Local Coupons, Big Savings – thanks to Six

“Move closer to your world, my friend, take a little bit of time…”

Am I the only one who remembers the words of the old channel six Action News theme song? Well, okay then. My age is showing.

But even the older generation appreciates a bargain, and thanks to Channel Six and Action News, there are several to be had in the Delaware Valley area. Click on this link to find a bevy of clickable coupons from our favorite ABC affiliate, including a $10 off Sesame Place coupon and another that offers a free McCafe coffee at McDonalds when you purchase a sandwich. So move closer to your world, my friends, and have a a closer grip on your wallet, thanks to our buddies at Channel Six!

Garden Supplies on the Cheap

Well, the recession is costing us another one….all Smith and Hawken stores, including the four in the Philadelphia area, will be closed by the end of the year. And, though we hate to see any establishment close its doors, we have to point out that this means great bargains for the rest of us who can take advantage of their all-sales-final prices on lawn furniture, live plants and pagodas.

Right now, all furniture is slashed 40% off the original prices. Ditto the live plants, while the rest of the store is at least 20% off. These prices will undoubtedly plunge as the closing nears, but so will the selection. Get out there now for the best choices.

To find the nearest Smith and Hawkens, check the site here. Then head over and dig up your best buys, before the doors shut permanently.

Contest: Win Tickets to the Greatest Show on Earth

“Come to the circus,everyone loves the circus,
And that includes the merry Mouseketeers…”

Okay, so I’m dating myself. But let’s face it – everyone does love the circus. I mean, what’s not to love? The elephant parade, the dancing bears, the smell of the popcorn and the sticky sweet cotton candy….everything that adds up to making some special memories.

It’s the truth: I can still remember my mom and grandmom dressing the four of us up and taking us on the train to New York City, where we were treated to the big Kahuna of circuses – the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey three ring show at Madison Square Garden. I remember the animals, the crazy clowns squeezed into a tiny car, the beautiful ladies swinging on trapeze overhead and, most impressively, the man who was shot out of a cannon. Ah, good times.

But you don’t have to go all the way to NYC to catch the latest and greatest in circus shows. Next month, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey will bring its latest offering, Zing Zang Zoom to our very own Wachovia Spectrum. And these circus giants have teamed up with the great folks at Mom Central to bring a very special deal to you (think CircusOnTheCheap!).

You can get a family four pack of tickets for just $44 by logging onto Comcast Tickets and using the coupon code MOM. That’s good for any performance (see schedule below).

And thanks to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey and their partnership with Mom Central, you may be able your brood to opening night for free! One lucky reader will win a Family Fourpack just by sharing a favorite circus memory in the comment section below. All comments including a memory will be entered into our handy dandy random number generator, which will select a winner. Contest opens now and will run through April 15. Winner will be announced on April 16.

But don’t forget – using the coupon code MOM, everyone is a winner. The circus opens on May 13 and runs through May 25. Shows are as follows: Wednesday, May 13 at 7; Thursday, May 14 at 7; Friday, May 15 at 10:30 am and 7 pm; Saturday, May 16 at 11 am, 3 and 7 pm; Sunday May 17 at 1 and 5; Wednesday, May 20 at 7;Thursday, May 21 at 10:30 am and 7 pm; Friday, May 22 at 10:30 am and 7 pm;Saturday, May 23 at 11 am and 3 and 7 pm; Sunday, May 24 at 1 and 5; and closing Monday, May 25 at 1.

Plenty of time to check out all the fun….so enter our giveaway now, or grab your trapeze and swing on over to Comcast Tickets. Don’t forget to use code MOM….and save me a seat under the big top!

(Oh, and just so you know, I only know that Mouseketeer song because of reruns. Honest.)

Get A Kick Out Of Kixx

Attention soccer fans – the Philadelphia Kixx appreciate you!

Want proof? Then buy tickets for the March 22 game – it will be Fan Appreciation Day at the Wachovia Spectrum. Our favorite footmen will be kicking around the Massachusetts Twisters in their last home game at the Spectrum – and all the fans in attendance will be eligible to win great prizes.

But the gift giving starts now….all Wachovia Complex Cyber Club members can buy one, get one for this historic game. Just use the password BOGO when purchasing…and save 50 percent. That may be enough to buy a dog and a Pepsi during the game!

Dinner For Two – Just $45 at Benihana

I found this great deal on the CitiesOnTheCheap home page, and though I know it’s not in Philly, I thought it was close enough that some of us may want to get in on it.  (Actually, that means I’m going to start hinting to my hubby tonight.)

Benihana is celebrating its 45th anniversary, but we’re getting the gift – dinner for two for just $45.  And this isn’t some dollar menu fare, either – you get a combination entree, Japanese onion soup, salad (with that yummy salad dressing), shrimp appetizer, hibachi veggies, steamed rice, green tea and ice cream, plus the fun of eating with strangers and ducking when the chef throws those sharp knives. There are two Benihanas in what I consider our area – one at Plymouth Meeting (610-832-5924) and one in Pennsauken (856-665-6320). There was no mention of an expiration date, so call ahead and make sure the deal’s still valid (it is right now….oh, honnneeey!)

It’s The End of The World As We Know It…Pass the Latte

Starbucks. Bargain. I think my head may explode.

For the ultimate proof that the times they are a changin’, Starbucks is offering a bunch of meal deals for what they used to charge for just a cup of joe.  (Okay, a fancy cup of joe.  Maybe even a cup of joseph? Nevermind.)

The coffee shop that changed the world is now offering $3.95 pairings all day long. Yes, you heard it – for less than $4 you can get a tall (12 ounce) cup of coffee with your choice of an artisan ham sandwich, an artisan bacon sandwich, a sausage sandwich (no art involved) or a reduced-fat turkey bacon sandwich.

What’s that you say? You’re more of a latte person? Well, there are pairings for you as well – and still for that $3.95 price tag. With your tall (12 ounce, remember?) caffe latte, you can get a slice of reduced-fat cinnamon swirl coffee cake or perfect oatmeal. (That’s what they’re calling it….not sure what that scary Quaker Oats guy would say.)

Check out the details here.

Post Game Skate – Dollar Dogs!

It’s a big weekend for the Phantoms….on Friday, February 27, our favorite farm team will debut their third specialty jersey this season. It’s Spectrum-themed – in honor of their soon to be demolished home – and will be worn several times between now and the end of the season. You big spenders, take note: these special jerseys will be auctioned off after the April 5th game. Talk about instant collector items!

But there are still Phantoms deals to be had, even for us with minor league budgets. On Saturday, February 28, kids 14 and under can skate with their favorite Phantoms stars after the game. It’s also Dollar Dog Night, so mom and dad can munch on dogs while the kids are skating. It’s all good.

For real Phantoms fans (or fans of a good deal), check out the new three game deal. You get six lower level tickets (two for three games) for just $79 – and they throw in a voucher for a free Phantoms hat and T-shirt. No skating on thin ice here – just a solid deal and great hockey.

Last Chance – Dark “Knight” at the Movies Cheap!

We don’t go to the movies often. With kids ranging in age from 6 to 18, it’s hard to get everyone to agree on something. More importantly, it’s hard to pay for everything – you know, with tickets, a drink, and the all-important popcorn (at $6+ a box!), the night becomes a major investment. So we usually end up sitting at home with the On Demand and the microwave Orville.

But this weekend, it’s your last chance to go to the movies in style – without taking out a second mortgage. And this isn’t just any movie, either – we’re talking the final two showings of The Dark Night in the wonderful IMAX Theater at the Franklin Institute. That’s the latest Batman epic, starring the late great (and recent Academy Award winner) Heath Ledger.

This Friday and Saturday, take your family of four to see the movie and get drinks and popcorn too – all for the bargain price of $44. That’s for all of you! Hey, when was the last time you saw a top-rated flick in a premium theater for just $11 a person (and got your snacks as well)? That’s what we thought. So head on out…when February’s over, so is this deal. Available online only, so make sure to click!

Secret Freebies (Pssst….Pass It On)

There are freebies all around, if you just know where to look. And if you don’t know where to look, I’m gonna tell ya! Here are some secret freebies for you artsy types:

Check out the Curtis Institute of Music on Locust Street, where you can catch rising stars of the music scene at the free student recital series held most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Call 215-893-5261 to learn more.

A Little Philly Love (Lots of Value Everywhere)

The good folks at The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) sent a long a bunch of bargains, which I’m going to be sharing with you in the next few posts/days. The good news is the latest campaign is all about Philly Love – that’s Lots of Value Everywhere – which, of course, is just what we need when trying to live big on a small budget.

Here’s a deal for visitors – the popular Philly Overnight Hotel Package is now even better, thanks to extra incentives connected with the LOVE campaign. The package still offers two nights at one of more than 30 great city hotels, including free parking (now that’s a deal!), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun teddy bear (which will save on buying a souvenir for the kiddies).

But now, 100 lucky hotel package buyers will receive the extra special honor of being named “Philly Guest of the Day.” These randomly-selected guests will receive a bunch of good stuff, including attraction and museum tickets, hotel upgrades and gift certificates. But hurry – this promotion ends on March 16.

Read more about the Overnight Hotel package – or book a getaway of your own – here.