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Community Corner

Frugal Family Finds- The "Spring Fever" edition

It's finally Spring, not just a seemingly arbitrary date on the calendar, but the promise of warmer weather, blooming flowers and budding trees is upon us. So let's get out and about and frolick among our freshest Frugal Family Finds.

Frugal Family Finds has a case of Spring Fever with the only cure being able to get out and about in new clothes while eating tacos, strawberries and ice cream and going to ladies night, a wine tasting and even attending  an adventurous Paddle Day expedition. Spring has Sprung! 

1. Qdoba — Chicagoland locations including Wheaton

The Deal:  Free Food Friday alert: Stop by any participating Chicagoland area Qdoba all day on Apr. 29 and you’ll receive a FREE order of Mini Street Tacos when you purchase a regular beverage. No coupon necessary. One order per person per visit.

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Good through: Event is Apr. 29

2. Downtown Glen Ellyn — Glen Ellyn

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Deal:  Helpful Hint: Rest up now because you’ll want to be energized for Ladies Night Out in Downtown Glen Ellyn on Friday, Apr. 29 from 6-9 p.m.  Speaking of energy, bring in your ComEd electric bill to Young’s Appliances during registration from 6-8 p.m. and switch to Spark Energy to receive a $20 gift certificate for downtown shopping. With your $10 ticket for the event , available online at downtownglenellyn.com, you’ll have access to special shopping at more than 24 stores and businesses. If you need some refreshing, the evening comes with appetizers and three cocktails. More special deals are available, visit the site for more details.

Good through:  Event is April 29th

3. Mamapedia and Baskin Robbins — Online

Deal:  Put your carpool contact list to use and get a sweet reward in return. Mamapedia wants to help you throw an end of school year party with ice cream from Baskin Robbins. Spread the word about Mamapedia’s local and national deals for moms and families to 20 moms and you’ll get a $20 gift certificate to Baskin Robbins and party planning help from Mamapedia. Additional terms and conditions may apply, for details visit deals.mamapedia.com/ice_cream_party 

 Good through: Apr. 30

4. REI  — Oakbrook

The Deal:  Ready to try a new hobby or return to an old one? Join REI for Paddle Day 2011 on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attend this free event and learn about all things paddling with experts, non-profits, paddling clubs, and vendors in-store to help you figure out which boat is right for you, what gear you will need to get started, and offer tips on some great local places to enjoy your new boat. Each Paddle fest attendee will receive a coupon for 15% off the purchase of a full priced boat and you can enter to win paddling gear and apparel during Paddle Fest.

Good through: Event is May 7

5. Binny’s — Glen Ellyn

The Deal: You’ve been given fair warning and having plenty of time to mark your calendar and to save yourself a spot. On Friday, May 20 from 5:30- 8 p.m. it’s Pinot Noir and More at Binny’s in Glen Ellyn. Taste an array of PinotGris/Grigio and Pinot Noir from around the world.  Impress your wine snob friends with your newly found knowledge of lesser known and sometimes forgotten Pinot Varieties including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Pinotage.  The cost for this tasty tasting is $5 with a Binny’s Card and $10 for non-members. Call 630.545.2550 for more details.

Good Through- Event is Friday, May 20

6.  Target – Online

The Deal: Take a look at your calendar. Now take a look in your closet. Your busy spring schedule is jam packed concerts, school plays, recitals, parties, communions and more all requiring you to look your best. Target has your outfit needs covered when you take advantage of  20% plus Free Shipping for purchases of $75 or more on select apparel, shoes and accessories online. You could even get some new pajamas to wear for your next round of online shopping.

Good Through: May 7

7. Whole Foods — Wheaton

Deal: Strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothies, strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream, all kinds of strawberry goodness for you to make.  Purchase your fresh taste of spring at the Organic strawberry 1-day sale this Friday and bring home your strawberries for $1.99/lb.

Good through:  While Supplies last

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