It’s been a long time coming–10 1/2 years! My older son is working on his Eagle project for Boy Scouts.  I don’t think he dreamed, back in first grade, that he’d still be involved in Scouting all these years later.

One thing my son discovered as he searched for possible service projects was that many people don’t understand what an Eagle Scout project entails.  He was offered several opportunities to do a one-man, one-day job on 48 hours’ notice.  That’s not what the Eagle Scout project is all about.  The project is really not about the work–it’s about the planning and the management.  An Eagle Scout must identify a need in the community, gain approval and permission for the project, and calculate the materials needed to complete the job.  The Scout then submits a presentation to his troop leaders and to the Boy Scout Council for approval.  After that, he obtains donations of materials or hosts a fund-raiser to raise money for supplies.  Finally, he organizes his fellow troop members (and others in the community, if necessary) to assist with the actual work of the project, and makes a presentation to Council after the project is complete.

It’s a big deal.  That’s why only five of every 100 Boy Scouts earn this award.

After his school’s annual cross-country meet was complicated by a badly-marked race course, my son knew that he wanted to solve this problem as his Eagle project.  He figured that permanent signs indicating direction and distance would be a big improvement over arrows spray-painted on trees and on the parking lot.

Finally he’s reached the stave of gathering materials and doing the work.  A local hardware store generously donated enough cement and wood for the signposts.  It’s time now to put it all together.

COUPON TIME

Whether your project is home improvement or community service, you’ll find a hardware deal to meet your needs.

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.

$10 off online orders over $100 at HomeDepot.com
Use promotion code MOMSVIEW22 at checkout.
Valid through: May 2, 2009
This offer is valid and redeemable for a $10 discount on one entire online order of $100 or more made at homedepot.com only. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount, offer, promotion or special incentive program and is not valid on: (a) labor or Self-Furnish and Install (”SF&I”) and Furnish and Install (”F&I”) program products, including without limitation roofing, windows, siding, HVAC products, custom closets, storage solutions, installed sheds or structures; (b) the purchase of gift cards or certificates; (c) prior purchases; or (d) Consumer Electronics (including, but not limited to, televisions, DVD players, speakers, home theaters, cellular phones, etc.), John Deere, Cub Cadet, Little Giant Ladder Systems, Thermador in select markets, Gaggenau, Miele, Dacor, Viking, Fisher&Paykel, Sharp Insight, Delonghi, Casablanca, Hunter Prestige, Buckhaven, Weber, Lynx, Alfresco, OCI, Marvel, Bertazzoni, Aga, and Vent A Hood products and trade styles. Enter promotion code at checkout to receive your discount. The discount will be reflected at checkout for the products qualifying for the promotion. Offer not valid for payment on any The Home Depot credit account.

TODAY ONLY!
Up to 25% off “American Blinds” brand blinds & shades
15% off any size order
20% off orders over $500
25% off orders over $700
Enter coupon code ULTIMATE at checkout.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

Free shipping on orders of $49 or more at Solutions.com
Use coupon code 13060 in your shopping bag.
Applies to standard shipping.
Valid through: May 4, 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.

EXPIRES TOMORROW!
Free shipping on orders over $149 at Tool King
Use promotional code SPRING.
Valid through: May 1, 2009
Cannot be combined with other coupons or promotions. Continental U.S. only. Items that ship via freight or from an alternate warehouse are not eligible for this offer. Coupon offers may be used once per customer per coupon. Coupons cannot be used towards the purchase of products made by FESTOOL.

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

I do!

I’m no gardener, and with my allergies I don’t keep a lot of flowers around anyway, but I just cannot resist lilacs.

My grandmother lived in a 100-year-old house with a whole row of 100-year-old lilac bushes.  They were huge and beautiful, and the tops of these lilacs reached her second-floor windows (a good 20 feet or more off the ground.)  In the springtime when the lilacs bloomed, we’d sit near the open windows and breathe in the fabulous fragrance.

Ten years ago when we moved to our present home, my sister gave us a dwarf lilac as a housewarming gift.  I was thrilled–now I could enjoy the sight and smell of lilacs every spring, right at home.  We planted it right in front of the living-room windows, so when the windows are open (like today) the scent can perfume the house.  Then I panicked because it took a couple of years for the new plant to bloom.  I figured that I’d killed it–just like Charlie Brown felt when his little Christmas tree tipped over from the weight of one ornament.  But it had plenty of healthy green leaves, so we left it there and eventually it did bloom, with those beautiful flowers.

If my wedding hadn’t been in January, I’d have wanted lilacs in my bouquet.

Lilac season is short, so I make sure to appreciate it while it’s here.  I open the windows and gaze on the flowers, watching the birds perch in the branches, and remember those happy childhood days visiting my grandmother.  Yes, a little flower that’s only around for a week or so can do all that.

COUPON TIME

If there’s space in your garden, I recommend a lilac!  It’s one of only two plants I’ve ever chosen (and planted) that I didn’t kill.  The other one is the hosta.  We have one of those that gets so big it needs its own zip code.  But that’s a story for another day.

$25 off an order of $50 or more at Spring Hill Nursery
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Expires: Unknown

$10 off any order of $30 or more at Henry Fields Seed and Nursery Co.
Use this link to activate the coupon.
Valid through: Unknown

3 FREE Stargazer Lilies with any online order
Use coupon No. 1259 during checkout.
Valid through: Unknown
Hardy Stargazer Lilies have brilliant red, freckled blooms that mellow to a soft pink with snowy white edges. This handsome, upward facing Oriental Lily is ideal for growing in gardens, patio pots, along foundations, walks or driveways. It has a fresh, pleasant fragrance and makes long-lasting cut-flower bouquets.

The rest of these deals expire TOMORROW, so don’t wait!

UltimateCoupons Exclusive!
12% off online orders at Jackson & Perkins
Use this link to get the coupon code. Although you must enter the promotional code in your shopping cart, you won’t see the discount until Step 3 of checkout.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

$15 off orders over $75 at Wayside Gardens
Use Bonus Code EASTERSALE.
Valid through: April 30, 2009 11:59pm EST

$15 off orders over $75 at ParkSeed.com
Use bonus code VICTORY.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

Free shipping on orders over $40 at Duncraft
Enter promotion code YFP6113 in the blue box at checkout. Cannot be combined with any other offer. May only be used once per customer.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Our feeders, houses, baths and food page offers free ground shipping with your merchandise order of $40.00 per address. This is a one time use only offer. Offer valid for 48 lower contiguous US States only. Cannot be combined with other offers.

My first-grader has recently discovered Bakugan.

If you don’t have an elementary-school child, you may not have seen these toys before.  They’re about the size of a ping-pong ball, but they’re part ball and part “Transformer.”  When you toss the Bakugan on the floor or pass them over a metal item, the ball will spring open and appear like a monster.  They’re packaged with trading cards that detail each Bakugan’s attributes and contain a bit of metal to help the Bakugan pop open.

After his birthday party a month or so ago, my son had about ten of these little toys.  Now he can find three–at the most.  And apparently you can’t have a proper “battle” with these Bakugan unless you have three.

He only plays with the Bakugan in one room, so nobody knows where these things have gone.  Where does a Bakugan go when it rolls away from a bunch of little boys?

I’ve sent him to go looking for these things several times.  He’s found lost puzzle pieces and Nerf ammo.  He’s found his favorite baseball cap.  But he hasn’t found even one of his missing Bakugan.  I think it’s bothering me more than it does him.  I have the feeling that I’ll be spending way too much time today tearing apart the family room to look for these things.  But I do have an excuse:  the remote for the DVD player is also missing.  Maybe I’ll find seven Bakugan while I’m looking for one remote.

COUPON TIME

I can’t understand the attraction of these Bakugan, but if you’re shopping for a boy between the ages of 5 and 9, these toys are probably on your list.  No matter what toys you’re looking for, though, we’ve got a good deal for you!

10% off your order at Back To Basics Toys
Use coupon code APRDISC2.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

25% more off already-reduced items at DisneyShopping.com
Enter promotion code EXTRA25 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: April 29, 2009, 11:59pm PT
Excludes movies, books, music, animation art, and some other items. See site for details.

Free Lightning McQueen Diecast with any Disney Cars order over $29 at AllAboardToys.com
Use offer code SPEED in your shopping cart.
Valid through: unknown
Limit one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions.

15% off Earth-themed products at DiscoveryStore.com
Use coupon code EARTH.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Cannot be combined with other offers.

$10 off a Didj Gaming System at LeapFrog.com
Use promotion code AP9DHW 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.

Free shipping on $50 or more of Fisher-Price Toys at eToys.com
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 2, 2009
Orders shipped free will be mailed using standard shipping. Offer valid only while supplies last and not applicable to canceled orders due to out-of-stock merchandise.

And don’t forget, Mother’s Day is coming up!  I’m sure most moms wouldn’t want a Bakugan (I definitely wouldn’t, hint hint…) but we’ve got plenty of fabulous special items for moms at our Mother’s Day page.

There’s a duck without pants hiding somewhere in this post.  Think of it as a scavenger hunt, but with coupons–and even a bonus recipe.  Hey, we aim to please here at our Ultimate Coupons regular Monday feature:  Weird Holiday Monday.  We match up some great savings opportunities with some wacky holidays and bring them all to you right here on the blog.  We’re right on the borderline here of April and May, so we’ve brought you some of the best from each.

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month! Why not take this opportunity to sharpen up your child’s language skills?
$10 off a Homeschool Level 1 product
$20 off a Homeschool Level 1&2 set
$50 off a Homeschool Level 1,2&3 Set at Rosetta Stone
Use promotional code hsw18 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Homeschool products only. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases. Valid online only.

May is Clean Air Month! A beautiful way to help keep the air clean is to cultivate plants indoors and out.  (If only I didn’t kill any plant I touch…)
10% off an order of $50 or more at Gardener’s Supply
Use this link. Discount should appear in your shopping basket if your order total before shipping and tax is $50 or more. Cannot be combined with other promotions.
Valid through: May 21, 2009

May is Get Caught Reading Month! That’s easy for me.  I read every chance I get.
$10 off online orders over $100 at Alibris
Use coupon code ANGELOU at checkout.
Valid through: April 30, 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 27 through May 3 is Astronomy Week! Now that it’s warm enough for stargazing, why not get a telescope and star chart and get outside?
$30 off online orders over $450 at Brookstone.com
Use promotion code AF9APR.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Not valid in retail stores. Minimum purchase does not include tax, shipping and gift wrapping. Coupon cannot be used toward the purchase of Sony, Bose or Tempur-Pedic products, gift cards, or with any other offers or discounts. Not valid on prior sales or repurchase of returned merchandise.

April 27 through May 3 is also Safe Kids Week! We’re big fans of Nerf around here–we have everything from the basketball hoop to the big green torpedo shooter.  Nerf toys are a great way to play safely.
Free shipping on select Nerf items at eToys.com
Eligible items will be identified on their product pages.
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 2, 2009
Orders shipped free will be mailed using standard shipping. Offer valid only while supplies last and not applicable to canceled orders due to out-of-stock merchandise.

May 1 through 7 is Bread Pudding Recipe Exchange Week! Here’s the recipe for my favorite savory bread pudding!
Free Shipping on online orders of $49+ at CHEFS
Use this link to activate the Catalog Code.
Valid through: June 30, 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.

April 27 is Morse Code Day! Decode this coupon for some great savings.
TODAY ONLY!
Free shipping on orders over $100 at Overtons.com
Applies to regular ground shipping.
Enter promotional code VE0420A in your shopping cart.
Valid through: April 27, 2009
Oversized product surcharges, express charges, freight collect charges and charges for shipments outside of the contiguous U.S. are not included. cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be used to purchase gift certificates. Offer excludes Amway and eBay purchases.

April 29 is Sense of Smell Day.  Find the perfect scent for you–and save.
TODAY AND TOMORROW ONLY!
10% off your order at FragranceNet.com
Use coupon code 942TN in your shopping bag.
Valid through: April 28, 2009
Applies only to in stock items. Offer good while supplies last. If this coupon is intentionally misused, it may result in an adjustment or cancellation of the bill or order. May not be combined with any other offer. Coupon not valid on eBay.

May 1 is Mother Goose Day! Read some rhymes to your baby today.
$5 off an order of $25 or more at Babies R Us
Use this link and enter promotional code 928241 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 2, 2009 11:59pm ET
VALID ONLINE ONLY. Cannot be combined with most free shipping offers. Excludes Baby Toys, “R” US Gift Cards, Phone Orders, Special Orders, Buyer Protection Plan, diapers, formula, video game hardware, Apple iPods, RobotGalaxy, netbooks, Kiddie Kandids & Motherhood Maternity. Coupon can be used only once per person. Not valid on prior purchases. If none of the items in your cart are eligible, the coupon will be accepted but there will be a note saying “Status: Not Applied”.

May 1 is No Pants Day.  Here’s where the ducks without pants come in!  I’ve definitely got a soft spot for this wacky duck.
$5 shipping on orders of $89 or more at DisneyShopping.com
Enter promotion code SHIPTODAY in your shopping bag and click “Submit”.
Valid through: May 3, 2009 11:59pm PT
Valid for Standard Delivery to a single address within the continental US. Certain products are excluded, as noted on specific Product Pages. Qualifying purchase based on pre-tax, post-discount amount and excludes Shipping & Handling charges, gift cards, gift wrap and gift boxes. Additional handling applies for oversized items. If any single order is sent to more than one address, Shipping & Handling charges will be applied to each shipment address. Offer valid only on orders placed online at DisneyShopping.com, DisneyStore.com, and DisneyOutlet.com. Not valid on phone orders or purchases from Disney Store outlet or retail locations.

Finally, don’t forget that Mother’s Day is May 10!  Plan ahead and check out our Mother’s Day Deals page now.

JOB TITLE:  Perfect handbag for my sister

REQUIREMENTS:  Must be large enough to hold wallet, The World’s Biggest Keychain, at least one pair of sunglasses, a kajillion hair elastics, a book, a water bottle, a cell phone, some tissues, all the stuff her kids give her to hold, and possibly small pieces of sports equipment.

Must be a color that goes with everything, and that doesn’t clash with the team colors of any of her kids (3 kids, 3 different schools) or of the school where she’s teaching.

Must not be too heavy on the hardware.  The World’s Biggest Keychain weighs at least a pound all on its own.  No excess weight is necessary.

Must be made of durable material.  Flimsy fabrics need not apply.

Must zip closed and have handles that stay secure.  Handles should be long enough that the bag can be used as a shoulder bag.

Must not be so huge as to overwhelm my sister who, like me, is “vertically challenged.”

Must not look like the kind of handbag our mother or grandmother would want to carry.

Bags that are too precious or pretentious need not apply.  This bag will not be handled with kid gloves–it needs to be sturdy enough to take constant use and frequent punishment.

Applications will be accepted for as long as it takes to find the perfect bag, but hurry!  Her current handbag isn’t holding together by much.

COUPON TIME

Searching for the ideal bag?

HURRY!  EXPIRES TOMORROW!
10% off orders of $50 or more at Bealls
Use discount/promotion code COUPON10 at checkout.
Valid through: April 25, 2009
Discount is taken off total transaction purchase after all other savings have been applied. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Excludes eRingers, Best Value items, Levis, kitchen electrics, taxes, items with shipping flat fees, gift wrapping, gift cards and virtual e-gift cards.

EXPIRES SUNDAY!
20% off your order at Bloomingdales.com
10% off Small Electrics and Men’s Electronics
Use promo code FFTWENTY in your Brown Bag.
Valid through: April 26, 2009
Applies to almost all regular and sale-priced purchases for Men, Women, Kids and Home. Delivery charges and applicable sales taxes are additional. Cannot be combined with any other certificate offer. Offer excludes Gift Cards, UGG Australia, Cosmetics and Fragrances. All employees of Bloomingdale’s and its affiliates are excluded.

NEW YORK IS ON SALE:
Up to 70% off sitewide at New York & Company
Valid through: April 30, 2009

HURRY!  EXPIRES TOMORROW!
$5 off an order of $50 or more at Kmart.com
In your shopping cart enter coupon code KWELCOME638.
Valid through: April 25, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$30 off an order of $150 or more at Bluefly
Use promo code AFF30.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
New customers only. Minimum purchase excludes charges for gift-wrapping, shipping, applicable taxes and duties or gift certificates. Can be used once per person. Offer cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts and promotional codes or applied retroactively to previously placed orders. You may need to log in in order to use this coupon. Does not work with Google Checkout!

$4 off each Tote when you buy 2 or more at LandsEnd.com
Discount will appear in your shopping bag.
Valid through: unknown

For the past two weeks we’ve been hand-washing dishes because the dishwasher broke.   It would wash the dishes just fine, but the handle snapped off, so we were unable to open it to get the dishes in and out.

I never realized just how dependent I am on the dishwasher.  I still do a sinkful of dishes by hand each day, because some of my pots and pans must be hand-washed, and my younger son’s plastic cups tend to flip upside down in the dishwasher and that just makes a mess.

I know people who won’t bother to own any dish or pot that isn’t dishwasher-safe.  And after these past two weeks, I will admit to envying them just a little, imagining that after dinner, the dishwasher would be loaded up and would take care of every last plate, fork, pan and glass.

Of course the dishwasher had to be broken during my kids’ spring break, so they were home to eat more meals and use more dishes.  Even though I left a big pile of paper plates on the kitchen counter, not everyone got the message.  Somebody around here thinks that a new glass is necessary for each glass of water.

We had some tag-team dish drying during the past two weeks, which actually turned out to be fun, though I didn’t trust my two teenagers to handle the dishes alone.  That would just degenerate into a huge water fight, and last time that happened, my cookbook collection across the room from the sink was in jeopardy.  I wasn’t ready to risk that kind of water damage again.  But although doing the dishes as a group was a nice experience, I was thrilled when the new door latch arrived and it was time to call the repairman to get it fixed.

And this morning, I opened up my newly-repaired dishwasher and put away the sparkling clean glasses, plates and silverware.

COUPON TIME

My dishwasher was easy enough to fix.  But if you need to replace something in your kitchen, don’t place any orders before checking out these deals.

10% off Energy Star appliances over $398 at HomeDepot.com
Valid through: April 29, 2009
Offer valid 4/16/09 - 4/29/09 on ENERGY STAR® qualified appliance purchases (including Floorcare and Home Comfort) of $398 or more (excluding taxes, warranty, delivery and installation fees) in all U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands The Home Depot stores. Prices shown do not include discount. Discount taken at register. Offer not valid on Thermador®, Gaggenau®, Miele®, Blomberg ®, Dacor®, Fisher&Paykel®, Sharp Insight?, Delonghi®, Premier®, Viking®, OCI®, Marvel®, Bertazzoni®, AGA®, Heartland®, Zephyr® and Vent-A-Hood® products. Discount cannot be applied to prior purchases. No credit if offer refused. See store Associate for details.

20% off Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Appliances at Sears.com
10% off other brands!
Plus Free Delivery or 0% for 12 months on Appliances over $399
Valid through: April 25, 2009
Excludes LG, Electrolux, KenmorePro(R), Great Price items, sewing machines, closeouts, floor care, dehumidifiers, water heaters, air conditioners, compact refrigerators, microwaves, range hoods and outlet store purchases. See merchant site for more details.

Free shipping on $50 or more of select Appliances at Target
Eligible items will have the following text on their product pages: “free shipping when you spend $50″
Valid though: April 25, 2009
Online only. Offer applies to purchases of $50 or more on eligible items across all categories. Some exclusions apply. $50 purchase is based on merchandise subtotal. Merchandise subtotal based on each shipping destination. GiftCards, e-GiftCards, gift wrap, tax and shipping and handling charges will not be included in determining merchandise subtotal. Items that are not eligible are subject to shipping charges. Offer valid for orders shipping within the 48 contiguous states and does not include 1-day or 2-day shipping and handling charges or previous orders. Offer available at Target.com only and does not apply to partner businesses or Amazon.com product purchases.

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.

12% off Air Coolers at CompactAppliance.com
Use coupon code COOLR12.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

12% off freestanding beverage fridges at CompactAppliance.com
Use coupon code BEVFRG12.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

My skin can use all the help it can get.  I thought that teenage skin would be a thing of the past, back when I entered my twenties, but no!  I’ve been clipping Clearasil coupons and they’re not for my two teenagers.  Does anyone know if it’s safe to use both “Oil of Old Lady” and Clearasil on the same face at the same time?

Frankly, most of my life I’ve just plain ignored my skin.   If I happened to get around to using moisturizer, that was a bonus.  Otherwise, I’d just wash my face in the shower with whatever basic soap was on hand.  Clearly that lack of a skin-care routine is coming back to haunt me.  (And the only reason I use moisturizer now is because it has sunscreen in it–I’m afraid of getting skin cancer.)

I’ve finally resorted to ordering handmade unscented goat-milk soap–my one beauty splurge.  It’s the one kind of soap that doesn’t dry out my face.

Fortunately for my daughter, she is not like me in this regard.  She loves trying out new face washes and skin-care items.  I hope this means that she won’t have teenage skin when her own children are teens.

COUPON TIME

Take advantage of these fantastic deals and perk up your beauty routine.

Free shipping on any order at Origins.com
Enter offer code P1208 at checkout.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Not valid on the purchase of Gift Cards and valid on merchandise only. All purchases are subject to bank authorization prior to processing. Cannot be combined with other offers. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered, or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel this promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems.

$5 off an order of $10 or more at ULTA.com
Use coupon code 36677. Valid through: April 30, 2009
Some exclusions apply. Cannot be combined with any other coupon offer. Limit one per customer. Excludes fragrance, prestige cosmetics and skincare, hair artistry brands, T3 and TIGI.

25% off Signature Collection Travel Sets at BathandBodyWorks.com
Now only $7.50!
Use this link to view eligible items. Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Not eligible for other discounts.

Free shipping on orders containing $50 or more of Skin Care products from select brands at Macy’s
Eligible brands include Bliss, Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Lancome, Origins, Shiseido, and Strivectin
Use promo code PRETTYSKIN in your shopping bag.
Valid through: unknown

10% off Spa and Beauty items at drugstore.com
Enter coupon code BEAUTIFUL during checkout.
Valid through: August 10, 2009

SPRING MAKEUP SALE
Up to 70% off Cosmetics and more at Avon.com
Discounts will appear on item pages.
Valid through: April 23, 2009

Last week I got an email from a friend I haven’t seen in almost three years.   Our children attend different schools now, and we stay  (sporadically) connected through email.  She wanted to alert me to a great bargain she had found at Pier One Imports.  Shopping will never cease to be a common bond between me and my friends.

I wrote back thanking her for the heads-up and commenting that I’d never shopped in a Pier One before.  And that made me think about other stores I’ve never visited.  When I brought up that topic in a discussion with one of my Ultimate Coupons coworkers, she volunteered a list of the stores that she’d never visited.

These are the kind of stores that you dream about shopping in.  You hear great things about the quality of the items sold there, but for some reason, you never go in there yourself.  Maybe I’m just not stylish enough to walk into a Pier One…or maybe I’m just afraid that I’d find so much stuff I like that I’d max out my budget and be unable to haul it all home in my minivan!

So from the Ultimate Coupons blog team to you, here are some great deals from our “dream stores.”  Maybe with these bargains we’ll be more than tempted–some of these deals are just too good to skip.

COUPON TIME

Buy 1 item, get 1 50% off on orders of $25 or more at eyeslipsface.com
Use coupon code ELF4U in your shopping bag.
Valid through: June 1, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other coupons or discounts.

10% off orders of $125 or more and 15% off orders of $175 or more at Piperlime.com
Use coupon code SAVE.
Valid through: May 03, 2009 11:59pm ET

Up to 40% off select Dresses at Nordstrom.com
Use this link to access eligible items.
Valid through: unknown

10% off any order at SkyMall.com
Use coupon code LSMD1.
Valid through: May 1, 2009
Offer applies to merchandise total not including shipping and handling or sales tax. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount or offer. SkyMall reserves the right to limit quantities or refuse orders. Excludes gift cards and Bose products.

15% off your order at Yves Rocher
Use coupon code 15THANKS. Coupon code is case-sensitive and must be entered as one word and in ALL CAPS. Cannot be used with any other coupons. For use online only.
Valid through: Unknown

Free book (The Herbalist) with any order at BotanicChoice.com
A 304-page reference book by Joseph E. Meyer
Enter coupon code FREEBOOK in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 1, 2009

It’s back to school and work for everyone around here–except for me.  I should be heading off to the kids’ school library today, since I volunteer there every Monday morning.  But instead, I’m on the way to the doctor’s office, since I’ve got pinkeye.   It’s not cool to bring that to school!

There is one part of my Monday routine that I won’t forgo this morning, and that’s the Weird Holidays that we like to highlight here at Ultimate Coupons.  Enjoy these fun bargain opportunities.

Monthlong Commemorations

April is the Month of the Military Child.
19% off 3 or more Polo Shirts at French Toast
Use promo code QE9DK2 during checkout.
Valid through: April 30, 2009

April is Straw Hat Month.  I love anything straw–hats, handbags, placemats, totes, wicker furniture…it just says “summertime” to me.
15% off sitewide at Casual Living
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 30, 2009
Excludes tax, delivery and overweight service fees. Your discount will automatically appear in your shopping cart. This offer is not valid with any other promotion or discount other than flat rate $4.95 shipping. This offer may not be applied to previous orders and is not valid on gift certificate purchases.

April is Stress Awareness Month.  (Pinkeye.  Need I say more?)  Coloring is really therapeutic, whether you’re 4 or 44.
Free shipping on $20 or more of Crayola products at eToys.com
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 2, 2009
Orders shipped free will be mailed using standard shipping. Offer valid only while supplies last and not applicable to canceled orders due to out-of-stock merchandise.

Weekly Celebrations

April 18-26 is National Wildlife Week.  The only wildlife I regularly see around here (other than my first-grader) includes bunnies, birds, squirrels and chipmunks.  That’s pretty tame as far as wildlife goes.
$30 off Planet Earth DVD Set
$39.96 off Planet Earth Blu-Ray Set at Discovery Channel Store
Valid through: Unknown

April 19-25 is Coin Week.  The other day, my neighbor’s daughter was showing off a penny they’d put on the train tracks so they could watch the train run over it.  It was thin and had flattened out to the size of a quarter!
$20 off orders over $250 at Parts Train
Use this link and coupon code 250PT. Valid through: April 30, 2009

April 19-25 is National Karaoke Week
Free shipping when you buy 2 or more items at MusicSpace
Use link above. Two-disc collections, box sets, and special multi-title packages count as single item. Valid through: Ongoing

Holidays Day by Day

April 19 is National Hanging Out Day.  The weather here was perfect for that yesterday, too.  If you’ve got a better weather day today, then better late than never!
Free shipping on select outdoor living items
Use this link.
Valid through: April 25, 2009
Offer not valid for expedited shipping and does not extend to deliveries to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska or Canada. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Products cannot be held for future delivery and offer can not apply to previous purchases.

April 23 is World Book & Copyright Day.  A whole day to celebrate books!  That’s my favorite kind of day.
$5 off a purchase of $35 or more at BookCloseOuts.com
To redeem this coupon, simply add $35 or more of books to your BookCloseouts.com shopping cart, enter the coupon number BookSale-5 and password bookcloseouts.com in the area at the bottom of your shopping cart and click on “Submit Coupon”. Valid through: July 31, 2009

April 24 is National Hairball Awareness Day

$5 off any order at Drs Foster and Smith
During checkout click on the Add/Edit Coupon button and enter coupon code 3225/4063.
Valid through: April 30, 2009
Cannot be combined with other coupons.

April 25 is Bulldog Awareness Day.  Now this is a day I think they might not really need.  Bulldogs are big enough that it’s hard not to be aware of them!
15% off Dog Beds and Toys at PetFoodDirect.com
Use discount code PERHG1 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: June 30, 2009
———–

My seventh-grade daughter claimed to be the only one in her class who didn’t have a cell phone yet. 

While that didn’t bother us too much, it was socially unbearable for her.

For a while, her best friend was in the same boat.  The two of them, each time they got together, would compose little skits about why they needed cell phones, and then perform them for any parents who were around.  They’d barrage us with notes that said things like “cell phone plzzzzzzzzz!!!” and give us the big Bambi eyes.  And for a long time, that got them nowhere.

Then her best friend’s older brother bought her a prepaid phone for her birthday–with his own money.  So we were the last ones to cave in.

When my daughter’s birthday rolled around, we got her a cell phone–with unlimited texting.  I think she talks on the phone for about 15 minutes a month, but her fingers are always flying on that phone keyboard.  I don’t regret the text plan for her or for her brother.  I think teenagers need to have an “out” when they find themselves in situations where they’re uncomfortable–a party gone bad, for example.  My teens know that they can text me when they need a ride out of there.  If their friends see them texting, they don’t think they’re talking to Mom, so there’s no loss of dignity.

So as long as she doesn’t use the phone at school, in church, or at mealtimes, I’m OK with it.

COUPON TIME

Need a phone, plan, or phone accessory?  These deals will help you find just what you’re looking for, at a great price.

One-time $50 instant credit with an online purchase of any phone or accessory when activating a new service on any postpaid Voice or Data rate plan at AT&T Wireless
Not valid on phones that are Free After Rebates/Discounts.
Use the link above to activate the promotional code. Above your shopping cart there should be a note that says “Congratulations! The current promotional discount has been applied to your shopping cart.”
Valid through: Unknown
Not valid on the iPhone, free phones, and select other phones. For phones priced under $50 after any discounts, your savings will equal the price. Instant credit cannot be redeemed for cash and may not be carried over to any other purchase. Offer requires online activation of qualified Wireless by AT&T rate plans $39.99 or more with a 2-year agreement. Credit approval and other restrictions apply.

Free Shipping on orders over $150 at Motorola
Valid through: unknown

FREE ringtone at Jamster.com
Use this link to get the coupon code and details.
Valid through: Ongoing

Free camera phone at Cingular.com
2-year contract and new activation required. Credit approval and other restrictions apply.

Free Bluetooth headset at Verizon Wireless
Get a LG HBM-760 Bluetooth headset free with select free phones.
Use this link for details. Online only.