…into the future!

It’s deadline time again!  So many things are coming to an end at this time of year.  School is wrapping up, spring sports are just about done, and it feels like everyone I know is just getting in that one last push to accomplish things before summer’s here.

Is it just me, or is it harder to accomplish anything during the summer?  I always think it’ll be easier, because I don’t have to get everyone up and out the door for school; I don’t have any lunches to pack, and there are no school clothes or sports uniforms to launder.  However, I’m always wrong about summer being easier.  All my grand plans that include routines and chore charts and, well, plans, go right out the window.  The kids want to visit friends or have friends visit.  They want to sleep late (except for the youngest, who is up at the crack of dawn and who will have to be kept quiet, entertained, and company-free until everyone else is awake).  They want to go to the pool.

So I guess it’s time for me to buckle down and get things done now, before school’s out and we’re all running around like crazy.

COUPON TIME

Some other things that need to get done now:  taking advantage of these great deals.  They’re only good until the end of May–so don’t delay!

10% off online orders
15% off online orders of $80 or more
20% off online orders of $125 or more at RedEnvelope.com
Use this link to activate the promotion code. The discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Valid online only. Available on discounted items. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to gift certificates, gifts by the month or corporate orders. Cannot be applied to previous or pending purchases.

$15 off Contact Lens orders of $100 or more at Walgreens.com
Use coupon code SIGHT in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 30, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer does not apply toward taxes or shipping charges. Contact lens solutions and accessories do not apply toward the $100 subtotal needed to qualify. Not available in AR, NJ and PR. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock. Offer valid online only.

10% off online orders at Back to Basics Toys
At the bottom of your shopping cart enter promotion code MAYDISC2.
Valid through: May 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Discount applies to orders shipped within the US.

$10 off an order of $75 or more at Meijer.com
Enter promotion code 10MEIJER in your shopping cart. You must be logged in to use this code.
Valid through: May 31, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Some restrictions apply. Meijer reserves the right to limit quantities. One use per customer.

$10 off orders of $25 or more at Botanic Choice
Enter coupon code BCMAY in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

10% off Prescription Swim Goggles at ACLens.com
Use coupon code SWIM in the “Special Comments or Instructions” box during checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
May not be combined with other sales, discounts, and coupons at AC Lens.

It’s way past time for my boys to get haircuts.

I’m definitely dreading the whole thing, because of the arguments that will take place before, during, and after the haircuts.  My teenager wants to grow his hair; as long as he can see out, he’s happy.  And his little brother, who is plagued by cowlicks all over the place, no longer wants to have a buzz cut.

I like buzz cuts on little boys.  There are no issues with tangles, hairstyling or checking for ticks after time spent outside.  Buzz cuts are easy.  They’re also great in terms of getting all the soap out of your hair in the shower.  But the little guy wants to grow out his nice neat buzz and do who knows what with his head full of thick hair.

(I have the feeling that once it gets really hot around here, he’ll change his mind.  Either that, or he’ll spend the whole summer drenching his head with the garden hose.)

My older son will be given marching orders by my husband before the haircut–and he says that he walks into the barbershop and tells them that he wants it “short enough so my dad won’t yell at me.”  Anything longer than a buzz cut gets him yelled at when he gets home.

Fortunately for my teenager, we don’t own one of those Flowbee things you attach to your vacuum so you can clip your child’s hair.  If we had such an appliance, my husband would not be afraid to use it.

COUPON TIME

Looking good doesn’t stop at haircuts, guys!

Free Shipping on orders over $50 at Kiehls.com
Use coupon code KIEHL.
Valid through: Unknown

10% off online orders at FragranceX.com
Plus Free Shipping on orders over $59
Use coupon code CJD2009.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

$10 off $99 or more of Braun products at drugstore.com
Discount will appear at checkout.
Valid through: June 18, 2009
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. Limited to once per household. U.S., APO/FPO and U.S. Territory shipping destinations only.

$5 flat shipping on Beauty and Fragrance items at Bloomingdales.com
$5 flat-rate shipping applies to all beauty and fragrance items in a single order.
Valid through: unknown
Standard shipping applies to any other items in your order.

20% off one item at ULTA.com
Discount applies to most expensive eligible item!
Use promotion code 23387 in your shopping bag.
Valid through: May 30, 2009
Coupon offer valid on all regular price, sale and clearance merchandise. Excludes fragrance, prestige cosmetics, and hair artistry brands. Cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other coupon offer. Limit one per customer.

$10 off on orders over $60 at Beauty.com
Use this link to activate the promo code.
Discount should appear during checkout.
Valid through: December 31, 2009

Being the squeamish sort, I don’t do horror movies.

I’ve tried–really, I have.  In high school, I couldn’t wait until The Amityville Horror was shown on TV.  I had read the book multiple times, and was excited to see how it would translate into a movie.

I lasted until that really creepy exterior shot of the house, with the evil red eyes looking out of the upstairs windows.  And that’s when I was really glad that I hadn’t paid money to see this movie in the theater, because there was no way I was sticking around for any more of it.

I successfully avoided scary movies until The Sixth Sense came out.  Friends of ours let us borrow the video, and I watched bits and pieces of it, in between hiding my head under a blanket.  I could handle the mystery and suspense, but not the graphic depictions of how each of the dead people had violently died.

So the other day, when my husband and two teenagers rented the movie Black Sheep, I knew it was in my best interest not even to be in the same part of the house while they watched it.  They’d considerately waited until our first-grader had gone to sleep, so I went upstairs to read in peace and quiet.

Now, I thought that this was a horror movie–an especially gory horror movie.  Apparently, though, it is what my older son calls a Bad Horror Movie–a triumph in cheesiness, because I heard an awful lot of loud laughter coming from the family room.

If I’d known it was really a comedy, I might have stayed.

COUPON TIME

Comedy, horror, action or light romance–whatever’s your favorite, you’ll find some great movies at great prices with these links.

20% off used CDs & DVDs at fye.com
Enter coupon code 20USEDMAY at checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with other offers or applied to presale items. fye.com reserves the right to cancel this promotion at any time. Valid online only.

Up to 50% off select DVDs at Barnes & Noble
Valid through: June 1, 2009 11:59pm PT

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$5 off a purchase of $75 or more in the DVD, Games & Music Stores at Buy.com
Use this link.
Valid through: May 31, 2009 11:59pm PT

DVD sale: Prices from $6.99 at Borders.com
Valid through: May 30, 2009

10% off Panasonic Plasma TVs at Sears.com
Use coupon code PLASMA in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 30, 2009

Free shipping on orders of $40 or more at the Nick.com Shop
Use promotional code ecr36 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: July 31, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Applies only for standard ground shipping. Discount does not apply to taxes, gift wrapping or similar charges. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. 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.

Graduation season is upon us.  Caps and gowns, Pomp and Circumstance, diplomas, the whole bit.

Every school likes to have something that makes their graduation different from every other school.  Graduations are like weddings in that regard, but without Bridezilla.  It’s more than speeches and the tossing of the hat these days.  The high school my son attends features a “vintage warplane flyover” during the graduation ceremony.  BONUS:  the drone of low-flying antique airplane engines drowns out boring graduation speakers.

Ooops, did I say that?

COUPON TIME

Of course, no graduation would be complete without a pile of gifts.  It’s easy to just buy a card and slip in a check.  But whether your graduate is bound for high school, college or the world of work and independent living, you’ll find great gift ideas–and savings–at these sites.  If your graduate is on his way to first grade, you’re on your own.

TODAY ONLY!
$6 off online orders over $60 at Alibris
Use coupon code ALLAN at checkout.
Valid through: May 26, 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.

15% off sitewide at Domestications.com
Enter Promotion Code D9DAFF15 in your shopping cart.
Offer ends: May 31, 2009 11:59pm ET

30 4×6 prints FREE with a $25 order at Shutterfly.com
Use special offer code AF82-SAVE at checkout.
Valid through: June 19, 2009

Free Shipping on online orders of $99+ at CHEFS
Use this link to activate the Catalog Code.
Valid through: May 31, 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.

Save 15% on this Inspiron 530 & Inspiron 530s desktop when you spend $599+
Use coupon code KWNC$M1PMMR03M.
Valid through: May 29, 2009 11:55 PM CDT
Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

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

Of course I realize that Memorial Day is NOT a weird holiday!

In fact, this is the most solemn holiday of all.  On this day we remember those soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who gave their lives in the service of our country.   We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

That said, it’s also Weird Holiday Monday around here–the day where we strive to bring you coupons and savings that match up with the lesser-known celebrations that take place each week.  We at Ultimate Coupons hope that you enjoy this week’s lineup of savings.

May is National Revise Your Work Schedule Month.  Maybe that’s because everyone is busy planning their vacations?
Up to $120 off Epson, Lexmark, and Samsung Printers at OfficeMax.com
Valid through: May 23, 2009

May is National Hamburger Month! Perfect for a picnic!  I’m still waiting for that burger with pepper-jack cheese.  I might have to invite myself over to my brother’s to get one…
Get 8 (6oz) Top Sirloin steaks FREE with your purchase of $250 at Kansas City Steak
Enter source code FRSTK1 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: December 31, 2009

May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month.  My teenage son has discovered the importance of sunglasses now that he’s learning to drive.
$5 off an order of $50 or more at Lensmart.com
Use coupon code 5VISION in your shopping basket.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with other coupons. One use per household.

May is Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month.  Help your young achiever get a head start on learning!
$5 off an order of $50 or more at LeapFrog.com
Use promotion code WT9NMS in your shopping cart.
Valid through: September 1, 2009, 11:59pm CT
Purchase amount necessary to qualify for $5.00 discount does not include tax or shipping. No substitutions or cash equivalents. LeapFrog reserves the right to change this promotion at any time. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. This offer can not be used for purchases made through LeapFrog School or the Employee Store.

May 23 through 20 is Cover the Uninsured Week.  With or without a prescription plan, saving at the drugstore makes good sense!  And it’s easy to do with great deals like this one.
NEW CUSTOMERS:
Shipping is free on your first order of $25+ at Drugstore.com
Valid for Free Standard Shipping on your first nonprescription order only.
Valid through: January 31, 2010

May 25 is Cookie Monster’s Birthday! C is for cookie; that’s good enough for me!  Happy birthday today, Cookie Monster!
10% off all gifts at David’s Cookies
Enter coupon/discount code MEM1LS at checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

May 25 is also Geek Pride Day–so celebrate your technical side today!
$5 off online orders over $25 or
$10 off online orders over $50 at ThinkGeek.com
Use promotion code 9C2.
Valid through: May 31, 2009 11:59pm ET
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes shipping and sales tax.

May 27 is National Senior Health and Fitness Day.  Even if you’re not a senior yet, you can take good care of yourself by eating right and taking vitamins.
Free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Puritan’s Pride
Works with the Buy 1 Get 2/Buy 2 Get 3 Free offers
Use coupon code TADTF50 during checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

May 30 is Hug Your Cat Day.  And keep your cat inside, away from my Bird Feeder Buffet.  Thanks!
EXPIRES TUESDAY!
$5 off orders of $25 or more at PETsMART.com
Use promotional code APRIL in your shopping cart. (Code must be entered in capital letters.)
Valid through: May 26, 2009
Minimum purchase does not include sales tax or shipping fees. May not be valid with any other discount or offer. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at the sole discretion of PetSmart.

May 31 is World No-Tobacco Day.  Try one of these great treats instead!
25% off your order at Figis.com
Use this link to activate the source code. If there are any problems, enter 884/8198 in the 2 yellow boxes during checkout.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

This is a big weekend for parades–and I can’t wait.

Memorial Day weekend officially began last night when the Boy Scouts and the American Legion placed flags on the graves of all the deceased veterans in town.  That, the color guard in the parade, and the presentation of a memorial wreath at the monument downtown are the moments when we are reminded what Memorial Day is really about.

But there’s a fun side to the day, too.  Our parade has marching bands–at least two.  There will be a few string bands as well, inspiring the crowd to dance and clap as the banjos and saxophones pass by.  And since we’re near Philadelphia, some of our string bands are Mummers:  they participate in a fierce New Year’s Day competition every year for best costumes, music, and even set design (though they don’t bring the sets around to other parades during the year.)  These musicians don’t just play and march–they strut, a special Mummer move that all the kids like to imitate.

Of course, we’ll see the Little League teams, the Girl Scouts, and lots of fire trucks from the surrounding towns.  We’ll see the high-school Junior ROTC marching in formation.  Kids watching the parade will eagerly await the candy and bubble gum that is tossed to them from the fire trucks, floats, and teams marching by.

And when the last fire truck has rolled down the main street, we’ll all pick up our lawn chairs and head to the firehouse, where the Boy Scouts have hot dogs and drinks waiting for all the parade participants and spectators.

After the parade, of course, it’s picnic time!

COUPON TIME

I hope you have great weather for all your picnics on this long weekend.  But please take some time out to remember why we celebrate this day.

Free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Hickory Farms
Enter source code FATHER09 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: June 14, 2009

$10 off an order of $75 or more at Meijer.com
Enter promotion code 10MEIJER in your shopping cart. You must be logged in to use this code.
Valid through: May 31, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Some restrictions apply. Meijer reserves the right to limit quantities. One use per customer.

$10 off your order at FijiWater.com
Plus free shipping!
Enter coupon / promotional code PJTEN during checkout.
Valid through: June 1, 2009

Free shipping with an order of $40 or more at Avon.com
Use coupon code LSGIFT40. One use per customer.
Valid through: Unknown
This Shipping offer applies only to standard shipping charges and does not affect 2nd Day or Overnight delivery rates. A valid United States street address is required for all deliveries. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Not valid on previous purchases.

10% off all gifts at David’s Cookies
Enter coupon/discount code MEM1LS at checkout.
Valid through:May 31, 2009

$10 off orders of $150 or more at Wine.com
Enter promotional code MAY150 and click “Update Cart”.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with other coupons.

If my grandmother were still alive today, she’d be changing her spring curtains for summer ones right about now. 

She had different curtains for every season (but they all looked alike to me).  And until she reached her eighties, she would change her curtains herself, and wash the windows as well.  Did I mention that she lived on the second floor of an old house with high ceilings?

Those weren’t the handy-dandy tilt-in windows, either.  To wash these windows, she had to remove the screens, sit on the very narrow windowsill with only her legs inside the house, and reach high up.  She did this twice every year.

And she took pride in those curtains.  We were not supposed to touch them.  If you really wanted to get yourself in trouble at her house, you’d go into the living room (what she called “the front”) and open the sheer curtains from the middle so you could look down at the street below and inspect passing cars, neighbors walking by, and the guys working on motorcycles in the driveway across the street.  I swear she could tell we had touched those curtains even if she wasn’t in the room when we did it.

Maybe it was the chocolate fingerprints we left behind after eating M&Ms out of the little brown glass dish she always kept on her dining-room table.  She always knew when we were sneaking those, too, but that was a small infraction compared to breaking her curtain rule.

COUPON TIME

Some light, breezy curtains are just the thing now that summer’s almost here.  Or maybe you have some other updating in mind.  Either way, we’ve got the best deals for you.

$5 off online orders over $10 at Blair.com
Use Promotion Code XVB in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 23, 2009
Online orders only. Cannot be combined with any other coupons.

15% off your order at JCPenney.com
Use the “checkout + promo code” option and enter MAYSURV9 in the promotional code box.
Valid through: June 4, 2009

$50 off online orders over $300
$100 off online orders over $500
$150 off online orders over $600 at Smith & Noble
Use offer code SAVE-8TCF
Valid through: December 31, 2009
No limit on total items. Can only be used once per household Cannot be combined with any other offer.

15% off all Danze kitchen & bath fixtures at The Great Indoors
Plus, receive 10% off all other brands!
Valid through: May 30, 2009
Offer excludes Great Buy of the Week. Offer ends 5/30/09.

Shop at Home Decorators Collection via 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 homedecorators.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

$20 off orders over $100 at Brylane Home
Enter code BHASPRING4 in the Promotional Code box in your shopping bag and click APPLY.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other special offer or promotion. Excludes gift certificates & gift cards.

Last weekend my dad joined our Boy Scout troop on a bicycle trip along a canal path here in New Jersey.   I think he was relieved that this was just a bike trip–last year it was a whole weekend and he had to sleep in a tent.  He’s happy to ride 100 miles in a day, but not if he has to sleep on the ground afterward!

Canal paths are great for inexperienced bicyclists.  The trails are flat and easy to ride on.   This was tailor-made for the group that took this bike trip.  Some, like my dad, were avid cyclists who ride over fifty miles a week.  Others were seventh-grade boys whose biking is limited to trips to the convenience store for a Snickers and a Slurpee.

With cloudy skies and temperatures nearing 80, the weather was perfect for a bicycle ride.  They picked up sandwiches for their lunch, strapped on their helmets, and were ready to go.

The boys were fascinated by the scenery along the canal path as it followed the Delaware River.  Sometimes it looked like they were passing through people’s backyards.  The path went through small towns as well as larger cities.  At one point the canal and path passed over the top of a state highway.

Thirty miles later, the boys were tired but still begged the leaders to schedule another bicycle trip in the fall.   And that’s the mark of a good day.

COUPON TIME

Use these coupons to get your family all set up for the bike-riding season!  And don’t forget your helmets, or I’ll get my dad to lecture you about the time he hit a pothole and fell onto the guard rail, striking the metal with his head and breaking the helmet.  Not a scratch on him, though.

10% off any size purchase at Nashbar.com
Use promotion code w257 at checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009

$5 off online orders over $50 at Sears.com
Not valid on electronics and select other items. If you don’t see the discount in your cart, the items are probably excluded.
Use coupon code swelcome15278.
Valid through: May 23, 2009 11:59pm ET

$7 off a purchase of $150 or more at Overstock.com
Use this link to activate coupon. Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 31, 2009 11:59pm MT
Excludes Books, Music, Movies, Software, Videogames, Club O, Overstock Auctions, Travel, Cars and Gift Cards. These items do not count toward the minimum order size. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. Continental U.S. and APO/FPO orders only.

$5 off online orders over $50 at Target.com
Use this link to activate the promotional code.
Valid though: June 30, 2009
Offer applies to purchases of $50 or more based on merchandise subtotal. Merchandise subtotal based on one shipping destination per order. GiftCards, e-GiftCards, gift wrap, tax, or shipping and handling charges will not be included in determining merchandise subtotal and are not discountable. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers or discounts or applied to previous orders. Offer available for Target.com orders only and does not apply to Apple iPods, Sony, Sennheiser, Video Game hardware, Bose electronics partner businesses, custom clothing, personalized gifts, or Amazon.com product purchases. Discount not available when using 1-Click ordering online.

$5 off a purchase of $25 or more at eToys
Use this link for details.
Valid through: May 23, 2009
$25 minimum excludes video game consoles, gift cards, shipping and taxes. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other coupon.

10% off your online order at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Valid online only. Use Promotion/Discount code DSP_WELCOME10.
Valid through: Unknown
Limit $200 discount per customer. Valid for in-stock merchandise only. Coupon excludes: electronics/optics, Treadmills, Ellipticals, HomeGyms, Weights/Benches, Adams Golf, Atec, Bauer, Bowflex, Carhartt, Callaway, CCM, Cobra, Coleman Boats, Columbia, Crocs, DeMarini, Easton, Escape, Fitness Quest, Fly Flot, Footjoy, Future Beach, Garmin, Hi-Tec, Horizon, Jugs, K2, Kettler, K-Swiss, Leisure Life, Louisville, Louisville Slugger, Magellan, Magnum, Marmot, Miken Sports, Minolta, Mission, Mizuno Golf, Mongoose, Motorola, 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.

As summer approaches, it’s time to make sure that your first-aid kit is ready. 

I was reminded of this last week when we attended a family party.  All the kids found their way outside the meeting hall and were playing pickup baseball in a nearby field.  Of course, my youngest took a spill on some gravel and scraped up both his knees and the palms of his hands.

There was a good-sized first-aid kit in my van, but I only had those useless little band-aids left.  I don’t know why they insist on putting so many of those in each box!  I found two or three in the right size, and that was it.  Slathering on a generous portion of antibacterial cream, we made the best of it.  Then when I got home, I knew it was time to dump the whole thing and start over.

I keep first-aid supplies in my kitchen and bathroom as well as the car.  The in-house first-aid kits are easier:  a box of band-aids with a tube of antibacterial cream tucked inside.  Of course, there is a full range of other supplies in the linen closet, but for the most part, these mini-kits get the job done.

But the first-aid kit that we keep in the car has to be more extensive.  We need to have enough supplies for situations when we’re not close enough to home to deal with the problem there.  So I include:

•    Adhesive bandages of varying sizes
•    Tube of antibiotic cream
•    Bug spray
•    Alcohol prep pads
•    Instant ice packs
•    Ace bandage
•    Several disposable latex gloves (in a sandwich bag)
•    Small bottle of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both adult and children’s formulas
•    Antidiarrheal medication
•    Antacid tablets
•    Antihistamine medication (Benadryl)
•    Gauze pads
•    Self-adhering roll gauze
•    Adhesive tape
•    Matches
•    Needles
•    Cotton balls (keep in a sandwich bag to keep them clean)
•    Large bandanna to use as a sling or to hold on a large dressing (“triangular bandage”)
•    A few old washcloths and hand towels for quick cleanups or to act as splints (keep individually bagged)
•    Scissors
•    Oral thermometer
•    Bar of soap
•    Tweezers
•    Safety pins
•    Small blanket
•    Waterless hand cleaner
•    Flashlight and extra batteries

It’s easy enough to keep all of these in a small backpack or duffel bag that can be completely closed and tucked under the seat or in the trunk until you need it.  It’s a good idea to periodically check your kit and make sure that it’s full and that nothing is expired.  And if you use something out of your car kit, keep the wrappers in your pocket so you know what to replace when you get home.

COUPON TIME

Stay healthy and safe this summer!

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 Bayer Contour or Breeze 2 Diabetes Monitors at drugstore.com
with rebate
Use this link for more details.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

$5 off orders of $60 or more at Puritan’s Pride
Works with the Buy 1 Get 2/Buy 2 Get 3 Free offers
Use coupon code TACC560 during checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

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

$10 off orders of $50 or more at Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare
Valid on the Snuggie!
Use coupon code DLMOMS during checkout.
Valid through: June 2, 2009

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: May 31, 2009
Some exclusions apply. Offer not valid on Hot Buy, Super Saver, Strivectin, or Alli Products. Offer not valid on select fitness equipment.

It’s mid-May and we’re coming up fast on summertime. It certainly feels like summer around here right now; the kids are in shorts and the ceiling fans are spinning like crazy. I know that we’ve got a whole week to go before the Unofficial Start of Summer, but I’m ready for some grilled chicken and corn on the cob, and the kids are pestering me about when the neighborhood pool will open up.  (Not soon enough for anyone.)  So while we wait for the parades and the hot dogs and the swimming pools, let’s consider some other celebrations you might have missed in the Memorial-Day shuffle.  And because we’re all about coupons around here, we’ve matched these celebrations with some great savings for you.

May is National Barbecue Month.  I’m ready for that!  Last year at my brother’s picnic I got hooked on burgers topped with pepper-jack cheese.  Those sound so good right now.
Free BBQ Grill when you buy 2 boxes of Quill Partition File Folders
plus Grill Accessory set!
Enter coupon code QEM at checkout.
Valid through: May 28, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Can be used once per customer. Offer is subject to availability; a substitution of equal or greater value may be made.

May is National Bike Month.  Don’t forget your helmet when you take a ride–even a short one!
Free shipping on orders over $45 at Altrec.com
Simply choose the FREE Shipping Option during checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009
Exceptionally large/heavy items, such as a kayak or Special Order items, may require an additional Handling Charge as noted on each product page.

May is National Photo Month and my daughter is on the job.  I’ve never seen someone take more pictures.  She’s constantly popping her memory card into my printer so she can dump the photos onto the computer and edit them.
$15 off a purchase of $35 or more at Snapfish
At checkout use coupon code ULTCOUPMAY09.
Valid through: June 4, 2009
Plus, new Snapfish customers get Free Prints. $15 off $35 coupon can be used once per customer. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Valid for mail order only, not store pickup.

May 17 through 25 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  Don’t bite a dog–bite a burger!  Preferably one topped with pepper-jack cheese, and maybe some grilled onions….
Six burgers, cutlery set, and cutting board FREE with purchase at Omaha Steaks
Valid through: June 1, 2009

May 17 through 23 is National Safe Boating Week–that includes speedboats, kayaks, rowboats and Sea-Doos.  Have fun and be safe!
Shop at Overtons 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 Overtons.com. Coupons are valid only at select Shop.com stores. Computer/Electronics stores excluded.

May 18 through 25 is National Backyard Games Week.  Time to swing, climb, jump and slide.  Go outside and have fun!
Free shipping on orders of $200 or more at Little Tikes
Valid for standard shipping.
Use discount code SPRG2009 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: June 1, 2009, 11:59pm PT
Pricing and availability subject to change. Please check website for final prices and availability.

May 17 is Rural Life Sunday.  And if you live out in the country, you know the importance of keeping your vehicle in good working order–it’s just too far to walk anywhere.
20% off online orders over $150 at JCWhitney.com
Maximum discount is $100.
Use promo code BAWBEX9 in your shopping cart and click “Add Promo”.
Valid through: May 31, 2009 11:59pm CT
Valid online only. Excludes sale items and certain other products. This offer may not be combined with any other discount, rebate, gift or other promotional offer. Minimum purchase amount is based on merchandise total only. Excludes the purchase of Gift Certificates.

May 17 is also NASCAR Day.  Vroom.
Shipping is Free on orders over $100 at NASCAR Superstore
$4.99 shipping on orders under $100.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
Cannot be combined with coupons. Items eligible for this promotion will say “Eligible for FREE Shipping on Orders Over $100.” Continental US only. Offer only applies to GROUND shipping. Some larger, special shipment or oversized items are not included in this offer. Offer is not applicable to orders placed through Group Sales.

May 18 is Visit Your Relatives Day.  If they’re not close enough to visit on a Monday, why not make plans to visit them soon?
15% off daily rates at Enterprise.com
Use this link to activate the coupon code in the reservation form.
Valid through: June 15, 2009
Discount applies to vehicles reserved in advance for rentals up to 26 days at participating U.S. neighborhood and airport locations. Rates are as posted at time of reservation at enterprise.com. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by June 15, 2009. Discount does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products and services including damage waiver at $30 or less per day. Check your insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Discount may not be used with any other coupon, offer or discounted rate, including weekend special rates. Normal rental qualifications apply. Vehicles subject to availability. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, may apply. Pick-up and drop-off service is subject to geographic and other restrictions. Void where prohibited.

May 20 is Weights and Measures Day.  Measure twice, cut once.
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.

May 22 is National Wig Out Day.  And you’ll definitely wig out over this great free shipping deal at ULTA!
Free shipping on orders of $40 or more at ULTA.com
Valid for standard shipping.
Use promotion code COUPONFREESHIP in your shopping bag.
Valid through: unknown
Gift cards are not included in minimum purchase total.