Labor Day Weekend - Retail, Renovate or Rest?

How will you spend your Labor Day Weekend? Whether you decide to wind down and relax, stock up on end-of-summer sales or roll-up your sleeves for true labor around the home, here are some deals to help you enjoy your weekend:

Retail Therapy: If you're game enough to hit the malls and outlets this weekend, make sure to check out the following deals and coupons. For those who want to stay at home and shop in peace, take note of corresponding online promo codes:

• Aldo Shoes: Take 10% off your purchase with this printable coupon.
• American Eagle Outfitters: Here's a triple treat for you: 1) Buy any pair of jeans or T-shirts, and get another of equal or lesser value for 50% off at AE.com; 2) free shipping this Labor Day weekend; and 3) stack these savings with 40% off promo code 58734291.
  
• Avenue: HOT! Use this coupon to nab a pair of jeans for $10 (select styles only)!
  
• Banana Republic: Shave $30 off a $100 purchase or more with this printable coupon.
  
• Bath & Body Works: Labor Day savings include 50% off selected items, 5 for $15 anti-bacterial and aromatherapy collections, and buy 3 get 2 free on select signature collection or home fragrances. If you spend $15 or more, pick up a pair of free socks with this coupon as well.
• Bebe: Save 15% off a purchase of $75 or more here. Expires 8/30/08.
  
• Carter's: Take 20% off a purchase of $50 or more with this coupon. Plus take an additional 20% off clearance items and get a $10 gift check for every $35 you spend through 9/30/08.
• Bloomingdales: The Big Brown Sale will take an extra 30% - 50% off selected sales items (discount will be reflected at checkout). You'll find designer items crafted by Ella Moss, Juicy Couture, Splendid, Kate Spade, Nanette Lepore for amazing prices. This is one HOT sale in my book.
• Children's Place: Save big with this coupon for 20% off. Right before Labor Day, The Children's Place has an AWESOME sale, so this coupon will save you some serious change.
  
• Circuit City: Save 10% off a purchase of $249 or more through this link.
  
• Crabtree & Evelyn: Redeem this coupon for a free 50 ml body wash (valued at $5) with any $10 purchase.
  
• Crazy 8: Tees are $5 and selected items are up to 50% off. Also, if you sign-up for their e-mail newsletter, you'll get a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase!
• Esprit: Receive $20 off your denim purchase here.
  
• Gymboree: Save an extra 20% off clearance items on their upcoming sale. Also, don't forget to use this printable coupon to take an additional 20% off.
  
• KB Toys: Check out this flyer that highlights all the Labor Day weekend deals including $10 bonus bucks with $30 purchase and buy one get one 50% off select video games.
• Newport News: Take an additional 20% on summer sale or new arrival purchases with promo code 514. Ends Monday 9/1/08.
• New York & Company: Take $25 off a purchase of $75 or more with this printable coupon. Pair this coupon with their 70% off sale to score some major wardrobe deals. Online shoppers use promo code 1047.
• Sally Beauty Supply: Save with these buy one, get one coupons for beauty items such as nail polish, shampoo/conditioner and tanning products.
• Sephora: Browse the virtual makeup aisle and enjoy free shipping on orders over $50.
• The Limited: Knock off $15 for every $50 you spend now through 9/21/08.
  
• Ulta: Receive 20% off one item with this printable voucher. Expires 8/30/08.
  

AT THE OUTLETS: In addition to these deals, be sure to sign-up for your local outlets' e-mail newsletters to get more coupons on your favorite stores.

• Ann Taylor Loft: Save 20% off everything with this coupon.
• Petite Sophisticate Outlet: Take $35 off a purchase of $75 or more now through 9/11/08.
• Reebok Or Rockport Outlets: Save 20% off your entire purchase here.
  

Renovate or Redecorate: Not too much to report, but these deals could help with those lingering home improvement projects.

• Aaron Brothers: Use this coupon for 50% off any regular priced item.
• Sherwin Williams: Save $10 off your paint purchase of $50 or more.

To find out why we celebrate Labor Day and how it originated, click here.

**UPDATE** : Thanks to reader Kim for passing along another great website on online promo codes - Coupon Album. Be sure to check it out this weekend!

Give the Grill a Rest This Labor Day

Forgo the grill this weekend and use these coupons instead for fun and easy meals!

• Buca di Beppo: Take $10 off a $30 hearty, gut-busting Italian feast.
  
• Chik-Fil-A: On Labor Day, don your favorite sports T-shirt or jersey to try a free 3-count of Chick-fil-A^®'s new, bigger, tastier, dippier Chick-n-Strips^™ and sauce. Head over anywhere from 10:30 a.m. to closing.
  
• Honey Baked Ham: These hams can be the star of the table on other holidays besides Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Celebrate the love of Labor Day with these coupons for juicy, savory hams.
  
• Maggiano's: Enjoy a festive Italian meal with this coupon for $15 off a $45 bill.

Freebies & Coupons of the Day

• Treat yourself to a free movie ticket from Blue Bunny. I know there are some Blue Bunny coupons out there and will post them once I find them. Here are the details: 1) Complete the official mail-in order form (e-mail required); 2) Send the original, dated cash register receipt with required purchases circled; 3) Mail items listed to: Blue Bunny® Free Movie Ticket Offer P.O. Box 4676, Dept. 03 St. Cloud, MN 56398-4676 and 4) Receive your reward via e-mail. (Offer good through 9/7/08, while supplies last. Entries must be postmarked by 9/15/2008 and received by 9/25/2008. Limit one (1) movie ticket per consumermail required).
• Try a free sample of Purex fabric softener. Due to popular demand it will take about 12 weeks to receive the sample.
• In case you didn't get your free 10 day sample of Bare Minerals foundation with kabuki brush from Sephora, pick one up from Ulta. While supplies last.
• Get a free funny T-shirt from Johnsonville that says on the back "Don't Call Me a Weenie" when you send in four UPCs from packages of Johnsonville Brats. Note that all sizes are XL - I guess if you eat a lot of Brats you'll need an XL!
  
• $1 off Jack in the Box smoothies. Expires 9/25/08.
  

Free Breakfast at Ikea 8/30/08 to 9/1/08

Ikea is luring shoppers to their upcoming sale with free breakfast from Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1. The free breakfast is valued at 99 cents and also includes a 99 cents cup of coffee. Return Ikea's $1.98 token of generosity by browsing their sale, which includes side tables for $6.99, funky floor lamps for $6.99 and the popular Poang chair for $59.

Shoe Frenzy on September 6, 2008

Attention shoe addicts! Mark you calendars on Sat., Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to Noon to attend the Shoe Frenzy Sale in Culver City, California hosted by the Women's Clinic & Family Counseling Center. I've never been, but received this hot shopping tip from The Bargain Hunter who hears that this sale is FABULOUS! All shoes are new (donated by merchants) and most pairs are under $50 and all pairs are under $100. When you check out their website here, you'll see pictures of past sales where people have snagged Jimmy Choos for $50 and diba boots for $50.

Admission is $1 and there is free parking at the site located at Veterans Memorial Complex Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave. in Culver City. Cash, check with ID and credit cards are accepted. Of course, all sales are final!

Deals of the Day

Happy Monday! Here are some deals to get you started for the week:

Free Star Wars Clone Wars Pocket Models from Wizkids Games. Click here for the printable coupon. You have to enter your zip code to make sure this freebie is available in your area. Also, if your kids love Star Wars, take them to visit some of the characters from the movie at Pottery Barn next month. Check potterybarn.com for dates and details.

Earn a coupon good for one free Calistoga® Brand beverage 4-pack or 6-pack (including the new Sparkling Juices!), by completing a short survey on why you prefer still or bubbly water after a taste of wine. Coupons will only be sent to residents of the following states (CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, HI, CO, NM, ID, WY) in which Calistoga ® brand 4-packs and/or 6-packs are sold.

Rumor has it that Starbucks in Southern California will be offering free Vivanno or Sorbetto drinks on Wednesday, August 27 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. So Cal residents should call your local Starbucks to make sure they are participating.

Mall Bargains This Weekend

If you're headed to the mall this weekend, be sure to arm yourself with these deals and printable coupons:

Arden B.: Take $20 off a purchase of $100 or more at this stylish women's clothing store.

Coldwater Creek: Save $25 off your purchase of $100 or more with this coupon.

Crabtree & Evelyn: Use this coupon for $10 off $50 worth of bath, body and fragrance products.

Footlocker: Use this coupon to shave 30% off your purchase.

Express: Take $10 off a $20 purchase or if you're bound to spend more, take $20 off $75 with this printable coupon. Expires 8/26/08.

Gymboree: Get the kids outfitted for school with this coupon for 20% off your purchase. Expires 9/30/08.

New York & Company: Update your Fall wardrobe with this coupon for $30 off a $75 purchase. Expires 8/24/08.

Old Navy: HOT, HOT, HOT! Stock up on jeans for the entire family on 8/23 when select denim styles are on sale for $12 (men and women) and $7 (kids). No coupon required, but there is a limit of 3 pairs per person.

Payless Shoe Store: Shoe lovers can take $10 off a purchase of $50 here. Right now shoes are buy one, get one half off, so work this coupon! Expires 8/30/08.

Sephora: Stop in to receive a free 10 day sample and baby kabuki brush by Bare Minerals. No purchase required. While supplies last!

Victoria's Secret: Get a free Secret Garden Berry Kiss Product valued at $10 with any $15 purchase here.

Happy shopping!

Cheap & Free Eats

Carrows: Get a free dessert when you sign-up for their e-mail newsletter here.

Marie Callender's: Now through Sept. 5, the restaurant is celebrating its 60th anniversary by offering a slice of pie for $0.99 cents (with purchase of any entree and beverage). Click here for more info and also coupons for appetizers, entrees and brunches to further celebrate the fest.

McDonald's: Print a coupon here for a free McDonald’s Southern Style chicken biscuit or sandwich with any medium or large drink purchase. Make sure to click on “Get A Free Offer” shown at the top of the page and print the coupon in color or it will not be accepted.

Freebies and Deals of the Day

Happy Monday! Jumpstart your week with these goodies and deals:

Blockbuster: Get $10 off any purchase with promo code augappreciation. Work this deal into getting something for free by buying previously viewed videos that start as low as $3.99. You'll also get free shipping with previous viewed video purchases (first-class mail). A few notes: 1) your purchase must be at least $10; 2) you don't have to be a member, but if you are, you'll receive an additional 10% off your previous viewed video purchase; and 3) your discount won't appear until after you've entered your shipping and billing info. Thanks to The Centsible Sawyer for the tip!

Build-A-Bear: Receive a free gift each week until September 1 at Build a Bear - no purchase required. Just visit your local store and ask for your free gift. Check out the details here . No doubt when you're there picking up your free gift, you may end up buying something else! Thanks again to The Centsible Sawyer.

Jane Cosmetics: Fill out this questionnaire and receive a $2 off coupon on your next purchase.

Orville Redenbacher: Get a free sample of 100 Calorie Mini SmartCakes in either Caramel or Cheddar here.

Panda Express: Get a free single entree serving of Beijing Beef or Orange Chicken when you buy a two-item combo and drink. Click for coupon here. Expires 8/14/08. I've tried the Beijing Beef and it's yummy!

Spectacular Swimsuit Sales

When is the best time to buy a swimsuit? Now! The best bargains are right before the end of summer when retailers are trying to move merchandise to prepare for fall arrivals. Here's a list of the hottest online sales:

Amazon.com: Miracle swimsuits that normally retail for $130 are now an unbelievable low price of $30+ at Amazon.com. You can check out Nordstroms.com, Bloomingdales.com or Macys.com to see that these top-notch swimsuits, which boast to make you look 10 lbs. slimmer, are still $100 or more. The sizes range from 8-24. Finally, Amazon.com is offering a one-year subscription to Lucky, Teen Vogue or GQ (valued from $8-$12) when you spend $25 or more on apparel or shoes. You can also opt to get a refund for the subscription (see Amazon.com for promo details), shaving an extra $8-12 off your swimwear purchase. This is an amazing deal, so hurry as sizes are going fast! (Oceanus style in black pictured above).

Carabella: For those of you lucky or brave enough to sport a bikini, check out Carabella.com where there are some cute bikinis as low as $9.99. I spotted this super stylish embroidered and beaded bikini for $17.95 pictured on the right (reg. $129.95). If you prefer a one piece swimsuit, there's a few choices starting as low as $11.95. Use promo code C384 to get an additional 30% off!

Land's End: If you are a D-cup or larger, or looking for a slenderizing suit, check out this sale. You'll find plenty of flattering styles for great prices. Items of note include: Women's Custom Bandeau Tank Swimsuit for $19.99 (reg. $89); Women's DD-cup Hi-neck Slender Suit for $12.50 (reg. $88.50); and Women's Regular Solid Surplice Ring V-neck Tank Swimsuit for $19.99. There's also a nice selection of separate bottoms for $4.99; boys and girls swim shorts for $7.99; and kids bathing suits and bikinis from $9.99. For free shipping, use promo code APPLE and pin 869605030. (pictured left is Women's Custom Bandeau Tank Swimsuit in black).

Newport News: My favorite online retailer for swimsuits (I am a big fan of their Shape FX line) is offering an additional 15% off any purchase with promo code 526. You can also try promo code 635 for an extra 20% and L41 for free shipping (these are reportedly working as of today). Use these discounts in the clearance swimwear section where items are marked down considerably. You'll find separates (bottoms) for as low as $1 (yes, $1), a leopard print bikini for $1.99, tankinis for $8.99, and one pieces for $11.99. (Pictured: Tie-neck halter for $9.99 in pink)

Swimsuits for All: This online store carries swimwear for the entire family, but specializes in sizes 8-24. Check out their awesome clearance sale offering swimwear slashed from 50%-70% off. I found swimsuits that regularly retailed for $78 now on sale for $12 to $16.98. There's also some really cute kids bathing suits for as low as $6.99 for girls, and $3.99 for boys. Also, you'll get a pair of free flip flops with promo code FLIP. To get them, go to the Women's section, click on FREE FLIP FLOP OFFER, select a pair, then add promo code at checkout. (pictured left: Femme Fatale One-piece in Teal by Jantzen).