Thrifty Maven

Today, Mr. Thrifty and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary. We’ve been together seven years and he still makes me see fireworks. Our holiday will be spent with a picnic lunch and gazing at the fireworks as they light up the skies. How will you be celebrating the 4th? Not sure? I’ve scoured the web to try to find some great ideas for FREE FUN this Fourth.

You will have to excuse me if I still think that everyone should come to see the fireworks in DC at least once in their life. It is the capital of this great country, oh and by the way my birthplace too. So let me start with talking about some great places to see the fireworks with my hometown, Washington, DC.

Let me start by suggesting that you ditch the car and take the metro in to DC that day. I realize there was a horrible accident there recently but it is still a very safe and easy way to travel in and around DC. As always there will be lots of roads closed that day and a list of those roads can be found here. The best way to get to the National Mall is to take the Metro. Stations nearby include Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza.The Smithsonian Metro station will be closed on the Fourth.

Metrobus will provide free shuttle service between the L’Enfant Plaza and Pentagon stations. On July 4th, Metro will not allow bicycles on Metrorail, but will allow bikes on Metrobus.

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall

Public access to the National Mall begins at 10:00 a.m., with all visitors required to enter via a security checkpoint. Fireworks will begin at dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. (Rain Date: July 5th) Fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument.

A Capitol Fourth Concert

A 4th of July tradition in the nation’s capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event is broadcast live on PBS with a repeat airing at 9:30-11:00 p.m. If you can’t attend the concert will also be broadcast over National Public Radio and it makes an excellent soundtrack for your own celebration.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual event that includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2009 program will be: Giving Voice: The Power of Words (African American Culture), The Americas and Wales. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Read more about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. During the Festival, you may call (202) 633-7484 to hear a recorded description of daily events.

FLORIDA

Mayport, FL

I know I mentioned this before but it bears repeating. Two of my sisters and two of my brothers served in the United States Navy. My brother-in-law recently retired from the Navy. I thought it would be nice to mention the MWR celebration at Naval Station Mayport Independence Day on July 4.

Authorized base patrons are invited to join in on all the fun. Bands will perform live at Sea Otter Pavilion and there will be DJs entertaining between sets and at the CPO Club. Fantastic food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring the entire family out for food, fun and fireworks. For additional questions regarding Fourth of July holiday activities and events, call the MWR Business Office at 270-5228.

Tampa, FL

The newly opened Tampa History Center is offering free admission to all visitors, as well as extending their hours. The Tampa History Center is dedicated to education and preservation of Tampa Bay’s past. Contact information: 225 South Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 228-0097.

Participating TAMPA, FL Domino’s Pizza

Participating Tampa Bay area Domino’s pizza outlets will be throwing in a free 10-inch “American Legends” pizza with every purchase on Independence Day this weekend. Call ahead to make sure your Domino’s is participating.

Georgia

Atlanta, GA

Celebrate the 4th of July at Centennial Olympic Park. Centennial will be holding festivities all day for Independence Day. From noon to 5 PM, they have children’s activities; from 5 to 9 PM, there will be live musical performances. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM. For more information call 404-222-7275.

Cave Springs, GA

The 25th Annual “Neatest Little Fourth of July Parade Ever” Everybody, visitors and locals alike can participate. Participants can either walk or ride and drive four-wheelers, tractors, fire trucks, old antique cars or even just their regular vehicles. Just decorate it in Red, White, and Blue, and show up. If you wish to drive in the July 4 parade meet on Perry Farm Road in Cave Spring. For more information, contact Christa Jackson, parade founder, at 706-777-8743.

Rome, GA

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Ridge Ferry Park. It’s a full day of family fun and entertainment. Live music will be followed by a fireworks show. As they say, a good time will be had by all.

Maryland

Annapolis, MD

I always loved visiting Annapolis, MD. Not only is it the Home of the Naval Academy, but it is a beautiful city with lots of great restaurants. It’s also another great place to see the fireworks. The Parade starts at 6 pm and will begin on West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street to the City Dock. The Naval Academy’s Concert Band will perform at the city Dock prior to the fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM. For more information call (410) 263-1183.

Chesapeake Beach, MD

This is another place I used to take the boys to celebrate the holidays. When I was young, and the Bay Bridge had yet to be built Chesapeake Beach was THE place to go on those hot, muggy, DC summer days. Their celebration will be held on July 3rd at dusk in front of the Rod-n-Reel. (Great now I’m thinking Maryland crab and Silver Queen corn. I miss Maryland.) Chesapeake Beach claims to have the largest fireworks display on the bay; music, food and games. People typically start arriving between 5 and 6 p.m. For more information call 410-257-2230.

New York

New York, NY

Head on over to the Statue of Liberty because for the first time since September 11th, the Statue of Liberty’s Crown will be open to visitors on the 4th of July, 2009. The show will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute. The 26-minute display, designed in collaboration with SOUSA Fireworks, will be set off from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River giving New York City residents a stunning front row seat to America’s biggest Independence Day party.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage to New York, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in 2009 will take place over the Hudson River, instead of the East River, where it’s been since the Bicentennial in 1976. Fireworks begin at 9 PM.

Nevada

Nellis AFB, NV

My brother Jim served our country in the Air Force. So I checked out this celebration. Nellis will be holding their annual July 4th celebration, which will be held at Freedom Park, July 4, 4 to 10 p.m.

Activities will be abundant for all attendees. There will be free food from 5 to 7 p.m. and the Kids’ Zone, which is free of charge, will explode with lots of activities. The event is open to all DOD I.D. Card holders.

North Carolina

Charlotte, NC
The 4th of July is all about freedom. What better way to celebrate freedom than to get in FREE to the Charlotte Museum of History? Join the costumed adult and child docents in playing Colonial games and participating in other family activities.

Enjoy the US Airways Family Fun Fest 4th of July from 6PM to 10PM at Memorial Stadium,. There will be music and family activities and then fireworks at 9:30. Admission is free, but parking is $5. If you bring a non-perishable food item, your name will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 US Airways gift card.

Ft Bragg, NC

One of my brothers served in the Army and my youngest son is currently serving in the US Army in Iraq. I also have a friend who is an Army widow who lives near Ft. Bragg so I want to make sure I tell you about what’s going on there. I’ve been to a Ft. Bragg Independence Day Celebration in the past and it was great fun.

The annual July 4th Celebration will be held at the Main Post Parade Field. Activities will include Country National Recording Artists Jason Michael Carroll and Julianne Hough, a freefall demonstration by the Golden Knights Parachute Team, our popular flag ceremony, fireworks, food and beverages. Pets and glass bottles are not allowed. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy traffic flow. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 910-396-9126.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK

One of my readers told me that I haven’t mentioned Oklahoma when I talk about things to do on the holidays. If you live near Oklahoma City then why not check out The Myriad Botanical Gardens? The Myriad Botanical Gardens are the setting for Oklahoma City’s annual downtown Fourth of July celebrations, which set the skyline aglow with patriotic red, white and blue fireworks. There is plenty of festive food and free entertainment throughout the day. The Myriad botanical Gardens are located at Reno and Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City – just six blocks south of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and three blocks west of historic Bricktown. For more information call 405-297-3995.

Texas

Dallas

Fair Park Fourth is free and open to the public. The event will provide fun for the entire family and will include a patriotic program, free admission to all the museums, musical performances, games and plenty of Fourth of July food favorites. Dr Pepper will bring its Club23 traveling exhibition loaded with free samples and coupons, video games, deejay and dance floor, plasma TVs and more. Find out more here.

Houston, TX

The largest land-based fireworks show in the nation will be happening in Houston. Fireworks will fly and tunes will fill the air at Houston’s star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell. This year’s event, saluting Houston’s military heroes and honoring the 40th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo XI Lunar Landing, will feature the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation, unbeatable entertainment and a lively outdoor festival. Admission is FREE. Clay Walker will even be there. I just knew everything was bigger in Texas.

For more information, call 832.393.0868 or visit the Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell Web site at www.freedomovertexas.org or www.houstonspecialevents.org.

Virginia

Norfolk, VA

It’s Harbor Fest Time. It’s the 33rd Annual Harbor Fest with three explosive days of free entertainment, three electrifying days of fireworks displays and the biggest outdoor dock party in Hampton Roads! If you have never been to Harbor Fest you should definitely go.

Virginia Beach, VA

For those of you who have never been to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia it might seem odd that I tell you to head over to Mt. Trashmore to celebrate the Fourth of July. Those of you who live over that way you know about Mt. Trashmore Park and what a great place it can be to hang out with your family. Admission is of course FREE. This day of family fun is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2009, from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Schedule of Events: Main Stage: 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Bull City Syndicate, from Raleigh, NC. A real “horn band” pushing the boundaries of their powerful sound with live performances of popular music. Activities: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free children’s activities and games at Shelter #3 including, karaoke for kids, face painting and bouncing inflatables! Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Zambelli, the “First Family of Fireworks” will amaze the crowd with their spectacular fireworks show. For more information call: 757-385-2990.

Williamsburg, VA

Colonial Williamsburg offers programs throughout the day that honor the birth of a nation. At 10 a.m. on Market Square, A Salute to the States offers a salute to the original 13 colonies with a Fifes and Drums performance and cannon fire. At 12:30 p.m., the Declaration of Independence is read to citizens of Williamsburg at the Capitol building. At 8:15 p.m., Music for the Fireworks features a concert of patriotic music with Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums prior to the fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. No ticket is required to enjoy these programs. For information, call (757) 220-7724

Virginia Beach, VA

Check out the Stars and Stripes Explosion at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Multiple live performances on oceanfront stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents. Musical acts offer something for everyone although I would be more interested in seeing the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, Revolution and the Beatles Tribute, From 8:00pm-9:30pm, a stage erected right on the beach at 20th Street becomes the focal point for performances by Symphonicity (the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach) together with the Virginia Beach Chorale. A spectacular fireworks show at 9:30pm that explodes over the ocean and there’s nothing like watching fireworks by the beach.

Please have a safe and happy holiday. With 50 states and many celebrations I’m certain I’ve missed something. Please let us know if your town is doing something special for the holidays.

In a nationwide effort to bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans Mars is giving away free full-sized samples of Twix, Dove, 3 Musketeers, M&M’s, Snickers, and Milky Ways. This campaign begins May 8, 2009 and runs through the end of September.

Get a coupon for a free M&M Mars candy bar. Some 250,000 coupons will be given away each Friday so log in at 9am EDT. Coupons will be mailed to consumers and be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are redeemable for any full-size Mars real chocolate product. Coupons will be limited to one per person, per week.

Sign up for a reminder email, which is what I did. I’ve received an email this week to find out I won another candy bar. It should be easier to log on at 9 a.m. now because this promotion has been going on for awhile now.

I received this in my email yesterday. It turns out that on Wednesday, drivers in Davenport, Iowa, enjoyed filling up their gas tanks and their stomachs at the KFC “Filling Station.” While the station was open, visitors received up to 15 gallons of gas and a KFC $5 Fill-Up Box by making a $5 donation to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

If you missed out, like I did, you can stop by www.kfc.com on July 2 through July 5 for a chance to win gas cards and KFC gift checks. The giveaway happens daily sometime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EDT. (Start time varies each day.) They are giving away 200 each day. Good luck.

You can also get printable coupons for KFC.

All flag tees will be on sale for $1 each on Friday, July 3, 2009 at Old Navy. No coupon necessary. There is a limit of five per person.

Luna cookies are a grain baked snack. They come in the following flavors: Berry Pomegranate, Chocolate Mint, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

Want to taste the new LUNA Cookie? Fill out the form on their site and they will send you a free bar. This is a limited time offer. Sign up now because once things are gone, they’re gone. Your LUNA Cookie will arrive in the next 4-6 weeks.

This 4th of July you could spend time with the people from Turkey Hill and perhaps a 13-foot tall Giant Cow. There will be free samples of Turkey Hill frozen desserts or cold drinks. They will even be at the July 4 RiverBlast in Augusta, GA which by the way is FREE.

Why not penicil in one of these events on your social calendar.

July 4 Heritage Festival
Fredericksburg, VA

July 4 Go Fourth
Kettering, OH

July 4 Frederick 4th
Frederick, MD

Celebrate Your Birthday With The Giant Cow

Each year, the Turkey Hill cow drops in on a few birthday parties with free ice cream and a whole load of party favors.

If you’d like her to drop in on you, or someone you know, visit their site. Those selected will be contacted at least one month before the big day. Don’t worry, if we missed you this year, there’s always next year!

Does anyone else see a theme today? It’s ice cream, ice cream, ice cream. Marble Slab just recently announced the arrival of chocolate chip cookie dough and blackberry ice cream - two delicious summer flavors that are perfect on a hot day.

Join the Marble Slab Creamery,VIP and get exclusive coupons, special offers and birthday surprises.

I swear, this is the last ice cream post I will make today. Then again, here in Georgia the temps here in Georgia have been in the 90’s most of the week.

MaggieMoo’s is offering $3-off coupons for any ¼ sheet or 8″ round dream cake. Customers can download coupons from the MaggieMoo’s Web site.

MaggieMoo’s super-premium ice cream has been consistently awarded blue ribbons for exceptional taste by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association - it really is delicious! The brand is also responsible for inventing ice cream cupcakes, which
not only taste great, but look adorable and can be customized for any occasion!

Mr. Thrifty and I like this recipe as a cool dinner after a hot summer day. It is also welcome at family get togethers. This recipe is an excellent source of vitamin A and folate, and a food source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium.

Ingredients:
2 cups pasta shells
¼ cup fat-free Italian dressing
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
1 6oz can water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
¾ cup diced tomatoes
½ ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 TB black olives, chopped
4 green leaf lettuce leaves

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and then rinse briefly under cold water. Drain. 2. In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing, basil, garlic and crushed red pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, tomato, avocado, red onion and olives.
4. Add the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
5. Line plates with the lettuce leaves and spoon the salad on top.

Serves 4

Every Wednesday five lucky people will WIN $50 worth of boneless wings. Register online every Wednesday from 12:01 am til Midnight.

Each entrant must fully complete the registration page with all required information including his/her name, complete address (including City, State and Zip Code), valid email address, birth date, and phone number(s) (including area code(s)). After having read and agreed to these Official Rules, click the submit button to submit your on-line entry.

Maximum of one (1) on-line entry per person and per valid email address per weekly registration date. Contestants must re-enter every Wednesday in order to be eligible for that week’s prize drawing.

Can you believe it? Arby’s is going to have free stuff all summer long. I recommend calling ahead to make sure you local Arby’s is participating. No coupon is required. Remember that if you do texting, you can regularly get coupons sent to your phone. Just do the initial free roastburger deal by texting ROASTBURGER to 27297, and when you receive your coupon reply back with your zip code. They will then regularly send coupons to your phone.

What’s FREE this Wednesday?

July 1 – Free Regular Beef and Cheddar with soft drink purchase

The FaveCrafts editors have picked 17 of their favorite quick and easy patriotic crafts for this FREE special eBook, including the popular Stars and Stripes Pillow (page 16), a festive Patriotic Star Pinwheel (page 23) and a Firecracker Craft for Kids (page 46). This brand new 4th of July eBook contains quick and easy craft projects that will make your Independence Day celebration festive and fun. Create your own decorations and then try our quick and easy recipes to complete the celebration. Click Here

When you think there’s no time for breakfast this recipe makes a great breakfast to go. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This recipe is low in cholesterol and a rich source of calcium.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries or blueberries)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder mixed with 1/2 cup water, or 1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
4 ice cubes crushed

Directions:
1. Cut fruit into pieces, and mash through a strainer or with a fork.
2. Crush ice cubes.
3. Beat together fruit, milk, and yogurt in a blender or food processor.
4. Add crushed ice and beat again.

I am always nervous when telling people about sweepstakes because there really are scams out there and the newbie might fall for one of them. So I decided to show you an example of one of the emails you and I get in our in boxes EVERY DAY.

Let’s get serious about this.

1. First of all I know that I had not entered a sweepstakes sponsored by Microsoft.
2. Second of all they are asking for a great deal of personal information from me in an email. If I truly won a prize of such great value they would have sent me an affidavit.
3. Third notice that everything is in pounds and not American dollars. Why do you suppose that is? This is especially funny since the spammer used the ? instead of the symbol for pounds. Don’t you believe that a big company like Microsoft would know what the pound symbol looks like?
4. Finally I get a big laugh at the fact that telling my friends and family about my win would cause them to rush out and claim my winnings. Really? A company would caution me about my relatives?

Now many of you would say, “Come on ThriftyMaven. No one would fall for these scams. It’s just so obvious.” Sadly every year hundreds are duped by emails like this. People are sometimes scammed out of hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, because they want to believe that this win is real. Sadly it is not and prosecution is often almost impossible. Please caution your family members, especially the elderly and the very young not to provide personal information to these spammers. Make sure they know that sending money to these people amounts to throwing it down into a black hole.

With that in mind, here’s my BIG WIN–NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Microsoft Promotion Award Team
Dr.Helen Gibson
Stamford New Road,
Altrincham Cheshire
WA14 1EP
London.
United Kingdom.

OFFICIAL WINNING NOTIFICATION.

It is obvious that this notification will come to you as a surprise but please find time to read it carefully as we congratulate you over your success in the following official publication of results of the E-mail electronic online Sweepstakes organized by Microsoft, in conjunction with the foundation for the promotion of software products, (F.P.S.) held this JUNE 2009, in London UK. Where in your email address emerged as one of the online Winning emails in the 2nd category and therefore attracted a cash award of ?450,000.00.

They are arranged in this format below:

CATEGORY NO.OF WINNERS WINNING PRIZES

1st. 2 ?850,000.00 pounds each
2nd. 8 ?450,000.00 pounds each
3rd. 13 ?350,000.00 pounds each
4th. 27 ?250,000.00 pounds each

We write to officially notify you of this award and to advise you to contact the processing office immediately upon receipt of this message for more information concerning the verification, processing and eventual payment of the above prize to you. It is important to note that your award information was released with the following particulars attached to it.

(1) Award numbers: MLAT#2009
(2) Email ticket numbers: 1587-5896-4598-87,
(3) Batch numbers: 450THL#2009
(4) The file reference numbers: MLY-Y/250-450890
{5} Serial Numbers: McST/776/ML10101

For verification purpose be sure to include:

VERIFICATION AND FUNDS RELEASE FORM.

(1) Your Full Names:

(2) Your Contact Address:

(3) Your Nationality/Country:

(4) Your Telephone number:

(5) Sex:

(6) Age. :

(7) Occupation:

(8) Your Preferred Method of Receiving Your Prize:

To file for your claim, Please contact your Validating Officer for VALIDATION of your winning within Twenty-nine working days of this winning notification. Winnings that are not validated within Twenty-nine working days of winning notification are termed void and invalid. You are required to mention the above particulars of your award in every correspondence to enable the Agent validate your winning.

***********************************************************
FOREIGN TRANSFER MANAGER
SIR RICHARD ROVERS
MICROSOFT SECURITY DEPARTMENT (UK).
M.S.PRO. ZONAL COORDINATOR
MOBILE: +447045756787
: +447045756787
Email:mr.richardrovers@btinternet.com
***********************************************************

The Microsoft Internet E-mail lottery Awards is sponsored by our CEO/Chairman, Bill Gates and a consortium of software promotion companies. The Intel Group, Toshiba, Dell Computers and other International Companies. The Microsoft internet E-mail draw is held periodically and is organized to encourage the use of the Internet and promote computer literacy worldwide. The Microsoft Window lottery has discovered a huge number of double claims due to winners informing close friends relatives and third parties about their winning and also sharing their pin numbers.

As a result of this, these friends try to claim the lottery on behalf of the real winners. The Microsoft lottery has reached a decision from headquarters that any double claim discovered by the Lottery Board will result to the
Canceling of that particular winning, making a loss for both the double claimer and the real winner, as it is taken that the real winner was the informer to the double claimer about the lottery. So you are hereby strongly advised once more to keep your winnings strictly confidential until you claim your prize.

Once again on behalf of all our staff,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Sincerely,
MICROSOFT DIRECTORATE UNIT
M.S.PRO. ZONAL COORDINATOR.

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Born Under A Lucky Star - NOT

Maybe it’s because I teach business classes but I love to watch commercials. One of my favorites will be airing again on TV before you know it. In the commercial you hear the song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year” as a parent happily shops for back to school while the kids trail behind looking depressed.

When I saw this offer I just got a big chuckle. Some parents hold a party for their child’s first day of Kindergarten as a way to signify the beginning of a new chapter in a child’s life. The party makes it exciting to start school. Wouldn’t it be a great idea to celebrate back to school no matter where your child is in their educational career?

You can WIN a School Year’s Eve PARTY STARTER KIT. Register to order your FREE official School Year’s Eve™ Party Starter Kit (while supplies last) by July 31, 2009, to help inspire your School Year’s Eve™ bash. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $1,000 for your accredited school or PTA chapter.

Be sure to read the rules before entering. You can find the rules for this sweepstakes HERE.

TGIFridays has extended their Buy One Get One Free offer through July 5, 2009. One coupon per table per visit dine in only. The free entree applies to an entree of equal or lesser value. Friday’s entrees range from $5.99 to $21.49. The coupon is not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion.

I bet your Mom told you to eat your veggies. Cauliflower and broccoli are beneficial to human health. They contain phytochemicals, substances that are thought to block the action of cancer-causing free radicals. So you see, Mom was right. Then again isn’t she always?

Ingredients
1/2 small head of cauliflower
1 small bunch broccoli
1 tomato
1/4 medium-size red onion
3-4 tablespoons low-fat Italian dressing.

Directions:
1. Break off tops of cauliflower and broccoli. Chop broccoli stems; steam tops and stems until crisp-tender.
2. Chop tomatoes and slice onion.
3. Place cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, and onion in a salad bowl.
4. Add Italian dressing. Toss gently and serve.

Serves 3-4.

One of my co-workers placed a sign on my door that says, “Born Under A Lucky Star.” I think I would argue with that proclamation. I would probably say that sometimes if it wasn’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all.

Henry Ford once said “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” While I don’t believe I’m breaking a sweat, I am preparing myself for the opportunity to win. When it comes to sweeping, I employ the three P’s of sweeping that eventually pay off in the end: Patience, Perseverance, and a Positive Attitude.

Let me start by explaining to you just what a sweepstakes is. Sweepstakes are basically a type of sales promotion. In a sweepstakes the winner is chosen by random, or as some would say pure luck.

I want to say from the outset that you will never have to pay to enter legitimate sweepstakes and purchasing a product will not improve your odds. If you hear someone say that you must buy a product, pay for shipping, or send the sponsor a checks as a deposit RUN FOR THE HILLS. This is not a legitimate sweepstakes. While you will have to pay taxes on a win you NEVER pay those taxes to a sponsor. Hang up on anyone calling you who says, “You won but you have to send us a check to cover the taxes on your prize.” One last warning, NEVER give out your Social Security Number to ANYONE online or on the phone. Winners only need to provide SSN numbers when asked to do so in an affidavit. These are usually signed and notarized and generally come to you by FedEx, DHL, or UPS. Imagine a light flashing “SCAM ALERT” if someone calls you or emails you requesting your SSN in reference to a sweep win. This is just not done.

Contests and sweepstakes are conducted from the marketing budget of companies who are trying to promote their products. When sweepstakes are very successful, sponsors are much more likely to hold more of them, and to continue giving away great prizes. I tend to be more brand loyal to companies that sponsor sweepstakes but I never buy a product in the belief that this will give me a better chance of winning.

Everyone asks me how do I win. In a word, ENTER. The Maryland Lottery used to say “You Gotta Play To Win.” Truer words were never spoken. I hope you realize that despite the emails you receive from Nigeria, you cannot win lotteries for which you never bought tickets for and you certainly cannot win sweepstakes you never entered. You’d be surprised at the number of people I’ve met who tell me they “NEVER” win anything and then admit they never enter sweeps.

Where can you find sweeps? Once you get into the habit of sweeping you will notice them all over the place. They are advertised on products, on the bottom of receipts, in magazines, newspapers, radio stations, and even TV. I belong to two sweeping websites. These sites are forums for other sweepers who love this hobby. One is Online-Sweepstakes and the other is Sweepsheet.com. These sites tend to have sweeps listed that are legitimate in nature. You can also join a sweeping club. I belong to a club in Atlanta. The people in the club make the drive worth every mile. They are nice, helpful, and very encouraging.

How do I enter a sweepstakes? Once you’ve found a sweepstakes that has a prize you want to win, make sure you read the rules. If the sweep is only open to people who are in a certain age bracket or if your state is not eligible then you are wasting your time by entering it. Make sure that you understand how often you can enter. Some sweepstakes only allow you to enter one time only. If you enter more than once you will be disqualified. Does your entry have to be hand written or can you just enter your business card? Can you enter using a post card or must you use a 3×5 paper? All of this will be spelled out in the rules.

Seek sweeps that cut down on the competition. I obviously cannot enter any sweeps from Teen Vogue, however, those teens can’t enter any AARP sweeps. Certain states make sweeps sponsored by alcohol or tobacco companies void in their state. Some sweeps are only open to teachers while some are only open to nurses. Enter sweeps at restaurants that ask you to drop your business card in a fish bowl in order to win a free meal. Show up a live radio remotes and enter giveaways held at these events. The smaller the number of people you are competing against the better your chances of winning.

Find sweepstakes that are giving away lots of prizes. Although I would love to win the HGTV Dream House, there is only one prize in that sweepstakes. Some sweepstakes offer hundreds of prizes. The odds are much better for you to win if you enter those kinds of sweepstakes. I also look for sweeps that offer a second chance for prizes not awarded in the original sweep.

Can you win? Absolutely! I talked one of my co-workers into taking up my hobby and wouldn’t you know, right out of the box she won a vehicle. I had a former student who won NASCAR tickets. I can’t guarantee that you will win but I can guarantee that you won’t win if you don’t enter.

I will try to write other articles about entering contests and sweepstakes if I find there is a great deal of interest in this subject. Let me know if this article has been helpful.

Buy One Get One Free Sundae and Ben & Jerry’s every Monday until August 31, 2009. You must mention the discount at the time of purchase in order to receive the discount. Free sundae only applies to equal or lesser value.

Valid at participating Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops. (Always call ahead!) Limit one coupon per person per visit. Vermonster not included in this offer.

What’s a picnic without coleslaw? Here is a recipe that would be a welcome addition to your Fourth of July Cookout.

Ingredients
1/2 small head cabbage
1/2 small head red cabbage
half dozen red radishes

Directions:
1. Combine finely sliced cabbage and roughly grated radish.
2. Prepare Dressing (see below)
3. Pour dressing over cabbage/radish.
4. Toss until well coated.
5. Refrigerate until read to serve.

Dressing Ingredients:
2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup horseradish
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 teaspoon salt