5-in-1 Home Design Software Free-After-Rebate

Fry's has a $30.00 rebate for Punch 5-in-1 Home Design software valid till September 6th. So you can start planning those design projects that you've been itching to start.

The software includes modules for: Ultimate Deck, RealModel®, 3D Home, Landscaping, and Furniture design products. Punch's latest 3D photo realistic fly-through technology allows users to fly through their entire design, while enjoying photo-realistic views from any angle. Sounds like fun, no?

Here's the link.

The price of the software is $29.99 so you get a penny more back than you pay, but they do charge $5 for shipping...

But if you're looking for software to help plan some home improvements, you can get this and have a bit more available for the project itself.

Nice Storage Decor: 9-Piece Willow Trunk & Basket Set $19.99 After Rebate

Want to dress up a bath or linen area nicely without tapping out your wallet? Linens 'n Things has a 9-piece willow trunk and basket set that comes with a $20 rebate on purchases until September 12th. The regular price is $49.99 but if you apply a 20% off Linens 'n Things coupon code 194712697488 your pre-rebate price comes down to $39.99.

Take $20 more for the rebate and the final cost is down to $19.99 (plus sales tax). Shipping costs can be up there and there's probably a Linens 'n Things near you so you can choose in-store pickup and avoid that.

Here's the link.

A nice way to spruce up your house or apartment -- maybe use one of the baskets to hold the $30 you saved!

p.s. Be careful when filling out the rebate form if you don't want to get on their mailing list. By filling in your e-mail which most places use just to notify you about rebate status, they write that you are agreeing to getting e-mail notices of sales etc. If you are not a fan of those, don't inlcude your e-mail address.

Organic Bare Fruit - Half Off the Great Deal Before!

Back in early July, I posted a great deal on Bare Fruit Organic Dried Fruits. At the time, Amazon was selling 24-packs of the dried cherries, mangos or fuji apple chips for $30, almost 2/3 off the regular price.

Well, while I was checking out the Animal Cracker deal in the post I did a few minutes ago, I found that the price was half from where it was in July! That means you could get a 24 pack of dried organic fruit for $15. Regular price is $83.76 so you're getting over 80% off on these natural snacks -- life can't be all about Animal Crackers, can it?

The fuji apple chips are no longer listed in the deal, but the dried cherries and dried mangos are. So if your kid prefers these to Animal Crackers, or you want to alternate these for different snack days, or you just want your own snacks while you kid munches on tasty little animal figures... why not take advantage?

Here's the link.

In Time for Back-to-School -- Animal Crackers! Amazon.com Sale Price, plus a Promo Code

Didn't you love Animal Crackers growing up. They were the tastiest little treat but the shape of the animals and the circus-design box made them extra fun. If you have young children going back to school (or if you're an adult who loves to secretly snack on these) this deal is for you.

Right now, Amazon.com is offering cases of Barnum's Animal Crackers on sale from $26.16 to just $15, so there's already a savings of 43%. But it gets better. If you buy two cases and use the promo code ANIMAL34 at checkout, you get $15 off your order (or basically the second case is free so why wouldn't you order it?).

Each case has 24 boxes (2.125 oz) so you end up getting 48 boxes for $15 (or about 31 cents a box)! Plus, since the total order before the promo code is over $25, you get free shipping too!

Here's the link.

If you want in on this offer, hurry. The promo code only works until Friday, August 31st.

So if you want to have a nice stockpile of snacks for your children, if you're a coach of a team, if you want a fun party treat, you can enjoy the savings and maybe your kids can share the treats.

Spice Up Your PC with a Free Logitech Cordless Mouse

Tired of wires around your computer? Why not go wireless? Everything else seems to be. Your phone is cordless your internet connection is wireless, why not a wireless mouse? But you wouldn't spend the money? Ha-ha, you don't have to.

CompUSA has the Logitech MX610 cordless laser mouse reduced from $59.99 to $19.99. The mouse has a 2.4 GHz micro-receiver for better range and response. It also has a zoom function to see close-ups of photos, or tiny print on spreadsheets or whatever.

The link is here.

While the product page doesn't show the rebate, there's one valid till August 30th for $20 which makes the product free after rebate. Here is the link on the CompUSA site for the rebate.

So why not take this opportunity to get one more wire out of your life, and do it without denting your wallet?

Free-After-Rebate: Resume Deluxe at Fry's

Looking for a better job? Maybe a better resume could open the door... and if you can pick up the software free-after-rebate, doesn't that show the ingenuity that employers would look for?

Frys.com is offering Resume Deluxe 11.0 software for $30 and it has a pair of rebates totalling $30 so other than shipping, it's free. It's valid for software purchased until August 30th.

Here's the link.

So save a little money on the way to making more money... a nice combination!

Targus Ladies Essential Tote $50 on Sale for $2.99

Here's a nice little piece of savings found in this week's Staples circular. It's a Targus Brand Ladies Essentials Tote. The regular price is $49.99 and they are selling it for just $13.99. Then they add on an $11 rebate bringing the final total down to $2.99!

To make it more convenient, the rebate is an on-line easy rebate so there's no mailing of forms, copies of UPCs etc.

Here's the link.

Targus is a pretty good brand for cases and such, so if you're looking for a nice little tote to carry around a small laptop or even old-fashioned paper notebooks (heavens!), maybe this deal is a nice opportunity.

1 Gb USB MP3 Player with Voice Recorder & FM Tuner Just $19.99 with Free Shipping till Tomorrow

Until August 25th, CompUSA is offering the Centon 1GB Digital MP3 Player, FM Tuner, Voice Recorder with a $10 rebate, and there's a coupon code you can apply for free shipping too. The normal price is $34.99 and they have dropped the price by $5, so with the rebate it's $19.99. Then add the promo code ONCAMPUS at checkout and it's shipped free -- pretty nice all around.

The device seems to get decent reviews for its various functions, but at this price it seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck. So if you're looking for a nice little unit that lets you take your MP3 files, record voices at meetings or lectures, check an FM radio on the go... maybe this deal will meet your needs. Or if not for you, maybe make it part of some early Christmas shopping?

Here's the link.

Reminder, though -- the rebate and the promo code are both only valid through Saturday August 25th.

Cooking Up a Good Deal - Henckel's Knife 68% Off

My wife loves to cook and looked at this one -- she says it's a terrific price for a high quality knife.

Amazon.com is selling the Henckels Professional S 8-Inch Multi Edge Chef's Knife at 68% off right now. It lists for $124 and they have it for $39.99 with free shipping as well.

Here's the link.

Henckels is a name to be reckoned with. The knife features German high quality carbon no stain steel, full tang one piece blade, special multi edge features reverse scallop for slicing tomatoes and other delicate vegetables, triple-riveted handles and a friodur-ice hardened blade for longer lasting sharpness and easy resharpening.

So if you'd like to add a great knife to your kitchen implements, act sharp!

OK Now -- Restaurant.com Code for 60% Off -- AND a Free $10 Certificate with Each Order Too

OK, now... here is a restaurant.com deal to take notice of. From now till August 31st, the promo code COAST entered at checkout will get you 60% off -- so a $25 certificate to dine will cost you just $4.00 instead of $10! That's already better than what I found a couple of days back...

But there's an added bonus: after you complete your purchase, they're also e-mailing you a code to redeem for a free $10 certificate (which would normally cost $3.00). Wow, the restaurants must really want to get people in the seats! Here is a link with details on that special added offer. It also expires August 31st.

Even though the deals are still good for a week, keep in mind that restaurants may limit the number of certificates they sell on the site, so your favorite spot may sell out. This is one to stock up on, I think!

Back Yet Again: Restaurant.com 50% Off Promo Code

Here is one of the most popular deals, back and available again. I've probably gotten more feedback about restaurant.com offers than any of the other posts. I guess everybody's got to eat, and when you can get $25 worth of restaurant dining for about $5 it tickles everyone's fancy.

Right now restaurant.com is offering 50% off their certificates if you enter the coupon code MEMBER after you pick out the certificates you want. I can't find how long this offer is valid, though, so you may want to move quickly.

For those of you who may not be familiar with them, they offer certificates at many restaurants which you can search by zip code. Most certificates are for $25 restaurant credit and normally cost $10 (some restaurants have $10 certificates for $3). Restaurants may place some restrictions on how you can use them (minimum check total, number of diners, no alcohol included) but usually they are not burdensome restrictions. I've used them at many restaurants and have always had them accepted without question.

It would already be a good deal getting $25 credit for $10 but if you can get it for $5 that's even better, no?

If you've got a son or daughter going away to college, you might be able to find them some nearby places so they can have better than just pizza or a burger every so often. Without breaking the bank.

Enjoy the tasty savings!

Targus Backpack for Your Laptop Free After Rebate!

Another great item for back-to-school shoppers, or anyone else who could use a backpack to haul your laptop around. Right now Circuit City has the Targus League Laptop Backpack, regularly $49.99 on sale for $29.99, and there are a pair of rebates totalling $30.00 so it's free after rebate. Tough to beat that!

It fits laptops with 15.4" screens or smaller, and has extra pockets for additional essentials. Here's the link.

One of the rebates expires August 25th so you should check this out quick. Plus it shows as out-of-stock for buying on-line right now, but it lists nearby stores where you can order it on-line and pick it up.

A back-pack for free... really lightens the load, doesn't it?

Record Now 9 Music Lab Software Free After Rebate

Frys.com has Record Now 9 software available for $20, with a $20 rebate until August 23rd so all you pay for is shipping. Not a bad deal for someone looking to enhance their music file functionality... It lets you record music you want, create playlists, make the music into cell phone ringtones and more...

• Windows Vista® Compatible
• Create music CDs with drag and drop ease
• Easily copy music and data files
• Take your music library with you - wherever you go
• Create CDs in popular file formats
• Share your life with all your friends and family

Here's the link.

So if music is your life (or just fun in your life), why not save on a piece of software that can make it that much easier?

$100 Off Roomba Robot Vacuum at Amazon

Okay, you've seen them around and always wondered how it would feel to vacuum without the work... Amazon.com is making it all the more tempting right now.

They have the iRobot Roomba 4210 Discovery Vacuuming Robot available right now for $179, which is $100 off the regular price. And you get it shipped free as well!

Here's the link.

This model features:

• Robotic floorvac with dirt detection and convenient infra-red cliff sensors
• Auto adjusts to any floor surface; 2-hour continuous cleaning; easy-to-empty debris bin
• Edge-cleaning sidebrush; stasis sensor; virtual wall for confining to designated area
• Rechargeable APS battery, 3-hour charger, 2 virtual walls, 2 air filters, and remote control included
• Measures 16-3/4 by 21 by 5 inches; 1-year warranty

You can also order a self-charger for the unit as well, and apparently this model Roomba has the ability to "find" the charger when the batteries run low.

So, while you're out getting all these great deals (or maybe taking a nice little break with your feet up) your vacuuming can still get done... for a nice bit of savings!

Typing Instructor for Kids 3 - Free After Rebate Today

Just found this deal and the rebate expires today, so if you want it you need to move quickly...

Circuit City is offering a $15 rebate on Typing Instructor for Kids 3 software. The price is $14.99 so the software ends up fee (except shipping if you have it delivered, and of course the good ol' sales tax).

The software helps children learn good keyboard skills, still a must until we all have computers that talk with us. It's geared to making the learning fun, with various games that kids play to learn and develop their keyboard ability.

Here's the link. Again, the rebate is today only, August 18th.

Through 8/18 - Linksys Wireless-G Router Kit $29.99

CompUSA has a nice deal for a Linksys Wireless-G Router Kit for just $29.99 after rebate, along with free shipping. The original price is $89.99, they have a $30 instant savings so your invoice comes to $59.99 and then there's a $30 e-rebate. Final cost $29.99. Funny thing is, this deal is only good if you have it delivered... if you buy it in the store, it's $89.99 less the rebate or a final of $59.99. So you save on gas and time going to the store and you get a better deal by half!

Here's the link.

The kit includes a wireless router as well as a notebook wireless card if your laptop doesn't have wireless already built in. The ratings on this unit are quite good, so the savings are for a quality router.

I'll be using it to speed up my connection and find more deals faster!

Free $25 Dining Certificate Available Online - McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants

Here's a tasty morsel for all my savers: register on-line for a free $25 certificate redeemable at any McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant. Yes, a $25 certificate at no cost to you!

Here's the link.

You have to make your reservation on-line by August 24th, and the certificate is redeemable until September 25th.

$25 towards a nice dinner for free... that's not hard to swallow!

Very Nice Deal on a High-Quality Webcam

Thanks to one of my readers for sending this one in...

Zipzoomfly.com has a great deal on a Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision webcam. The regular retail is $129.99, and they've reduced it to $94.99, along with a $60 rebate that gets the final price down to $34.99 (with free shipping).

Here's the link.

Every once in a while you see offers for webcams at lower prices but when I was shopping for webcams a few months ago, the reviews on many of them were disappointing. The one I found most highly praised was the Logitech Vision, and I bought one for myself to use with Skype. I have been pleased with its performance, so I think getting a very high quality instrument like this for $35 is well worth it. The features and software make the webcam images come out great.

So if you want people to see your beautiful face while you call them on Skype, give this webcam a shot.

British Airways London from NY $159 Each Way plus Bonus 2-Day London Pass for Sightseeing

Until August 17th British Airways is offering airfares for fall travel to London from JFK starting at $159 each way for certain Monday-Wednesday departures. That includes any fuel surcharge but government fees and taxes are additional.

With the deal, they are including a 2-day London pass for free admission to fifty sightseeing destinations in London as well. Plus, if you register for an account on the British Airways site, they are also offering a $20 credit for the roundtrip!

Here's the link.

For a quick autumn dash to see the Queen, isn't this loverly?

Royal Caribbean Cruise to Bermuda from NJ just $479 inside cabin plus a $50 shipboard credit ($799 balcony cabin)

Live in the New York area and want to take a cruise to Bermuda? Royal Caribbean departs from Bayonne, NJ and is offering a $150 discount on its 5-day Explorer of the Seas cruise to Bermuda for three upcoming sailings (9/23, 10/7, 10/21). Inside cabins are just $479 -- balcony upgrade would be $799, still a nice price if you need that outside feel.

They also have a $50 credit for spending on board when you book. When you think of not needing to spend airfare (and time) to fly to Miami or elsewhere to embark, the final cost is quite nice. I spoke with someone who took this particular cruise last year and they had a good time (really! I'm not making that up! It was my auto mechanic).

Here's the link.

So if Bermuda beckons, this may be your answer.

Back-to-School? Free California Raisins Lunch Bag

Just in time to start getting ready for school days, California Raisins is running a contest for a trip to a theme park in California or Florida. You can keep the box for future promos unclicked if you don't want them to send you e-mails in the future.

The images at the bottom show that every entrant gets a California Raisin lunch bag for free. There's a picture of it there, and it seems to have some carrying straps and a spot for a water bottle as well as lunch. The site doesn't give many details about the lunch bag, but having a California Raisin on the bag wouldn't be the worst image to have on a bag, no?

Here's the link.

Wacom Graphic Tablet with Nice Software Bundle Just $49.99 after $50 Rebate

For people who like to draw on their computer, a graphics tablet can be a great accessory. A while back I wrote about a large 6"x8" tablet for sale at a good price which was a fairly basic entry-level tablet. This time, there's a nice deal on a smaller but more featured tablet by one of the leading makers, and it comes bundled with some terrific software to make it even more useful. Circuit City is offering a $50 rebate that cuts the price in half.

The graphics tablet is the Wacom Graphire4 and the instrument measures 4"x6". It comes with a pen and a cordless mouse for enhanced flexibility. The software included is Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Corel Painter Essentials 2 and Nik Color Efex Pro 2, so there are lots of tools to make your projects stand out!

Here's the link.

The rebate offer is good till August 18th, so if you or your kids would like a really nice art/photo accessory for your computer, this may fit the bill.

Go Jogging with Your Ipod or Mp3? Here's a Deal!

If you'd like a nice little accessory that can make your Ipod easier to carry, Newegg has an armband holder for your Mp3 player that's free-after-rebate with free shipping! How can you beat that?

Here's the link.

The armband is by Xtatix and costs $10, so send in to get the $10 back and you're home free! The rebate may not be good for P.O. Box addresses, so make sure to use a physical address.

Deals like this are sweet music!

Three Promo Codes: Restaurant.com 50% off, Newegg $20, Buy.com 5%

I've posted a few times about deals at restaurant.com, newegg.com and buy.com -- I've used them several times and been pleased with the results. Their offers and/or rebates always seem good and they always have come through when I've used them.

I ran across the following promo codes or coupons for those three vendors. I'm not sure how long the restaurant.com or newegg offers are valid, but the buy.com is good till December 31, 2008!

Restaurant.com use the promo code PICTURE to get 50% any certificates (so a $25 certificate normally $10 is just $5).

Newegg.com is offering $20 off a $100 purchase if you pay with paypal. Use the code paypal20 at checkout.

Buy.com has an offer for 5% anyone on their site except cellular products/services. To get there, use this link.

I try to keep things like these in mind when looking for other great deals at these retailers so you can combine them with other great offers to maximize savings. I hope these come in handy for you too.

School Supplies Alert - Electric Pencil Sharpener Free-After-Rebate

Here's another way to get ready for those all-too-soon days of school -- an electric slimline pencil sharpener free after rebate.

If you went to Staples a few weeks back when they had pencils at a penny per eight pack, your house is brimming with them just waiting to be sharpened, right? You wouldn't want to hurt your wrist twisting all those pencils in an old-fashioned sharpener, would you?

Well, now Staples has the answer for that too. A slimline electric sharpener, originally $13.99 reduced to $10 and then with a $10 rebate! Net to you is free (except for the tax) -- it's even an easy-rebate you submit on-line so you don't even spend 41 cents on a stamp!

Here's the link.

Stay sharp, bargain hunters!

$10 Tickets for US Open Tennis!

For you tennis fans who live near New York City (or would want to go there to see the US Open), right now there's a promotional code you can use on TicketMaster that gets you tickets for just $10 (isn't that how much a bottle of water costs at the concession stands there?).

Yes, $10 tickets for US Open Tennis. You go to ticketmaster's link for the US Open. and after you input your zip code (if you're not near NY it will still show tickets for the US Open as a choice). Then you click on 'find tickets' and it will take to you a form with several choices. Enter the date you want to check and use the section for promotional code searching. Enter the following code in the box: wfandango. They should show if they have the $10 tickets available that date (plus ticketmaster's service fee, of course).

Here's the link. I just tried it, and the first date I entered with the code resulted in them offering me $10 tickets. It looks like it's the Arthur Ashe Stadium events that have the promo code spaces available.

So if you'd like to experience this great sporting event in person, this might be a fun way to give it a try without breaking the bank! Maybe you can even go a few times instead of just once.

Movies for Your Ipod or Cell-Phone? Free-After-Rebate Software

Right now, CompUSA has an offer for AvanQuest Movies, Music and Ringtones software that ends up free-after-rebate. The regular price is $39.99 but they have $10 instant savings, and then $30 in mail-in rebates for a final net of free-after-rebate! Can you beat that?

Here's the link.

It allows you to transfer your DVDs onto your video Ipod, or your video-enabled cell-phone, as well as dealing with music and ringtone files. Also lets you transfer your music from a current Ipod to a new one if you're upgrading. If you are an Ipoder (is that a word?) this may be a useful tool, and free-after-rebate makes it more enticing.

Free Schick Quattro Razor On-Line

Schick has an on-line promo going where you can get a Quattro razor free just by registering. You can opt out of receiving further promotional e-mails, so it doesn't look like it would subject you to a lot of spam...

The link is here.

They are doing some sort of contest where people can upload videos of action sports for judging but you don't need to do that to enter. The videos will be judged by people who register, so if you want to participate you can -- but it doesn't look like you have to in order to get the razor.

They'll also have a drawing to win an iPhone for those who come back and vote on September 10th, if that interests you.

When you register, make sure to click the box at the bottom which says 'Yes I want to receive a Free Schick sample.' You can keep the next box for updates and promotions unchecked if that doesn't interest you -- but if you want a reminder to vote when the iPhone contest takes place you may want the reminder checked.

This promotion lasts till October 8th but is 'while supplies last.' It's limited to one per household.

So there it is -- get a close shave without shaving your wallet...

Cherish What and Whom You Have

A quick moment I hope you'll indulge me. I heard tonight that a good friend passed away. Had been battling for a long time and he was doing his best, and when it looked like things had turned for the better, something else came and took him. His name was Ray.

Those of you who know me know I direct plays and right now we're about to open "Our Town." The message in that play is pretty strong, about being aware of all the wonderful things around you and all the wonderful things people do, no matter how miniscule they might seem. Because we all have a tendency to take them for granted and not realize just how precious those are.

Next month we are going to perform the same play in which Ray appeared for me four years ago... which was how we became friends. When we were first planning redoing this play it was with a thought that he might reprise his role. But as he was finishing his treatments, he said he felt it more important that he spend time with his family. He wanted to make up for time they'd had 'on-hold' while he was taking treatments. And however much time that was, I am sure it meant more to his family than another chance to see him on-stage.

So here's my gentle reminder. Take the time to notice. Take the time to appreciate. Take the time to cherish. And don't forget to tell them.

I'll miss you, Ray. And I know I'll be far from the only one. Tengo famiglia!

Know a Kid Who Loves Legos?

Many of us fondly remember growing up with Lego building blocks, those quirky shaped things that stacked together and snapped into place so well, in all sorts of bright colors -- the possibilities were endless.

If you know a young someone who likes Legos, there's a spot on the Lego website where they have special sale and clearance items... the prices are slashed way way down, so you could put together a nice little package for not too much -- or you could spend a bit more and give them an awesome assortment. The link for the site is here. This link takes you to a page that shows all the deals on one page.

Some samples of the offers:
50 2x4 green bricks (Item 3461), usually $6.99, now $0.98
50 1x4 green bricks (Item 3471), usually $5.99, now $0.98
50 1x4 red bricks (Item 3472), usually $5.99, now $0.98
100 2x4 red plates (Item 3485), usually $8.99, now $0.98
Batmobile Ultimate Collector's Ed. (7784), Half-Price at $34.98
Arkham Asylum (Item 7785) Half-Price at $39.98
Race for the Mask of Life (Item 8624) cut from $59.99 to $14.98
Airport Rescue Truck (Item 7844), was $19.99, now $7.98
My First Quatro Set (for really young ones ages 1-3) was $12.99, now $4.98

They also have Lego-related items such as video games (Bionicle Heroes for XBox 360 reduced from $39.99 to $9.98, Lego Star Wars games for XBox or Xbox 360 both $19.98). They have clothes, watches and more.

So Lego lovers, here is a site to check out. Have fun!

Love Someone Who Loves Computers? How About Giving Them a Heart-Shaped Mouse? It's Free-After-Rebate

Newegg.com has the Xtatix XCM-Heart USB Optical Red Heart-Shape Mouse on sale for $10.00, and there is a $10 rebate offer for purchases until August 31st. Free-After-Rebate, although shipping will cost you just under $5. Still, for a cute little addition to someone's PC it's a nice little thought. And it's the thought that counts, right?

Here's the link.

Newegg is one of the companies I've found to be reliable in what they offer and how quickly they get it to you.

The item is a fully-functioning mouse, with 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel, USB connection. And the shape might just occasionally put a little smile on someone's face, so how can you go wrong?

It doesn't have to be for Valentine's Day -- why not a quick fun little gift to say I love... these savings!

Savings Buried on a Website - US Airways to Europe 10% Off and 10,000 Bonus Miles

I was looking for airfares to Europe and got a reminder on why you always want to keep your eyes open...

We wanted to travel to Europe during a certain time period and were comparing deals on various airlines, checking Orbitz, Hotwire and all. Most of the low fares involved making a connection, which we'd be willing to do if the savings and schedule matched up... but along the way, Orbitz showed that one of the directions was with a connection but the other was non-stop. Struck me as interesting that an airline had a non-stop on the route - and I thought if they had it in one direction they might have it in the other. So I decided to go to the airline's website and check.

In this case it was US Airways. I did some researching and found that they didn't have non-stops between my city pair every day, but if I switched my return by one day I could fly both ways non-stop. So that was a step in the right direction.

The next interesting element I saw was the effect that multiple flights have on fees. With all the airport and security fees that are now being tacked on to flights, the taxes and fees (for international travel in particular) really add up. The base fare for US Airways was a bit higher compared to some of the other airlines, but because it was only one flight each way instead of two, the taxes/fees were way less. And that made the final net price of the ticket less on US Airways, by a good enough margin to make that the clear choice (with the benny of not having to change planes, wait in a second airport etc.)

I was getting ready to book the fare and my eyes were just sort of gazing at the screen -- and they ran across a link on the site for 20% off fares to Europe and 20,000 bonus miles. I wondered if that was on top of the lower fare I had just found, so I clicked on that link.

Turned out they had a promotion going on together with MasterCard -- if you booked travel to a few of their European destinations and paid with your MasterCard you would get 20% of Envoy class plus 20k bonus miles for your frequent flyer. We weren't planning to fly that class, but the promotion went on that if you booked coach and paid with the MasterCard you would still get 10% off and 10k miles.

The promotion is good for tickets bought through September 30th for travel between September 2nd and November 14th to any of seven major European destinations.

You had to register your frequent flyer account number to get the promotion credited, so I went ahead and did that for both our accounts. Once that was done, I went through the steps to get the same reservations, and the 10% savings just popped in there! Enough to pay for some extra special dinners out while we're there (or maybe a side trip on the bargain airlines on flylc.com)

So thanks to some digging and using the link I almost overlooked, I got the better airfare, the non-stop service, an extra 10% off and a future 10,000 extra miles!!! Wow, did seeing that link ever pay off!