Are you a local know it all?

As many of you know, I’m the Seattle Free Stuff Examiner for Examiner.com. So far my experience with Examiner.com has been great and I’m enjoying learning how to share my knowledge about my topic with people all over the world.

Examiner.com is ranked as one of the top 100 websites in the United States by trusted rating site Quantcast.com. They have thousands of informed local and national writers contributing hundreds of thousands of useful, informative, topic-specific articles every week, and they’re fast becoming the go-to source for local information in the U.S.

Examiner.com has asked me to refer anyone I know who might be a good Examiner, and I think some of my readers here would be great! Are you a realtor that knows all about real estate topics in your area? A frugal mom that's an expert on your town's budget friendly family restaurants? A movie goer that's on top of all the latest flicks? Writing articles for Examiner.com can be a good way for you to share your expertise, reach a large audience, establish yourself as an authority, and make money. There's real people just like you and I writing there everyday - so don't be intimidated. Plus you can even include your affiliate links and links to your blog or website in your articles or on your Examiner page - as long as they are related to your topic of course.

Take a look at Examiner.com to get a feel of what type of articles are published there. Find out more about writing for Examiner, and see a list of topics and cities available to write about on the application page and watch this short video that explains the application process. If you decide to apply, would you mind letting them know I referred you? Currently, Examiner.com is paying a $50 referral bonus to writers as long as their application is accepted. You can refer me by Name: Cindy Grayson, or use my ID Code Number 14411. (Keep in mind that this $50 referral program is open to you too if you are accepted as an Examiner, and you will receive $50 for each person that you refer!)

If you have any questions send me an email with "examiner" in the subject line to makemorecents@hotmail.com

Thanks, and if you decide to apply, good luck!

photo: Bubbels, sxc.hu

Free Valentine's Day Cards and Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is giving customers 12 free "Share the Love" Valentine's Day cards with each dozen doughnuts purchased. Each of these one-of-a-kind cards includes a sweet surprise - a coupon for one free doughnut - to share with those closest to your heart.

The free Valentine's Day cards are at participating Krispy Kreme stores and are available until Feb. 14, 2010. Check with your local store, or see the pdf of stores that are participating in the Valentine's promotion. (Be sure the box is marked on the far right hand side of the page to find stores offering the free Valentine's Day cards.)

You can see the official Krispy Kreme Valentine's press release here.

Stay informed about these and other deals by following Cheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

Buy One Get One Free Soft Scrub Cleanser Coupon

Sign up for the Soft Scrub Club and you will be able to get member exclusive savings which currently includes a printable coupon for buy one get one free Soft Scrub cleanser.

Members can also go to the special offers page where there are more printable coupons, such as $1.50 off any Soft Scrub Total purchase, $1 off any Soft Scrub Cleanser product purchase and $1.50 off any Soft Scrub Gel product purchase.

Stay informed about these and other deals by following Cheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

Free KIND Snack Bars at Starbucks Feb. 5

Try a free KIND snack bar at Starbucks stores on February 5, 2010. Starbucks will sample KIND bars at all of their 7,000 stores across the country! Drop in to try one of the two delicious flavors selling at your local Starbucks: Fruit & Nut Delight and Cranberry Almond+Antioxidants.

Find out more about KIND bars on the KIND Healthy Snacks website.

Stay informed about these and other deals by following Cheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

Valentine's Day Dinner on a Budget with White Castle

Looking for a place to have Valentine's Day dinner on a budget? White Castle is offering customers a romantic option that won't break your piggy bank's heart. Participating White Castle restaurants are currently taking reservations for limited seatings on Valentines Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010.

The Valentine's Day promotion includes tableside service, flowers and candlelight. A sack meal dinner for two can easily be had for under $15.

This annual White Castle event fills up quickly, so make your reservations soon. A list of participating restaurants can be found on the White Castle Valentine's Day promotions webpage.

Stay informed about these and other deals by followingCheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

photo: ohsuzicue, sxc.hu

25% off Sbarro Coupon for Feedback

Whenever I hit the local mall, I have to stop by and enjoy the mushroom pizza at Sbarro.

If you're addicted to their pizza like I am, you might be interested to know that you can complete an online survey and give your feedback about your recent purchase as a customer of Sbarro, and you'll be emailed a coupon good for 25% off your next purchase.

View the Sbarro website to find out more about Sbarro and use the location finder to find a Sbarro near you.

(I don't know when the 25% off coupon offer ends, so hurry.)

Stay informed about these and other deals by following Cheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

Photo courtesy emospada, sxc.hu

Johnny Rockets Free Hamburger with Purchase

Sign up for the Johnny Rockets e-club and you will receive a coupon via email which is good for one Free Hamburger with the purchase of any hamburger or sandwich, starter and drink. Valid only at participating restaurants. Cannot be used with other discounts or offers. (I just signed up for this today and my coupon doesn't expire until 7/06/10.)

Kids can join the Johnny Rockets Rocketeer Club and will receive an email for a free kids meal just for signing up and another free kids meal offer on their birthday. (I had some trouble getting this to go through and have not received any emails on this yet after signing up. I'll update and confirm once I get anything. I'd love to hear if any of you had better luck with this. Please let me know in the comments below. Thanks.)

Use the location finder on the Johnny Rockets website to find a restaurant near you.

Stay informed about these and other deals by followingCheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

photo: lockstockb, sxc.hu

20% off Stein Mart Coupon

Join the Stein Mart email club and get a coupon for 20% off your next purchase.

Check out the Stein Mart coupons page online for more discounts, and follow Stein Mart on Twitter and Facebook to find out about more offers and promotions.

Visit the Stein Mart website for more information and to see a list of store locations.

This store looks like it has some serious bargains. Why are there none in my area?

Stay informed about these and other deals by following Cheap Cindy on Twitter and becoming a fan of Cheap Cindy on Facebook.

Free 24oz Smoothie from Keva

Join the Keva Klub to get the latest promotions and specials sent to you by email. Not only will you get frequent discounts, but you'll receive a printable coupon for a free 24 oz smoothie from Keva just for signing up!

The free smoothie is good on Regular Blends only and excludes Power Blends and Red Bull Blends. ID may be required when you present the coupon. The free smoothie cannot be used with other offers.Coupon expires 14 days from when it was sent.

Select your location when joining the Keva Klub (the location you select will be where the coupon can be redeemed.)

See the online store locator to find a Keva near you, or visit the Keva website for more information.

photo: bluegum, sxc.hu

One Day Sale Tamarac Slippers up to 70% off + Free Shipping

Amazon.com is having a one day sale on Tamarac slippers with prices up to 70% off and free super saver shipping on orders over $25.

Select from men's or women's slippers with prices starting at $9.99.

Supplies are limited and sale is today only, Monday, January 18, 2010.

Wilsons Leather MLK Weekend Sale 60% off + 20% off + Free Shipping

Catch some hot deals at the Wilsons Leather MLK Weekend Sale with clearance items 60% off plus an additional 20% off taken at checkout! Online only. Make this deal super hot by using the free shipping promo code 6554.

Items are going fast, so hurry!

Last Chance Clearance Sale at 6pm.com 70% or More

See the Last Chance Clearance Sale at 6pm.com with prices 70% off or more. Choose from shoes, clothing, bags, eyewear and more.

Other hot deals at 6pm.com:

• Rockport $24.95 and under sale
• 60% off or more on Ed Hardy
• 50% off or more on Puma

Sizes and stock are limited.

Get an additional 3.5% off when shopping through Ebates. (New Ebates members get a $5 bonus at sign up!)

photo: djayo, sxc.hu

Buy 2 Pampers Value Packs Get a Free $15 Babies R Us Toys R Us Gift Card

Get a free $15 Babies "R" Us or Toys "R" Us gift card with the purchase of two Pampers diaper boxes 92 count or higher. Offer valid January 15 - 18, 2010. Purchase must be made at Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us stores, not online. Gift cards available at checkout after purchase.

25 Free Photo Cards + Free Shipping

Get 25 free photo cards from SeeHere. Here's how:

Sign up for a new account at SeeHere. Go to "photo cards" and select the 4 X 8 photo cards you would like. You can choose from several designs, including Valentines Day, Baby, Thank you cards etc. Then upload the photo you want to use and create your cards. Select a quantity of 25 cards and add them to your shopping cart. Use the promo code newbaby at checkout. Once the promotional code is accepted, it should show your discount for the free 25 photo cards and free shipping.

photo: gobran111, sxc.hu

Walgreens Online $10 off $60 + Free Shipping

Get $10 off orders $60 or more from Walgreens.com using the coupon code GETFIT at checkout. The offer also includes free shipping on eligible items.

Eligible items are those marked as "free shipping eligible" or "ships for free". Offer applies to free standard shipping only and does not apply to pharmacy or photo orders or to orders shipping to Hawaii, Alaska and American territories. All other shipping policies still apply.

Coupon code GETFIT valid for up to 5 uses per account January 15, 2010. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Discount does not apply to pharmacy or photo orders, gift card purchases, taxes or shipping charges. Orders must be placed by logged-in customer by January 15, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock. Offer valid online only.

Plus get 4% cash back when you shop through Ebates. (New Ebates members get a $5 bonus at sign up!)

photo: mrceviz, sxc.hu

Free Samples from Maven Hair Products

Sign up for Free Samples from Mavin Hair Products. Free samples are for U.S. residents only and are available as long as supplies last.

Find out more about Mavin products at www.mavinbeauty.com.

Free Pastrami Sandwich at Togo's 1/14

Celebrate National Pastrami Day - get a Free Pastrami Mini Classic Sandwich at Togo's. Good for the first 100 customers at each participating store. Today only - Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 3pm to 5pm.

Limit one per customer. While supplies last.

Free One Year Subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine

Sign up to receive the WeddingStand online newsletter and receive a Free one year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine. (Be sure to select the box confirming that you want the free magazine subscription.)

WeddingStand.com has been bringing brides a great selection of bridesmaid gifts and wedding favors since 2002. As a subsidiary of Shopping Stand, Inc., WeddingStand.com offers the personalized bridesmaid gifts you're looking for with great service to match.

Bridal Guide is a magazine for the contemporary bride-to-be focusing on current trends in fashion, beauty, home design, and honeymoon travel. Complete detailed information on wedding planning and social issues that affect the bride and groom are regular features.

Free Sample Cream of Wheat

Sign up for a free sample of Cream of Wheat. Select from Original, Maple Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Swirl, Healthy Grain and more.

Available to U.S. Residents only. Limit one offer per household. Please allow 6–8 weeks for delivery. You must be 13 years of age or older to receive this sample. Offer good while supplies last. If you have received a free sample from Cream of Wheat in the last 12 months you may not be eligible. You will receive your sample in 6-8 weeks.

*Sorry - offer has ended*

Free Wienerschnitzel Chili Dog

Do you crave all things wiener? Do you daydream about Chili Dogs, Corn Dogs and Chili Cheeseburgers? Now there's a place to get your fix – the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Lovers' Club. You'll get exciting news and great offers all year long from your favorite Wienerschnitzel location. Just fill out the form and look for your FREE Original Chili Dog welcome message in a few days.

(I actually got my free chili dog email within a few minutes.)

See the Wienerschnitzel website to find a location near you.

photo: prima_vera, sxc.hu

Kids Eat Free at IKEA Jan 16 - 18

Kids eat free at IKEA January 16 - January 18, 2010. Choose any three kid-sized items to create a meal, including five meatballs, mac and cheese, PB&J sandwich, kids yogurt, two cookies, chocolate milk and more! No adult purchase necessary. Kids under 12 only. $2.49 value.

Offer not valid at IKEA Houston and IKEA Direct. Restaurant hours may vary by store. See your local IKEA store for details.

See more Kids Eat Free Restaurants.

photo: polska1, sxc.hu

Restaurant.com 80% Off

Get 80% off Restaurant.com gift certificates by using the promo code INDULGE at checkout. Offer expires on January 19, 2009.

As with all Restaurant.com gift certificates, restrictions vary with each restaurant and range from a minimum purchase amount to specific days when the gift certificate is valid. See the terms and conditions for certificate use provided with each offer.

photo: simonok, sxc.hu, http://www.shop-bright.com/

It's My Kiss Up To Manufacturers for Grocery Coupons Day

Today is my Kiss-Up-To-Manufacturers-For-Grocery-Coupons Day. This is actually a bi-annual event that I take part in, usually in January and June. I'm simply schmoozing product manufacturers in order to get them to send me grocery coupons.

This isn't a national holiday or anything, but it's something you might want to try. This can be a great way to get grocery coupons and free samples.

Here's what I do:

• Make a list of grocery items and the brands that I buy on a regular basis
• Go online and look for the official manufacturers website for these products
• Locate the customer service email address
• Send an email telling the company how much I love their products and if they could please send me coupons I would appreciate it
• Enclose my name and mailing address

That's it! Within a few weeks I'll start getting coupons in the mail. I've gotten several high value and free item coupons doing this.

Here is an actual email I sent to Eden Foods last year:

" Hello to all at Eden Foods,

Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful organic products. I love your refried beans and wasabi chips. Unfortunately my budget currently does not allow me to enjoy your products as much as I would like. If you happen to have some coupons or samples you could send my way I would be most appreciative - if not I will still be devoted to your products.

Sincerely,

(My name)

(My address)"

They sent me recipe books and twelve coupons for their products. How awesome is that? Not all companies will send you coupons, but it doesn't hurt to try.

So start your own Kiss-Up-To-Manufacturers-For-Grocery-Coupons Day. I totally recommend it!

There are more great ways to find grocery coupons. Read How to Find Grocery Coupons Online and How to Find Free Grocery Coupons which contain tips for finding coupons and links to sources for printable grocery coupons.

photo: am-y, sxc.hu

HoneyBaked Ham Coupon 50% off Bone-in Half Hams

Print out a coupon for 50% off a HoneyBaked Bone-in Half Ham. Off valid through 1/31/2010 at participating HoneyBaked Ham locations in AZ, KS, KY, MD, MN, MO, OR, PA, VA and WI. While supplies last. Limit one coupon per customer.

To see more HoneyBaked Ham promotions at other locations, visit the HoneyBaked Ham Promotions web page and enter your state.

photo: mrceviz, sxc.hu