To celebrate the first day of summer Sonic Drive-In is offering customers half-price shakes all day on Thursday, June 20. The restaurant has offered half-price shakes after 8 p.m. since early spring, and that will continue, but for one day you can enjoy your cheap shake in the sunshine.

There are over 25 flavors to choose from — which is your favorite? I’d have to go with peanut butter banana or strawberry cheesecake. See some of your options by clicking here.

It’s that time again — I have a new list of restaurant freebies and deals. Know of any others? Share them in the comments section below!

Now through Friday (May 17) you can use this printable coupon to get a $5 bottomless lunch bowl at O’Charley’s until 3 p.m. daily. This offer is valid on dine-in purchases only.

Outback Steakhouse also has a new printable coupon offering $8 off the purchase of two entrees or $4 off the purchase of one. This offer is valid on both dine-in and Curbside Take-Away purchases through May 21.

You can also get $5 off the purchase of two lunch entrees from Outback Steakhouse with this printable coupon. This offer is valid on both dine-in and Curbside Take-Away purchases through May 19.

Today and tomorrow you can use this printable coupon to get a free flavored waffle from Waffle House. You can choose from chocolate chip, peanut butter, blueberry or strawberry. This coupon is valid on dine-in visits only.

According to the Smokey Bones Facebook page, when you pick up a $25 gift card you’ll get an additional $5 credit for free.

As many of you know, Steak n Shake opens in Roanoke on Thursday. Here are a couple promotions to keep in mind:
*With the purchase of every $8 spent, kids can eat free on Saturday and Sunday. Kid plates exclude drinks and shakes.
*From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. customers can get drinks and shakes for half-price during happy hour. 
No coupon is necessary for either of these promotions.

Ruby Tuesday is offering a free $15 bonus coupon when you purchase a $50 gift card now through June 16. Gift card purchases can be digital or plastic.

Also, don’t forget about these gift card promotions that I posted about last week:

Outback Steakhouse : From now through June 16 with every purchase of a $50 gift card you’ll get a free $10 bonus card that’s valid May 13 through July 15. Give the free bonus card with the gift card or keep it as a special treat for yourself.

Applebee’s : With each $50 gift card purchase — digital or hard copy — you’ll receive a free $10 Applebee’s bonus card now through July 1.

Discounts for senior citizens are fairly common but unfortunately rarely advertised. I had to do some major digging to get details for this column. Often the information wasn’t listed online or posted in shops, so what’s the average consumer supposed to do? I recommend you ask — ask everywhere you do business.

Part of the reason some businesses don’t widely post their discounts or offers for seniors is that they change often or vary by location. Restaurants are the best example of this. Many chain restaurants, both fast food and casual dining, offer a percentage off or free beverages to senior diners, but the deal often depends on the management.

For example, the Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins location on Franklin Road in Roanoke offers seniors a 10 percent discount, but other locations, such as Dunkin’ Donuts retailers within WilcoHess gas stations, may not honor the same promotion.

The same is true for Hallmark stores. Locally, Jaclyn’s Hallmark stores offer a 10 percent discount on Tuesdays, but some other shops in the area offer none.

Some restaurants may also have a special menu for seniors. IHOP and Denny’s have a menu for diners age 55 and older that includes a limited number of discounted items.

Retailers generally offer special discounts on a certain day. Belk offers seniors a discount on the first Tuesday of each month. The discount is usually 15 percent, but can vary.

Retail locations that offer weekly deals include C.J. Banks (10 percent off on Wednesdays), Hamrick’s (10 percent off on Tuesdays), Ross (10 percent off on Tuesdays) and Kohl’s (15 percent off on Wednesdays).

By stacking coupons, sale prices and a senior discount, it’s possible to save a bundle on groceries. Local retailer Eats Natural Foods in Blacksburg offers senior shoppers a 15 percent discount. Each Tuesday, Kroger locations offer seniors a 5 percent discount on their total shopping bill.

It’s not necessary to be a member of AARP or AAA to save on travel costs as a senior. Most chain hotels offer discounts to seniors that range from 10 percent to 30 percent. These rates change often and can vary by location. Greyhound offers senior travelers a 5 percent discount on bus fare as well.

If you’re traveling to U.S. national parks, seniors can pick up a lifetime pass for only $10 — a huge discount compared to the $80 annual pass available to the general public. Staying in your own back yard? You can get a variety of discounted passes for Virginia state parks, too.

Movie tickets round out the collection of savings.

Valley View Grande 16 offers senior tickets for $8.50 all day, and Carmike 10 at Tanglewood offers tickets for $7.25 on weekdays or $7.75 on weekends. The prices at other Regal and Carmike theaters in Southwest Virginia, though, may vary.

Locally owned theaters have some promotions, too. The Grandin Theatre in Roanoke and Westlake Cinema in Hardy both offer seniors movie tickets for $7.50 all day. Occasionally, the Buchanan Theatre in Botetourt County has special showings with discounted senior prices.

What other senior discounts have you found around town?  Share your favorite deals.

How will you be celebrating mom on Sunday? Here are a few freebies and deals I’ve found to help you save a few dollars:

O’Charley’s is offering moms a free slice of pie on Sunday. Brunch starts at 9 a.m., so you have all day to take advantage of this deal.

Shoney’s is catering to those with a sweet tooth, too, by offering a free slice of strawberry pie to moms on Sunday with the purchase of a meal or entree.

If Mom is a fan of Outback Steakhouse they have a great gift card deal. From now through June 16 with every purchase of a $50 gift card you’ll get a free $10 bonus card that’s valid May 13 through July 15. Give the free bonus card with the gift card or keep it as a special treat for yourself.

Applebee’s has a similar promotion going on now. With each $50 gift card purchase — digital or hard copy — you’ll receive a free $10 Applebee’s bonus card now through July 1.

Walgreens is offering shoppers a free 8X10 print now through May 11 when you order online and use the code COLLAGE4U and choose in-store pickup.

Know of any other great deals? Share them below!

Green Ridge is also home to the water park Splash Valley. Kids will appreciate swimming lessons once they realize a water slide could be in their future. Photo by Eric Brady | The Roanoke Times.

If you’re considering enrolling the kids in swimming lessons this summer check out this event at Green Ridge Recreation Center on Saturday (May 11).

Red Cross Certified instructors will be on site and offering free 30-minute swimming lessons beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registration for this event is required, so call 777-6303 to get your child’s name on the list. This is a great opportunity to test the water, if you will, before making a commitment to pay for lessons.

Green Ridge Recreation Center is located at 7415 Wood Haven Road, Roanoke. For more information, click here.

Attention teachers! Chipotle will have a nice treat for you tomorrow. Here’s the message I got from the company:

“Chipotle is putting teachers at the head of the class this Teacher Appreciation Day with a special “buy-one-get-one-free” promotion. On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, teachers and educators who show a valid school ID identifying them as staff will receive a free burrito, salad, burrito bowl or order of tacos when they purchase another menu item at Chipotle Mexican Grill. This promotion is available from 4:00 p.m. to close in all U.S. Chipotle restaurants.

“We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “This means going beyond our commitment to better food from more sustainable ingredients and working hard to engrain our restaurants in the communities that they serve. Connecting with educators and other key community groups is part of who we are, and we’re always happy when our work makes an impact upon the communities where we operate.”

 Chipotle is celebrating teachers and educators and the work they do as part of the National Education Association’s Teacher Appreciation Day. This promotion is only open to teachers and educators who show a valid school ID identifying them as staff. This deal will only be honored for dine in or take out and excludes online orders, fax orders, mobile orders, “Burritos by the Box” and catering.

 For more information, please go to any Chipotle restaurant or visit Chipotle.com.”

Is it just me or do these look even more delicious knowing they’ll be free? Photo courtesy of Outback Steakhouse.

Today and May 9 you can get a free small order of cheese fries with any purchase at Outback Steakhouse. There’s no coupon necessary for this deal, just mention “Thursday FriesDay” to your server.

Enjoy! It’s almost the weekend.

Here are some new printable deals for local restaurants and retailers. Be sure to check the expiration dates — some expire soon.

Retail
*Old Navy: $15 off a $75 purchase (Expires April 24)
*JC Penney: 20% off purchases in store or online or 10% off furniture (Expires April 17)
*JoAnn Fabric: 50% off any regular priced item (Expires April 20)
*Michaels: 40% off any regular priced item, 50% off regular priced purchase of Jolee’s embellishments, or 50% off + 30% off custom framing (Expires April 20)
*AC Moore: 50% off any regular priced item and 60% off custom framing (Expires April 20)
*Kohl’s: 20% off everything in stores and online (Expires April 17)
*Belk: $20 off a purchase of $100 or more of Karen Kane products (Expires April 19)
*Belk: 20% off fine jewelry (Expires April 20)
*Ulta: $3.50 off a purchase of $10 or more (Expires April 20)

Dining
*Sbarro: Free skinny slice with the purchase of any pizza slice or stromboli at (Expires April 30)
*Bruster’s : 75 cents off a waffle cone and 99 cents for a kid’s dino or dirt sundae (Expires April 17)
*Olive Garden: $3 off two adult lunch entrees (Expires April 25)

Other dining promotions to remember:

Now through May 5 Olive Garden has brought back the “Buy One, Take One” offer. With this deal you can get one entree with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks in restaurants, plus you get a second entree to take home all for $12.95.  For more information, click here.

Remember that all month long at Subway you can get 6″ subs buy one, get one free before 9 a.m. Mix and match breakfast sandwiches and deli sandwiches at participating locations.

On April 26 Pretzelmaker will be celebrating National Pretzel Day by giving away free salted or unsalted pretzels. There’s no coupon necessary to get this deal, just mention National Pretzel Day when you visit.

Here are some new dining deals that don’t require a coupon:

First, don’t forget about Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s — which is happening today.

Also, today you can get a free order of coconut shrimp at Outback Steakhouse. Just mention TourneyTizer to your server to get the deal.

Now through May 5 Olive Garden has brought back the “Buy One, Take One” offer. With this deal you can get one entree with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks in restaurants, plus you get a second entree to take home all for $12.95.  For more information, click here.

Remember that all month long at Subway you can get 6″ subs buy one, get one free before 9 a.m. Mix and match breakfast sandwiches and deli sandwiches at participating locations.

Now for some coupons:

*$5 off a $15 purchase at Smokey Bones (Expires April 14)
*Free skinny slice with the purchase of any pizza slice or stromboli at Sbarro (Expires April 30)
*Half-price Lobsterfest entree when you buy a full-price entree at Red Lobster (Expires April 14)
*$1 pretzel from Aunti Anne’s (Expires April 9)
*75 cents off a waffle cone and 99 cents for a kid’s dino or dirt sundae from Bruster’s (Expires April 17)
*Free curly fries or potato cakes in honor of Tax Day from Arby’s (April 15 only)
*Free 16 oz. shake with the purchase of a regular priced sandwich from Arby’s (Expires April 9) 
*$1 off any regular or large sub from Quiznos (Expires April 16)

Know of any other great foodie deals? Share them!

What flavor will you choose? Graphic courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s.

It’s that time of year again — Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s is back!

Stop by the Ben & Jerry’s locations at Valley View or New River Valley Mall tomorrow during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Valley View or 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for NRV) and you can get a free scoop in the flavor of your choice.

My sister and I have made this a little tradition each year. It’s a great way to perk up a weekday, and this warm, spring weather (finally) makes ice cream even better.

What flavor will you choose? It’s a three-way tie between Chunky Monkey, Strawberry Cheesecake and Oatmeal Cookie for me. I’ll have to make a game time decision.

For more information, click here.

We’ve got a holiday weekend on the horizon, which for some might mean you’ll be busy, busy, busy visiting family, preparing meals and helping out the Easter Bunny.

If that’s the case, take advantage of these dining deals and treat yourself.

First, here are two deals that I posted before that are still available:

Waffle House has a new printable offering a free bowl of oatmeal. This offer is good Monday through Friday for dine-in only, but no other purchase is necessary. This coupon expires April 2.

Sbarro has a new printable Facebook offer for $1 off a slice of pizza. This coupon expires on April 7.
There’s also this printable coupon offering a free skinny slice with the purchase of any pizza slice or stromboli. This coupon expires April 30.

Now, here are some new deals to check out:

Visit Red Lobster’s Facebook page where you can find a coupon for a half-price Lobsterfest entree when you buy a full-price entree. The coupon will be emailed to you after you click the “claim offer” link. This coupon expires April 14.

Use this printable coupon from Olive Garden and you can get $5 off the purchase of two adult entrees. You can pair this coupon on the 2/$25 dining deal — a dinner for two for $20 is awesome! This coupon expires on April 4.

Outback Steakhouse has a couple different deals going on now.
*First of all, this Sunday (March 31) kids can eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. No coupon required!
*Another great deal that doesn’t require a coupon is the “TourneyTizer” promotion that’s going on now. Click here to go vote for your favorite appetizer, and then on April 2 you can visit Outback and get a free grilled shrimp or chicken artichoke flatbread appetizer (whichever wins the website contest) with any purchase. Just mention “TourneyTizer” to your server.

Another steakhouse deal comes from Long Horn Steakhouse. Use this printable coupon on your next visit and you can save $3 off the purchase of two adult lunch entrees. This coupon expires on April 13.

Fans of Smokey Bones will appreciate this coupon offering $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. This coupon expires March 31.

Next time you’re at the mall and need a snack make sure you have this printable coupon from Auntie Anne’s offering a pretzel for just $1. This coupon expires April 9.

Barnes & Noble has another special Starbucks coupon available here offering two-for-one espresso beverages from the time the store opens until noon. This coupon expires March 31.

Blimpie has a new Facebook offer for BOGO six-inch subs with the purchase of a 22-oz. drink. This coupon expires March 31.

Craving something sweet? Use this coupon from Baskin Robbins to receive $3 off any cake priced $15 or more. This coupon expires March 31.

Also, don’t forget about these offers from 7-Eleven I posted earlier this week.

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

Spring is off to a chilly start, but don’t let it get you down if you’re not a snow lover (this girl). Here are some hot new printable coupons to get your week started off right.

Know of any others out there? Share them with me!

The Limited is offering $15 off original ticket prices with this printable Facebook coupon. You can also show the coupon on your smart phone at the register to receive this discount. No minimum purchase amount is required, so it’s very possible you could leave the store with a free — or nearly free — item. This coupon expires March 27 and can be used in stores only.

Old Navy has a new printable Facebook coupon offering $10 off of a $50 purchase in stores. You can also show the coupon on your smart phone at the register to receive this discount. This deal excludes clearance merchandise and cannot be combined with any other discounts. The coupon expires March 27.

Yankee Candle is offering all large jar candles, tumbler candles and Pure Radiance vase candles buy two, get one free with this printable coupon. You can take advantage of this coupon at any Yankee Candle store or participating Yankee Candle retailer (excludes Kohl’s and Target). This coupon expires April 14.

You still have time to use this printable Kohl’s coupon offering 20% off a purchase of at least $100 or 15% off all other purchases. You can also show the coupon on your smart phone at the register to receive this discount. This coupon expires on March 30.

Visit Express soon and you can use this printable coupon to earn $25 off every $100 spent in stores or online. The coupon is not valid on clearance merchandise and expires March 26.

Shoe Carnival had a coupon in yesterday’s paper, but if you missed it you can still print out this coupon offering $5 off a purchase of at least $39.98 or $15 off a purchase of at least $74.98 in stores or online. These coupons expire on March 30. 

It’s been a while since we’ve seen any Waffle House coupons, but here’s a new printable offering a free bowl of oatmeal. This offer is good Monday through Friday for dine-in only, but no other purchase is necessary. This coupon expires April 2.

Sbarro has a new printable Facebook offer for $1 off a slice of pizza. This coupon expires on April 7.

Start your holiday weekend off right with these new printable coupons:

Arby’s is offering customers Reuben sandwiches buy one, get one free Friday through Sunday with this printable coupon.

If you’ve already caught spring fever and can’t wait to get out in the yard, be sure to print out this Lowe’s coupon offering $10 off a $50 purchase. The coupon doesn’t expire until May 18, but you never know when it will disappear online.

Starbucks is offering customers a free tall caramel or hazelnut macchiato with this printable coupon. You’ve got some time to use it, too — this coupon doesn’t expire until March 31.
Meanwhile, at Barnes & Noble Starbucks locations you can get espresso beverages buy one, get one free with this printable coupon from opening until noon, now through March 31. (There are also some other B&N coupons at that link.)

Olive Garden has a sweet new deal for families. Click here to print a coupon offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree. You can get up to two kid’s meals free with the purchase of two adult meals per coupon, and it doesn’t expire until March 21.

Kohl’s is having a Friends and Family Sale this weekend, and you can save even more with this printable coupon offering an additional 20% off your entire purchase in stores and online. This coupon is valid Friday through Sunday.

This weekend at Macy’s you can get an additional 10% to 15% off select sale and clearance purchases with this printable coupon. This coupon expires on Sunday.

Hungry? Denny’s is celebrating bacon in its restaurants right now, and you can sign up here to get a coupon for two free bacon strips next time you dine. You can also use this printable coupon to get 20% off your entire check. This coupon is good through March 23.

Craving something different? Smokey Bones is offering customers $5 off a $15 purchase with this printable coupon, which is valid through Sunday.

If you’re thinking of hitting the mall this weekend, be sure to print this coupon from Aeropostale offering $10 off any purchase of $50 or more.  This deal is good through Sunday.

Don’t forget this printable coupon from The Limited too — you can use it to get $50 off a $150 purchase, $30 off a $100 purchase or $15 off a $30 purchase. This coupon expires March 19.

This is a fun freebie from Ulta: Print this coupon and you can get a free travel size of Redken hair spray. This coupon is good through Saturday, and no other purchase is necessary.
Additionally, you can use this printable coupon at Ulta to save $3.50 off of a purchase of $10 or more now through March 30.

Also, don’t forget about the return of JC Penney coupons, which I posted about yesterday.

Know of any other great coupons I missed? Share them!

Photo courtesy of Starbucks.

Starbucks is always surprising us with fun freebies and today I’ve got two I’ll share with you.

Today through Saturday (March 9) you can get a free Tazo tea after 2 p.m. when you bring in your receipt from an earlier purchase. For more information, visit the Starbucks Facebook page.
*Note: This promotion is only available at participating Starbucks, so inquire about it on your next trip in.

And the next deal:
Today through March 14, new My Starbucks Rewards members can get a free $5 credit when they register a gift card. Registration is easy. You just go online and fill out a form with the number on your card, plus a few other details. After that the $5 credit will automatically be added to your card (though be patient, it may not happen immediately).
*Note: This deal is for new members only. For more information, click here.

It’s a good idea to keep money loaded on your card and make future purchases with it. For every purchase made with a card that’s registered with My Starbucks Rewards you’ll earn a point and those points can be redeemed for freebies.

Friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more updates.

Graphic courtesy of Downtown Roanoke, Inc.

The inaugural Downtown Roanoke Restaurant Week begins today. This is a great opportunity to try various restaurants downtown for a set price. You can pick lunch or dinner from 25 restaurants organized into three price categories: $10, $20 or $30.

Supporting the local food scene while getting a good deal? That’s fantastic.

For more detailed information, including a restaurant list and contact info, read this post on Lindsey Nair’s Fridge Magnet blog.

If you’re a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and/or Bloomin’ Onions at Outback Steakhouse you’re in the midst of two fantastic days.

Because South Carolina beat Michigan in yesterday’s Outback Bowl, diners can receive a free Bloomin’ Onion at restaurant locations just by mentioning “Outback Bowl” today only.

To find the Outback Steakhouse closest to you, click here.

Enjoy!

If you’re starting off your weekend by shopping or dining out you might want to pick up today’s paper. Here are some of the goodies inside:

Macy’s
* 20% off select sale and clarance apparel and jewelry, and 15% off all sale and clearance watches and home items (valid today through Monday)
* $10 off a purchase of $25 or more (valid today and Saturday)

Stein Mart
* 20% off any sale item today and Saturday (there are two of these coupons)
* 40% off entire purchase of red dot clearance today and Saturday
* 50% off entire purchase of home red dot clearance today and Saturday

Frank’s Italian Restaurant (5933 Williamson Road, Roanoke)
* 2 slices of pizza (one topping) and a drink for $6
* Choice of pasta, salad and a drink for $10
* 2 large one topping pizzas and a two-liter of soda for $17

Ruby Tuesday
* $10 off two entrees (valid through Dec. 23)

Cinnabon (NRV Mall)
*$1 off a Classic Cinnabon (valid through Dec. 31)

Ben & Jerry’s (NRV and Valley View)
* $1 off a small or large ice cream (valid through Dec. 31)

Outback Steakhouse has a few money saving promotions coming your way this week.

On Wednesday, you can get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Who needs candy?

Additionally, if you find the “The Treat” in the beverage book on your table Wednesday, tell your server and you’ll get a coupon for a free steak dinner to use on your next visit. The graphic to the left is what you should search for.

Know of any other sweet deals on Halloween? Share them below.

Which doughnut will you choose? They all look wicked delicious.

Visit Krispy Kreme on Halloween (this Wednesday) in costume and you can get a free Halloween or pumpkin spice doughnut.

There’s no purchase necessary, and only one doughnut per customer.

Take a break from all that candy and enjoy this sweet deal!

Looking to brighten your weekday evenings? You might check out the new specials at Penny Deux Lounge in The Patrick Henry.

Each Wednesday the Lounge offers complementary hors d’oevres from 5 to 6:30 p.m., as well as other happy hour specials from 4 to 7 p.m.

Each Thursday the Lounge offers complementary pizza slices from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Haven’t tried The Penny Deux Lounge yet? Now might be your opportunity!

Click the map below for directions.

View Larger Map

It’s time for another round of foodie coupons! Check out these offers and print yours soon:

Burger King has posted this printable coupon offering Original Chicken Sandwiches buy one, get one free. This coupon doesn’t expire until Nov. 4.

Click here for a sweet deal from Maggie Moo’s: Buy two quarts of ice cream, get one free. You’ve got a while to take advantage of this offer, it doesn’t expire until Dec. 31.

Outback Steakhouse has a couple new deals on its Facebook page.
*Buy one lunch entree, get one free
* $5 off two entrees
These coupons expire on Nov. 8.
There are two locations you can use these coupons at locally: Franklin Road in Roanoke or Pepper’s Ferry Road in Christiansburg.

Quiznos has a new printable coupon available offering $1 off any regular or large sub. This coupon expires soon: Oct. 9.

Is there a better way to start your day, or end a late night, than with free breakfast? Not that I’m aware of. With this printable coupon from Waffle House you can get a free waffle when dining in. This coupon expires Oct. 31.

Sitting down to clip coupons is my second favorite part of enjoying Sunday’s paper. Reading it is first, of course!

Today’s two SmartSource inserts contain more than $125 worth of coupons, including several high-value offers. You can save $10 off 70-count non-drowsy Claritin and $5 off several Revlon makeup products.

The redplum insert is nice too, with more than $30 in coupons including offers from Hardee’s and Baskin Robbins.

You also will find $20 in savings at Smokey Bones and $8 off at Logan’s Roadhouse.

Staples and Office Max have a few 25-cent school supply items on sale, including 8-pack BIC Round Stic pens and three-inch-by-five-inch index cards, respectively. Walmart‘s print ad features sales on business and home office supplies.

Target‘s ad this week is full of “free gift card” with purchase offers. The front page touts a special edition Keurig K-Cup coffeemaker for $149.99 that comes with a $30 Target gift card. The ad states “Free gift card offers available on all other Keurig brewers.” There’s also a $5 gift card offer when you buy two Folgers or Millstone brand 16- to 18-count K-Cup packs ($10.99) or Keurig Vue packs ($11.99).

CVS has tons of extrabucks rewards offers. Shoppers can earn $10 for spending $25 on select Bounty, Charmin, Duracell and Puffs Products. Another $10 reward is available when you spend $30 on any Gillette shaving items.

Walgreens‘ line of health and wellness products are buy-one-get-one 50 percent off, including congestion, allergy and pain relief over-the-counter medications and smoking cessation products.

Kroger‘s buy 10 save $5 promotion is available on some 75 items. And the grocer is advertising “new everyday” savings of 20 percent off with the purchase of six or more bottles of wine (750 ml or larger).

Now, back to my cup of coffee …

Look for two SmartSource coupon inserts and one from redplum in Sunday’s paper. I am excited to return to clipping after last Sunday’s holiday weekend paper didn’t contain any of these coupon inserts.

You will find $28 worth of savings for two restaurants near Valley View Mall.

School and office supply sales continue next week at Office Max, Staples and Walmart. I may go ahead and pick up some of the 25-cent items to use at home this school year or to save for next fall.

Target‘s insert features $125 in “free gift card” with purchase offers. Pair these offers with coupons and save an additional 5 percent when you pay with a Target REDcard. Using the credit or debit REDcard is like shopping tax free!

Happy clipping!

Hey there. This is Courtney Cutright filling in while Rebecca is out.

I wanted to let you know about a Living Social deal that’s available until midnight tonight: $5 for a $10 Starbucks card eGift. That’s almost like getting two espresso drinks for the price of one.

This deal is timed perfectly with the recent release of fall menu items, including pumpkin spice latte, salted caramel mocha and pumpkin cream cheese muffin.

I am sitting in the newsroom and savoring the last sips of my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. That’s my favorite Starbucks beverage. If only it was available all year long …

Another coffee-related note: I purchased an iPhone this summer and the Starbucks app is one of my favorites. I love using PayPal to load money onto a gift card and using my phone to pay the cashier! And I am earning points toward rewards.

Too bad I never tried to Android version. How many of you readers use the Starbucks or other retail apps? Which would you recommend?

We’re on a roll with the restaurant and food coupons lately. But no complaints there, right?

Good news: I have more! Check out these deals and share any that you have found.

Be aware of the expiration dates — some of these have a short shelf life!

Running to get everyone coffee? Reap the reward. Photo by Starbucks.com.

If you’re in the mood to treat your office or household, consider bringing everyone a fresh cup of coffee and utilizing the Starbucks Runner Reward. Now through Sept. 30 Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee when you buy four. To get the deal, download this handy order form and hand it in when you pick up your drinks.
This offer excludes chilled beverages, cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, and is only valid at participating locations, so you may want to check with your favorite before you make a coffee run.

Papa John’s has a new 50% off deal for online orders. Use the code SPORTS50 and you’ll get half-off any regular priced menu items. This deal can’t be combined with any other offers or discounts.
The promotion code expires on Sept. 4.

Arby’s is offering a free hot turkey roaster sandwich from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 6 at participating locations (check before you show up). Choose from three different sandwiches: Turkey Classic, Turkey ‘n Cheddar Classic, or Grand Turkey Club.
Best of all — there’s no coupon or purchase necessary! Enjoy your free lunch.

Outback Steakhouse is offering $5 off online orders of at least $20 with the code SCHOOL$5OFF. This offer expires Sept. 6.

 Firehouse Subs just released this printable coupon offering a free medium sub when you buy a sub, chips and a drink on Labor Day. It’s important to note you can only use this coupon on Monday.

Quiznos has five new printable coupons available:
* Buy one sub at regular price and get a small sub for $1, a medium sub for $2 or a large sub for $3
* 20% off a catering order of $50 or more
* A $5 small combo
* Two meals for $9.99
* Free kids meal with the purchase of a sub or salad combo
These coupons all expire Sept. 3.

Denny’s is offering customers free ‘Nana Bread Pancake Puppies with the purchase of an entree and this printable coupon. This coupon expires on Sept. 8.

Red Robin has a new coupon on its Facebook page offering $5 off a $20 purchase. This offer expires Sept. 3.

Support education and get rewarded with a freebie. Photo by Chipotle.com.

Purchase a kid’s meal at Chipotle now through Friday (Aug. 31) and you’ll not only be supporting Veggie U (a program that supplies classroom gardens), but you’ll earn a freebie. Just bring back your receipt any time in September and you’ll get a free kid’s meal. Click here for more details.

Carrabba’s has three new printable coupons available here:
* $10 off an entree with the purchase of another entree (there are two of these)
* $5 off an entree with the purchase of another entree
These coupons expire on Sept. 30.

Denny’s is offering 20% off your entire check with this printable coupon. This coupon expires on Sept. 5.

TGI Friday’s is offering a similar deal with this coupon. Print it out or show the server the deal on your phone and you’ll get 20% off your entire table’s food purchase. This coupon expires Aug. 29.

Regal Cinemas is offering movie-goers a free small drink with the purchase of a small popcorn with this printable coupon. This coupon expires Aug. 31.

I'm suddenly craving pizza...

Now through Sunday you can get half-off online Papa John’s orders with the code TAYLOR50.

This promo code only works on regular priced menu options, so you won’t get an additional discount off online specials.

Just go here to place your order for delivery or pick-up.

Dining out doesn't have to cost a fortune. Share your favorite money saving tips below. File photo.

Working as a waitress on and off since high school has taught me a few things about saving money at restaurants. It’s easy to rack up an expensive tab without even realizing you’re doing so. But there are some simple ways to avoid a pricey bill without depriving yourself.

Before you dine

Doing some research on local restaurants can lead to big savings. Pay attention to the specials each night, various discounts available (such as military, AAA, or student discounts) and kids-eat-free nights.

Have an idea of how much you want to spend before heading out. It’s easy to add on a few small items here and there that can be a shocker when the bill comes (more on that later). Keeping a budget in mind will make you more conscious of your choices.

Consider what time you want to dine as well. Restaurants often have specials during off-hours in the afternoon or early evening. If your schedule allows, opt to eat during those times.

The newspaper isn’t the only place to find restaurant coupons. Even though they’re not always advertised, individual restaurant websites and Facebook pages often have printable coupons. I’ve recently posted coupons on the Shoptimist blog for Carrabba’s, T.G.I. Friday’s, Quiznos and MaggieMoo’s — all of which I found on the individual company websites.

Daily deals and Restaurant.com gift certificates are two other options.

Daily deal vouchers will usually save you at least 50 percent. Additionally, Restaurant.com often runs promotions where you can pick up a gift certificate for as low as $2. Currently, there are 15 restaurants in the Roanoke and New River valleys that are featured on Restaurant.com.

When using daily deals and gift certificates, the most important thing to do is pay attention to the fine print. It also never hurts to call the participating restaurant before you buy and confirm the details.

Once you arrive

As tempting as it is to get a cold soda or adult beverage with dinner, opting for water can save a bundle. Restaurants generally charge $1.50 and up for various drinks. Don’t assume a drink comes with your child’s meal; you could be paying the same amount for a child who will only drink half.

Appetizers vary in price but can add up quickly. If you need something to take the edge off, opt for a side salad, which is often cheaper.

When it comes time to order your entrée, be aware of add-ons. Asking for extra sauces, cheeses, meat or vegetables will often cost you each time. Look for these prices on the menu or consult your server before loading up on the extras.

If you’re not extremely hungry, check the menu for half-plates or ask your server if the restaurant charges extra to split plates. This is especially convenient if what you’re eating isn’t the best re-heated.

Remember to have fun

Saving money doesn’t have to suck the fun out of a night out. My family often opts to enjoy appetizers and happy hour before going out to dinner. This gives everyone an excuse to relax together, which has its own value.

There are also times when it’s fun to splurge and order exactly what you want, no matter the cost. When you try to save a few bucks on weekly dinners, you can feel better about these splurges.

How do you save money when dining out?

Wanna score a free Blimpie sub? Check out the printable coupon.

There have been a ton of foodie deals around lately, and luckily for us they’re not stopping! Check out these new deals, and click here to see the foodie deals that I posted last week.

“Like” Blimpie on Facebook and you can get a printable coupon good for a free 6″ sub with the purchase of a 6″ sub and 22 oz. drink.

Shoney’s has a new coupon available offering the All-Star Breakfast Combo for only $5.

I love Waffle House coupons — they’re great to keep in the car to use during road trips. The restaurant has a new printable coupon offering a free waffle when you dine-in. This coupon is good through Oct. 31.

Now through August 31 you can get 1/2 off any Bruster’s freeze with the purchase of another freeze by using this printable coupon.

Hardee’s is offering customers a free small coffee and free hash rounds when they purchase the new bacon bacon biscuit and use this printable coupon. This coupon expires Sept. 15.

Ryan’s has a great coupon for parents. With this printable coupon kids eat free with the purchase of an adult buffet. This coupon is good through Sept. 30.

Carrabba's is one of my favorites. Save on date night with these coupons! Photo by Carrabbas.com.

Here are some great new foodie deals just in time for your weekend:

Carrabba’s has three new coupons available here:
* $10 off any entree with the purchase of another entree (2)
* $5 off any entree with the purchase of another entree
These coupons expire Sept. 30.

TGI Friday’s has this new printable coupon offering $5 off your table’s purchase of $15 or more. This coupon is valid through August 22, and you can also show the server the deal on your phone instead of printing it.

“Like” Edy’s Ice Cream on Facebook for this special offer. When you submit a photo of your Edy’s ice cream, the company will donate $5 to Operation Smile and give you a coupon for a free cup of ice cream. Sweet!

“Like” Maggie Moo’s on Facebook and you can print this coupon offering half-off any single serve item Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. This coupon expires August 31.

Quiznos has a bunch of new printable coupons available:
* Buy one sub at regular price and get a $1 small sub, $2 regular sub or $3 large sub
* Get 20% off any catering order of $50 or more
* $5 small combo (small sub, chips and a regular fountain drink)
* Two meals for $9.99 (two small subs, two chips and two regular fountain drinks, valid after 3 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday)
* Free kids meal with the purchase of any sub or salad combo (valid all day Saturday and Sunday only)
These coupons expire on Sept. 3.

Some of these deals are only good this week, so pay attention to the expiration dates!

Olive Garden is offering 20% off lunch purchases now through Friday with this printable coupon from their Facebook page.  Lunch hours end at 4 p.m., so the coupon is only eligible until that time. Just click “Get offer” and the coupon will be emailed to the address you’ve registered with Facebook.

Hardee’s just released this printable coupon offering free small hashrounds and free small coffee with the purchase of a bacon bacon biscuit. This coupon is valid through September 15.

Waffle House currently has this printable coupon up for grabs, offering a free soft drink. This coupon expires on August 1.

Red Lobster is still offering $10 off any two adult dinner entrees with this printable coupon. This coupon expires on August 5.

Earthbound Farm Organic sends out coupons for fresh produce almost daily in their email newsletter. Learn where to sign up below.

Here are a few printable coupons to help you power through the rest of this week.

*Red Lobster has this printable coupon good for $10 off any two adults entrees — even the Four Course Seafood Feast. Just visit the restaurant’s Facebook page to claim the offer, which is good through August 5.

* Pilot Travel Centers has another great coupon for anyone on the go. Visit the store’s Facebook page you’ll find a coupon good for a free hot or cold beverage. This coupon is good through August 31.

* Shoe Carnival has just released a printable coupon offering $5 off a purchase of $39.98 or higher. This is perfect timing for back to school shoppers! This coupon is good through September 4.

* McDonald’s still has this printable coupon available offering smoothies, frappes, Chillers and frozen lemonade buy one, get one free. This coupon expires July 31.

* Sonic is offering a free small order of tots when you buy a premium beef hotdog with this printable coupon. This coupon is good through August 10.

Produce coupons are pretty rare, but they’re wonderful when they come along.

* Click here to access a printable coupon offering a free avocado when you buy four. This coupon is good through October 16.

* I recently signed up for the Earthbound Farm Organic newsletter. Now, I receive coupons for fresh produce, like spinach and other greens, almost daily. If you pair these coupons, some of which have been as much as 75 cents off, with any clearance prices you could save a ton. Click here to sign up.