la Madeleine is celebrating the first day of the summer season this year with Free Iced Tea Day on Friday, June 21, 2013.  So, head into your local la Madeleine on the 21st and receive a free refreshing glass of la Madeleine iced tea!  No coupon needed!

I’m excited to try their new Pomegranate Berry Iced Tea from Mighty Leaf.  Pomegranate Berry is a caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich tea, combining pomegranate and elderberry fruits.

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Chick-fil-A {World Record Attempt!}

by sarah on 06/17/2013

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at George Mason University’s Field House (4501 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030), the Northern Virginia Chick-fil-A  restaurants will attempt to break the world record for the largest number of people dressed as cows.   As part of the world record attempt that begins at 10 a.m., the restaurants are asking all participants to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

The official count will begin at 11 a.m.  To be “counted” as a cow, each participant must wear a one or two piece cow suit with a head piece  or decorated hood. All shoes must be black or white to match the cow suit. For participants who are interested in decorating a pre-approved costume, Chick-fil-A is providing FREE one-piece cow suits at local restaurants while supplies last.

Chick-fil-A will also offer a number of door prizes and giveaways at the event. The first 500 participants to arrive at the Patriot Center will receive a mini plush cow. If the record is broken, Chickfil-A will randomly select 10 winners to receive one Chick-fil-A Sandwich Meal per week for a year (equating to 52 meals).  Photographers, live DJ entertainment and children’s activities will be available for all event participants to enjoy.

This will be a great practice run for Cow Appreciation Day, on July 12, 2013.  In celebration of Cow Appreciation Day (an unofficial yet nationally recognized holiday), Chick-fil-A will award a FREE Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of their 1,600+ restaurants fully dressed as a cow, and a free entree for partial cow attire.

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Veggie Tales is releasing their newest movie, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, on July 30th.  But, if you’d like a chance to see this movie about getting along with others a month ahead of time, you can head to Chick-fil-A Leesburg tomorrow night, Tuesday, June 18th, from 5:30 -7:00 PM.  They are hosting a free pre-screening for the whole family!

MacLarry Movie Synopsis:
Join the VeggieTales crew in an all new adventure about the silliest battle ever! Larry the Cucumber stars as MacLarry – a misfit inventor who lives amongst a clan of perpetual pranksters! When the biggest prank of the century is unleashed, the feuding tribes are both in danger of being overcome by the stinkiest cheese in the land! Will MacLarry realize that his God-given talents, though different from those of his people, may be just what is needed to save them all from the loathsome limburger?

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DC-Area Summer Reading Programs 2013

by sarah on 06/17/2013

It’s the summer!  School is officially over, pools are open, and beleaguered parents are already hearing complaints of boredom.  Ah, it’s a wonderful time of year.  :)   Wondering how to combine a little educational encouragement with your summer schedule?  There are tons of great reading programs throughout the area!  Today, I’ll be listing ones that are specific to DC as well as national companies that offer reading incentives; on Tuesday, I’ll be doing a round-up of DC-area library programs; and on Wednesday, I’ll be sharing all the area booksales so you can buy some books to read.  So, if you’re a bookworm, stay tuned!

B&O Railroad Museum
The magic of reading and the railroad will take your child on a special journey. Children who participate in this summer reading program at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore or at Ellicott City Station earn a free book and a chance to win an engineer’s outfit when they read 10 railroad-related books and complete the reading journal. Pick up your child’s reading journal at either museum location or print it, browse the children’s railroad books (or head to your local library!) and start them on their reading journey. Completed journals must be returned to either museum location by August 26, 2013 for children to receive a free book and a chance to win an engineer’s outfit. To print the reading journal, click here.

Barnes & Noble
Read any 8 books and record them in the Reading Journal(PDF).  Bring the completed Reading Journal to your local B&N store, then choose a FREE BOOK from their selection on the Reading Journal list at the store… Enjoy reading!  Also, be sure to join Barnes & Noble’s free Kids’ Club – as a welcome gift, you’ll receive 30% off the list price on any one kids’ book or toy, a $5 reward for every $100 you spend on kids’ items online and in stores, and a free cupcake from their café for all your children’s birthdays.

Book Adventure
Book Adventure is a fun, free, online way to motivate your child to read! Kids in grades K-8 can search for books, read them offline, come back to quiz on what they’ve read, and earn prizes for their reading success. My favorite prize is their free, three month subscription to the Highlights magazine!

Chuck E. Cheese
Looking for a fun way to reward your children for good behavior?  Just download and print out the calendar, mark the days off with a pen or sticker as your child accomplishes their goals, bring in the completed calendars to Chuck E. Cheese’s and receive 10 free tokens as a reward.  They offer a reading calendar, in addition to practical ones like, “good behavior” and “daily chores.”

PBS Kids
Summer is the perfect time for kids to experience the world around them through reading! All summer long, PBS Parents and PBS KIDS are here to provide your family with fun, educational activities that explore reading, writing and language. Stop by each week to discover great programming, activities, special offers and other new and exciting ways to sneak some learning into summer fun!

Pizza Hut
Their Book It program just finished, but be sure to sign up for the upcoming school year!  For children, from Kindergarten – 6th Grade, you can set the reading goal, reward the achievement, and redeem a certificate for free pizza.  Even homeschoolers can participate!

Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Kids are offering fun and educational activities at your local store!  On Tuesday, July 2nd, at 11 AM, they will be reading Curious George books and you’ll even be able to meet the mischievous monkey at select stores.  And, on Tuesday, July 23rd, at 11AM, the Cat in the Hat will be hosting a special story time about the wonderful world of oceans.

Plus, from now through August 26th, read all the award-winning books on one of their recommended lists and qualify for fun prizes. If you complete a reading list, you’ll receive a free book, when you turn it in at your local store.

Scholastic
The Scholastic Summer Challenge is a free reading program dedicated to stopping the “Summer Slide” and encouraging kids to read every day this summer. Now in its seventh year, the Summer Challenge invites kids to log the minutes they spend reading as they Read for the World Record. The top school with the most minutes read/logged will win a school visit from Dav Pilkey, the bestselling author of the Captain Underpants series. The top 20 schools with the most minutes logged will receive recognition in the 2014 Scholastic Book of World Records. The top 20 schools (along with the top school in every state) will also receive a “Reading Plaque” to display at school and a badge for their websites.  Kids can participate in weekly challenges, earn digital rewards, enter sweepstakes to win fabulous prizes, find great books to read, and more. Help bridge the school-to-home connection and keep kids reading all summer long!

TD Summer Reading Program
TD Bank makes reading fun while teaching young people the importance of saving money. It’s just part of TD’s commitment to education – and to you.  Participating is easy: 1) Read 10 books this summer, 2) print out the Summer Reading Form (343K PDF), 3) write down the names of the books they’ve read, 4) take the form to the nearest TD Bank,  and 5) receive $10 in a new or existing Young Saver account.

Whole Foods Bethesda
Whole Foods Market Bethesda is excited to announce Bethesda’s Whole Summer of Reading, its first ever Kids’ Summer Reading Program!   Program is open to all kids from babies to those entering the eighth grade this fall.  Staring June 17th, pick up an official Bethesda’s Whole Summer of Reading Journal from their store and record all of the books that each child reads or has read to them between June 17th and September 8th.

Every ten books read earns the child a reward (a cookie or a piece of fruit), a star on their Summer Reading Program Progress Chart, and an entry into a weekly drawing for great prizes.  Additionally, the child that has the highest number of books at the end of the summer wins a pizza and cupcake party on the WFM Bethesda patio for the winner and ten friends.

The Bethesda’s Whole Summer of Reading Kick-off Party will be Monday, June 17thfrom 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Book themed activities and for kids 2 and up! All kids that attend will receive a cool bag to tote their books around in! RSVP to our Customer Service Desk!

  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. We’re kicking off our Summer Reading focus with a wonderful book called It Looked Like Spilt Milk! After reading this fun book, we’ll work on creating our own crafty cloud interpretation! (recommended for ages 2-5)
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m We’ll be making a pizza craft and enjoying our freshly made in-house pizza for lunch and reading from A Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky. This social is perfect for kids of all ages. Please be sure to RSVP at Customer Service so that we know how much pizza to have on hand! (recommended for ages 6-10)
  • 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Banana split buffet with a Curious George and the Ice Cream Surprise storytime (recommended for ages 2-5)

As part of Bethesda’s Whole Summer of Reading, join them for weekly storytimes every Wednesday, starting June 26th at 10:30 a.m. Team members will be reading their favorite children’s book!

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Panda Express just released a coupon for a free order of Orange Chicken this Friday, June 21st, from 9:00 PM to closing.  It’s a little late in the evening (especially since we turn into pumpkins at 8, now that we’re parents) – but, if you’re out and about, it might be a fun nighttime snack!

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Taste of Reston {June 14-15, 2013}

by sarah on 06/14/2013

This weekend, Friday, June 14th (from 3-11PM) and Saturday, June 15th (from Noon – 11PM), the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 23rd Annual Taste of Reston. Taste of Reston is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and was voted 2012 and 2013 “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” by Virginia Living magazine. Head to Reston Town Center for two days of restaurants and community vendors, live entertainment on three stages, a carnival, and the Family Fun Zone!

You’ll find delicious dishes from restaurants like The Melting Pot, Clyde’s, Hooked Seafood and Sushi, McCormick & Schmicks, The Counter Burger, and more!  To grab a sample, you’ll have to purchase tickets, which are $1 each (or $20 for 24) -  food samples will range in price from one to five tickets.

Photo Courtesy of Taste of Reston

The Taste of Reston carnival will return this year, and will stay open for an extra day: Father’s Day, June 16th.   Take a spin on your favorite ride or have a go at the many carnival games.  You can purchase  carnival tickets; and on Sunday, you can purchase all you can ride wrist bands for $25 that will be valid from 10 AM – 2 PM.

The YMCA Fairfax County Reston and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce will partner once again to bring you The Family Fun Zone, which will feature fun activities, interactive games, demonstrations, arts and crafts for all ages and more. Join them for food and fun at the Family Fun Zone! stage located at Market and Presidents Streets.

Taste of Reston will be serving up an unforgettable experience of delicious tastes, sights and sounds. Live performances will be held at the Pavilion stage all day both days!  You won’t want to miss it!

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Father’s Day 2013 Promotions

by sarah on 06/14/2013

Photo From NIE Rocks

This Sunday, June 16th, is Father’s Day!  How do these holidays always sneak up on me? While all of these are nation-wide promotions and coupons, they are all valid in the DC Metro area!  For all you moms out there, who might be too tired to cook, there are tons of restaurant discounts.   Be sure to check back often, I will continue to add to this list, as I find more!

Applebees
Live to far away to take Dad to dinner?  You can always send him $50 in Applebee’s digital gift cards.  They will give you a free $10 Bonus Card to keep or gift when you buy your gift cards online or at participating locations.

Barnes and Noble
Does Dad need a good book to enjoy on his special day?  Receive 15% off one item, through June 16, 2013.  This coupon can be redeemed at any Barnes & Noble location, but some exclusions do apply.

BGR The Burger Joint
Bring Dad into BGR on Father’s Day, June 16th, and they will give him a FREE regular burger with the purchase of any entrée.

Bonefish Grill
For each $50 in gift cards purchased, receive a $10 Bonus Card, now through June 16, 2013.  The bonus card is valid through July 15, 2013, valid for single purchases in restaurant or online. Bonus cards are not valid the day of purchase. See FAQs for full Bonus Card Terms.  Free Shipping offer valid 4/1/13 – 6/16/13, six cards or less, U.S Postal Service, a $1.95 value.

Boston Market
My husband is a huge fan of ribs, so this Boston Market deal sounds pretty good!  Buy any BBQ ribs individual meal, and receive one for free.  Valid on June 16th only.

Buca di Beppo
Special occasions like Father’s Day call for dessert!  At Buca di Beppo, Dad’s cannoli is on the house on June 16th, when you dine-in.

Caribou Coffee
Grab a jolt of caffeine on Father’s Day at Caribou Coffee.  They just released a coupon for Buy One Drink, Get the Second Free!  Valid at participating locations on Sunday, June 16, 2013.

Counter Burger
Bring Dad to any Counter Burger and say “BGD” to get a free burger, with any paying guest.  Offer valid for the 1/3 pound burger, excluding bison and market select burgers.  Offer valid on June 16, 2013 only!

Champps Americana
Sign up to be in Champps Americana’s MVP league (their free email program), and you will receive a free burger.  All MVP members get $7 Birdies (aka Chicken Sandwiches) and Burgers all weekend.  Plus, MVP members receive a $10 reward, when they purchase $50 in gift cards, through June 16th.

Chili’s
Join the Chili’s email club (or, if you’re already a member, just set your preferences) to get your free full-size flatbread, and you’ll also get the latest happening and exclusive offers.

Firebirds Restaurant
Who doesn’t love cake?  Print this coupon and show it to your Firebirds server, so Dad can receive a complimentary slice of cake on Sunday, June 16th, from 11AM.

Firehouse Subs
Grab a sub combo for Dad’s lunch at Firehouse Subs, and get your sandwich free.  Head to their Facebook page to print a coupon for a free medium sub, when you purchase a combo (subs, chips and drink).  This offer is valid on Sunday, June 16th only.

IKEA
Start Dad’s day off right with a free breakfast at IKEA.  Get a FREE 99¢ breakfast plate and a cup of coffee on Father’s Day!   This offer is valid only on Sunday, June 16, 2013 from opening until 11:00am in the Restaurant and Cafe. Limit one per family. Value $1.98. Offer not valid at IKEA Tampa, Centennial, Pittsburgh, West Chester or Paramus.

JCPenney
Dads, can get a little pampering for free!  Stop by a JCPenney salon (before June 30th), for a free beard trim.  {Ladies, you can get a free bang trim!}

Olive Garden
Treat Dad to a three-course meal without breaking the bank!  Olive Garden is offering a three-course Italian dinner, which includes unlimited bread sticks, soup or salad, an entree, and dessert or coffee for just $12.95 a person.

Outback Steakhouse
For each $50 in gift cards that you purchase, you will receive a $10 bonus card, for qualified purchases through June 16, 2013. Bonus card is valid from 5/13/13 – 7/15/13. Valid for single purchase in restaurant or online. Bonus cards not valid the day of purchase.

P.F. Chang’s
Bring some Asian flair to your Father’s Day celebration!  Through June 16, 2013, receive a $10 P.F. Chang’s bonus card, when you purchase $50 in gift cards.

Papa John’s
Get Dad all his favorites from Papa John’s at 50% OFF!!  Just use promo code DADSDAY, on Sunday, June 16, 2013.

Pei Wei Asian Diner
Which of Pei Wei’s lettuce wrap do you crave the most? Vote on their Facebook page, and you will instantly receive a Buy 1, Get 1 free entree offer.  Plus, take Dad on Saturday (June 15) or Sunday (June 16th), and he’ll receive a coupon for a Buy 1, Get 1 Free entree to use at a later date!

Red Robin
Spread out the joy of Father’s Day!  Take Dad to dinner at Red Robin, then to a movie next month.  Purchase a limited edition $25 gift card at Red Robin and receive a free movie ticket to Wolverine (which opens on July 26th).

Ruby Tuesdays
Ruby Tuesdays has incentivized purchasing Dad’s gift from them!  Purchase $50 in Ruby Tuesday’s gift cards online (this offer is NOT valid in-store), and you will receive a $15 bonus coupon and they will waive shipping costs.

Spaghetti Warehouse
Dads eat free at Spaghetti Warehouse on Sunday, June 16th.  He can choose any original recipe spaghetti entree, including spaghetti and meatballs or their 15-layer lasagna.  Just print the coupon on their Facebook page.

Staples
Buy Dad a Staples gift card, so he can choose a fun electronic gizmo!  For every $50 in eGift Cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $10 ePromotional Card!  The ePromotional card is valid through 7/7/13.

TCBY
Treat Dad to a sweet, FREE dessert at TCBY.  On Sunday, June 16th, they will be offering free yogurt (up to 6 oz) to Dads.  Just see your store for details.

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Just a few weeks after introducing flatbreads to the menu, Chili’s is making a bold move to bring their flatbreads to one million guests nationwide. While supplies last, guests who join Chili’s Email Club through Chili’s Million will receive a coupon to enjoy a free, full-size flatbread when dining in-restaurant.

Current Email Club members can also get in on the action of Chili’s One Million Flatbread Giveaway by answering a few preference questions while on the site. When signing up for the offer, all guests will have the option to redeem the coupon at a participating Chili’s restaurant nationwide. In addition to choosing their preferred neighborhood Chili’s, guests will be able to select June 11 – 16 or June 17 – 24, 2013 as the timeframe they wish to enjoy their free flatbread.

For complete details on Chili’s One Million Flatbread Giveaway, including instructions on how to obtain a coupon and full terms and conditions, visit Chili’s Million.

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Pei Wei {Buy 1, Get 1 Free Entrees}

by sarah on 06/13/2013

Head to Pei Wei’s Facebook page and vote for your favorite lettuce wrap: Traditional Chicken, Thai Chicken, or Korean Steak.  In return, you’ll receive a Buy One, Get One free entrée offer (one offer per facebook account) plus a chance to win other great prizes just for participating.

One lucky winner each day will receive a $100 Pei Wei gift card and two lucky winners will receive a $1,000 Pei Wei gift card at the end of the voting period. Come back often, every day you vote is a chance to win a $100 Pei Wei gift card. Contest ends July 5.

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Kids Bowl Free This Summer!

by sarah on 06/06/2013

Looking for something to keep your children entertained this summer?  How about trying your hand at bowling?

This summer, through September 2, 2013, AMF Bowling locations are offering free bowling for kids all summer long!  Just register your children for their Summer Unplugged program, and any child under 16 will be able to bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long.  And, this year, you won’t have the hassle of printing coupons or vouchers!  Adults, you can purchase an AMF Summer Pass for just $34.95, which includes two games per day for you and up to three guests ages 16 and up.

In addition, select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.  Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.  While there are no participating locations in DC, there are a few in both Northern Virginia and Maryland.

At Brunswick Zones around the country, sign up for their e-Club to receive monthly “kids bowl free” offers throughout the summer.  Free game coupons will be mailed out monthly on May 29, June 29, and July 29, and will be valid all month long.  Parents will need to sign up children under age 12 – and, children 13-18 can sign themselves up.  Also, as part of the e-Club, children will receive a special gift from Brunswick for their birthday – 2 FREE games of bowling!  There are locations in Baltimore, Columbia, and Ellicott City, Maryland.

Please keep in mind that you will still have to pay for shoe rentals.

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