Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

10-Cent Photo Prints at Walgreens.com

If you have lots of photos to print out, read on …

From now through January 10, 2009, you can get prints for 10 cents a piece from Walgreens.com when you order 50 prints or more. The deal applies to 4×6 or 4×5.3 sizes only. To get the deal, you must order your prints online and use the coupon code FIFTY.  

To order prints, you need to create a Walgreens.com account if you haven’t already done so. Then log in, upload your photos and select the ones you want to print. On the “Your photo cart” page, enter FIFTY in the box labeled “Coupon #” (toward the bottom of the page). On the next screen, opt to pick up your prints at a store to avoid shipping charges.

For more information, visit Walgreens.com.

Thanks to The Freebie Blogger for the heads up!

Add comment January 5th, 2009

How to Get a Discount From Comcast: Ask for It

At least one good thing happened during snowmageddon. I got a $60 discount from Comcast.

About a week ago, I received an email from Qwest, offering a low introductory rate on Internet service. I called my Internet provider, Comcast, to see if they would match it.

The call went something like this:

Me: Hi, I got an email from Qwest offering Internet service for $24.99 for 12 months. Can you match that?

Comcast rep: No.

Me: Okay. Do you have any promotions going on?

Comcast rep: Let me check your account … I can give you $10 off for six months.

Me: Okay. Thanks.

That was it. Five minutes, $60 in my pocket.

I also asked whether I could get a discount on my cable TV bill, but the rep said no. I have analog cable, and there are no discounts right now for that type of service.

If you’re a long-time reader of this blog, you know I’ve gotten discounts twice before. The first time, I saved $108. The second time, $113. My savings were not as good this time, but for my effort, $60 is just fine.

Have you ever asked your cable TV or Internet provider to lower your rates? What was your experience?

Photo by d70focus

11 comments December 28th, 2008

12/22: Free QuickBooks Pro Today Only

A reader just informed me that you can get QuickBooks Pro free after rebate at Staples. The offer is good today only. Go to Staples.com for more information.

Thanks for the heads up, Stone!

Add comment December 22nd, 2008

Save Money at Local Businesses With Choose Local Card

Due to the mind-boggling amount of snow outside my house, I’ve been surfing the ‘net all morning and discovered the Choose Local Card.

The Choose Local Card is free and allows you to get discounts at more than 100 local businesses in Portland. You can pick up the card at many locations around town. Once you do, you register your card at ChooseLocal.com. Then, once a month, you’ll get an email about current deals. You can also check for deals on the Choose Local website.

I love this idea. By using the card, I support our local economy and save money at the same time. And it’s free.

Once I can leave my house, I’m definitely getting this card.

For more information, go to ChooseLocal.com.

Add comment December 22nd, 2008

$5 Off “A Christmas Carol” Tickets

Planning to buy tickets for Portland Center Stage’s production of “A Christmas Carol”? Use the promo code Dickens to get a $5.00 discount on adult tickets. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone at 503.445.3700, or in person at the PCS box office. If you’re purchasing online, follow this link and enter Dickens in the “Have a Promo Code?” box.

“A Christmas Carol” runs through December 28. Portland Center Stage is located at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue in downtown Portland. The box office is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week. Closed on Christmas Day.

For more information, send an email to boxoffice @ pcs.org or call 503.445.3700.

Add comment December 19th, 2008

80% Discount on Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

With the promo code GIVE, you can get an 80% discount at Restaurant.com. The code expires on December 25.

Restaurant.com sells discounted gift certificates for about 90 restaurants in the Portland area. The code can be used on any gift certificates offered. For example, a $25 gift certificate normally costs $10. With the code, you’ll pay $2.

How to use the code:

When you visit Restaurant.com, type in your zip code to find restaurants in your area. Once you find a restaurant you like, select a gift certificate and add it to your shopping cart. Be sure to read the restaurant’s details before purchasing the gift certificate. Some restaurants have minimum purchase requirements and other conditions for using the gift certificates. On the shopping cart page, enter GIVE in the box labeled “Enter Discount Code.” Once you finish the transaction, you’ll be able to print out the gift certificate. In most cases, gift certificates expire one year from the purchase date.

You can also use the code to buy generic gift certificates as gifts. Read more about how generic gift certificates work on Restaurant.com’s FAQ page: “Does Restaurant.com have gift options?”

Thanks to Portland on the Cheap for the heads up!

Photo by hydrolix

1 comment December 18th, 2008

Another Nutcracker Discount: 20% Off

Last week, I mentioned the $25 ticket deal for selected performances of Oregon Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. Read more about it here.

If that promotion doesn’t suit you, here’s another one. According to Willamette Week, you can save 20% on available tickets for any show by using the code WWEEK.

Tickets can be purchased online through TicketMaster, in person at the Oregon Ballet Theatre ticket office, or over the phone by calling 503.222.5538 or 888.922.5538.

If you’re purchasing online, type WWEEK in the box under “Promotions and Special Offers” and select the number of tickets you want and price level. If you’re purchasing in person or over the phone, just mention WWEEK.

The Nutcracker runs through December 24 at Keller Auditorium. To learn more about the show, visit the OBT website.

Add comment December 17th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Dec 12–14

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• Christmas Ship Parade will be cruising the Willamette and Columbia Rivers each evening. For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, December 12

• Annual Winter Solstice in Milwaukie: Come warm by the bonfire and watch the Christmas Ship Parade cruise the Willamette River at the Jefferson Street Boat Ramp at Milwaukie’s Riverfront Park. The ships are scheduled to come by around 7:00 pm, and the Dickens Carolers will perform from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lower Fremont Winterfest Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: 40+ local artists and crafters, discounts, live music, and more. Sales will help support local neighborhood families in need. NE Fremont at 13th & 14th Avenues, 4:00 pm–9:00 pm. Find more information here.

• Multnomah Arts Center Fall Theatre Showcase presents an adaptation of “The Stinky Cheese Man” by Jon Scieszka at 7:00 pm on Friday and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pink Slip Holiday Office Party: Holocene is hosting a party featuring DJ Hoop Dreams, Dr. Rev. Adam, and Freaky Outy behind the decks. 1001 SE Morrison, 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tony Pacini (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Pete Krebs Trio (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• ‘Couv Fest Concert: Aleen, Silversafe, Throwback Suburbia and The Reds will perform. All ages. Westfield Vancouver Mall (8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr), 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lauren Sheehan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Naysayers (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

Saturday, December 13

• Tuba Christmas: Nearly 200 tuba players will converge on Pioneer Courthouse Square and treat the public to a festive holiday concert. Audience members are encouraged to sing along to familiar carols. 1:30 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mortgage and Foreclosure Summit: The event offers workshops on how to avoid foreclosure and lending scams, as well as an opportunity for attendees to share their stories, network with legislators, and access civic and state agencies. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at PCC Southeast Center at 82nd and Division. More information can be found here.

• Lower Fremont Winterfest Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: 40+ local artists and crafters, discounts, live music, and more. Sales will help support local neighborhood families in need. NE Fremont at 13th & 14th Avenues, 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Find more information here.

• Kanawaksooma Celebration (Quiet Thunder): This event offers authentic music, dance, crafts, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Activities for children include dancing, face painting, and craft tables. Mt. Hood Community College (26000 SE Stark St, Gresham), noon to 10:00 pm. A free salmon and buffalo feed including a native blessing will begin at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• West Linn Holiday Parade: The parade starts at 10:00 am and runs along Willamette Falls Drive in the historic Willamette area. After the parade, stop by the Firte Station to donate a new unwrapped toy for TVF&R Toy & Joy Program, visit with Santa, stay for a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit all the local shops for discounts. For more information, visit the event website.

• Multnomah Arts Center Fall Theatre Showcase presents an adaptation of “The Stinky Cheese Man” by Jon Scieszka at 7:00 pm on Friday and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s Play “Raven Steals the Sun”: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, based on a Native American tale. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Most suitable for grades K–5. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Highway), 11:00 am–11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Penny’s Puppet Productions will treat families to a spinoff of “The Mitten,” a traditional Ukrainian tale. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave), 3:00 pm–3:45 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• Second Saturday at the Water Center in Vancouver: Families are invited to participate in craft activities: decorate a frame, make snowflakes from coffee filters, and transform last year’s calendar into beads and gift boxes. 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lisa Stringfield and Lara Michelle (website) will be perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Charlie Stanford will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Reina Collins (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Chapman Swifts (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• “Private Space” Live Video Performance and Interactive Installation: Attendees will create and experience visual jazz. Other exhibits include a multi-touch table, a body painting session and a light display titled Exhibit 2. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, December 14

• Peacock Lane Car-Free Night: The street will be closed to allow foot and bike traffic only from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Information can be found at OregonLive and the Peacock Lane website. (see comments for this post)

• Posada Milagro: Miracle Theatre Group invites the whole family to enjoy the Posada Milagro, a holiday celebration filled with Latin American theatre, music, dance, arts and crafts workshops, traditional foods, and more. All activities will be conducted in Spanish. El Centro Milagro (525 SE Stark St), 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gresham Community Choir Holiday Concert: The concert features a variety of holiday music. Last year over 600 lbs of food for the hungry was collected. This year, the choir’s goal is 1000 lbs. Reynolds District Arts and Communication Center (1698 SW Cherry Park Road, Troutdale), 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “The King of Comedy” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Murder by the Book Open House: Appearances by local authors Carola Dunn, Larry Karp, and Kate Kingsbury, with special guest appearances by Chelsea Cain, Bill Cameron, Phil Margolin, and Sharan Newman. Snacks too. 3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd, noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

4 comments December 12th, 2008

Holiday News: Nutcracker Ticket Deal, Christmas Ship Parade

Two pieces of holiday-related news to share with you:

Nutcracker Ticket Deal

$25 tickets are on sale now for selected performances of The Nutcracker, an Oregon Ballet Theatre production. The ticket deal applies to these performances:

December 19, 7:00 pm
December 21, 1:00 pm
December 22, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
December 23, 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

To get the deal, you must purchase tickets online or from the PCPA box office using the code word MARIE. The price does not include service charges.

Out of curiosity, I looked online to see what seats the $25 price applied to. The website offered me tickets that were originally $87, so this is definitely a deal worth checking out.  

To purchase tickets online, go to this Ticketmaster website. Find the date you want and click “Find Tickets.” Under “Promotions and Special Offers,” type MARIE in the box and select the number of tickets you want. For price, select “Any Price.” 

To purchase tickets from the PCPA box office, simply go there and mention the code MARIE.

PCPA Box Office
1111 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
Open Monday through Saturday
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Christmas Ship Parade

In case you haven’t looked at the sidebar recently, I wanted to let you know that the Christmas Ship Parade officially starts tonight on both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Fleets of boats will be out each night through December 21. For more information, check the parade website.  

Add comment December 11th, 2008

Entertainment Book for $15

I found two ways to buy the 2009 Portland/Vancouver Entertainment Book for $15. This is the lowest price I’ve seen so far. You’ll recoup your money after using just one or two coupons. The book normally costs $25.

1. You can buy online: I noticed today that the Entertainment Book website has taken $10 off the price of all books and thrown in free shipping. I’m not sure how long the sale will last.

2. Also, from today through Saturday (12/13), you can buy the book for $15 at Walgreens with the $10 off coupon from the weekly ad. You can usually find the ad in the store or you can print out the coupon from the Walgreens website here.   

If you’re unfamiliar with the Entertainment Book, it’s full of coupons for restaurants, attractions, movie theaters, events and more. You can visit the Entertainment Book website to get an idea of what coupons are included before you buy.

4 comments December 11th, 2008