Do you work better when you have a deadline?  Or do you just think you do?

I read an article a couple of years ago about “Pro Moms” who somehow manage to run their families in the same way that they used to run their offices, when they were in the workforce.  And frankly, I don’t know how they do it.

The home is not an office. It’s not a classroom. It’s a home, and it’s just different. I have been both a teacher and a software analyst, so I’ve worked in both environments, in positions where I had a certain degree of authority over others. I also had clear deadlines, and a definite beginning and end to the day. I have none of these in my current chosen vocation of Wife, Mom, Homemaker, Shopper, Baker, Family Taxi Driver, and Finder of All Lost Things. Even my Really Cool Planner can’t make me toe the daily-schedule line the way a school bell or the demands of a boss might.

And sometimes that makes it easy for me to just put things off for another day.  It’s nice to be able to do that when I have a sick child who needs my attention, or some other emergency comes up.  But I admit that sometimes I just allow myself to take the lazy way out and go with Scarlett O’Hara’s famous line:  “Tomorrow is another day.”

Maybe that’s why I need the motivation of “someone’s coming over” to really buckle down and get stuff done around here.  Because let’s face it–there will always be more laundry, more dishes in the sink, and more dirt to sweep off the floor.  (We won’t even go into the way the dust bunnies manage to multiply.)  Clearly I work better with the pressure of a deadline.

COUPON TIME

You’ve got a deadline to meet right now, because if you want to take advantage of any of these deals, you must do it today!

Free Shipping on a web order of $75+ at Sierra Trading Post
In your shopping basket enter keycode ALULTIMATE9.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
U.S ground shipping only. Must order online. Cannot be applied to past orders or combined with other offers.

ULTIMATE COUPONS EXCLUSIVE!
10% off orders over $99 at Coastal Contacts
Plus free shipping!
In the last box where you enter your name & address enter coupon code ULTIMATEDEAL10. (Use the “Have an Offer Code? Click Here” link to display the box if it is not already visible.)
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other coupon.

Free shipping on orders of $99 or more at Macy’s
Enter promo code FRESH in your shopping bag.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Some exclusions may apply. Only one promo code may be used per transaction. Offer applies to Standard Shipping to one location and may be applied to Premium or Overnight Shipping for an upgrade fee. Free Shipping does not apply to Coach, area rugs, furniture, mattresses, gift cards, 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. Free Shipping offer cannot be applied to purchases being shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, US Territories or APO/FPO addresses.

Free shipping and 45 free Acai Slim Complex Capsules with orders of $25 or more at Botanic Choice
Enter coupon code FREEACAI in your shopping cart.
Valid through: March 31, 2009

20% off online orders $75 or more at Collections Etc.
Enter Promotion Code 3FZZC3 during checkout. Instead of seeing the dollars off discount listed separately, the prices of the items in your cart will be reduced.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Online orders only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Does not apply to Collections Etc.’s eBay store. Not valid on sale priced items.

20% off the highest-priced item in your order at Brylane Home
Enter code BHBLOSSOM in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion. Discount will apply to highest-priced applicable item in your shopping cart. Excludes gift certificates & gift cards.

FREE companion airfare ticket with an order over $125 at Stacks and Stacks
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Qualifying amount does not include applicable sales tax, shipping, previous orders, framed art or gift certificates. Offer is limited to one certificate per order. Offer is not valid with International or Canadian checkouts. Free Shipping or Free Companion airfare offers may be used in conjunction with each other as long as the order is over $125 and contains free shipping eligible items. Once a qualifying purchase is made, you will receive a Registration Pin number and directions to the registration website via e-mail within 30 days from the purchase confirmation. When the on-line Registration is completed you will be sent via US Mail within 14 days, an activated voucher that contains a secure pin # and travel booking web site you can use to book travel online. Choose a flight on one of the 19 participating airlines to and from 110 cities. Offer applies only to travel between valid cities. Tickets must be purchased through Promotions In Travel. Minimum 14-day advance purchase is required. Seasonal/Holiday Blackouts will apply. Complimentary Airfares apply to base fare only; passengers are responsible for all taxes, fees, and other charges on both the complimentary ticket and the first ticket. All tickets are 100% non-refundable, non-endorsable, and non-transferable. Award may not be combined with other promotions or offers. Not valid where prohibited by law. See additional terms and conditions on registration website for full details.

Yes, I know that April doesn’t start until Wednesday, but this feature is called “Weird Holiday MONDAY” and we’re sticking with that!  And frankly, I’m ready for March to be over.  It certainly came in like a lion this year, with a big snowstorm, so I’m hoping that as my first-grader put it, it will go out “like a sheep!”

So without further ado, we present the first of the Weird Holidays for the month of April.

Month-long Commemorations

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. And water’s much healthier anyway…

Up to 37% off PUR Water Filtration products at drugstore.com
You must use this link to get the discount.
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
While supplies last.

April is Couple Appreciation Month. My husband and I were engaged in April, and my sister’s wedding anniversary is in April.  So maybe there’s something to that!  BUT this coupon expires tomorrow–don’t delay!

70% off Dining Certificates at Restaurant.com
Use discount code SAVE.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
This discount is in addition to the everyday discounts at Restaurants.com. So if you buy a $25 Certificate for $10 and use a 70% off coupon, you pay only $3!

April is Financial Literacy Month. I wonder if that has anything to do with a certain deadline on the 15th.

FREE QuickBooks Cash Register Plus  - a $299 value!
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: April 19, 2009

Weeklong Celebrations

March 29 through April 4 is Root Canal Awareness Week! Time to stock up on toothpaste.

$10 off orders over $100 at DERMADoctor.com
Use promotional code DD10LINK during checkout.
Valid through: April 10, 2009

April 1 through 7 is International Pooper Scooper Week! Make sure to clean up after your pet–and then make sure your pet is protected from fleas, now that it’s getting warmer.

15% off select Flea and Tick products for Dogs at PETsMART.com
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: April 6, 2009, 11:59am ET
15% will be automatically deducted from the subtotal (excluding sales tax & shipping) of select flea & tick products purchased. No credit or cash back. May not be valid with any other discount or offer. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at PetSmart’s sole discretion.

April 1 through 7 is also Laugh at Work Week! A little humor is a good thing, as long as it’s not at the boss’s expense.

Free Memory Foam Pillow when you buy 1 pack (6 rolls) of select 3M Scotch Tape
Use this link and scroll down to access the offer.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET

Holidays Day By Day

April 1 is Poetry and the Creative Mind Day. No fooling!  My daughter enjoys poetry and art, so this day was tailor-made for her.

$5 off online orders over $50 at Alibris
Use coupon code GRAND at checkout.
Valid through: April 8, 2009
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.

April 3 is Pony Express Day. I’m glad that mail delivery has come a long way since then.

FREE TRIAL: mailstation Digital Postage Meter at Pitney Bowes
Plus $50 FREE POSTAGE when you sign up
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. Use this link to try the mailstation free for 90 days.
Valid through: Unknown
An initial $30 postage deposit is required. If you are not completely satisfied, return the meter during the trial period with no further obligation. Any unused postage will be returned by the USPS. Offer good for new customers only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

April 4 is World Rat Day. Does that mean lab rats, mall rats, or those giant inflatable rats that unions set up in front of non-union construction sites?

Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more at PETCO.com
Use this link to activate the coupon or use promotion code affreg.
Valid through: April 29, 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.

It’s not like a Beatles song that will reveal secret messages–when you play country music backwards, according to a Rascal Flatts song,

You get your house back
You get your dog back
You get your best friend Jack back
You get your truck back
You get your hair back
You get your first and second wives back
Your front porch swing
Your pretty little thing
Your bling bling bling and a diamond ring
Your get your farm with a barn and a boat and the harley
First nite in jail with Charlie
Sounds a little crazy, a little scattered and absurd
That’s what you get when you play a country song backwards.

If you’ve ever listened to country music you know just how true that song is.  But I’ve also noticed, over the decade or so that I’ve been following country music, that there’s no type of music that’s more creative when it comes to song titles.  There are a lot of rock bands with clever names, but that doesn’t come close to the genius behind some of these titles.  So I thought I’d compile a list of some of my favorites–in no particular order.

“Do You Want Fries With That?”
“Ain’t Wastin’ Good Whiskey On You”
“Did I Shave My Legs for This?”
“Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”
“Here’s a Quarter; Call Someone Who Cares”
“My Give-a-Damn’s Busted”
“If the Devil Danced in Empty Pockets, He’d Have a Ball in Mine”
“Messed Up In Mexico, Living On Refried Dreams”
“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
“You Ain’t Much Fun Since I Quit Drinkin’”
“It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night that Chew Your — Out All Day Long”
“I’m in Love with You Baby, I Don’t Even Know Your Name”
“Sometimes You’re the Windshield; Sometimes You’re the Bug”
“I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was”
“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” (thanks for this title, Janet and Christina!)

You don’t have to like country music to appreciate these titles; sometimes the title is the best thing about the song!   If I didn’t include your favorite cleverly-titled country song here, why not list it in the comments?

COUPON TIME

Play a country song backwards–and save with these great deals on music, truck accessories, boots and more.

Free shipping on any size order at Stylin Trucks
Use coupon code NOMIN.
Valid through: Unknown
Valid online only. Standard ground shipping only. Items shipped truck freight or via expedited shipping will be discounted by amount of normal ground shipping. Extra charge for oversize items. Must be shipped within the continental United States. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

Up to 20% off select Dog Healthcare items at Doctors Foster and Smith
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: April 6, 2009

Up to 20% off select Horse Grooming items at Doctors Foster and Smith
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: April 6, 2009

$25 off orders over $125 at TimeLife.com
In your shopping cart, enter coupon code AF25OFF.
Valid through: April 17, 2009
Valid online only. Valid for Standard Shipping only. This offer does not apply to introductory and preview offers. One promotional code per customer. Merchandise total should be $50 or more, excluding taxes and shipping charges, before discount is taken. Coupon cannot be used in combination with any other offer, prior purchases, or gift certificates. US, APO and FPO customers only.

Take $5 off $35 at MusicSpace.com
Use link above to redeem this special. This special MAY be combined with the FREE SHIPPING offer on orders of 2 or more items. Enter coupon code MARCH5 at checkout.
Expires March 31, 2009.

20% off your order at Shoes.com
Excludes Bags
In your shopping cart enter promo code ULTIMATE20.
Valid through: March 31, 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.

15% off your entire order at Timberland
Use promotional code work15.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Valid on in-stock merchandise only; not valid on prior purchases. Some exclusions may apply.

Finally, the weather has turned warm enough for the kids to play outside for more than five minutes before begging to be let back in. 

This past week has been great.  Instead of listening to my first-grader and his friends play (and squabble) in my house, I can send them outside.  It’s not like there’s nothing to do.

On a beautiful day, they can ride bikes on the sidewalk.  They can draw on the driveway with chalk.  They can toss baseballs and footballs in the backyard.  They can blow enough soap bubbles to keep the Lawrence Welk Show stocked for a week.

Then there’s the new Nerf guns my little guy got for his birthday.  If it’s not so windy that the ammo would blow into the next zip code, they can “shoot” each other with foam darts until they get tired from all that dramatic “dying.”

And I thought my kids were getting too old for the sandbox, but I was proved wrong this weekend when my husband brought home a new load of sand.  The Tonka trucks came out, and they’re already begging me to hook up the hose so they can make rivers and moats.

COUPON TIME

We’re set for Tonka trucks and bubble soap, but my youngest does need a new bike helmet.  And it needs to look awesome.

$10 off your order of $75 or more when you use PayPal at ToysRUs.com
Valid through: March 30, 2009
Minimum excludes tax and shipping.

Free shipping on orders of $90 or more at FAO Schwarz
Use promotion code FAOEASTER in your shopping cart.
Valid through: unknown

Free shipping on orders of $65 or more at Constructive Playthings
Use coupon/promo code 2483 during checkout.
Valid through: March 31, 2009

$5 off an order of $50 or more at Highlights.com
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: Ongoing offer

SPRING SALE
Up to 40% off select Toys, Apparel, Collectibles and more at DisneyShopping.com
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: April 12, 2009 11:59pm PT

$3 off any LeapFrog Fridge Toy at LeapFrog.com
Use promotion code WT9FT3 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: April 30, 2009, 11:59pm CT
Online discount at LeapFrog.com only. No substitutions or cash equivalents. Discount applies to one item per order. This offer cannot be combined with other offers requiring a promotion code. LeapFrog reserves the right to change this promotion at any time. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. This offer does not apply to purchases made through LeapFrog School or the Employee Store.

Major League baseball teams are only about ten days away from the end of Spring Training.  That means it’s time for kids’ baseball and softball to begin as well. 

I have one child in “machine pitch baseball” and another one in softball.  Unfortunately for me, I’m not a big fan of this sport–I mourn the end of basketball season rather than celebrating that first pitch.  I’m also not a big fan of sitting outside on those metal bleachers…OUCH!! (And they’re cold, too!) Last softball season, on the way home from one game, I mentioned that I wanted to get one of those Stadium Seats for future seasons.  My daughter helpfully pointed out a “superpharmacy” up ahead.

“This store has everything! I bet they even have those stool softeners that you wanted!”

COUPON TIME

I won’t just need a Stadium Seat this year; I’m also in the market for cleats, socks, sliders and baseball pants.  We already have bats, balls, gloves and batting gloves.  (Did I forget anything?)  Basketball is so much easier and cheaper–all you need is a ball and some knee pads.

Free shipping on all orders of $99+ at CBSSportsStore.com
Valid through: Unknown
Applies only for standard Economy shipping. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. This offer is not applicable to orders placed through Group Sales. You must select Economy Shipping as your method of delivery for all items eligible for FREE shipping. Only applies to orders to be shipped to a valid address in the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Not available for shipments to APO/FPO addresses or P.O. boxes.

15% off a purchase of $75 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Receive 15% off your order of $75 or more”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon. If there’s a problem, enter promotion/discount code DSPNAT3 at checkout.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 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 orders of $89 or more at Eastbay
Use source code LKS19MMM at checkout.
Valid through: March 31, 2009, 11:59pm CT

20% off a single item at Fogdog Sports
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Limit $200 discount per customer. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or used on previously purchased merchandise. Excludes Bauer, Coleman Boats, Columbia, DeMarini, Easton, Escape, Footjoy, Future Beach, Kettler, K-Swiss, Leisure Life, Louisville, Miken Sports, Mizuno Golf, Nike, Oakley, Pelican, The North Face, Titleist, Under Armour, Worth brands 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 gift cards, gift certificates, taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift-wrapping or similar charges.

$20 off orders over $100 at MCSports.com
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Take $20 Off Your Purchase of $100 or More!”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: March 31, 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.

15% off your entire order at Dunham’s Sports
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Take 15% Off!”
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon code.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Offer only valid while supplies last and is limited to sizes/styles available. Not valid on all brands. This promotional offer may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. 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. See website for more details.

My sister and I are opposites in many ways.  She likes AC/DC; I like the Eagles.  She likes mystery novels and horror books; I like lighter fiction.  She’s a fan of (and good at) just about any sport; I’m no athlete and never was one.  We have different taste in clothes, home decor, and cars. 

Yet in 1991 when we were both planning our weddings, we wound up choosing the exact same dinnerware.  We don’t have fancy dishes–these are simple stoneware with blue borders.  After laughing about the coincidence that we had chosen the same dishes, we decided that there was no reason to change our choices.  One similar thing among so many differences did not mean that we were going to have identical homes.

Eighteen years and several children later, I’m down to only seven dinner plates and six bowls.  I don’t have all my serving pieces anymore either.  Most likely the situation is the same at my sister’s house.  If we put our dishes together, we might come up with a service for twelve.

And unfortunately, that pattern we both liked enough to choose eighteen years ago has been discontinued.  So it might be time for both of us to go shopping for dishes again.  I wonder if she’d pick the same style I choose?

COUPON TIME

If your broken dishes need replacing, these deals can help you get a bargain on new dinnerware and serving pieces.

40% off Formal China Accessories at Lenox.com
Plus, orders over $75 will receive free shipping!
Valid through: April 10, 2009
Standard shipping only.

Free shipping on orders over $69 at JCPenney
Use the “checkout + promo code” option and enter BBPERS9 in the promotional code box.
Valid through: April 11, 2009
Some exclusions apply.

10% off your order at Brylane Home
Enter code BHW010910 in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion. Discount will apply to highest-priced applicable item in your shopping cart. Excludes gift certificates & gift cards.

15% off orders over $50 at Domestications
Enter Promotion Code D9AFFC in your shopping cart.
Offer ends: March 29, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid online Only.  Discount applied to new orders of in-stock merchandise only, excluding tax, delivery and service charge. One time use only. Offer does not apply to past purchases, as payment on any credit card account, to the purchase of Clearance items, gift cards, or Club Memberships, and may not be combined with any other offer (except your Domestications Buyers Club discount).

Free Shipping on a purchase of $100 or more at SmartBargains
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm PT
Valid for new and existing customers. Standard shipping within the continental United States only. Does not apply to items with special shipping charges. Minimum purchase amount excludes Gift Cards, SMARTShoppers Club membership, shipping charges and taxes. Not valid on prior purchases, pending orders or with any other discounts, certificates or promotions.

Welcome to our next installment of Weird Holiday Monday!  If you’re a new visitor, this is our day to list a few of the lesser-known celebrations and commemorations that take place during a particular day, week or month.  Why not find a way to enjoy some of these unusual holidays–and combine that with some great savings?

The Month of March

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month! If you’re a parent, you’ve probably called Poison Control at least once.  Keep that number right by each phone in your house, and make sure to lock up anything that’s not safe to eat or drink.

TODAY ONLY!

Free subscription to totalhealth e-magazine with an order of $17 or more at Swanson
Use promo code MAG0309.
Valid through: March 23, 2009, 11:59pm CT
To enter a promo code, click the link that at the upper-right corner of the page that says “Click here to enter your promo code.” Don’t enter the promo code in the coupon box in your shopping bag.
Order total must meet or exceed the qualifying threshold before shipping and sales taxes have been applied. Not valid with other promo codes, affiliate offers or previous orders. Free Totalhealth e-magazine subscription is for 12 issues to arrive in your email inbox by the 15th of each month.

March is Save Your Vision Month! I know I’m overdue for my vision checkup, and this eyewear offer sure is tempting.

10% off online orders at 39DollarGlasses.com
Use this link to activate the coupon. Discount will appear during checkout.
Valid through: Unknown

March is Youth Art Month! Does your favorite young artist need some new supplies?

Shop at Dick Blick Art Materials through Shop.com  and save:
$5 off a purchase of $50+ with coupon code MOV5CA.
$10 off a purchase of $100+ with coupon code MOV10CA.
Do not use Guest Checkout if you want to use a coupon!
Valid through: May 31, 2009
You MUST use this link to use the coupon. It will NOT work at DickBlick.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

Weeklong Celebrations!

National Bubble Blowers Week is March 20 through 26! Yes, it’s half over, but there’s still time to stock up on bubble soap, bubble wands, all sorts of bubble-blowing paraphernalia.  (Do gumballs count?)

10% off online orders at Back to Basics Toys
Use promotion code MARDISC2 at the bottom of your shopping cart.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Discount applies to orders shipped within the US.

Doctor-Patient Trust Week is March 22 through 28!

Free shipping on any order at Puritan’s Pride
Works with the Buy 1 Get 2/Buy 2 Get 3 Free offers.
Use coupon code TAFF819 during checkout.
Valid through: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

National Cleaning Week is March 22 through 28. Time to get that spring cleaning started.

10% off orders of $49 or more at Solutions.com
Use coupon code 13004 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: April 6, 2009
Not valid on gift cards. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases. Solutions reserves the right to change or cancel this offer before its end date.

Holidays Day By Day:

March 23 is National Puppy Day! Note to my daughter:  don’t even think about it.

Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more at Petco
Use this link to activate the coupon or use promotion code affreg.
Valid through: March 26, 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.

March 23 is also World Meteorological Day! My husband’s college degree is in meteorology, though he no longer works in that field.   But his interest in weather will always remain strong.

Buy any 2 Water Trapper Mats and get 1 free at Orvis.com
Free mat must be 18″ x 27″ in Leaf or Grid pattern.
Add free mat to your cart manually after the other two have been added. Discount will appear in the basket automatically.
Valid through: April 18, 2009

March 25 is Pecan Day. Is that PEE-can, or pe-CON?  It’s delicious either way.

Free Shipping on select Gifts at Harry and David
Click this link to find the coupon code .
Valid through: Unknown
Valid online only. Free shipping is for Standard Delivery and Processing only. Offer does not apply to Express Delivery or non-standard delivery surcharges (including surcharges for deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii or international destinations). May not be combined with any other promotional discount or offer. Offer cannot be used on catalog or phone orders, nor on previous purchases.

It’s 40 degrees and raining, and I’ve just come in from the store where I saw nothing on the racks but shorts, sleeveless tops and swimwear. 

Note to store managers:  we don’t do much swimming in this part of the country in March!

But maybe all those swimsuits are there to motivate.  I’m sure that any day now, we’ll be seeing that yogurt commercial with “Itsy Bitsy Teenie-Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” in the background.  Hey, it takes time to fit into that swimsuit again after a whole winter of covering up all those diet missteps.

I’m not much of a swimmer, which is a good thing when I remember that my swimsuit no longer fits.  The idea of shopping for a new one is enough to either keep me out of the water permanently or force me to give up the half-and-half in my coffee.  Frankly, I think it would be easier for me to just stay out of the pool.  My youngest child learned to swim last summer, so I don’t have to get in the water and help him anymore.  I can go to the pool and keep an eye on him from the comfort of my beach chair.

But if the rest of my summer clothes don’t fit any better than that swimsuit, I’ll have to bite the bullet and find a way to diet.  If I start now, I could be looking better by Memorial Day, and I won’t have to sit at the pool in my jeans all summer.

COUPON TIME

If your winter eating habits have gotten the better of you, join me in checking out these weight-reducing offers.

$100 off at NutriSystem
Use this link to activate the coupon code. You’ll receive $25 off each of your first four Auto-Delivery orders. No need to enter a coupon code during checkout.
Valid through: unknown
Must participate in the Auto-Delivery program. With Auto-Delivery, you get a 10% discount off the regular 28-Day program price and FREE shipping within the Continental US when you remain on the program for at least 2 shipments. Your discount increases to 15% after your 3rd consecutive 28-Day program delivery. You are automatically charged and shipped your 28-Day order once every 4 weeks unless you cancel.

25% off all Online Diets at eDiets.com
Use coupon code SAVE25.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

Free 1 Week of Meals ($131.60 value) at eDiets Deliciously Yours
Valid through: Ongoing
To receive your free week of food you must receive 7 weeks of meal delivery. Your free week is the 8th week. Valid for first-time customers only and is non-renewable.

$50 off online orders over $275 at Medifast
Use coupon discount code Mar31C.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Valid for one use only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

20% off 1 item at GNC.com
Applies to the most expensive eligible item in your order!
Use this link to activate the discount.
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Some exclusions apply. Offer not valid on Hot Buy, Super Saver, Strivectin, or Alli Products. Offer not valid on select fitness equipment.

Save $20.82 on Weight Watchers Online!
Save 25% when you sign up for the 3-Month Savings Plan. Use the link above to activate the promotion code. Savings is off the Standard Monthly Plan Pricing. No need to enter a promotion code.
Offer ends: March 31, 2009 11:59pm ET

If you’re a college hoops fan, you’ve already spent a considerable part of this week at work printing out and filling in your NCAA basketball brackets.  I’ve got mine–and I’ve got until 12:30 to finish filling in the blanks. 

I like my college basketball, but I only follow one men’s team.  Notre Dame didn’t get an invitation to this year’s Dance, so I’ve been having trouble figuring out which teams I should pick in the matchups.  It’s a good thing I don’t have any cash riding on this tournament!

Let the agony over my loyalty begin.  Do I pick a team that beat my favorite team during the regular season?  Maybe that would be OK if I watch the game while wearing my “Fighting Irish” sweatshirt, just so it’s clear that I haven’t abandoned my team.  At that point, I am pretty much impartial.  I don’t know the teams’ records or the coaches’ reputations.  There are schools I haven’t even heard of before.  I may as well just flip a coin for each matchup.

Or I could just follow the Women’s tournament, since Notre Dame is the number 7 seed in their division.  Then I won’t have to divide my loyalties.

I have the feeling that it’s going to be all basketball, all the time around here, as much as I can manage.

COUPON TIME

Are you ready for some basketball?  Who are your picks to win the Men’s and Women’s NCAA tourney this year?

10% off a purchase of $25 or more at Lids.com
Use sale code MARCH09LIDS10.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Not valid with any other coupon or discount including Passport Club Membership. Valid on orders shipped to the U.S. only.

$20 off your order of $100 or more at Dunham’s Sports
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “$20 Off $100″
Valid online only. Use this link to activate the coupon code.
Valid through: March 31, 2009
Offer only valid while supplies last and is limited to sizes/styles available. Not valid on all brands. This promotional offer may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. 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. See website for more details.

$7 off online orders over $70 at FansEdge.com
Use coupon code FESEVENS during checkout.
Valid through: March 22, 2009
Not valid with other offers.

15% off your order at The Sports Authority
Eligible items will have the following note on their product page: “Ultimate Coupons - 15% OFF Your Entire Order”
Valid online only. Use the link above to activate the coupon. If there’s a problem, enter promotion/discount code ULTIMATE15 in your cart.
Valid through: June 30, 2009 11:59pm ET
Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping and handling charges, gift wrapping or similar charges. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer nor is this offer valid on previous purchases. Offer excludes Treadmills, Bikes/Ellipticals, Home Gyms, select table games, trampolines & accessories, electronics/optics, asics, Atec, Bauer, Bladez, Butterfly, Callaway, Carhart, Casio, CCM, Cobra, Coleman Boats, Columbia, DeMarini, Easton, Escape, Etyomic Research, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Front Porch Classics, Future Beach, Garmin, Goaliath, Goalrilla, Goalsetter, Ground Control, Hi-Tec, Heelys, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Leatherman, Leisure Life, Louisville, Louisville Slugger, Magellan, Magnum, Miken Sports, Minolta, Mission, Mizuno, Mongoose, Motorola, Muzono Golf, Nike, Nike Golf, Oakley, Pelican, Pro Feet, Rawlings, Razors, Roces, Rollerblade, Salomon, SKB, Spira, Spring Step, Taylor Made, The North Face, Tippmann, Titleist, Trend Sports, Under Armour, World Industries, Worth, electronics/optics and select other items. If the coupon doesn’t seem to work on an item, the brand is probably excluded. Discount is not applicable to gift cards and gift certificates. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. Offer valid only while supplies last and not applicable to canceled orders due to out-of-stock merchandise.

$10 off orders of $50+ at LadyFootLocker.com
Use this link to activate the coupon. You should see promotional code LKS19MA5 in the box during checkout.
Valid through: April 6, 2009

Free shipping on orders over $99 at Modell’s Sporting Goods
Eligible items will have the following note on their product pages: “Free Shipping Eligible on orders over $99!”
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Exclusions apply. Offer valid for Economy shipping. Minimum purchase does not include taxes, gift wrapping, gift card purchases, or similar charges. Items which are not eligible for this promotion will be subject to normal shipping charges. Entire order must be shipped to a single address. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Orders must be shipped to a valid address in the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Not available for shipments to APO/FPO addresses or P.O. boxes. Customer responsible for all shipping costs for returned merchandise. Not applicable to orders placed through Group Sales. Offer not valid on out-of-stock or cancelled merchandise. While supplies last. This promotion may be modified or terminated at any time without notice.

Right about this time every year, the weather warms up a little and I start going around the house opening windows to let in some fresh air. 

Then I notice that the windowsills have gotten pretty dusty, and the windows could use a little Windex.

OK, a lot of Windex.

Suddenly I am on a tear through the house, sorting stuff in the game closet and dusting the baseboards.

That energy lasts about a day and a half, even fueled by high-test coffee and loud Motown music.  The wind goes out of my sails when I look around and realize that most of the mess around here was made by someone else.  Sometimes it’s discouraging to be the homemaker, because all I do is clean up someone else’s messes.

Now that my kids are getting older, it’s time for them to learn how to help take care of a house.  But frankly, it’s easier to do it myself than to teach them to do it, or nag them to do it!  I have to keep remembering that as a parent, my job is to make myself obsolete–I need to help them learn how to run their own households when they grow up.  So they need to learn to cook, budget, shop, do laundry and clean.

Maybe this spring, I’ll just make out a chore chart for the kids and let them learn while I supervise.  I’ll probably have to forgo the Motown music in favor of classic rock, but if they’re working, it’s only right that they get to pick the music.

COUPON TIME

My daughter would probably be really motivated to do some dusting if I got her a new feather duster.  Especially if it’s one of her favorite, bright colors.  That small investment could pay off–I might never have to dust again.

10% off orders of $49 or more at Solutions.com
Use coupon code 13004 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: April 6, 2009
Not valid on gift cards. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases. Solutions reserves the right to change or cancel this offer before its end date.

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

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.

$5 off online orders over $50 at Kmart.com
Not valid on electronics and select other items. If you don’t see the discount in your cart, the items are probably excluded.
In your shopping cart enter coupon code KWELCOME588.
Valid through: March 21, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases. Some exclusions apply.

EXPIRES TOMORROW:

15% off your order at OfficeDepot.com
Use this link and enter Coupon Code 27720047 or 14791821.
Valid through: March 19, 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; 8.) 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.

TODAY ONLY:

10% off select Appliance Purchases of $398 or more
Plus Free Delivery & Haul Away via mail-in rebate
Valid through: March 18, 2009 11:59pm ET
$398 minimum excludes taxes, warranty, delivery and installation fees.