A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my parents used to take us on “mystery rides,” usually with an ice-cream store destination. My sister reminded me, in the comments section, about the time we took a “mystery ride” to Pittsburgh.
The company my dad worked for at the time had a subsidiary in Pittsburgh, and occasionally he would travel there on business trips. All of us kids, still in the single-digit age range, thought that Pittsburgh must be an amazing, fun destination. After all, Dad got to go there and stay overnight in a hotel! What could be cooler than that?
One evening, Mom had some kind of meeting or other to attend, and Dad dropped her off at the meeting and then told us to close our eyes so we could go on a “mystery ride.” It was getting dark, and we sat back in our seats and listened to him giving us the grand tour, with our eyes closed.
Dad told us that we were passing through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, and that we could open our eyes now, because we were in Pittsburgh.
Rounding a bend on the highway, we all saw the huge New Jersey Bank building on Garrett Mountain in Paterson–a very familiar sight. We signaled to each other to be quiet, and we all let Dad continue his tour of “Pittsburgh,” obediently closing our eyes for the return trip through the tunnel.
Dad didn’t find out until long after we had all grown up that we knew the whole time that we’d never left Paterson, New Jersey. And he was not happy that the joke was on him.

COUPON TIME

All set to make real travel plans?

TODAY ONLY!
$50 off a 4+ night San Francisco vacation package at Travelocity
Use this link to view terms of the offer. Enter promo code SFO50NOW at checkout.
Valid through: July 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
To redeem your $50.00 USD discount, simply enter the code SFO50NOW into the Promotional Code field on the billing page and $50 will be automatically deducted from your qualifying Flight + Hotel purchase. The promo code may only be used on www.travelocity.com for the purchase of a Flight + Hotel in San Francisco and is not redeemable on other Travelocity products or gift certificates. This code is valid through 11:59 PM ET, July 31, 2009 . The code may not be redeemed in or exchanged for cash, and is not transferable. If lost or stolen, it will not be replaced. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer (including any other promo code) and must be redeemed at the time of purchase.
See other Travelocity coupons!

$100 off flight + 4 night vacation to Hawaii on Expedia
Use coupon code TBHAWAII100.
Valid through: August 15, 2009 11:59pm PT
Sample air/hotel package above includes 4 nights? accommodation plus roundtrip air for travel July 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009. Sample air/hotel package prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, package prices vary by date, departure city, and availability. Prices include taxes and fees for air travel. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Prices include taxes and fees for air travel. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
See other Expedia coupon codes!

Save $50 on 4+ night vacations with CheapTickets.com
Use promo code ACTX50.
Valid through: September 30, 2009
Book a qualifying hotel between July 1, 2009, and September 30, 2009, for 4 or more nights for travel between July 1, 2009, and October 31, 2009, via CheapTickets and instantly receive $50 off your booking through the use of the promotion code. To display qualifying hotels, click “I have a promotion code.” and enter the promotion code, then look for hotels marked with the icon “COUPON.” Limit one discount per hotel room and one promotion code per booking. Discount may not be used toward the booking of a vacation package. Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. CheapTickets reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion.
See other CheapTickets coupons!

Up to 40% off Chicago hotels at Hotels.com
Valid through: August 3, 2009
See other Hotels.com coupon codes!

One day Adult admission at Kid’s price at SixFlags.com
Enter code COLDSTONE in the ENTER PROMO HERE box at the top of the site.
Valid through: September 1, 2009
Valid online only. Valid only on specified regular operating days at select parks during the 2009 season. One ticket, voucher or season pass per person. No cancellations, refunds, rainchecks or exchanges; will not be replaced if lost, stolen or unused. May not be copied or resold and may be used only once. Duplication will result in revocation without refund and ejection. To request a name change, purchaser must accompany the new Guest, present photo ID and ticket/voucher at Guest Relations. Ticket or season pass voucher not valid at other parks or during private parties.
See other Six Flags coupons!

VISA CARD HOLDERS GET:
15% off qualifying hotels at Orbitz.com
Use promotion code SUMMERVIN and pay with your Visa card.
Valid through: August 15, 2009
Book a qualifying hotel and instantly receive 15% off your booking through the use of the promotion code. To display qualifying hotels, click “I have a promotion code.” and enter the promotion code, then look for hotels marked with the icon “COUPON.” Limit one discount per hotel room and one promotion code per booking. Discount may not be used toward the booking of a vacation package.
See other Orbitz coupon codes!

My kids wear uniforms to school. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there are good and bad points about this. 

GOOD:
I don’t have to fight with my kids about what they can wear to school.
I don’t have to hurry anyone along while they stand in their closet tossing clothes onto the floor, trying to decide what to wear.

BAD:
If you can’t find your uniform shoes, you miss the bus while you look for them, because you can’t just put on some other pair of shoes and get out the door.
You’re more limited as to where you can purchase uniforms, and you need to buy more things all at once instead of spreading out your purchases over time.

Don’t get me started on uniform shoes. My high-school student is required to wear a certain shoe that runs about $90. For a high-school boy. I don’t have $90 shoes, and my feet stopped growing decades ago. Boys’ feet do grow during the high-school years. They grow a lot, actually.

All in all, though, the good outweighs the bad. I’m willing to make the sacrifices necessary for an easier morning each and every school day.

COUPON TIME

If your kids wear uniforms, check out these deals on everything from shirts to socks!

10% off new arrivals at FrenchToast.com
Use promo code QE9GMS during checkout.
Valid through: August 3, 2009
Promotional code cannot be combined with any other offers. Discount applies to merchandise only, and does not include embroidery services. Online only.
See other French Toast coupons!

Free shipping on School Uniforms at Fingerhut.com
Discount will appear during checkout.
Valid through: August 27, 2009, 11:59pm CT
Applies to shipping within the contiguous United States on items from the Apparel/Kids/Uniforms section.
See other Fingerhut coupon codes!

15% off your order at The Children’s Place
During checkout, enter promotion code FA79.
Valid through: September 7, 2009
See other Children’s Place coupons!

$5 off $50 coupon at Sears.com
Use coupon code SEARS5OFF50.
Valid through: January 31, 2010
See other Sears coupon codes!

ONLY THROUGH SATURDAY!
Free Shipping on orders of $150 or more
Includes items from oldnavy.com, bananarepublic.com, gap.com, piperlime.com and athleta.com in the same order. Use coupon code FREE150.
Valid through: August 1, 2009 11:59pm ET
$150 qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, and excludes Giftcards purchased, packaging, taxes, and shipping & handling charges. This offer is good for standard shipping only to your order’s first “ship to” address anywhere in the US and Puerto Rico. Cannot be used for adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount. Not valid at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic stores, or at Gap Outlet or Banana Republic Factory Store.
See other Gap coupons!

30% off your order at Justice
Use coupon code 817 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: unknown
Not valid on electronics, music, media or gift cards.
See other Justice coupon codes!

I feel like a carnival barker–but this is no side show here, and certainly no freak show! It’s just the Ultimate Coupons team, bringing you the very best savings that are about to expire! That’s right, it’s almost the end of the month. This is no time to procrastinate–these savings are going away fast.
Did I mention that these deals are for a limited time only? Oh yes, the clock is definitely ticking on the savings we’re highlighting today. So get busy and take advantage of these terrific offers.

COUPON TIME

Step right up and enjoy the savings!

Use Bill Me Later and get:
$20 off orders over $100 at Tiger Direct
New Bill Me Later customers only.
Valid through: July 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Minimum order amounts are before shipping and tax. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Limit 1 per customer.
See other TigerDirect coupons!

EXPIRES TOMORROW!
10% off orders of $65 or more plus free shipping at Petco
Use this link to activate the coupon or use promotion code affreg.
Valid through: July 30, 2009
Valid online only. Valid for standard shipping. Excludes dog/cat food, dog/cat litter; wild bird seed, Live Fish & Rock; out-of-stock items, Donations, Gift Certificates and Gift Cards; merchandise purchases through Bottomless Bowl & More subscriptions; shipping or applicable taxes. Additional exclusions may apply and will be noted on the product detail page. One use per customer.
See other PETCO coupon codes!

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$20 off an order of $100 or more at Bluefly
Use promo code AFF20.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
New customers only. Minimum purchase excludes charges for gift-wrapping, shipping, applicable taxes and duties or gift certificates. Can be used once per person. Offer cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts and promotional codes or applied retroactively to previously placed orders. You may need to log in in order to use this coupon. Does not work with Google Checkout!
See other Bluefly coupons!

SUMMER SALE
Up to 75% off select items at Cross.com
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
See other Cross coupon codes!

30% off orders of $150 or more at GNC.com
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Offer does not combine with any other promotions. Valid only at GNC.com. The following products are excluded from this promotion: Hot Buy or Super Saver items, Deal of the Day products and select fitness equipment.
See other GNC coupons!

$15 off $150 or more of Acuvue Contact Lenses at ACLens.com
Use coupon code ACUVUE in the “Special Comments or Instructions” box during checkout.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
May not be combined with other sales, discounts, and coupons at AC Lens.
See other ACLens coupon codes!

Today’s my birthday, but we’re not going to talk about how old I am.  Fair warning to my sister and brother who read this blog:  if you post my age here, it will be edited out of the comments.  Yes, I can do that.  I might not be a Tech Genius, but I can do that.  Especially since it’s my birthday. 

When my dad’s birthday was approaching, he always used to save any greeting cards he received, so he could open them all at once on his birthday.  I don’t know if that was his own idea or a family custom, but he did that for years.

That would drive me nuts.  If I get mail with my name on it, I’m not letting it sit around just because it’s not my actual birthday yet.  And does that mean that you have to leave those inevitable “belated” cards until the following year?  I don’t think so.  I say, open the cards as you get them, and let the celebration last for days.

After all, you only get to turn 44 once in your life.

COUPON TIME

Are you planning a birthday celebration for someone special in your life?  We’ve got great birthday deals today!

10% off an order of $80 or more at BirthdayInaBox.com
Use this link to activate the Promotional Code.
Valid through: September 30, 2009 11:59pm ET
See other Birthday in a Box coupons!

$20 off online orders over $100 at Birthday Express
Use promotional keycode ULTIMATE.
Valid through: August 1, 2009
Not valid on previously placed orders. Cannot be combined with other offers.
See other Birthday Express coupon codes!

15% off an order of $29.99 or more at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM
During checkout enter promotion code ULTIMATE.
Coupon may be used more than once.
Valid through: January 5, 2010 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Discount does not apply to shipping charges. Cannot be combined with other coupons or used on previous purchases.
See other 1-800-flowers.com coupons!

10% off online orders over $100 at ShindigZ.com
Use promotion code SZCJC9 at checkout.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
See other SHinDigZ coupon codes!

TODAY ONLY!
$5 off orders over $45 at Zazzle
Use coupon code SUMMER5OFF45.
Valid through: July 28, 2009
This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only and is not valid on Smilestore.com, Zazzle.ca, Zazzle.com.au or Zazzle.co.uk orders.
See other Zazzle coupons!

10% off your order at David’s Cookies
Enter coupon/discount code SUNLS at checkout.
Valid through: August 15, 2009
See other David’s Cookies coupon codes!

You never know what kind of surprises we’ll have in store for you on Weird Holiday Monday.  There are savings of all kinds, and of course nothing but the best deals will do.

August is American Adventures Month! Working on some last-minute vacation plans?  Think about this!
$100 off flight + 4 night vacation to Hawaii on Expedia
Use coupon code TBHAWAII100.
Valid through: August 15, 2009 11:59pm PT
Sample air/hotel package above includes 4 nights’ accommodation plus roundtrip air for travel July 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009. Sample air/hotel package prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, package prices vary by date, departure city, and availability. Prices include taxes and fees for air travel. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Prices include taxes and fees for air travel. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.
See other Expedia coupons!

August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month! Educational games make reading and math fun for everyone.
Free Shipping on orders over $40 at LeapFrog.com
Applies to ground shipping.
Use promotion code JUNE9EEC in your shopping cart.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Shipping discount will appear at Review Order Page. Purchase amount necessary to qualify for free ground shipping does not include tax or shipping. No substitutions or cash equivalents. LeapFrog reserves the right to change this promotion at any time. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. This offer can not be used for purchases made through LeapFrog School or the Employee Store.
See other LeapFrog coupon codes!

July 27 - Aug 2 is World Hackysack Week! I never did get the hang of that game.  I think you have to be young and flexible to play it!
Free shipping on orders over $75 at PacSun
$5 flat shipping on orders under $75
Applies to standard shipping.
Valid through: September 9, 2009
If shipping to multiple addresses, the total order amount for each delivery address must be over $75 to qualify. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and APO/FPO military addresses do not qualify for free shipping.
See other PacSun coupons!

July 27 is Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day. Give those indoor plants a chance to see if the grass is really greener on the other side of the window.
10% off your order at Park Seed
Use bonus code FABPARK.
Valid through: August 18, 2009
See other Park Seed coupon codes!

July 28 is National Milk Chocolate Day! And it’s my birthday too.  Maybe that’s why I’m such a fan of chocolate.   The Macadamia Chocolate Chunk cookies look amazing–don’t miss them!
10% off your order at David’s Cookies
Enter coupon/discount code SUNLS at checkout.
Valid through: August 15, 2009
See other David’s Cookies coupons!

July 30 is Cheesecake Day. No explanation necessary…
$10 off an order of $75 or more
$20 off an order of $100 or more
$40 off an order of $150 or more at Frederick’s of Hollywood
Use this link to activate the discount code.
Valid through: August 15, 2009 11:59pm PT
Don’t enter another discount code in your shopping cart or you’ll lose your current discount. Minimum purchase amount is before tax and shipping. Not valid with other offers, for previous orders or with gift certificates. Subject to reduction by returns, cancellations or exchanges. Offer valid only at Fredericks.com.
See other Frederick’s of Hollywood coupon codes!

August 1 is World Wide Web Day. And don’t surf the web without a good antivirus–that’s just asking for trouble.
10% off Norton Antivirus at Symantec
Use coupon code 10%OFF09.
Valid through: August 10, 2009
Online only. Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.
See other Norton AntiVirus coupons!

August 1 is also Sweet Corn Day. Time-Life has some fabulous collections–I’m tempted to get the “Flower Power” boxed set.
10% off your order at Time-Life.com
In your shopping cart, enter coupon code AFSAVE10.
Valid through:August 18, 2009
To claim your coupon: Enter AFSAVE10 in the coupon box on the shopping cart page. This exclusive offer expires August 18, 2009, 11:59 p.m., Central Time and applies to any order. Only one coupon code per customer. Coupon cannot be used in combination with any other coupon offer or prior purchases and does not apply to preview offers. Additional fees apply for expedited shipments. We can ship orders to US and FPO/APO addresses only.
See other Time-Life coupon codes!

August 2 is Sister’s Day. Go through all those childhood pictures, lose the ones where you’ve both got bad haircuts, and make a nice memory album for your sister!
40% off a purchase of $40 or more at Snapfish
At checkout use coupon code ULTCOUPJUL09.
Valid through: August 4, 2009
Plus, new Snapfish customers get Free Prints. 40% off $40 coupon can be used once per customer. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Valid for mail order only, not store pickup.
See other Snapfish coupons!

For my twelfth birthday, I got my ears pierced.  That was a really big deal–I’d been waiting for a long time to get earrings.

Mom decided that at the same time she took me to the jeweler (this was before there were piercing shops at every mall), she’d take my sister and let her get her ears pierced too.  Boy, I was mad about that.  I had to wait until I was twelve, and my sister was only ten.  How unfair!  But now I look back on that whole thing with a parent’s eyes.  Mom probably didn’t want to go through the whole “watch your kid get holes put in her ears with what looks like a giant staple gun” more than once.  Better to get both girls’ ear-piercing done on the same day.

Naturally, the highlight of the whole day was picking out earrings!  There were so many choices.  And I couldn’t wait until the four-week healing period was over so I could change my earrings and wear cute dangly ones.  Of course, those were against the rules at school, and with a short haircut I couldn’t hide that I was wearing them.  After all, if you’ve gotten your ears pierced, the last thing you want to do is hide them under your hair!

COUPON TIME

20% off your order at ICE.com
Use this link to activate the coupon code. If there are any problems, enter coupon code ICE20.
Valid through: July 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
One coupon per customer. Excludes sale items, engagement rings and items under Hollywood Jewels. Cannot be combined with any other coupons.
See other ICE.com coupons!

$10 off orders over $25 at Diamonds International
Use Reference Code GIFT10.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
See other Diamonds International coupon codes!

$10 off orders over $100 at Gordon’s Jewelers
Use this link to activate the promotional code.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Offer excludes clearance, loose diamonds, gift cards, select designers, swiss watches, repairs and special purchases. Offer may be used one time, cannot be combined with any other offer, is not redeemable for cash and cannot be used as credit towards your Gordon’s Jewelers® credit account. Offer may not be applied to previous purchases.
See other Gordon’s Jewelers coupons!

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY!
10% off Ruby Jewelry at Sears.com
Use coupon code RUBY10.
Valid through: July 25, 2009
See other Sears coupon codes!

Free shipping at Limoges Jewelry
Use coupon code SHIPAL9.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
See other Limoges Jewelry coupons!

SALE ENDS SUNDAY!
25% off your order at Ross-Simons.com
Use promotion code EXTRASAVE.
Valid through: July 26, 2009, 11:59pm ET
VALID ONLINE ONLY. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes clearance merchandise, gift certificates, prior purchases, loose diamonds and mountings, select brands and art gallery purchases.
See other Ross-Simons coupon codes!

Nothing brings joy to the heart of a bargain hunter like the words “Clearance Sale!”  You never know what treasures you’re going to find when you poke around in the clearance section.  It’s always worth a look. 

I was pleased to see that my daughter is beginning to learn the beauty of the clearance sale.  She doesn’t shop online yet–as a teenager, she still prefers to go to the mall in person.  (She’ll learn.)  A week or so ago, she went to the mall with a friend and scored two pairs of shorts and a t-shirt for $17.  Regular prices on those items would have totaled over $60.

Then she heard about a clearance sale that promised to be amazing.  It was held at a consignment store.  Shoppers entering the store were given bags and would pay $10 for any clearance-marked items they could fit into that bag.  Did I mention that it was a pretty small bag?  For that matter, it was a pretty small store, with teenagers (and a few moms) all over the place, stuffing and rolling and folding and squishing clothes into these small bags.  And the line!  We waited an hour and 15 minutes to pay for our $10 bags of clothes, all the while listening to music that was, well, not my favorite.  I’m in no hurry to do that again, but my daughter has definitely been bitten by the bargain bug.

I’m happier to do my bargain-hunting online.  It’s easier on the feet (and the ears.)  And there are no lines.

COUPON TIME

Great summer-clearance prices and no lines!  What could be better?

ANNIVERSARY SALE
Up to 43% off select Fall Fashions at Nordstrom.com
Use this link to view eligible items.
Valid through: August 2, 2009
See other Nordstrom coupon codes!

TODAY ONLY: Free shipping on orders of $65 or more at Bealls
Applies to standard shipping to one address.
Enter promotion code AMP during checkout.
Valid through: July 23, 2009
Applies to standard shipping. Offer valid towards one shipping destination, not valid when shipping to multiple addresses. Excludes express shipping, taxes, items with shipping flat fees, in-store postal service and gift wrapping.
See other Bealls coupons!

Free shipping on orders containing $75 in Men’s Jeans or Sneakers at Macys.com
Enter promo code NEWBLUES in your shopping bag.
Valid through: July 27, 2009
Minimum purchase amount for Free Shipping does not include gift wrap charges, purchases of gift cards or tax. Offer applies to Standard Shipping to one location. Free Shipping does not apply to Coach, area rugs, furniture, mattresses, or purchases on macysweddingchannel.com. Due to size and/or weight, certain items bear a shipping surcharge, which will still apply. When shipping to multiple addresses, only shipping to the first address will be free; Standard Shipping will apply to all other addresses. Offer cannot be applied to purchases being shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, US Territories or APO/FPO addresses.
See other Macy’s coupon codes!

Free shipping on orders of $75 or more at Constructive Playthings
Use coupon/promo code 2590 during checkout.
Valid through: August 3, 2009
See other Constructive Playthings coupons!

25-60% off select Women’s and Juniors’ Shoes at Kohls.com
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: July 25, 2009
See other Kohl’s coupon codes!

25% off select Charmglow Grills at the Home Depot
Valid through: July 29, 2009
See other Home Depot coupons!

And no, we’re not talking about that brand of beer that owns its own team of Clydesdales. 

We’re talking about earbuds.  With two teenagers who own mp3 players, I should buy the things in bulk.

Why is it that they can send people into space in a reusable space shuttle, but not invent earbuds whose wires don’t get all tangled up and that don’t begin to disintegrate in under three months?  My daughter has just set an earbud-breakage record–this last pair only worked for nine days before falling to pieces.

The kids are getting picky about their earbuds, too.  It’s not good enough anymore to just run out and get any old replacement buds.  You have to find the in-ear kind, with the three sets of tips for the perfect fit.  My daughter wants colorful ones (preferably orange, her favorite) while her brother refuses to even think about earbuds in anything but basic black.

And then there are the fancy features, like magnetized backs that keep the buds stuck together when not in use–though I haven’t noticed that those tangle any less than the non-magnetized ones.  But there is an upside–unlike headphones, earbuds don’t mess up your hair.

COUPON TIME

Looking for great deals on electronics?  Here you go:

10% off your purchase at Computer Geeks
Use coupon code ultimatecoupons. Not valid for products marked “GEEK Special”. Must pay with a Visa or MasterCard. Discount may be relected in item prices rather than a single discount deducted from your subtotal. Cannot be combined with other discount/promo codes.
Valid through: March 1, 2011
See other Computer Geeks coupons!

5% off sitewide at 6ave.com
Use coupon code AFL5.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Online only. Excludes: Apple, Bose, Samsung, Velodyne, and Control 4 Products.
See other 6ave.com coupon codes!

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$5 off a purchase of $100+ in the Electronics Store at Buy.com
Use this link.
Valid through: July 31, 2009 11:59pm PT
See other Buy.com coupons!

NEW CUSTOMERS:
5% off online orders at MCM Electronics
Use coupon code NEWREG.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
See other MCM Electronics coupon codes!

Back to School Savings:
Extra 15% off Sony Outlet PCs, Sony Ericsson Phones & more
Valid through: July 25, 2009
Discount applied during checkout. Clearance and refurbished products only.
See other Sony Style coupons!

STUDENTS & TEACHERS:
Buy a Mac for college, and get a free iPod touch
Students/Teachers/Staff - Make sure you shop through The Apple Store for Education!
If you’re a college student or a faculty or staff member at any grade level and you buy a new Mac before September 8, you can get a free iPod touch.
Valid through: September 8, 2009
Please see website for qualifications. Purchase your Mac and iPod touch at the same time to qualify for your online rebate. After you receive your Mac and iPod, submit your claim online by October 8, 2009.
See other Apple Store coupon codes!

My favorite part of any painting project is choosing the color. While I admit that the millions of color choices available can be overwhelming, it’s always fun to check out the names of the paint colors.

There are names based on foods: Mandarin, Navel (like the orange), Mesclun Green, Pickle–and that can be a bad thing. I’ll reject a paint color simply because it’s named after a food I don’t like. It could be a gorgeous color, but I’d never pick a paint color named Caviar, Pungent Saffron, Peas and Cream or Soy. On the other hand, Mocha, Apricot, Malted Chocolate and Watermelon would tempt me!

There are names based on movie characters. These paints are usually marketed to children. I doubt that most adults would admit to painting rooms not designed for children in colors like Prince Charming, Sorcerer’s Hat, Mickey’s Pants, Tigger’s Tummy or Tiara Pink.

There are names based on nature. Sea Glass Green, Deep Forest Pine, Marigold Petals, Morning Heather and Dolphin Gray are easy to identify. Then again, you’ve got Ice Storm, Stormy Night, Coastal Plain and Tradewind. It amazes me that weather conditions and geographical features would lend themselves to color names!

And then there are the completely random names–names that might not seem to match with the paint color at all. What color is Canyon Echo or Moroccan Velvet? Who chooses what color Salute is? At least Stop was, appropriately, stop-sign red. Cheery is a strawberry pink–but I’d probably choose that name for a bright shade of yellow. And just what makes it Obstinate Orange or Humorous Green, anyway?

COUPON TIME

Whether you’re painting your home or working on some other project, we’ve got terrific home-improvement deals for you today.

15% off American Blinds Designer Collection at American Blinds
Enter coupon code DESIGN15 at checkout.
Valid through: July 23, 2009
See other American Blinds coupons!

INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE
Up to 83% off select items at NorthernTool.com
Valid through: September 15, 2009
See other Northern Tool coupon codes!

10% off orders of $49 or more at Solutions.com
Use coupon code 13212 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: August 15, 2009
Not valid on gift cards. Cannot be combined with other coupons.
See other Solutions coupons!

$20 off a Telescoping Work Plank at LittleGiantLadder.com
Use promotion code lgpk21.
Valid through: unknown
Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.
See other Little Giant coupon codes!

$5 off online orders at eFaucets.com
Use coupon code GIMMIEFIVE.
Valid through: Ongoing
See other eFaucets coupons!

15-20% off Levelor special order blinds & shades at Home Depot.com
Valid through: July 29, 2009
See other Home Depot coupon codes!

Sorry about that title!  Sometimes bad puns are what I’m all about.  So I’ll let you get straight to the savings.  Hang onto some of these links–we’ve got some long-running offers today.  And why not pass the word on to a few friends?  It’s nice to share.

July is National Hot Dog Month. Hot dogs are great for the kids–why not toss a few steaks on the grill for the grownups.  This is a fabulous deal!
Up to 68% off plus 3 FREE gifts at OmahaSteaks.com
Use this link to activate the offer.
Valid through: October 31, 2009
See other Omaha Steaks coupons!

July is National Recreation & Parks Month. It’s the perfect time to enjoy yourself outside.
15% off online orders at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Receive 15% off your Order”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: July 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Limit $200 discount per customer. Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Offer excludes Adams Golf, Air Rifles, Asics, Atec, Baby Jogger, Bauer, Bear Archery, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, Cleveland Golf, Columbia, Cobra, DeMarini, Easton, Ektelon, Escape, Fitness Quest, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Fred Bear Equipment, Head, Horizon, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Lobster, Louisville Slugger, Magnum, MBS Mountainboards, MBT, Merrell,Miken Sports, Mission, Mizuno, Mongoose, Nextt Golf, Nike, Nike Golf, Oakley, Picnic Tables, Prince, Pro Feet, Puma, Rawlings, Razors, Rollerblade, Salomon, Schwinn, Skycaddie, Speedstik, Spring Step, Sole, Taylor Made, The North Face, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, and Worth, all electronics/optics, ellipticals, treadmills, home gyms, weights, benches, and select basketball systems. If the coupon doesn’t seem to work on an item, the brand is probably excluded. Not valid on the purchase of gift certificates and gift cards, taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift wrapping and similar charges. Not valid on previous purchases. Valid online only.
See other Dick’s Sporting Goods coupon codes!

July 19-25 is National Baby Food Week. Those little jars and tubs of food are pricey–you’ll want to save any way you can!
$10 off $100 or more in Baby at Meijer.com
Enter promotion code mjr10baby in your shopping cart. You must be logged in to use this code.
Valid through: July 31, 2009, 11:59pm ET
The discount is computed on each product total after all other coupons and discounts are deducted but before tax, shipping and handling, and other surcharges are calculated. Offer excludes gift cards, Meijer Extended Protection, specialty order grocery, and online pharmaceutical refills.
See other Meijer coupons!

July 23-25 is Lumberjack Week. Be a responsible lumberjack–replant after you cut down!
$20 off orders over $50 at Michigan Bulb
Use this link to activate the coupon code at checkout. Do not enter another coupon code or special offer code, as you may lose your discount.
Valid through: Ongoing
See other Michigan Bulb coupon codes!

July 20 is National Lollipop Day. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?
Free shipping on orders over $30 at FannieMay.com
Valid online only. Use key code 36000.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
See other Fannie May coupons!

July 22 is Health & Happiness with Hypnosis Day. Or you could redecorate your way to relaxation.  It’s up to you!
10% off your order at Brylane Home
Enter code BHASUMMER2 in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: September 30, 2009
Not applicable to payment of prior orders, bills or charges. One offer per customer. Cannot e combined with any other special offer or promotion. Excludes the purchase of electrics, artwork, select bathroom accessories, select slipcovers, gift certificates, and gift cards.
See other BrylaneHome coupon codes!

July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day. Take good care of your skin–so when you’re a Grandma, you’ll be looking as good as you can.
10% off all skincare orders over $100 at DERMAdoctor.com
Use coupon code DDLINK100 during checkout.
Valid through: August 7, 2009
See other DERMAdoctor coupons!

July 24 is Tell an Old Joke Day. Don’t get my 7-year-old started.  He always messes up (or forgets) the punch line.
Free shipping on orders over $49 at Spencer’s
Valid through: July 31, 2009
See other Spencer’s coupon codes!

July 26 is Parents’ Day. This parent will be spending that day doing laundry and packing for vacation!
5% off orders of $50 or more at Wine.com
Enter promotional code FIVEJULY and click “Update Cart”.
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with other coupons.
See other wine.com coupons!