Thanks to all the items I get FREE and inexpensively with coupons, my family has a decent stockpile and a well-stocked pantry. I feel blessed and grateful for my couponing adventures and for the peace-of-mind that a stocked pantry provides. It’s important to remember that not everyone has that peace-of-mind or the food they need to feed themselves and/or their family. Did you know in Pierce County more than 140,000 people seek emergency food assistance EACH month!?
To combat hunger in Pierce County, Northwest Harvest, Emergency Food Network and other community leaders have planned the world’s largest food drive to “Fill the Bowl” at Stadium High School in Tacoma, September 18. In an attempt to break the last Guinness World Record for food drives, the goal for the Fill the Bowl event is 1 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD! We can do this!
I’d like to rally all you amazing Queen Bee readers to carefully consider what you might be able to donate to this food drive. I’d love to meet up with Queen Bee readers on September 18 at the Stadium Bowl to deliver a donation from Queen Bee readers. Wouldn’t it be amazing to help our community AND be part of a world record? Who wants to join me?
There are few ways you can participate:
- Bring food to the site – I plan to be there with my family. I’d love to meet up with other Queen Bee readers and take a photo of our donation. We can even calculate how little we spend on our total donation – which I think will be impressive! Start collecting non-perishables now – you have TWO WEEKS!
- Drop food off at a designated pre-event pick up site. Drop your donations off at any of these drop-off locations. The food will be delivered to the pick up site and be counted toward the total. If you’re going to do this, maybe take a photo of you and your donation beforehand and e-mail it to me at heather @ queenbeecoupons.com and I’ll post all our donations!
- Text “HUNGER” to 85944 during the food drive to donate $10 toward the record. This $10 will show up on your next phone bill. The funds collected are accounted for in real time and will be used to purchase pre-ordered food to be delivered to the pick up site within the time frame. This purchased food will then be added into the totals for the record. (But we know how much food we can get for $10 when there are coupons involved!)
They are looking for non-perishable foods and these are some of their favorite items – peanut butter, canned meat and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, chili, soup, stew, baby food and formula, pasta, rice, cereal, dried fruit and shelf-stable milk.
Here are some ideas for coupon deals this week that would make good donations:
- Albertsons – Any of the Kellogg’s products would be great to pick up, especially the cereal. Or the pasta. See Albertons deals for this week.
- Fred Meyer – Ronzoni pasta, Bubble Bee tuna, Bush’s baked beans, Wheat Thins. See Fred Meyer deals for this week.
- Safeway – Hidden Valley salad dressing, Best Foods mayo, Lawry’s marinade, Progresso soup. See Safeway deals for this week.
All you have to do is pick up a few extra things from the coupon match-ups each time you shop and within a couple weeks I’d guess you’d have a few bags of donations for very little out of pocket.
Read a News Tribune article on the event here: World-record one million pound food drive started in Pierce County.
So who is in? Start collecting non-perishables now, you have TWO WEEKS. If you’ll meet me at the Stadium Bowl September 18 (not sure on time/location just yet) – leave a comment on this post and let me know. I’m going to be doing something special for the people who participate!
Don’t worry, for all you Thurston County readers, I’m partnering with the Thurston County Food Bank to have a local event – so stay tuned and start collecting donations!
If you live elsewhere, take a load of donations to your local food bank or shelter. If you take a photo of you and your donations, I’ll post it on the blog. . .let’s see how many other people we can bless with our couponing!
I’m SO excited to announce that I’m offering another FREE coupon class up in Tacoma on September 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sponsored by the News Tribune, the class will be completely FREE and the Tribune is offering an awesome promotion on Sunday subscriptions where you can get multiple Sunday papers delivered to your home for only $1 each (this deal is currently available if you want to sign up now)!
Hey all you Tacoma-area readers, this is an awesome deal! TODAY only, 8/31, through Groupon, you can get $30 worth of fresh bistro cuisine and wine at Ravenous Restaurant and Wine Bar for only $15! I LOVE this restaurant and ate here on occasion when I worked in downtown Tacoma.
Limit two per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit one per table. Dinner only. Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers.
Here’s how you get this deal:
If you are NEW to Groupon, head over here and register (it’s FREE)!
Then select “visit more cities” and select Seattle, WA. If you don’t see it, look to the right side of the screen for the Tacoma deal.
If you have used Groupon before, head over here, click on “visit more cities” and select Seattle, WA to see the offer. If you don’t see it, look to the right side of the screen for the Tacoma deal.
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
If you want to make some extra cash this fall, consider consigning your extra baby and kid’s items at the upcoming LMNOP Kid’s Consignment sale, October 9-10 at the Thurston County fair grounds.
It’s only $10 to sell your items at the sale. You price all your stuff and drop it off, they sell it for you and you get a check in the mail a few weeks after the sale.
They are looking for people who have gently used (or new):
Children’s clothing from size newborn to 12 years
Shoes
Furniture
Toys, games, books and puzzles
Gear like strollers and swings
Feeding and bathing accessories
Nursery sets and bedding
Anything else kid-related
LMNOP Kids is also looking for local crafters, businesses, services, photographers, etc. that want to advertise their kid-related services at the sale.
Or mark your calendar and come shop!
Check out the LMNOP Kids Web site for more details about selling your items or having a table at the event.
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.Only two more days for 80% off at Restaurant.com! This means you can snag a $25 gift certificate for only $2 until Tuesday, August 31! This is the stock-up price! Just use the promo code CLEARANCE at checkout.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit Restaurant.com and enter the zip code for where you want to dine.
- Browse the restaurants in your area
- You pick the restaurants you want and add them to your cart
- You enter the code CLEARANCE at checkout, to save 80% on your total! ($25 gift certificates normally sell for $10 on Restaurant.com, so 80% off that is only $2)
- After you’ve purchased your gift certificates they just hang out in your account until you print them and you want to use them. They last an entire year. So you can print them when you buy them or print them as you use them, your choice. Print out the certificate, bring it to the restaurant and give it to your server.
- Read the small print for your restaurant. Most require a $35 purchase and an 18% gratuity on the original bill total (which you really should be paying anyway).
Here’s a dining scenario:
Spend $35 on dinner – $25 gift certificate = $10
PLUS 18% gratuity on $35 = +$6.35
TOTAL out of pocket at restaurant = $16.35
PLUS the $2 you paid for the gift card = $18.35 for a $42 meal (that includes a $7 tip!)
So it’s not a bad deal, especially if you are going to be eating out anyway.
We use these a lot! If you aren’t sure if your favorite restaurants apply, you can visit Restaurant.com and search by zip code to find out which restaurants participate. You’d be surprised – not many corporate restaurants, but really more of the mom-and-pop restaurants in your community.
Read the fine print for each restaurant, as it can vary slightly. If a restaurant is sold out, check back at the beginning of the month. Check it out!
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
I’m SO excited to announce that I’m offering another FREE coupon class up in Tacoma on September 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sponsored by the News Tribune, the class will be completely FREE and the Tribune is offering an awesome promotion on Sunday subscriptions where you can get multiple Sunday papers delivered to your home for only $1 each (this deal is currently available if you want to sign up now)!
If you have plans to go to the Portland Children’s Museum anytime soon, check out today’s Groupon deal! (If you don’t have plans to go, and you have kids, you should!) You can get admission for two to the Portland Children’s museum for only $8 – that’s half-0ff!
I have to tell you that the Portland Children’s Museum is incredible. We took my son (then two-years-old) and he LOVED it. I think it’s much better than the Seattle Children’s Museum. This deal is only available today, August 25. Expires Feb. 26, 2011.
Here’s how you get this deal:
If you are NEW to Groupon, head over here and register (it’s FREE)!
Then select “visit more cities” and select Portland, WA.
If you have used Groupon before, head over here, click on “visit more cities” and select Portland, WA to see the offer.
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
Do your wheels need a wash? Is washing your car on your to do list? Well this Thursday, August 26, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can get a FREE car wash at all participating Brown Bear car washes (all tunnel locations).
You don’t need a coupon. Just show up with your dirty ride. I would be prepared to wait in a line (then if there aren’t any lines, you’re pleasantly surprised)! See a list of participating Brown Bear locations here. Looks like locations are on the East Side, in Seattle, Snohomish County, South King County and Tacoma/Lakewood.
If you live in Lacey, Hawks Prairie, Centralia and Tumwater, the Wave Car Wash has coupons on their Web site for Military Mondays – which is $2 off Tidal Wave or $3 off Tsunami car washes with a valid Military ID, or Ladies’ Tuesdays – $2 off Tidal Wave or $3 off Tsunami car washes (I’m assuming for ladies). Print the coupons and bring them with you to save on your car wash.
I have to admit, I don’t mind paying $10-12 for a car wash. Is it the most frugal thing? No, but for me it’s worth it to have a clean car without the hassle of doing it myself. I think every frugal person has things they compromise on and it’s okay! I figure I’m saving so much money in other areas of my life that I won’t feel guilty paying for a car wash once in a while (I don’t go through weekly – I’m lucky if it’s once a month). Plus, it’s entertainment for my 3-yr-old, there has got to be some value in that!
Now if I could find a frugal way to get the inside of my car cleaned! Let me know if you find a FREE detailing day! 
(Thanks, Thrifty & Thriving!)
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
BUMMER! This sold out.
If you’ve ever wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride, check out the Seattle/Tacoma Groupon offer of the day today! For only $99 you get either:
- $99 for a morning flight ($189 value). Upon landing, enjoy a light meal, such as a fruit tray and coffee, and a traditional post-flight toast.
- $109 for an evening flight ($210 value). Upon landing, enjoy a fully catered Italian buffet-style meal, including fare such as lasagna, salad, and bread sticks, and a traditional post-flight toast.
Each Groupon is good for one person, and a maximum of two Groupon customers will be allowed per balloon (smaller balloons hold four to six passengers, and larger balloons hold eight to ten; Groupon customers will be paired with other flying partners). Budget around three-and-a-half hours for the entire experience.
Here’s how you get this incredible deal:
If you are NEW to Groupon, head over here and register (it’s FREE)!
Then select “visit more cities” and select Seattle, WA.
If you have used Groupon before, head over here, click on “visit more cities” and select Seattle, WA to see the offer.
Expires in 1 year. Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gift. Valid only for flight purchased. Reservation required, subject to availability and weather. 48-hour cancellation policy or Groupon is forfeit. Must be at least 5 years old. Gratuity not included.
Holy cow! What a deal, sounds like fun. I went on a hot air balloon ride when I was about 14 and it was an experience I’ll never forget!
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
This Friday, at dusk, you can catch a FREE showing of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on the jumbo outdoor screen at Heritage Recreation Center on South Hill, Puyallup.
Bring your family, friends, a blanket and/or lawn chair. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions are available. The Recreation Center is located at 9010 128th St. E. in Puyallup, adjacent to Rogers High School. The event is sponsored by Pierce County Parks and Recreation Companionship Program.
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
(This post will remain at the top of the site all day today, scroll down to see the newest deals.)
Welcome Tacoma News Tribune readers! If you read today’s article in the Tacoma News Tribune, welcome to Queen Bee Coupons & Savings. This is the place to get the daily buzz about grocery sales, printable coupons, online deals and more. With a focus on Puget Sound, you’ll get deals that are relevant and local to you!
New to couponing?
If you are new to couponing, this is the place to start saving. Check out my bee-ginners section of the blog for some coupon basics. Consider taking the FREE coupon class I’m offering next week at the Tacoma News Tribune. I always recommend people take a class to get started. Couponing can be so much more than just clipping a coupon here or there – you can really save big with the right tools and knowledge.
I told you about this back on August 3, but I wanted to remind you – THIS WEEKEND, August 14-15, you can get into more than 100 national parks for FREE as they waive their usual entrance fees. Head over to the U.S. National Park Service Web site for more information and a list of the participating parks.
Can’t make it this weekend? There are a couple more opportunities before the end of the year. Mark your calendars for these other fee-free weekends this year.
- September 25, 2010 (Public Lands Day)
- November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)
I’m SO excited to announce that I’m offering a FREE coupon class up in Tacoma on August 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sponsored by the News Tribune, the class will be completely FREE and the Tribune is offering an awesome promotion on Sunday subscriptions where you can get multiple Sunday papers delivered to your home for only $1 each (this deal is currently available if you want to sign up now)!
Today, August 7, is the LAST day to take advantage of this great deal on Weight Watchers. For only $1, you can sign up for either the local Weight Watcher meetings or for the Weight Watchers online program. This is a pretty big savings, because I registration is waived and this is about $40!
To access this deal, visit the Weight Watchers Web site and then scroll down to the offers at the bottom of the page. Select the option that sounds most appealing to you (online program or meetings) and enter your zip code to find out if the offer is available in your area. It looks like they also have the option to try it for a week for FREE, no obligation!
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
What’s for dinner? How does $20 worth of Garlic Jim’s pizza, ribs, wings and/or drinks for only $9 sound? This is a Groupon deal (Seattle or Portland), available only today, August 5 (or while supplies last).
It’s available from both Washington and Oregon locations! Just visit Groupon, click on “visit more cities” and then select either Seattle or Portland. The Seattle Groupon is good for 22 Washington locations (Lacey/Olympia area included)! The Portland Groupon is valid at five Oregon locations including Salem, Vancouver, two locations at Beaverton and Clackamas! This would make a great gift, too!
Read more
My son, at the fair last year
Tomorrow, August 4, is opening day of the Thurston County Fair and it’s also one-buck Wednesday!. That means you can get into the fair for only $1 with a non-perishable donation. At least one donation per person. The food benefits the Thuston County Food banks. Admission to the fair is as high as $7 for an adult – so this is a big discount!
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
The Cascade Bicycle Club is selling bicycle helmets for only $10 each at a series of community events this summer in the Seattle area. You can choose between traditional bike helmets and multi-sport styles in toddler to XL sizes.
Read more
If you haven’t signed up already, join the RAM MVP club. It’s free to sign up and you get promotional e-mails about food specials and events. As a new member, you’ll get a certificate for a Buy-One-Get-One-Free Burger AND get a FREE Mile High Mud Pie on your birthday! If you like the Ram Restaurant, you’ll like being a member of this club. Sign up now!
We actually went there for dinner this weekend and I picked up a flier about some great daily specials they are offering at their eight Puget Sound locations:
- Monday – Kids eat for a buck! From our 12 and under kids menu. Up to $5.99 with each full-price adult entree!
- Tuesday – Gourmet burgers! Buy one burger, get one half-price, excludes Behemoth Burger
- Wednesday – $11.99 steak special 8 oz sirloin, baked potato and onion ring
- Sunday madness – 50% off your entire tab food and drink from our late night menu from 9 p.m. to close in the bar only.
Not sure how long these promotions will last, but they started yesterday, August 1. Puget Sound locations are: Lakewood, Lacey, Tacoma, Puyallup (South Hill), Puyallup (Sunrise Village), Kent, Seattle, Northgate.
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
Can you believe it’s August already? Make the most of the last month of summer vacation by hitting up the FREE movies and concerts at the Summer Sounds and Cinema offered by Tacoma Metro Parks!
Visit the Summer Sounds and Cinema Web site for the latest schedule/information, but this is the current schedule:
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.
For all my friends in Oregon – don’t miss this deal. Get two admissions to the Bite of Oregon (August 6-8) for only $10! Regular price would be $20. Ooh, I wish I could go!
Expires August 8, 2010. Not valid with other offers. No cash back. Redeem starting 8/3 at noon. To find this deal, head over to Groupon, click on “Visit More Cities” and select Portland!
This post may contain affiliate links. Click to view my disclosure policy.