Spring break is coming up and one way to save money is to earn a free night at your hotel. The Choice Hotels spring promo lets you do just that. The cool thing about the promotion is that once you earn your free night you can choose to stay at 1,500 hotels across the globe – gratis! Here’s how it works.
Stay two different times at any of the ten hotels in the Choice Hotels chain, including the Quality Inn, Cambria Suites, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn. You can mix and match which hotels you stay at. Each visit has to be at least two nights.
Stay twice between now and April 30, 2010, and you earn a free night. You can find a great hotel rate on the Choice Hotels website, which searches the entire hotel chain for the best deal. Within any given city, you can search for hotels by radius or by proximity to prominent attractions, like SeaWorld in San Diego or Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Make sure to sign up for the Choice Hotels privileges reward program to get your free hotel night. You’ll need an address in the U.S., Canada, Mexico or eligible countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe to qualify for the promotion.
I read a striking statistic today. Spending on food and drinks is supposed to increase by 11.6 percent this holiday season – greater than any other category measured in a survey conducted by marketing firm IBISWorld. Total spending on gifts is shrinking by 2.6 percent.
That means the food at your friend’s holiday party is going to kick ass, but she won’t be giving you a present. To be fair, during this holiday season total spending on gifts ($82 billion) still whomps spending on food ($28 billion). But still – people are pulling back dramatically on gifts. The recession is over, folks!
“More people are pulling back the need to shop for unnecessary goods,” said Toon van Beeck, an analyst at IBISWorld. “It’s not all about giving someone a gift, but going back towards family values and spending time with friends.”
I’m curious if the BargainBabe.com community is pulling back their gift giving, or defying the trend.
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Staples announced their Black Friday deals via their Facebook page and Twitter feed this morning. The deals include:
- An HP Laptop with Intel Celeron Processor for $299.98 (reg. $599.98). The computer has a 15.6² screen, 3GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, Windows 7 Home Premium. The price includes a $50 rebate.
- A Garmin Nuvi 255W GPS for $119.99 (reg. $219.99). It has a 4.3 inch screen and speaks street names.
- An eMachines 21.5″ monitor for $89.98 (reg. $179.98).
- An HP 8GB flash for $12.99 (reg. $34.99)
Staples’ holiday center has weekly deals and and an offer for free shipping when you spend $50 or more that ends Nov. 14, 2009. Every Wednesday there is a “Holideal,” a one-day savings bonus on certain items online and in stores. And everyday starting Nov. 30, Staples is giving away a $1,000 tech bundle as part of their holiday sweepstakes. The prize includes a Windows 7 HP laptop.
Here’s another way to say thank you to veterans today. For $11 you can ship a care package to a soldier as part of Operation Gratitude. Or you can donate items on the list below to help them fill their goodie bags. So far the organization has packed and shipped almost 500,000 packages total and more than 16,000 boxes this holiday season!
The following items will be accepted until Dec. 5 for holiday care packages:
- Electronics: DVDs, CDs, batteries of all sizes, computer flash drives, headsets (earpiece and microphone), used cell phones, video games and systems, iPoids, PDAs, ink-jet cartridges
- Games: travel-size board games, handheld electronic games
- Food: single serving cereal, individual packets of hot cereal, trail mix, beef jerky, nuts, energy bars, sunflower seeds, candy, ready to eat tuna or chicken salad kits, girl scout cookies, packets of powered cold drinks, tobacco products
- Toiletries: commercially sealed lip balm, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, individual packets of moist towelettes, travel size containers of foot powder
- Clothing: screen printed t-shirts, socks, baseball hats, knit hats and gloves, knit scarves, neck gators
- Letters: holiday greeting cards (blank), unsealed personal cards and letters
- Misc. items: beanie babies/webkinz, small novelty items, disposable cameras, prepaid phone cards, bandana coolers/cool-ties*, mini-battery-operated fans, hand and foot warmers
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax deductible as provided by law. Please make checks payable and send to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436
Thanks, Linda!
Veterans can get a free cinnamon roll French toast breakfast at Ruby’’s Diner on Wednesday, Nov. 11 until 11:30 a.m. Dine in only. Must have this coupon to get the deal.
Thanks, Tina!
Related:
Veteran’s Day edition – freebies galore
Military families get into parks free
In honor of Veteran’s Day next Wednesday, Nov. 11, I’m going to highlight the best deals and freebies available on that day. The holiday is particularly ripe for bargains so if you are a veteran, take advantage!
At Applebee’s, veteran’s can choose one of six dishes and eat free on Nov. 11. The dishes include a 7-ounce steak, bacon burger, chicken tenders platter, oriental chicken salad, fiesta lime chicken, or three-cheese penne. One of the following proof of ID are required, including U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services, Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), photograph of you in uniform, wear your uniform, DD214, or a citation or commendation.
In Chicago, Uno Chicago Grill offers veterans a free personal pizza or entree when you purchase an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.
In northern Virginia, Masala Wok is offereing a free entree on Nov 11th to veterans.
In the midwest, Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-dining services will offer veterans a free breakfast on Nov. 11, 2009. Choose from scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy and more served with a free small beverage.
In Fairfax, VA, the NRA is sponsoring a free shoot and meal for a limited number of veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 from 6-9 p.m.
In Birmingham, AL Bargain Mom has a list of freebies museums and other deals for veterans.
The Freebie Queen found these freebies:
In Buena Park, CA, veterans and active duty military personnel get into Knott’s Berry Farm free Nov 1-26, 2009
Free Knott’s Berry Farm admission for veterans, active duty military 11/01-11/26/09
In Williamsburg, VA: Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission for veterans, active military Nov. 6-11, 2009
Free Colonial Williamsburg admission for veterans, active military 11/06-11/11/09
At Sam’s Clubs, disabled vets can get a free Hugo folding cane on Nov. 11, 2009
Free Hugo folding cane for military veterans @ Sam’s Clubs 11/11/09
In Fall River, MA: Get free Battleship Cove admission for veterans, active duty, reservists on Nov. 11, 2009
Free Battleship Cove admission for veterans, active duty, reservists on 11/11/2009
In Ashland, NB: The Strategic Air & Space Museum is free admission for veterans on Nov. 14, 2009
Strategic Air & Space Museum free admission for veterans on 11/14/2009
Slickdeals.net also found these veteran’s deals:
In Chesapeake, VA, Natural Elements Spa & Salon will provide FREE services to Military Veterans on Wednesday Novemeber 11th, 2009 for both active duty and retired military from 10 AM – 3 PM. Veterans interested in FREE services of Elemential Facial, Body Bliss Massage, and Hydrofying Hair must call Natural Elements Spa & Salon for their appointment. (757) 436-1141.
In Greenbay, WI, veterans and their families get into the zoo free on Nov. 11, 1009. For info call (920) 434-7841.
In Scottsdale, AZ veterans can get a one-hour massages in its Student Clinic from Nov. 16 – 21.
Michigan veterans can get free plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2680 Leonard NE, Suite 4, Grand Rapids. This is for any Michigan vet injured while on active duty. The injury must be the type that is treatable with cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. The offer is good only throughout the month of November for scheduling appointments. The actual surgeries will take place sometime after the first of the year, most likely in January.
UCLA Athletics is giving away free tickets (one each) to veterans for the UCLA vs. Washington football game at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, CA on Nov. 7, 2009. Vets can also get a buy-one-get-one free ticket deal.
To get either deal, present valid ID or show up in uniform at the UCLA Central Ticket Office (M-F, 10am-4pm) or at the Rose Bowl on game day (general admission and reserved ticket offers). Two, call the UCLA Central Ticket Office during business hours at (310)UCLA-WIN to purchase tickets over the phone and pick up with valid ID or uniform at the Rose Bowl will-call on game day (reserved tickets only). Three, secure the promotional code from your military organization’s leader and click here to purchase your tickets online (reserved tickets only).
Viva Amore Bridal Salon in Watertown, MA (outside Boston) is giving free bridal gowns to engaged military personnel who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or whose fiances are on active duty, according to The Boston Channel. There are a limited number of gowns and they are given out on a first come first-serve basis.
The gown giveaway takes place from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13. “To qualify, brides must be engaged, on active duty in the military, or have a fiancé on active duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan,” the story says. Bring military ID, your deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof. You do not have to live in Boston to
Brides do not have to live in the area to participate. For more info, call Viva Amore at 617-924-4600.
The seafood restaurant McCormick and Schmick’s is giving veterans a free lunch or dinner on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. The special menu includes cashew-crusted tilapia, grilled Atlantic salmon, seafood fettuccini alfredo and cedar-planked salmon. Sounds tasty.
Anyone who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for the free meal. Bring proper identification – a VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID – and show it to your server when you are seated.
To accommodate as many Veterans as possible, the restaurant will not seat parties larger than 6. The list of participating McCormick and Schmick’s includes dozens of restaurants in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, VI, WA, WI.
Thanks to Free Fun Guides for letting me know that all military families can get in free to all National Parks, Forests, Reserves, Monuments Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 in honor of Veterans Day!
The fee waiver applies to entrance fees only. The deal applies to national forests, public recreation lands managed by Interior’s National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation and Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service. Many National Parks have military significance, including these.
The National Parks Traveler blog posted this list of parks having special events on Veterans Day:
World War II Memorial, Washington, DC – 8 a.m. color guard from the
Military District of Washington, special speakers, wreath-laying, and taps.
Contact: Friends of the National World War II Memorial, (202) 747-4258.Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC – 1 p.m. annual Veterans Day
Observance at the Wall. Contact: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at (202)
393-0090.Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania – 10:30 a.m. wreath
laying at the National Memorial Arch with the Friends of Valley Forge Park
and the Korea DMZ Veterans Association. Contact: Ann Marie Maher at (610)
783-1006 or maher@valleyforge.org.General Grant National Memorial, New York – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. living history
displays and demonstrations of the evolution of the American Army during
the 19th century. Contact: Mindi Rambo at (212) 668-2208 or
mindi_rambo@nps.gov.
Thanks to the Miltiary Finance Network blog for a few Veteran’s Day discounts that I missed.
Lowe’s and Home Depot often give military members and veterans a 10 percent discount on military holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and around the 4th of July. Be sure to ask and bring your ID!
The Golden Corral restaurant is serving a free meal on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 p.m. to anyone who served in the US Military. The deal is open to all veterans, retirees, active duty military members, and members of the National Guard or Reserves. Find a location near you. Because this freebie is not on Veteran’s Day it means you can get a second free meal – assuming you also got on one Veteran’s Day.
If you are getting dressed up for Halloween, chances are you’re going to need some make up. EyesLipsFace (ELF) is a great source of super cheap make up. Most everything on the site is $1. Their video shows how to make yourself into an angel or vampire, though you can probably figure it out from looking at the page.
Oriental Trading is more of a party supply store, but they have three make up kits, including a glitter kit, a clown kit and a glow-in-the-dark white make up kit. At $2-$3 each, you can’t beat the prices!
If you’re not interested in buying make up online, drop by your local drugstore. Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens have low-priced make up and there are *always* make up coupons in the Sunday newspaper inserts. Rite Aid has a few beauty coupons online.
If you have a sizeable budget, check out MAC, which is known for BOLD colors, a must for Halloween, or Sephora.
Just looking for ideas? I Googled “Halloween make up ideas” and clicked on images. The results may give you a good idea of how to paint your face.
If you’re still looking for a costume, support BargainBabe.com and check out the clearance section at CostumeDiscounters.com!
I stopped by the 99 Cent Only Stores yesterday because their full-page Halloween ad caught my eye. Were the bargains as good as they looked in the paper?
Yes and no, but mostly yes. Here is what I saw:
- CANDY! Mostly non-brand name candy, but also plenty of premium treats, like Smarties, mini-Sugar Daddy’s, Tootsie Roll pops, Dots, mini-Butterfingers, mini-Baby Ruth’s, mini-100 Grand’s, mini-Junior Mints, Reese’s Pieces, and king size Hersey bars
- Halloween themed dishes, bowls, plates and trays for party food and snacks
- Paper plates, cups and plastic serving platters in orange and black
- Small decorations like tiny plastic pumpkins, curled ribbons, stickers, scarecrows and orange tissue paper
- Costume accessories like skull masks, bone gloves, and swords
- Costumes for small girls, including sparkly skirts and tops, pom poms, and purses
- Sparkly makeup and face paint
- Four types of witches hats
- Flashlights
I’m currently on a Smartie sugar high, thanks to my lack of willpower. I also bought an 8-pack of mini-Butterfingers which I have not opened…yet. Find a 99 Cents Store near you. If you live outside CA, NV, AZ and TX you’re out of luck!
Disclosure: 99 Cents Only was a sponsor of the Frugal Fe$tival.
Here are some of the best personal finance blog posts I’ve read recently.
Wise Bread knows how to make use of every part of the Halloween pumpkin you are about to carve. Recipes included!
The Digerati Life questions whether a 10,000 Dow will last, which means you’re going to be hearing the term “double dip recession” for a while. Haven’t we had enough bad news?
Cash Money Life writes about the IRS’ newly-released IRA contribution limits. No changes for 2010.
Trent at The Simple Dollars says there are 15 things he loves than money.
The Street shares a survey that says price is the biggest factor for where folks will do their holiday shopping. That’s good news for Wal-Mart and Target. “In fact, 80% of the survey’s respondents said they require at least a 10% discount in order to justify making a purchase,” the story says.
Still looking for a Halloween costume? PureCostumes.com has a range of traditional costumes like jailbird, witch, and 50s poodle skirt girl, above. Plus, you can get 12 percent off using code BargainBabe. If your tab is $100 or more, get free shipping with code SHIP100.
I saw costumes for as little as $8 on the site and for as much as $90. Most were priced between $10 and $40. Toddler costumes ranged from from $8-$45, most kids costumes were $20-$30, adult costumes were mostly $20-$40, and the majority of the plus size costumes were $30-$40.
Under each age category there is a clearance section with slightly lower prices. You can also search for costumes by price.
The site lets you calculate the shipping before you fully check out, which is a nice feature. Shipping to Los Angeles was $8.70 and up.
