Shop-O-Matic

Land of the Free: Memorial Day freebies, discounts for vets, active military

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:57:44 GMT

Hundreds of retailers offer discounts for Memorial Day of 10 percent or more to active duty and retired U.S. military, National Guard and reservists and veterans. In some cases, spouses and families members are included, too.
Many military discounts aren’t publicized, so be sure to ask if one available before making a purchase or dining and have your military identification so you can take advantage of the deal.

Home Depot: Veterans and immediate families can get 10 percent off purchases with a maximum discount up to $500 on Monday with some restrictions. The discount also is available to vets on Independence, Labor and Veterans Day. Active duty, career and disabled vets and reservist guards and family can get the discounts every day.

Lowe’s: Same deal as Home Depot, above.

Apple’s Federal Government & Military Employee Purchase Program: Get discounts from 4 percent to 9 percent on Apple products. Call 877-377-6362 for details.

Hooters: Get 10 free wings for veterand and active duty military with ID on Monday at participating Central and South Florida restaurants.

GM Military Discount: General Motors offers savings of up to $500 on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles in what it claims is “the best military discount from any car company.” The offer is for active duty members, reserves and retirees and spouses.

National Parks Pass: Active military personnel and their dependents can get a free annual pass to U.S. National Parks and Fish and Wildlife Service sites. Those 62 and older can get a lifetime Seniors Pass for free entrance to more than 2,000 parks for $10.
Jo-Ann Fabric: 20 percent discount on Friday-Monday for past or present members of the armed forcesand their families on regular, sale and clearance
items with ID.

Disney's Armed Forces Salute: Walt Disney World is offering active and retired members of the U.S. military, Coast Guart, National Guard and Reservists and spouses may buy up to six 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for $138 each. Tickets must be purchased at U.S. military sales outlets, not at the gate. Plus, get up to 40 percent off at Disney Resorts by calling 407-939-7830. Offers expire Sept. 30.

Anheuser-Busch Here’s to the Heroes: This program offers free admission for active military and up to three direct dependents to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and other theme parks through Dec. 31.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

It's Freebie Friday! Check out our Memorial Day edition of free stuff and coupons

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:15:00 GMT

It's Freebie Friday! That means it's time for our fabulous freebie free-for-all. Our patriotic-packed list is stuffed with free samples and coupons for Memorial Day weekend shopping savings at stores and restaurants.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free $12 summer beauty bag from Target; through Facebook
Free tipsy tow service from AAA on Memorial Day
Coupon: 15 percent off at Kohl's; expires Monday
Free gas from CVS/Pharmacy through August
Free 60-day membership at BJ's Wholesale Club; expires July 4
Yard House to open in Mizner Park June 3
Coupon: Free gift with purchase from Harbor Freight Tools; expires Monday
Eat for free at IKEA with purchase Saturday-Monday

Eat for free at IKEA with purchase Saturday through Monday

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:50:25 GMT

Dine for free at IKEA on Saturday through Monday, May 26 when you purchase home furnishings.

The store will deduct your restaurant receipt total from any home furnishings purchase of $100 or more (before taxes). You must buy and eat the food in the restaurant; the offer’s not valid in the Bistro or market or on purchase of gift cards.

We love those Swedish Meatballs almost as much as the awesome furniture designs. Win-win.

Click here for the deal. There are locations in Sunrise and Orlando.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

AAA offers free tipsy tow service on Memorial Day

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:39:52 GMT

If you swill too much beer with that barbecue on Memorial Day, don't get behind the wheel and drive drunk. Get a free tow home from the American Automobile Association's Tow to Go program. The offer is open to everyone, no membership required, but should only be used as a last resort. The offer is based on availability of trucks and call volumes.

Call 1-800-AAA-Help and a tow truck will deliver you and your vehicle home safely, no charge and no questions asked. The free service, a partnership between AAA and Budweiser, is 100 percent confidential.

Tow to Go is offered at various times throughout the year, during New Year's Eve, Super Bowl and St. Patrick's Day.

In 2011, AAA received 3,000 calls; more than 18,000 intoxicated drivers have used Tow to Go vs. since the program began in 1998, according to a press release.

Free Tow to Go coverage is offered in Florida, Georgia and parts of Tennessee.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Coupon: Free Bush's Grillin' Beans ($1.50 value)

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:23:42 GMT

Just in time for Memorial Day barbecues, get a coupon for a free can of Bush's Sweet Mesquite Grillin' Beans valued at $1.50 through Facebook.

Don't forget to hit the back button to get two!

Click here for the deal. The coupon expires on Aug. 22.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Swim & Save: 30 percent off on Dolphin Encounters at Miami Seaquarium

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:10:10 GMT

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Get up close and personal with dolphins and fish during Miami Seaquarium’s Florida resident promotion through June 8.

Save 30 percent on the Dolphin Encounter where kids and adults can touch, feed and play with a friendly mammal ($68-$94). Other options include hitching a ride across the pool on the back of a dolphin in the Dolphin Odyssey ($134) and the Sea Trek Reef Encounter ($79), where you take an undersea walk through the 300,000 gallon tropical reef.

Reservations are required. Be sure to mention you’re a resident when booking

Go to MiamiSeaquarium.com or call 305-365-2501 for hours.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and get mobile alerts: Text DEALS to 23539.

Free admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens for military families

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:03:00 GMT

Anheuser-Busch salutes our troops by offering free admission year round to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place and Water County USA theme parks to members of the U.S. military and their families with a valid ID.

The “Here’s to the Heroes” program is good for all active-duty military personnel in all service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit and up to three direct dependents. Just register and get free single-day admissions to SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego or San Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place in Pennsylvania, Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Virginia. Family members can get in free without their service member.

There are some restrictions and the deal is valid for one admission per person, per year.

Click here for the deal. The offer expires on Dec. 31.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Pollo Tropical opens third restaurant in Venezuela

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:51:31 GMT

South Florida-based Pollo Tropical continues to spread its wings overseas. The chain recently opened its third restaurant in Venezuela, in Caracas.

The quick-service grilled chicken chain has two other Venezuelan franchisee stores in Barquisimeto and Punto Fijo, which have been open since 2010. The chain, which serves traditional Caribbean and Latin cuisine, hopes to continue expanding into Canada, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and the Caribbean soon.

“Venezuela is one of Latin America's largest economies so it makes sense that we would partner with a strong restaurant operator to build out this Pollo Tropical market quickly,” said Marc Mushkin, senior vice president of international development at Pollo Tropical, in a news release.

The chain recently began accepting payments from the Google Wallet smartphone platform for all purchases.

Pollo Tropical has 90 stores in Florida and Georgia and others in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Ecuador, Honduras and Costa Rica.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Justine Griffin on Twitter@SunBizGriffin and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free plug-and-play speaker from Pringles

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:43:20 GMT

Blast your favorite tunes around the pool or at the beach with a free plug-and-play speaker from Pringles with a mail-in offer.

We got one last year when the promotion was offered and it's awesome!

Buy four cans of Pringles Super Stacks, print out the form and mail it with the receipt to get the speaker that pops into an empty Pringles can. Purchases must be made by Oct. 31 and postmarked by Nov. 30.

Click here for the deal.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Expired: $10 off IMAX or 3-D movie tickets from KFC

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:09 GMT

UPDATE: this deal has expired. We'll repost if KFC add more promotional codes.

Save $10 on two IMAX or 3-D movie tickets at South Florida theaters on Fandango from KFC.

Enter your zip code, select your IMAX or 3-D showtime and theater and follow the directions and up to $10 for up to two tickets will be deducted from your order. (There is a $2 convenience free added to orders.)

Click here for the deal. The offer ends on June 17 or while supplies last.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Score a free blue IKEA tote in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:22:51 GMT

IKEA is giving away free IKEA blue bags in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Thursday morning.

From 8 to 10 a.m. the Sunrise-based retailer will be giving out the large, flexible totes at the corner of Southeast 1st Street and 2nd Avenue.

These are the same roomy, eco-friendly bags used in stores. The Swedish retailer is giving away 35,000 across the country as part of its "Random Acts of Life Improvement" campaign. Each individual store is tweeting it's location's giveaway on Twitter.

In Orlando, IKEA is giving them away the tent at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival in Orlando Loch Haven Park.

Click here for more info.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Red Mango opens first mall store in The Galleria

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:07:16 GMT

Red Mango, a frozen yogurt and smoothie chain, opened its first in-mall location in Florida inside The Galleria Mall.

The frozen yogurt chain is known its all natural and gluten-free yogurt. Red Mango offers more than 40 tart and tangy flavors, among other items. The company has more than 150 stores across the U.S.

The location inside the Galleria Mall is located near Dillard’s on the upper Palm Court level. Red Mango is the No. 1 Zagat-rated brand of frozen yogurt and smoothies in 2011, edging out competitors like Pinkberry and Jamba Juice.

Other South Florida locations include the Fort Lauderdale International Airport in terminal three, the Tower Shops at 2124 S. University Drive in Davie and 111 5th St. on South Beach.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Justine Griffin on Twitter@SunBizGriffin and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free $2 MP3 credit from Amazon.com

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:43:37 GMT

Amazon is giving out free $2 MP3 credits when you share your favorite song through Facebook.

Share you fave tune of the moment and then a $2 MP3 credit will be automatically applied to your Amazon account. Find the music you want to buy and the credit will be applied to your purchase.

Click here for the deal. Credits must be redeemed by Thursday, May 24.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free Slurpees at 7-Eleven stores on Wednesday

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:28:00 GMT

Keep your cool on Wednesday with a free Slurpee at 7-Eleven stores. No purchase, or coupon, is necessary.

Get a free 7.11 ounce Slurpee from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating convenience stores.

The "SlurpFREE" event is promoting the new Lite Fanta Sugar-Free Mango frozen treat. It has 50 percent fewer calories than a regular cold one.

Click here for the deal.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free $12 summer beauty bag from Target

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:16:06 GMT

Get a free $12 summer beauty bag filled with cosmetic samples from Target through Facebook.

The pretty blue cosmetic bags are filled with summer samples from Aveeno, TRESemme, Garnier, Neutrogena and Revlon lipstick and Rimmel mascara samples. Money-saving coupons are tucket inside, too.

This generous freebie is awesome. Similar freebies were offered in spring.
Don't wait! They'll go quick. (Also, be patient because the application is running very slow.)

Click here for the deal. It should arrive in 6-8 weeks.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Save $20 on iTunes gift cards at Best Buy

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:03:31 GMT

Save $20 on $100 Apple iTunes gift cards from Best Buy. This would make an awesome graduation gift.

Redeem cards for music, movies, eBooks, apps and more at the iTunes Store, iBookstore or the App Store.

Buy the gift card to come via mail or elect for immediate digital delivery with a $100 credit via coupon code.

Click here for the deal.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Coupon: $10 off at Pet Supermarket

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:44:15 GMT

This makes our tails wag: Get $10 off a $50 purchase at Pet Supermarket with a coupon on Facebook.

Print it out and bring to the store or use it online with coupon code 10off50M.

Click here for the deal. The coupon expires Friday, May 25. The offer is one per household.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free box of Ritz Crackerfuls via Twitter

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:28:42 GMT

Get a coupon for a free box of Ritz Crackerfuls when you follow @RitzCrackerfuls on Twitter.com.

The company is giving away free boxes to the first 10,000 followers. There are more than 7,000 coupons left. After you follow, a link to a printable coupon will arrive via direct mesage.

Click here for the deal.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Yard House to open in Mizner Park June 3

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:17:48 GMT

Yard House will open its newest restaurant in Mizner Park on June 3rd.

The 11,407-square-foot restaurant located at 201 Plaza Real, Suite 1201, will have 140 different kinds of draft beer.

The company hired 200 people for this new location.

Yard House serves American fare, cocktails and craft beer. The company has locations in Palm Beach Gardens, Coral Gables and Hallandale Beach.

The restaurant is moving into the former Cartoon Museum in Mizner Park.

The new Boca Raton location is one of five new stores the chain will open across the country this year.

Read a review about the Yard House in Hallandale Beach by John Tanasychuk here.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Justine Griffin on Twitter@SunBizGriffin and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free Bloomin' Onion at Outback on Monday

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:25:46 GMT

Get a free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse with any purchase on Monday, May 21, when you mention NASCAR driver Ryan Newman's name. No coupon necessary.

Outback is one of the Rocketman's 2012 sponsors. When Newman and his souped-up Chevy place in the Top 10 in any 2012 Sprint Cup race, as he did in the this weekend in the All-Star Race Charlotte Motor Speedway. Newman placed 10th, so you get the free appetizer on the Monday after each race.

Sign up to get notified via e-mail or mobile text alert when the freebie is good. (Or just read Shop-O-Matic. We'll be sure to tell you!)

Click here to sign up. The offer is one per table.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free $15 3-D movie tickets from Kellogg's cereal

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:10:18 GMT

Get free $15 3-D movie tickets from Kellogg's with codes inside specially marked boxes of cereal for a Spider-Man promotion.

Collect Spidey codes printed inside boxes of Kellogg's products and redeem them online and then print out your free ticket to area theaters. Besides free tickets (6 points), use codes to get free $3 3-D movie ticket upgrades (two points), free Spider-Man wallpaper and other "Amazing Rewards." Tickets are good to see any movie, not just "Spider-Man," which hits theaters on July 3.

Get one point per box inside eligible boxes of Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats, Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Nutrigrain Cereal Bars, Keebler cookies and Cheez-It crackers, among other products.

You also can get exclusive Spider-Man bonus content when you download the "Kellogg's Amazing Spider-Man Exclusive" app for iPhone or Android. After downloading the app, aim your smartphone at Peter Parker on boxes to see three exclusive scenes from the new movie.

Click here for the deal. The offer expires on June 30, 2013.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Freebie for Miami Heat fans from Smokey Bones

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:59:16 GMT

Celebrate the Heat's win over the Pacers Sunday night with Smokey Bones.

The restaurant chain is giving Miami Heat fans (or anyone) is offer a coupon for free freshly-cooked kettle chips with any purchase.

Click here for the deal. The offer, one coupon per party, per visit, expires on Sunday, May 27.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Coupon: Free Cherry Berry Chiller at McDonald's ($1.99 value)

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:14:52 GMT

Get a coupon for a free Cherry Berry Chiller valued at $1.99 at McDonald's with a coupon in USA Weekend magazine inside Sunday's Sun Sentinel.

If you don't get home delivery, we have a coupon for 50-cent off Sunday's Sun Sentinel.

The fast-food chain also is offering a $1-off coupon on its website (good at participating locations) to entice you to try its latest McCafe concoctions. The coupon also is good on a Frappe or Real Fruit Smoothie. There are a limited number of coupons loaded each day. If you don't get one today, try again tomorrow.

Click here for the $1-off coupon. It expires on June 15.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Free gas from CVS/Pharmacy through August

Sun, 20 May 2012 11:44:48 GMT

Get free gas on select weeks when you buy specially-marked products at CVS/Pharmacy beginning Sunday, May 20, through the end of August.

The new ExtraCare Reward program lets customers earn free $10 gift cards to Exxon/Mobil or Shell when you spend $30 on certain "essential" items such as Kleenex Tissues and Scott toilet paper. This week's products are listed in the weekly CVS/pharmacy circular in Sunday's newspaper and at CVS.com.

How the program works:

Use your ExtraCare Rewards Card to purchase $30 in eligible items (you can mix and match) to get the free gas card.

After you reach the required amount in purchases, a coupon will print on your register receipt that can be redeemed immediately in stores for the $10 gas card of your choice. The limit is one redemption per card.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.

Time to meet Dan Marino at Levinson Jewelers on Saturday

Sat, 19 May 2012 12:47:14 GMT

It’s time to meet Dan Marino on Saturday.

The former Dolphin quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer will be on hand at the Levinson Jewelers Ultimate Watch Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale.

Marino’s son Michael, aka DJ 1Tre, will be spinning smooth sounds at the event, too.

The fair features a collection of the latest in fine Swiss timepieces, from Backes & Strauss, IWC, Panerai, Bulgari, Piaget, Graham Watches and Jaeger-LeCoultre, among others. CEOs and presidents from many of the exclusive brands will also attend.

Levinson Jewelers is at 888 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-8880;

Visit LevinsonJewelers.com for more info.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and sign up for Deals text alerts.