Free Cup of Joe for Your Two Cents: #Indivisible Campaign at Starbucks on the Fourth

Starbucks launched an #INDIVISIBLE campaign to spark positive conversations in their stores about the basics of America’s challenges.  And not just about our financial health and job growth; but really down to the non-partisan basics of what will stitch our communities together and put America back on track.  So as an incentive to get folks in their stores and start chatting, Starbucks is offering a free tall hot brewed coffee to everyone on the Fourth of July.  Read more about the campaign here.

For me personally, the #indivisible campaign hits close to home as I myself faced a layoff last year (luckily I was able to secure a job after only three months being out of work) and as someone who actively participates and believes in community efforts with groups like Girls Inc, the American Cancer Society and the Pistahan Parade and Festival.   I plan to hit my local Starbucks for a few not so much for the free coffee but more for the convo.

What’s your #indivisible campaign?  Happy Fourth!

Fetching Finds for the Fourth

As I perused throughout the countless sale alerts for the next few days there were only two (so far at least) that stay in my radar. Firstly, Jeremy’s is having an additional 60% off shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, and home this weekend only! Last time this was in effect I had to begrudgingly pass on the shoes because I gave up buying them for Lent. So in spite of a busy weekend I’ll need to pay a visit in between BBQ’s or post wedding reception. For examples of my previous finds at Jeremy’s check out my earlier post.

Now in spite of the fourth being a holiday and a busy day, I’m setting my alarm to wake up early for H&M‘s fashion finds from $5 and more one day event. The best part is that the first 100 people in line get scratch offs for up to $100. I was able to make it to their After Christmas sale and scored a $10 scratch off. Doesn’t sound like much but my bill for that event was only $35 for $109.85 worth of clothing (see my receipt below). One of my favorite finds from that event is a black faux fur sweater that is one of my favorite staples (see pic below). I’ve also highlighted some other sale finds since then.

Which sales will you be visiting? Happy Fourth!

Half Yearly Sale at H.D. Buttercup

A few months ago, I was invited to a Joyus event at H.D. Buttercup. Admittedly, I thought H.D. Buttercup was a restaurant or maybe even a bakery.  It’s actually a very cool furniture store with locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco with products at very fair prices. Their tag line is “this is no ordinary furniture store” but I think they’re pretty extraordinary and best of all they’re having a Half Yearly sale that starts this weekend! 20-70% off the entire store!

I am very selective when it comes to buying furniture because I believe they should outlast any novelty or trend but without compromising quality for price. Also, because I don’t have/want to spend the money just change out a piece or two every few years. To that note, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect sofa and I think I’ve found it at H.D. Buttercup. I went back to the store about a month after the Joyus event because I remembered seeing a deep seated tufted sofa and found out that I can customize the upholstery. I thought the price is very fair and is dependant on the varying fabric grades, A, B & C – ranging from $1495 to $1695. I’m thinking a plush fabric in deep purple or green.  Below is the tear sheet from my visit.

Below is my single furniture pic from the Joyus event.  Had I known I was going to write a post…much less start a blog…I would have taken more pics. Boo on me.

Which furniture piece are you on the hunt for and what’s your furniture store of choice?

Follow Fandango for $3 off Movie Theater Tix

If you like going to the movies but don’t have the time (or patience) to buy theater tickets hours in advance then you’ll like this. Fandango is a movie ticket service that allows you to purchase tickets online and thereby avoid long ticket lines…and just plain wasting time.  There is a service fee – around $1 per ticket but it will save you the headache and anxiety of purchasing tickets in person.  Considering that we all value every second of our weekends – it’s worth it.  Remember opportunity costs from Econ 101?

At any rate, Fandango is issuing $3 off codes to their new Twitter followers.  So just log in to your Twitter account, go to their profile page and follow them.  They’ll follow up in a direct message to you with a discount code.  They say to allow 24 hours but I got mine within just a few.  I’m planning to use mine for Snow White and the Huntsman.

Happy movie time!  What movie is on your list to see?

Calvin Klein Friends and Family Discount – 6/7 to 6/10

As soon as the words “Friends and Family sale” is mentioned, an almost Pavlovian reaction gets triggered in my brain. So when I received an email from my buddy Jay with an invite to Calvin Klein’s F&F sale, I had to take a peek. Calvin Klein, the internationally recognized and revered designer, is known for classic styling that outlives season after season of trends. In my opinion, he’s a design genius who has managed to transcend women, men, home and fragrance verticals. I can think of three dresses and a pair of sandals in my closet that have withstood the test of trends including a dress for a milestone birthday.

Check out the deets below. The CK F&F has arrived just in time to update your summer wardrobe or snag the perfect outfit (or gift!) for a June graduation or summer wedding. Save an additional 30% off everything including sale items by shopping online using code FF2012 or print out the coupon below and take it with you to any Calvin Klein store.

Are you in the know for a not to miss Friends and Family sale? Please share!

All Dance, No “Cover” at U-Jam Fitness

If you’re like me, you might appreciate a lot of the fast paced upbeat songs and dances of today. But if you’re also like me, you know better than to be disillusioned to think that it’s still cool to hang out at the club at my age.

So how do I resolve this conundrum? Last year, I discovered U-Jam Fitness at my local 24 Hour Fitness club and I’ve been addicted ever since. U-Jam Fitness is a relatively new high energy class (launched in February 2010) that combines hip-hop, Bollywood and Latin dance moves packed into one hour (it will often go overtime if the class begs for it). You’ll learn routines choreographed to everything from the Black Eyed Peas to LMFAO to J-Lo to Bollywood hits while getting a fantastic workout. It’s been my outlet for learning dance moves while simultaneously getting my fitness on. Best of all, since I’m already a 24 Hour Fitness member, it’s tucked into my membership so there is no extra cost. It’s an awesome steal…cheaper than cover and drinks and better than dealing with unsavories at the club. The only drink you need…is a bottle of water.

Check out their promo video to get an idea of what to expect at a class:
U-Jam Fitness Promo Video

I normally stand at the back because I’m not the most coordinated person and I have to make some personal adjustments due to some physical limitations. But the class is loads of fun and has mass appeal to both males and females in a wide age range from the high school students to senior citizens in any sort of physical shape. Yup, all in one class. Best of all, the instructors are welcoming and everyone is just plain having fun. Nobody cares what you look like. And if they do, well maybe they should be at the club instead. Some of the instructors (like Belinda below) will include a “battle” where they split the room in half and each side will compete in dance routines led by instructors and seasoned students.

U-Jam’s popularity is rivaling Zumba (and in my opinion more fun). In fact, they had to move the classes at my gym into one of the basketball courts…and it’s still packed! U-Jam Fitness classes are currently offered in Northern California as well in New Jersey and NYC and include other facilities besides 24 Hour Fitness (costs may vary). Check out this link for the one nearest you. Don’t fret if you don’t see one near you, at the rate they’ve been adding classes they’re bound to have one near you soon.

Check it out and hope to see you there! It’s the best party I’ve ever been to on a basketball court.

What’s your favorite way to get a workout?

“Donut” Pass Up This Freebie Today

On the last day of every month, the company I work for graciously provides the whole lot of us with donuts from a local shop. Two huge boxes sat in the kitchen early yesterday morning tempting us with a variety of treats including the kind blazen with sprinkles and my personal favorite – old fashioned glazed. I managed to walk in and walk right out of the kitchen with just 1/8th or so of a donut. Sigh, there goes my diet.

So what day could be more apropos to follow that than National Donut Day? According to Wikipedia and several other sources, National Doughnut Day started in 1938 by the Salvation Army as a fundraiser to help the needy during the Great Depression and in honor of the women who served donuts to soldiers serving in World War I. I had no idea…

In honor of this tradition, donut shops around the country are celebrating in a number of ways.  Let’s start with a highlight of the free stuff. Apparently participating stores of national donut chains Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts are giving away free donuts today. Krispy Kreme is not requiring any purchase however Dunkin’ Donuts is requiring a beverage purchase. I live in California and I just happen to work within a few miles of a Krispy Kreme so unless I can practice complete restraint, I may pay a visit to the one in the picture below.

Photo credit: R O’Rourke

Finally, Psycho Donuts located in the South Bay is worth a mention. They conceptualize novelty donuts that venture far from the traditional donut. On their home page they’re currently featuring donuts fashioned to resemble sushi and for National Donut Day, they are launching a chocolate donut topped with three crickets made out of chocolate and cheddar. Uh, ok.

I’ve had the privilege of indulging on Psycho Donuts delights only once and I haven’t been to either of their locations but I remember watching a feature story on TV. Apparently the stores include a dedicated area with padded walls to resemble a “psych” cell and the donuts are served by “nurses” who look and act more like patients. I have no idea if they’re giving away anything free but you can read more about them in their blog.

What’s your donut place of choice doing for National Donut Day? Please share!