There’s a simple reason why Central Park is the most visited park in the entire country - it’s beautiful. But don’t take my word for it. Picture lakes, ponds, walking tracks, ice skating rinks and acres of woodland, all in the center of Manhattan.

If that’s not enough to convince you, then make plans to discover the park’s appeal for yourself. Find the guaranteed lowest rate on Central Park hotels at Orbitz. Plus, take an additional 10% off your stay by booking with Orbitz coupons!

• Excelsior Hotel New York - Landmark hotel in the Upper West Side, not far from the park reservoir
• Le Parker Meridien - Upscale accommodations with a cozy boutique atmosphere
• Park Central New York - Timeless elegance just a few blocks south of the park
• WooGo Central Park - Discount, apartment-style lodging with full kitchens

The list of must-see destinations in and around Central Park is long enough to keep you busy for days on end. Just a select few includes:

• Central Park Zoo - Featuring an indoor rainforest, polar bear pool, penguin house & more
• Metropolitan Museum of Art - Pieces from every period of history, from Ancient Egypt through present day
• Tavern on the Green - Award-winning restaurant with gorgeous dining rooms overlooking the park

Tell Me What’s Going On

NFL Opening Kickoff 2008 Concert at Columbus Circle (September 4)

Even if you’re not a fan of Usher, Keith Urban or Natasha Bedingfield, you’re probably a fan of free concerts. So take a short stroll from Times Square to Columbus Circle and watch a free show - Mayor Bloomberg himself is calling the whole city out to celebrate!

And since this is a show to kick-off the new NFL season, you better show up with the right outfit. Get to NFL Shop and find the hats, jerseys and other apparel you need to look like a real fan. Get 15% off orders over $90 with your NFL Shop coupons.

August 29th - It was on this day in history in 1964 that Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins was released. I give it credit for my very active imagination today. Scenes like the one when Mary Poppins and the children jumped into a painting that they liked are amazing ways to get kids to imagine. It lets kids know that their minds are limitless and anything is possible. However, my very favorite scene is when Mary Poppins arrives in her room and begins unpacking. She has a carry-on type bag with her and starts pulling out clothes…knick knacks and…FURNITURE! The kids just watched her in amazement. Then she pulls out this loooooong standing lamp. Genius! Since this is my favorite part of the movie, I’m thinking a coupon for large bags and purses would fit. For large and stylish bags that you can literally carry your house in, head over to Avenue. Discover designer handbags and save 15% with exclusive Avenue coupons.

1968 - First U.S. Open Tennis Match - I used to think tennis was an easy sport, until I played it. I was so sore the next day…muscles that I didn’t even know existed ached with a vengeance. It’s a tough game that demands skill and endurance. I learned my lesson in assuming it was easy, that’s for sure. However, even though most of my body cried out in pain, my feet felt fine! I realized right away that it was because I was wearing New Balance tennis shoes. It helps when you’re wearing performance-oriented gear. And there’s a store that offers THE BEST tennis shoes, apparel, rackets and equipment in the universe: Dicks Sporting Goods. Head over there now and use free Dicks Sporting Goods coupons for a 15% discount on everything!

Famous Birthday

Michael Jackson, 49 - I know what you’re thinking: he’s had more work done on him than all the playboy girls put together. But some people just aren’t happy with their appearance, and today there are ways to change that - over night! But, it costs a fortune turning yourself into another person. I believe that with a little body-firming cream, makeup applied correctly and bronzers, anyone can enhance their own features and beauty. They’ll be more radiant and best of all they’ll still be recognized by friends and family! So, if you’re ready to embrace your beauty, then head over to Beauty.com for a $10 discount when you spend $60 or more. Redeem Beauty.com coupons to claim this discount.

Sharing is caring, but when it comes to the common cold, by all means, please keep it to yourself! Sometimes all it takes is one person to singlehandedly infect the entire office. But it doesn’t have to be that way if you strengthen your immune system and take preventative measures to secure your health.

This is where GNC comes bouncing into the ring with boxing gloves on and ready to take on any opponent. With loads of vitamins and sports-nutrition products under its belt, this contender dodges no bullet and attacks at full throttle.

Knock out high prices, and never become a slave to them again when you use the free GNC coupons by September 30 for free shipping & 15% off orders of $100!

Fortify your immune system and overall sense of well-being with the following top products:

• GNC Women’s Ultra Mega Multivitamin - Get your daily dosage of calcium, B complex, Lycopene & other important building blocks
• Enzymatic Therapy Whole Body Cleanse - Flush out your system every once & a while so your body can better absorb nutrients
• FRS Antioxidant Health Chews - Boosting your energy level has never been as easy (or as tasty!)
• CytoSport Monster Milk - It delivers the protein you need after a hard workout to help you get seriously ripped
• Maramor Omega 3 Dark Chocolate Squares - No one’s ever told you to indulge in your antioxidants? They clearly haven’t tried this

Getting in the best shape of your life begins one day at a time. Take several steps closer to your health goals with your new friend, GNC.

August 25th - It was on this day in history that the first U.S. woman won in the Olympics. Ethelda Bleibtrey was a U.S. swimmer who won 3 gold medals at the Olympics in 1920. Watching the Olympics this year, I was blown away by the strength, endurance and determination of all the athletes. It must be a great feeling to represent your country and push yourself to such high goals. Do you enjoy surpassing limits and goals you’ve set for yourself? If so, then head over to Dicks Sporting Goods for outrageous deals on running shoes, activewear and hardcore sports gear. And save an additional 15% on discounted prices with exclusive Dicks Sporting Goods coupons.

1940 - First Parachute Wedding - Uuuuuh, isn’t getting married enough of a risk? Why do you have to do it while you’re in the air too? I guess some people need that risk factor in their life all the time. Not me! I like the ground - it’s hard, steady and unmoving. For those of you who enjoy non-stop action and adventure, maybe a trip filled with exploring is the perfect opportunity for you. Viator has some fantastic adventure tours for less. Plus, you’ll even save on car rentals, hotel stays and more! Just redeem exclusive Viator coupons for 7% off discount adventure tours!

Famous Birthday

Howie Dorough, 34 - He’s one of the singers from the Backstreet Boys…but he’s not one of the really popular ones. The thing with boy bands is that there’s one or two members that always stick out more than the rest. In videos and album covers, they’re usually in plain view and the rest of the members are kinda faded into the background. Sadly, I think Howie is one of the background guys. But hey, on the bright side, he does have amazing skin and hair! So when he does get a rare close up, he always looks very handsome. If you want baby smooth skin like Howie with dark rich hair, head over to ZIRH for men’s beauty products. Save 16% by redeeming ZIRH coupons when you spend $20 or more.

Ride the Wind Day - Why do I feel like singing that song “Free Falling” by Tom Petty when I see the title of today’s holiday? I’ll excuse you from my horrible singing and instead get right into Ride the Wind Day. Well, my friends, we’ve got two weekends left of summer ”vacation” (if you want to call it that), and somehow we’re all looking at each other wondering where it all went. So this holiday in a way is telling us to go wherever the wind takes us without worrying about your responsibilities. Since it’s a Saturday, you can take advantage of tons of fun outdoor activities that involve taking a ride on land, air or water. And luckily for you, I’ve got a whole bunch of savings at Orbitz AND Blades.com that you can’t pass up for anything. Hey, you can’t blame me for not living up the rest of your summer!

• Orbitz coupons - book your flight and hotel and get 10% off your discounted hotel stay anywhere in the world
• Blades.com coupons - 20% off discounted extreme sports equipment like inline skates and skateboards

…whichever activity you choose, kick back and allow the wind to be your guide…you won’t regret it!

National Sponge Cake Day - It’s spongy, light, airy and despite the plain taste of it, it’s still a favorite of the young and old alike. Being a baker myself, I have made my fair share of sponge cakes; however, since I have a bit of a sweet tooth (just a little bit), I usually slather the cake in French vanilla or chocolate icing. It gives the cake a depth of flavor that makes it taste so much better. FYI: If you’re unsure about what kind of cake to serve at your next birthday party or get-together, may I suggest a revamped version of the sponge cake? Holddd on a minute, before you grab a pen and paper to take down a foolproof recipe, you should totally hear out my sweet offer first. Ever hear of Bake Me a Wish? Well, they bake delectable classic cakes and 5% of your order goes toward two special charities. This company truly gives new meaning to the saying “You can have your cake and eat it too!”  Check out Bake Me a Wish coupons to take advantage of overnight delivery.

Probably not many people get as giddy about purple purses as I do, but lots of students do look forward to getting new schoolbags. They’re the one fashion accessory that they carry 5 days a week, so they should love it not just looks-wise, but also in terms of comfort.

Come visit Irv’s Luggage Warehouse to scout out the latest in the backpack department. Not only do these styles make the grade, but they go easy on those young shoulders.

And if you use the free Irv’s Luggage Warehouse coupons from August 22 through August 24, you’ll go easy on your pocketbook with 15% off hundreds of backpacks, messenger bags, and more at Irv’s Luggage Warehouse! (Some brands are excluded.)

Appease even the most finicky kid with one of these:

Even Dennis the Menace Would Give This Sling a Shot

Bag: Ameribag Microfiber Healthy Back Bag Medium

Why: The fuss-free single strap on this sling bag makes it easy to put on and take off. It’s ideal for students who carry only the essentials to school.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Bag: Harvey’s Seatbeltbag Mini Messenger Handbag

Why: The environmentally-conscious individual will appreciate this bag made of woven seatbelts. Not only does it look pretty darn cool, but because it’s made of seatbelts, it’s very durable, too.

More Fun than a Barrel of Monkeys

Bag: Little Packrats Monkey Backpack

Why: Kids will be kids. Let ‘em get into some mischief. It’s good for the soul, I say! This backpack features a large monkey face with huge ears & the biggest grin you ever saw!

Don’t wait another minute. Find all those and other great schoolbags for great prices at Irv’s Luggage Warehouse today!

Filed under: All Coupons, Babies & Kids, Bargain Bonanza, Fashion - All, Sports & Fitness

August 22nd - It was on this day in history in 565 that St. Columbus reported seeing a monster in Loch Ness. Hmmmmm, so is this where the term “The Loch Ness Monster” came from? I’ve always been intrigued by those late-night documentaries about huge, hairy animals like Big Foot being spotted in the woods. I’m not saying I’d camp out and wait to see one or anything, but if you’re that gutsy, then I’ve got some coupons for you. Head over to Sierra Trading Post for discount camping gear, binoculars & hunting tools. And for a whopping 30 - 70% discount, simply redeem exclusive Sierra Trading Post coupons.

1911 - Mona Lisa Stolen from the Louvre - Don’t worry, she was recovered some time in 1913.   If you want to decorate your home with Mona Lisa type portraits, landscape paintings or abstract art, you’ll find some great “steals” at Art Select.  For an exclusive 15% discount, simply redeem free Art Select coupons.   

Famous Birthday

Rachel Bilson, 27 - She’s the stunning brunette who played Summer Roberts on the hit TV series The OC. She was a typical valley girl obsessed with celebrity magazines, fashion trends and the beach. Her closet was filled with designer handbags and shoes that she loved. I could only envy and hate her when she’d walk into that big walk-in closet and say “Gosh, I have nothing to wear.”  But who can hate Summer Roberts? Especially when all you have to do to cure your jealousy is fill your own closet with designer goods from YOOX. Forget maxing the plastic - just use free YOOX couponsfor discount designer apparel & accessories with free shipping!

Whether you run to get or stay in shape, Road Runner Sports has tons to offer you from affordable workout clothing to the perfect pair of cushioned sneakers that make you feel unstoppable.

Use the free Road Runner Sports coupons by August 31 and reward yourself with free shipping and 10% off all orders!

You’ll save on your favorite brands including Asics, New Balance, Adidas, Nike, and Brooks. Check out the stylish kicks in store for women and men from size 5 all the way up to size 13.

Don’t wait for your next marathon shopping spree where the discounts may not be nearly as impressive. Sprint toward the savings today, and get your hands on all these and more for less:

• Women’s Nike Air Pegasus+ 25 - Do your research & you’ll discover that these are the most coveted running shoes for females because of the exceptional comfort & responsiveness
• Men’s ASICS GEL-Nimbus 10 - With its natural fit, it’s the natural choice for everyone from beginner to advanced joggers
• Women’s Nike Personal Best Long Sport Top - Never deal with straps that slip, thanks to the smart racerback design
• Men’s Nike 5″ Dri Fit Reflective Short - Wicks away sweat to keep you dry & has reflective tape to keep you visible when running in dimly-lit areas

Get ready to stretch your muscles and every dollar. When you shop at Road Runner Sports, you’ll see just how easy it is to do both.

Last night I was watching women’s gymnastics in the Olympic games, and I kept thinking how incredible it is that they can perfectly balance themselves on the beam through every pivot and backward tumble. (Gosh…Sometimes I trip over my own feet while walking on an empty sidewalk!)

But just because we’re not professional athletes doesn’t mean that we can’t pull off the perfect balancing act. By shopping with our free Finish Line coupons by August 18, we can balance our budget while still getting the most fashionable athletic gear around. It’s a cinch because you’ll get 20% off orders of $125! Now that deserves a perfect score.

Come buy all the latest arrivals that everyone wants to get their hands on from the new men’s Jordan Olympian Basketball Shoe to the women’s Baby Phat City Cat Vulcanized High. Kicks for comfort and kicks for style are never in dwindling numbers at Finish Line.

They carry these and other fine brands:

• Geox
• Lacoste
• The North Face
• Azzure
• Puma
• Converse

Make a statement on the b-ball court, zoom by your competitors in the race of endurance, and ensure you have enough shock impact with each step on the treadmill. Put your feet’s comfort at the top of your Priority List, and shop at Finish Line today!

August 13th - Okay people, it’s the middle of the week…we’re almost there! Soon it’ll be Friday evening, and your weekend can commence. Are you a need-to-party-hard kinda individual, or do you lean towards need-to-relax-and-unwind like I do?  Friday nights are perfect for unwinding. Since we still have some summer weekends ahead, make your own backyard the hot spot this Friday. Think of it, having a cold one in your hand, a book in the other…soft music in the background…and a cozy hammock rockin’ you gently back and forth. I’m sure you can take care of the beverage and book, so here’s a coupon for discounted hammocks on sale now at Smart Bargains. And for a 10% discount, just redeem exclusive Smart Bargains coupons!

1907 - First Taxi Cab - I wonder how this all started. Some regular Joe’s running through a terenchal down-pour and a car (perhaps it was big with a yellowish hue) stops beside him. A friendly driver offers to give the man a drive to wherever he needs to go. The man is so grateful to be out of the rain that upon arrival, he pays the driver. The driver refuses at first but then accepts the cash. When the man exits the car, the driver’s left eye brow arches up…he has an idea. That’s how I imagine the taxi service trend began.

Famous Birthday

Annie Oakley - She was a markswoman in the 1900’s. She became famous as her shot was always dead on target. Her fame grew considerably when Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was calmly smoking a cigarette…and she shot the ashes right of the tip of it! I wonder how many more cigarettes he nervously smoked after that.  If your shot’s as good as Annie Oakley’s, then you must be a licensed hunter. Get into the brush and practice you skills with discounted hunting gear from Sierra Trading Post. Use our free Sierra Trading Post coupons for 30 - 70% off camouflage suits, raincoats and more!