OrlandoSentinel.com - Frugal Force

Memorial Day discounts and freebies

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:12:00 -0400

While we take time to remember all those who serve or have served our country, there are also some great freebies and discounts offered this weekend. We've included in the following list some info about special events that honor American soldiers.

For a more comprehensive list, visit MrFreeStuff.com.

1. AAA Tipsy Tow
Plan on partying a wee bit hard this Memorial Day? AAA wants to keep you off the roads by offering a free vehicle tow for all partiers from 6 p.m. Memorial Day until the wee hour of 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

2. Air Shows
Check out the searchable database of airshows scheduled for Memorial Day weekend throughout the country, as offered by the EAA.

3. Bass Pro Shops
Participating stores will help your kids have a ball Saturday and Sunday with crafts, photos, photo contests and their Summer Kickoff Challenge.

4. Blue Star Museums
More than 1,500 museums across the country are offering free admission for active military personnel and up to five family members. Call ahead to see if your local museum is participating.

5. Cabela's
Save anywhere from 20 percent to 60 percent on hundreds of items on Memorial Day, plus receive free shipping.

6. Home Depot
All active duty and retirees receive a 10-percent discount on Memorial Day for purchases of up to $500.

7. Knott's Berry Farm and Soak City Water Parks
Admission is free to active and retired military personnel on Sunday and Monday. You can also purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for members of your immediate family.

8. Lowe's
Active duty military and their family members as well as retired military and VA recipients receive a 10-percent discount on all personal purchases.

9. Parades
VetFriends offers a state-by-state list of Memorial Day parades scheduled throughout the country.

10. Ramada Inns
Escape for the weekend and save 20 percent for three nights or more at participating Ramada Inns across the country.

Free stuff to do this week in Orlando

Judy Padilla — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:25:00 -0400

Here are some free events going on starting today. For a complete list of all events, please pick up a copy of our Calendar section every Friday in the Orlando Sentinel.

EVENTS

HOT RODS & ROCK N' ROLL CAR SHOW: with music by the Cadillac Kings and others: 5 p.m. Saturday; Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry; free; 407-262-7700.

CHILDREN

MR. RICHARD: musical sing-along: 10 a.m. Wednesday; Once Upon A Child, 8917 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee; free; 407-297-9499.

COMEDY

TASTE OF COMEDY: open mike: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Taste, 717 W. Smith St., Orlando; free; 407-835-0646.

FILM

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: outdoor screening of "The Adventures of TinTin": 7 p.m. today; Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando; free;

407-851-6255.

LITERARY

CHUCK DOWLING: presentation and signing by the author of "First to Fight": 11 a.m. Saturday; Altamonte Springs City Library, 281N. Maitland Ave.,

Altamonte Springs; free; 407-571-8841.

APOPKA HIGH READINGS: 7 p.m. Tuesday; Urban ReThink, 625 E. Central Blvd., Orlando; free; 407-650-8004.

DI-VERSE WORD: open mike: 8 p.m. Tuesdays; Dandelion Communitea Cafe, 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando; free; 407-362-1864.

WEDNESDAY OPEN WORDS: open mike poetry: 8 p.m. Wednesdays; Austin Coffee and Film, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park; free; 407-975-3364.

WRESTLING

IMPACT WRESTLING: Spike TV tapings: 6 p.m.Monday-Tuesday; Universal Studios Florida, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando; free; 407-224-6000.

UPCOMING EVENTS

LEESBURG CORNFEST: with games and refreshments: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2; Downtown Leesburg, Main Street, Leesburg; free; 352-365-0053.

UPCOMING CHILDREN & TEENS

MAKE 'EM SMILE: festival for special needs kids and families: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2; Lake Eola Park, Robinson Street and Eola Drive, Orlando; free; 407-857-224.

Orlando's daily deals for May 25

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:04:00 -0400

Orlando's daily deals for May 25:

HotDealsOrlando is offering $20 for a golf clinic at Windermere Golf ($40 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.

Groupon is offering $129 for one Zoom! Teeth-Whitening Treatment from Dr. Jose Marcano, DMD ($550 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.

Living Social is offering $99 for microdermabrasion, 30-minute healing facial and foot soak at Longwood Healing Center and Spa ($200 value). Check this deal out at LivingSocial.com.

ODeals Daily is offering $59 for a pitcher of beer, round of golf, cart and range balls for two people at Timacuan Golf and Country Club ($118 value). Check this deal out at ODealsDaily.com.

Eversave Orlando is offering $49 for 10 units of Botox from Orlando Mobile Laser and Aesthetic Services ($120 value). Check this deal out at Eversave.com/Orlando.

$7.99 Brisket Burgers from 4 Rivers Smokehouse on Monday

Judy Padilla — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:35:00 -0400

4 Rivers Smokehouse (all locations- Winter Park, Winter Garden & Longwood) will be hosting Brisket/Burger day promotion in celebration of the food holidays on May 28 (Memorial Day)!

Special: Limited-time Brisket Burger and two sides: $7.99

Orlando's daily deals for May 24

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:18:00 -0400

Orlando's daily deals for May 24:

HotDealsOrlando is offering $20 for $40 worth of food and beverage at Sushi House Orlando ($40 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.

Groupon is offering $15 for two hours of bowling and shoe rentals for two people at AMF Bowling Centers ($42.06 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.

Living Social is offering $5 to spend on $10 worth of snow balls and ice cream at Snow Spot ($10 value). Check this deal out at LivingSocial.com.

ODeals Daily is offering $44 for bowling, shoes and snacks for five people at Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center ($89 value). Check this deal out at ODealsDaily.com.

Eversave Orlando is offering $45 for a mani-pedi and facial at The Beauty Spot Spa and Boutique ($105 value). Check this deal out at Eversave.com/Orlando.

Orlando's daily deals for May 23

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:24:00 -0400

Orlando's daily deals for May 23:

HotDealsOrlando is offering $40 for a one-hour relaxation massage at Gifted Touch Massage Therapy ($80 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.

Groupon is offering $59 for a Take Time For Yourself spa package, which includes 25-minute massage, 25-minute facial and glass of champagne ($130 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.

Living Social is $35 for a 30-minute medical massage and 30-minute chiropractic consultation at Adkore Rehabilitation ($70 value). LivingSocial.com.

ODeals Daily is offering $39 for a 50-minute custom massage or custom facial at Eternal Youth Wellness Boutique ($80 value). Check this deal out at ODealsDaily.com.

Eversave Orlando is offering $99 for a one-night weekday stay for two at The Cypress ($199 value). Check this deal out at Eversave.com/Orlando.

Get paid to shop

Judy Padilla — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:00 -0400

Have you ever thought about being a "Secret Shopper?"

Companies use secret shoppers to determine how well they are doing, where they need improvement, and to find out about their competition. Some shoppers may be required to report on regulatory laws or compliance issues as part of their questionnaire.

If you enjoy shopping and don't mind answering questionnaires or surveys you could make a few extra bucks. ShopSmart magazine, from the editors of Consumer Reports, advises to be wary of scams and don't expect to get rich doing this.

ShopSmart offers tips on how to get started in the business of secret shopping:

Don't Get Ripped Off. Watch out for scams that usually come through e-mail, in newspapers or online. Never pay for advice or job listings.
Find Real Jobs. Visit sites run by the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (www.mysteryshop.org) or Volition (www.volition.com) where mystery shoppers go to find work, ask questions and chat.
Get Certified. Another good source is Smiley University, an online school for mystery shoppers at www.aboutfacecorp.com. ShopSmart recommends trying out a few jobs first before committing funds to a certificate.
Do a Background Check. Before accepting assignments, check the company's reputation at the Better Business Bureau in that company's local area as well as Volition's forum.
Keep Good Records. Be sure to separate fees, which are subject to income tax, from reimbursed expenses, which typically are not. Any un-reimbursed expenses may be eligible for deduction from your income, including use of a car, which will also need to be backed up with detailed records. Get expert tax advice.

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports' celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and "best of the best" lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $5.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix.

Orlando's daily deals for May 22

Tue, 22 May 2012 07:08:00 -0400

Orlando's daily deals for May 22:

HotDealsOrlando is offering $15 for five adventure fitness classes at Adventure Martial Arts ($75 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.

Groupon is offering $25 for a one-year Friday through Sunday subscription to the Orlando Sentinel ($70.72 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.

Living Social is $12 for one dozen chocolate or vanilla cupcakes at Cut The Cake ($24 value). LivingSocial.com.

ODeals Daily is offering $25 for admission to the World Ballet Competitions All Stars of Dance on June 3 ($50 value). Check this deal out at ODealsDaily.com.

Eversave Orlando is offering $99 for six laser hair removal sessions at Illuminata Med Spa ($600 value). Check this deal out at Eversave.com/Orlando.

Orlando's daily deals for May 21

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:16:00 -0400

Orlando's daily deals for May 21:

HotDealsOrlando is offering $25 for eight classes at Orlando School of Cultural Dance ($150 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.

Groupon is offering $29 for a guided manatee snorkel tour from American Pro Diving Center ($59.50 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.

Living Social is $99 for a laser photofacial, two Formostar infrared body wraps and three red light therapy sessions at Healing Laser Clinics ($357 value). LivingSocial.com.

ODeals Daily is offering $25 for 16 days of unlimited classes at Orlando Fit Body Boot Camp ($167 value). Check this deal out at ODealsDaily.com.

Eversave Orlando is offering $11 for two or $20 for four admissions and canoe rental and drinks at Wekiva Falls KOA ($29.50 value). Check this deal out at Eversave.com/Orlando.

Pops concert, and other free stuff to do this weekend in Orlando

Judy Padilla — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:14:00 -0400

Looking for free stuff to do this weekend?

There's a free pops concert by The new Central Florida Community Orchestra on May 19. The show will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Downtown Baptist Church, 120 East Pine St., Orlando.For more information on Central Florida Community Arts, go to cfcommunitychoir.com

Go here for more info.

FILM

MOVIE IN THE PARK: outdoor screening of "The Muppets" with food trucks: 8:15 p.m. today (with food trucks from 6-9 p.m.); Bill Breeze Park, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee; free; 407-905-3180.

FUNDRAISERS

RELAY FOR LIFE OF ORLANDO: to benefit the American Cancer Society: 6 p.m. today; Lake Eola Park, Robinson Street and Eola Drive, Orlando; free; 800-227-2345.

RELAY FOR LIFE METROWEST/MILLENIA: live music and activities to benefit the American Cancer Society: from 2 p.m. Saturday; Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando; free; 321-634-4089.

LITERARY

WARS ARE DUMB: ORLANDO HIGH SCHOOLERS WRITE THE WRONGS OF ADULTS: release party for the Burrow Press anthology: 6-9 p.m. today; Urban ReThink, 625 E. Central Blvd., Orlando; free; 407-650-8004.
UPTON CHARLES: signing by the "narrator" of D.G. Stern's dog detective mysteries: 1 p.m. Saturday; Barrel of Books & Games, 144 W. Fifth St., Mount Dora; free; 352-735-1950.
ROBERT RAYMOND: discussion and signing with the author of "Early ReTyrement": 2 p.m.
Saturday; Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando; free; 407-835-7480.
TIME FOR PROSE: long fiction reading series: 6 p.m. Sunday; Urban ReThink, 625 E. Central Blvd., Orlando; free; 407-650-8004.
GREGORY ORR: reading by the poet: 7:30 p.m. Monday; Joan James Harris Black Box Theater, 1414 Art Center Ave. Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach; free; 386-423-1753. DI-VERSE WORD: open mike: 8 p.m. Tuesdays; Dandelion Communitea Cafe, 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando; free; 407-362-1864.
WEDNESDAY OPEN WORDS: open mike poetry: 8 p.m. Wednesdays; Austin Coffee and Film, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park; free; 407-975-3364.

WINE/FOOD

FOOD REVOLUTION DAY ORLANDO: with cooking demonstrations and activities: hourly tours from10 a.m.-noon Saturday; Winter Park Urban Farm, 1650 Pine Ave., Winter Park; free; livepretty-.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOT RODS & ROCK N' ROLL CAR SHOW: with music by the Cadillac Kings and others: 5-9 p.m. May 26; Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry; free; 407-262-7700.