preview if you are a DirecTV customer.  Sounds like a good time to catch up on Dexter before the premiere!

National: $1.99 for bagel w/cream cheese @ Bruegger's Bagels

1.99 for any bagel with cream cheese.  Print the coupon here.  Good till June 30th.

National: Common Redbox codes

Redbox always has codes for free or cheap rentals.  I recommend signing up for their texting deals where you'll receive at least one code/month for a free rental!  Here and here are sources for codes and many of them are good year-round, but some are store-specific.

Update:  Just got a text today for a free Redbox rental!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Local: Super Greek Pita Combo @Pita Pit

Get the coupon for a $7.49  Super Greek Pita Combo @Pita Pit here  Good through 6/30 at the 219 E. Grand River location only.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Local: $15 for $30 worth of Froyo @Tutti Frutti in East Lansing

Tutti Frutti is a pretty good frozen yogurt place that's right across from campus on Grand River near Peanut Barrel.  Groupon is here

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Local: U-pick farms!

It's almost officially summer and that means time to go pick your own fruit!  It's fun, economical, and supports local farms.  Here are some links to find what's in season and where.  I can't wait to go strawberry picking!

http://upickmichigan.com/
http://www.pickyourown.org/MI.htm
http://www.farmerdirect2you.com/farms-MI.aspx

The best looking one is this Michigan Agri-Tourism site.

Note:  some of the sites are little hard to navigate and the formatting is a bit dated, but you can usually find the info you need.

National: FREE 7th Generation Hydrating Skin serum @Walgreens

Head over here to request a free sample of 7th Generation's new skin hydrating serum.  It will be available at Walgreens in July.

National: FREE Eco bag and 20% savings @Staples

Staples has a deal where you get a free reusable shopping bag and get 20% off whatever you can fit in it (some exclusions apply).  Check out more here.  Good through June 22nd.

National: Free Campbell's Go Soups @Target

These soups are SO good.  They are restaurant-quality and the nutrition stats are pretty good!  My favorite is the Moroccan Chicken Stew.
Check out the deal at Target here!

Good customer service: Zulily.com

I just wanted to give a shout-out to Zulily.  I recently received a dress from there that I LOVE but there were a few ink spots (barely noticeable to me, and hopefully not noticeable to anyone else).  I decided to write an email to them about it wondering if I could get a replacement or something.  Within 20 minutes on a SUNDAY, I received a reply not only refunding my money but also giving me a $10 credit to the web site and I can keep the dress.  I gotta say that I'm pretty impressed with that customer service.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Regional: BOGO Fandango ticket offer

Heading out to see the new Superman movie?  Might wanna do yourself a favor and buy tickets ahead of time on Fandango.  In certain locations, they have a deal for BOGO tickets with the promo code RAV4Adventure!  Sorry, East Lansing, it doesn't appear to work for any theaters nearby.

National: Another Starbucks deal!


http://f.e.starbucks.com/i/52/163466415/sbux_summer_wk7_US_D7_NBRwhitechocolatemocha_img_main.jpg 
For cardholders til June 18

National: Long list of Father's Day freebies!

Check out all the deals for Father's Day here

National: Free Premium channel preview for many subscribers!

AT&T U-verse, DirecTV, Dish Network, RCN, Verizon FIOS subscribers:  Free HBO, Cinemax, and Starz this weekend (6/14-6/17).  Expect dads to be glued to their La-z-boys.

http://www.freepreview.tv/hbo/reminder-free-preview-of-hbo-cinemax-and-starz-happening-for-many-providers-this-weekend.html

National: FREE Tall Starbucks drink with Starbucks card

Starbucks Rewards Members can get a free tall drink (including Frappucino) when they print and redeem this coupon. Save a tree and show it on your smart phone.  You must show your rewards card to redeem. Valid through June 18th only.

Update:  This is only good if you already have this deal loaded to your card!

National: Save $1 on Silk brand Almond Milk

Save $1 on Silk Almond Milk here!  The coupon should already be clipped for you, but you may need to install a coupon printer software for it to print.  It will most likely print out taking up 1/3 of a page, so it might be a good idea to add 2 more coupons.  Good on any flavor of their almond milk.

Update:  with this coupon and this coupon (yes, you can stack them), you can get this for $1 at Target this week!

Local: 99cent tall beverage @ Biggby's

Print out the coupon here for a 99 cent specialty beverage. Good at the 3499 E. Lake Lansing location only, but check your inbox, it may be person-specific! Good on June 17th only!

National: 40% Men's Clothing @ Old Navy

Up to 40% off Men's clothing at Old Navy through June 19th!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Regional: Save $5-15 off @Meijer

Go to or sign up for mperks and clip a digital coupon for $5-15 off a general merchandise, apparel, or health & beauty purchase (not grocery) at Meijer.  The amount you save depends on the amount you spend.  Good from June 14-June 15 only.

National: 20% off @ Kohl's

Go here for a coupon good for 20% off at Kohl's in-store or online (just use promo code FFJUN20 or FAMILY20).  Coupon good from June 13-June 16.  Save a tree and just show it on your smart phone!

National: Free 8x10 Collage @ Walgreens

Walgreens has  a code good for a free 8×10 collage print. Order your 8×10 collage print and enter code: DADCOLLAGE at checkout. Select in-store pickup to make this offer 100% free. The code is valid through 6/15/13 only.  Could make a nice Father's Day gift!


I actually took advantage of this the last time Walgreens offered it, and I was very pleased with the results.  I made nice collage of my trip to Europe last summer.


Regional: Cheap tea @ Kroger!

I know you all already requested your free tea from Yogi, but in case you need more and you dig Celestial Seasonings, you can get a $1 off coupon here.

Looks like it's on sale at Kroger for $2.49 bringing it to just $1.49 for a box of tea!

Update:  looks like the coupon is specificailly for the Wellness tea.

Local: Summer Solstice Jazz Festival!


Sounds like EL-ers can do some party hopping next weekend!  Along with the Festival of the Moon and Sun in Old Town, there's also the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival June 21-22.  This festival is F-R-E-E and will have plenty of tunes to get you tappin your feet.  Of course there will be food including crepes from American Crepes and Mediterranean fare from Sultan's!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

National: Free Flatbread @ Chili's

The first million people to sign up for the email newsletter here  can get a free flatbread from Chili's. Just pick a location and a range of dates you'd like to use your coupon, then print!  This deal works for current members, too.

I just got mine at 10:25pm on 6/11/2013, so it looks like they haven't reached 1 million yet!

Regional: Cheap gummi bears @ Kroger!

Check out this post from I Heart Kroger for 40 cent gummi bears!  I'm talkin' Haribo Brand!  That's the good stuff!


National and Local: Birthday Freebies!


Everyone loves getting free stuff on their birthday!  Here's a list of the best ones I've found.  Know more?  Leave me comments!

Even more here:  http://www.freebie-depot.com/birthday-freebie-list/

Thanks: Moms need to know, Stockpiling Moms, freebie-depot, and Jessica!


Retail/Shopping

American Eagle Outfitters: Sign up for AERewards and get 15% off during your birthday month.

DSW Shoes: Sign up for the DSW Rewards program and get a $5 coupon on your birthday!

Old Navy: Sign up for Old Navy's email newsletters and you'll receive a free surprise on your birthday.
Sephora: the gifts changes each month, and when you sign up for the Beauty Insider, you get info on in-store freebies for Beauty Insider members only!
Southwest Airlines:  Discount off airfare your birthday month.  Also, they give out free drink coupons for being a Rapid Rewards member.

Victoria's Secret: Sign up for their mailing list and receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $10 or more on your birthday. 

Entertainment
Connextions Comedy Club (Lansing): FREE Admission and $2 drinks for the bday person during your bday week.  1/2-priced admission for up to 9 friends!
Family video:  Free movie rental on your birthday
NCG Cinemas:  Free small popcorn good for up to one month after your birthday.  Sign up for email newsletter.

Food/Drink

Applebee’s: Get a free dessert on your birthday
Auntie Annes:  Join the Pretzel Perks and get special offers throughout the year. 
BD's Mongolian BBQ:  free meal  if you sign up for their Mongo newsletter (unlimited bowls and you can take home leftovers!!!)
Biggby's: free cup of coffee if you sign up for Biggby point card
Bravo:  FREE Entree of your choice (up to $15) for your birthday with the purchase of a second entree.
Bruegger's Bagels:  FREE Bagel with Cream Cheese with the purchase of a drink.  Sign up for email newsletter.

Buffalo Wild Wings. Circle Club-receive free food and discounts. 

Cold Stone Creamery: Get a free ice cream creation on your birthday

Dairy Queen: Get a Blizzard BOGO coupon just for signing up and a free Blizzard on your birthday

Denny’s:  Denny’s Rewards members get a free Grand Slam breakfast

Driscoll's:  $.50 off your next purchase of Driscoll’s berries if signed up for email newsletter.

Dunkin Donuts:  Enjoy a free medium coffee, latte, tea, Coolatta® or hot chocolate for your birthday good for one month.  Sent by snail mail if you are signed up for their email newsletter.


Hungry Howie's:  free medium 1-topping pizza (needs verification) if you sign up for the newsletter
IHOP: free meal on your birthday (as well as when you sign up and on the 1 year anniversary of signing up)
Max & Erma's:  I heard you get a free steak for your birthday if you sign up for their Good Neighbor card?!
McAllisters (Lansing):  Discount off meal if you sign up
The Melting Pot (Closest is Grand Rapids): get a free chocolate fondue on your birthday when you join Club Fondue.
Mitchell's Fish Market :  Join the eclub for special offers and a freebie on your birthday.  
Moe’s Southwest Grill: get a free burrito on your birthday with purchase of regular or large drink
Noodles and Co: Free entree good for up to 2 weeks after your birthday if you sign up for the Noodlegrams
Panera:  free sweet treat if you have a Panera points card
Qdoba Mexican Grill: Buy One Get One coupon for your birthday (another one that is good for 2 weeks) and free chips & salsa just for signing up!

Quizno’s: Q-club-Receive a free Sammie for signing up and get a free cookie on your birthday. 
Red Lobster: Join the Club and they will email you a surprise on your birthday

Starbucks – Free beverage of your choice on your birthday coupon via snail mail.
Texas Roadhouse: Become a Texas Roadie and get a free dessert on your birthday
TGI Fridays: Get a free appetizer on your birthday and another free appetizer or dessert just for signing up

National: Free TCBY for Dads on Father's Day!

Ok so I'm cheating a little bit here because the closest TCBYs are in Novi and Grand Rapids.  Anywho, on Father's Day, dads can get a FREE 6oz yogurt!  Call your local TCBY to make sure they are participating in this promotion.
  
Thanks to all the great dads out there, you deserve a treat!

National: Free Yogi tea

Send a friend (or yourself!) a free sample of Yogi tea.

Click on 'Send a Well-Wish to a Friend' and then follow the instruction to send your well wish e-card and Yogi Tea samples.  Make sure to uncheck the box for the newsletter if you aren't interested in it.

Yogi tea will then send an email asking where to send the samples.  You should expect your freebies within 2-3 weeks.  Easy as that!

Update:  Mine went to my spam folder, so check there!


National: Free Redbox Game code

Get a free Redbox video game rental when you text: E3 to 727272. You'll receive a text with a code valid for a free Redbox video game rental. This code is valid through 6/20.

Note: it's only valid on video games, not movie rentals.

National: Free Slurpee Wednesday and Thursday!

7-11 app users can get a free medium sugar-free Sprite Slurpee today or tomorrow.  Most Wednesdays, this app will offer freebies, so be sure to check it out!  Don't hit redeem until you're at the register because the offer is only good for 15 minutes.

Thanks, Hip2Save!

National: Coupon for Driscoll's Berries

Sign up for Driscoll's rewards program (a few emails per month, but I think you can opt out) and get a 50 cent coupon off berries!  If you use this at Kroger, it will double to $1 off!  Summer time means berry time!

Word on the street is that the page is taking forever to load, so just be patient, my little couponers!

Thanks www.forthemommas.com!

Local: 50% off weekend pass to Festival of the Moon and Sun



This will be my 3rd summer in East Lansing, but I still haven't checked out the Festival of the Moon and Sun!  This event in Old Town Lansing occurs on the summer solstice (Festival of the Moon:  June 21st, Festival of the Sun:  June 22) and has music and food as well as beer (Moon) and wine (Sun)!  There's a great deal on Deal Chicken (thanks, Kayra!) for half-priced tickets for both events! That's $25 for two people for both days!!


If you don't want to go both days, you can buy tickets in advance on the event website:
Moon: $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Sun: $17 in advance or $20 at the gate.

With so much going on, this event will NOT disappoint!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

National: Attention Brides! Free 2-year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine

Congrats on getting engaged!  Now treat yourself to a FREE 2-year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine.  Looks like they don't ask you for a credit card, so they can't surprise you with a charge. Hope this helps reduce the stress of planning your big event!

P.S. I won't judge if you aren't engaged but just like to look at the pictures :o)

Local: Capital Area Restaurant Week July 21-25th!


I dunno about you, but I love me some cheap food! Better yet, cheap, TASTY food.  Lansing and East Lansing restaurants are participating in the first annual Capital Area Restaurant Week in late July.  Restaurant week will feature 3-course meals for either $25 per person or $25 per COUPLE, depending on the venue.  Now that is a good deal either way!   Be sure to call for reservations and check the website for menu updates!

Personally, I think I'd like to check out either Troppo or Soup Spoon, but I can easily be persuaded!

Bonus!  10% of the proceeds go to the Greater Lansing Food Bank

Welcome!

After much contemplation, I have finally started a blog devoted to free stuff, cheap stuff, and fun stuff to do that won't break the bank!  The events I'll post will be focused on the East Lansing and Lansing areas, but the deals are from anywhere!  If you know of something that I didn't post, feel free to tell me about it in a comment or email me directly at christina[dot]ragan[at]gmail[dot]com!


Here's a link of mine revealing most of my secrets on couponing and deal-grabbing to get you started.

Without further ado, bring on the deals!