If you’re driving into Manhattan, finding affordable parking near your hotel can be a nightmare. Many midtown hotels don’t offer parking, which means you could be stuck driving all over the island looking for an overnight spot that won’t cost a fortune.

Avoid the hassles and save some cash by booking a New York hotel with parking through Orbitz. Plus, take an additional 10% off the cost of your stay thanks to Orbitz coupons.

Alex Hotel New York

• 24-hour valet parking & room service
• Sharp Aquos flat panel television, DVD player & mini-bar in every room
• Fitness center & spa treatments available
• Walking distance to Grand Central Station & UN Plaza

Holiday Inn New York City Midtown 57th Street

• Loads of valet parking – 350 spaces
• In-room movies & video games
• Outdoor rooftop pool
• Close to Central Park, Times Square & Javits Center

Hotel Wales New York

• Complimentary valet parking for weekend stays
• Joanna’s Italian Restaurant on the first floor
• Rooftop terrace for spectacular vistas
• Gorgeous Upper East Side location

Tell Me What’s Going On

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (Now Until December 28)

Always a favorite for tourists, Bryant Park offers visitors a huge lawn and outdoor cafes in the summer. But during the holiday season, the park gets even better. Skate around the Pond at Bryant Park, and then shop vendor booths for clothing, jewelry, crafts and other gifts.

But you can’t experience winter in Bryant Park to the fullest without a good pair of skates. Visit Dicks Sporting Goods and check out hockey and recreational skates for men, women and kids. Get 15% off your order with Dicks Sporting Goods coupons (some restrictions apply)!

We all know adults who act like little children. Okay, so they don’t cry over having to share markers with Smelly Melly during Color Time. They do, however, have a penchant for learning new things wherever they go. I admire their enthusiasm. And I wish that more adults would share this hunger. Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we know it all.

I urge all parents out there to head to The Scholastic Store and purchase educational books and toys that are actually fun! Not only will your kids love it, but don’t be surprised when you also learn a thing or two along the way.

And make sure you remember to redeem The Scholastic Store coupons by December 17 for 25% off all orders! I know what you’re all thinking – “Perfect! Just in time for Christmas!” You’d better believe it!

(And hey, I heard that when Santa gives the elves a day off at his workshop, the Man in Red takes a gander at The Scholastic Store’s selection. He’s gotta keep up-to-date on the latest children’s toys, right?)

These make great presents and/or stocking stuffers:

• The Girls’ Book: How to Be the Best at Everything - A little feminism goes a long way
• Big Brain Academy Board Game - Because you can never be too smart or too funny
• Good Manners Flash Cards - I can actually say now that ‘flashing’ is part of proper etiquette
• Smart Mouth - Be rewarded for getting lippy with this amusing word game that the whole family can play
• The Official Icky Poo Book - If the title alone doesn’t make you want to buy it, then you’ve lost your inner child

You could easily spend a full day just browsing the e-shelves full of unique items on sale at The Scholastic Stores. And how convenient – you have until December 17 to decide which to purchase. Happy holidays and happy shopping!

December 9th – It was on this day in history in 1965 that A Charlie Brown Christmas movie premiered. It’s that time of year, everyone! Have you heard the bells ringing in the back of your head and are you getting as giddy as a child? I know I am. I loooooove Christmas time. The lights and decorations, the smell of fresh ginger cookies…oh man I’m getting excited. If you’ve been busy and haven’t had a chance to get Christmafied yet, then have no fear, FabulousSavings coupons are here! We’ll link you to all the best merchants with amazing Christmas inventory and low prices. Use our free Current Catalog coupons, Target coupons, and SmartBargains coupons to get your home ready for the holidays:

• Current Catalog – 10% off charming knitted stockings, tree ornaments, welcome mats & more on orders over $50
• Target – $5 off artificial trees, indoor & outdoor lights, wreaths, gifts, stockings stuffers & more on orders over $50
• Smart Bargains – 10% off blankets, throws, comforters, pillows, towels & more for guests that stay over

1992 – New Jersey Devils Organization Announces That It Will Change Its Colors – On this day in history the New Jersey Devils jerseys were changed to the black, red, and white design that you see today. For you hardcore fans out there, sporting your colors at the big game is a must. But now you can find jerseys with your favorite players name and number for less at the NHL Shop! Use our exclusive NHL Shop coupons to save 15% on your purchase! Score some great savings and cool hockey fan gear today!

Famous Birthday

Tre Cool, 36 – He’s the drummer for Green Day. I can honestly say that I’ll never forget his name. Who can forget a name like Tre Cool? If you know someone with a funny or unique name, then head over to PersonalCreations.com for gifts that’ll make them smile. Discover personalized picture frames, pillow cases, key chains and more. Use our free PersonalCreations.com coupons to save 20% today!

Christmas Card Day – So, did you receive any Christmas cards yet? I haven’t! I reminded you the other day on Letter Writing Day to get some snazzy holiday cards. Personally, I love getting cards and I keep all my cards. I’ve had cards since I was 5 years old! It’s been a tradition in my house to hang up Christmas cards on a string or place them on the mantle. My aunt usually tapes them to the door frames in her living room. Since I’m so used to it, it doesn’t look tacky at all. And it works out in your favor if the people who sent you a card come over the visit. They’ll see just how much you appreciated their card! Nonetheless, today’s holiday nor the Christmas card itself wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Sir Henry Cole who invented the first Christmas card in 1843. Wow! I wonder what it looked like and what kind of message it read. If you’re looking for holiday cards or personalized gifts check out Expressionery.com. Save 20% on Christmas and holiday cards, stationery and photo stationery for a twist on an old classic when you use Expressionery.com coupons.

National Pastry Day - I know we’re in the holiday season; however, can we refrain from all these sweet holidays? National Pastry Day? Come on! Pastries are like the most gourmet kind of dessert out there! Uhh oh well, it looks like we have to abide by this holiday as well! Not to brag or anything, I am a pretty good baker; however, pastries are super hard to make. My mom has attempted to make pastries before, and they flopped! They’re really hard I’m telling you. That’s why we have pastry chefs who make them for us! I’m not trying to discourage you in any sort of way. If you happen to be a pretty good pastry chef, then more power to you. It’s just a difficult art to master because baking requires precision, and it’s almost like a science. If you try to wing it, it’ll backfire on you. So on National Pastry Day, I say you get ready for the holidays by checking out Cheryl Co. Receive free ground shipping on orders under $50 on gourmet pastries, cookies and cakes when you use Cheryl Co. coupons.