Yesterday we asked our daughter if she would help out at the Pinewood Derby.  She wasn’t sure what kind of help she could provide, and I told her she could be a “spokesmodel.” 

But she’d never seen the movie “L.A. Story,” so the idea of a spokesmodel was foreign to her.  (Remember Sarah Jessica Parker in that move?  “Just a model who speaks, and she points at things like merchandise, like a car or washer and dryer, or a book or fine art prints.”)

Even though we’re not huge moviegoers in our family, we still find expressions from movies creeping into our everyday conversation.

If one of the kids gets too nosy, we’ll ask them:  “What’s your record for consecutive questions asked?”  They all know that the correct response to that is, “I’m a kid.  That’s my job.”

Everyone mispronounces things when they’re nervous, and when that happens, my husband will say, “I’m your density.”

And when someone’s feeling snubbed, we observe, “These lights are off on purpose.”

“Anyone?  Anyone?  Anyone?”

COUPON TIME

Why not stroll down Hollywood’s Memory Lane and revisit your favorites with your family?

Buy 2 used CD’s or DVD’s, get 1 free at FYE
Use this link to view the promotional code.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Cannot be combined with other offers. fye.com reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

10% off when you buy 2 items
15% off when you buy 3 items
20% off when you buy 4 or more items at the Nickelodeon Shop
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Offer valid only while supplies last and not applicable to canceled orders due to out-of-stock merchandise. Some exclusions apply. Discount does not apply to gift certificates, gift cards, taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift-wrapping or similar charges. Discount not applicable with returned merchandise; total discount will be deducted from the value of any returned item to which the discount applied. 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 and customer is responsible for all shipping costs for returned merchandise.

OSCAR FAVORITES DVD SALE
Save 40% on Oscar Favorites DVDs at Barnes & Noble
Valid through: unknown

NEW CUSTOMERS: $5 off a purchase of $75 or more in the Videos/DVDs, Games & Music Stores at Buy.com
Use this link.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm PT

$6.99 DVD sale at BestBuy.com
Use this link for details.
Valid through: March 7, 2009

Buy tickets to Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience
and get a free download of the music video Tonight on iTunes!
Use this link to get all the details.
Valid through: March 9, 2009

Tonight my younger son’s Cub Scout pack will hold its annual Pinewood Derby.  Even if you’re not involved in Scouting, you’ve probably heard of this event. 

Cub Scouts (boys between the ages of 6 and 11) receive a car kit:  a block of wood, four nails and four wheels.  The wood has slits for the nails, which act as axles.  And that’s it.  The boys are responsible to design and cut their cars, attach the wheels, add some weights, paint and race their cars.

Most often, these Pinewood Derbies become competitions to see whose dad is better at woodworking, shellacking, and engineering.  It’s fairly obvious going in to the event that the majority of these cars are not built by grade-school-age boys.

This is basically the male version of Toddlers and Tiaras.  Pageant Moms have nothing on Derby Dads.  These are the guys who show up at the post office every day to weigh their son’s car and make sure it hasn’t gone over the five-ounce limit once that nineteenth coat of shellac was applied.  Apparently the theory is, if the car can’t be fast, it should at least be shiny.

You can tell the boys whose dads have completely taken over the derby-car-building process.  These boys don’t even bother to watch the race.  They huddle in a corner and pull out their Nintendos or Pokemon cards while their dads hunch over the track and cheer loudly.  And if their cars happen to win the race, it’s a good bet that Dad will be the first one up to accept the trophy.

One of the best parts of the Derby, in my opinion, is the non-race awards.  These allow those kids who actually did some work on their own cars, and whose cars fell apart on the track, to still win a prize.  So we give out certificates for “Most Colorful” and “Most Patriotic” and even “Most Valuable Car.”  That one goes to the car that has the most coins glued to it as weights.  A panel of impartial judges (nobody’s dad or big brother) give out these awards, and the judging takes place before the race.  Not being impartial, I don’t get to be a judge tonight, but I’ll enjoy every minute of my little boy’s first Derby.

COUPON TIME

If your car runs on a real road instead of a wooden track, these deals can help you keep it humming along.

$15 off orders of $100 or more
$30 off orders of $200 or more at JCWhitney.com
Use promo code DAWBBX9 in your shopping cart and click “Add Promo”.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Minimum order requirement is based on merchandise total only, not including shipping, tax or sale-priced items. This offer may not be used with any other promotion or discount or for the purchase of gift certificates. One discount per order.

$30 off an order of $399+ of auto accessories at AutoAnything
Use coupon code AASAVE30.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Due to manufacturer restrictions, offer excludes AEM, AFE, Access, Airaid, B&M, BAK, Banks, BedRug, Beltronics, Borla Exhaust, Brembo Rotors, Bully Dog, Corsa, Covercraft, Diablosport, Edge, Escort, Extang, Hypertech, K&N, MileMarker, Power Slot, Ramsey, Roll-N-Lock, S&B, SCT, Skyjacker, SnowSport Snow Plow, Superchips, Superlift, Thule, Truxedo, Undercover, Warn, Weathertech, Yakima, and Zymol products.

Free Shipping on mailable orders over $99 at Sears.com
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Free standard shipping applies to mailable items only. Offer applies to merchandise shipped via normal UPS ground service only (most items under 150 lbs). Not valid on tools, items purchased from landsend.com, kmart.com, Sears Parts Direct, Sears licensed partner websites, digital services, Sears Presents, and Shop At Home catalogs. Shipping is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico.

Goodyear: Up to a $50 Rebate
Buy a set of 4 select Goodyear tires and you may be eligible to receive up to a $50 mail-in rebate. Click this link to see a list of eligible tires.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Valid on in-stock tires. Valid in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (includes APO/FPO).

Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more
Use discount code SABX9.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Minimum order requirement is based on merchandise total only, and does not include shipping and tax. This offer may not be used with any other promotion, sale price or discount. Shipments outside the continental U.S., freight items (numbers ending in “E”), Express Delivery orders and very large or heavy items requiring FedEx Ground Delivery are excluded. Only one discount per order.

$10 off orders over $100 at Parts Train
Use this link and coupon code PTF10.
Valid through: Unknown

One nice thing about traveling is the luxury of accommodations that are different from home. 

Who can resist a large, comfortable bed with a thick duvet, tons of pillows and a signature hotel bathrobe?  It’s so relaxing to walk into a spotless hotel room.  Nothing is out of place.  The bed is perfectly made–and you won’t have to make that bed in the morning.

And of course it’s always a nice touch when there are chocolates on the pillow.

One year for our anniversary, my husband surprised me with a stay in a luxury hotel in a nearby city.  It was a wonderful place.  The bathroom was larger than my kitchen at home.  Everything in the room was beautiful.  Yes, there were chocolates on the pillow!  But that hotel was so luxurious that there was nowhere to get coffee in the morning.  My husband had to find a lunch truck on a city street corner to get us our morning wake-up beverage.  That was the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.

COUPON TIME

Whether your travel budget allows for luxury hotels or the kind that promise to leave the light on for you, these offers can help you make the most of your vacation!

Save $75 on 4+ night vacations with CheapTickets.com
Use promo code ACTX75.
Valid through: March 31, 2009

$50 off Las Vegas Last-Minute packages at Travelocity
Minimum 2 passengers
Use this link to get the promo code and view terms of the offer.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid for the purchase of a Flight + Hotel Last Minute Deals package for at least two travelers. Not redeemable on other Travelocity products or gift certificates. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer (including any other promo code) and must be redeemed at time of purchase.

$50 off New York City Last-Minute packages at Travelocity
Minimum $700 purchase
Use this link to get the promo code and view terms of the offer.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid for the purchase of a Flight + Hotel Last Minute Deals package for at least two travelers. Not redeemable on other Travelocity products or gift certificates. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer (including any other promo code) and must be redeemed at time of purchase.

Up to $100 Rebate on your Hotel stay
Use this link to view the coupon.
Get $20 with a 3-Night Booking
Get $30 with a 5-Night Booking
Get $50 with a 8-Night Booking
Get $75 with an 10-Night Booking
Get $100 with a 12-Night Booking
Valid for reservations booked online through March 31, 2009
Must travel by May 31, 2009.

Las Vegas: 2 free Cirque du Soleil with purchase of a 3-night package at select resorts through Expedia.com
Use this link for details.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Offer not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Limit 2. Some restrictions may apply. Not available on all ticket prices. Tickets have no cash value. Offer does not apply to group reservations and may be cancelled or modified without notice at any time. Show tickets can only be redeemed by the Primary guest whose name appears on the package reservation. At check-in, guests must place a credit card or cash deposit on their reservation in order to receive their show tickets. All show tickets must be reserved no later than February 28, 2009.

Free shipping on $50 or more of Luggage at Target.com
Valid through: February 28, 2009

Save on 2 or More Travel Accessories at Magellan’s
Use this link to view eligible items.

Last weekend we visited Providence to watch a basketball game.  Notre Dame was playing Providence College in their only meeting this season.  Neither team has had a stellar season, but that really didn’t matter to me.  It was a Notre Dame game, and that’s my school–my team. 

My team did not disappoint.  Taking the lead early in the game with one of their famous three-pointers, the Irish never gave up the lead.  Providence came close a few times, but never was able to pull ahead, and finally the Irish came out on top with a 19-point win.

We were warned before the game that the arena would be filled mostly with Providence fans, but I saw a few other people wearing leprechaun sweatshirts.  My daughter painted the “ND” logo on her dad’s and brother’s faces, and “Go Fight Win” on her own.

Our seats were up in the very top, but we didn’t miss a second of the game.  And every time Luke Harangody made a basket, my first-grader Luke held up his homemade “LUKE!” sign.  He’s a little disappointed that the TV cameras didn’t spot him.  But while the sign may have failed in the mission of attracting a camera, I consider it a complete success.  First-graders get bored during basketball games.  The sign gave him something to do.  I’d get his attention every time Harangody or Luke Zeller had the ball, so he could get his sign ready.  If not for that sign, we’d have been dealing with a bored, whiny little boy for most of the game.

Luke still has his “lucky sign” and today we’ll hang it up in his room.  He made sure we knew that next time he sees the Irish play, he wants a sweatshirt.

COUPON TIME

If you need fan apparel before your next sporting event, check out these deals.

20% off one item at The Sports Authority
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “20% OFF any Single Item”
Valid online only. Use the link above to activate the coupon. If there’s a problem, enter promotion/discount code TSAFEBT20 in your cart.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer nor is this offer valid on previous purchases. Offer excludes Select electronics/optics, select fitness equipment, select table games, and trampolines & accessories, and Adams Golf, adidas Golf, asics, Atec, Baby Jogger, BagBoy, Bauer, Bowflex, Bridgestone, Callaway, Carhartt, Cat Eye, Cleveland Golf, Cobra, Crocs, DeMarini, Easton, Ektelon, Escape, Fitness Quest, Footjoy, Head, Heavy Putter, Horizon, Huffy, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Lifetime, Lobster, Louisville Slugger, MacGregor, Magnum, Mammoth, MBT, Miken Sports, Mission, Mizuno, Nike, Nike Golf, Oakley, Prince, Pro Feet, Rawlings, Razors, Rollerblade, Salomon, Skycaddie, Sole, Spalding, TaylorMade, The North Face, Thule, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, Wilson Racquet, Worth, Yakima and select other items/brands. If the coupon doesn’t seem to work on an item, it’s probably excluded. Discount does not apply to gift cards, gift certificates, taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift-wrapping or similar charges. Entire order must be shipped to a single address.

15% off your entire order at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Receive 15% off Entire Order”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon. If there’s a problem, enter promotion/discount code DSP_15FEB at checkout.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm ET
Limit $200 discount per customer. Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Offer excludes all electronics/optics. Offer excludes Adams Golf, Asics, Atec, Baby Jogger, Bauer, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, Cleveland Golf, Crocs, Columbia, DeMarini, Easton, Ektelon, Escape, Fitness Quest, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Head, Horizon, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Lifetime, Louisville Slugger, Mammoth, Magnum, MBT,Merrell, Miken Sports, Mission, Mizuno Golf, Nike Golf, Oakley, Prince, Pro Feet, Puma, Rawlings, Razors, Rollerblade, Salomon, Skycaddie, Spring Step, Sole, Spalding, Taylor Made, The North Face, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, and Worth, and all electronics, ellipticals, treadmills, home gyms, recumbent bikes, and weights and benches. 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 orders of $100 or more at Eastbay.com
Use source code LKS19FE2 at checkout.
Valid through: March 2, 2009, 11:59pm CT
Items excluded from this coupon will say “This item is currently excluded from any promotional discounts.” Not valid on gift cards or team orders. Does not apply to prior purchases or open orders and cannot be combined with any other coupons/discounts.

$15 off online orders over $75 at FootLocker
Use this link to activate the coupon. If you do not see promotional code LKS19FB7 in the box marked source code, you will need to enter it before continuing with checkout.
Valid through: March 2, 2009
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.

Free shipping on Bats and Gloves over $49.99 at Fogdog Sports
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Free Shipping!”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon code.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Offer only valid while supplies last and is limited to sizes/styles available. Offer only applies to ECONOMY shipping. This promotional offer may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Note that this offer is only valid for orders shipped within the continental U.S. Items in your cart that are not eligible will still incur a shipping charge. Discount does not apply to taxes, gift wrapping or similar charges. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer nor is this offer valid on previous purchases. Not available for shipments to APO/FPO addresses or P.O. boxes.

Extra 20% off select Baseball Outlet items at MCSports.com
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon. Discount will be automatically calculated at checkout.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Offer excludes: All electronics & optics and brands including but not limited to Atec, Bauer, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, CCM, Cobra, Coleman Boats, Columbia, Crocs, 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 ACG,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. Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift certificates, gift cards, 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.

Once again it’s time for Weird Holiday Monday.  Monday doesn’t have to be a bad day.  Here at Ultimate Coupons we devote every Monday to bringing you some of the best of the holidays for the coming days, week, or month.  This list isn’t going to include famous holidays like Presidents’ Day or Groundhog Day.  Everyone already knows about those.  These are some of the lesser-known, but no less fun, celebrations.  And you can save money as you acknowledge these interesting occasions!

Month of February

February is Youth Leadership Month!
THE BIG $10 & UNDER SALE
Up to 66% off Tops, Bottoms, Undies, Flip Flops, and more at Justice
Valid through: March 9, 2009

February is National Mend a Broken Heart Month!
Extra 20% off a 6-month subscription at eHarmony.com
Save $35.94 on a 6-month plan. Pay $143.76 instead of $179.70! Use promotional code CJSPRINGPROMOGGHH.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Valid at eHarmony.com and eHarmony.ca. At the end of your subscription term your membership will renew for only $140.95 for six months. You may disable this option after completing your purchase on your Account Settings page.

February is Spunky Old Broads Month!
20% off your order at Shoes.com
Excludes Bags
In your shopping cart enter promo code HEART.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm CT
Not valid on Bags and the following brands: Allen Edmonds, Allrounder, Bragano, Bruno Magli, Burton, Cole Haan, Crocs, Dansko, Diesel, Donald J Pliner, Ecco, G Series, K-Swiss, LAMB, Keen, Kenneth Cole, Lucchese, Mark Nason, MBT, Mephisto, Merrell, Puma, Puma Black Label, Royal Elastics, Siren, Stuart Weitzman and Ugg. May not be combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Valid only on orders shipped to the U.S.

Last Week of February

February 23 through 27 is Read Me Week!
MasterCard Members get:
20% off one item at Barnes & Noble
Use coupon code J7M3C9V.
Valid through: April 30, 2009, 11:59am PT
Payment must be made with a Barnes & Noble MasterCard for discount to apply. 20% discount will be applied to the most expensive eligible item in the order and will be deducted after all other discounts, including the standard Member discount, are applied. Not eligible for purchases of the following products and services: Barnes & Noble Memberships, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, gift-wrapping, textbooks, products from the Rosetta Stone Series, items in an in-store ship-to-home order, shipping or handling expenses, products marked as “not eligible for Member discounts, coupons or promotional discounts”, or purchases made from third parties accessible from the bn.com website (e.g., used books, PC and video games, etc.). May not be combined with any other coupon. This coupon is not valid at Barnes & Noble College Bookstores.

February 27 through March 1 is American Crossword Puzzle Week!
15% off your order at OfficeDepot.com
Use this link and enter Coupon Code 75678616.
Valid through: February 27, 2009 11:59pm ET
Excludes most technology items. This offer is limited to one per customer and is valid for one-time use on delivery-only orders placed online. Valid on in-stock items only. Not valid for purchases: 1) by contract customers with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards; 2) from www.techdepot.com; 3) of Gift Cards; 4) of any technology items (including but not limited to all computers, monitors, printing machines, networking, peripherals, cameras, memory, software); 5) of postage stamps; 6) of product protection plans; 7) of HP ink and toner products; of wireless, satellite, internet, technology and installation or mailing, shipping or third party services. Cannot be combined with other “dollars off” or “percent off” coupons.

February 27 through March 1 is Telecommuter Appreciation Week!
Free items with every PajamaGram gift
With the purchase of robes, pjs or slippers, every PajamaGram gift includes: keepsake hatbox, lavender sachet, “Do Not Disturb” sign, personalized gift card and a decorative shipping box.

Holidays One by One

February 24 is International Pancake Day!
10% off the product of the month at Stonewall Kitchen

February 25 is Inconvenience Yourself Day!
VISA Card Members get:
$15 off a purchase of $75 or more at AceHardware.com
Use code ACEVISAJ09 in the promotion/discount code box at checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009 11:59pm ET
Excludes sale and clearance items, power tools, power equipment, water heaters, grills, gift cards and Carhartt clothing.. Not valid towards the purchase of gift cards. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Cannot be used on previously purchased merchandise. U.S. only. Might need to pay with a Visa card.

February 28 is International Sword Swallowers Day!
$20 off your order when you spend $100 or more on Polar Heart Rate Monitors at drugstore.com
You must use this link to get the discount.
Discount will appear at checkout.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
While supplies last. Limited to once per order. Minimum purchase doesn’t include, and offer doesn’t apply to, prescriptions, contact lenses, gift cards, gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, bulk orders, applicable shipping charges or sales tax. Void where prohibited by law. U.S., APO/FPO and U.S. Territory shipping destinations only.

Small electronic gadgets have really changed the way my family travels.

This weekend we’re headed to New England to visit my uncle and to see a Notre Dame basketball game.  You can’t get tickets to games when ND plays in my area, but it was no big deal to get these.  It’s about a 5-hour car trip. 

My first-grader’s biggest concern?  “Can I bring my Game Boy?”  Game Boys and Pokemon combine to give us a huge reprieve from the endless “Are we almost there?” interrogations.

My daughter will likely leave her Nintendo at home, but she won’t leave the house without her cell phone and iPod.  We probably won’t hear from her the entire time.  I hope she won’t spend the whole basketball game texting her friends instead of watching the Irish sink some threes.

And my husband will try very hard to convince me to leave the maps at home, because he has a GPS now.  He insists on using that gadget every day on his way home from work–a route he’s traveled for nearly fourteen years.  I’m just not sure I can put my paper map aside, plug in an address and trust TomTom to find the way there.

For some reason, the GPS makes me a little rebellious.  I talk back to it.  “You can’t MAKE me go that way.  I know my way is faster.  HA!  Now you will have to frantically recalculate my route.  No, I’m not going on that highway.”  (OK, it makes me very rebellious!)

Maybe I’ll have to bring my own mp3 player so I can ignore old TomTom.  Problem is, I’d wind up ignoring my husband as well.  Five hours is a long time to spend in a car when your traveling companions are all wearing earbuds.

COUPON TIME

Free shipping on orders of $50 or more at RadioShack.com
Selected products only, via standard ground shipping
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Applies only for standard ground shipping. Offer not valid on purchase of Desktop Computers. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. Offer not valid on previous purchases. Only applies to orders to be shipped to a valid address in the contiguous United States. Offer not valid on cancelled or out of stock merchandise.

Free Shipping on all orders at SonyStyle
Valid through: February 28, 2009

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, 2009

5% off online orders at 6ave.com
Use coupon code AFL5.
Valid through: Ongoing
Online only. Excludes: Apple, Bose, Samsung, Velodyne, and Control 4 Products.

NEW CUSTOMERS: $5 off a purchase of $100 or more in the Computers, Electronics and Clearance Stores at Buy.com
Use this link.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm PT

Shop at Brookstone through Shop.com and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: February 28, 2009
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at Brookstone.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

My senior year in high school, I worked in a bakery after school and on weekends.  That had to be the most fabulous job ever.  I’ve always loved breads, cookies, donuts and other baked goods, so what better place for me to work than a bakery where we were permitted to eat “whatever” we wanted to during the workday, as long as there were no customers in the store? 

(Fortunately, I had the kind of metabolism at that time that allowed me to eat like that, and the job kept me on my feet, moving, lifting, and cleaning, so that helped too.)

My brother thought that the best fringe benefit of my job was the once-a-week free layer cake.  He’d place his order:  chocolate cake, chocolate icing, chocolate filling.  The layer cakes were “coded” so we knew what kind of filling they had.   I think the all-chocolate wonder had a tiny puff of white buttercream and a maraschino cherry.  When I brought his cake home every week, my brother would cut it into four pieces and eat one piece for breakfast each day until it was gone.

Most of my work was done in the front of the store, where I’d add up the customers’ bills in my head while I wrapped up their orders, instead of using the register. It drove my boss nuts, but I was always right–and I could wait on customers faster than anyone else this way.

My after-school hours meant that the bakers were gone by the time I got to work; sometimes I’d meet them on my way out at the end of the night, when their workday was just beginning.  I had to learn to write with icing so that customers who came in for birthday cakes without pre-ordering could have their cakes customized.

I also got to help dip butter cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkles.  Worst part of that task?  Standing for hours on a small stepstool, moving only arms and shoulders.  Ouch!   Best part?  We got to eat the “mistakes.”

While I learned a few baking and decorating tricks during my time working at the bakery, I actually wound up learning more about cooking!  My mom wisely refused to cook dinner twice on the nights I worked, but she very graciously spent extra time in the kitchen anyway, teaching me how to cook individual portions of whatever the rest of the family would be eating later.  We didn’t have a microwave, so this was all cooking from scratch.  I really appreciate that she did this, because by the end of that year I had the ability to cook a small variety of healthy dinners.  That put me in a good position in college and graduate school when I was living in apartments and responsible to cook my own meals.  And it helped me develop a love of cooking that I still have today.  Thanks, Mom!

COUPON TIME

We won’t discuss my kitchen-gadget addiction just now.  Let’s just say that these offers are super-tempting to a whisk-aholic like myself.

$20 off an order over $200 at Cooking.com
Use this link to get the coupon/special offer code and the terms. If there are any problems, use the “Click to Redeem a Coupon” link in your shopping cart and enter code C88967.
Valid through: October 31, 2010
The following manufacturers/brands have requested to be excluded from this promotion and do not qualify: Aerogrow, All-Clad, Breville, Capresso, Chef’sChoice, Dyson, Emerilware, Global, Henckels, Jarden, KitchenAid Stand Mixers, Krups, Kuhn Rikon, Le Creuset, Lenox, Musso, Saeco, Screwpull, Shun, Staub, Viking, Weber Grills and Wusthof. Excludes all products shipping from the following suppliers: Ace-Mart, Allied Trade Group, Barbeques Galore, The BBQ Guys, Delightful Deliveries, igourmet, Jessica’s Biscuit, Organize.com, Signature Wines, Universal Appliance, and Up North Basket Company. Clearance Items, Gift Certificates and Gift Cards do not qualify. Cannot be combined with other special offers, including other affiliate site offers, rebates or miles, or promotional gift certificates. Terms subject to change.

Free shipping on select Kitchen items at Target.com
Valid through: February 21, 2009

Free 8-pc salad set with any purchase at Brylane Home.com
A $39.99 value!
Enter code BHSALAD4U in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: February 24, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion. Excludes wall decor, mirrors, small electrics, floor care, gift certificates, & gift cards.

7% off online orders at Compact Appliance
Use coupon code ULTCOUPON.
Valid through: March 31, 2009

Shop at Sur La Table through Shop.com and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: February 28, 2009
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at SurLaTable.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

Shop at CHEFS Catalog through Shop.com and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: February 28, 2009
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at chefscatalog.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

I taught myself to play guitar when I was a sophomore in high school, so I’m happy that my kids have started showing an interest in learning to play instruments as well.  In addition to my acoustic-electric guitar, we have one electric guitar, one acoustic guitar, one banjo and one “starter” guitar in the house.  That one’s a five-string at the moment, as my first-grader and his friends insist on “tuning” it, and that never ends well. 

Any given evening, you can find one of my teenagers in front of a computer, downloading chord charts or tabs for their favorite songs.  It fascinates me that they can go online and find step-by-step instructions on how to play.  I’d have learned so much faster if I’d had a resource like that.

There are pages of “Stop and Stare” on the floor in my daughter’s room, and my son is working on “The Joker” on his electric guitar and “La Bamba” on his sister’s acoustic.

And since his “starter guitar” is out of commission right now, my first-grader is working on vocals.  But he’s moved away from the rock music that his brother and sister like.  Instead, he’s started to develop his very own hip-hop persona.  Li’l Brother’s new favorite tune is the Bazooka bubblegum song, and he’s perfecting his dance moves to match.

COUPON TIME

For your aspiring musicians or music fans, Ultimate Coupons has all the best deals.

TODAY ONLY:

25% Off Select Home Audio Receivers at 6ave.com
Use coupon code AFLAUD25.
Valid through: February 18, 2009
Online only.

And some other great deals, all expiring at the end of the month:

Buy 2 used CD’s or DVD’s, get 1 free at FYE
Use this link to view the promotional code.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
Cannot be combined with other offers. fye.com reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

$20 off a purchase of $150
$35 off a purchase of $250
$60 off a purchase of $450 online at Musician’s Friend
Use the above link to view all eligible brands. 1,000+ brands are included in this offer. During checkout (NOT IN YOUR SHOPPING CART) enter Coupon Code WANT.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm PT
Valid online only. Offer not valid on catalog or previous purchases, or with other offers or discounts. Offer based on merchandise total of participating brands. Not valid on gift certificate or extended warranty purchases.

$30 off online orders over $200
$75 off online orders over $500 at Music 123
Use coupon code GIVE.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm PT
Instant savings shown in cart on merchandise total of qualifying brands. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Does not apply to purchases of gift certificates or extended warranties.

$20 off an order of $100 or more at Crutchfield.com
Use coupon code 3A825 in your shopping cart in the “Special offer or catalog code” box.
Valid through: February 28, 2009
May not be combined with other offers, one per customer. This discount is not valid on Alpine, Apple, Beltronics, Borla, Bose, Creative Labs, Eclipse, Escort, K&N, Kicker, Mirage, Polk Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Tivoli Audio, Yamaha, Sony XBR TV, Crutchfield package discount offers, digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, gift cards, prepaid installation and programming services, “scratch and dent” or “outlet” items. Minimum purchase amount excludes shipping, handling, and taxes. Claims from dealers/distributors, their employees, groups, clubs or Crutchfield employees will not be accepted. Cannot be used on prior purchases.

NEW CUSTOMERS: $5 off a purchase of $75 or more in the Videos/DVDs, Games & Music Stores at Buy.com
Use this link.
Valid through: February 28, 2009 11:59pm PT

I have a very vivid memory of the day my daughter, about age 10 at the time, came downstairs announcing rather sadly, “James Bob died.” 

I asked who James Bob was. “He’s the bug that was living in my light. I was trying to keep him alive by not turning the light on.”

(And all this time I’d thought she was just using her desk lamp for the “atmosphere.”)

Now that I was aware that it wasn’t necessary to dole out generous portions of tea and sympathy, I observed that a bug inside a globe light probably wouldn’t have had long to live, with no air or food source.

“But he did live a long time! He was in there since that weekend when my friend slept over! And even before that!” (Ewwww….and you’re just now mentioning that there’s a bug in there?)

I didn’t think it was wise to point out that if she had asked a grownup when she first noticed the bug, someone would have removed the globe and set the poor thing free. I thought it was best to wait until she was out of mourning, first.

COUPON TIME

I’m pretty amazed that she didn’t ask me to replace her light fixture after the bug funeral.  But I’m always looking for a good deal on items for my home.  Check these out!

$5 off online orders over $50 at LampsPlus.com
Use this link to get the coupon code.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
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.

Shop at Home Decorators Collection via Shop.com and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code BRDH5.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code BRDH10.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: February 28, 2009
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at homedecorators.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

Extra 10% off Wallpaper orders over $150 at American Blinds
Enter coupon code WPSALE at checkout.
Valid through: February 26, 2009

$25 off online orders over $500
$50 off online orders over $750
$100 off online orders over $1,250 at Rugman
Use promotion/coupon code ACJ10a
Valid through: October 1, 2009
Not valid on custom order and clearance items. Not valid on sale items except when the entire site is on sale. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Offer does not apply to Rugman.com Accessories, Consignment or Outdoor Products.

$20 off every order over $999 at AJ Madison
Use coupon code 46JZ5K5A at checkout.
Valid through: December 31, 2009

VISA Card Members get:
$15 off a purchase of $75 or more at AceHardware.com
Use code ACEVISAJ09 in the promotion/discount code box at checkout. Valid through: June 30, 2009 11:59pm ET
Excludes sale and clearance items, power tools, power equipment, water heaters, grills, gift cards and Carhartt clothing.  Not valid towards the purchase of gift cards. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Cannot be used on previously purchased merchandise. U.S. only. Might need to pay with a Visa card.

Once again it’s time for Weird Holiday Monday.  Here at Ultimate Coupons we’re working to end that bad association with Mondays by bringing you some of the best of the holidays for the coming days, week, or month.  This list isn’t going to include famous holidays like Presidents’ Day or Groundhog Day.  Everyone already knows about those.  These are some of the lesser-known, but no less fun, celebrations.  And you can save money as you acknowledge these interesting occasions–how cool is that?

MONTH OF FEBRUARY

February is National Cherry Pie month! Count me in.  I love cherry pie.  Maybe I’ll even learn to bake one myself!   I’ve got the pie crust recipe down, but have never tried making the cherry pie filling.  And I fully admit to being addicted to those individual-sized Hostess cherry pies they sell at the 7-11.  I’ll bet homemade ones would taste even better.

Free Shipping on online orders over $99 at CHEFS
Use this link to activate the Promotional Code.
Valid through: February 21, 2009
Valid online only for free shipping within the continental United States. Does not apply to previous orders. Items with additional postage and handling, items shipped directly from the manufacturer (listed as “AP” beneath the item price), express delivery orders, and gift cards do not qualify for free shipping. Not valid with any other offers.

February is also National Time Management Month! If your New Year’s Resolution to budget your time better has already fallen by the wayside, what better time than the present to get back on track?  Are you using your planner/calendar effectively?

15% off when you buy 3 or more Spring Catalog items at FranklinCovey
Spring Catalog is available for browsing on the FranklinCovey website.
Use promo code 18882 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: March 1, 2009

February is Wise Health Care Consumer Month! So get that medicine cabinet or first-aid kit stocked up.

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$5 off and Free Shipping with a $30+ order
OR
$10 off and Free Shipping with a $50+ order at Drugstore.com
Non-prescription orders only. Can be used once per household.
Use this link to activate the offer.
Valid through: December 31, 2009

THIS WEEK:

National Engineers Week is February 15 through 21. Every time I try to navigate my way out of the supermarket parking lot, I wish I were an engineer so I could find a way to fix that insane labyrinth.

$10 off online orders over $30 at ThinkGeek.com
Use promotion code GEEKPUZZLE.
Valid through: Unknown

International Friendship Week is February 17 through 23. Take some time this week to let your friends know how much you treasure them!  What about a vacation reunion with your friends?  Sounds good to me, especially if the location is tropical.

Save up to $400 on Bermuda Vacations at Orbitz
Save $400 on 4+ night vacations
Save $300 on 3+ night vacations
Use promotion code 4BERMUDA400 or 3BERMUDA300.
Valid through: March 27, 2009
To display qualifying hotels, go to the Hotels tab, click “I have a promotion code,” enter the above code and look for hotels marked with the icon “COUPON.”

Holidays One By One

February 15 is National Gumdrop Day. Didn’t get enough of these in December when you were making that gingerbread house with the gumdrop trim?  Have your fill now!

Free shipping on orders over $40 at Miles Kimball
Enter source code 10619101001 at checkout.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Valid for standard shipping only. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

February 19 is Chocolate Mint Day. And who’s more famous for chocolate mints than the Girl Scouts?  Your favorite Scout might need some camping equipment–this deal can help with that.

OUTLET BLOWOUT
Up to 60% off Footwear at Altrec
Valid through: March 31, 2009

February 21 is Clam Chowder Day. I live in a house divided.  I like the Manhattan (red) chowder; my husband and teenage son like the New England (white) variety.  But we all agree on one thing–soup and seafood are an awesome combination.

10% off online orders at Legal Seafoods
Use coupon code AFLQ129.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Not valid on gift certificates.

And lest he think I forgot, February 16 is my brother’s birthday!  Hope it’s a fabulous day!