Category Archives: consumer

Veteran’s Day Freebies 2016 – in Colorado

November 10, 2016consumergetcluedin

Ahh… it’s that time again. Happy Veteran’s Day and thanks for your service. On Nov 11 and some places like Bed, Bath & Beyond are offering deals for Nov 10-13. Check it out. If you know of more places, please share.

Carmike Cinemas
On Veterans Day, those with a military ID will receive one free small bag of popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket at the box office.

Chili’s is offering all US veterans and active duty personnel a free meal from a special menu all day on 11/11.

Texas Roadhouse invites veterans and active members of U.S. military to enjoy free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11. There will be a special menu available and the free lunch includes a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea or coffee during lunch. Proof of service includes military or VA card, or discharge papers.

Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans on Veterans Day. The special menu features six of Olive Garden’s most popular items.

Applebee’s is offering veterans and active duty military a free meal on November 11.

Little Caesars is giving veterans and active duty military members one free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo all day on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) at participating Colorado locations. No ID required. Combo includes four slices of Detroit-style deep dish pizza with pepperoni and one Pepsi-Cola 20oz. product. No ID needed.

Red Robin will give active duty military and veterans a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and fries on November 11. Proof of service required.

On The Border is offering veterans and active military service men and women a free Create Your Own Combo with a Choose 2 or Choose 3 selection. Free meals will be served from open to close with valid military ID or proof of military service. Good for dine-in only.

Hooters is offering veterans and active-duty military personnel an entrée on the house by presenting a valid military ID at any Hooters location across the nation. The Hooters Veterans Day Menu includes wings, a burger, a Buffalo chicken salad or Buffalo chicken sandwich.

California Pizza Kitchen is offering all veterans and active duty military a free entree from a limited menu on November 11. Dine-in only. Must be in uniform, show military ID or show other proof of service.

The Original Pancake House’s Cherry Hills and Denver Tech Center locations will offer free breakfast and drinks to any active duty or retired military on November 11. Must present a valid military ID.

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk will honor veterans and active duty military personnel by offering complimentary lunch or dinner at its Centennial Buffet 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Veteran’s Day. A veteran’s card or valid military ID should be presented to the buffet cashier to qualify for the complimentary meal; one per person. Complimentary meal valid for veterans or active duty military personnel only; companion meals at full price. Ameristar will continue to offer complimentary meals to veterans on the first Wednesday of every month as part of its popular Hometown Heroes promotion.

Buffalo Wild Wings is providing a complimentary, small order of wings and a side of fries to veterans and active duty military all day on Friday, November 11. Dine-in only. Taxes not included. Proof of military service required.

Denny’s is inviting active, inactive and retired military personnel to stop by for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Friday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon, on Veterans Day.

Bout Time Pub & Grub in Arvada is inviting all veterans and active duty service men and women to one free meal. Simply show proof of service.

Golden Corral is offering a free dinner to any person who has served in the military on MONDAY, November 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dine-in only.

Old Country Buffet is offering veterans and active duty military a free buffet and drink on November 11.

OTHER FOOD DEALS

Outback Steakhouse is again honoring all active and retired military members with a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage to those showing a valid military ID at participating restaurants on Nov. 11. Outback is also offering all Military Mates, including active or retired military members and their families, 15% off their check from Nov. 12 – Dec. 31.

Red Lobster will offer a free appetizer or dessert to veterans, active duty military and reservists with a valid military ID on November 10 and 11.

Carrabba’s is offering veterans and active duty military a free appetizer Nov. 7-13 with proof of service. You’ll need to mention this offer to redeem it.

IHOP is offering free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes to all veterans and active duty military from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day at participating IHOP Restaurants. Select IHOP restaurants will also offer a combo of two eggs, hash browns and choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links as part of the Red, White & Blue Pancake promotion. Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service to receive their free Red, White & Blue Pancakes. Proof includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of self in US military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.

Lamar’s Donuts is offering a free donut and free coffee to Veterans. Yum!

Dunkin Donuts is giving one free coffee or donut (any variety) to all active duty or retired military personnel all day long on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11). No ID required. Offer valid at participating Dunkin Donut locations throughout Colorado.

Ruby Tuesday is giving a free appetizer to veterans, active duty and reserve service members with valid military ID at participating locations on Veterans Day.

Bonefish Grill is giving all active and retired service members with a valid military ID a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp at all Bonefish Grill locations on Veterans Day.

LongHorn Steakhouse will offer a free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions) to anyone showing proof of military service on November 11. In addition, LongHorn Steakhouse will offer 10 percent off for guests that dine with veterans on Veterans Day.

Rodizio Grill is offering a free full Rodizio meal free to veterans November 7-11, 2016 WITH the purchase of another adult full Rodizio meal. Proof of service or military ID required.

Mimi’s Cafe is offering veterans and active duty military a free entrée from a special all-day ‘Veterans Day’ menu on November 11 with the purchase of any non-alcoholic beverage. On Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13, veterans and active duty military will also receive their choice of breakfast, lunch or dinner entrees on the ‘Veterans Day’ menu for a special price of only $5.99 with the purchase of any non-alcoholic beverage.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse is offering all military veterans and active duty personnel with valid military ID 50% off their meal on Veteran’s Day. Up to three additional guests will receive 10% off their meals, as well. Beverages, dessert, tax and gratuity not included.

Chipotle is offering all active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses, retired military with a valid U.S. military ID and veterans with ID, a buy one entree get one free special from 3 p.m. to close on Veteran’s Day.

Boston Market is offering all active duty or retired military personnel and their families one free brownie or cookie with any purchase on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11). No ID required.

Panera Bread is offering all active and retired military personnel a free coffee and bagel with cream cheese on Friday, November 11 in Colorado. Just show military ID to receive the offer.

Starbucks hasn’t officially released its Veterans Day deal, but Starbucks is offering a buy one holiday drink and get one free special from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 to14.

Bed Bath and Beyond is offering Veterans with an ID Card 25% TOTAL purchase on November 10-13 (yes all weekend long). Happy Shopping!

OTHER FREEBIES/DEALS

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering free admission to all veterans and active duty members of the military, military reserve and National Guard to any Colorado state park on Nov. 11.

The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for everyone on November 11. Active duty military members and their dependents can pick up a free military annual pass at any national park that usually charges a fee. A free lifetime pass is also available to disabled veterans. Read more about the passes here.

Metro Express Car Wash (Santa Fe Drive and Oxford in Sheridan) will give veterans and current military service personnel a free car wash on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Great Clips is offering veterans a free hair cut on November 11. Don’t need a cut right now? Stop by on November 11 for a free haircut card to use later.

Denver Friends League is waiving the adoption fees for all pets for military members on November 11. While the fees are waived, your pet still gets sprayed or neutered, vaccinations, microchip and an office visit with a vet for free.

Westgate Resorts is giving away 1,000 free vacations to current, active duty military personnel who have served in combat and their families on Veteran’s Day. The 3-day, 2-night vacation must be taken May 5-7, 2017 at Westgate Town Center in Central Florida. Learn more and eligible candidates can register at www.WestgateSalutes.com starting at 9 a.m. EST on Nov. 11. In addition to the 1,000 complimentary vacations, Westgate Resorts will offer a special 25 percent savings on Veteran’s Day for rooms across their entire portfolio of 28 properties for all U.S. military veterans.

American Family Care (AFC) is offering military veterans free flu shots on Friday, November 11.

Suburban Propane is offering discounts to existing customers and new customers who are veterans or are currently active in the military.

Gordmans is offering all active duty, reserves, guard, retirees and veterans a $10 Gordmans Savings Card with any in-store purchase on Veterans Day. In addition, they will receive 15% off their entire purchase. This 15% discount is on top of Gordmans’ everyday discounts. Those who wish to receive the Savings Card and discount are invited to show their military ID or to shop in uniform.

JCPenney is offering a five percent discount from Nov. 10-13 to current and former military personnel and their immediate family members with valid military or VA identification provided in-store.

Why you should buy a Toll Transponder in Florida, Colorado, California, etc.

October 29, 2016Colorado, consumer, moneygetcluedin

If you are a frequent traveler like I am and renting cars everywhere you go, you are probably heading to places that have toll roads, and if your extended family lives in a state that has tolls galore, be sure to look into toll transponders and buy one. California has a monthly fee – I used to travel there a lot and got one, but the $2.00 a month minimum charge is a turn off, if you are traveling infrequently.

Regarding transponders, I can speak for Colorado, California, and Florida. If you go more than once a year to a place that has toll roads, and there are no fees (Colorado and Florida have no minimums or fees), it’s wise to get a transponder or look into the rules for the toll roads where you go. Here is what I discovered:

For the past few years we travel to and from central Florida a lot and each time e went, the rental care companies got super rich off of us- even if we used the toll roads for 2 out of our 5 day rental, we got charged $3.95 per day no matter what IF we used even one toll road – this is maxed at like $20.00 generally but that adds up. Plus you pay all your tolls too! So, at $20 per trip (convenience charge), it is better to just buy your own transponder at Walgreens, Turnpike Service Centers, or Publix stores. You reload them, add your rental vehicles as you rent them, and you can also share the transponder among family members and friends. So, it can go in any vehicle in the state. In Florida and Colorado, there are no monthly minimums or service charges, making the transponder a must have! And, in Colorado, your toll rates are discounted if you have the E-470 pass, so it is certainly worth having, just get the one that you can move from vehicle to vehicle, unless you live there, of course.

Happy traveling!

Wilderness Aware Rafting – Amazing family fun!

July 19, 2016blogging, Colorado, consumer, culture, family, travelgetcluedin

Rafting 2016 July 16 We went rafting as a family for the first time. The last time my husband and I went rafting was when we were still engaged to be married, so this was truly a treat. Wilderness Aware (WA) is a great company, located in 20160716_123242 Buena Vista, Colorado., and they do more than just white water rafting. WA offers full-day and half-day rafting trips, a dinner float (this one is so cool), multi-day trips, including camping or B&B stays with rafting included. You can also book zipline tours, horseback riding, and bike trips through WA. Their website is great, easy to use, and offer discounts when you book on-line.

SAM_0647 WA facilities are great! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. Once you arrive on-site, you can change there, buy water, and apply sunscreen (they provide this). If you do a full day rafting trip, breakfast is provided on-site too! You meet your guide and get your gear, and then receive a safety demonstration. We had Isaiah as our guide and he really hit it off with our kiddos. SAM_0654 He even let my eldest row with him. She loved it!

It was their first time, and the half day lower browns canyon (Class I and II rapids) really made them feel comfortable. They are actually ready for Class III and IV now. But mom and dad may not be, just yet. The dinner float was assembling when we returned to Buena Vista, and it looks so interesting – You float down, and eat at a grill, and then return back. The views SAM_0660 are breathtaking on the raft, and Colorado is so scenic, so I can imagine how much more amazing it would be to have a nice dinner and a glass wine along the Arkansas river while admiring the view. We had fun rafting as a family, and I know we will return next summer, if not sooner, to take in some more of the fun. We want to try zip lining as well, and Wilderness Aware is a great company to book trips through. DCIM101GOPRO They are organized, and made us all feel special. They sent us information before the trip and kept us well-informed on construction in the area, best route to take, and what to leave behind in the car. All in all, our first rafting trip as a family was a huge success, and we are looking forward to a return trip very soon – thanks Wilderness Aware for an amazing whitewater rafting trip.

Disclaimer: I was compensated with a free family half-day Lower Browns Canyon raft trip in exchange for promotion and this post. The review is honest, and the opinions expressed here in are my own.

AT&T Amber Alert Device — Perfect for Kids

July 11, 2016blogging, consumer, technologyconsumer, technologygetcluedin

ATT AMBER ALERT GPS We have had AT&T for years, and I love their service and customer service is amazing! We tried out a few different devices with AT&T when we needed to communicate with our kids, but aren’t quite ready to give either of the kids cell phones yet. They are only ages 7 and 9 as of this summer, so when we first started trying AT&T devices last year, they were only 5 and 7. The Filip watch was nice, and fashionable, but I felt like the AT&T Amber Alert GPS device held a battery charge longer, and didn’t require wearing the watch. This made it less likely to get lost or stolen. Amber Alert GPS is a great device for both kids and adults who may need a little extra assistance. For us, it worked perfectly, even on the ski slopes as they took ski lessons!

Here’s how the device works: We had our older daughter hold on to it. It’s a small transponder with two-way talk/alert. You can tell when there is signal as a blue light flashes. For ease of carrying, we took a lanyard and attached it to the transponder so it fit around her neck, or she could put it in her coat pockets while skiing. When she wants to communicate with us, she pushes and holds down the large button (Alert button), and it rings to the assigned phone number. There is an app/website where you can configure all of this. So, as soon as she holds down the button for a few seconds, it calls the cell phone programmed for two-way communications. Only one number can call into the device, and only one number is called out from the device. I programmed my phone to have it say my daughter’s name and GPS Alert, so I could immediately see that and answer. Then, the device acts like a speaker phone for her. We can have a normal conversation. Conversely, if I wanted to reach her, I’d call the phone number assigned to this GPS Device and she’d push the same button to answer and talk. The coolest part of this device is that I can see where she is at any given time as long as it is in her possession. I could track her movements on El Dora Ski Mountain (phone signal there is bad), but I could still track her using this device, which was awesome! When we left her for a sleepover, I knew I could call her and say good nite, or she could call me anytime if she needed anything, but it’s not like she’d disturb others with a smart phone, plus I think 9 is still too young for a smart phone. The only place we don’t send it is school because there are rules in school about technology. But, if you want to use the GPS feature, you can slip it into their backpacks. I knew when my husband was safely making it down the mountain and canyon when he took the kids skiing in his rear-wheel drive car. The device, software, and apps for it are easy to install and use, and log in and out of. We even tried this device for my father-in-law, but I think the kids found it more user-friendly than he did.

I highly recommend the Amber Alert GPS device for younger kids, and even though the Filip watch looks more stylish, I found the Amber Alert Device held a charge better and longer, and the voice quality and ease of use were better. The charge is only $10 a month on your existing wireless account, and the device costs $99 to buy from AT&T (but they are out of stock right now), so you can also get it on amazon as well through this link: <br />

*Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this particular post, but I did win the Amber Alert GPS device at an AT&T-sponsored event a couple of years back. I have other posts for AT&T And have previously posted about their products and services. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Dream Dinners – Quick, Easy and Affordable & Enter to win! #giveaway #dreamdinners

March 14, 2016Colorado, consumer, cooking, food, giveawaygetcluedin

My husband and I tried Dream Dinners, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, this weekend, and what a treat! Their March introductory offer ($74.95 value) let us pick six 3-serving meals from an expansive menu. Then, we made an appointment to go into the kitchen and assemble all six meals. The kitchen is very organized, clean, and all the ingredients are chopped, measured and ready for you to build and take home, freeze or eat right away. You go from station to station to assemble your meals. The proprietary recipe cards at each station guide you through the process and it’s quite simple to assemble.

Dream Dinners 3 Travis helped us at the Wheat Ridge location. He is such a delight to work with and learn from. You use bags or containers, and all items come with a step by step recipe card so when you get home and choose a meal, you are ready to go! No chopping, no buying of ingredients, no extensive prep time. You follow very simple directions to heat up/top or cook the food, and you’re serving up dinner in no time! This is perfect for family meals or for just two. The introductory offer is definitely worth a shot, and I encourage you to set up your appointment on line or call them. The staff is super friendly and helpful and on-site with you the entire time. You are offered a drink of coffee, tea, or other beverages, and we got to sample a scone 1030 am on a Saturday – it was delish! My husband was able to sample chicken risotto which is being offered on their April menu and loved it!

The kitchen has clean bowls, measuring bowls, and utencils throughout your preparation journey, and the instructions are so simple to follow, even color-coded. It’s super easy – we were in and out in an hour and that was including someone teaching us, and speaking with us about the offers. I also picked up sides from their sides and dessert freezer case, and we enjoyed potato pancakes and a dip for lunch. Yum! Tonight, my husband and kiddos are having cornflake crusted chicken tenders and a side of mashed potatoes (also from Dream Dinners), while I enjoy Risotto (a side dish). The vegetarian choices are slim to none here, but Travis told us that if you choose to leave out the protein on a 3-serving meal, you save 50% on that dish, which is a great deal.
Dream Dinners 2 Then, you can pick the protein of choice at home and assemble the meal at home, and still save time and money. For example, April’s menu includes a Creamy Chicken Risotto, and this item can be assembled without the protein, or the risotto can be made without the chicken or chicken packaged separately from the Risotto. At home, it can be made vegetarian for both a vegetarian and meat-eater to enjoy. My favorite was the side dishes because those for me are things the kids eat like mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, fries and garlic bread sticks. They complement all the meals you prepare at Dream Dinners, or can complement a dish you make at home. My husband prepared the cornflake crusted chicken tenders tonight and the house smells lovely! He loved the meal and said the flavors were perfect.

The only cons for me of this place was menu selection for a vegetarian, but if you eat meat and your family is not picky, this place is for you! Also, even if you are cooking for just two or three, I think the portions are perfect for one night and a left over for lunch the next day. With 3-servings, it goes a long way in our house. The minimum order after the introductory offer(six 3-serving meals) is twelve 3-serving meals, so it may best to split with a good friend if you are interested and cannot possibly maintain 3-4 meals a week on this. Partnering up with friends is a good idea. You can skip a month if you want or are out of town, and there is no contract or obligation. The best thing is about how long they will keep because they are packaged for freezing so you can thaw or take out when you are ready for them. All the instructions are different so follow the cards’ instructions carefully. Also, like Steve points out in the comments, this place is kid-friendly and if kids are into cooking, or mature enough to be involved in the kitchen, this place is perfect to bring him or her along to help you portion out the recipe, assemble the meal and add the ingredients of their choice. Who knows? If they take part in the assembly, they may actually eat it? What a concept!

One of the things I learned about Dream Dinners is that they do school fundraisers and give a size-able donation per family – each attendee pays $34.99 for THREE 3-serving meals of their choice and $10 of this goes to the school – that is 30% back of the school! What a great idea and you get healthy, fresh meals that the family can get 6 meals or more out of – what a deal!

Dream Dinners 1 My husband and I enjoyed our dream dinners experience and I would highly recommend you try the introductory offer. After that, you can figure out how to sign up because for us, twelve 3-serving meals is a lot considering how differently we all eat in our family, but if we can split it with a family, or two, I think it could work out. Also, make some room in your freezer because you are gonna need it. Dream Dinners has the four Colorado locations to choose from so you can go an try out their introductory offer. Also, if you are not in Colorado and you’d like to go in and try your Dream Dinners, you can see if there is one near you. Happy cooking and eating!

Giveaway: To enter to win, please comment below with what you’d do with one free 3-serving meal from Dream Dinners? Make sure you include your name and email when you comment- only I see your email. For this event, you can bring up to 9 friends (10 total including you) to build a meal and learn more about Dream Dinners while you enjoy provided appetizers, non-alcoholic drinks, and the opportunity to catch up with friends or colleagues. Also, for an additional $24.95 (normally $50 value), you can take three additional 3-serving meals home with you, ready to thaw and/or cook. The night out is a great deal and worth over $130 (depending on dish) and it’s yours for free. Just sign up and I randomly choose a winner using a plug in on wordpress. Finally, I hope you will invite me along as one of your party of 10. 🙂 You will be notified by 3/19/2016 if you win and winner posted here. Comments/entries close at 8pm MDT 3/19/2016. *Note: Contest only applies to Wheat Ridge, Colorado location

NOTE: We have a winner! Congrats, Heather – I will connect you with Dream Dinners & write you separately.

Your Winner

(confirmed)Author: Heather (email removed)

Comment: permalink

How fun!

Required Disclosure: I was offered a free introductory offer from Dream Dinners in exchange for a honest review. The giveaway is also part of the compensation for readers who enter to win. The opinion expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

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