Mad Hatter Day - What a truly silly and nonsensical holiday it is today! Mad Hatter was the fictional character in the story “Alice Adventures in Wonderland.” This silly character can be argued to be the most recognizable figure in popular culture. His first appearance in the Alice story is at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Now, I don’t know much about this story; however, I know that the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has become such a huge party theme at Halloween parties and birthdays too. How would it not? Just take a look at a Mad Hatter themed party and all you’ll see is bright costumes, eccentric people and all around silliness. No one knows what the point of any of it is; yet everyone seems to be having a BLAST. I loveee parties like that! So today I encourage you to act just like a big ball of silliness just like our friend Mad Hatter! You could throw your own tea party or perhaps plan your Halloween costume party! Getting excited? I know I am! For great costume ideas from this classic story, head over to BuyCostumes! Save 10% on discount Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland costumes for adults, teens and kids on orders of $50 or more when you use BuyCostumes coupons.

National Noodle Day - Noodles are a great way to whip up a fast meal during the week when you come home from work and are in a rush. Noodles are also very resourceful. They’re cheap, can feed a small army and can easily be transformed into deep dishes like cannelloni, lasagna, macaroni and cheese casseroles. Coming from an Italian background, I’ve had to eat pasta at least four times a week…sometimes every day! I know, poor me right? I never used to complain when I was a kid because I thought it was normal. As I got older, I started realizing that there’s so much more to life than noodles every night! Since this revolutionary discovery, my mom has cut back on the number of times we eat noodles. And wouldn’t you know it, it seems everyone has done the complete opposite! My non-Italian friends call me up and ask me how to make pasta! Can you believe it?! I can’t! So today on National Noodle Day, I say you make a noodle dish for yourself, your family or whoever else you normally feed! First head over to Cooking.com for great recipes and amazing deals. Save 10% on discount Le Creuset cookware, Kaiser bakeware and more top brand cooking products when you use Cooking.com coupons.

September 23rd - It was on this day in history in 1961 that a movie went on to become a hit TV series: How to Marry a Millionaire.  The three knockouts who starred in the 1953 movie were Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and the famous Marilyn Monroe. The movie was such a hit that it was turned into a TV series. The series had very high ratings and became popular fast. Pop yourself some popcorn and get cozy on the couch. DVDs at Alibris are on sale for less. And they have the How to Marry a Millionaire DVD that started in it all. Use free Alibris coupons for free shipping on orders of $49 or more!

1962 - ABC’s 1st Color TV Series The Jetsons Premiers - The family sitcom was great! It portrayed an American family that lived in a futuristic utopia type of world.  Today, there are still so many people that remember and love this show. Costume stores still sell Jestons costumes as customers seem to demand them.  Women can find sexy Jane & Judy costumes on sale and pet owners can even find adorable Astro pet costumes for their dog or cat! Head over to BuyCostumes today and get ready for Halloween as it’s just around the corner. Be sure to redeem our free BuyCostume coupons for 10% off orders of $60 or more!

Famous Birthday

Jason Alexander, 49 - Remember hyperactive, paranoid George Castanza from Seinfeld? He was great! But poor George was always a little insecure about his hair loss. There were many episodes when he’d wear a hat he thought looked cool, but that Elaine was fast to laugh at. Or he’d wear a wig with confidence, only to have Elaine rip it off his head and toss it out a window when she thought George was becoming too confident. And then there were other episodes when he’s try new creams that…again…Elaine would tell him smelled awful. Poor George! There are shampoos that help stimulate new hair growth in men and women. They don’t make your nose wrinkle with distaste, but actually have pleasant scents. You can find such shampoos and conditioners at Beauty.com for less. Use our exclusive Beauty.com coupons for $10 off purchases of $60 or more.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Ahoy Matey! How arrre you today? Well, I’m excited because today is Interrrrrrrnational Talk Like a Pirate Day! You know what that means…there’s going to be shenanigans everywhere you go today. Can you imagine if we all went around talking like a bunch of pirates? We would be grunting and growling, and I bet you no one would understand each other. I’m sure everyone out there just like me wishes they could have a different accent for the day or forever. In my opinion, you take on a totally new persona and attitude when you speak in a different accent. Like say you were a pirate, you would be a very shaky and rough around the edges kind of person. Or, if you were English, you’d be very prim and proper. Nonetheless, today’s holiday is meant to inspire fun and silliness in everyone. If you’re disappointed that you could only talk like a pirate without anyone considering you’re crazy once a year, then I say be a pirate for Halloween so you could do it all over again! Just head over to BuyCostumes. Save 10% on discount pirate costumes, accessories and decorations when you use BuyCostumes coupons and spend $50 or more.

National Butterscotch Pudding Day - There are people who fall into the chocolate category, and there are people who fall into the vanilla category. And then there are those who love…butterscotch? Yes…the butterscotch category. People who fall into this category are not sweet nor plain; they’re a little bit of both. By now you should know I’m kind of a picky person when it comes to certain things…like food. I’d never give up my chocolate for butterscotch. It just won’t happen. Now butterscotch pudding is different, and I would totally choose it over vanilla (still wouldn’t give it up for chocolate). I kind of feel bad for butterscotch since it’s not as popular as the two other flavors people tend to obsess over. If I wasn’t so fixated on chocolate, I’d totally be crazy for butterscotch. Since today is meant to celebrate butterscotch pudding you should serve this traditional fall time hearty dessert this season. Get more people interested in this tasty dessert and start them off slow with Dale and Thomas Popcorn. Save 15% on butter toffee and walnut crunch popcorn treats and gifts when you use Dale and Thomas Popcorn coupons on orders of $85 or more.

Chicago always goes big. It’s a place for mammoth deep dish pizzas, towering skyscrapers, six major sports teams and some of the most-visited museums and aquariums in the world. And when it comes to family travel, Chi-Town delivers big time.

And now you can save at all the most popular Chicago family hotels. Book through Orbitz, and you land the guaranteed lowest rate. Then, redeem your Orbitz coupons and take an additional 10% off your stay!

• Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago - Highly affordable River North hotel with suites big enough for the kids
• Hilton Chicago - Upscale hotel with family perks & 2 bathrooms in many of the suites
• Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown - Free meals for kids, plus video games available in every room

Expect to have your itinerary packed with fun excursions to places sure to please moms, dads and kids. Every neighborhood in Chicago offers dozens of spots to check out, but here are some downtown attractions that you won’t want to miss:

• Millennium Park - See the one-of-a-kind Crown Fountain or skate around the Tribune Rink in the winter
• Navy Pier - Check out the Ferris wheel, IMAX theatre & Chicago Children’s Museum
• Shedd Aquarium - Discover more than 2,100 species & catch a glimpse of the undersea world

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State Street Halloween Happening Parade (October 25)

Let’s face it: kids love Halloween almost as much as they love their birthdays. If you’re in Chicago with your family on October 25, then bring the costumes and take your kids to the State Street Parade for trick-or-treating, circus performers and a costume contest!

Having trouble finding the right Halloween costume? BuyCostumes can help. Find all sorts of looks, from creepy to cutesy, for the whole family - pets included! Order now and get 10% off orders of $50 or more with your BuyCostumes coupons.

September 5th - It was on this day in history in 1991 that John Travolta married Kelly Preston. As happy as I am for the two of them, I’m even happier that there’s a way for people to get the perfect Saturday Night Fever or Grease look for costume parties. Remember Travolta in these films? He looked fantastic! You can too. Just head over to BuyCostumes for 60s and 70s costumes on sale. And redeem exclusive BuyCostume coupons for a 10% discount when you spend $50 or more.

1999 - Athens, Greece Selected for 2004 Olympics - This has to be pretty exciting for a country. For about 16 days, the whole world is watching them. And every athlete that gets chosen to go there is filled with excitement and good intentions. Olympics give athletes the chance to grab hold of their dreams. Whether they’re diving, cycling, running or swimming, one thing’s for sure, they need performance-oriented gear.  For the ultimate sports apparel and equipment, head over to Dicks Sporting Goods where you’ll find lowered prices as well. And redeem exclusive Dicks Sporting Goods coupons for an additional 15% off!

Famous Birthday

Rose McGowen, 35 - She was one of the pouty-lipped sisters on charmed. She also appeared on the spine-chilling movie Scream (the very 1st one). Do you always wish you had her red, heart-shaped lips? Well, you can. Get naturally large lips with a deep oink color by heading over to Beauty.com.  Choose from an array of low-priced lip enhancer glosses and redeem free Beauty.com coupons for $10 off when you spend $60 or more.

August 20th - It was on this day in history in 1972 that Barbara Streisand recorded We’ve Only Just Begun.  Not only has she set records as a female artist to sell the most albums worldwide, but she’s also on the short list of entertainers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar AND a Tony. She’s successful in all aspects of her career as a singer, songwriter and actress.

1992 - 100th Episode of Murphy Brown is Aired - She played the part of a determined journalist who was driven, especially when she was told that she couldn’t accomplish something.  She was always dressed in a power suit that captured the essence of her sharp character. Whether she was in a two-piece pant or skirt suit, she always looked sleek and sophisticated. If you want to exude that classy look, head over to Avenue for discount women’s career wear. And save $20 when redeem free Avenue coupons and spend $100 or more.

Famous Birthday

Amy Adams, 34 - She was the red head with the captivating voice in the recent hit movie Enchanted.  It was fun to watch two eras in time clash like that. The whole movie was like a fun costume party. For gorgeous princess costumes like the ones worn by Amy Adams in Enchanted, head over to BuyCostumes. Use our exclusive BuyCostumes coupons to save 10% when you spend $50 or more.

August 14th - It was on this day in history in 1965 that Sonny & Cher’s I Got You Babe hit # 1.  Those two really knew how to entertain an audience. Make a grand entrance at your next costume party by coupling up with someone in Sonny & Cher costumes.  You’ll be the life of the party, trust me. For discounted Sonny & Cher costumes on sale, just head over to BuyCostumes for an array of choices. And use our free BuyCostumes coupons for 10% off your purchase when you spend $50 or more.

1979 - A Rainbow Seen in Northern Wales for 3 Hours - Wow, I rarely get to see a rainbow, and these folks get to look at one for three hours.  The next time I know rain’s in the forecast, I’m gonna sit outside and wait for one…even if I only get a short glimpse. But I won’t rely on the weather man to tell me the forecast, he’s always wrong.  In fact, I’d like his job for a day…it seems to be the only job where you can be completely wrong everyday and never get fired. Anyway, instead of relying on the local weather channel to get it wrong again, just use accurate rain instruments instead. Head over to Wind and Weather for rain instruments that predict rain fall, temperature, humidity and more. This way, you can plan your whole day without being surprised. Use out Wind and Weather coupons for 35% off your purchase.

Famous Birthday

Danielle Steel, 61 - Drama, drama, drama. Her books always take you on an emotional journey of excitement whether it be joy, anger, jealousy or sadness. Each story’s characters are so easy to relate to, it’s impossible not to get completely tangled up in the plot.  Head over to Target today and pick up a book by Danielle Steel. And use our free Target coupons to save $5 when you spend $50 or more.

August 11th - It was on this day in history in 1962, that The Beach Boys released Surfin’ Safari.  There were a lot of women that went temporarily mad when these guys came out on stage. What was it about them that did that to women? Oooooh…the “beach boy” look - that careless-yet-sexy, laid-back ensemble put together via the Hawaiian shirt & pant. Ya, that’ll do it. So gentlemen, dress like you’re on the tropical island and turn some heads today. Head over to BlueFly and find the classic Tommy Bahama collection for men for that sexy beach boy flair. Use our exclusive BlueFly coupons for 10% off your purchase when you spend $100 or more.

1985 - Nightmare on Elm Street 5 Premiers - A few blogs ago I mentioned that my brother spent most of his years growing up playing pranks on me. Well, these movies only added fuel to the fire. Did I mention that my brother’s name is FREDDY? Ya, that’s right. He even went so far as to dress up as Freddy Kruger - striped shirt, burnt face and all - and played that terrifying One-two-Freddy’s-coming-for-you song in the background as he chased me through the house. Where were my parents you ask? Oh, they were out and trusted sweet-old Fred to babysit his little sister. Why did I not tell on him, you ask? Because there were a lot of other horror movies in the early 90s like Michael Myers and Jason…I knew I’d face these guys too if I ever said a word. Wanna show up to a costume party as one of these scary characters? Then head over to BuyCostumes for a huge collection at low prices. And redeem exclusive BuyCostumes coupons for a 10% discount when you spend $50 or more.

Famous Birthday

Hulk Hogan, 55 - He turns 55 today and he’s still built like a machine! It just goes to show that no matter how old you are, you can sculpt your body into the shape you desire. Simply exercising daily can help. Use our free Dicks Sporting Good coupons for 15% off a home gym. Head over to Dicks Sporting Goods now and also discover more low-priced gym equipment like weights.

August 6th - It was on this day in history in 1996 that NASA announced that life may have existed on Mars. This doesn’t seem like a far-fetched assumption. I find it very hard to believe that we’re the only life form in the entire universe.  But that’s a whole blog on its own. Do you envision these other life forms to be what we see in movies? The green long n’ lanky body with huge cantaloupe-shaped head and protruding almond-shaped eyes?  Well, this is the idea that most people have, so at the next costume part you’re invited to, wear one of these costumes. It’s sure to freak some people out. Head over to BuyCostumes for eerie alien costumes on sale. And use our free BuyCostumes coupons for 10% off when you spend $50 or more. 

1997 - Microsoft Announces It Will Invest $150 Million into Apple Corp Inc. - Wow, that’s a lot of dough. Probably why Apple Corp Inc. is a leader in its industry with hundreds of innovated products that make life easier and more fun. Take the iPhone for example…that thing does everything except bring you breakfast in bed! Get Apple Corp Inc. products for less with our coupons for Second Act. Discover refurbished Apple electronics on sale now. And use our free Second Act coupons for 6% off your purchase total.

Famous Birthdays

M. Night Shyamalan, 38 - He’s the director of such spine-shilling films as The Sixth Sense, Signs and Lady in the Water.  These films all touch upon certain things that all of us are scared of, or at least question a few times in our lifetime. The idea of ghosts lost and wandering among us, aliens taking over the planet and harming us, and old folklores told to us as children coming true…like the Boogie Man! I think that’s why Shyamalan’s movies are always a success, because they touch a certain part of us that longs to experience such thing, though we’re deathly afraid of them. In the mood to freak yourself out now? Head over to Target for low-priced DVDs on sale now. And redeem free Target Coupons for $5 off when you spend $50 or more.

When you’re heading to Vegas to party, not all resorts are created equal. Make sure that your hotel packs all the right features to give you some of the best nights of your life.

Let the Professor guide the way to the party hotels that would floor even the cast of Entourage. And the best part? Book through Orbitz and get the guaranteed lowest price. Plus, redeem your Orbitz coupon and save an additional 10% off your stay!

Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas

• Body English, one of the hottest clubs in the city
• DJ-hosted pool parties every Sunday to help cure weekend hangovers
• The Joint, Vegas’ first rock club

The Palms Casino Resort

• Playpen Suites, designed specifically for bachelor & bachelorette parties
• Bass-heavy beats at the Moon Nightclub
• Scantily-clad Bunny Dealers at the Playboy Club

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

• Sexy gaming & hot dealers at the Pleasure Pit
• Dance at Privé, the most stylish club in Vegas

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream Party at the Palms Casino (August 16)

For the first time ever, the Playboy Mansion’s legendary annual party is going down in Sin City. Don’t miss your chance to party with celebrities, VIPs and, of course, the Bunnies.

This year’s party theme is “Masquerade in the King’s Court” - and costumes are required. But don’t let that stop you. Shop BuyCostumes and choose from a huge assortment of cool looks perfect for the party. Get 10% off $50 or more with your BuyCostumes coupon.