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4/11/15
Panera Bread Company Freebies, Nationwide
3/29/15
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Nationwide
Spring is upon us. Time to perk up our wardrobes! Why not start with shoes? Previously I avoided DSW because its prices pierced the high end of my budgeting limitations. Then I discovered tactics for shopping there without going broke.
Step 1: Join DSW Rewards. This portal to savings ensures you'll receive coupons (usually $10 off) or bonus items, like tote bags. Step 2: Scout clearance racks. They often contain styles almost identical to those available in regular sections.
Don't let the name fool you, this shoe warehouse also sells accessories including purses and scarves. By combining both methods I scored a pair of in-season snow boots for $30, bedroom slippers for $1.99, and a leather wallet that doubles as a phone case for .49 cents.
Check out your nearest DSW. The deals just might surprise you too!
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Step 1: Join DSW Rewards. This portal to savings ensures you'll receive coupons (usually $10 off) or bonus items, like tote bags. Step 2: Scout clearance racks. They often contain styles almost identical to those available in regular sections.
Don't let the name fool you, this shoe warehouse also sells accessories including purses and scarves. By combining both methods I scored a pair of in-season snow boots for $30, bedroom slippers for $1.99, and a leather wallet that doubles as a phone case for .49 cents.
Check out your nearest DSW. The deals just might surprise you too!
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3/22/15
Los Tacos, Manhattan
A plethora of eateries exist within Chelsea Market. Without much info on any of them and in dire need of nutrition, I chose the one with the freshest looking food. Yes, I stalked some strangers' plates.
Los Tacos, reminiscent of a south-of-the-border roadside stand, had a line much longer than its competition. A sure sign of greatness. Right?
Going against that instinctual voice in my head, I bypassed the pork spinning on a rotisserie and opted for a carne asada tostada. What an error! The effort required to chew the meat detracted from the flawless flavors of the tostada, avocado, and salsa. My mouth definitely underwent an aerobic workout.
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Going against that instinctual voice in my head, I bypassed the pork spinning on a rotisserie and opted for a carne asada tostada. What an error! The effort required to chew the meat detracted from the flawless flavors of the tostada, avocado, and salsa. My mouth definitely underwent an aerobic workout.
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Chelsea Market
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Los Tacos
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Mexican
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New York
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NYC
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restaurant
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tacos
3/14/15
Free Google Play Song and Album Downloads
Love the lure of free music but want to avoid sketchy, illegal downloads? Google Play offers a variety of gratis, good (yes, good!) music. Check out the offerings by entering "free music" in the search box. Happy listening!
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3/7/15
Samantha's Southern Cooking, Brooklyn
As I write this post, I'm still hungry. Having skipped breakfast and lunch, I needed a hearty dinner asap. Samantha's Southern Cooking won out over the competition because it was near my last errand and I had a 50% off deal. Clue number one that my meal might disappoint: a tiny crumb floating in my water glass. I pushed it aside. I planned on drinking my bottled water anyway. Clue number two, two guests told the waiter they did not enjoy whatever was in their bowls. Although unable to hear the details, their grimaces said it all. Hhmmm. Stay or go? Those same diners moved on to dessert and cleaned their plates. I decided to stay.
My fried pork chop sandwich included two huge portions of meat, way too much for the meager bun. A smarter choice would've been one portion cut in half to cut down on the thickness. After picking some of the char off of one slice of bread, I realized the other piece was practically burnt instead of toasted. Even worse, the meat was overcooked and tough. Cutting it with my fork and eating smaller pieces did not improve matters much.
I contemplated mentioning my disdain to the servers. Both glanced at me, but neither stopped by my table. The twice-baked macaroni provided a distraction. Peppery with undertones of mustard, it had just enough cheese and plenty of flavor. Now back to the sandwich.
The male server offered a to-go box. I pointed out the deficiencies in my entree. He apologized and said he would speak to his manager. She came over after helping other guests and indirectly asked what was going on. I asked her if the server relayed my issues and ended up repeating them to her. She removed my plate and said she would take care of it.
Minutes later, she informed me that they were remaking the entree. I would have prefered a refund instead of a remake and expressed that. However the manager, who is also Samantha's sister, advised me they had already started cooking a replacement. I told her that I rarely send food back but had to speak up. She assured me that they serve freshly-prepared and seasoned meat. I questioned the bun, stating that it did not look or taste like focaccia. She said it wasn't and realized that the menu was incorrect. The manager mentioned that they bought the bread from a local bakery.
She delivered my new sandwich and returned shortly to ask if it was up to par. I said it was even though I'd only tasted a tiny end portion. The manager said, "I'm sorry about that sweetheart," when she delivered my receipt. I requested a to-go box and left, eager to return home where I had backup food available. The new chops proved just as tough as the prior ones. I tossed the meat in the trash. Oh Samantha, this southern gal wanted a taste of home. Clearly I didn't find it.
My fried pork chop sandwich included two huge portions of meat, way too much for the meager bun. A smarter choice would've been one portion cut in half to cut down on the thickness. After picking some of the char off of one slice of bread, I realized the other piece was practically burnt instead of toasted. Even worse, the meat was overcooked and tough. Cutting it with my fork and eating smaller pieces did not improve matters much.
I contemplated mentioning my disdain to the servers. Both glanced at me, but neither stopped by my table. The twice-baked macaroni provided a distraction. Peppery with undertones of mustard, it had just enough cheese and plenty of flavor. Now back to the sandwich.
The male server offered a to-go box. I pointed out the deficiencies in my entree. He apologized and said he would speak to his manager. She came over after helping other guests and indirectly asked what was going on. I asked her if the server relayed my issues and ended up repeating them to her. She removed my plate and said she would take care of it.
Minutes later, she informed me that they were remaking the entree. I would have prefered a refund instead of a remake and expressed that. However the manager, who is also Samantha's sister, advised me they had already started cooking a replacement. I told her that I rarely send food back but had to speak up. She assured me that they serve freshly-prepared and seasoned meat. I questioned the bun, stating that it did not look or taste like focaccia. She said it wasn't and realized that the menu was incorrect. The manager mentioned that they bought the bread from a local bakery.
She delivered my new sandwich and returned shortly to ask if it was up to par. I said it was even though I'd only tasted a tiny end portion. The manager said, "I'm sorry about that sweetheart," when she delivered my receipt. I requested a to-go box and left, eager to return home where I had backup food available. The new chops proved just as tough as the prior ones. I tossed the meat in the trash. Oh Samantha, this southern gal wanted a taste of home. Clearly I didn't find it.
Labels:
Brooklyn
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food
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macaroni
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New York
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NYC
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restaurant
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Samantha's Southern Cooking
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soul food
2/22/15
Top Romance Novels
Fifty Shades of Grey might have stolen all the Valentine's hype but plenty of more notable romance reads exist.
Check out this BET.com list in honor of Black History Month:
http://www.bet.com/news/fashion-and-beauty/photos/2012/02/top-african-american-romance-novels.html
2/15/15
Free $20 Wedding Registry Target Gift Card
Did someone put a ring on it on Valentine's Day? Head to Target and receive a free gift card for joining the wedding registry. Offer is limited and only lasts a week. Visit Target.com for details.
2/4/15
Free Chick-fil-a Coffee
Labels:
chain restaurants
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Chickfila
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coffee
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drink
,
free
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freebie
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restaurant
2/1/15
Community Coffee Military Match Program
Need java to rev up in the mornings? Try one of Community Coffee's blends and support military personnel in the process. The retailer generously matches your purchase so those serving us can get a taste of home.
See site for details:
http://www.communitycoffee.com/militarymatch
1/19/15
Blue Ribbon Chicken, NYC
Fueled by a mere handful of pistachios for breakfast, I needed nourishment. I'd been craving chicken for a few days and scoured reviews for joints offering fried goodness reminiscent of that served Down South. Every establishment's good commentary had an evil twin. By mid-afternoon I discovered Blue Ribbon Chicken. The eatery won by default. Brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg run it and other themed spots around the city. Although I've visited none of the others, I figured they'd more than likely deliver an appetizing meal.
I decided to go a la carte and chose a Mighty Wing, instead of a regular one, and onion rings. While I waited, I asked a manager if they made the ice cream. He affirmed that they did and asked what flavor I thought looked interesting. I also noticed another manager visiting guests' tables. One employee's sole job consisted of cleaning the dining room. Kudos for staff attentiveness!
Almost embarrassingly so, I dove in seconds after my order arrived. The wing lacked that buttermilk dipped, heavily-floured coating I expected based on meals of fried chicken past. Between their signature spice mix and frying techniques, the owners did manage to create a crispy, light and flavorful crust. I ate every bit of skin I could pry off the bone.
As I did so, I thought of how the preparation seemed simultaneously simple and elevated. The rings had the sort of crust I expected the chicken to have. They reminded me of those served in most Savannah seafood restaurants.
I dipped portions of my Mighty Wing and onion rings in the honey mustard and bbq sauces although the chicken and rings tasted fine on their own. Freshly prepared, both condiments had a thin consistency but packed a surprisingly flavorful punch.
Dessert, complimentary banana salted caramel ice cream, topped off the meal. I'm not a huge banana fan but wanted to try it because I enjoy homemade caramel. As I scraped up every bit possible, I conjured up memories of every scoop I'd ever encountered. I must say this dessert edged out my previous favorite, High Road Craft Ice Cream's carrot variety.
I realized after reviewing Blue Ribbon's website that the manager who delivered the treat was one of the owners. With food, service, and an atmosphere that are all on point Blue Ribbon Chicken is bound to become a favorite.
I decided to go a la carte and chose a Mighty Wing, instead of a regular one, and onion rings. While I waited, I asked a manager if they made the ice cream. He affirmed that they did and asked what flavor I thought looked interesting. I also noticed another manager visiting guests' tables. One employee's sole job consisted of cleaning the dining room. Kudos for staff attentiveness!
Almost embarrassingly so, I dove in seconds after my order arrived. The wing lacked that buttermilk dipped, heavily-floured coating I expected based on meals of fried chicken past. Between their signature spice mix and frying techniques, the owners did manage to create a crispy, light and flavorful crust. I ate every bit of skin I could pry off the bone.
As I did so, I thought of how the preparation seemed simultaneously simple and elevated. The rings had the sort of crust I expected the chicken to have. They reminded me of those served in most Savannah seafood restaurants.
I dipped portions of my Mighty Wing and onion rings in the honey mustard and bbq sauces although the chicken and rings tasted fine on their own. Freshly prepared, both condiments had a thin consistency but packed a surprisingly flavorful punch.
Dessert, complimentary banana salted caramel ice cream, topped off the meal. I'm not a huge banana fan but wanted to try it because I enjoy homemade caramel. As I scraped up every bit possible, I conjured up memories of every scoop I'd ever encountered. I must say this dessert edged out my previous favorite, High Road Craft Ice Cream's carrot variety.
I realized after reviewing Blue Ribbon's website that the manager who delivered the treat was one of the owners. With food, service, and an atmosphere that are all on point Blue Ribbon Chicken is bound to become a favorite.
Labels:
barbeque
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Blue Ribbon
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chicken
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food
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New York
,
NYC
,
onion rings
,
restaurant
11/24/14
Miles for Military
Served our country or want to support someone who did? Quicken Loans' Miles for Military grants free airfare for those chosen at the end of an easy application process.
Visit: http://www.quickenloans.com/homefront/?qls=$qls
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Labels:
airfare
,
Miles for Military
,
military
,
Quicken
,
travel
11/16/14
Waffle & Wolf, Brooklyn

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11/10/14
Veteran's Day
SeeSaveSavor.com salutes our armed forces, past and present. Please pass on these Veteran’s Day deals (some start before or run past the holiday):
- Krispy Kreme: free doughnut and small coffee
- Starbucks: free brewed coffee or tea
- Ruby Tuesday: free appetizer
- Carrabba’s: free appetizer
- California Pizza Kitchen: free entrée
- Texas Roadhouse: free entrée and soft drink/tea
- Denny's: free Grand Slam
- LongHorn Steakhouse: free Texas Tonion and soft drink
- Red Lobster: free appetizer
- Steak 'n Shake: free Breakfast Skillet and coffee
- Applebee’s: free Signature entrée
- Pappadeaux: free appetizer with entrée purchase
- Einstein Bros Bagels: free bagel and shmear
- Outback Steakhouse: free Bloomin' Onion and soft drink
- Boston Market: free whole chicken with family meal purchase
Labels:
food
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free
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freebies
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holiday
,
military
,
restaurants
,
Veteran's Day
11/3/14
Times Square, NYC
Need proof you're not in Kansas anymore? Stop by Times Square. A quintessential landmark bustling with activity, there's surely something in walking distance to satisfy everyone in your party's adventurous spirit.
The abundance of architecture and advertising are enough to captivate. I gravitate toward people and character watching over all else. Don't linger too long though. Shops in Times Square, aka Tourist Central, tend to charge a bit more. Venture into other boroughs or other areas of Manhattan to discover their offerings.
The abundance of architecture and advertising are enough to captivate. I gravitate toward people and character watching over all else. Don't linger too long though. Shops in Times Square, aka Tourist Central, tend to charge a bit more. Venture into other boroughs or other areas of Manhattan to discover their offerings.
Labels:
New York
,
NYC
,
Times Square
,
travel
,
USA
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