The “Duchess” Who Wasn’t Day - Today we’re celebrating Irish romantic fiction author Margaret Wolfe Hungerford. I’m sure by first name you don’t have a clue who I’m talking about. Well, take a look at today’s holiday. Margaret was “The Duchess.” It was her pen name, of course! She made the line ”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” famous. She was quite a mysterious woman. I mean, you’d think she was wanted by police since she never published her books under her real name. Her first books were published anonymously, then under the name “Mrs. Hungerford” and then later under ”The Duchess.” I can’t really judge her for having a code name. Look at me! I hope you didn’t think my real name was “Stars.” Maybe you can create your own pseudonym today (if you don’t already have one). Check out Expressionery.com and send out holiday cards to friends and family and sign your pseudonym instead of your real name. They’ll be clueless for years! If you love my genius prank, then use Expressionery.com coupons to save 20% on photo note cards, fold cards and holiday cards!

Banana Lover’s Day - Besides how delicious bananas taste in dessert dishes, they’re an amazing source of potassium. Yawnnn, boring! Don’t get me wrong, bananas taste good on their own; however, you’re talking to the sweet tooth master, so in my opinion, the fruit needs some jazzing up! You should celebrate today by eating all sorts of banana desserts. Like what, you wonder? Well, start with a slice of banana bread for your morning snack, then after lunch, indulge in banana pudding or a banana parfait…MmMmM. That was the “healthy” part. At night you might want to get a little wilder…banana wild. How does baked bananas sound? Orrrrrrrrr, a banana milkshake. OH MY! It’s so good it should be a crime. If you want to make any of these easy and yummy banana desserts, then get yourself a blender, mixer or masher from Cooking.com. Take advantage of Cooking.com coupons and save 10% on a KitchenAid, Breadman or Cuisinart products!

National Filet Mignon Day - Why does everyone get so intimidated when a type of food is talked about in a different language, like Filet Mignon? It’s French for dainty fillet, which is a fancy way of saying that the tenderloin has been cut into smaller portions before cooking. Ahhh! Learn something new everyday, huh? Great! Now that I helped you over this hurdle, onto the next: serving filet mignon at your next get-together or private dinner for two with your special someone (hint hint, make this tonight). OK, so now that you know what it is, all you have to do is go to your local butcher or the meat department in the grocery store and get some filets to go. Then, it’s easy as heading over to Cooking.com, finding the perfect Filet Mignon recipe and the required tools you need. Take advantage of Cooking.com coupons and save 10% on discount Cuisinart and Calphalon cookware and bakeware. Bon Appetit! (That’s French for “enjoy your meal”)

National Underwear Day - My friends - don’t use the excuse that wearing underwear is too uncomfortable. And, unless you’re part of a nudist colony, underwear should be the first thing you take off and put on in the morning. Cheesh! What’s that you say? You don’t find underwear stylish or flattering? Well, excuuuuuuuuuse me! Underwear doesn’t have to be - they go UNDER your clothes, duh! If you can’t find cute and flirty underwear, now that’s a different story, and it’s probably because you haven’t been looking in the right spot. Check out Bare Necessities for all your intimate apparel, representing both your sassiness and flair for style. Get free shipping on discount women’s underwear and lingerie and men’s underwear styles when you use Bare Necessities coupons. Trust me, you’ll barely feel like you’re wearing any!

Other August 13 Holidays -

• Herbert Hoover Day
• Blame Someone Else Day

Father-in-Law Day - Well, well, well…Look who decides to wake up as soon as you hear the words “IN LAW.” I understand where you’re coming from - you want to make a lasting impression so you can get that seal of approval you so desperately seek. Well, I’ve got news for you. If you already married your husband/wife, you don’t need any approval because your spouse has made a decision to marry you, so stop worrying! And, secondly, you’re not marrying your in-laws, unless it’s one of those families where the family motto is “You marry my son/daughter, you’re marrying the family!” If you fall into this category, then surprise your father-in-law today. I bet you he doesn’t know it’s Father-in-Law Day, unless he reads this. Either way, he’ll be surprised with your thoughtfulness, so head over to ProGolf for amazing deals for the golf fanatic you know and for your own dad. Use ProGolf coupons and save 10% on discount golf equipment, drivers, balls, footwear, gloves and much more when you spend $100 or more!

National Cheesecake Day - What is this…just because yesterday was “Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day,” today should be renamed “Make Up For Lost Cheese Day.” Can you people resist yourselves! OK, so now can we get back to this conveniently planned holiday? Great! Cheesecake - plain, chocolate, strawberry, cherry blueberry, caramel…you name it, I’ll eat it! I’m never too full or too sick to eat a slice of this heavenly creation. I think I just had an idea…why not combine the two holidays today?! Now we’re talking! Make an outstanding impression that’ll have your father-in-law talking for years by baking your own cheesecake. (Cue the crickets). It’s really not that hard to make, all you need is a few packages of cream cheese, flavorings of your choice, vanilla, eggs and a spring form pan. Don’t know where to get one? Cooking.com, of course! And, you’ll find a top notch recipe there too. So, use Cooking.com coupons and save 10% on discount bakeware, spring form pans, mixers and more!

July 28th - It was on this day in history in 1586 that Sir Thomas Harriot introduced potatoes to Europe. I loooooove potatoes. Whether you fry’ em, bake’ em, barbeque’ em, or grill’ em, they’re sooooo yummy! For recipes and cooking tools that help you create delicious potato side dishes or casseroles, head over to Cooking.com. Use our free Cooking.com coupons to save 10% on a T-Fal Deep Fryer for the crispiest potatoes. And save on calories too as this puppy’s got a filtration system that helps drain excess oil!

1951 - Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is Released - This movie can grip a child’s imagination and show them how limitless their abilities are to play and wonder. Meeting charismatic characters and whimsical games played along the way, Alice takes you on a journey that’s both educative and fun. Bring a little wonder into your child’s room and watch their little imaginations take flight. Head over to Art Select today for discounted wall art from Alice in Wonderland. Be sure to use out free Art Select coupons to save 15% on your purchase.

Famous Birthday

Rick Wright, 63 - He was the lead keyboardist in Pink Floyd who wrote the song The Great Gig in the Sky. Did you ever want to be a rock star? Let me rephrase that. Would you like to be a rock star? All you need to do is play your heart out on your favorite instrument…and occasionally whip your hair around. Just head over to Instrument Pro to choose your tool of talent. Use our free Instrument Pro coupons to save 10% on your purchase.

Peach Ice Cream Day - No surprise here! Peaches and summertime go hand in hand. Add ice cream to the mix and you’ve got yourself one explosive flavor that’ll cool you down on the hottest days. Something tells me you can sacrifice chocolate and vanilla ice cream for just one day, and indulge in sweet peach ice cream. There are so many ways to use it! Speaking from a baker’s perspective, peach ice cream can be a topper on almost any summertime dessert. It’ll become your go-to ice cream flavor all year, not just on July 17! Wow your friends at the next party you host by serving this alternative flavor. And, might I suggest you make your own? Go to Cooking.com and pick up a nifty ice cream maker. It’s really simple, I promise! Mix the ingredients, peach flavoring of course, pour it in the maker and leave it alone. By the way, use Cooking.com coupons and save 10% on a discount ice cream maker and scooper!

Get to Know Your Customers Day - Ever walk into a high-end store and a sales associate took one look at your outfit/appearance and didn’t bother to assist you? It’s happened to me before, and I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman whenever it happens! There are some sales associates who do develop bonds with their customers. So, why not thank them today for not only giving you their business (and commission)…but also by being someone who makes you feel like you accomplished something just by helping them in the smallest way? Develop a relationship with Current Catalog, as you start to become a loyal customer of theirs! Pick up some personalized cards and other special keepsakes that your long-time customer will appreciate. And, get it for less by saving 10% on orders of $50 or more with Current Catalog coupons.

National Fried Chicken Day - Christmas has arrived early, and my gift to you is the ultimate guiltiest pleasure - fried chicken! Today’s “holiday” is your excuse to sink your teeth into crispy, tender and greasy, yet delicious fried chicken. Don’t fear the ‘C’ words - calories and cholesterol! Try some healthy alternatives to this mouthwatering meal with recipes from Cooking.com. While you’re at it, replace those beat up old pots and pans with discount name brand cookware and bakeware using Cooking.com coupons and save 10%. Ignore the stares and glares. Indulge in all the goodness that is good ol’ fried chicken!

Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day - Does your webmaster make a daily or hourly drop in just to make sure everything is up to speed? Is he listed as number one on your speed dial? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, then you’re due to pay him back for all the times he’s come to your rescuse. Surprise your webmaster today with a lunch at his favorite restaurant. Of course, you would need to find that out beforehand! Or, get ideas from Restaurant.com, and since you’re already there, save up to 60% on your meal using Restaurant.com coupons.

It seems like everyone except you fled the city for the 4th of July long weekend. But don’t worry. You’ll have the last hurrah because while they’re stuck in bottleneck traffic, you’ll be sitting pretty at home, scouting out fantastic free coupons for Boot Barn, Cooking.com, and National Pet Pharmacy. (Maybe you’ll even be sippin’ on some refreshing iced tea, too.)

Cooking.com Coupons - Expire July 9

Don’t wait until a special event before you attempt a new recipe. Try it in advance so you get it just right. Save on a spatula, frying pan, or any other cooking essential. Get 15% off a single item!

Boot Barn Coupons - Expire July 8

Kicking and screaming when you find the perfect pair because the shoes cost an arm, a leg, and a quarter of your month’s pay? Keep your voice down, and start cooing because you can enjoy 15% off your order of sandals, heels, and more!

National Pet Pharmacy Coupons - Expire July 11

Hey, the holidays don’t always have to be about you. Treat Fluffy, Fido, or your fine feathered friend to a new cozy bed or flea and tick remedies. Okay, so flea and tick products aren’t really a treat, but your pets will appreciate being rid of the annoying critters. And so will you.

Hurry though! These free discount coupons won’t last forever. Save while you still can! And check out my previous 2 Bargain Bonanza posts today for more July 4th celebration sales.

Celebrate your own independence on this July 4th by making it a point to be independent from your car today. There are lots of free online coupons to help you save money. So leave the gas tank full for your next work commute, and let’s go shopping with the click of your mouse!

Kohl’s Coupons (Expire July 5)

There’s no better way to embrace or beat the heat this summer than by hitting the beach. Be sure to save on everything you need to step out into the sunshine by using coupons for Kohl’s for 60-65% off beach towels, 50% off men’s swimwear, and 50% off young men’s shorts!

Restaurant.com Coupons (Expire July 6)

Here’s some food for thought: Restaurant.com has the solution for even the pickiest dinner guests - give them the gift of dinner memberships and gift cards. Super savings include 50% off Dinner of the Month Club purchase and 50% off $25 Gift Certificates (Now Just $5)!

Szul Coupons (Expire July 7)

Add some sparkle to your life, or send a special gift to a special someone. Now you can truly shower them with presents because at Szul, you’ll get free shipping and 15% off everything!

Check back again soon for even more stunning deals that’ll help you save your hard-earned money!

Fudge Day - Every summer I look forward to the Canadian National Exhibition (otherwise known as the CNE) that takes place here each August. Not because of the rides, or the numerous events that occur for two fun-filled weeks. No, I start anticipating the delicious bags of fudge sold in the food tent each year! My biggest decision is choosing which flavors I’ll spend my day indulging in. I usually splurge on a slab each of maple walnut and rocky road chocolate fudge. There’s no need to wait for annual events to enjoy this sweet snack. Visit Cooking.com and pick up a low-priced set of Calphalon non-stick bake-ware. Use free Cooking.com coupons and take 10% off!

May 29th - There’s A LOT of famous birthdays today. I guess that means there’ll just have to be more coupons…what a shame, eh? Get ready to save some serious cash, people!

1919 - Charles Strite Patents Pop-Up Toaster - I use my toaster every single morning. If it ever broke, there’s no saying what my day would be like. If you like your bread golden and crispy, then head over to Cooking.com for the ultimate toaster. Use Cooking.com coupons for 10% off a single item.

1942 - Bing Crozby Records White Christmas Album - This is the greatest selling record to date. During the holidays, it’s a great gift for a friend. And when you include a personalized Christmas card from your heart straight to theirs from Expressionery.com, I guarantee there’ll be waterworks. Find holiday cards on sale and use Expressionery.com coupons for 20% off your total! 

Famous Birthdays

Melanie Janine Brown, 33 - Want this Spice Girl member’s curly locks and smooth skin? Just shop at BuyBeauty and use BuyBeauty coupons for 10% off outstanding hair products that boost curls and skincare moisturizes that give skin a radiant glow.

Noel Gallagher, 41 - He’s the talented singer and songwriter who plays the guitar & bass guitar, drums and keyboard. Choose the instrument of your choice at Instrument Pro and play your heart out like Noel. Use Instrument Pro coupons for 10% off everything!

Melissa Etheridge, 46 - She’s a singer, song writer and musician who’s won academy awards for her amazing contributions to the music world. Her style is sleek and sophisticated with a little edge. Use Avenue coupons for $20 off when you spend $100 or more on leather boots, blazers, denim jeans and more on sale now at Avenue.