Illustration by Margaret Spengler, The Sacramento Bee

Throughout the month of June The Elizabeth Arden Warehouse will be open almost three weeks.

Save the date: June 4 - 9, 11 - 16, and 18 – 23

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 3030 Nicholas Avenue, Roanoke

Contact: 983-6594 for more information

FYI: This sale isn’t just for women, there are plenty of fragrances and other accessories for men as well.

ETC: No one under the age of 16 is permitted and all sales are final.

Here’s a roundup of some new money-saving tips that might lead you to major bargains:

RedPlum, one of the coupon booklets inserted in Sunday newspapers, has provided printable coupons on its website for quite some time. But the coupons online and the coupons in print are often different.

Recently, RedPlum started offering their Sunday coupon booklets in an eBook online. There is a print limit to the coupons, though, so try to access them as early as possible on Sunday mornings. This will be especially handy for any household that doesn’t regularly receive RedPlum with their paper. To try out the new site, visit ebook.redplum.com.

I’ve had a couple of great experiences at Kohl’s recently that led to big savings. On one visit, the saleswoman gladly scanned a coupon from my smartphone when I realized I had forgotten to print it out. On a second trip, I was able to combine a sale price, a $5-off coupon and $10 in Kohl’s Cash — I ended up saving more than $30 on a single purchase.

So now you know, always remember to stack those coupons at Kohl’s. You can combine two dollar-off coupons or a dollar-off coupon and a percentage-off coupon.

Here are some other ways you may not realize you can save at Kohl’s:

If you come within $2 of the Kohl’s Cash criteria (you spend $48 of the required $50), the retailer will round up and reward you with your $10 Kohl’s Cash.

If you forget to include a promo code in an online order, call (855-564-5705) or email (http://bit.ly/oDVF5U) customer service and they will adjust the price of your order for you. You are allowed two promo codes per online order.

CVS has gone mobile. Download the free CVS/pharmacy app for iPhone or Android and you can use your smartphone in place of your ExtraCare card at the register. Up until now, it was not in CVS’ policy to scan coupons from smartphones and you could not access your ExtraCare Card barcode from your smartphone. Now both can be scanned from a phone at the register.

Additionally, you can access your account to view your ExtraBucks rewards and any other savings. You also can send any available coupons directly to your card and skip the printer.

If you use the pharmacy for your prescriptions, there’s also a tool where you can scan your medications to request a refill. After scanning, you will have the opportunity to select a time and location to pickup your medication.

This is the most useful app I’ve downloaded in a long time.

Many shoppers are aware that Target offers store coupons online, but did you know they also offer manufacturer coupons?

Mixed in with the store coupons you’ll find manufacturer coupons available for printing. This is a great opportunity to find coupons that may have reached their print limit on other coupon sites. The major downside is that you can’t tell which coupons are manufacturer coupons and which are store coupons until they are printed. Either way, you could end up saving a lot.

Target will accept one manufacturer’s coupon and one store coupon for a product, so start stacking. There also are coupons available for apparel, accessories and other products throughout the store.

If you have a smartphone, I would also suggest signing up for text alerts and coupons. Target will send you new coupons every couple of weeks for products in each department, even apparel. Just have the cashier scan the barcode on your phone at checkout to get the savings.

To sign up for text alerts, visit http://www.target.comand click the icon labeled Target Mobile. On the following screen you’ll see an area to enter your cellphone number, time zone and preferred delivery time.

How are you saving an extra buck these days?

Yard sales are great outlets for do-it-yourselfers looking for projects, collectors searching for hidden treasures and everday people hunting for bargains.

This summer I’m on a search for a funky chair I can reupholster — you can bet I’ll be hitting multiple yardsales to find what I’m looking for.

I’m also looking for your special finds. Have you ever found something that took you right back to your childhood? How about a major collectible for near nothing?

I’d love to feature your favorite yard sale finds in a future story, so tell me about them! Leave a comment below describing your favorite yard sale finds, and if you have any photos I’d love to see those, too.

Also, if you haven’t done so yet, check out our yard sale map. As we get closer to the weekend the map will be updated with all of the local yardsales, including a description of each.

Are you enjoying your Memorial Day weekend? I hope so, I know I’m looking forward to a relaxing Monday away from the office.

Because it’s a holiday weekend there aren’t any coupons, but there are tons of sales. Here’s some of the best of today’s paper:

Kroger is once again offering four-times the fuel points with gift card purchases. You have until June 16 to take advantage of this deal.
Also, throughout the summer you can save up to $2 per gallon when you use your Kroger card — that’s a huge discount!
Throughout the store, some of the best deals include: Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread, buy one, get one free; Barilla pasta, 10/$10; Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s entrees, 5/$11; Kraft and Sargento cheeses, 2/$4; Chef Boyardee, 88 cents; Knorr rice or pasta sides, 10/$10; Aquafresh toothpaste, 10/$10; Kroger frozen veggies, 10/$10; and Bar S franks 10/$10.

Michaels has Memorial Day savings all week long. Here are your coupons:
Today only: 50% off any regular priced item
Monday only: 20% off your entire purchase, including sale items
Monday through Saturday: 40% off any regular priced item
Today through Saturday: 25% off regular and sale priced wall and tabletop frames, framed art and display cases

AC Moore has loads of coupons for saving, too:
Today and Monday: 50% off any regular priced item
Today through Saturday: 60% off plus $10 off custom framing
Tuesday through Saturday: 40% off regular priced item
June 3 through June 9: 50% off any regular priced item

CVS has loads of merchandise for $1 or less this week. Here are a few examples: Gatorade and Lifewater, 98 cents; Emerald nut snacks, $1; Mini Oreo, $1; Goldfish snacks, $1; Zori flip flops, $1; Bumble Bee tuna, $1; Pepsi two-liters, 99 cents; CVS facial tissues, 77 cents and Ajax dish liquid, 89 cents.

Kmart’s meal deal for Shop Your Way Rewards members this week is free Van Camp’s Pork and Beans and Smart Sense soda when you buy 5 Bar-S meat products at 88 cents a piece.
Also, remember the retailer will double manufacturer coupons up to $1 when you buy $25 or more in grocery, beauty, and health merchandise (limit 5 coupons).
In honor of Memorial Day there are also tons of 10/$10 food items, and swimwear for the family is 50% off.

Check out the Sears ad before you hit the mall. In addition to their Memorial Day Sale, you can save an extra 15% on clothing and accessories or an extra 10% on home fashions, household goods, fine jewelry, intimates, fragrances and cosmetics with the coupon in the ad. This coupon is valid through Tuesday.

Belk has additional savings available in their ad, too. Today and Monday use the coupon from the ad for an additional $10 off your first purchase of $30 or more (regular and sale priced merchandise).

Fashion Bug is having a Memorial Day sale as well. In addition to the sale prices, use the coupon on the back of the ad to save $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. This coupon is good through June 16.

Macy’s is offering a coupon in addition to their Memorial Day sale, too. Clip the coupon and you’ll get an extra 15% off sale and clearance apparel, jewelry and intimates, and an extra 10% off all sale and clearance watches, shoes, handbags, coats, suits, dresses and select home items.

Rack Room Shoes has a new coupon today, and you can get $10 off a purchase of $60 or more.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

Are you ready for Memorial Day weekend? I know I am! There are few things I enjoy more than a three-day weekend. Enjoy some time with your friends and family. If you’ll be having a cookout, my fingers are crossed that the weather cooperates.

Because it’s a holiday weekend don’t expect any coupons on Sunday. There are tons of retail sales to prepare for, though.

Kroger will be releasing some interesting information that can save you money at the gas pump.

Michaels and AC Moore will both have loads of coupons to extend your savings throughout the week.

The CVS  ad is full of deals for $1 or less.

Kmart’s has a new meal deal for Shop Your Way Rewards members next week and a great sale on swimwear for the family.

Check out the ads for Belk, Macy’s and Sears before you hit the mall. In addition to their sales, there are money-saving coupons.

Fashion Bug is having a Memorial Day sale as well. There’s also a coupon heading your way.

Expect a new coupon from Rack Room Shoes, as well.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

UPDATE

This workshop has been postponed. Look for further information this coming fall. If you have already signed up, you will receive more information via email.

END UPDATE

On Saturday, June 16 at 10 a.m. we’re holding another free couponing workshop: Everyday Couponing for Everyday People.

This workshop will be hosted by Chris Carter (who you might recognize from my local couponer story a couple months ago) at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center and will concentrate on how to save in the New River area.

Participation in this workshop is not limited to New River Valley residents, but the content will be specifically related to stores in that area.

If you’re a NRV resident who couldn’t make it to our other workshops, I hope you can make it to this one. Chris is full of great tips, and she really loves couponing!

To sign up, click the banner in the top right corner of the page or click here.

Ever since I was a little kid I have loved 7-Eleven Slurpees — especially Coke flavored. So, what’s better than a Slurpee? A free Slurpee.

Here’s the deal:

Stop by 7-Eleven between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. today and you can get a free 7.11 oz. Slurpee.

Are you confused yet? I know, that’s a lot of numbers. But just remember: Free Slurpees between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Enjoy!

Watching movies together is a great family-friendly activity, but catching new releases at the theater each week gets expensive fast — multiple tickets, popcorn, drinks and candy, and you’re probably spending at least $50.

Luckily, during the summer throughout the Roanoke Valley you have a lot of ways to get the family into a flick without the hefty price tag.

Movies at the Tower

Movies at the Tower is a series of free outdoor movie showings at Wells Fargo Plaza in downtown Roanoke.

A family-friendly movie is shown once a month May through October, and concessions are available for purchase. The remaining dates this season are June 8 (“Cars 2”), July 13 (“Footloose”),
Aug. 10 (“The Muppets”),
Sept. 14 (“The Lorax”) and
Oct. 12 (“Zookeeper”).

Attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair. Movies begin at dusk. For more information, visit www.downtownroanoke.org/events/movies-at-the-tower-2012.

Movies on the Lawn

This series of family-friendly movies is shown on the lawn of the Alexander Black House on Draper Road in Blacksburg.

The next showing will be on June 8 and feature “The Muppets.” Movies begin at dark and free popcorn is available. This event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair. For more information call 231-5200.

Movies at Longwood

Presented by Salem throughout the summer. The next showing will be May 27 and features “The Smurfs.”

The first 50 families will receive a free bag of popcorn, and additional food will be available for purchase. Additional movie dates include
June 23, Aug. 18 and Sept. 8. Movies begin at 9 p.m. and admission is free. Chairs and blankets are welcome. For more information call 375-3057.

Summer Movie Express

This is a nine-week festival at participating Regal Cinemas (the Christiansburg and Roanoke locations are participating) with select G and PG rated movies shown for $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10. This program begins June 12.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute. For more information, including the movie schedule, visit www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/.

Summer Kid Series

Carmike Cinemas presents 10 weeks of family-friendly movies shown every Thursday at 10 a.m. for $2. The $2 Movie Combo includes a drink, popcorn and movie admission. Showings begin on June 21 with “Puss in Boots.” The Roanoke Carmike location is participating. For more information, call 725-9800 or visit www.carmike.com/Promotions/119.

Looney Tunes Summer

The Grandin Theatre presents Looney Tunes Cartoon Summer on Fridays and Saturdays from June through August. These cartoons are free and begin at 10 a.m. each day, and the Friday show will be repeated Saturday. This series begins June 15.

Do you know of any other ways to save on family movies? Which of these events is your favorite?

Sign up now for your summer Target Beauty Bag.

Target has just opened registration for its summer Beauty Bags. If you haven’t signed up for one of these in the past, I suggest you do so — they’re great!

After you sign up (be patient, the page is loading very slow), you’ll receive a small cosmetic bag in the mail filled with samples. In the past, there have also been store coupons included. These coupons were awesome because they could be stacked with manufacturer coupons.

To sign up and get more information, visit the TargetStyle Facebook page.

Now through Thursday you can earn a free $2 MP3 credit from Amazon.

All you have to do is click here, name your favorite song of the moment and then share the information on your Facebook wall (you can always delete the post right after if you don’t want to continue using the app).

The credit will automatically be added to your Amazon account and you’ll be streaming free music before you know it.

Just be quick! You must use your credits by Thursday.

Note: Amazon MP3s can be streamed through iTunes. I’ve found that Amazon is often cheaper than iTunes and it’s become my go-to place to buy music, but I still keep track of all my files through iTunes.

Who's hungry? Outback is giving away free Bloomin' Onions today. Photo by AdamSelwood, Flickr.

If you’re a fan of Bloomin’ Onions, be thankful for NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. Because Newman, the driver of the #39 Outback car, finished in the top 10 yesterday, we can all enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion with any purchase today only just by mentioning Newman’s name.

There’s a limit to one Bloomin’ Onion per table, and this offer is valid at participating locations only (so call ahead).

For more information, click here.

Memorial Day is coming up, which means retailers will have specials and sales in honor of the holiday this week and next. Some of them are starting early and you’ll find deals in today’s paper.

Here are some of the best bargains I came across:

During the AC Moore Pre Memorial Day Sale you can take advantage of these coupons:
* 50% off any regular priced item (today only)
* 55% off custom framing
* 40% off any regular priced item (Monday through Saturday)
Throughout the store you’ll also find tons of merchandise 30 to 50% off.

Michaels also has multiple coupons this week:
* 40% off any regular priced item
* 25% off entire purchase of wall and tabletop frames, framed art and display cases (regular and sale priced)
Additionally, merchandise throughout the store is marked down 40 to 50% off.

Toys R Us has a great deal for gamers this week. All Wii, 3DS and DS games are buy one, get one 40$ off. Plus, when you buy any 3DS game system you’ll be rewarded with a free $20 gift card.
Also, don’t miss the information about Bike Safety Fest on May 26 from 2 to 4 p.m., where you kids can get free coloring pages and take the bike safety pledge.
As usual there are a couple baby coupons available as well:
* 20% off one regular priced baby item
* $4 off any two 22.2 oz. or larger powder formulas

If you have kids to shop for, check out Target this week. Kids’ Circo apparel is only $5, and canvas shoes and sandals are all 20% off.
When you buy any three Neosporin, Band-Aid or Johnson & Johnson items, you’ll receive a free Johnson & Johnson first-aid bag in return. Combine this deal with coupons for Neosporin and/or Band-Aid if you have them!

There are more great BOGO deals at Walgreens this week on products like Breyers ice cream, Foster Grand, Studio 35 or children’s sunglasses, Walgreen sun care, sandals, Lay’s chips, Dixie tableware and Oscar Meyer wieners — sounds like a Memorial Day cookout in the making!
As usual, there are also tons of store coupons waiting to be combined with manufacturer coupons as well.

CVS begins a new promotion for free gas today. Purchase $30 or more on specially marked items and you’ll receive a free $10 gas card in return. Some participating merchandise includes Scott tissue, Zyrtec, Kleenex, L’Oreal, Palmolive, Purina dog snacks, Slim Fast and more.
If you are a fan of P&G products, check out this rebate offer: Spend $50 on Olay face and body, CoverGirl, Pantene, Secret, Venus, Ivory, Herbal Essences, Aussie or Clairol and receive $10 back via rebate. Click here for the rebate form.

I love bargains on gift cards — it’s like free money! This week at Office Max you’ll save $10 when you purchase two $25 iTunes gift cards. That’s $50 of music for only $40.

Kmart is offering a Grilling Meal Deal for Shop Your Way Rewards Members this week. Buy one pound of ground chuck for $2.99 and in return you’ll receive hamburger buns and Sunny Acres American cheese for free. Additionally, there are tons of $1 foodie deals.
Remember, Kmart doubles manufacturer coupons up to $1 when you purchase $25 or more in grocery, beauty and health merchandise. Limit of five coupons per customer.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

With a holiday coming up in a little over a week there are tons of coupons and deals headed your way on Sunday. Here’s a hint at what you may find:

AC Moore and Michaels both have big sales and coupons next week.

Toys R Us will be a popular spot for gamers beginning Sunday.
Also, spring is the perfect bike riding weather. Don’t miss the information about Bike Safety Fest.
As usual, there will also be a couple baby related coupons.

If you have kids to shop for, head straight for the Target ad next week.
There’s also a great promotion that will take care of any scrapes and bumps the kids earn in the coming summer months.

There are more great BOGO deals at Walgreens next week, as well as the usual batch of in store coupons.

CVS will roll out a new promotion for free gas on Sunday. There’s also a great rebate opportunity for P&G products.

Do you like free money? That’s basically what you get when you get a deal on gift cards. Just one reason to browse through the Office Max!

Kmart has a great grilling promotion that might inspire you to throw a Memorial Day cookout.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

There are a few young men in my life who absolutely love LEGOs. If you’re in the same boat, check out this cool freebie.

Click here and you can sign up your child, nephew, niece, etc. for a free two year subscription to LEGO magazine.

Just select the child’s age and country of residence, then fill out some simple information like name and address. No credit card information is collected.

Kids also love getting their own mail, so this is a win-win situation for everyone — but especially your wallet!

Most of the time when we hear the phrase “buyer incentives,” it’s related to large purchases such as a house or a car. For those bigger investments, you sometimes can get a tax break, a special deal on your loan or some sort of cash back reward for making payments early. But flip through retail ads today and you’ll see that stores are offering buyer incentives on just about anything.

Sometimes, however, it means the buyer spends more upfront.

I don’t know anyone who would argue with a sale price. But when it comes to having to buy a product to save in the long run, things get tricky.

For example, both Kohl’s and CVS are popular retailers in our area who offer their own store rewards for select purchases.

Kohl’s offers Kohl’s Cash throughout the year when shoppers spend a certain amount. After the cash is earned, shoppers can return at a later date to use the “cash” on future purchases.

CVS has a similar deal. Shoppers earn Extra Bucks for spending a certain amount on selected products each week. These “bucks” can be used in future shopping trips.

If you are a regular shopper at a store that offers these incentives, they can be very rewarding. I’m in a cycle of shopping at CVS because I prefer to make short shopping trips when what I need is on sale as opposed to big Walmart trips. Even though the normal prices at CVS are higher than those at Walmart, I save 50 percent to 75 percent on each shopping trip thanks to my coupons and Extra Bucks.

However, if you’re enticed to pick up a product at one of these stores because of the rewards you receive with a purchase even though you rarely shop there, think twice. For retailers, part of the appeal of these incentives is that many shoppers will forget to use their rewards or not bother to return. Then you really haven’t gotten a deal at all.

Similar promotions also can be found at Target, which regularly offers free gift cards with selected purchases. The plus side to receiving a gift card with purchase is that it won’t expire like store “cash,” which usually is valid for only a month or less.

Then there is the best kind of incentive, which most of us see as an old-fashioned sale. For many shoppers, there’s not much better than a sign that reads “buy one, get one free.” The free product is indeed an incentive, but the reward is immediate.

Similar deals include “buy one at regular price, get one for a dollar,” or “buy one, get one half-off.” You may not have thought of these purchases as incentives in the past, but it’s important to start doing so to really see the value in what you’re buying.

Do you have a preference when shopping? Are you often enticed by rewards after purchase, or have you been burned by them in the past?

Dollar General has a new coupon available on its website and Coupons.com offering $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. This coupon applies to yellow dot spring and summer apparel, accessories and shoes in-store.

This coupon is valid through May 20.

Happy Mother’s Day, mommas out there! I hope you enjoy your day. Here are some things you might find in your paper this morning:

There’s a lighter load of ads today, but pages and pages of coupons. There are three coupon booklets up for grabs today: Smartsource, P&G Brandsaver and Redplum.

There are tons of great deals on fresh produce at Kroger this week. For only 99 cents/lb. you can find organic cameo apples, anjou pears, jumbo sweet onions, tomatoes on the vine, avocados, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, mini carrots and eggplant. Stock up and make something fresh!
Additionally, when you buy 10 participating items you’ll instantly save $4, plus Kroger will donate $1 to the USO.
In the deli, you’ll receive a free Nathan’s hot dog when you buy a second Nathan’s hot dog and a 20 oz. Coca-Cola product.

Don’t forget to scan your Extracare card at the coupon center in CVS this week, it’s got additional coupons for you.
Throughout the store you can really rack up on ExtraBucks by mixing and matching various products. Just pay attention to how much you need to spend and which products are eligible when you’re planning your trip.
In the beauty section, you’ll receive a free John Frieda shampoo or conditioner when you buy John Frieda hair color. That’s about a $7 value.
This deal is great during graduation time when tons of photos are being snapped — buy 60 digital prints, get 20 free.

Rack Room Shoes has a new coupon available today offering $10 off a purchase of $60 or more. Combine it with their buy one, get one half-off deal for the most savings.

Shop Your Way Rewards Members can get free Ragu pasta sauce and Barilla pasta when they purchase Oscar Mayer Grilled Chicken Strips at Kmart this week — that’s a quick, easy and cheap dinner waiting to happen. Additionally, the retailer is still doubling manufacturer coupons up to $1 when you purchase $25 or more in grocery, beauty and health merchandise (limit of 5 coupons per customer, per day).
If you purchase $30 or more of Procter & Gamble products, you’ll also receive a coupon good for $10 off.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

 Get your printer ready, I’ve got a whole host of printable coupons and foodie deals ahead:

Visit Blimpie‘s Facebook page and you can print out a coupon offering a free 6-inch sub with the purchase of a 6-inch sub and a 22 oz. drink. This coupon is valid through June 9.

Olive Garden has released this printable coupon good for a free dessert or appetizer with the purchase of two entrees. Sounds like a perfect date night! This coupon is valid through May 27.

Pilot Travel Centers just posted a printable coupon on their Facebook page offering $1 off any large combo. This means you can get $1 off purchases at participating Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, KFC, Subway, Dairy Queen or Pizza Hut located inside a Pilot Travel Center. There’s no expiration date listed on this coupon.
On the same page, you can also print out a coupon good for a free 16 oz. hot beverage from Pilot Travel Centers. This coupon is valid through May 31.

Quiznos is also offering a printable coupon on their Facebook page for a free small sub with the purchase of a sub of equal or greater value and fountain drink. This coupon is valid through May 31.

Sonic is offering all milkshakes for half-price after 8 p.m. this summer. What a great way to cool off after a hot day! To make it even sweeter, you don’t even need a coupon. Click here for more information.

Also, remember that Starbucks has frappucinos for half price from 3 to 5 p.m. from now through Sunday. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Know of any other great foodie deals out there? Share them!

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Have you finished your shopping yet?

Here are some hints at what your mom will find in her paper on Sunday. There are less ads, but lots of coupons to make her happy!

There are three coupon booklets up for grabs on Sunday.

A Kroger there will be a lot of fresh produce to choose from for under $1/lb. You can also get additional savings just by buying participating products. If you’re a fan of hot dogs, there’s a very special treat for you in the deli.

Throughout the store, CVS will be giving you multiple opportunities to mix and match products for high dollar Extrabucks. There are also a few freebies to be earned next week.

Rack Room Shoes will have a new coupon available Sunday, and don’t forget about their everyday buy one, get one half-off deal.

Shop Your Way Rewards Members will get a great freebie that could lead to an easy week night meal at Kmart next week, plus you’ll get details on double coupons and special savings with P&G.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

From 3 to 8 p.m. tomorrow (May 11), participating Kroger stores will be giving away a free bag of chips to each shopper while supplies last.

Many local stores are participating, but check out this list to see if your favorite location is.

There’s no purchase necessary, so stop in for this no-strings-attached freebie to brighten your Friday afternoon!

There’s just something about seeing tiny handprints that mothers love.

Maybe it’s the way that they freeze time, or maybe it’s the endless amount of crafts that can be made with handprints and just a few supplies.

With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, giving her a homemade gift that’ll be a keepsake is one way to include the kids in making Mom’s day special. There’s a lot more to make out of handprints than Thanksgiving turkeys. Here are a few suggestions for hands-on Mother’s Day gifts.

Courtesy of The Craft Crow.

Wreath: Pick out a few springy colors of construction paper to transform this classic Christmas activity.

Cut out handprints, arrange them in a circle with the fingers facing outward and glue them together. Layer the handprints for a fuller wreath, or stick to a single circle if you’re working with especially small hands. To accent the wreath add a bow or let the kids draw their own special doodles on the hands.

Canvas: Plain canvases can be perked up by allowing your child to take hold of them.

Paint the canvas a solid color and let it dry. Then, paint your child’s hand a

Courtesy of babygadget.net.

contrasting color and have them leave a print. A single handprint in the middle is eye-catching, but smaller kids would also enjoy making a collage of prints in various colors on a single canvas. You also could have everyone in the household make their own canvas and create a family tree of prints.

A nice size canvas for this project is 10-by-10 inches, and the canvas boards will only cost you about $6 apiece.

Frames: A similar project can be done with construction paper, paint and picture frames.

Courtesy of Cafe Press.

Cut the paper to the size of a frame — 4-by-6 inches or 5-by-7 inches work best — and place a handprint in the center. Using dark paper and metallic paint is an easy way to embellish the simple project. Once the paint is dry, place the paper in the frame and wrap it up for Mom.

Totes: Canvas tote bags are simple gifts that can be easily customized by children, plus you can find them at craft stores for about $5.

With some fabric paint, handprints can be left in designs, such as flowers (you’ll need to paint a dot in the center and a stem), caterpillars (upside down handprints in a row with a plain circle as the head),

Courtesy of paintcutpaste.com.

or as single prints with your child’s name and the year underneath. This is one of the more functional crafts that kids can create and it’s sure to embarrass them down the road when Mom is still carrying the bag.

Flowerpot: Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift, but you can make this gift a little more personal by letting your child paint the flowerpot. Leaving a contrasting handprint with the date written underneath adds character and creates an instant keepsake.

Courtesy of celebrations.com.

In lieu of flowers, kids can cut out construction-paper handprints, attach them to straws and stand them up in the pot. A grown-up or sibling can help them by writing things they love about Mom on each hand. When she’s ready to use the pot for planting, Mom can remove the hand “flowers” and have a bouquet.

Kitchen accessories: For moms who love to cook, a personalized set of dish towels, potholders or an apron could be the perfect gift. You just need some fabric paint.

For an apron, consider making the handprints “flowers” and let the kids paint stems from the bottom of the apron up. Use a paint pen or permanent marker to add the date and/or names if desired. Look for towels or potholders in the

Courtesy of classroomtalk.com.

clearance section, where you usually can find them for $5 or less. Plain aprons can be found at craft stores for $10 or less.

Kids don’t stay little for long, so moms are sure to love these gifts that will remind them how small their children once were.

Do you still have handprint crafts from when your kids were young? What’s your favorite handprint craft for kids?

If you’re planning a fabulous night in for Mom on Sunday, check out this offer from Redbox.

Visit Redbox’s Facebook page where you can send a free rental code to any of your friends for redemption on May 13. If your mom hasn’t set up her own Facebook page yet, now might be the time to encourage her!

There are up to two coupon booklets available in today’s paper: Redplum and Smartsource.
Don’t skip over your Walmart inserts, because there’s a manufacturer’s coupon (so you can use it anywhere even though it’s in the Walmart ad) on the back for Nicole by OPI nail polish.

There’s a full page of grocery coupons in this week’s Walgreen’s ad, which can be combined with manufacturer coupons. Also look for other store coupons scattered throughout the ad. This week you’ll also find tons of buy one, get one 50% off deals on products like Tampax, Dr. Scholl’s, Ace, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, Desitin, Johnson’s Baby Was and more.

Toys R Us has all of their Little Tikes products on sale this week including outdoor play items. You can even set these items on layaway if you’re just holding onto them until Christmas. Additionally, you’ll find buy one, get one 50% off deals on Crayola, collectible cards, LeapFrog Leapster and Explorer software, Vtech and Mobigo software and more.
Don’t forget the coupons: 20% off a regular priced baby item and $8 off any value box of diapers and value box of wipes.

Stein Mart has two coupons available with their ad this week: 20% off any one item and 25% off all red dot clearance. Coupons for clearance merchandise mean big savings!

Staples has four coupons tucked in their ad today.
* 30% off any Martha Stewart Home Office product
*$30 off any HP LaserJet printer priced $199 to $298
*$50 off any HP LaserJet printer priced $299 and up
*$10 off any chairmat
There are also tons of dollar deals this week priced $5 and under. Participating brands include: Sharpie, Expo, Post-It, Bic, Avery and more.

Shopping for a crafty mom this Mother’s Day? Check out the Michaels ad for loads of sales and coupons, including:
* 10% off your entire purchase including sale items (today through Tuesday only)
*40% off any regular priced item
*20% off a custom framing order
*15% off your entire beading purchase (multiple exclusions apply)
*25% off your entire framing purchase (multiple exclusions apply)

Similarly, at AC Moore you have these coupons:
* 10% off a purchase of $25 or more (Tuesday only)
* 55% off custom framing
* 40% off any regular priced item
* 50% off any regular priced item (Valid May 13 through May 19 only)

This coming Wednesday through Saturday you can get a free bouquet of roses for Mom from Kmart when you spend $50 or more.
You can also get a dozen eggs for free when you buy Bar-S bacon and Tropicana orange juice.

CVS has a great coupon available this week offering a 12-pack of Coke for 99 cents with any purchase of $20 or more.
You can also get a free summer tote ($24.99 value) when you buy $30 or more of Maybelline cosmetics or Garnier skin/hair care products.
Don’t forget to stop by the kiosk and scan your ExtraCare card, because you’ll get a coupon good for $5 off any $25 fragrance purchase (Mom could use some new perfume, right?).
Another great deal is the $10 in ExtraBucks that you’ll get when you spend $50 on any combination of select gift cards — that’s like getting $50 of gift cards for $40!
Also, Neutrogena has another $10 rebate available when you spend $30 or more. Click here to get the rebate form.

Today through Tuesday Belk is having their Mother’s Day sale, and with the coupon in the ad you can get $10 off a purchase of $50 or more (regular or sale priced). You can also text INS1512A to belk1 (23551) and you’ll receive a $10 off coupon on your cellphone.

During Sears’ Mother’s Day Sale you can get $10 in Come Back Cash when you spend $50 or more on clothing, accessories, fragrances, cosmetics or home fashions,  or $20 in Come Back Cash when you spend $100 or more in fine jewelry and home goods.
Tonight only you can get an extra 15% off appliances, clothing, intimate apparel, footwear, acessories, cosmetics, fragrances, bed & bath and window fashions, or an extra 10% off electronics, fine jewelry, watches, housewares, mattresses, recliners, rugs, luggage, furniture, lawn & garden, tools, fitness & sporting goods, floor care and home services — no coupon necessary!

At Kroger this week you can mix and match 10 participating items and save $4 instantly, plus $1 will be donated to the USO. Some participating brands include Coca-Cola, Marie Callender’s, Healthy Choice, Oreo, VanCamp’s, Pepperidge Farm, Dannon, Yoplait, Doritos and Tide.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

Each of those dots on the map above represents a yard sale happening this weekend in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. Looks like there’s a lot to choose from, right? But don’t get overwhelmed, this map was made to make your weekend planning easier.

The Roanoke.com Yard Sale Map is updated each week to represent all of the yard sales advertised in the online version of the Classifieds. 

Hover over each pin on the map and you’ll find the address, hours and description of each yard sale.

Pins will be added and updated as necessary, so keep checking back as you plan your weekend. You don’t want to miss a chance for bargain hunting!

There are up to two coupon booklets available in Sunday’s paper, plus a little something in your Walmart insert.

Walgreen’s has more store coupons available next week, plus loads of BOGO deals.

Toys R Us has a special on Little Tikes to look forward to next week, plus BOGO deals and some special baby coupons.

Stein Mart will have coupons this week, and one of them adds up to some impressive savings.

Staples multiple coupons next week, plus a page full of dollar deals.

Michaels and AC Moore have tons of coupons and sale products next week, perfect for those shopping for crafty moms.

Kmart has a special freebie for moms next week, plus a freebie in the produce section.

CVS has some very impressive deals next week, including an in store coupon, offers for high value ExtraBucks and a rebate offer.

Belk starts their Mother’s Day sale on Sunday and in addition to the sale prices there are two coupon opportunities.

At Sears’ Mother’s Day Sale you can get special deals Sunday only, plus a special coupon to shop with in the future with select purchases.

Kroger has an offer to mix and match products for immediate savings next week, and you’re not the only person who will benefit.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

Which flavor will you choose? Photo courtesy of www.starbucks.com.

The weather is heating up, so instead of your steaming cup of coffee how about trying something new?

Starbucks is bringing back its Frappucino Happy Hour from Sunday, May 6 to Sunday, May 13 (aka, Mother’s Day). From 3 to 5 p.m. participating stores will have their frozen coffee drinks for half-price.

I’d recommend calling ahead before visiting your favorite location to be sure they’re participating.

For more information, click here.

Grocery bills are a huge chunk of everyone’s weekly expenses, but the price of food really skyrockets when you or a family member suffers from food allergies.

The price of these items is enough to steer away most folks who don’t need to buy them. But allergies to gluten, peanuts, dairy, soy and other foods seem to be becoming more common. So how can you save a buck when shopping for these special diets?

Eat what’s in season. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re abundant and on sale. Also, shop for clearance fruits and vegetables. Just because these foods are nearing the end of their shelf life doesn’t mean they are inedible; you’ll just have to use them soon.

Once you figure out what products work for you, shop for them in bulk. If your diet requires a specialty baking mix, for example, search for it at Sam’s Club or at online retailers. Amazon.com offers certain products in bulk or auto-ordered at a discount, as well.

For example, Amazon was offering a four-pack of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Homemade Wonderful Bread Mix for $15.60. If you signed up to receive this product automatically on a delivery schedule, the price dropped to $13.26.

Try your hand at meal planning. This doesn’t mean you need to plan out a month’s worth of meals at one time, but check out what’s on sale for the week and try to pair that with meals you can eat. You can even cook up a couple of big batches of a recipe and eat it over multiple days, which also could save you some time.

Don’t overload your cart on fresh foods you can’t freeze or finish before they go bad. Some simple planning can help you avoid losing money and wasting food.

Keep the convenience foods for special occasions and busy days. Specialty convenience foods, such as snack crackers, pre-made breads and frozen foods, are often about three times the cost of the basic versions. Keep them on hand for treats or when there’s no time to cook, but try to avoid buying them on each shopping trip.

Always look for coupons. Coupons can be found on food packaging and on websites such as www.enjoylifefoods.com, http://www.befreeforme.comand www.mambosprouts.com. Periodically, you’ll also find specialty food coupons on Coupons.com and in the Sunday newspaper. Combine the coupons with sale prices whenever possible to save the most.

Never go to the grocery store when you’re hungry and keep your kitchen stocked with nonperishable basics. Anything you can keep that’s dry or canned should be stocked at all times. Replenish your stockpile as items go on sale. The more you can cook at home with items you got at a discount, the more you’ll save.

 Use your appliances to their fullest potential. Many vegetables can be put in your freezer and used months later. Consider bagging entire slow-cooker dinners and freezing them for quick and healthy meals when the vegetables are no longer in season. You also can freeze pre-made meals and breads. Just be sure to keep note of what you have in your freezer and mark the date that the items were frozen.

Do you or a loved one suffer from food allergies and have money-saving tips? Where do you find the best deals on diet-friendly foods?

Shoney’s is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and they have a whole line-up of promotions throughout the month of May.

It all starts Thursday (May 3), when Shoney’s will kick off the anniversary by selling their Signature All-American Burgers for only 65 cents. This promotion is for dine-in only and begins at 11 a.m.

Then, on Mother’s Day (May 13), Shoney’s will give away a free Hot Fudge Cake to any moms who purchase an entree or choose the buffet.

To wrap up the festivities, Shoney’s will be giving away a slice of Shoney’s fresh Strawberry Pie to dine-in guests on Thursday, May 31.

Call ahead to make sure your favorite location is participating.