Lancome at Macy's Gift With Purchase

This weekend I scored the Lancome gift with purchase available at Macy's. With only a $35 purchase, you get a wealth of high quality products.  I scored 2oz of Lancome body wash, 2oz of clarifying cleanser, Advanced Genifique concentrate, night lifting and firming cream, mascara, lipstick, and a cosmetic bag, all free.  For my purchase, I went with a basic high quality black eyeliner and a shimmery gold (technically burnt sand) eye shadow.  The splurge on these two products was totally worth it.  They are both staples that will last a long time and are great for every day wear, and are made that much sweeter by the high quality freebies that accompany them.

I have great memories of Lancome, dating back to a childhood trip to New York City to visit my Grandma. My grandma was getting a few products and had them do my makeup and then offered to buy everything they used for me.  Even at that age, I knew that was too generous, but we settled on the lip gloss and I was thrilled.

Visit your local Macy's soon if you're interested.  For the makeup option, they were out of both blushes and one lipstick (good thing I liked the neutral one better anyway!).  Supplies are genuinely limited.

Olive Garden - (More than) two for $25

Sunday we loaded up with groceries for the week, but we felt like something easy and different for dinner.  I suggested Olive Garden and my guy was a good sport and agreed.  I knew there was a 2 for $25 special I had heard advertised, but brought a coupon (not valid with other deals) just in case we didn't see anything we wanted on the special menu.

When we walked in the doors, it was a mad house.  Think crowded bar or club.  Lesson for Olive Garden -put more restaurants in the DC metro area.  The demand is there!  We considered just leaving, but I asked about the wait time just in case.  It was 45 minutes to an hour estimated wait, but we discovered the bar area and surrounding tables were first come and snagged a table there immediately.

After we looked at the menus, I asked my guy if he saw anything he liked on the 2 for $25 menu or if we should order from the regular one, and he said there was no way we could not order from the 2 for $25 based on what a good deal it was.  I'm so proud!

The 2 for $25 menu was really extensive.  Between and soup and breadsticks, we knew we wouldn't need or even want dessert or the small plates, but we opted for the small plates (easier to bring home).

We went with the Chicken Gnocchi and the Zupa Toscana respectively, which were both great.  By the time we had our soups with the breadsticks (what draws me to the Olive Garden in the first place) and a few bites of the crispy risotto balls (I was a fan) and the chicken meatballs (not so much a fan) we were stuffed by the time our entrees came.  We each had a few bites (Parmesan Crusted Chicken for me, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce for him), and then packed up the majority of our entrees as well as the majority of our appetizers.  The bonus?  From past experience, I've learned they will send you home with extra breadsticks with a bag and instructions to reheat them if you ask.  Seriously, the breadsticks are my absolute favorite part so this makes me way too excited.

Anyways, we had a relaxing, tasty, super reasonably priced dinner out (I treated as it was my random craving) AND now have more than enough food for a big dinner tonight.  Thus, 2 for $25 becomes 4 for $25:)

2014 Olympic Games

Once every two years (it used to be once every four years until they split up summer and winter) the world has a great source of free entertainment - the Olympic games.  The summer Olympics tend to get more hype, but the winter Olympics provide enough variety that everyone can at least find a few events they enjoy.

We hosted a somewhat last minute gathering on Friday night for the Socchi Opening Ceremony, and it was a blast.  It was a great way to socialize and celebrate the Olympics.  Despite the technical glitch with the Olympic rings, I thought the ceremony was well done.  It's always fascinating just to see the parade of countries participating and how many athletes are representing each nation.

All of us figure skating fans get a bonus this year with the new team figure skating competition as well as the individual events.  The Olympics are a great opportunity to discover new sports as well.  Mogul skiing was a new one for me this weekend.  It just looks so incredibly challenging that you immediately have an incredible respect for the athletes.

Whether it's having a small party, making a special night for your family, or some enjoyable down time alone, I encourage you not to miss out on the enjoyment of the Olympics this year. 

Website Wednesday - TaskRabbit

Have you heard about TaskRabbit?  This summer I was researching easy ways to save or make money, and I stumbled across an article from CNN Money that praised the site. Background checked (they require your social security number) Task Rabbits are eligible to bid on tasks posted.  Posters can either set a fixed price or let Rabbits make offers.  Rabbits are rated by Posters so Posters have information on past performance when selecting a Rabbit.

Tasks vary and can be skilled or unskilled but often include things like moving furniture, doing minor home repairs, event help, and online data collection.  I joined the site this summer (after extensive research on them before giving them my social security number). All of the tasks I've completed so far have been virtual, but have included reading and reviewing books (discovered a great author that way!), trying and reviewing a beta version of a cell phone game app, and providing feedback for product reviews.  

I've found it to be an easy way to generate some extra money without taking on a part time job.  The screening process makes it safer than Craigslist.  It can also be a great way to get odd jobs done for a reasonable price.  A friend in another city bought a piece of furniture on Craigslist and then found a Task Rabbit with a truck to pick it up and transport it, resulting in big savings for her.

Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Weekend Recap

I hope that everyone had a great weekend.  After another crazy work week for both of us, we stayed in on Friday and took advantage of the Papa John's Superbowl Deal and got a credit for a free pizza for next time.

Saturday was cleaning and starting to train for the two half marathons I'm running this spring.  My boyfriend suggested we see Lone Survivor, which sounded good to me.  In typical saver style, I told him that I had a certificate from Coke Rewards for one AMC Theatres ticket and a soda. When he went to redeem it, they actually gave us both tickets, which was unexpected but appreciated.

When we got to the theater, there were signs that if you text BEST to 242424, they text you back with a certificate for a free small popcorn.  They replied back with it right away, one time use, valid until March 6.  It's an AMC Theatres nationwide promotion, so make sure you take advantage of it if you have an AMC Theatres near you.

We weren't really hungry so we enjoyed our soda and held off on the popcorn, but have it to use for next time.  My boyfriend marveled that the entire movie experience was free.  It's nice when he appreciates my saving ways :)

Lone Survivor was amazing.  I highly recommend it.  The acting was top notch and the story completely draws you in.  The fact that the story is true makes it even more emotional and at times painful to watch. From what I'm told, it was an accurate portrayal of the SEAL culture and overall what happened.  I was in disbelief of the comm failures that took place, but I'm told that sadly those failures are not that uncommon. The film is a great tribute to the brave men of Operation Red Wings and a look into the struggles faced by the heroic men and women of the United States military.

Sunday was errands, cleaning, and then going to our friends' place to watch the Super Bowl.

How was your weekend?