Monthly Archives: November 2009

Black Friday Starts Now!

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Although I originally wanted to blog about Black Friday ads, plan of attacks, great deals I personally was excited about I ran out of time as worked sucked the life out of me this month!  Just kidding boss…

Anyways, since I now have a second to breathe I am finding all kinds of exciting deals and information and thought I would share it with the class while there is still time.  I don’t mind if I’m the only one who uses this post because essentially it is my notes and random Black Friday finds that I want to keep track of somewhere.  Since I’m already listing everything in notepad I figured I might as well share it with the world!

Last year I used BFAds.net the most because of its consumer buying guides (suggestions, best deals, and great comparisons on Laptop, TV, camera, Top 10 Toy Deals, etc.) and extensive collection of ads.

Favorite Black Friday Website: BlackFriday2009.com

This year I’ve been tempted away by BlackFriday2009.com by their beautiful layout, inclusive information of the latest ads, hand-picked deals, and accessible blog.  When I’m reading their blog I feel like Brad Wilson (founder of both this site and bradsdeals.com) is talking directly to me, telling me that I should take advantage of this site versus that.

Starting as a deal seeking college student, I feel like Brad and I relate…a lot!  I love deals, and his Black Friday blog.  Watch what he said CNBC about shopping this Friday and also read his Top 10 Best and Worst (weirdest) deals…both really good!  It also easily shows the store hours for each of the stores listed, great for planning reconnaissance!  He doesn’t just find the deals…he explains which store is best for which product…saving a lot of time and money for all!

Become a fan on Facebook and follow their tweets about sales.   Don’t forget to sign up for their email list.  Remember, you’re not just signing up for this year, you’re preparing for next year!

Black Friday Links I like

Retail Me Not’s Black Friday list is massive and encompassing.  I check this site for promo codes before I buy anything online, check it out for other Black Friday ads.

The following links are not necessarily the obvious Black Friday ads (check out the websites listed above for the big name stores and offers!)  These links are to stores and deals I don’t think people know about or thought to check.

Black Friday’s Already Begun – Shop Now!

Amazon:  They have specials throughout the week; check out their calendar of deals for movies, toys, and other awesome items!  As always they’re also continuing their Gold Box offers.

Charlotte Russe:  Online the entire store is 25% off NOW through Friday when the entire store is 25% off in-stores, and also get a free mini wallet for purchases $40 or more.  Free online shipping for orders over $60!

Dell:  Save money already on high performance machines, electronics, and accessories!

Entertainment:  If you haven’t already bought an 2010 Entertainment Book for your child’s fundraiser, get one this week (see my other blog post to see what’s so good about it!)  Now it’s 30% off AND free shipping!

Express:   Save 20% off for the next 2 days (Wednesday and Thursday) and save!  (Coupon code: 4389 was also listed in my email, might be a better savings then direct website.)

Leap Frog:  Another site that’s already started, buy some great education toys at great prices!  Starting now enjoy a savings of 25-75% off!  Free shipping for orders over $50!  Now through 11/30 you’ll also enjoy getting an additional $10 off orders over $100!

New York & Company: EVERYTHING is 50% off right now (offer starts in-stores on Friday!)  Enter promotion code 1609 on the shopping bag page at checkout and choose standard shipping.

Oriental Trading Company:  Save 20% off orders $49 or more, now through 11/28, just enter “WCX8719” at checkout.

Smart Home:  Check out their Black Friday shopping starts now and continues through Cyber Monday!  Have you ever wanted to automate your house?  Control the downstairs lights from your computer or cell phone?  Preheat your oven from your car?  Remote control thermostat?  Start here!  Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook and follow their tweets!  Products up to 45% off!

Sears:  Another store that’s already started it’s savings offers, shop now for Black Friday savings today!

Sun & Ski Sports:  Has offers for Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday!  50% off clearance items, 60% off snow items, quantities are limited, shop fast!

Walgreens:  Coupon code BFRIDAY valid through November 28, 2009 to get $10 OFF your $50 online purchase!  Select Snuggies only $8, online Friday ONLY, limit 2 per person!

Black Friday Starts on Thanksgiving!

Academy Sports:  Although their doors open 5am and last to 11am on Friday, they’re also offering additional savings on Thanksgiving and through the weekend so they made it into this section.

Bass Pro Shop:  Opened on Thanksgiving at 8am!  Check out their 4 day sale starting on Turkey Day and continuing through 11/29.  Also check out their 5 hour sale on Friday from 6am to 11am.  Don’t forget to check out Santa’s Wonderland, now through 12/24, my daughter and I went and had an incredible time!

Big Lots: Check out their sales on Thanksgiving (cause they’re opened!!), Friday, and Saturday!  Doors open 7am on Thursday, 6am on Friday, and 8am on Saturday.  There is also a $10 off coupon that can be used ALL 3 days!  NOTE:  Join their Buzz Club for additional 20% savings, year round and other awesome offers!!

Starts Black Friday Friday!

*Actually starts on Friday, November 27th, 2009 unless otherwise noted!

HEB:  Starts at 5am on Friday and 6am on Saturday, check out what’s selling at HEB!

IKEA:  My favorite store in the entire world is also offering 1 day of extreme savings!  Click on the link to see offers for Friday and also Saturday and Sunday deals!  Also print out their coupon for free breakfast before 10:30am, Friday through Sunday.

P.F. Chang:  Do you get hungry while you’re saving tons of money?  Save more by mentioning the phrase “Lettuce Wrap Your Gifts” on Friday and Saturday between 10am and noon to get their lettuce wraps for FREE!

Tuesday Morning:  Starts at 8am although you can shop online here on Thanksgiving Day and get FREE shipping (through November 29th!)

University Co-op:  I would be remiss (and beaten by UT friends) if I didn’t include their in-store offers.  Doors open on Friday at 8am!

WoW: Online Gaming Gives Back

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Website of the Week: http://www.gamesthatgive.net

Games that Give is a website I recently found through UNICEF USA’s Facebook updates…it takes advantage of the money made from advertising online while people play games online and gives 70% of the revenues back to the 14 organizations it currently supports!

Hover over images to read a quick summary of each organization, click on the image for more information:

The website launched in August 2008 and also has a corresponding Facebook app!  The more you play online (and the better you do), the more you make for the charity of your choice!

All you have to do is sign up for a new user account, select your favorite charity, and start playing one of the currently 12 games available!  I love the interface, simple, sharp, and the game selection is ideal.  You’re going to be playing blackjack, solitaire, and some of the other popular games on your computer anyways – play AND give back to the community!

If you want to know more details check out their blog or their extensive FAQ section.  Learn more details about how they got started, who their most recent corporate sponsors are, and other questions you might have!

Once registered with the site, easily send out notifications to your email contacts, also encouraging them to play!  Right now my chosen charity is UNICEF USA and it tells me how many immunizations my online game time has bought for kids in need!

Finally, another fun feature of the gaming site, there’s even a “Click if the Boss is Coming” button that automatically pops up an image of a word document!  (Love those buttons!)  Play incognito to support the cause!

DoW: Awesome Online Deals & Coupons this Week!

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Haven’t done this for a couple weeks, check out the coupons for the next week .  Some of the coupons don’t expire until the end of the year.  In no particular order I give you OVER 20 great online deals and printable coupons to your favorite stores, restaurants, and websites!

Academy Sports: Free $5 Gift Card When You Join Birthday Club.

Arby’s: Free Regular Roast Beef Sandwich with Any Soft Drink Purchase.

Arby’s: Free Swirl Shake w/ Roastburger Purchase.

Borders: 30% Off Any One Item Online and In-Store Coupon.  Coupon code: BSW6854N.

Coinstar: Exchange $40 for a certificate and get extra $10 card for free.

Cracker Barrel: $5 off $20 Coupon.

Disney Store: 20% OFF Your $89- Purchase (online).  Coupon code: DISNEYFAN09, Exp: 11/15/09.

DSW: $10 Bonus Card with $50 Gift Card Purchase.

Gap Give & Get: Not just the GAP, also includes Old Navy and Banana Republic.  Take 30% OFF Purchase & 5% Will Go to Charity (In Store).

Hobby Lobby: 40% off any one regular priced.

Hot Topic: $10 off $20 Coupon Code.  Coupon code: HTBD1109, Exp: 11/30/09.

Kohl’s: 30% Off Entire Purchase w/ Kohl’s Card.  Coupon code: NOVKC30, Exp: 11/18/09.

New York & Company: Extra 30% Off Coupon + Free Shipping for Orders $65 or More.  Coupon code: 3886 (30% off) Coupon code: 3048 (Free Shipping with $65+ orders).

Office Depot: Take $10 OFF $40 (print+online).  Coupon code: 32624010, Exp: 11/21/09.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Blooming Onion w/ Purchase by becoming a Fan on Facebook!  (1st 500,000 fans…).

Reebok: 25% Off Friends and Family Sale with free shipping, valid in both Store and online.  Coupon code: FRIEND, Exp: 11/15/09.

Restaurant.com: 80% off gift certificates.  Coupon code: ENTREE, Exp: 11/12/09.

Sports Authority: Friends & Family Take 25% OFF A Single Item (print+online).  Coupon code: TSA25FF, Exp: 11/22/09.

Target Grocery: Save $15.75 In-Store with Printable Coupons.

Target: Over $450 in Coupons for Toys (In-Store and Online).

World Market: 15% Off Home Decor & Gifts + 10% Off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages.  Coupon code: PEEK, Exp: 11/15/09.

Tasty Bytes: Yard House San Antonio

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Name: Yard House

Where: 15900 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio TX  78256 (Get directions here.)

Did you know? The name yard house pays homage to the 3-foot tall English glass, originally created for passing to stage coach drivers easily, during more relaxed alcohol consumption days.  (There is approximately 32 ounces in a yard house including those glasses offered at all Yard House locations.)

Quick Bit: Opened for only a week, the first Yard House in Texas did not disappoint!  My friend and I enjoyed an incredibly indulgent Sunday afternoon meal at The Shops at La Cantera’s newest eatery addition.  The sun streamed demurely through the windows, offering a full-scale view we did not ascertain during a late-night reconnaissance visit the previous Friday.  As one of the first lunchtime patrons (day-lights savings has no affect on the discerning palate), I was struck by the intimate openness of the spacious restaurant, the dramatic artwork on the walls (details to follow), and the numerous flat screens patiently waiting for NFL Sunday (and yes, sports fans, they do have NFL Sunday Ticket.)

Geekette Bit’s Tasty Byte Highlight

While reviewing the extensive menu, my dining companion and I immediately struggled to select a rational and reasonable number of tantalizing appetizer specialties from the 20-plus offered on our local menu.  We were not disappointed with the crisp, solid Blue Crab Cakes happily dancing with the lightest mango papaya chutney, passion fruit beurre blanc, and tomato oil.  Dipped individually, the crab cakes spawned 3 distinct tastes, joined revealed its perfect complements.  For our starter course we also ordered the behemoth Hawaiian Poke Stake which included generous layers of fresh, hearty ahi tuna, crunchy wontons, and ginger mix of julienned carrots and bean sprouts medley.  The avocado accompaniment politely subdued the strong ginger crescendo without diminishing the dish’s richness.

The half pound avocado and Swiss burger my friend ordered was served in the good company of a slender French fries and a tasty pickle which I thought was pleasantly attentive to a somewhat minor detail!)  He was also offered the choice between a potato or wheat bun.  I did not need the charming wooden stake to know my 12 oz. full flavor grilled rib eye was a perfect medium, my butter rose melting quickly.  The garlic mashed potatoes, full of texture and adorned with a sprig of rosemary, quietly outperformed the green beans that packed a solid crunch but almost under-delivered on flavor.  The colossal shrimp impaled with a thick lemon grass skewer were beautifully grilled and seasoned.

Our meal concluded with a light mini chocolate soufflé, the perfect portion, coupled with vanilla ice crème.  Served warm, both immediately melted fondly in my mouth.

Throughout the meal, our server Casey treated us as if we were her only (and favorite!) customers – gregarious, patient, and charming, a wonderful host who only enhanced our meal.

For more pictures see Geekette Bit’s Tasty Bytes on Flickr

Feature(s):

  • Beer Menu – “Transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer” contributing to the 130-some beers on tap at the San Antonio, TX location, dramatically ascend across the ceiling to the island bar.
  • Kids Klub – [Family Friendly] although I haven’t been there with my daughter yet, I know she’ll appreciate the 12-page kid’s activity book (with a chance to win the monthly kid’s coloring contest, multiple winners), frozen strawberry fruit bar, and VERY kid-friendly, diverse meal selection.
  • Order Online – order online for pick up (and conveniently curbside)…I don’t see San Antonio as an option yet, benefit of a doubt inserted here.
  • Large Party?!  Call ahead! – Instead of having to wait (and it was packed Friday night), parties with 8 can make reservations, smaller parties can take advantage of “call ahead seating”.
  • Tap In – After setting up an account, create evites to send to friends, co-workers, and family.  Pre-populated with your default Yard House (address, phone number, etc.), you’re given the option of 4 stunning images and multiple styles to play around with.  Evites also track guest lists with option to allow guests to invite others and view whose already rsvp-ed.  Invite can be sent to 200 email address and a personalize message can also be included.  Mimi’s Café offers a similar online event invite option however Yard House’s reigns supreme.
  • Gastaldi – Massive, contemporary artwork by Italian ancestry artist Jerome Gastaldi fill the walls of Yard House with bright vibrant colors and distorted reality, complimenting the dynamic energy that consumes the restaurant.

Menu

  • Breakfast – No breakfast, opens at 11am, 7 days a week.
  • Lunch – lasts from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, includes entrée salads, house favorites, and other enticing combos.
  • Dinner – late-night dining offered Monday through Friday until 12am; Friday/Saturday kitchen is cooking until 1am!

In the Community

Take a second to view the main organizations Team Yard House continues to supports in the community:

1 – Komen Cancer Foundation

2 – Canyon Acres

3 – Share Our Selves (SOS)

4 – 9-1-1 for Kids

5 – Kids Konnected

In addition to these incredible groups, you can also contact Yard House with other opportunities to support.

Get the Deal(s):

Mon – Fri from 3pm to 6pm

Sun – Thu from 9pm to 11pm

Monday Night Football from kick-off to 11pm

  • Extensive list of half-priced appetizers, sliders (Classic/Bearnaise/Pastrami/Turkey mini-burgers), and specialty pizzas are offered
  • Bountiful pint, well, wine, and martini drink specials
  • Alerts - Sign up for the e-mail newsletter (below) to hear about specials and events at your Yard House

E-mail Newsletter: http://www.yardhouse.com/invite/default.asp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yardhouse

Twitter: @yardhouse

Price: $$$           (Although moderate during Happy Hour!)

Yard House on Urbanspoon

$ – Bargain

$ $ – Moderate

$ $ $ – Upscale

$ $ $ $- Expensive