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5 Different Discounts at Georgia Aquarium     No comments yet

aquarium2I’m headed to the Aquarium with my family this week for $25.00!

It would normally cost us about $75  to buy 1 adult and two child General Admission tickets and pay for parking (Adult General Admission Tickets are $26.00 and kids are $19.50)

I wrote about this deal last week but have gotten so many follow up questions and requests for information,  I’m adding to it and letting you know about more deals as well!!

The Mommy and Me promotion drastically cuts the price: For $25.00, one parent and four children age five and under can visit the aquarium. The special deal also includes parking.

The promotion is not listed under the ticket page of the Gaaquarium.org but visitors can order tickets at this link:www.gaaquarium.org/acb/stores.

Aquarium Spokesman Scott Higley said the Aquarium circulated news of the deal on Facebook and Twitter as a way of rewarding it’s social media subscribers.

The Aquarium has  more ways to get  free admission coming up!

New this year is Pirate Days on September 24th through the 26th. Kids who come dressed as a pirate get in free with a paying adult.  That deal is available for kids age 12 and under.

Halloween weekend parents who pay their own admission can bring up to two children for free as long as the kids are in costume.

You can also visit the aquarium free on your birthday, whether you bring a paid for person or not.Vaquariumolunteering is also a way to get discounted or free admission. Those who sign up for the Aquarium’s volunteer program pay a one time fee of $60.00 and receive a t-shirt, training class and a one year membership. As they accrue volunteer hours, volunteers receive free tickets and memberships for friends and family.

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A Great Deal at the Aquarium     No comments yet

Restaurant.com gift certificates are available at an 80 percent discount this week.   $25.00 dollar gift certificates are $2.00 when you use the code: “CLEARsushiANCE.  ” Many of the certificates require a minimum food purchase of $35.00 and do not include alcohol.

K and G Fashion superstore is having a Summer Clearance Sale. Men and women’s clothing that was already on sale is now 50 percent off the sale price.

North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville is having a Labor Day weekend sale. Many of the outlets will have big bargains from Friday to Monday, and some stores like Polo and Guess have already started markdowns.

And the Mommy and Me promotion has returned to the GeorgiaaquariumAquarium. For $25.00 one adult and up to four children under five years old can visit the aquarium Monday through Friday through November 12th. That price even includes parking. Without the special pricing a parent and four children would pay $115.00. Visitors who want the Mommy and Me deal must order online at Gaaquarium.org.acb/stores

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    No comments yet

filenesMy fabulous find this week was a Tahari dress at Filene’s Basement.    The store has marked down a lot of summer clothing,  and it was only 29.99!  I also got Nautica swimsuits with matching shirts for my boys for 9.99 each for next summer.

Here are some other bargains you can find around metro Atlanta this week:

Beginning Monday, the City of Atlanta will host a week-long liquidation sale to empty out City Hall East before it’s sold. There are more than five thousand pieces of furniture including desks, chairs, sofas and bookcases. City Hall East previously housed the Atlanta police department.

Dean Gardens is holding an estate sale on August 28th from 4 to 8pm. The sale will feature furniture, house wares, rugs and more. Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Fragile Kids Foundation. Owner Larry Dean sold his multi-million dollar estate to Filmmaker Tyler Perry.  Those who plan to attend should call (770) 951-6115 to RSVP

Now and Again is having its once a year Art Markdown sale. The store is located at 56 East Andrews Drive, Atlanta. The sale is August 21st through 28th.

In the same Buckhead neighborhood, Global Living is closing. The store, which sells home décor from around the world,  has items marked down up to 75 percent off of retail.

The Fernbank Museum store sidewalk sale is August 21 and 22nd. Hours on Sunday the 22nd are noon to 5pm. Merchandise is marked down up to 75 percent off of original prices.

Ann Taylor Loft is having a summer clearance sale with some items below $5.00

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Free Snacks and Pancakes!     No comments yet

Kids eat free at participating International House of Pancakes from 4 to 10 p.m. throughout the month of August if they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Frito Lay is giving away samples and coupons of its new Cheetos Mighty Zingers while supplies last. Register for the sample and coupons at Besnackready.com.

Nature Made is giving away free Vitamin D samples and other prizes with a casino game at naturemade.com.

Cutter’s Gloves is giving away 1000 pairs of Pink Sports gloves to raise awareness about breast cancer. Click on the pink square at cuttersgloves.com to grab free gloves on Aug, 27.

Follow Valuesval on Twitter for more freebies and money saving tips.

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Big Bargains from Store Moving and Closing Sales     No comments yet

dekaDEKA Athletics at 375 Pharr Road in Buckhead is moving to the Around Lenox shopping center next month. The store is having a tent sale with discounts starting at 50 percent off. DEKA carries workout clothes and shoes for women. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30am to 6pm, and 10am to 6pm Saturday.  The store is closed on Sunday. (404)869-9600.

Global Living is closing.  The Buckhead furniture and home decor store has marked all merchandise down 20 percent and some items are discounted as much as 70 percent of of original prices.   Global Living is located at 3106 early street behind the Buckhead Theater.  Hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm and 11am to 4pm Sunday  The store is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

The High Museum of Art is running a half price special Thursday nights from 4pm  to 8pm.

neutrogenaNeutrogena has a rebate offer that ends Sunday, July 18th.
If you buy Neutrogena Clinical day cream, night cream or eye cream there is a rebate for your entire purchase price.
Clinical is Neutrogena’s new high priced skin care line that retails for around $40.00. The rebate is not good on the starter kit. Print the rebate form at Neutrogenaclinical.com and $5.00 off coupons at Neutrogena.com under the special offers section.  A cash register receipt and UPC code from the package are required to get the rebate check.

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Here’s a Rebate Even I Can’t Ignore     2 comments

neutrogenaI confess, I’m a little lazy about doing rebates.  My intentions are good but offers often expire before I get them mailed out.  The last  one I did was a high dollar one for Olay products,  and the next one I’m doing is for Neutrogena Clinical.  I bought it today,  saved the  receipt and UPC code,  printed out the rebate form and I  promise, I am mailing it tomorrow.  It’s too good a deal not to:  if you buy a Neutrogena Clinical eye or face product by July 18th,  NeutrogenaClinical.com is offering a rebate on your entire purchase price.  A receipt and UPC code are required, and the rebate is not available for the starter kit.  There are also $5.00 off coupons for Neutrogena Clinic products on neutrogena.com. I paid $35 dollars for it, used a $5.00 off coupon and hope to get back $35.00 (and have fewer fine lines and wrinkles :)

Here are some other Friday Freebies:n

On Saturday, July 17th there will be a Small Business Expo at the Mall of Georgia that’s sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE, a non profit that helps small businesses in metro Atlanta. The Expo runs from 10am to 5pm.

Register for a free hearing screening at hearingisliving.com. The Better Hearing Institute reports close to six million people in the U-S between the ages of 18 and 44 have suffered hearing loss. The free screenings will take place at various locations  through September.

Stevi B’s Pizza is holding a free giveaway on August 19th. The first 100 customers at the restaurant after 6pm will get a surprise specialty pizza to go.

The Webkins Road Trip continues through Saturday July 17th.  The final location is at the Learning Express store at 7300 Northpoint Parkway. Kids can play games and win prizes from 11am to 5pm.

On August 24th kids can make a UFO at the Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshop. Make reservations at Lowesbuildandgrow.com

Enfamil is offering a free diaper bag, formula and coupons for new moms. According the registration form at Enfamil.com the giveaway is worth $250.00.

Thanks to Atlanta On the Cheap, Field Trips with Sue and ThriftyTiff.com for Friday Freebies tips.  To contribute an idea send an email to vhoff@11alive.comor contact Valuesval on twitter

Have a great weekend!

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Braves Have That Feeling     No comments yet

There is something real special about the Braves recent series in Philadelphia. I had a post season feel. I know the weather outside is brutal, but the way the Braves played in the “City of Brotherly Love”, made me think about baseball in October. The clutch hitting, strong starts and the work of closer Billy Wagner made me think that post seson baseball could be making a comeback here. For those of you who don’t remember, the Braves used to play every October for 14 seasons. Folks around here got so accustomed to it that first round playoff games were often played before empty seats. To take 2 out of 3 from the Phillies in a series where the Braves faced both Roy Halladay, and Jamie Moyer is huge. Don’t forget, the Braves played this series without Nate McLouth, and Rookie All-Star Jason Heyward. It has been 5 years since the Braves last made the playoffs. 2001 was the last year the Braves won a playoff series. Keep those numbers in mind as the Braves head for the All-Star break on a roll. It’s roll that could lead to Fall Ball and considereing that way it fills outside today the post season can’t come soon enough..

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Friday Freebies!     1 comment

smoothieHeading out to watch the Peachtree Road Race? On July 4th the McDonald’s at 2929  Peachtree (along the race route) is giving away free smoothies.

This weekend is also the first weekend of the month. That means Bank of America cardholders get free admission to the Atlanta History Center, the High Museum of Art, and Milleniumgate.

On Monday, July 5th participating Arby’s restaurants are giving away free Junior Deluxe Roast Beef sandwiches. A drink purchase is required.

cowstumes-pic1July 9th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a. Customers who are dressed as cows get a free meal. Downloadable paper cutout costumes are available at cowappreciationday.com.

Free Family Fun Camp continues at Bass Pro Shop. The Family Fun camp is Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm through July 11th.

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Pixie Power     No comments yet

Pixie: (n) a fairy that is somewhat mischievous.  Ooo. I like this already. 

The Great Haircut Challenge ended last night at midnight.  Over the last month, it raised $1310 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.  JoJo, a long-time photographer at 11Alive that spouts wisdom, advice, and humor with ease has said repeatedly through this fundraiser “a woman’s hair is a man’s glory”.  To which I reply: “If a man is depending on my hair for glory, he doesn’t have much going for him, now does he?”

My desktop now includes issues of “Short Hair” and “Short Hair Style Guide” magazines.  I have just a few days to pick out the new do and I AM ABSOLUTELY thrilled.  The change will be drastic.  There will be raised eyebrows and comments.  Not all of them will be good.  I know this because I’ve been a Pixie before.  But this time, I have ammunition I’ve never had before. 

When they ask, “What did you do with your hair?”

I can say, “I cut it all off and raised more than $1300 for cancer research and patient services.  It’s fundraising for the Chicago Marathon in October: my 10th marathon… what did you do with your hair?”  Maybe that definition of Pixie should read “… somewhat mischievous, sarcastic, and/or spunky.”  Yep, that fits. 

Thanks so much to everyone that donated to The Great Haircut Challenge.  We’re still working out details, but it looks like Chesley will do the first “chop” Tuesday or Wednesday around 5:15 AM live on 11Alive.  My long-time hairdresser, Jem, from 313 Salon; will work on cutting it through the show and have it ready for a ta-da! moment by the end of the show.  Details to come….

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Midsummer Freebies!     No comments yet

The fourth Saturday of the month is Family Fun day at Centennial Olympic Park.  On June 26th the theme is The Great Outdoors, then on July 24th the theme is All Star Sports. Family Fun Day features free performances, games and crafts.

cloudyOn Saturday, June 26th The Mall of Georgia’s Movies Under The Stars features  Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.  Musical entertainment before the free  movie begins at 6:30 pm.

IKEA has free meals for kids from now until July7 5th. No adult purchase is necessary. IKEA serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Swedish theme.

The Georgia Aquarium now offers free admission on your birthday.  Proof in the form of a valid I.D. or birth certificate is required. AQUARIUM

For tooth grinders, Plackers has a free sample of disposable night guards you can order plackers.com. Shipping and handling is $2.99. 

Check It Out Reading is a summer reading program offered jointly by the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers. Kids who register and read five books by get a free ticket to both a Hawks and Thrashers game. (From fieldtripswithsue.com)

For updates on freebies and deals, follow valuesval on twitter.com

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Great Haircut Challenge     No comments yet

Nothing makes you want to chop off your hair like ten days in a row of 90-plus temperatures.  With nine days left in The Great Hair Cut Challenge, I’m itching to grab a pair of scissors (which would be disastrous, so I’ll leave it to the professionals). 

kim rhameI’d like to dedicate the final push of this fundraiser to one of my Chicago team mates, Kim Rhame.  She’s part of the Pixie Club, but not by choice.  Kim was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on October 15, 2008.  For six months, she traveled back and forth to Houston, Texas for treatment.

This week, she’ll pack her four kids into the car for a road trip back to Texas.  While her husband and kids are hitting up the tourist locations, she’ll be getting a new scan.  She shared her story with our fall Team in Training runners Saturday with a smile and a shrug. “It could be you.  It could be anybody,” she said.

After our four mile run in the sticky heat last Saturday, I was lusting after Kim’s pixie cut.  She’s a beautiful woman who can pull it off flawlessly.  When I told her so, she shrugged and remembered her long, blonde, pre-cancer hair without an ounce of anger or wistfulness.  She never planned to be a Pixie, but if she’s a member of the club, I want in.

The Great Haircut Challenge Ends June 30th at midnight.  The fundraising tally is $550 for “Ponytails” (keep the hair); $350 for “Pixies” (cut it off).    To donate on my TNT webpage, click here.

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Scoutmob Sneak Peak and More Bargains!     No comments yet

mygymThe My Gym Buckhead location is having a Day of Deals on Thursday, June 24th from 1pm to 5pm.

My Gym will offer discounts on classes and birthday parties and will be running other specials as well. Parents can learn more about the classes while kids play in the gym.   My Gym is located at 267 West Wieuca Rd. NE, Suite 101, Atlanta, GA 30342

Scoutmob.com has the following deals this week:

Monday: 50% off TAP (Midtown) -
Tuesday: 50% off Wasabi (Castleberry Hill) -�
Wednesday: 50% off Carroll Street Cafe (Cabbagetown)- Thursday: 50% off Coldbrew’s Sports Bar & Grill (Roswell)-     Friday: 50% off Demure Clothing (Westside)

Amazon.com has Forbes, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and others on sale. Some are as low as $4.99 for a one year subscription but subscribers much cancel the subscription after one year or it will automatically be renewed.

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Celebrate Dad On a Budget This Father’s Day!     3 comments

Here a few ideas from Sunday’s What’s on Sale Segment.  fathersdayAdd your own below!

Finding discounts on golf can be challenging.  Halfoffdepot.com currently has a deal at the Charlie Yates Golf Course at  Eastlake for $13.50.   Diningperks.com offers gift certificates for 50 percent off golf at the Stone Mountain and Indian Creek courses. These deals are for Atlanta but both have varied offers for different cities and offer some great deals!

 Big Lots:
Char-Broil Grill $99
Tool Chest 59.99

K and G Superstore
Men’s Designer Suits $79.99
Dockers $19.99

$$Hot Deal$$  Sears:
Spend $50 on Men’s apparel; get $50 Come Back Cash. Come Back Cash is Sears store credit and customers must fill out a mail in rebate form.

Pike Nursery:
Annual Red Tag Sale with some items marked down 70 percent.
Also, select plants and shrubs on sale, buy two get one free.

Tools and home improvement supplies also make good Father’s Day gifts. Home Depot and Lowe’s promise to match each other’s prices as long as you bring in a sale flier that indicates the competitor’s price.

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You’re Letting Chesley Do What?!     No comments yet

chesley cuttingI’ve known 11Alive Meteorologist Chesley McNeil for a long time.  We were both new at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York six years ago.  In a reunion of sorts, we now both work for the morning show at WXIA-TV.  He is a great Meteorologist, an enthusiastic co-worker, and –most importantly–a really good guy.  But I know he can’t cut hair. So, how did I end up agreeing to let him cut my mine?

“The Great Hair Cut Challenge” made it onto TV today.  In case you weren’t watching 11Alive at 5:55 AM (and shame on you!), here’s the background: to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, people are deciding what I should do with my hair: chop it all off or keep it long.  This wasn’t my idea, but I like it.  We’ve already raised more than $700 for a cause close to my heart, so I say bring it on! 

One of our producers heard about The Great Hair Cut Challenge on Facebook and suggested we talk about it on the morning show.  So, in between my 5:30 and 6:00 live hits, Chesley, Jill, Karyn, and I sat on the anchor desk and talked about it on live TV. 

Chesley threw out an absurd suggestion: “How about you let me cut it?” And I said yes.  Everyone on set, perhaps especially Chesley, was shocked.  

He can chop off my ponytail, and then I’ll have my hairdresser clean it up.  That’s *IF* the donations swing that way.  Right now, the “Keep It” campaign has raised twice as much as the “Chop It”.  BUT, we have 21 days left.  As we gear up for election season, I’m reminded: anything can happen.  Donate and Vote Here.

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New Twist in the Great Hair Cut Challenge     No comments yet

What is it with men and long hair?  Perhaps they’re so concerned with losing theirs, they become so attached to ours.  This is coming from the same group of people that take 3.5 minutes to get ready every morning.  You know what I can do in 3.5 minutes? Pick out my shoes. 

So, I was a little surprised when an 11Alive live chat inspired me to take a Facebook and Twitter vote on whether I should cut all mine off, and the votes were (almost) unanimously “yes”.  I now know the “no” voters just kept quiet. 

I decided to launch the Great Hair Cut Challenge.  If I can raise $500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training by the end of June (I’m training to run the Chicago marathon in October), I’ll cut all my hair off. 

But then (like every good story), a very good twist.  One of my TNT teammates said he would pledge $500 to NOT cut off my hair.  Well, that makes things interesting.  So, now, new rules.  You can donate to the “chop your hair” or “keep your hair” camp. (You can make a note when you donate on my secure fundraising website or just send me a note). 

Whichever has the most money by the end of June will decide what happens.  Either way, we’re raising money for a cause close to my heart, which is (obviously) the most important thing.  Otherwise, I would not be blogging about something as insignificant as my hair cut. 

Because I’m not a guy.  I’m really not that attached to my hair. (But I’m glad you are, because I plan on making some money off of you for a good cause! :)

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