Veteran's Day Free or Discounted Dining Offers

 

Veteran's Day Free Meals and Discounts 

 

Many dining establishments offer free or discounted meals to military veterans on Veteran's Day. I've posted a few below, but visit The Military Wallet for more.

The Military Wallet has two notes:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

Applebee’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.

Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Dine-in only. Find a location near you.

Champps Americana, Nov. 11, 2013. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free hamburger (7 to choose from) and waffle fries from open to close on Monday, November 11, 2013. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). More info, Find a location near you.

Charley Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal from select menu with military ID or proof of service. Beverages and gratuity not included. Find a location near you.

Chili’s – free meal, Sunday, Nov. 11 2013. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Click here for many more options for Veteran's Day.

Discounts for People Over 50

I'm not over 50, but I know a few that are!

This compiled list of discounts, some starting as young as 50 years old, was taken from a Facebook share. The original Facebook post is here, and the text of it is also pasted below the image. Enjoy!

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently,I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 ...get 10% off everything on the menu, every day. (But you need to ASK for your discount.)

Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too. This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and howsome of them start at the young age of 50. This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.

Dunkin' Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 .
If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.

YOU must ASK for your discount !

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

CAR RENTAL:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - and remember -- YOU must ASK for discount ---- no ask, no discount.

Saturday 5k Race - I won! 26:51

I won the overall women's category in Saturday's 5k! My time was 26:51, with a pace of 8:36.

It was the Catholic Social Services "Saints and Sinners" 5k, held on the campus of Auburn University - Montgomery. There were some people in costumes. The children dressed up as angels were adorable!

Feels good to finally win one, after getting second loser in my age group time after time. It's motivating!

I read that Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe" song equals about a 10 minute mile. So I added it to my playlist...it was a little to slow, but appropriate because it came on during a hill.

Tuesday Morning Run - 1.85 miles

Really, I thought it would be 2 miles.

This morning was a light run. My pace was 8:41, which is a bit better than the 8:52 pace I ran on Saturday. Tiny victories!

I did listen to the Lorde Pure Heroine album for the entire run. I really like the flow of it. It's great for easy runs, and road trips. This morning's run is brought to you by Lorde "Tennis Court."

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k Race - 27:33

We ran the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5k. This was a well put-together race. We finished on the Riverwalk Stadium baseball field. I finished second in my age group! 27:33. I didn't think it was fast enough for anything until they posted the race results. I got a medal, too. So did everyone else. But it's a real metal medal. On a ribbon chain and everything. And the mayor was there high-fiving people as they crossed the finish line. That's a really cool thing to do, Mr. Mayor!

The route was uphill for the first mile. Really. Uphill. I was thinking the whole time, who does this to people? This definitely separates the runners from the...well...the highly motivated people that thought they were going to run it. By the 3/4 mile mark, we were dodging people that had already pooped out.

DB ran with me the whole time. Bless his heart. The last half mile he was pulling away from me, but kept looking over his shoulder to make sure I didn't quit (or die). But we finished together because he thought the finish line was the same as the start line. We still had a 1/4 mile to go when he thought we would be done. 

I will probably never wear the race t-shirt though. Oh, it's a nice shirt. Dry-wicking fabric and everything. The nicest quality shirt I've ever gotten for free. But the design...the little blue handprints are right on my boobs! Who approved this? 

This is the race t-shirt.

That second place win was great. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a good hour or so. DB thinks we can shave a minute and a half off our time, which would make me a contender for first place. That same time would put him in the top three, once he has his birthday and gets pushed into a higher age group. Always thinking, that one.

I'd post a motivating song, but I didn't have headphones.

A Not-Running Workout

Tomorrow we are running a 5k, and that's pretty much the only running I will have done in over a week. This is no bueno. I feel like poop.

Another reason I feel like poop is that on Wednesday, for squadron PT, we did a circuit workout. Outside. It almost involved pull-ups until I was like, "No."

What it did involve was 5 push-ups, 5 crunches, 5 burpees, a 20 second jog, a 20 second sprint...and then turn around and jog back to the start. And then repeat 5 times. It took about 30 minutes. My arms hurt still, so I guess that's one of those pain=gain workouts.

Anywho, that's it, just wanted to post something about fitness. Mostly to remind myself I wasn't that lazy this week.

Did you see the regrouting job in the small bathroom? That's my excuse for not running.

Budget Win - Hanging Porch Light

Every time I go to the home improvement store, I stop by the outdoor lighting section, and stare dreamily at the porch lights. My 1923 bungalow has an ugly little light that leans...sort of like a bat hanging upside down, if it was trying to look at you but remain undetected.

I really like the DualBrite feature on the Heath/Zenith brand security lights. It turns on at dusk, but at a low level. When it senses motion, it gets brighter. I have it on the flood lights in the back of the house. That seemed an awfully modern feature to find on an old-fashioned pendant light. Oh, don't get me wrong, I found some, in the $125-and-up price range.

And then the eBay gods shined shone upon me. For a total of $28.93, including shipping, I got a brand new, still in the box, Heath/Zenith Antique Bronze pendant porch light. (I would like to note that this sells for $139.45 at Lowe's. Happy dance!)

If lights were people, this one is a Southern gentleman.

Small Bathroom Remodel Project - Part One

It's time. That small guest bathroom needs some work. It is large small enough for a shower, a toilet, and a mini sink. The bathroom is so small that I thought it was imaginary.

And that grout...wow...that grout.

This is a story about how a little bathroom stayed a little bathroom, but became much more fabulous.

The grout was yellow. Who knows how old that bathroom is, or how long the grout has been that way. My guess is early 80s. It looks as though the grout was supposed to be yellow. I'll show you. Prepare yourself, it's like a horror movie.

Time to get started. First, with my penny-pincher cap on, I tried a manual grout remover tool. It worked well, but I could imagine my unborn children heading off to college before I finished the job.
 

Time for Trip One to the home improvement store, to get a Ryobi Speed Saw Rotary Cutter, with Dremel grout remover bits.

I already have a garage full of Ryobi tools, so I loved that this one fit the battery packs I already have. While the saw was super-powerful, it ate through those battery packs. 10 minutes of work, 30 minutes of charging. So I ended up borrowed a corded Dremel from a friend. Yep, I went old school.

It took three days and five trips to the home improvement store. By the fifth trip, I didn't even wipe the grout dust off. I looked like I fell into a sack of flour. Another customer said he could help me with whatever I was doing. So I still got hit on looked like I needed rescuing.

When I finally(!) finished the grout removal/application process, I thought, "it doesn't look that much better." Then I took the "after"  pictures and looked at them side-by-side. Whoa, baby! I gotta do a happy dance for that one!  

Oh, you'll notice the new hardware. I put my penny-pincher cap back on, and I didn't want to spend too much. Simple chrome upgrades should do the trick. Also, the house was built in 1923, so I had to research to make sure chrome was a thing back in the 20s. Thank goodness it was! Chrome is cheap, is cheap is my favorite.

• Showerhead: Glacier Bay 3-Spray Handshower in Chrome, $19.48
• Towel Bar: Part of Glacier Bay Builders 3-Piece Bath Accessory Set in Chrome, $34.96 for the set
• Faucet Handles: Danco Ergo Replacement Lever Faucet Handles, $17.98 for both

Here are the before-and-after pictures. Ta-da!

I apologize for the greenish tint in the "after" pictures. Camera setting fail.

That's all folks. For now. Next part of this is the floor, which has sticky laminate tiles right now. Come on, it'll be fun, right?

Babycakes and Pumpkin Muffins

Isn't that just the cutest title? It is also deceptively true!

I'm currently obsessed with two things. First, the recipes I see floating around Pinterest, especially the ones that require a box of cake mix and maybe two other ingredients. And particularly the recipes with one extra ingredient. That's my kind of recipe.

The second obsession is very specific small appliances. Ones that only make quesadillas, or hot dogs, or mini-muffins. Especially if they make mini-muffins and are called Babycakes.

I would like to note that these obsessions compliment my mild OCD quite nicely.

Let's combine my two obsessions into one super-obsession. Like this pumpkin muffin recipe, which exceeds all expectations by having only two ingredients. And my darling little Babycakes.

It goes like this:

• 1 15 oz can of pumpkin guts. (Okay, it's just pumpkin, but I like to differentiate between the thing you carve for Halloween, and the insides of it.) I used Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 box of yellow cake mix. I used Pillsbury Sugar-Free Yellow Cake Mix)
• Mix it all together until you can't see the white cake mix floating around in the pumpkin guts. Put it in the Babycakes for 8 minutes. 
• That's it! No really, that's it. End of recipe. 

The Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins are moist and delicious delectable. They also make your house smell like autumn is finally here.

If you need evidence of this witchcraft, here is the proof. Behold, Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins!

 

The final product, Babycakes Pumpkin Muffins.

 

 That's the Babycakes, doing her thing, with next batch on standby.

That's what they look like when you open the Babycakes at 5 minutes to check them, then decide they need 3 more minutes of quality time.

Are SEALs quieter than ninjas?

Thank you, Admiral McRaven, for taking the time to reply to a little boy. I'm pretty sure he's going to be a SEAL when he grows up.

http://www.businessinsider.com/walker-greentree-ninjas-seals-mcraven-jsoc-2013-10

Friday morning run, 2.02 miles

I took it nice and easy this morning. Nothing eventful to report. Except it's crazy annoying when people stand on the sidewalk and don't step off to the side when a runner is coming through. Don't worry, lady with no manners, I'll run in the grass so you don't have to exert yourself. And now I'm back home, glad to have the run out of the way!

This morning's job is brought to you by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Thursday morning, 2.2 miles.

Another beautiful autumn morning here in Montgomery, Alabama! I got my Puppy Brother to run about a mile. That's pretty much all he can handle these days. He's old, and recovering from a stroke. But he still gets excited when he sees my running shoes come out. I am going to blame my workout app for recording 2.12 miles in 21:15. I feel like I ran so much faster this morning!

Mr. Mister - Kyrie

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Thanks, SpouseBUZZ.com!

Until the government shutdown ends, military personnel can shop at Sam's Club without a membership. (The base commissaries are closed during the shutdown.)

Call your local Sam's Club to confirm. Here's a link to find the phone numbers for the nearest Sam's. http://www3.samsclub.com/clublocator/.

I just called the Montgomery, Alabama location, and they are participating.

Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends | SpouseBUZZ.com

Commandant's Challenge 5k+

Today was the capstone event for Squadron Officer School (SOS). It happens in the last week of an eight-week course. It consists of an individual 5k run, and then as soon as the entire team finishes, the team continues on to a series of problem solving events. Those events take place over the course of another two miles or so. The team is supposed to use all of the leadership and problem-solving skills they've learned over the course of the eight-week program. My job as their instructor is to run alongside them and keep them on the right track (literally, on the course, not on guiding them through their problem solving).

The flight did well. They didn't get all of the problems solved. But they remained a team the entire team. Well, mostly a team. There is one person in the flight that I will consider "dead weight." She had no interest in doing her best. Everyone finished before her, which is fine, but the flight sent five members back to run with her to the finish. When they found her, she was walking the course, chit-chatting with another student. As if they were out for a stroll, not a timed military team event. I was disappointed to say the least. This flight has carried her through each event throughout the course. For this capstone, I had hoped to see some motivation in her to help them succeed. But no. Just a shrug and "whatever." *sigh* I can say though, that of the 42 students I've had so far, she is the only one that has so obviously shown this mentality. 

This is a fitness post because I had to run alongside them for every event. I finished the first three miles in 26:48. Not bad! Then the next two miles (untimed), and then finished it with another 1/2 mile jog back to the starting point. My left leg aches a little bit. But I feel much better than I did the last time I did this about 10 weeks ago. The recent runs building up to this have certainly helped!

Today's motivational song was Lady GaGa's "Applause," which came on right before I hit the massive hill at the end of the first leg of the event.