Heads Up! #FYI: @Walgreens Balance Rewards Program Change #Sad

A Big Change is Coming to Walgreens Balance Rewards program: Starting November 4th, you will only be able to redeem a maximum of $5.00 worth of points (5,000) per transaction. That's it! The other rewards tiers will apparently disappear. No point in saving up your rewards any longer for the previously points discounted higher tiers. If you have a lot of points saved up, you might wish to use them now when you can still get the benefit of the discounted points tiers.

Free Chicken Nuggets! #ChikFilA #App

Chik-Fil-A® Chicken Nuggets

Download and install the Chick-Fil-A® app, if you don't already have it. Open the app and register for an account or login to your account. Go to the Rewards screen and claim a reward good for a FREE 8-count chicken nuggets! The reward expires 29-September once claimed and is available to activate (claim) while supplies last.

Bought @NostalgiaElctrx @Keurig @Jolly_Rancher: @Kohls #SweepstakesPrize + #Rewards Haul! #GotItFree!

I've been entering a Kohls Twitter Contest* periodically (under a personal account) whenever I happened to be on Twitter and remember to send an entry tweet. The prize is $50.00 KohlsCash (valid for 30 days from activation). Roughly a week ago, my Twitter username was drawn as a potential winner. After I emailed the sweepstakes admin my contact information and confirmed my eligibility, I received my $50.00 KohlsCash code the next day. I also happened to have a $5.00 KohlsCash Reward (valid for 30 days from date earned) from earning the requisite Kohls Yes2You Rewards points to trigger a conversion. As a result, I ended up with a total of $55.00 in rewards money to spend within a limited time frame.

Jolly Rancher Sour Bites 8-oz. Package

Across the board regardless of the rewards program in question, I prefer to use any rewards that I earn to get items for free (as opposed to merely buying something at a discount). This way any rewards that I earn actually make me feel like I've been rewarded, because I got free stuff! For instance, if I have $55.00 in rewards available, I will try to find things that I want or need which cost less than or equal to this amount, so that I can order the item/s for free (or as close to free as possible).

Keurig® Brewer Maintenance Kit

With this in mind, I went shopping online at Kohls.com over the weekend and scored some fun and useful items: a Nostalgia Electrics Diner Style Hot Dog Steamer (MSRP $49.99), a Keurig® Brewer Maintenance Kit (MSRP $29.99) and a Jolly Rancher Sour Bites 8-oz. Package (MSRP $4.99) --- only the Jolly Rancher was purchased at its regular price, the other two items were on sale. The total for all three items came out to $54.97, which I paid for with my $55.00 KohlsCash. (A notice on my e-receipt stated that I'd saved $84.97 total.) Free stuff FTW!

Nostalgia Electrics Diner Style Hot Dog Steamer

I'm hoping the Diner Style Hot Dog Steamer works well. (The product had great reviews on the Kohls site.) I've been searching for a convenient method to cook my veggie dogs to perfection and achieve that real Carnival feel. I own quite a few (at least 15) Nostalgia Electrics appliances and most of them have been well worth the money (that I didn't pay for them, as I netted them all free via rewards programs). I adore Nostalgia Electrics because the company specializes in retro design small appliances. I'm a gadget geek and I love a Carnival/Fair/Circus/Vaudeville motif ---which often plays into this retro vibe.

I'm planning to test cook some veggie dogs this weekend!

---

*In case you've been under a rock lately: Kohls has been conducting a Twitter Contest (running M-F for about four weeks) in celebration of its Back-to-School Sales. To participate, follow Kohls on Twitter, reply to any Kohls contest notice tweet by saying what you would use the $50.00 KohlsCash prize to buy, if you were to win and append the contest hashtag #KohlsCashSweepstakes. Obviously, one can pretty much say whatever he wants. Entries do not carry over, so you must create a new entry tweet each weekday (24 hour period). Contest ends 29/Aug, so there's still a few days to enter. Good Luck!

Two Interesting #CokeRewards Promos: #Free #Cinemark Movie Ticket + #Free World of Coca-Cola Ticket

Ever since Coke revamped its rewards program, the pickings have been slim. The "prizes" are mostly awarded via sweepstakes. Occasionally, an actual reward (input X codes, get this...) will popup. I keep an eye out for these. The chance to win a prize can be nice, but it's only a chance versus a guaranteed exchange. I prefer a bird in the hand.

Both of these promotions may require you to download and install the new Coke Rewards app, which is named simply Coca-Cola, if you haven't already. (Some rewards opportunities appear in the app only.) I was a beta-tester for the new Coke Rewards app and never really ventured back to the site. So I haven't visited the Coke web site to check whether these also appear there.

If you're unfamiliar with Coke Rewards, basically most Coke products have codes or icons on them. You save the codes and input them to enter sweepstakes or sometimes to get select rewards directly. (Sip & Scan icons work on the same premise and mainly function as an alternative to code entry.)

If you like movies or museums/attractions, then you may like these currently available rewards.

Reward 1: Scan or input 15 product codes and you'll unlock a General Admission Adult Ticket to the World of Coca-Cola. This promotion expires 09-Oct-18. The e-ticket itself expires 31-Dec-2018. You can complete this offer once.

Reward 2: Scan or input one code (or icon) and receive a Free Cinemark Movie Club One-Month Trial Membership, a movie watching subscription service (similar to MoviePass or AMC Stubs A-List). The trial includes One Free Movie Ticket, concessions discounts and more. A Credit Card is required to sign-up for this Cinemark Movie Club trial. The membership will automatically renew, if not canceled. This promotion expires 24-Sep-2018. Limit one per account.

What are you waiting for, get thee to the app store!

Help Spark A Movement #BiteBackHunger #FoodNews #Philanthropy #SmallBatch #MightySparkFood

Mighty Spark Food Co. sticker

Recently Publix featured several ecoupons for at least three free Mighty Spark Food Co. products. This new company began as a "farmers market food booth" specializing in hand-crafted "small batch" meat products. While I don't eat meat, both my dog (a prey-focused hound and natural hunter) and members of my extended family do. Thus, I sometimes purchase meat. I loaded the Mighty Spark Food Co. ecoupons that I saw onto my Publix account and redeemed them for the freebie items. I gave the meat to a carnivorous sibling who it turn brought back to me the company's logo sticker which was included inside the carton. (I like stickers.) By the way, my sister gave the products a good review when I asked what she thought, as did our other sister's husband. (I'd informed our other sister about the freebie ecoupons so that she could load them for her own household.)

I had not heard of Mighty Spark Food Co. prior to this Publix digital coupon promotion. I'd searched for and visited their website after I noticed the ecoupons in order to check their product list. But after receiving the sticker which had a message to "Become a Mighty Spark" printed on its peel-away paper backing, I returned to the website to read about the company's philanthropic efforts working to #bitebackhunger: "For every Mighty Spark item purchased, the company donates a meal to those in need." Mighty Spark also helps sponsor community events that feed those in need --- all causes behind which I can certainly rally! I subscribed to the company's newsletter to find out about potential volunteer opportunities.

I may not personally consume their products, but I actively support organizations that work to better this world. If you're curious to know more and want to become a "Mighty Spark" opt-in at mightysparkfood.com. (Of interest to carnivores... the back of the sticker also mentioned a possibility of receiving freebies in addition to the newsletter.)

Choose to do good. It is a choice.

#Alpharetta #Shopping Trip #Babysitting #AmericanGirl #PaneraBread #Gamestop #Deals

My sister, our niece and I spent most of the afternoon (from about 1:30p - 6:30p) roaming around Alpharetta and then made stops in Brookhaven and Buckhead. We did go to the American Girl Store at Northpoint Mall. It was cute (and unsurprisingly crowded). My niece wanted everything, of course. Meanwhile, I could only laugh at the prices they charge for mass produced plastic doll furniture.

I remember when American Girl was introduced some 31 odd years ago by the Pleasant Company and while I thought it was very expensive even then as a kid, at least the furniture was (mostly) made of real wood. The original items showed craftsmanship and attention to detail. They were things worthy of "childhood desires." The majority of the "modern" items that I saw just looked cheap and cheesy, in my opinion. A sign of the (Mattel) times, I guess. But little girls --- and some adult collectors --- are still enthralled and snap up any brand introduction. (Whereas I would only buy the stuff on extreme sale or via free deals.)

I don't like to go shopping in the real world. I will go, if I can score deals only available in-store or if it's a special occasion trip like this (going to the American Girl Store for the first time). If we were only planning to go to the one place, it would have been fine, but my sister is (oddly to me) a Brick & Mortar shopoholic. She can literally spend ALL DAY out. I agreed to go, partially because her birthday is coming up next week, and spending the afternoon together would amount to "family bonding time." Urgh! Still, I knew that I would be bored out of my mind within moments as she and our niece, who also seems to like real world shopping, happily went about. Thus, I'd planned to take advantage of a few deals during our trip in order to make the afternoon more worth my while.

Turns out I had an old $10.00 Gamestop Gift Card that I got free with My Coke Rewards points like two Christmases ago, so I finally used it. (With the recently announced Gamestop store closings, I didn't want to hold onto it any longer and potentially end up with a valueless card, if its business "cost-cutting measures" progressed rapidly to bankruptcy or going out of business entirely.) So I ended up getting a couple Funko Pop vinyl figures and only paying $0.78 tax OOP. (The figures were $5.00/ea.)

Ms. Pac-Man

Suicide Squad: Killer Croc

I've been loosely reading various discussions of Funko Pop figures on a few of the gaming and movie sites I frequent. I was aware of them, but hadn't seen any in the wild. Then I spotted some near the checkout counter in the Gamestop store and thought "I could get two for free and they'll make fun gifts, if I decide not to keep them." So I bit. I chose Ms. Pac-Man, a favorite arcade game in my youth, and Suicide Squad: Killer Croc, because I recently saw the movie and liked the character.

I also used My Panera Rewards Card to get a free Cinnamon Crunch Bagel. (Panera Bread gifted me a "Free Daily Bagel in April" reward yesterday. At first, I thought it was an April Fools' Day prank. But it wasn't. I can get one free bagel each day this month, if I so choose.) I love bagels and I especially love Panera Bread bagels. My favorites being the Asiago Cheese and the Cinnamon Crunch. So this is an awesome surprise gift!

And finally, I used my Shopkick app to do a few check-ins while we wandered the mall. I earned enough kicks to redeem for a $2.00 gift card to either Target or Wal-Mart --- or I can keep saving for a higher tier reward.

Not a bad afternoon, in spite of my crazy family.

Ordered #Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain! #Pets #H2O #Rewards #Furbabies #PetParenting #PurinaPerks

Finally crossed the threshold of rewards points necessary to order my #1 Wish List item on Purina Catchow Perks. Decided that I (or more accurately, that my furbabies) wanted the Drinkwell® Multi-Tier Pet Fountain [MSRP $59.99] when I first joined the Catchow Perks rewards program. (This fountain is supposed to be perfect for cats or small/medium sized dogs.) My furbabies can't wait for it to get here!

Drinkwell® Multi-Tier Pet Fountain Reward

#SonyPictures #SonyRewards Invitation: #ChappieMovie #AI #Robots #Free #Bluray #FilmFan

OK. So after having received numerous emails from Sony Pictures store imploring me to sign-up for the Sony Rewards program (and get a free movie right away, if I joined by a specific date), I finally bit. I'd ignored the summons previously, because I honestly don't buy many Sony studio movies any longer, so didn't see a real value to the program (though I do own other Sony gear). But, if you're going to force a free movie on me, I'll take it (though the selection was limited). I chose Chappie Blu-ray. Projected to be here within two weeks. I'll have popcorn waiting... I'm a sucker for AI robots films (especially in light of the chance for social commentary and the current zeitgeist.) I adored Chappie (but then, I adore the actor who voiced him).

Ordered @MelissaaAndDoug Happy Giddy Bowling Set @Pampers #Rewards

I like Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy toys based on pictures that I've seen of various items in the series. Brightly colored, fun & whimsical toys that are meant to be played with... and that look durable enough to survive the playtime.

Pampers Rewards (formerly called Gifts to Grow) offers toys and other things as rewards. Browsing the Pampers Rewards catalog is how Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy toys first came to my attention some years ago. Recently, I redeemed 2300 Pampers Rewards points for a Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Bowling Set --- six pins and a bowling ball that come with a custom carryall bag, which should provide countless hours of fun (and skill building). Rated for ages 2-4 years. MSRP $19.99.

Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Bowling Set

Hopefully, it gets here by the end of the month. I've got a "second birthday" party to attend. (If not, thankfully I have a backup plan.)

The Postman Delivers... #MailCall Fun + Online #Rewards = A Good Day in the Neighborhood

The day before yesterday was a good day. As detailed in my earlier post, the postman delivered my Authentic Soda Society reward, One Year of Free Cheerwine (soda) and that was a win, but it wasn't the only thing I got in the mail. I also received a sample packet of Zuma Green Juice (healthy shake mix), a bottle of KFC 30 SPF Novelty Sunscreen (smells like chicken), a coupon for a Free Organic Valley Organic Balance Milk Protein Shake, a sample packet of Truvia Nectar and a coupon for $25.00 Off Mobil Oil (5 individual quarts or a 5-quart jug) at Advance Auto Parts. What a haul! I'm looking forward to trying out everything. Well, except the motor oil and the sunscreen, neither of which are intended for me, but are meant for my "twin" who will get a kick out of both, undoubtedly.

I was in such a good mood from receiving all this fun stuff in the mail, that I also cashed out some Kellogg's Family Rewards (KFR) points for a $5.00 Papa John's eGift Card and used it to buy myself dinner. I decided to try one of the new sides, the Wisconsin Cheese Stuffed Cheesesticks which are currently 5 bucks on promotion. Thus, I only paid a total of 35-cents, or the tax, OOP. (The cheesesticks were very tasty.) After dinner, pup and I took a nice stroll around the neighborhood and then sat in the front yard and watched the sunset. As it has been hitting 70 odd degrees the last several days, and we're now in the middle of January, supposedly Winter but more like Spring, we were quite comfortable. Turned out to be a wonderful day.

What Does One Year of #Free @DrinkCheerwine Look Like? Planning to Party All of 2017: It's the #Cheertennial!

The other day, my friendly neighborhood postman delivered an eagerly awaited envelope from Cheerwine in Salisbury, NC. Inside of the #10 envelope were 24 coupons for a Free 12-pack of Cheerwine, Diet Cheerwine or Cheerwine Squeeze --- One Year of Free Cheerwine! It's the top prize from the Authentic Soda Society, the Cheerwine Fan Club which launched in the Fall of 2015, and then announced a rewards program the following April. I saved all the points I earned from April 2016 launch to December 2016 close and cashed out for the grandaddy of fan club prizes, One Year of Free Cheerwine. (As the max number of points available to earn in the fan club last year equaled the amount needed to redeem for the top prize, this was necessary, but also worth it.) Thanks to USPS, just in the nick of time my Year of Cheer is here! And it's beautiful to behold.

One Year of Free Cheerwine

But it gets better... In a crazy odd turn of events, Cheerwine accidentally sent me the wrong prize, initially. I was expecting to receive a flat envelope with 24 coupons in it, as described above, but instead got sent a big brown box during the first week of January. When UPS dropped it off on my front porch, I thought to myself, "Either Cheerwine has the most inefficient shipping department on the planet or something is amiss." I carefully opened the box to discover a Cheerwine Logo Cooler, a Cheerwine Logo Beach Towel and a single Free 12-pack coupon inside which, by the way, comprised the penultimate prize in the fan club last year. WTF, right? Disappointed, I repackaged the contents of the box to return and, needless to say, sent the fan club a message alerting them of the error, for which they in turn apologized. This proved a good humored exchange, all was rectified and my correct order was dispatched on its way. I also inquired about returning the incorrect items, but generously was told to keep that order, too, as it was their mistake.

All told, I've ended up with 25 coupons for a Free 12-pack of Cheerwine, a soft-sided cooler and a beach towel, which is way more than I bargained for. Every few moments (I exaggerate, slightly) I take out all 25 coupons and spread them across my desk and stare in wonder. You'll have to excuse me, I'm a bit giddy. Love me some Cheerwine. In order to understand my near lifelong relationship with this iconic Southern soda, you'll have to read my earlier post on the subject: Harken Back to Childhood Nostalgia & Cheer ...wine. While you do that, I think I might have to make a store run, I'm in need of libations for the weekend.

This year (2017) marks Cheerwine's Centennial --- dubbed the (hashtag ready) Cheertennial --- and they have a bunch of fun and exciting activities planned all year long in celebration, including a big birthday party bash on May 20th in their hometown of Salisbury, NC. Tastemakers, the moniker given to Authentic Soda Society fan club members, were sent an email a few days ago, as a heads up. Looks like it will be a banner year for both the Cheerwine brand and its fans. Getting One Year of Free Cheerwine (plus that extra unexpected 12-pack) as a reward couldn't have come at a better time. It will definitely come in handy for all those celebratory anniversary toasts. Here! Here! Good Cheerwine!

Born in the South. Raised in a Glass. Since 1917. Happy Birthday, Cheerwine. Here's to the next 100 years! Let's get this party started.

Saving Points for a @Vizio #SmartCast Crave 360 Speaker #WiFi #Bluetooth #MultiRoom #Fandemonium #Rewards

After I redeemed $250 worth of points for a Vizio 32" E-Series SmartCast™ HDTV, a fast USB wall charger kit and a free digital copy of Star Trek: Beyond last November, my Vizio Fandemonium Rewards points balance was pretty much shot. No biggie though, for this is what the rewards points are supposed to do, exchange for stuff. Since then, however, I've been earning points and slowly replenishing my account balance, which has grown back to approximately 39,000 points. (The rewards exchange rate is roughly 1000 points = $1.00.)

Vizio SmartCast™ Crave 360™ Multi-Room Speaker

I think I have enough TVs --- all HDTVs --- at the moment between a Vizio 60" 1080p, a Samsung 46" 3D 1080p, the aforementioned Vizio 32" 1080p and a Seiko 20" 720p (the only upgrade would be going 4K+). Instead, I've decided to aim for the 2016 Vizio SmartCast™ Crave 360™ Multi-Room Speaker Model #SP50-D5 [MSRP $249.99] as my next reward. Currently, I have an eye out for WiFi + Bluetooth speakers and/or soundbars with a goal of having one in almost every room, but there's no hurry.

The 2016 Vizio SmartCast™ Crave 360™ Multi-Room Speaker is "a portable 360° 2.1 multi-room speaker featuring amazing clarity, 8 hours of power and a wireless charging base" according to its specs. (See vizio.com/sp50d5.html.) I might change my mind regarding which reward I should next claim between now and then... I've got a ways to go yet in order to save up $250 worth of points again. As long as Fandemonium rewards continue to be offered, I'll get there eventually. Besides, it's my idea of fun to earn cool freebies!

Friday = #Movie Night + #Pizza Dinner @PapaJohns @vudufans #StarTrek #UltraViolet

It's a loooooong weekend for me beginning later today, so I've plotted out some fun activities... tonight is Dinner + Movie Night!

I'm planning to watch both Star Trek: Into Darkness and Star Trek: Beyond --- downloaded each UltraViolet Digital Copy from my Vudu library to my media server (basically a custom SmartTV box) yesterday, so the show is ready to go on this evening. While I don't mind streaming movies, I prefer to download a digital copy when I have the option in order to remove any worry about network performance issues. (One would assume) that the likelihood of a service slowdown or complete outage increases around the holidays as a lot off people get time off and use their breaks to binge watch. Nothing ruins the fun like having your movie watching experience disrupted.

I love movies and I love pizza. The two make a great combination. So, of course, pizza is on the menu for Dinner + Movie Night. In preparation, I also cashed out yesterday for a free Papa John's eGift Card reward at My Points that should cover the pizza. As a bonus, there's also a VISA Checkout promotion to get a free pizza later on, when you order a pizza now. (At least a penny of the pizza cost must be charged to your VISA card via said payment service.) This will take care of dinner tonight and another night, perhaps tomorrow. Two (nearly) free pizzas? One can never have too much pizza!

As luck would have it, my free 12-Pack Sparkling Coupons from My Coke Rewards Holiday Catalog are starting to arrive. (I cashed out for the maximum of four free 12-Pack coupons.) So, I'll probably pop by a store at some point later today and pickup beverages. Yes, you heard that right. In addition to free movies --- I received both Star Trek UV DCs for free from different promotions --- and free pizza, throw in some free soda. It's a Freebie Fiesta! Win, win, win!

I'm due to wrap up a client project today before officially starting my holiday break this afternoon, so right now I'm doing a fair imitation of Grumpy Cat. But if I'm feeling in a more generous mood once the day's work is done, I may invite someone special over and turn Dinner + Movie Night into Date Night. Wink, wink. Well, my Friday night is set. What's on tap for you?

DISCLOSURE: This post may include referral link/s.

#DMR Prize Redemption: National Treasure Blu-ray/DVD

I've been saving up points at Disney Movie Rewards since February planning to get a Blu-ray copy of National Treasure as my next prize in time for the holidays. (I own a Blu-ray copy of National Treasure: Book of Secrets and wanted the set.) A few days ago, I hit the total points needed and redeemed in the nick of time for a projected Christmas delivery. (I celebrate Yule.)

I love arcane treasure hunter adventure movies (and books, too). It's like a calling. As a child, I wanted to be a swashbuckling archaeologist long before I'd ever heard the name Indiana Jones.

In an odd coincidence, I actually owned a real bullwhip as a child and became quite proficient in its usage. I found it in a thrift store and somehow convinced my mother it was only a toy. If she'd had any idea of how dangerous it proved before I mastered its snapping lash, she likely would have howled and burned it.

Deciphering clues to follow an esoteric trail thought lost and in order to discover secret knowledge or valuables seems like an ideal career.

I love Indiana Jones, of course, but I particularly identify with the Gates character (played by Nicholas Cage) in the National Treasure series. He's a mechanical engineer, historian, and licensed scuba diver, among other things. He understood that in the quest for Knowledge, the true Holy Grail, one must always be prepared. (I always thought that I should have been a Boy Scout.) It was, in many ways, like watching a version of myself on screen.

I enjoyed both National Treasure films (though the first one was a cut above the second) and look forward to watching them both again over the holidays.

I'm hoping to acquire the Robert Langdon trilogy of films next, but as these are Sony titles I'll have to get creative with the Sony Rewards program (or find them on sale). Perhaps, I can work out a redemption by my next spate of down time. Eventually, I'll have enough films in this genre to be able to setup an all-day viewing marathon.

#SYWR Holidays: Free #Velvet Throw + Free Toaster

Last week Sears/Kmart had several deals going for Black Friday, including offering free shipping on ALL orders with no minimum, no Max membership required (normally an order needs a $10.00 minimum to qualify for free shipping under the Shop Your Way Max program, which provides free 2-Day shipping on products sold by Sears/Kmart). It was possible to score some free products by combining points earned via the Shop Your Way Rewards (SYWR) program with the no-minimum free shipping promotion.

There are several ways to earn SYWR points, some of which require no purchase. In other words, you can score totally free points that can be converted into $ toward your purchases.

Using SYWR points earned from Sweepstakes Doorbusters (certain sweeps will award early entries free points) and a few Sweepstakes wins, I was able to get a free Cannon Velvet Plush Throw (70" L x 50" W) that will be great for snuggling while reading or watching movies and a free Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster --- which turned out to be a timely freebie considering that my sister somehow killed my toaster the last time we had brunch. (Unfortunately, she's accident-prone AND technologically inept which usually means gadgets in her vicinity often don't fare well.)

UPS delivered both freebies. My doggy loves Brown. So much so, she just wants to eat every UPS driver. Luckily, all the delivery people who come to my house know this. (The postman actually gets upset on the odd day that she doesn't fuss at him.) She is legend. You go, girl!

My Coke Rewards Holiday Catalog: Free #Soda + Movie Ticket

All my favorite sodas are cherry-flavored. As a child, I sipped Cheerwine and Cherry 7Up whenever I could and then added Cherry Coke, Cherry Sprite and Cherry Dr. Pepper to the stable as I got older. This is interesting, because I don't generally like cherry-flavored-anything-else. I don't like cherry yogurt or cherry pie. I love FRESH cherries off the vine, but not things made with cherries, except for soda. The palette can be an odd thing, I reckon. (I feel similar about blueberries. Love the plain fruit, don't like many blueberry-flavored items.)

Anywho, this brings me to My Coke Rewards (MCR) which is intended to reward folks for drinking Coke products. Most Coke products come with a rewards code printed on them. Codes have different point values depending on the product (size/serving). After you register for an account, you simply collect these codes and input them at the website, mycokerewards.com and bank the points. The website also includes a rewards catalog featuring items  for which you can redeem your banked points.

Being a native Georgian, I am required to drink Coke products. Well, it would seem that way at least. My father was such a hard-core Coke fan for most of his life, that we kids used to joke he had Coke in his veins instead of blood.

The Holiday Catalog often provides the most value for your points as the Coca-Cola Company puts up rewards at a discounted points redemption. Many folks bank points all year in order to redeem them at the holidays. One of the most fun rewards that is included each year is a Free Sparkling 12-Pack Coupon for 30 points. Considering it normally costs ~50 points to redeem for single-serve drink coupon (16oz, 20oz, 32oz depending on product) that is mailed to you, getting a 12-pack for less is a great reward. The Holiday Catalog also generally includes some version of an AMC Movie Ticket + Free Concession Drink, plus assorted gift cards all available for reduced points.

The program has been going on for a number of years, I've been a member for at least a decade. It used to be more robust in the variety and type of rewards offered, but has changed over the years. However, it still provides an added value for me because I like soda and drink it anyway, so may as well get something back.

Looking forward to my free twelve-pack. Will I go for Cherry Coke or will Cherry Sprite be available in stores? Choices, choices.

Would a Pharaoh be caught dead in these? #CalvinKlein

Does one actually need Calvin Klein socks?

Calvin Klein "Giza" Socks

I'm not certain what the answer to this question should be, but I bought them anyway. I signed up for Nordstrom's new rewards program and was given a $10.00 Note (spends like a gift card) as a Welcome Gift. The Note arrived on the 26th of November and I used it to buy a pair of Calvin Klein "Giza" Socks that were on sale due to CyberMonday.

Nordies ships pretty much everything free when ordered online. So the net cost of my order was zero --- including delivery to my house. Free socks? Yes, thank you. (These are not for me, mind you, but a fella... I believe in being nice to others.)

Does "Giza" reference the Egyptian plateau? What comes between a Pharaoh and his Calvin's? I'm so funny.

Harken Back to Childhood Nostalgia & Cheer ...wine

I'm a native Southerner, born and raised in a small town near the Georgia-South Carolina border. In many ways, this was an idyllic way to spend childhood, with little concept of crime or world evils. It was a (mainly) materially poor, rural area where many people still scraped what living they could off the land. Dotted with family farms, large swaths of open wilderness, horse trails, and plenty of bumpy dirt roads. Hunting, fishing and farming were how many folks put food on their table. Nature was to be respected. So were your parents.

Kids played outside, largely left to our own devices without a worry of being bothered by anyone. Doors were generally left unlocked during daytime hours and were often completely wide open, for that matter. People sat on porches. Everybody knew everybody else and neighbors looked out for one another. Every passerby was greeted with a smile and a wave.

Most of my day (outside of school) was spent in the great outdoors when I was a child. Certainly, there was schoolwork and chores to be done, but outside of these unfortunate interruptions, if you went looking for me, my siblings or my friends, we were to be found running through fields barefoot, climbing trees, or splashing in mud puddles. We made-up our own games and entertained ourselves. We were materially poor so the powers that be told us, yet assuredly as rich as kings in our creativity. Imagination ruled the day. Oh, the stories I could tell, if I wasn't pinky-sworn to secrecy. 

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all goodness and light. Not by a long shot was my childhood perfect (often, it was downright hardscrabble and at times quite terrible), but it's what shaped me, taught me right from wrong. Taught me how to be... Made me. I wouldn't change a thing. My memories are as sharp as glass, some brittle and even brutal, others sweet as sticky syrup. There was both good and bad, and that's likely how it should be. So when you found the good, you held onto it, treasured it, nurtured it.

When I left my hometown and moved away to California, people I met there often remarked upon my manners, my graciousness, my fortitude, my sense of self. "How did someone like you come to be?", they wondered, as if I was a curious specimen unencountered before in the wild. (And perhaps, sadly, I am ...a dying breed of humanity.) My reply was always the same, "for I am a Southerner, reared at my mother's knee" --- and in spite of any shortcomings inherent in our fabled history, Southern hospitality and genteelness are not merely metaphors. We do believe in "home-training".

Some years ago --- after having spent nearly half my life up to that point in California --- I returned to the South as several of the family members left behind had started to become frail from illness or old age. And my return has been a reawakening of sorts. I've rediscovered many loves, cherished things that made me thoroughly relish being a Southerner, and thankfully also put some old demons to bed. In short, it has been a rather storied homecoming. Oh, the stories I could tell, if I wasn't pinky-sworn to secrecy....

After I moved away to California, I lost out on some of my favorite childhood treats, which were only distributed regionally. One of the best parts of being back in the South was finding out that these products not only still existed after all these years, but that I could get my grubby hands on them more readily, for they had been very dear to come by for a penniless child. My favorite ice cream. A favorite soda. I had missed them, not realizing exactly how much until I was able to sample each again as an adult.

It was serendipity. One day last Fall, I was searching for something else entirely and came across a mention of Cheerwine. I blinked and quickly scrolled back up to it. They still make Cheerwine! Land sakes, Susan! (Before you go getting all bent out of shape, allow me to clarify. I was not out secretly getting drunk as a child. The "wine" here is not an alcoholic appellation, instead it's a soda pop created back when such things were oft considered body tonics. A cherry vine's fizz, is this Cheerwine.)

Unable to locate it in California, I was certain that Cheerwine had simply gone out of production, because it never expanded its reach. Instead, it was still here, in the South, ready to welcome me home.

Created in North Carolina and almost exclusively distributed in the Carolinas, it's truly a regional secret. I only knew of it because my hometown was so close to the South Carolina border that we could practically skip over it --- I perhaps exaggerate, just a tidge. Thus, even among Southerners, it's remained somewhat of a secret. (Although this may soon change with internet outreach.)

Whenever we were lucky enough to get it as children, it was a veritable treat, because it wasn't come by often. In fact, my oldest siblings --- they were five of us, and I'm the youngest one --- didn't recall it, when I inquired. Only the sister closest to me in age recalled drinking it when we were little. Apparently, Cheerwine only started to spill across the Georgia-South Carolina border near us during my own childhood.

Got my eye on the Authentic Soda Society Grand Prize!

With a smile, I did a cursory web search and found the usual social media outlets. My timing was very fortunate, because the Cheerwine website [cheerwine.com] announced the launch of its fan club, the Authentic Soda Society. No one needed to ask me twice. I clicked through to take a quiz and joined the ranks. And so became a Tastemaker (what they call us club members) and volunteer brand ambassador, not due to any proffered compensation, though the potential to earn free pop and brand merchandise was hinted at, but instead out of unadulterated joy --- and the wonders of childhood reclaimed.

If you happen upon me sitting on the porch, barefoot and smiling, sipping from a chilled red can full of cheer, don't be a stranger. Mama taught me to share.

Take my word for it, if someone offers you a chance to try Cheerwine, you'll want to sit down and take a sip. Or if you're in its local distribution area, you could go ahead and join up (and earn some goods or gear of your own): 

cheerwine.com/authenticsodasociety.

Get on now! Shoo!

NOTE: As a Tastemaker, I've since corrected a gap in their edifications and introduced my older siblings to the Cheerwine they missed out on in childhood. It's become a family gathering favorite, of course. I've also given free 12-pack coupons that the Carolina Beverage Corporation sometimes sends me to new friends by way of saying "How do you do?" Quite a few of my friends and neighbors, new and old, are now fans, too. By the way, I was not asked or required to make this post, or compensated for it, but I am a card-toting member of the Authentic Soda Society and take it as my duty to spread the Cheer, as it were.

Do the Moscow Mule

TWINE by True Fabrications

Over several months, I've encountered a number of articles that discuss how the Moscow Mule is enjoying a surge in popularity and how many of the folks who order this drink in various bars and restaurants are in turn "walking out" of said establishments still clutching the copper mugs in which the beverage is typically served. 

Of course, I started lusting after a copper mug of my very own — give me the precious — but I wasn’t about to swipe one from my neighborhood bar. Well, on Friday the postman delivered this sweet pair of hand-hammered copper mugs that I’d ordered. Can you say reward? I felt like dancing. The mugs came with a Moscow Mule recipe card included in the box. These things are really beautiful. 

These burnished copper mugs will look amazing hanging over my bar. And I’d be happy to mix up a Moscow Mule or two for any guests, provided the mug stays put. Not that I don't trust my houseguests, of course.

NOTICE: This post is a reblog from (the now defunct) castlemodern.tumblr.com. It was originally published 28-Feb-2016. Post may be edited or updated from its original text. 
[CM started on Tumblr, but moved to this more robust platform. Old posts are being ported to the new site, one by one.]