I know it’s not the end of summer yet. Technically at least. But as the school season starts up, it’s pretty much over, right? So it’s got me thinking back to all the different odd jobs I held as a kid. The best was probably this one summer I spent working various odd jobs in the neighborhood with my neighborhood friends Eddie, Gary and Ethan. Gary’s next door neighbor was looking to get some work done in her backyard, so she offered Gary some money to do it, and he brought the 3 of us in.

I can’t recall how old I was but it must’ve been a teenager, probably around 13 or 14 maybe. The first thing she wanted us to do was tear down this old wooden shed she had in the backyard, and then build a new one for her. (One of those metal kit ones that are pretty much like a big Erector set. Easy to do if you just follow the directions well enough.) So a bunch of teenagers grabbed sledgehammers, axes, you name it and went to town destroying this building. And getting paid for it. Pure awesomeness.

Building the new shed was clearly not as much fun. Now, I’m real good with directions. Give me a 1,000 Lego pieces and a clear-cut instruction sheet, and I’ll gladly build you the Tower of Pisa, or the moon landing or whatever. But my friends, well.. let’s just say at least 1 or 2 of them weren’t as good. And there were sooooo many times we had to stop, unscrew pieces and start that section over. (Thanks again, Ethan. Ahem.) Eventually we finished and it came out pretty good.

I don’t remember too many details of the other things she had us do, except for one. She wanted to put in a nice patio in her backyard. So with the neighbor’s supervision, we helped dig a huge pit, then helped layout the big slabs that would make up the patio, and then helped pour the cement in-between the pieces to firm it all up. That was rough work out in the hot summer sun, but you know, it was real rewarding too.

We got paid decently, got to hang out together and did some real manual labor. Plus, I remember the woman bringing us out snacks and drinks all the time. Mostly Devil Dogs and lemonade. Heh. I don’t know why that’s sticking in my mind so much, but I have a clear picture of us sitting on the grass eating Devil Dogs, with our legs crossed, as we joked about whatever horrible sitcom was on the night before. Definitely a summer to remember.

COUPON TIME:

If i can find a coupon for any Drake’s Cakes product (Yodels! Ring Dings! Devil Dogs!) it’s all yours. Promise. But since I dont’ have any on me, here are a bunch of home improvement coupons for ya covering everything from appliances to ladders to bed and bath.

12% off your order at SmartBargains!
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. Up to a Maximum Savings of $24.
Use the above link to activate the coupon. Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: September 30, 2008 11:59pm PT
New customers only. This coupon may only be redeemed once during the promotion period. Not valid on prior purchases, pending orders or with any other discounts, certificates or promotions. Offer applies to merchandise purchases only. Does not apply towards the purchase of a SMARTShoppers Club membership. This offer is valid on orders which are placed and confirmed by SmartBargains on or before 11:59pm PT on July 31, 2008.

40-60% off select Lighting & Ceiling Fans  at HomeDepot.com
Valid through: August 27, 2008

$5 off online orders over $50 at Target.com
Use this link to activate the promotional code.
Valid though: September 30, 2008
Offer applies to purchases of $50 or more based on merchandise subtotal. Merchandise subtotal based on one shipping destination per order. GiftCards, e-GiftCards, gift wrap, tax, or shipping and handling charges will not be included in determining merchandise subtotal and are not discountable. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers or discounts or applied to previous orders. Offer available for Target.com orders only and does not apply to Peg Perego, Apple iPods, Bose electronics partner businesses, custom clothing, personalized gifts, or Amazon.com product purchases. Discount not available when using 1-Click ordering online.

Up to $750 back after rebate on Electrolux Appliances
Use this link for details and the rebate form.
Valid through: September 6, 2008

Extra 10% off your order at Rugman
Plus Free Shipping!
Use promotion/coupon code 10%MORE
Valid through: September 2, 2008
Not valid on custom order items. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer does not apply to Rugman.com Accessories, Consignment or Outdoor Products.

$5 off online orders over $50 at LampsPlus.com
Use this link to get the coupon code.
Valid through: September 30, 2008
Online only. Offer valid on regular priced, in-stock merchandise only; not valid on previous orders, special orders, sale items, mark-downs, clearance center items, or with other coupons or discounts. In ceiling fan category, only valid on Casa Vieja brand. Not valid on Hubbardton Forge, Schonbek, Minka, Minka Aire, George Kovacs, Metropolitan, Ambience, Kichler or Holtkoetter brand products. Not valid on items that require Freight shipping.

$20 off a plank when you buy a ladder and a plank together
Use promotion code lgpk21.
Valid through: September 1, 2008
Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

Okay, so there’s no weekday that starts with a “P.” Just pretend the “P” in Pfriday is silent! And stop asking so many questions…

Anyways, I get a decent number of emails at EverybodyLovesCoupons, so I thought I’d grab a few of the latest that were from folks pointing out some nice printable coupons. Sorry, no silly story today about how I’m like the worst person in the world with scissors and nearly cut my ear off like Van Gogh when I was 6 (no, not really, though I am pretty bad with scissors). Instead, here’s just a few good printables to get you through the weekend.

$5 off $20 at your local Walgreens
Valid: August 22 and 23, 2008 during regular store hours.
Thanks, Tish!

Buy One, Get One Free: Off PowerPad Lamp
It’s an insect repellent with more repelling power than 15 citronella candles and protects up to 225 square feet. I hate mosquitos, but they seem to love me. So I may have to give this one a shot!
Thanks, Jamie!

$1 off Ronzoni Bistro
Bistro is an innovative new line of quick, portable pasta meals made with the finest ingredients that are easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Just 90 seconds in the microwave. That’s all I needed to hear…
Thanks, Alyssa!

$10 off $25 at Yankee Candle
Valid through: September 20, 2008

Target coupons
These change up weekly and are generally for food purchases at Super Target.

$5 off a Jiffy Lube Oil Change
Valid through: January 1, 2009

Lots more printable coupons. when you sign up at Coupons.com.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Funny how as a kid, you loooove going to school. Not sure exactly when that changes, but probably around 6 or 7th grade the “fun factor” has completely worn off. I never went to camp as a kid, though. Well, when I was real little my mom tells me I went to the local town camp (few hours a day just doing crafts and such), but I have zero memories of that.

Instead, I remember long summers spent with pretty much my three good buddies: Ethan (who lived next door and was my age), and Gary and Eddie who lived around the corner and were both a year older. None of us went to camp, so we pretty much spent every day together I’d say. Lots and lots of bike riding, whiffle ball or kickball games, badminton even. On the rainy days, we’d hunker in someone’s basement either playing board games or Atari for hours and hours and hours. Course there was always the town pool which I remember spending a LOT of time at every single day.

As much as I wasn’t a big fan of school in my later years (I was actually a good student though. Fine. Say it. I was a nerd. I can’t argue.), by the last few weeks of August, I was pretty bored. Even school seemed appealing at that point. Of course that lasted for about a full week of school, until I couldn’t wait until the first weekend and then the first big vacation.

I know some schools in the country have already started up. By us, the school year always kicks off a day or so after Labor Day. September 3 is the first day in our district this year, and my little guy (well he’s the older of 2 actually) is starting kindergarten this year. He’s still early on in his academic career, though, so he’s super anxious to “get learning” already. Sad thing is, he’s too darn smart for his own good. So I wouldn’t be too surprised if he ends up teaching his teachers a thing or three this year…

COUPON TIME:

School’s in! So are lots of Back to School sales and deals. Whether your kid’s just starting out or back at college, here are a bunch of the latest Back to School coupons to help you out with clothing, shoes, computers, books and more.

20% off online orders at ShoeMall
Plus Free Shipping!
Use coupon code 20BACK.
Valid through: August 26, 2008
Not valid on sale items. Excludes Camper, Crocs, Diesel, Geox, Globe, Harley-Davidson and Merrel brands.

$11 off an order of $110 or more at 1800CONTACTS.com
NEW INTERNET CUSTOMERS:
Enter order code UC297 in your shopping cart and press UPDATE CART.
Valid through: September 2, 2008
New Internet customers only. Free shipping and any rebate offers can be combined with this coupon.

15% off your online order at The Children’s Place
Valid online only. At checkout, enter web code FA78.
Valid through: September 2, 2008

$200 off a customized HP Pavilion Notebook PC configured at $999 or greater
Plus Get an Instant Rebate of $100-$200 depending on model selected
Limited to the first 2,700 coupon redemptions
Use coupon code NB9970.
Valid through: while coupon supplies last
Excludes Special Edition dv2700t, Special Edition dv6700t, Artist Edition dv2800t, and HP dv7zValid online only. Offer limited to the first 2,700 coupons redeemed. Maximum 1 redemption per person or address. Restrictions apply. (For complete conditions, see “Coupon Information” in the Customer Service section of the HP Home Store.)

$6 off online orders over $60 at Alibris
Use coupon code SCHOOL at checkout.
Valid through: September 15, 2008
Minimum purchase amount includes only the cost of books, movies or music, and not shipping or any applicable taxes. Cannot be applied to previous orders. Cannot be combined with any other coupons

3% off online orders over $80 at ecampus
Use coupon code BUY380.
Expires: September 30, 2008

Free Shipping on orders over $50 at Edmund Scientifics
Use coupon code ucfree.
Valid through: December 31, 2008
Note: Discount will NOT work if you use Google Checkout. Standard ground shipping only. Minimum purchase amount applies to merchandise only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Might exclude certain telescopes, binoculars, GPS devices and digital cameras.

 I just got back from a great conference in Boston (Affiliate Summit East if anyone’s interested), hence the lack of blogging over the past few days. I met a lot of great people, made new friends, caught up with old ones, learned a few new tips and tricks of the trade, and most importantly filled my belly with gallons of delicious clam chowder. (Pronounced “chowdah.”)

I drove out on Sunday from NY and it took just under 4 hours to get there. When I stopped for gas along the way, I also swung by McDonald’s for a quick late breakfast snack. I’ve been dying to try their southern style chicken biscuit sandwich. So I did. And while it’s fairly simple and straightforward, it’s also pretty darn tasty. I’d definitely get one again.

And word on the street (big thanks to that petite mommy Amanda for the heads-up) is that you can download a coupon good for a free one this Friday on McDonald’s Face the Glory site. I’m guessing McD’s will put the coupon up tomorrow, or else everyone would download it right now and try to use it early. So take a look tomorrow and hopefully you’ll see it.

Also, I’ve been so incredibly busy lately that there something I’ve been meaning to show you all but haven’t had a chance to yet. I’ve been working out hard, eating right and training like mad. Yep, I’m out there fighting for all you guys and girls, trying to bring home the Gold for good ol’ U.S. of A! Take a look if you don’t believe me…

COUPON TIME:

Since I don’t have the McDonald’s coupon up yet (sorry, I can’t travel in time to see if it shows up tomorrow), here are a few new awesome coupon codes to keep you from ripping my head off.

$20 off an order of $100 or more at OnlineShoes.com
Use Promotion Code 8FALL20 at Step 3 of checkout.
Valid through: August 18, 2008 11:59pm PT
Offer is valid on regularly priced, sale, or clearance merchandise, excluding the following brands: Dansko, Earth, ECCO, Keen, Mephisto, Merrell, Patagonia, Puma, Sperry Top-Sider, and UGG Australia. Additional restrictions may apply. Not valid on previous purchases. May not be combined with any other offer.

$25 off online orders over $100 at Lucky Brand Jeans
Use coupon code 8CLASS.
Valid through: August 31, 2008
Not valid on jewelry purchases, shipping charges, taxes, or gift certificate/gift card purchases. Other restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. One discount per transaction.

15% off web orders of $125 or more at Sierra Trading Post
Use this link to activate the coupon. Discount will be reflected in your shopping cart. (You should see a note saying “Your 15% off discount has been applied to all eligible items”) Do not enter a keycode during checkout. Valid through: August 18, 2008
Valid online only. Not valid on previous orders. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Extra 50% off Dining Certificates at Restaurant.com
Use discount code GOODBUY.
Valid through: August 17, 2008 11:59pm CT
This discount is in addition to the everyday discounts at Restaurants.com. So if you buy a $25 Certificate for $10 and use a 50% off coupon, you pay only $5!

15% off orders over $100
20% off orders over $250 at Ross-Simons.com
Plus Free Shipping!
Use promotion code 2TIERFS.
Valid through: August 17, 2008 11:59pm ET
ONLINE ONLY. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes clearance merchandise, gift certificates, prior sales, loose diamonds and mountings, select brands and art gallery purchases. Free shipping valid for standa

If you’re superstitious, you may want to be careful today (or buy extra lottery tickets), since it’s August 8, 2008. Yes, that makes it 08-08-08. (And if you’re a large hairy dude named Hurley, you may be freaking out a bit right now and want nothing to do with lottery tickets…)

In honor of this crazy day, Restaurant.com is offering it’s highest discount ever for one day only. (Actually, they JUST extended it through Sunday, so I’m updating this post. Woot!) So I thought I’d share it with you since it’s such an incredibly great deal. If you like to eat out a lot or even every once in a while, you can save some serious money by buying Dining Certificates at a discounted price. Normally you can get a $25 certificate for just $10, which unto itself is a great deal. But when they offer 50% off coupons, it costs you just $5. Great deal, right? Well today you can get 80% off certificates! So if you’ve ever thought about giving these a shot, today’s your day!

Extra 80% off Dining Certificates at Restaurant.com
Use discount code FIRST.
Valid through: August 10, 2008 11:59pm CT
This discount is in addition to the everyday discounts at Restaurants.com. So if you buy a $25 Certificate for $10 and use a 80% off coupon, you pay only $2!

The first football game I ever attended as a kid was a Jets game. I must’ve been about 7 or 8 I’d guess. I was (and still am) a Steelers fan and my dad’s always been a Giants fan, so I have absolutely no clue why we were going to a Jets game. I should ask him now, not that he’d remember. But my guess is he somehow got free tickets.

Anyways, all I remember are 2 things from that game so many years ago. It was insanely cold. Like illegally cold. The kind where you’re not just shivering, but your skin actually hurts. I remember having a green Jets wool hat on, a scarf, gloves and my winter coat zipped up to my chin. I think hot chocolate was involved somewhere in there too.

The other thing I remember? The crowd. This was back when the Jets were an awful team. Yeah, I should be more specific, right? Heh. Well the crowd loved to chant and boo, and my virgin-like ears were completely rattled when I heard all the people around me start chanting, “Bullsh–!” (Yes, I’m censoring it since this is a family friendly blog after all…)  I don’t remember if it was a bad call by the officials or a bad play by the Jets. I just remember hearing the crowd cursing up a storm and not knowing what to think. Except that it was kinda cool.

Why am I bringing up these Jets memories? Simple. If you’re a football fan, or even a causal news listener, you’ve had to have heard that former Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre (who retired last year) is now un-retired and a NY Jet. So it should be a real interesting NFL season this year.

COUPON TIME:

And yes, I even have some Favre-specific coupons for you! How’s that for service?

Get 10% off the New Brett Favre Jets Jersey at NFLShop.com
Use this link.
Valid through: August 31, 2008

Get 15% off New Brett Favre Jets Jersey at DicksSportingGoods.com
Use this link.
Valid through: August 31, 2008

Get 15% off New Brett Favre Jets Jersey at CBSSportsStore.com
Use this link.
Valid through: August 31, 2008

More Sporting Goods Coupons

Today I had the pleasure of attending a Yankees game at Yankees Stadium, while the NY Yankees were out of town. (They’re currently losing 5-4 to Texas as I write this post.) So what was I doing at the House that Ruth Built while the Yanks were gone? I was watching my good buddy Jeff fulfill one of his dreams. Playing in Yankee Stadium.

Every year the Yanks host a “Yankees Fantasy Camp” down at their Florida Spring Training facility. For a hefty fee, fans spend a week at the camp, playing real games with old Yankees players, getting tips from coaches, etc. Well, this year for the first (and last) time ever, they hosted a special 1-day Camp at Yankee Stadium itself. And Jeff just couldn’t pass it up. He also was allowed to have 10 guests attend the event, and yeah, I couldn’t pass that up either!

I’ve been to Yankee Stadium three times this year alone and let me tell you, it is a completely different experience when the place is almost empty. I’d say there were maybe 100 or so people in the stands watching this exhibition game. I got their early enough to get a front row (literally) right behind home plate. Sitting that close to the field alone was worth it. But when some of the “Legends” came over to the stands to pose and sign autographs before the game, it was even cooler. Sure I had no clue who half of them were, but I definitely recognized recent Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, and made sure to get his signature and a photo. Some of my other favorite players from years ago that played included Bucky Dent, Ron Guidry and Oscar Gamble.

I didn’t catch any foul balls, but I did get a few free hot dogs courtesy of a real nice BBQ lunch they threw for everyone in attendance right out there in monument park. So I snarfed down a pair of dogs while staring at plaques of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle, you name it. It was really an all-around fun, amazing and surreal day. Oh, and in case anyone’s wondering… Jeff did a bang-up job. Sure he struck out his first at bat, but he followed up with a single and a double. We won’t discuss his control problems while pitching on the mound though…

COUPON TIME:

With baseball on the brain, what else can I offer you up but some great Sporting Goods coupons? Okay, I can also toss in a good GNC coupon to get some weight-gaining supplements! Gotta work on those home run swings, ya know.

20% off online orders over $75 at FootLocker
Use this link to activate the coupon. You should see promotional code LKS18GLK in the box during checkout. Valid through: August 30, 2008
Not valid on gift cards or team orders. Some items are excluded and will say “This item is currently excluded from any promotional discounts” under the product description. Quebec residents excluded from online purchases. Not valid on prior purchases or open orders. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

15% off AND Free Shipping on orders over $100 at GNC.com
Online only. Use this link to activate the coupon.
If necessary, enter promotion code FREE100 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: September 30, 2008 11:59pm ET
One time use only. Minimum purchase amount is before GNC Gold Card discount is applied. Not valid on previous purchases, exchanges, special orders or Gift Cards. Not valid with any other offer except GNC Gold Card discount, including purchase or renewal of a GNC Gold Card. 20% GNC Gold Card discount is applied after coupon deduction. Discount does not apply to the purchase of a GNC Gift Card. Not valid on purchases of select fitness equipment, alli products, Perfect Pushup, Everyday Low Price Items and Contour Anti-Snore Pillow. GNC Products that are Buy One Get One 50% off or Buy One Get One Free cannot be combined with any discount except the GNC Gold Card discount. Free shipping offer applies to ground shipping within the continental United States only. Offer does not apply when shipping to P.O. boxes. Surcharge will be applied on oversized items at a rate of $1.50 per each 5 lb. of additional weight.

15% off a purchase of $100 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Get 15% off orders of $100 or more!”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon. If there’s a problem, enter promotion/discount code DSP_15UC at checkout.
Valid through: August 31, 2008 11:59pm ET
Limit $200 discount per customer. Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Offer excludes all electronics/optics. Offer excludes Atec, Bauer, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, CCM, Cobra, Coleman Boats, Columbia, DeMarini, Easton, Escape, Fitness Quest, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Future Beach, Garmin, Heelys, Hi-Tec, Horizon, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Leisure Life, Louisville, Louisville Slugger, Magellan, Magnum, Marmot, Miken Sports, Minolta, Mission, Mongoose, Motorola, Muzono Golf, Nike, Nike Golf, Oakley, Pelican, Pro Feet, Puma, Rawlings, Razors, Roces, Rollerblade, Salomon, Spira, Spring Step, Sole, Taylor Made, The North Face, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, World Industries, Worth and select other items. 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.

20% off online orders over $120 at Modells.com
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Get 20% off your entire order” Valid online only.
Use this link to activate the coupon or use Promotion/Discount code MODAFF08 at checkout.
Valid through: August 31, 2008 11:59pm ET
Maximum discount of $200. Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Discount excludes the following: Adams Golf, Asics, Atec, Bauer, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, Cobra, Crocs, Columbia, DeMarini, Easton, Escape, Eketelon Fitness Quest, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Horizon, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Louisville Slugger, Magnum, MBT, Merrell, Miken Sports, Mission, Mizuno Golf, Nike, Nike Golf, Oakley, Prince, Pro Feet, Puma, Rawlings, Razors, Rollerblade, Salomon, Skycaddie, Spring Step, Sole, Taylor Made, The North Face, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, Worth, all electronics/optics, ellipticals, treadmills, home gyms, weights and benches. If the coupon doesn’t seem to work on an item, the brand is probably excluded. Discount does not apply to gift cards, gift certificates, taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift wrapping and similar charges. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer nor is this offer valid on previous purchases. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. Valid online only.