July 2nd, 2009, 4:28 pm by Staff Writer, the Orange County Register
It’s fun to scope out the shops every now and again, reveling in discounts and sales we’ve found using our own determination and willpower. But online shopping is often the best bet for finding deals.
Michelle Madhok, online shopping expert and contributing editor to Real Simple Magazine, is the founder of both She Finds and Mom Finds, two sites dedicated to finding the best discounts and deals for online shoppers. I gave her a call to see what sort of tips she had for the less savvy online shopper:
- Sign up for your favorite stores’ online distributions lists. While most shoppers forgo them in order to avoid unwanted spam, it’s often beneficial to sign up for alerts or sale notifications. Sometimes these distribution lists will send you coupons or codes to redeem discounts on those items you’ve been eyeing for awhile.
- Keep an eye out for online sample sales. While often only lasting for a limited time, these sales are good sources for great deals from name brands or even designer labels. Register with She Finds, which compiles these sales, in order to get notifications when your favorite stores or online shopping sites are having a sale.
- Even if you’re one of those shoppers who prefers to shop off-line, you can almost always find better deals on the Web. Michelle recommends browsing through the racks at the mall and then looking online for better deals. While some may be turned off by the shipping and return prices of online shopping, some sites like Zappos, the ever-popular online shoe retailer, offers free shipping and free return services (Outlet Buy and Shoe Buy also offer this same perk.)
- Use specialty search engines to narrow down your search and help find the exact piece of clothing you are looking for at the right price. Michelle recommends The Find and Pronto.
- Look for summer sales at your favorite department stores. Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and others offer great online sales on holidays, so keep an eye on any sales going on during the Fourth of July weekend. Yoox and Bluefly, two online specific retailers, also have great summer sales. And Yoox, the European version of Bluefly, offers free standard shipping.
- Ask for an after-the-fact markdown. If the item you bought goes on sale a week or sometimes even a month after you’ve made your purchase, many stores will reimburse you for the difference, so keep your receipts.
- Make use of online shopping websites that let you earn cash back on purchases. Many companies are creating online shopping sites, such as Bank of America’s Add It Up, that can save consumers money on their purchases.
- Ensure that your coupons for online savings are still valid. Visit Retail Me Not, an online coupon codes finder that allows users to vote on coupons to verify whether or not they are still usable.
- Register at Shop It To Me, a free Web site dedicated to finding out when that coveted item of clothing, in your size, goes on sale. The Shop It To Me database scours different retailers, such as those of your favorite department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and finds out if that little black dress from BCBG, size 8, is on sale.
(By Molly Vorwerck/ Staff writer-intern)
Posted in: Fashion • Retail stores • Fashion • oc deals • online shopping | Post a Comment »
July 1st, 2009, 2:47 pm by Staff Writer, the Orange County Register
In celebration of Independence Day, here are a few food deals.
- All entrees at the Cellar in Fullerton are $10 Friday through Sunday. (The Cellar will be closed on Saturday, July 4.) See all entrees here. Location: 305 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton; (714) 525-5682
- Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza is now selling Leo’s Street Tacos (4 items) for $7.04 and four Budweiser/Bud Light for $7.04. Good July 4 only. See here for new menu items and for more details.
- Pizza Hut is offering a freebie with purchase of Large Pizza on Saturday. CLICK HERE for more details.
- July 4 Food Facts
If you know of more deals, write in and let us know.
(Compiled by Register staff writers Miki Fujiwara and Nancy Luna)
Related stories:
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Holidays • Restaurants • 4th of july • Independence Day • the cedar • z'tejas southerwestern grill | Post a Comment »
July 1st, 2009, 11:20 am by Staff Writer, the Orange County Register
As a part of a summer patio promotion, Salt Creek Grille has launched “Sunset at the Grille” with live music and $3 appetizers and drinks during the week.
Guests can either reserve their own private cabana (recommended) or take a patio table huddled around fire pits outside and enjoy the sea breeze.
Patios can also be reserved for social events, parties and business organizations. The deal is available Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the pation/cabana area only. (Live music only on Wednesday and Thursday)
Address: 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy Dana Point, Ca 92629 Phone: (949) 661-7799
Go here for more information.
(By Miki Fujiwara/Staff writer-intern)
Related stories:
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Outdoors • Restaurants • salt creek grille | Post a Comment »
June 29th, 2009, 11:15 am by Theresa Walker, Editor
Suzanne Broughton, a contributing writer to The Mom Blog, shares OC Deals’ passion for finding free (or relatively cheap) things to in Orange County.
Check out what she has to say about the tide pools in Dana Point. She also took some cool pictures on a recent visit.
Posted in: Kids • Outdoors • Things to do • Dana Point tide pools • Ocean Institute | Post a Comment »
June 27th, 2009, 9:00 am by Staff Writer, the Orange County Register
What better way to fill a weekend afternoon than going to a museum, admiring works of art or basking in historical knowledge. Now what if I told you could do it for free. Better? I think so.
A few local museums in Orange County are offering free admission a few Sundays this summer for all attendees, as well as fun activities to help make the visit a little more exciting for those younger spectators who may not be riveted by ancient Egyptian pots or Post-Modernist sculptures.
Both the Bowers Museum and Kidseum, as well as the Orange County Museum of Art are hosting Target Free Sundays, sponsored by, you guessed it, Target. On these special days, admission is free and the museums offer activities to engage even the pickiest of child museum connoisseurs.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Kids • Things to do • free events • museums • oc deals | Post a Comment »
June 26th, 2009, 12:45 pm by Staff Writer, the Orange County Register
With the high price of movie tickets and the lure of overpriced popcorn, candy, and jumbo-sized soft drinks, a casual trip to the cinema is often more expensive than you expect. An adult ticket at the typical movie theater (excluding dollar theaters, which are great deals) costs about $11. Tickets for kids aren’t much less at around $8. So that’s $48 for a family of four- two adults and two children. Add the price of refreshments and you’re well on your way to spending $60 or more.
Posted in: Free stuff • Kids • Things to do • family • free movies • ocmomsblog | Post a Comment »
June 24th, 2009, 12:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer
Boudin SF is offering a new sandwich-and-salad deal for $4.99, and Lawry’s Carvery has added a fountain drink to its regular Carvery Combination.
Click here for more details on the South Coast Plaza blog.
Posted in: Restaurants | Post a Comment »
June 24th, 2009, 11:51 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
 Do you need this ad? Nope, says Arby's. For the past few weeks, Arby’s has been advertising a Wednesday special in some local newspapers.
However, the promo says the freebie, which changes each Wednesday, is good only with the newspaper clipping. Today, I’m told that participating Arby’s will honor the freebie, even without the coupon.
“While we encourage the users of the offer to bring in the coupon, we will accept the offer without it,” said Sandra Brown, a local Arby’s representative.
So there you have it.
Today’s freebie is a free Roast Beef sandwich with purchase of soft drink.
Arby’s locations
Related stories:
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • Arby's | Post a Comment »
June 24th, 2009, 2:28 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
 Freebie alerts for Pinkberry and Wienerschnitzel
- Pinkberry is celebrating the debut of three new summer flavors with a freebie froyo day. Participating Pinkberry stores on Friday will give customers a free small yogurt from 5-9 p.m. Diners can choose from the chain’s new flavors: coconut, passion fruit and tropical swirl.
- On July 14, Wienerschnitzel is giving away an original chili dog or a small soft-serve ice cream cone from 5 to 8 p.m. The Newport Beach-based chain is also offering a few other good menu deals, including a 79-cent small cone. Also, CLICK HERE for a coupon for a free iced coffee.
Related stories:
(Story originally posted 6/23 on the Fast Food Maven blog)
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • Pinkberry • Wienerschnitzel | Post a Comment »
June 23rd, 2009, 4:41 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
The Flame Broiler, a quick-casual Asian rice-bowl chain, is celebrating the opening of its Irvine restaurant with a combo meal deal in July.
The Harvard Place restaurant will offer diners any bowl and a regular drink for $5, or any plate and regular drink for $6. The discount is valid only at the Harvard Place location only during the month of July.
The Flame Broiler, based in Costa Mesa, was founded by Young Lee in 1995. The first restaurant opened in Fullerton. The chain now has 56 units in California and Arizona
Harvard Place is at the corner of Harvard Avenue and Main Street in Irvine.
Posted in: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
June 23rd, 2009, 10:45 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
 Coupon service is on the rise as consumers look for more ways to save. But what good is a lost coupon?
Starting this week, Vons shoppers won’t have to worry about misplacing clipped coupons.
The grocery chain has partnered with Cellfire to offer store coupons through cellular phones or computers. These digital coupons are valid at more than 1,700 Safeway stores, including Vons supermarkets.
After loading the coupons onto your cellular phone or computer, just show the cashier your mobile coupon or use your club savings card to get your discount.
What’s more, these digital coupons are free of charge.
For more information go HERE.
(This story was written by Miki Fujiwara/Staff Writer)
Posted in: Groceries • Cellfire • Coupons • digital coupons • mobile phone • Safeway • Vons | Post a Comment »
June 22nd, 2009, 2:08 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Ben & Jerry’s launched today “Sundaes on Mondays” — a summer promotion where consumers can buy one sundae and receive a second for free.
The deal is valid on Mondays only during the summer, or until the end of August, the chain said today. (Ben & Jerry locations) The only one in Orange County is at the District in Tustin: 2459 Park Ave.
More value deals:
Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
June 19th, 2009, 9:38 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
A&W is celebrating its 90th birthday today (June 19) with a free float giveaway from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: The freebie is good for a small root beer float only. One per person. Valid at participating A&W restaurants only.
Find one near you.
Posted in: Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
June 18th, 2009, 11:08 am by Theresa Walker, Editor
Here’s some news originally posted in The Mom Blog:
The Children’s Place is having a big summer sale both online and in stores, with many items available for $7.99 and under.
While this fancy boutique is often a bit pricey, this is a fantastic sale. There are lots of pieces to browse, from tees and shorts to hats and sunglasses.
Sizes available: newborn (0-12 months), baby boys and baby girls (6m - 4T) and big boys and big girls (size 4-14).
If you order online, standard shipping is only $5.
Posted in: Kids • Retail stores • Children's Place • kids' clothes | Post a Comment »
June 18th, 2009, 7:04 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
 TCBY: Get a free cup or cone on Father’s Day at participating TCBY stores. TCBY operates two O.C. froyo shops at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and in Laguna Niguel. CLICK HERE FOR addresses, and locations of all local shops.
Boston Market: Not really a gift for dad. Download, and color this special Father’s Day coupon and present it at participating Boston Market restaurants. Beginning now through June 30, the coupon is good for one free kid’s meal with the purchase of an individual meal.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: Dad gets a $25 gift card to Fleming’s when you treat him to lunch on Father’s Day. More details here.
IHOP: Hurry up on this one.  Between now and June 21, submit a “heartfelt” story about why your pop deserves a meal at IHOP. Five winners will each receive a $100 IHOP gift card. Learn more here.
The Counter (L.A. & O.C.): This is probably the best deal of the bunch. Find out more at the Fast Food Maven blog.
Daddy Cakes/Whole Foods: Newport Beach-based Daddy Cakes will treat dads to a free pre-Father’s Day pancake brunch on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Whole Foods Market at The District at Tustin Legacy. More info here.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco: Wahoo’s is giving away FREE #1 Combo meals to all dads on Father’s Day. Details at orangecounty.com
Chick-fil-A: Fathers will get a free meal (entree, waffle fries and drink) when they come eat with family. Offer valid Saturday at restaurants in Orange, Tustin (The District), La Habra (at the Marketplace) and Irvine (Woodbury Town Center and Market Place). (Find restaurant addresses here)
Why not Sunday? Chick-fil-As are closed on Sunday.
     
- Tell us: Know of any other Father’s Day freebies? Write in and let us know.
Posted in: Free stuff • Holidays • Restaurants | 3 Comments »
June 17th, 2009, 11:49 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
@flatbreadgirl Tweets this deal for the Aliso Viejo Sandella’s only:
“Flatbread Friday’s at Sandella’s. Between 8-10pm. Buy one get one free!!!”
Sandella’s Flatbread Café
Aliso Creek Towne Center
(between Golden Spoon and Fatburger)
26741 Aliso Creek Road
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949-716-8900
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • BOGO | Post a Comment »
June 16th, 2009, 1:57 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer
Know what you want from MAC Cosmetics?
The beauty store is offering 25 percent off all online purchases from now through Thursday. Present the offer code “SAVE25″ upon checking out.
Exceptions include Viva Glam products and gift cards.
Click here for the official deal on MAC’s Web site.
Customers who spend at least $60 on online purchases will also receive free shipping.
Posted in: Beauty • Retail stores | Post a Comment »
June 16th, 2009, 11:38 am by Theresa Walker, Editor
With the economy taking such big bites out of already suffering arts programs at local schools and eliminating summer school for many children, the Santa Ana-based Performing Arts Guild is trying to bridge the gap by offering free music and dance group classes this summer.
The classes are open to Orange County children in pre-K to 5th grade throughout July and August. The only cost is a materials/insurance fee that won’t exceed $9. Learn more about the classes from this post in The Mom Blog.
Posted in: Education • Free stuff • Kids • Performing Arts Guild of Orange County | 1 Comment »
June 12th, 2009, 7:46 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
 Mark your calendars now.
On July 11, 7-Eleven stores across the nation are celebrating Slurpee Day with a major giveaway of the slushy drink.
7-Eleven stores will be handing out 1000 free 7.11-oz Slurpees — in any flavor — from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., or until supplies last.
I’ll make sure to remind you in a month.
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • 7-Eleven | 4 Comments »
June 11th, 2009, 6:37 am by Samantha Gowen
 
My friend and colleague, the Deals Diva, has been asking for “cheap date” suggestions during a down economy. The animal lovers over here at Pet Tales thought, why not a sunset picnic at Dog Beach?
You’ve got all those favorite things around you: a hot date to snuggle, a setting sun, your best (four-legged) friend, the sand squishing between your work-weary feet, the crash of waves, and your favorite (cheap) eats.
Now, for the cheap part. Here’s what you’ll need to pack:
 Free: Two sturdy blankets, one for you and date, one for the dog;- *$3 for 2 hours of parking (quarters or debit/credit at 15 of the Dog Beach meters);
- $14 for 2 burritos of your choice. Try Taco Mesa’s Mesa Burrito and add meat of your choice;
- $3 for dessert. Buy two cookies from Paradise Bakery & Cafe;
- $5 beverages (We won’t ask what you’re sipping there, mister).
*If you have a parking permit to the state beaches, you can use the extra $3 for dog treats.
To avoid other pesky sunset poachers, walk 100 feet north of the lifeguard stand and park your butts in the sand. The dog can frolic and dig while you canoodle and well, the rest is up to you.
More Cheap Dates from the Deals Diva:
Posted in: Cheap Dates • beach • burrito • date • dogs • paradise bakery • pet tales • picnic • sunset • taco mesa | 1 Comment »
June 10th, 2009, 12:47 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Pick Up Stix finally released its “real” 2-for-1 coupon this week.
CLICK HERE to download, and print. Valid until July 15. The chain also announced some more menu deal specials: To read about them, go to the Fast Food Maven blog.
Posted in: Restaurants • Uncategorized • Coupons | Post a Comment »
June 10th, 2009, 12:10 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
A new Subway in Lake Forest is giving out free subs to the first 201 guests in line at the eatery on Thursday, June 11.
Why 201? This Subway is the 201st in Orange County!
Location: 20770 Lake Forest Drive. (corner of Lake Forest and Dimension behind Starbucks.) The sub shop is also offering a 2-for-1 special for any sub on the menu during a 2-day grand opening event, June 11 & 12.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.
Related stories:
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants | Post a Comment »
June 8th, 2009, 8:58 am by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
Originally posted on The Gadgetress Blog:
 AT&T unveiled a new plan this week offering small businesses a better deal than consumers.
It’s part of the AT&T’s small business “stimulus package,” aimed at companies with up to 4 people. The company says this is an industry first to offer a business bundle with wireless, phone and Internet.
For $100, a business gets one cell phone line with 450 minutes, DSL Internet service of 1.5 Megabits per second, access to all of AT&T’s Wi-Fi hotspots in the world, and unlimited local and long distance landline phone service.
Consumers, on the other hand, must pay $5 more a month for the same services (mobile, home phone and Internet). Really, that’s not a big difference but over the year, it’s an extra $60. Other incentives, such as discounts for signing up, aren’t included.
(One note: In areas where AT&T isn’t the phone provider, as in Huntington Beach, the unlimited local and long distance package jumps to $65 a month from $40, bumping up a consumer’s bundled price $30 a month — or an extra $360 a year.)
An even greater savings is to opt for the faster Internet service of 6 Mbps, which for the single business user costs $105/month. A consumer, comparably, would pay $115 for the same services or $120 more per year. Hmm… this somehow reminds me of Time Warner Cable’s promotion to offer its cheapest deal in Spanish, see “Time Warner Cable offers cheapest deal in Spanish — not English.”
The small business “All for less” package, at att.com/AllForLess, sets the price based on Internet speed:
- 1.5 Mb = $99.99 per month
- 3.0 Mb = $104.99 per month
- 6.0 Mb = $104.99 per month (Yes, this isn’t a mistake — 3 and 6 Mb service are the same price)
Additional mobile phone lines are $39.99 each.
Unfortunately, the deal isn’t available to consumers. To qualify, users must have a Federal Tax ID. The service is also provided to a single location.
Recent Gadgetress posts on deals:
Posted in: Electronics • AT&T • bundles • internet • Phone | 1 Comment »
June 8th, 2009, 8:56 am by Samantha Gowen
 This just sounds like a Fifi kind of moment, doesn’t it?
The TerraNova Restaurant at the Wyndham hotel has expanded its “Paws and Claws Morning Munch” breakfast buffet to seven days a week.
Yes, you can enjoy a lovely buffet of eggs, potatoes and more on the restaurant’s lakeside patio. (If you hadn’t already heard, the Wyndham is a pet friendly hotel.)
And if breakfast’s not your thing, try the patio at Yappy Hour (nightly, 4-7 p.m.), where pet owners can mingle over cocktails and water bowls.
Breakfast details:
Price: $15.50 Adults ($4 additional for champagne); children under 12: $1.00 for each year of your child’s age; no charge for pets.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday; and 7 a.m. to noon on the weekends.
Dogs must be leashed, lest they take a running dive at the buffet line.
For TerraNova reservations, call (714) 442-8593.
For more information about the TerraNova Restaurant and the hotel, click here.
Map it: Wyndham Orange County, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
———————————–
Recent animal news:
Posted in: Restaurants • pets • Breakfast • buffet • cocktails • lakeside • wyndham | Post a Comment »
June 7th, 2009, 6:44 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
This post originally appeared earlier. I am republishing it in case you’re looking for something to do today:
 Check out the free arts and music festival Sunday (June 7) at the Yorba Linda Community Center.
Here’s the event website.
This annual “Celebration of the Arts” says it is a “unique fine arts & music festival featuring nearly 100 exhibitors, including almost every type of visual and performing art that you can imagine. What makes it unique is that it is very family friendly, offering free activities for all ages, sharing the creativity & talent of our community. This event is NOT a carnival, craft fair, beerfest, or fundraiser, but truly a day where talent & creativity is shared and inspired! ”
There’s free music and food available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. We love those words.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
June 7th, 2009, 6:36 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 If you join the Cold Stone Creamery birthday club, you get a free ice-cream on your big day. Hey, it’s not a Porsche, but it tastes better.
Click here to go to the birthday club page.
You have to sign up in advance, then they send you a coupon that you can use seven days before, or up to seven days after your actual nativity.
Click here to find locations
Posted in: Birthdays • Free stuff • birthday • Cold Stone Creamery • ice cream | Post a Comment »
June 6th, 2009, 6:30 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 This post first appeared earlier this week. I am republishing it in case you want to visit today!
Hey, kids. This gives you a taste of what Southern California looked like from the Spanish rancho era, and the gringos who took over this area afterward. Visit this historic landmark free on Saturday.
I have enjoyed visiting and I can recommend it for yourself and also as a history lesson for kids. It’s located near Cal State Long Beach.
Here’s a map. You have to enter into a gated community to get there, but you just tell them you’re going to the rancho and they let you in. There’s going to be a shuttle from Long Beach State Saturday.
Here’s info from the email I got:
Ranch Los Alamitos Celebrates the Opening of the Newly Restored Native  Garden, Saturday, June 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHAT: In the Nature of the Place Native Plants and Mediterranean Gardens. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens will commemorate the much anticipated reopening of the restored one acre Historic Native Garden.
Family members of all ages will enjoy Free on-going tours of the Ranch house and gardens along with art activities, children’s garden explorations and musical entertainment. Visit the native plant sale and gift shop for unique home and garden items. Refreshments are available at a reasonable price.
WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens, 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, CA, 90815. Free parking is at Cal State Long Beach Lot 11 with continuous shuttle service to the Rancho
ADMISSION: General admission is FREE. Pre-registration and fees required for optional garden seminars. Register at www.rancholosalamitos.com or call
562-431-3541
ABOUT: Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens is a nationally-recognized 7.5-acre historic site featuring an adobe ranch house and a nationally significant four-acre historic garden.
Posted in: Free stuff • Things to do • gardens • historic ranchos • Rancho Los Alamitos | Post a Comment »
June 6th, 2009, 6:24 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
This post ran originally on Monday, I’m reposting it for those looking for something fun to do today:
If you feel like cruising up to Venice Beach today, check out the free  Carnevele event they have scheduled starting at noon (June 6)
If you’ve never been to Venice Beach, it’s worth checking out for its trippy hippy L.A. scene, whether you go Saturday or another day. When I lived nearby, it was one of my favorite stomping grounds.
Here’s a link to more information about Saturday’s event, which really does look fun.
There’s a costume contest, car show, artist exhibits and vendors.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Things to do • Today Only • Carnevele • Los Angeles • Venice Beach | Post a Comment »
June 6th, 2009, 6:18 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
This post ran originally in May. I am republishing it so you know that today’s the day!
They want to save your souls, or at least get you to listen to their music. Two dozen evangelical Christian churches are sponsoring a live, free music festival in Surf City USA. You don’t have to be Christian to enjoy the music, though they hope you might convert afterward.
Dubbed the Beachside Summer Fest, festivities will be held at the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Here’s a link to the festival website
Christian music artists: Phil Wickham, Shachah, MOI, Domonic Balli, and M.O.D. are slated to perform.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Free stuff • Things to do • Today Only • Christian • Huntington Beach • Music | Post a Comment »
June 5th, 2009, 5:51 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 This post originally ran earlier we are reposting it today:
Krispy Kreme is giving customers a free doughnut on Friday, June 5 to celebrate National Doughnut Day.
No purchase is necessary to receive the freebie. To find the closest participating location, visit KrispyKreme.com. The doughnut chain, which used to have a huge presence in Orange County, has two left in O.C.
Both locations in Orange and Mission Viejo are participating in the free doughnut day.
Orange
330 City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714-769-4330
Mission Viejo
25802 EL Paseo Avenue
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: 949-348-8900
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • doughnuts • Krispy Kreme Orange • Mission Viejo | Post a Comment »
June 4th, 2009, 7:30 am by Candice Shih, Staff Writer
 File photo, AP Clothing basics will be more affordable one day a week.
Gap is offering 10 percent off entire purchases on Tuesdays for Gap credit card holders. The deal is good at any Gap store across the country and will continue until September.
In Orange County, Gap has stores at South Coast Plaza, the Shops at Mission Viejo, Brea Mall, MainPlace, Westminster Mall, Crystal Cove and Five Points Plaza in Huntington Beach.
Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
June 4th, 2009, 6:48 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Hi I wrote about these free art walks last week, they would make a very pleasant evening or also a cheap yet classy date!
They run every first Thursday of the month, so tonight’s the night this month!
Read my blog post here with all the details.
About this feature:
Cheap Dates is a guide to having a nice date for $25 or less. If you have suggestions, email me at mfisher@ocregister.com
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Free stuff • Things to do • Artwalks • Free stuff • galleries • Laguna Beach | Post a Comment »
June 3rd, 2009, 5:05 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
El Pollo Loco just debuted a new chicken slider. (Read all about it at the Fast Food Maven Blog.)
The chain is now offering a BOGO (Buy One Get One) free coupon for the new slider. To print the coupon, read the Fast Food Maven blog. The coupon is valid until June 30.
Posted in: Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
June 3rd, 2009, 12:46 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Don’t forget: free floats tonight/Wednesday at Sonic Drive-ins.
——————–
Two Subways in Mission Viejo are celebrating being “Under New Management” with a Buy One, Get One free sub deal this week.
No coupons necessary. Just walk in and buy one sandwich, and get another one of equal or lesser value for free, says SoCal Subway marketing rep Ben Purcell.
Locations/Dates:
Today and Thursday 2-for-1 deal:
Subway (Alicia Pkwy / Jeronimo)
24000 Alicia Parkway, Suite 7
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Friday and Saturday 2-for-1 deal:
Subway (Alicia / 5 Fwy)
24451 Alicia Parkway, Suite 12
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Both locations are open between the hours of 7a.m. -9:30 p.m. Mon. thru Fri. & 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. & Sun.
Read more value deals at the Fast Food Maven blog:
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • Uncategorized • Subway | Post a Comment »
June 2nd, 2009, 1:20 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
If you feel like cruising up to Venice Beach on Saturday, check out the free Carnevele event scheduled at noon that day.
If you’ve never been to Venice Beach, it’s worth checking out for its trippy, hippy L.A. scene, whether you go Saturday or another day. When I lived nearby, it was one of my favorite stomping grounds.
Here’s a link to more information about Saturday’s event, which really does look fun.
There’s a costume contest, car show, artist exhibits and vendors.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Things to do • Carnevele • Venice • Venice Beach | Post a Comment »
June 2nd, 2009, 11:29 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Hey, kids. This tour gives you a taste of what Southern California looked like from the Spanish rancho era, and the gringos who took over this area afterward. Visit this historic landmark free Saturday.
I have enjoyed visiting, and I can recommend it for yourself and also as a history lesson for kids. It’s located near Cal State Long Beach.
Here’s a map. You have to enter into a gated community to get there, but just tell them you’re going to the rancho and they let you in. There’s going to be a shuttle from Long Beach State on Saturday.
Here’s info from the email I got:
Ranch Los Alamitos celebrates the opening of its newly restored Native Garden, Saturday, June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHAT: In the Nature of the Place Native Plants and Mediterranean Gardens. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens will commemorate the much anticipated reopening of the restored one-acre Historic Native Garden.
Family members of all ages will enjoy free on-going tours of the Ranch house and gardens along with art activities, children’s garden explorations and musical entertainment. Visit the native plant sale and gift shop for unique home and garden items. Refreshments are available at a reasonable price.
WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens, 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, CA, 90815. Free parking is at Cal State Long Beach Lot 11 with continuous shuttle service to the Rancho.
ADMISSION: General admission is FREE. Pre-registration and fees required for optional garden seminars. Register at www.rancholosalamitos.com or call 562-431-3541
ABOUT: Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens is a nationally recognized 7.5-acre historic site featuring an adobe ranch house and a nationally significant four-acre historic garden.
Rancho Los Alamitos is owned by the City of Long Beach and operated by Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation, a nonprofit organization, as a public/private cooperative effort under the auspices of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine.
CONTACT: Michael Ann Powers
Rancho Los Alamitos
(562) 431-3541 x109 Michael1@rancholosalamitos.com
Posted in: Free stuff • Things to do • gardens • historic ranchos • history • Rancho Los Alamitos | Post a Comment »
June 2nd, 2009, 8:48 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
I got this email from Travelzoo.com, a great resource to look for cheap travel  deals. Check it out! And, yes, those are my kids clicking away in Venice!
LOS ANGELES–JUNE 1, 2009– Ticket prices for summer flights
to Europe reached new lows this week as already intense competition increased among airlines serving major U.S. cities and most European destinations.
Some fares now are priced 50 percent less than they were at
the same time last year.
Flights from Los Angeles and San Diego now start at $493 roundtrip, including taxes, to major European cities for travel through September.
Here are just a few of the roundtrip, tax-inclusive routes
on sale (as of June 1, 5:15 p.m. ET):
- Los Angeles-Berlin … $493-$500
- San Diego-Dublin … $493
- Los Angeles-Barcelona … $523-$623
- Los-Angeles-Geneva … $600-$666
- Los-Angeles-Paris … $721-$805
Click here to see more available routes and to find the
lowest prices for summer flights to Europe on Fly.com.
Sign up for our free Top 20 Newsletter and Newsflash alerts:
http://top20.travelzoo.com/newsflash/
Posted in: Travel • Airfares • cheap deals • Europe • LAX | Post a Comment »
June 2nd, 2009, 8:47 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
My friend Tom Gordon loves to go to the Middle-Eastern Altayebat Market, located at 1217 N. Brookhurst, at Ball Rd. in Anaheim. Altayebat means “tasty and delicious” in Arabic. This part of town has been called “Little Gaza” due to the growth of its Arabic population. I love this type of food so I will definitely stop by this market!
Here are some deals Tom said he snagged the other day:
romaine lettuce — 25 cents a head
cukes — 7 for a $1
pita bread — 33 cents
great deal — and I am an expert here — on olives, $2.29
Here’s a map to the store
Posted in: Groceries • Altayebat Market • anaheim • Arabic • Middle-Eastern markets | Post a Comment »
June 2nd, 2009, 12:22 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 OK, now I’m laughing. Haul your cat’s fat, furry behind over here because it’s time for him to sign up for the Petite Cuisine Birthday Club.
That’s right, it’s a birthday club for cats.
Click here to go to the website.
You get a free can of catfood on your birthday, Mouser.
Since I always adopted all my cats, I never had the slightest clue when they were born but on the other hand, if I lied, they could never rat me out.
Posted in: Birthdays • Free stuff • Pet care • cat food • petite cuisine | Post a Comment »
June 1st, 2009, 5:23 pm by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Participating Sonic Drive-Ins are thanking customers with Free Float Night on Wednesday, June 3.
Read more details at Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com.
Posted in: Restaurants • Uncategorized • free food | Post a Comment »
June 1st, 2009, 1:35 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Have you ever wondered how Red Robin got its name? I like robins, but they don’t eat hamburgers. They eat bugs.
Anyway, if you like Red Robin then maybe you want a free burger for your birthday.
Click here to learn more.
Cheep cheep.
Posted in: Birthdays • Free stuff • Restaurants • hamburger • Red Robin | Post a Comment »
June 1st, 2009, 8:26 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Hey, Southern California residents, would you pay $99 for three entrances to  local Disney parks that you have to use over 45 days?
Well, the folks at Disney are betting that you will.
In a nod to the slumping economy, the tickets will be offered from June 1 to August 23–the time when usually your cheaper annual passes are blacked out due to summertime crowds!
Click here to buy the tickets.
Of course, by the time you pay for parking and food, it’s still not the cheapest entertainment known to man, but at least you don’t have to stand in any lines.
That was a joke.
Posted in: Things to do • Disneyland • resident tickets | 9 Comments »
June 1st, 2009, 8:17 am by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Six Orange County Chick-fil-As are giving away free food to diners each day this week, starting today with an 8-count chicken nugget dish.
To learn more about the daily food deals, and what time the Chick-fil-A specials are being offered in O.C., read the Fast Food Maven blog.
Posted in: Free stuff • Restaurants • Uncategorized • Chick-fil-A | Post a Comment »
May 31st, 2009, 3:56 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Here’s a link to the Procter & Gamble web page that offers all kinds of freebies and coupons. I just ordered a free sample of Prilosec antacid, which is really pricey in the stores, so I’m happy!
Click here to go to the website
Since we are in Orange County, I will make sure to point out there’s a coupon for $7 off on Crest teeth whitening strips. Maybe you can’t afford that Botox or breast enlargement right now but, hey, you can have whiter teeth.
 And, in case you didn’t know, the awesome Arts & Crafts Gamble House in Pasadena that you can tour was built by a member of the Gamble family.
If you like Craftsman style houses, this place, now a museum, will blow your mind.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Free stuff • Groceries • Crest • Gamble House • Pasadena • Prilosec • Procter & Gamble • teeth whitening | Post a Comment »
May 31st, 2009, 3:45 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
I love to spray things. Spray paint covers a multitude of sins. And it is way better than buying new stuff, especially if you’re broke.
But even if you’re not broke, (hey, it could happen) it can be fun to give new life to old or sun-faded objects.
Or a better, happier life to new cheap-looking things. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Beauty • Uncategorized • how to spray paint • spray paint | 1 Comment »
May 31st, 2009, 11:26 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Why spend a fortune on a pricey cupcake tower for your wedding, birthday or other event? Heck, even I can make cupcakes.
Sprinkles in Newport Beach sells the basic tower structure for ten bucks, then you can make the cupcakes to go on it. Or, of course, you could mortgage your house to buy their fancy, baked-from-scratch cupcakes.
Here’s a link to check it out.
Sprinkles is located in the Corona Del Mar Plaza at 944 Avocado Ave., south of Fashion Island, between MacArthur near the PCH. Call 949-760-0003
More tips from the Deals Diva:
More ways to save money on your birthday
More ways to save money on your wedding
Posted in: Birthdays • Cooking • Weddings • cheap weddings • cupcakes • Sprinkles | Post a Comment »
May 30th, 2009, 11:59 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 The Splash! waterpark operated by the city of La Mirada has a birthday party special that only costs $9 a kid (up to age 12) and the birthday kid is free. Adults are $13 and minimum 10 people. It includes a free semi-private picnic area for two hours.
Here’s the link to the site
Looks like a pretty good deal and, most importantly, you don’t have to clean your house.
By comparison, a birthday party at Soak City in Buena Park is $285 for 10 people, and $275 at Wild Rivers.
Posted in: Birthdays • Things to do • birthday parties • Buena Park • La Mirada • soak city • Splash! • Wild Rivers | Post a Comment »
May 30th, 2009, 7:17 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Check out the free arts and music festival scheduled for a week from Sunday (June 7) at the Yorba Linda Community Center.
Here’s the event website.
This annual “Celebration of the Arts” says it is a “unique fine arts & music festival featuring nearly 100 exhibitors, including almost every type of visual and performing art that you can imagine. What makes it unique is that it is very family friendly, offering free activities for all ages, sharing the creativity & talent of our community. This event is NOT a carnival, craft fair, beerfest, or fundraiser, but truly a day where talent & creativity is shared and inspired! ”
There’s free music and food available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. We love those words.
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Free stuff • Things to do • Yorba Linda. arts festival | Post a Comment »
May 30th, 2009, 6:11 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Free martial arts lessons are being offered right now, to all kids a nd teens whose parents have been laid off.
The offer is good for the month of June, and comes from the South Coast Fight Club.
Click here to learn more.
Posted in: Free stuff • Sports • Things to do • Huntington Beach • South Coast Athletic Club • South Coast Fight Club | Post a Comment »
May 29th, 2009, 9:29 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
It causes me physical pain to write this, because we are Anaheim Angels fans around our house (oops, Los Angeles Angels, which is not only geographically inaccurate but also repeats itself) but, for those of you who are misguided enough to root for the Dodgers, here are some deals for you until you come to your senses.
Click here to go to the ticket deals package page.
About halfway down the page, you’ll see the Coca-Cola deal that provides four tickets, four Dodger dogs, four Pepsi drinks, just kidding you can guess what kind of soft drinks you get, for $68 total. Those packages are available for a dozen games from June to September.
 At the top of the page, note you can also get a Dodgers “all inclusive pack” for $99 for three people that includes the following:
• 3 Tickets
• 3 Dodger Dogs
• 3 Soft Drinks
• 3 Dodger T-Shirts
• 1 Bag of Peanuts
• Parking
Sounds like a good Father’s Day gift to me, si?
Posted in: Sports • Things to do • baseball • Dodgers • Father's Day • ticket discounts | 3 Comments »
May 29th, 2009, 8:35 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Don’t forget the Dana Point Boat Show is only a buck to get in today!
Here’s my earlier blog post or read below
If you like the ocean and you like boats, boy, do I have a deal for you!
Friday has a $1 admission special, with $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas and $1 popcorn.
And one thing I always liked about Dana Point harbor: Free parking! Hopefully with budget cuts that won’t change.
Here’s the flyer for Dana Point Boat Show
This is a good deal because regular adult admission is $12 (kids under 12 are free). Here’s a $3 off coupon.
Here’s the boat show website
Posted in: Free stuff • Things to do | Post a Comment »
May 29th, 2009, 8:26 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 If you’re casting about for something unusual to do with your squeeze, why not go to a drive-in theater?
It’s true that the last drive-in closed awhile back in Orange County, (boo hoo) but there’s still ONE and only one left in Los Angeles County, in the city of Industry.
Here’s the link to the theater website. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Kids • Things to do • City of Industry • drive-in movies • Vineland Drive-in | 10 Comments »
May 29th, 2009, 7:53 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 I found this bargain on Dealcatcher.com, check them out!
Around our house, we go through a lot of flashlights. I only wish I knew where they all went, but one of my eternal frustrations is that the kids play with them and run down the batteries, so when the 8.0 earthquake hits, we won’t have a working one.
So I’m going to order this pair of what are described as “Forever Flashlights,” two for $9.99 and free shipping. You shake them and get enough light for a trip to the outhouse, or whatever you need to do for five minutes.
They don’t need batteries and their LED lights supposedly are good virtually forever.
Now that I think of it, we’re going to need a pair for the kids’ sleepaway camps this summer. Maybe I should order two sets.
Click here to go to the website
Posted in: Electronics • Retail stores • Sports • Dealcatcher.com • Forever Flashlight | Post a Comment »
May 29th, 2009, 4:59 am by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 I’ve been trying to remember which comedian joked that art galleries are places you take your date to impress her, that you’ll never have to go again after you’re married.
With that in mind, my colleague Kelli Hart recommends the First Thursday Artwalks in Laguna Beach as a cheap yet impressive date. The galleries are free to visit, and some even provide free libations to their guests.
The first Thursday this month is June 4th, six days away.
The event runs every first Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and there’s even a shuttle bus that will pick you up at the Laguna Art Museum, at the corner of the PCH and Cliff Drive, and haul you around.
Here’s the website to learn more. There’s also a shuttle map on this site.
Here are the dates this year: June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3
When I lived in Laguna many years ago, they hadn’t launched this event, but I remember attending one in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My friend and I met a bartender who worked as a fire-eater and he took us to a very chic party where we got to pretend to be his assistants and watch him eat fire. Seriously, I am not making that up.
It was a very trendy party in a gallery too, full of steel sculptures, where everyone was supposed to wear white so we felt pretty stupid in our dorky rumpled tourist shorts and fanny packs, I assure you.
I don’t think they have any fire-eaters in Laguna, but you can drink a lot of wine and then try it on your own afterward.
On a Thursday night, you should be able to find street parking in a beach neighborhood without having to pay.
Kelli and another reader also recommended Nick’s as an inexpensive restaurant that might work for dining on your date, or, of course, you could bring a romantic picnic and eat on a blanket at Main Beach.
If you bring wine, remember to keep it out of sight.
There’s a Johnny Rockets across from Main Beach, too, where you could get a burger and pretend you’re going to a sock hop.
I just had this sudden flash to the last time I tried to bring my rambunctious kids into an art gallery in Laguna, under the theory that maybe the owner might appreciate my attempts to educate a couple of budding art patrons.
Unfortunately, the poor guy almost had a stroke when the kids were, shall we say, just the tiniest bit loud. You’d think he’d never seen a child before in his entire life. We got out of there pronto.
If you’re on a date, though, that shouldn’t be a problem, right?
I guess it depends on who you’re dating.
Also, let me point out that this is a cheap date only if you DON”T BUY A PAINTING. I know, it happens to the best of us.
About this feature:
Cheap Dates is a guide to having a nice date for $25 or less. If you have suggestions, email me at mfisher@ocregister.com
Do you have a tip for the Deals Diva? Email me at mfisher@ocregister.com. And look for me @DealsDiva on Twitter!
Posted in: Cheap Dates • Things to do • Artwalks • galleries • Laguna Art Museum • Laguna Beach | Post a Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 11:58 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Do you like Papa John’s pizza? Well, if you order one large two-topping pizza online, you can get a cheese pizza also for only 25 cents. This deal is only good if you order online.
Click here to go to the site.
And you might be amused by his road trip across America and the search for his old Camaro. You can click here to learn more.
Posted in: Restaurants • Papa John's • pizza | Post a Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 3:25 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
Chris Locke of Orange suggests checking the back of the market, where they keep the dented and discontinued items. She says the quality is still good.
Here’s her email:
“Whenever I go to Vons, I check the little bin in the back that always sells things at a steep discount . . . you know, of things the store won’t be selling anymore, or it’s close to expiring. Anyway, I’ll scoop up whatever I need, and also whatever I think the food pantries can use to help feed the poor.
I’ve come away with at least a bag or two of things that can be donated to a good cause.”
Posted in: Groceries • Discount • Vons | 1 Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 3:06 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Want a free reusable shopping bag from a winery?
Click here and you can order one from the Columbia Winery up in Oregon.
So sorry to tell you, but the wine doesn’t come with the bag. (there would be a frowny face here if I knew how to make one)
Posted in: Free stuff • Groceries • Columbia Winery • oregon • riesling | 1 Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 2:37 pm by Samantha Gowen
 Got a long-distance vacation planned with your favorite, four-legged friend? Do you dread the idea of stuffing them into a cargo hold?
Pet Airways, a new pets-only airline, is offering an introductory, one-way $149 fare on reservations made through June 3. The airline flies through five U.S. cities. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in: Free stuff • Pet care • Travel • airline • cargo • pets • Travel | Post a Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 2:36 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Those altrustic folks over at the Irvine Company are offering a free month of rent to college grads. That’ll make up for the $50,000 your folks spent on your education.
Click here to learn more
Posted in: Education • Free stuff • Home • Irvine Company | Post a Comment »
May 28th, 2009, 12:32 pm by Marla Jo Fisher, Staff Writer
 Marriott Hotel chains around the globe are offering 20 percent off right now on stays if you book by June 2nd. Good through Sept. 7th. The good news is you don’t have to see one of those obnoxious travelling garden gnomes.
Click here to learn more
Participating hotel chains:
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
Courtyard by Marriott
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Marriott Vacation Club
Send me a postcard.
Posted in: Travel • Courtyard by Marriott • Fairfield Inn • Marriott • Renaissance hotels | Post a Comment »
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