(Looking for information about the 2013 flip flop sale? Click here)

In my experience, one can never have enough flip flops.

If you’re in need of some new footwear, check out the $1 flip flop sale at Old Navy on Saturday (June 30).

Stock up for you and your family!

For more info, check out Old Navy’s Facebook page.

June is quickly coming to a close and July 4 will be here before we know it. Are you ready? There’s plenty to be excited for on July 1 — that’s when all these goodies are headed your way:

The P&G Brandsaver will have tons of high dollar coupons available.

Rack Room Shoes continues their semi-annual clearance sale next week, plus there’s a new coupon to take advantage of on Sunday.

Walgreens will have offers for high dollar register rewards and even a free gift card.

Next week’s Target ad is full of free-with-purchase items next week.

Home Depot has interior and exterior paints, stains, finishes and more buy four, get the fourth free. This deal can be redeemed from now through July 4 via online or mail-in rebate.

The kids may not be as happy to see the Toys R Us ad next week — they’re rolling out back to school merchandise. To make up for it, there is a great clearance sale on toys, plus baby-related coupons.

During the Sears  July 4 sale, you’ll have an incentive to come back and shop at a later date with select purchases. There are also some great clearance deals.

Kmart will have a new special for Shop Your Way Rewards Members next week. It’s also the last week to qualify for a free family picnic.
Look for a special offer with Procter & Gamble, as well.

CVS will continue its free gas card promotion next week, so look for new items to spend $30 or more on to receive your free $10 gas card.
There’s also a special rebate promotion with Olay.

Kroger will have a new mix and match offer this week, plus some new 10/$10 items.

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.

Head over to the Regal Cinemas website and you’ll find a special printable coupon good for a free small popcorn. Considering how pricey consessions can be, that’s a great deal.

This coupon is valid now through July 1, so treat yourself this weekend!

Also, as I was poking around on the theater’s website I saw this special deal for AARP members.

Next time you visit the theater, present your AARP membership card and you can get a 32 ounce drink and a 64 ounce popcorn for only $5.50 — that’s a great price! I went to the movies last weekend and a medium drink and small popcorn was over $12. Yikes.

This serves as a great reminder to check on your membership website from time to time and remind yourself what perks you can get, or see what’s new.

The popularity of Internet radio has exploded over the past few years, especially as listeners realize the ease of accessing specialized stations via smartphone apps.

While most services offer you commercial free or on-demand listening for a fee, others might give you just want you want at no cost.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can get from various online radio services for free:

Last.fm

This service will create custom stations for you based on the artists and genres you like. Last.fm is ad-supported, so there are commercials.

Listeners can tune in to Last.fm online or through the Scrobbler — the site’s downloadable desktop player. There also are mobile apps and the service is available to Xbox Live members.

Mog.com

Mog offers unlimited ad-supported listening for free. The service allows listeners to create playlists of their favorite songs and personalize radio channels.

You can listen online for free, but be prepared to pay if you want to tune in through your phone or in the car.

Pandora

Perhaps the most familiar name on this list, this station is inspired by the music genome project. What you may not know is that Pandora has a smaller music catalog than most other services.

You can’t pick out individual songs you want to hear, but you can create your own station based on a genre, artist or song. Then Pandora goes to work picking out songs you should like based on that information. Give the song thumbs up or thumbs down to tailor the station even more to your liking.

There are a limited number of skips allowed, you can’t rewind with this program and the service is ad-supported, so there are commercials. Listen for free via its mobile app or online.

Slacker

Slacker Radio is a service with hundreds of stations categorized by various genres. This program is ad-supported, so in exchange for free listening you will hear a few commercials. Slacker also offers news and sports radio, which isn’t always available from other sites.

This service also allows you to block artists or share feedback and get more of the artists you love. You can listen to Slacker for free via its mobile app or online.

Soma.fm

This is a listener-supported station, which means there are no commercials. More than 20 alternative music stations are available, so you may have to click around some to find one that’s just right.

You can hear this station online, on a mobile site or through its app. Soma.fm isn’t playing mainstream music, so if you have an appetite for some new, unheard-of tunes, check it out.

Spotify

If you’re a Facebook user you’ve probably heard of Spotify.

This service allows you to see what your friends are listening to, subscribe to their playlists and make your own.

You can listen to entire songs and albums for free through Spotify, which is an ad-supported program.

If you’re looking for new music, use the radio program to generate songs you may like based on an artist or genre. You can listen to Spotify for free online, but you’ll have to be a paying subscriber to listen on the go through the mobile app.

TuneIn

TuneIn streams live radio stations from all over the world for free on its website and mobile app. Listeners can search for radio stations by call number, location, genre or station type. This is perfect for anyone uprooted from home and craving some local flavor.

Which online radio service do you prefer? Are the perks worth the price, or will you stick to these free offerings?

McDonald’s has just released a great printable coupon to help you beat the summer heat.

When you buy one McCafe Real Fruit Smoothie, Cherry Berry Chiller, Frappe or Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, you’ll get one free of equal or lesser value. 

This coupon is good through July 31 at participating locations.

Toys R Us is offering up to 60% off on much of its toy stock today only during its Cyber Clearance Event.

This is a great, uncomplicated deal — you don’t even need a coupon code! However, the deal is online only.

Orders today will also be eligible for  free in-store pickup. If you choose free in-store pickup, your order should be ready today.

It’s hard to believe, but the end of June is approaching, so start planning your July 4 cookout now. Maybe some of these deals in today’s paper will inspire you.

Both Redplum and Smartsource have coupon booklets available today.

Kroger has a new promotion this week. When you mix and match any 10 participating products you’ll automatically save $3, plus you’ll receive a coupon good for $2 off your next visit. These store coupons are great because they can be combined with all of your manufacturer coupons. 
There are also some 4th of July favorites on sale this week, like Tyson chicken breasts, sweet corn on the cob, seedless watermelon, NY Strip steaks, select varieties of soda (cans and bottles), Kroger brand dips, ground beef and more.
There are also new items participating in the 10/$10 promotion, like Kroger diced tomatoes, Kroger fruit snacks, Kroger potato chips, Utz snacks and more. 

 CVS is having a 4th of July Free Sale this week, and that means there are tons of BOGO deals throughout the store. Some participating items include Lay’s chips, Hershey’s chocolate, Colgate and Aquafresh toothpaste, CVS brand vitamins and supplements and more.
The free gas card promotion is also back. When you spend $30 or more on participating items, you’ll get a free $10 gas card. Some participating products include Pepsi, Lipton green tea, Keebler crackers, Gatorade and M&M’s.
Throughout the grocery section, you’ll find loads of 10/$10 deals.

Walgreens has plenty of BOGO deals this week. Some items you could be getting for free include Hefty garbage bags, Kraft macaroni and cheese, Russell Stover candy, Breyers ice cream, Blue Diamond almonds, Lay’s chips, Oscar Mayer bacon, Dixie paper products, sunglasses, Dial soap, Duracell hearing aid batteries, Schick razors and more.
Remember: Always combine your store coupons and manufacturer coupons for the best deals at Walgreens.

Michaels has lots of 50% off savings throughout the store this week.
As usual, there are some valuable coupons:
* 15% off your entire purchase (including sale items), 3 to 7 p.m. today
*40% off any regular priced item

Kohl’s is giving out Kohl’s Cash again through Saturday (June 30). For every $50 spent, you’ll receive $1o in Kohl’s Cash to use July 1 through 15. Additionally, if you use your Kohl’s Charge you’ll get an extra 15, 20 or 30% off everything.
Visit the retailer today for special door buster deals that will save you even more.

Target has cut prices on much of its summer merchandise, including pools ($20), beach towels ($5), floats ($3), women’s Mossimo tanks ($6), kids’ tees ($5), water blasters ($9) and more.
Stock up for next summer!

Kmart has a new foodie deal for Shop Your Way Rewards Members this week: free chips and soda when you buy 5 Bar-S jumbo franks, smoked sausage, bologna or salami.
Also, the free family picnic promotion continues this week. When you purchase $250 or more in grocery and drugstore merchandise between now and July 6, you’ll get free Bar-S hotdogs, buns, chips and soda.
Remember: Kmart will double five manufacturer’s coupons up to $1 when you purchase $25 or more in grocery or drugstore merchandise.

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.

Happy Friday! Not only is it the end of the week, but it’s almost the end of June. July 4 is less than two weeks away, have you started planning how you’ll celebrate yet?

Hint hint: You should start now so you’ll be ready when the sales begin on Sunday.

There are two coupon books up for grabs on Sunday stuffed with restaurant and manufacturer coupons.

Kroger has a new mix, match and save promotion this week — prepare to combine the sale with coupons to maximize your savings. 
There will also be some 4th of July favorites on sale next week, so think about your cookout menu.

 CVS is offering up BOGO deals all around next week, as well as plenty 10/$10 deals.
The free gas card promotion will also be returning.

Similarly, Walgreens has plenty of BOGO deals next week, as well as their usual batch of store coupons (which can be combined with manufacturer coupons).

As usual, Michaels has valuable coupons available in its ad Sunday.

Kohl’s is giving out Kohl’s Cash again through Saturday (June 30). For every $50 spent, you’ll receive $1o in Kohl’s Cash to use July 1 through 15. Additionally, if you use your Kohl’s Charge you’ll get an extra 15, 20 or 30% off everything.
Visit the retailer Sunday for special door buster deals that will save you even more.

Target will be cutting prices on much of its summer merchandise starting Sunday. Replenish what you need for the next couple months, and then start stocking up for next year!

Kmart has a new foodie deal for Shop Your Way Rewards Members starting Sunday, and don’t forget about the free family picnic promotion.

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.

Not too long ago I was in school and feeling the pangs of horror that came along with summer reading projects: The seemingly million pages of reading followed by book reports thrown together in the closing weeks of summer.

Those projects still exist, but so do summer reading programs that reward kids with free stuff. Cool summer reading programs? They’re out there. Here are a few to consider:

Local libraries have summer reading programs that are usually filled with guest speakers, performers, movies, crafts, food and more. Check out the programs in Roanoke, Botetourt and Roanoke counties, and the New River Valley to see which program suits you. There’s a lot to choose from and it’s all free.

Barnes & Noble rewards kids who complete their summer reading program with a free book. The appeal of reading seems to go up when kids get to pick out their own material — dare I say they may even be excited?

Go online and download the Summer Reading Kit from barnesandnoble.com. Then, have your child read eight books and record them in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination Journal.

Kids who finish the eight books by Sept. 4 and bring in the completed journal to a local store can pick out a book from the list printed on the back of the journal. There are options for students from first through sixth grade.

The kit also includes optional activities for kids to complete as they read.

Chuck E. Cheese will reward kids who complete two weeks of reading with 10 free game tokens. Download the Reading Rewards Calendar from www.chuckecheese.com and mark off each day completed with a sticker. Redeem a completed calendar by Dec. 31 to receive free tokens.

The Scholastic Summer Challenge is encouraging kids to read a little every day. Kids can sign on, create a screen name and then start logging their reading time. The program sets a weekly goal, and if it’s reached, kids will receive free downloads and online badges for their Scholastic profile. There are also opportunities to enter to win autographed copies of books and other prizes.

The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! reading program is asking kids to read five books by Aug. 15. Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade who complete the challenge and mail in a completed entry form from www.bookitprogram.com will be entered to win a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” prize package that includes books, DVDs, toys and a $20 Visa gift card.

Know of any other rewarding summer reading programs available in the coming months? Share them!

To celebrate the longest day and official start of summer, participating Sonic locations will be offering milkshakes for half-price all day on Wednesday (June 20). For more information, click here.

The weather outlook for Wednesday is looking pretty steamy — the perfect forecast for shakes!

Note: You may want to call ahead to be sure your favorite location is participating. 

Happy Father’s Day, dads! I’ll be celebrating with you today, enjoying my birthday and Father’s Day all at once. That means everyone gets extra cake, right?

There are two coupon booklets up for grabs today: Smartsource and Redplum.

Kroger has tons of awesome 10/$10 deals this week — too many to list here, but chances are the sale includes something you like.
You’ll also save on select beverage purchases, like Powerade, Full Throttle, SmartWater, and Fuze. When you buy 10, you’ll automatically get 5 for free.

When you spend $30 on participating P&G products at CVS this week you’ll automatically be rewarded with $10 in ExtraBucks. Many of these products are on sale and have coupons available, so it’s a great chance to really stock up.
Also, when you buy three American Express Prepaid Gift Cards you’ll get a free $10 American Express Prepaid Gift Card — that’s like free money!

Walgreens has lots of BOGO deals this week. Combine that with your store and manufacturer’s coupons for big savings.
If you’re in the mood for s’mores, you’ll get free Kraft marshmallows with the purchase of Hershey’s chocolate and Nabisco graham crackers — yum.

Kmart is giving Shop Your Way Rewards Members free eggs when they buy Bar-S bacon and Tropicana OJ this week — it’s not too late to make Dad breakfast.
They also have Northwest Territory chairs for only $5.99. These are great for camping, tailgating and cookouts.
There’s also a deal on P&G products here. Mix and match select products and they’ll be buy one, get one 50% off.

Fashion Bug has a new ad this week. Don’t miss the coupon on the back for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more (including sale prices). There’s also some great BOGO deals on intimates, and the item of the week is an $18 maxi dress.

Rack Room Shoes also has a new coupon offering $10 off a $60 purchase. Additionally, their semi-annual clearance sale is on, and you’ll find up to 50% off select items.

Sears has shorts and tops for the family 50% off this week. You can also save an extra 30%, 20% or 15% when you use your Sears Card Mystery Savings Pass.

Toys R Us has various popular toys buy one, get one 40% off this week. Action figures, games, Crayola products, dolls and more are all eligible.
As usual, there’s a coupon on the back offering 20% off a regular-priced baby item.

Shop at Office Max this week and MaxPerks members will get 20% back in MaxPerks Bonus Rewards with the pass on today’s add.

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.

For Father’s Day this Sunday, June 17, The Science Museum of Western Virginia is offering dads free admission with a paying child from 1 to 5 p.m.

The museum is full of hands-on exhibits both dads and kids can enjoy.

Currently, the museum is located in the upper level of Tanglewood Mall across from Belk.

For more information, call 342-5710 or visit the museum’s Facebook page.

Father’s Day is Sunday, so if you haven’t found the perfect gift for Dad you still have a couple days. Here are some hints about what you have to look forward to on Father’s Day morning.

There will be two coupon booklets up for grabs come Sunday.

Kroger will have loads of 10/$10 deals next week, as well as some freebies.

CVS will be giving away lots of ExtraBucks and have a great promotion with gift cards.

Walgreens has an ad full of BOGO deals and a delicious freebie.

Kmart will have a new freebie for Shop Your Way Rewards Members and some great bargains throughout the store.

Fashion Bug  and Rack Room Shoes will have new ads and new coupons.

Sears is ready to outfit your family for cheap.

Toys R Us is joining in on the BOGO action, as well.

Office Max  has a great incentive for MaxPerks members next week.

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.

Cracker Barrel is an every-now-and-then treat for me, but I do love it. It’s also a reliable place to make a pit stop on road trips.

If you’re a fan of the restaurant, check out this free $5 gift card Cracker Barrel is offering.

Just sign up for the Spin ‘n Win Sweepstakes and agree to receive emails from the restaurant, and within three days you’ll get the digital gift card in your inbox.

Feel free to unsubscribe from emails after you get your freebie — that’s what I intend to do.

If you’re really lucky, maybe you’ll even win one of the grand prizes!

Pizza can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights or a great way to unwind on the weekend when you don’t feel like cooking.

Cheap (yet still delicious) pizza makes both of those scenarios even better.

Now through Sunday, Domino’s Pizza is offering 50% off pizza orders placed on Dominos.com. This promotion is only valid on pizza and online orders, but it could still add up to big savings.

Just use the code 50OFF when placing your order.

If you’re a member of Shoprunner, you’ll also get free delivery.

Neckties and Father’s Day have become synonymous. Even if your dad doesn’t don a button-up and tie for work each day, chances are he has a few stashed in his closet — maybe some were even gifts from a Father’s Day past.

With Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, here are some affordable gifts for dad from every age group that give new life to dad’s ties.

With a grown-up’s help, kids can make necktie key chains. You will need a small necktie template and freezer paper (sticking freezer paper to fabric allows it to be sent through a printer), fabric scraps, markers, double-sided interfacing, ribbon scraps, key rings and some basic sewing supplies. If you’re feeling especially crafty, you can skip the template and freezer paper and freehand your own tie design.
Once you have your template ready, kids can decorate the tie, which can then be attached to ribbon and looped through a key ring.

Kids can also make a snake bookmark out of an old tie for the dad who loves to read.
With a couple snips, a couple knots and some googley eyes, this project is finished. Kids will need help removing seams with scissors, but this project is simple otherwise. If there aren’t any ties your dad is ready to part with, ties can be found at Goodwill for less than $5.

Teenagers and young children could both enjoy making an original tie design for dad. Pick up a plain tie (light colors or white work best) and it can be transformed into an original work of art with the help of fabric paint. For intricate designs (such as hand prints or shapes), trace them on contact paper first and cut out, stick the paper to the tie and then paint over the contact paper.

For chefs, baking a Father’s Day shirt cake is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. A simple sheet cake turns into an edible outfit by using icing, candy, sprinkles, fondant and other decorations. Get creative by using bright colors and creating designs on the tie. Use a thin piping of icing to create outlines of pockets and seams.

Craft authority Martha Stewart suggests making pillows out of dad’s old dress shirts. For anyone who can navigate a sewing pattern, this project is a way to preserve favorite shirts that no longer can be worn.

Save some dough by searching for lovebirds you know at Macys.com. Photo: Macys.com screenshot.

We’re in the thick of wedding season, and being a guest can be pricey if you have multiple ceremonies to attend.

That’s why I’m loving this offer from Macy’s.

If you know someone with a wedding registry at Macys.com, you can get $20 off a $100 registry purchase by using the code GIFT at checkout.

If you’re not making a purchase of $100, try the code SUMMER to receive 15% off qualifying purchases (no minimum purchase is listed, but there are exclusions).

This offer is good through June 30, so you have some time to take advantage of it.

These offers are only available online.

Coupon fans, it’s a good day for you. There are up to three coupon booklets in the paper today: two Redplum booklets and one Smartsource booklet. These booklets are stuffed with restaurant coupons and coupons that could be used on Father’s Day gifts.

There are also tons of retails coupons and sales available this week. Here are some of the best:

Kroger has all kinds of tasty treats on special this week:
*Bell peppers are 10/$10
*Avocados and mangoes are 10/$10
*Chef Boyardee pasta is 88 cents
*Italian bread is 10/$10
*Oscar Mayer Lunchables are 10/$10
*Hillshire Farms Deli Selects are 2/$6
There’s also a new Buy 5-Save $5 event, where you can buy any 5 participating products and save $5 instantly. Some participating products include: Club crackers, Gerber Good Start, Purina cat and dog food, Juicy Juice, Lean Cuisine, Stouffer’s, DiGiorno, MorningStar, and Special K.
Don’t forget, you’ll receive four times the fuel points on gift card purchases now through June 16.

Macy’s has a new Wow! Pass available this week offering 20% off select sale and clearance apparel, or 15% off select sale and clearance jewelry, watches, handbags, coats, suits, dresses, intimates, shoes and home items.

Michael’s is having a big crafting sale this week, and there are some great coupons that come with it:
* 50% off any regular priced item
* 60% off + 10% off custom framing
* 25% off your entire purchase of wall and tabletop frames, framed art and display cases

AC Moore has some new coupons available this week, as well:
* 50% off any regular priced item (good 6/17 to 6/23)
* 40% off any one regular priced item

And to top it off, Joann Fabric is having a big sale that includes coupons — so the real winners this week are crafters who love couponing. The Joann coupons available this week are:
*50% off one regular priced item (6/10 through 6/14)
*50% off one regular priced item (6/15 and 6/16)
*50% off + $20 off custom framing
Also, when you purchase $50 or more during the Firefly Frenzy sale you’ll receive a Super Saver Card good for 30% off your total purchase 6/17 to 6/23.
Remember: This retailer also accepts competitor coupons!

Steinmart is a great place for Father’s Day shopping because of the wide variety of products they sell. The store also carries name brands at a lower price (like TJ Maxx and Marshalls). These coupons make their prices even better:
*20% off a men’s item
*25% off all red dot clearance

At Walgreens this week you can get a free first aid case ($4.99 value) with the purchase of any two participating Johnson & Johnson first aid products.
There are also all kinds of goodies on sale for Dad, like sunglasses (buy one, get one free), Sony electronics (25% off), fragrances ($10 off) and shaving accessories.

If your dad has a sweet tooth, check out the 1 Cent Candy Sale at CVS. Hershey’s, Reese’s, Russell Stover, Trident, Tic Tac and Lifesavers are just some of the brands participating. When you buy one or two of these products (depending on which it is), you get another for only one cent.
Another great deal is on iTunes gift cards. When you spend $50 on any iTunes gift cards you’ll get $10 back in Extrabucks — that’s like $10 in free music or video!

Kohl’s is giving out $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent and that promotion ends today. There are also special door busters today on products throughout the store.

Kmart has a promotion going on now that’s offering Shop Your Way Rewards Members a free Craftsman tool bag when they spend $50 or more on Dad through 6/16.
Additionally, members can get free Country Crock mashed potatoes when they purchase two packages of bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin.

Shop Your Way Rewards Members can also earn a special deal from Sears this week. When members spend $50 or more on men’s apparel, they’ll receive a $20 award card to use in the future.

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.

It’s time for a new issue of P&G’s Gather Together coupon book. Request your coupons here, and they’ll be mailed to you in a couple weeks.

The books are filled with valuable, high dollar coupons for products like Dawn, Swiffer, Febreze, Cascade and more.

Sign up for yours before they’re gone!

Coupon fans, let’s just say you have some things from Redplum and Smartsource to look forward to on Sunday.

There are also tons of retails coupons and sales coming your way. Here are some hints:

Kroger has all kinds of tasty treats on special for $3 or less. You can also save $5 instantly next week just by buying select products.
Don’t forget, you’ll receive four times the fuel points on gift card purchases now through June 16.

Macy’s has a new Wow! Pass available next week that can be applied to sale and clearance merchandise.

Michael’s , AC Moore and  Joann Fabric well all be making crafters very happy next week — there are sale prices plus loads of coupons.

Steinmart is a great place for Father’s Day shopping because of the wide variety of products they sell, but the coupons you might find on Sunday sweeten the deals even more.

Walgreens has a useful freebie available next week, as well as specials on  some practical gifts for Dad.

If your dad has a sweet tooth or loves music you won’t want to miss the CVS ad. 

Kohl’s is giving out $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent now through Sunday. There are also special door busters available Sunday only.

Kmart also has two great freebies up for grabs beginning on Sunday.

Shop Your Way Rewards Members who shop at Sears might earn a special coupon for the future next week.

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 few things I love more than a bargain on gift cards. A discount on a gift card means you’re literally getting more for your money, and who doesn’t want that?

Right now Best Buy is offering iTunes gift cards for 15% off (online only). That means you can pick up a $15 gift card for $12.75 or a $100 gift card for only $85. Plus there are various options in between.

The multipacks are also on sale — you could pick up a pack of three $10 gift cards for only $25.50.

Also, these gift cards ship for free, so that’s even more savings!

I know my dad loves receiving iTunes gift cards, so keep this in mind for your own pops on his special day (remember, Father’s Day is June 17).

There’s no word on how long this sale will last. If you’re interested, I’d recommend ordering ASAP!

Cut your costs but keep the smiles. Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens.

Theme parks make a great day or weekend trip, but they’re not always the most affordable family activities. There are ways to cut costs without cutting fun, though.

Pack a lunch. Both Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion allow re-entry to their parks. Food prices at theme parks are notoriously high and the selection is not always the healthiest. Packing a cooler full of simple lunch items (veggies, sandwiches, fruit and drinks) can save a bundle. It’s also a nice opportunity to take a break and get out of the heat. Make sure you get your hand stamped before leaving to ensure that you can get back into the park.

Look for coupons and discounts. Through June 30, participating Food Lion stores have coupons offering $12 off admission to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. If you can’t find a coupon, no worries — you can show your MVP card when purchasing tickets at the park and still get $12 off. Look for similar coupons for other parks at other grocery stores and restaurants, or do a search for online promotion codes.

Many parks also offer discounts for senior citizens, military personnel and AAA members.

Bring cash or participate in a park’s voucher program. Bringing a certain amount of cash will help you limit and keep track of your spending. Always have a credit or debit card for backup, though.

One convenient spending program is Discovery Dollars from Busch Gardens. When you arrive at the park, you can load a specified amount of spending money on wrist bands. Then, when you need to make a purchase, the wrist band is scanned and the amount owed is deducted from your account. Everyone in the family can have their own band, so splitting up is no problem.

Buy tickets in advance. Most parks offer cheaper tickets online if you’re willing to purchase and print them before you go. For example, you’ll save up to $10 at Kings Dominion by purchasing tickets online.

Annual passes should be considered if you and your family plan to visit the park more than once. These passes can be purchased in advance at a one-time rate and used throughout a park’s season. Annual passes often include free parking, which can be as high as $18. If you’re a fan of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (both of which are part of SeaWorld Parks), you can buy an annual pass for both parks.

Do your research. Read the park’s rules before you head out so you don’t try to bring in any prohibited items. You can also find out what is allowed, such as bottled water at Busch Gardens.

Websites such as Theme Park Insider (www.themeparkinsider.com) also have valuable information such as ride and park reviews, discussion boards and tips for visiting.

Are you planning a theme park vacation this summer? What money-saving tips can you share?

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful Monday, so try to get out and enjoy the weather.

If you’re a baseball fan, it’s a great day to visit the ballpark.

The Salem Red Sox play at 7 p.m. tonight, and with this printable coupon (or the coupon on page 3 of the sports section) you can get into the game for just $1. Additionally, reserved seats are only $2 or box seats are only $3 with the coupon.

In case it has slipped your mind, all of the ads and inserts in Sunday’s paper will remind you that Father’s Day is coming. Get prepared to buy that perfect gift or fix Dad his favorite meal in two weeks.

Here are the highlights of today’s paper:

There are three coupon booklets that are up for grabs today: Redplum, Smart Source and P&G Brandsaver. Hope you’re ready to start clipping!

At Kroger this week there are numerous 50% off specials. Some participating products include: Fresh Selections salad, Ruffles, Thomas’ English Muffins, Quilted Northern, Hostess snack cakes, Annie’s Natural macaroni and cheese, Everyday Living kitchen gadgets, PictSweet vegetables, Birds Eye Voila skillet meals, Libby’s vegetables, Pepperidge Farm bread and more — no coupon necessary.
Other good deals throughout the store include Kroger frozen veggies 10/$10, broccoli or cauliflower 3/$5, 7Up 2 liters 10/$10, Coppertone sunscreen for $5.99, Kraft and Knorr rice or pasta sides 10/$10, Chef Boyardee pasta for 88 cents, Dannon or Oikos Greek yogurt 10/$10, Nature’s Own Whitewheat bread buy one, get one free and more.
Don’t forget that you can also earn up to $2 off per gallon at the pump by earning points, as well.

Toys R Us is having a “BOGO Bonanza” this week, so if you have little ones to shop for check it out.
You can get Star Wars, WWE and Spider-Man action figures, Squinkies, Playskool toys, NERF Blasters and Super Soakers, VTech toys, video games priced $19.99 or less, Mega Bloks, Disney Princess dolls, Crayola, and LeapFrog merchandise all buy one, get one 40% off.
Additionally, all prepaid gaming, phone and restaurant cards (including iTunes and XBox Live) are buy one, get one 20% off — that’s a great deal!
As usual, don’t forget the coupon on the back of the ad offering 20% off a regular priced baby item.

If you’re in need of some new office supplies, look for that familiar brown paper bag from Office Max. Shop in the store with the bag or use the promo code BIGDEALS online and you’ll receive 20% off your entire purchase — including regular, sale and clearance priced merchandise.

Walgreens has loads of store coupons as usual this week. Plus, you can receive $5 back in Register Rewards when you purchase $25 or more of participating P&G Products. This is an opportunity to really stock up by combining the Register Rewards, sale prices and coupons from today’s P&G coupon booklet.

At CVS they’re giving away free Charmin toilet tissue when you spend $30 on participating merchandise.
Additionally, many snack and grocery items are 10/$10.
If you’re a fan of M&M’s, check out the new CVS brand website www.extra-mms.com for special offers, recipes and news. This week you can also get $3 in ExtraBucks when you spend $15 on select Mars products.

Apparel for the family is on sale at Target this week, so stock up on clothes for the hot weather. Men’s polos are $10, women’s and men’s shorts are $12, men’s tees are $4 and women’s tanks and tees are $5.
There’s also a coupon for $5 off a men’s dENiZEN purchase.

At Kmart this week, you can get a free family picnic consisting of Bar-S hot dogs, buns, Smart Sense chips and Smart Sense soda when you purchase $250 or more in grocery and drugstore merchandise from now through July 6. Keep that in mind and save your receipts if you’re a regular Kmart shopper.
Also, Shop Your Way Rewards members can get free Ragu sauce and Barilla pasta when they buy Oscar Mayer chicken breast strips. Members can also earn a $5 Kmart Award Card when they spend $50 or more online or in store through June 17.

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.

Click here to print an awesome coupon: $5 off a $25 purchase at Food Lion. This coupon is good through June 5 (Tuesday) and can be combined with other coupons.

I used the coupon last night and really stocked up. I grabbed meat that was on clearance, paper plates and napkins on clearance, and Emeril and Stubbs spices that were on closeout for about $1 each.

I also saw tons of diapers on clearance.

Be sure your printer is ready because this coupon can only be printed once.

Check out it and see what you can stock up on!

Happy National Doughnut Day!

Need something to brighten up this dreary Friday?

In honor of the delicious holiday, stop by Krispy Kreme today and pick out your free sweet treat. Or, go by Dunkin’ Donuts, where you can get a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage.

Here are some hints so you don’t miss the best of Sunday’s paper:

There are three coupon booklets that are up for grabs come Sunday.

At Kroger next week there are numerous 50% off specials — no coupon necessary.
Don’t forget that you can also earn up to $2 off per gallon at the pump by earning points.

Toys R Us is having a “BOGO Bonanza” next week, so get out your little one’s wish list.

If you’re in need of some new office supplies, look for that familiar brown paper bag from Office Max on Sunday.

Walgreens has loads of store coupons as usual, plus you can really rack up the Register Rewards.

CVS has a freebie for you next week, plus some special deals in grocery. There’s even a new website where you can find more special offers.

Stop by Target next week if you have a family to dress for the summer — there’s something on sale for everyone.

Kmart will give you the opportunity to earn all kinds of freebies-with-purchase next week, just read the fine print carefully.

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.