Sunday, October 31, 2010

FREE Interior Design Consultations at Gorman's 11/13 11/14 Novi, Southfield, Troy, Lakeside

GORMAN'S "ASK A DESIGNER" WEEKEND OFFERS FREE INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATIONS FOR CUSTOMERS

Gorman's Home Furnishings and Interior Design will host an "Ask A Designer" event on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14, 2010, at all four of its store locations (Novi, Southfield, Troy and Lakeside). This special event offers customers an opportunity to receive advice from Gorman¹s interior design consultants and learn the secrets to creating stylish combinations of furnishings and decorations with no consultation cost and no obligation.

The "Ask A Designer" event provides guests of Gorman's the opportunity to consult one-on-one with an interior designer and discuss their home décor challenges. Customers are encouraged to bring their fabric swatches, paint chips, pictures, and room schematics so that the designers can given them individualized advice about their options and choices. Designers will also have sample books and fabric swatches on hand.

Consultations are available on a walk-in basis or by making an appointment at the Novi (248) 344-0880, Lakeside (586) 843-2000, Southfield (248)353-9880, or Troy (248) 649-2070 stores.

For more than 70 years, Gorman's has been recognized as the original Michigan style leader in home furnishings. With a reputation built on a commitment to quality quality merchandise and quality design the company delivers all of the best brands, not just a few, at the best prices-regardless of price point.

Gorman's nearly 50 designers have a combined 1,000+ years of residential and office design experience using Gorman's expansive resource area and textiles library. Both designers and clients can rest assured when working with this style leader. Everything is backed by Gorman's "Must Be Right" service guarantee.

Gorman's Showrooms are conveniently located in Shelby (Lakeside), Novi, Southfield (Contemporary) and Troy. For more information, visit www.Gormans.com.

Southfield (Contemporary)
29145 Telegraph Rd
Southfield, MI 48034
248-353-9880

Troy
1465 West Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084
248-649-2070

Lakeside
14285 Hall Rd
Shelby Township, MI 48315
586-843-2000

Novi
27800 Novi Road
Novi, MI 48377
248-344-0880

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GIVEAWAY: Try the new McCormick & Schmick's Game Day Menu (CLOSED)

Enjoy McCormick & Schmick's New Game Day Menu during Weekend and Monday night Football games

How do you enjoy watching weekend and Monday night football?  Well for most of us it's the food that helps make the game.  There is something about football and food that just go together and the game is just not the same without some hearty fare to munch on while cheering for your favorite team.

McCormick & Schmick’s is excited to announce its new Game Day Menu with items starting at just $2.25, not to mention great specials on Miller/Coors items. This new menu is available throughout the football season and includes four different preparations for shrimp, oysters both fried and on the half shell, calamari, sushi, fish tacos as well as more traditional game day favorites like wings and sliders.

Plus, McCormick & Schmick’s bar guests on Saturdays will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win trips for two to the BCS bowl games, while Sunday guests can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the Pro Bowl™* in Hawaii!

You can find more information about the McCormick & Schmick's sweepstakes and the Game Day Menu online at  http://mccormickandschmicks.com/football.

The McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant in the Detroit area is located at 2850 Coolidge Rd, Troy, 48084, (248) 637-6400.

GIVEAWAY
One FREEISMYLIFE reader will get to try the McCormick & Schmick's Game Day Menu with a FREE $15 Gift Certificate courtesy of McCormick & Schmick's.  HOLLA TO THE FREE!

Here is how to enter:

1. Go visit the McCormick & Schmick's Game Day Menu and then leave a comment on this post with the name of the game day menu item you would love to try.  This step is required.

2. Fill out the entry form below (one per person). This step is required.

You can get one extra entry for liking McCormick & Schmick's on Facebook.

You can get one extra entry for liking Free Is My Life on Facebook.

The contest ends on Monday, November 8th, 2010 at 11:59am EST.

1 winner will be selected by random number generation.

The winner's contact information will be provided to McCormick & Schmick's for contest fulfillment.

Good Luck!



The WINNER of the $15 McCormick & Schmick's Game Day Gift Certificate is Judy G. of Roseville.  CONGRATULATIONS JUDY!!!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary McCormick & Schmick's gift certificate, but was not compensated for this post.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

See your Local Michigan Voting Ballot for FREE with Publius.com Voters Guide

BE PREPARED WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR ELECTION POLL ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

Don't you hate getting to your election polling place and the line is dragging because folks have no idea what is on the ballot so they are taking forever to fill the ballot out?

Don't be one of those slow pokes.  See your local Michigan ballot ahead of time online by using Publius.com Election Voter Guide. Just put in your First and Last Name and your Zip code and the website will bring up your local ballot.  The Publius Election Voter Guide not only shows the ballot, but also shows the salary for each position and each candidate's position on issues from surveys sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Detroit Free Press. There are also links to the candidates websites and video clicks.

Here is a ballot from Zip code 48202.

Click to enlarge
So view your ballot online so we can keep those lines moving Tuesday at the polls.

And remember, Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.
Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Enjoy!






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Motown Love: The Detroit Pistons Dance Team "The Spare Tires" dance to "Triller"

This was the view from our great FREE seats at the 2009 Detroit Pistons Season Opener
Halloween with the Detroit Pistons is a "Thriller"

Last Halloween, I won front row tickets from Meijer to the Detroit Pistons season opening game on Halloween night.  The players were so close it looked like we could reach out and touch them.  My son  yelled "Go Pistons" throughout the entire game because he was so excited. We were sitting right behind Mason as he announced the game and yelled out his now famous phrase D-E-T-R-O-I-T  B-A-S-K-E-T-B-A-L-L.  It was a wonderful way to spend Halloween night!

During halftime, Belle Tire's all male, "all belly" dance team "The Spare Tires", did a re-enactment of the Michael Jackson "Thriller" video.  They were totally outrageous!  I found the video on YouTube so I thought it would be a perfect way to give some "Motown Love" on this Halloween weekend.  This video was unfortunately shorten because these big men actually shook their stuff for the entire length of the song...

Enjoy!



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Friday, October 29, 2010

University of Detroit Mercy's 21st Annual Safety Street is one COOL Halloween Party

University of Detroit Mercy Reporter Interviews My Son during 21st Annual Safety Street

What do you think would happen if your kid has on a positive Astronaut costume in a sea of witches and zombies?  Well, in the case of my son at today's University of Detroit Mercy's 21st Annual Safety Street, you get interviewed by a reporter for the school's radio station of course.

The reporter L-O-V-E-D my son's costume so she picked him out of a huge room of kids to be interviewed for her radio show.  It was all so cool.  Things like this never happened to me when I was a kid.

The University of Detroit Mercy always puts on a great Halloween Party.  The students all dress up in costume and give out a TON of candy.  As you can see from the photo above, some students really get into the Halloween spirit.

Thank you U of D Mercy!  You made my kid's day.






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FREE Popcorn and Refills at MJR Digital Cinemas on Election Day 11/2

FREE POPCORN & REFILLS ON ELECTION DAY AT MJR

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd and to celebrate, MJR Digital Cinemas are giving FREE POPCORN & REFILLS ANY SIZE with your ticket purchase.  HOLLA to the FREE FOOD!

Enjoy!

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Living for the (FREE) Weekend in Metro Detroit- October 29 - October 31

Here is a highlight of the FREE activities you can do this weekend in the metro Detroit area and beyond:

On Friday is the FREE 21st Annual Safety Street Halloween Party at the University of Detroit Mercy.  From 4-7pm, come to Safety Street dressed in your favorite costume. There will be trick-or-treating, free face painting, and a best costume contest at 6pm for grades K-5th.

Also on Friday are FREE Halloween Parties at local YMCA facilities. There is a FREE Halloween Party at the Downriver YMCA from 6-8pm with donated canned good.  Also from 5-8pm is the FREE Halloween Party at Boll YMCA on Broadway in Downtown Detroit.  And from 6-8pm is the FREE Halloween Party at YMCA in Royal Oak.  Check your local YMCA to find out if a party is scheduled.

Friday through Sunday is the FREE "It's the Great Pumpkin" Event at Bass Pro Shops in Auburn Hills where kids get FREE Crafts, FREE Photo Downloads, FREE Trick-or-Treating, and FREE Food Samples

Friday through Sunday is also the  FREE Halloween Haunted Houseparty at Somerset Mall in TROY. Have your kids to wear their costumes and come ready to sing and dance along. Stay after the show for a complimentary downloadable digital photo with the BooCrew! We can hardly wait to see you!

Go to your local Borders Books on Saturday for the FREE Halloween Party at 11am where there will be a Halloween parade and more fun! These events features music from Kidz Bop Halloween.  Click here to see information on the FREE Halloween Party at Birmingham Borders Books.


On Saturday at 1pm is the FREE Halloween Party at Northland Mall.  There will also be the same FREE Halloween Party at Eastland Mall at 11am.  Don't miss a spooky, but educational show from the Cranbrook Bat Zone.



Don't let the kids have all the fun this weekend.  Saturday is the last FREE Taste of Eastern Market Event for the year from 10am-Noon. Featured chefs and nutrition experts instruct and perform demonstrations on the preparation, storage, preservation, and health benefits of food products found at the Market.

Also for adults on Saturday is the  FREE Detroit Public TV Taping of "Kickstart Your Health".  The show taping is from 10am-2pm and after the taping all participants will be given a free copy of Dr. Barnard's new cookbook "The Get Heathly, Go Vegan" Cookbook.







Sunday is the last day to get 20% off with this coupon at Macy's.  Yes, it is time to start the holiday shopping whether we like it or not...

Also on Sunday, go to any Andiamo location for buy one, get one free dinner entree's with this coupon.


To close out the weekend, on Sunday is the FREE Halloween Party at Exhibit Museum in Ann Arbor from Noon-5pm, Discover special hands-on stations and displays full of spooky hands-on activities. There will also be live animals!


Have a wonderful and blessed weekend,






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GIVEAWAY: $150 of Anti-Aging with Perricone MD (CLOSED)

Have you heard of Perricone MD? 

Perricone MD is a holistic anti-aging regimen that can be used to help you look and feel your very best at every stage of life.  The line was created by Nichlas Perricone, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and world renowned healthy-aging expert and regarded as the Father of the Inflammation Theory of Aging. He is the author of the three New York Times # 1 Best Sellers with his most recent book being "Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity (Random House 2006)".

After years of research Dr. Perricone arrived at the conclusion that cellular inflammation may be the underlying cause of wrinkles. He believes that this inflammation is responsible for skin-related problems like breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.

Dr. Perricone’s holistic approach to aging treats this inflammation in three ways: through diet, nutriceutical supplements, and his award-winning line of cosmeceuticals. Through his program Dr. Perricone says this type of inflammation can be stopped, which slows down the skin’s aging process and even reverses existing damage. Dr. Perricone says that the effects of his program are not only visible externally but will enhance your life with better overall health and increased energy.

These Products are NOT cheap
Perricone MD products are hardly cheap (they average about $100), but the testimonies submitted by Perricone MD users on the QVC website for some of these products contain phrases like "OMG!", "My Fountain of Young" and "Best Product Ever".

Most people are looking for good anti-wrinkle products as we age.  I know I am getting to the age where I could use an anti-wrinkle eye cream myself :)  So, If you want to try Perricone MD for yourself, here a few ways to save some money:

Save 15% on Perricone MD
Use promo code SRCH379 to receive a 15% discount off Perricone MD products on www.perriconemd.com.

Get a Cold Plasma Deluxe Sample for only $4.95 shipped 
Want to try a sample of Cold Plasma, the best selling Perricone MD product, for FREE with $4.95 for shipping and handling??  Go to the Perricone MD website: www.perriconemd.com for more information. Only one sample is allowed per customer until samples run out.


GIVEAWAY
One FREEISMYLIFE reader will receive one product of their choice from the Perricone MD website up to $150 for FREE! HOLLA to the FREE!

Here is how to enter:

1. Go to www.perriconemd.com and pick out any ONE product you would like to try up to $150 and leave a comment on this post with the name of the product you want to try and why.  This step is required.

2. Fill out the entry form below (one per person). This step is required.

The contest ends on Friday, November 12th, 2010 at 11:59am EST.

1 winner will be selected by random number generation.

The winner's contact information will be provided to Perricone MD for contest fulfillment.

Good Luck!


CONTEST CLOSED. FORM HAS BEEN REMOVED.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: Kristen G. from Roseville !!!!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Perricone MD product, but was not compensated for this post.

FREE BenBella Books Young Reviewers Circle - get The Sword of Darrow FREE (OFFER HAS EXPIRED)

BenBella Books Young Reviewers Circle for kids 8-14 years old

Getting your kids to read has never been this easy — sign up your 8 - 14 year old for the BenBella Books Young Reviewers Circle, and they’ll receive:

• A special pre-release edition of the magical new children’s book, The Sword of Darrow (limited to the first 1000 who sign up)

• An official BenBella Books Young Reviewers Circle membership certificate

A signed copy of The Sword of Darrow when it’s officially released next year

• Your child’s name printed inside the book, recognizing them as a member of the BenBella Books Young Reviewers Circle

Why is BenBella Books inviting your child to join their Young Reviewers Circle? They want your young reader to share their thoughts about The Sword of Darrow and what they’d like to see in the sequel to make it even better than the first. We’re pretty sure it’s the first time ever that a national publisher has asked kids to help review and develop their books, so don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity.
 
Enjoy!

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COUPON: BOGO FREE Entrée at Andiamo - 10/31 ONLY

AN ANDIAMO HALLOWEEN BOGO SPECIAL

On Halloween day at Andiamo, buy one dinner entree and get a second one free. Coupon is valid at all 10 locations including Mesquite Creek.  Restrictions apply.  HOLLA to the FREE!

Click here for Andiamo BOGO entree coupon.

Enjoy!



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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CSI goes Prehistoric

"Walking with Dinosaurs" helps solve a murder?

On Thursday's episode of the TV series CSI, the doctors investigate the bizarre death of a young man who appears to have been killed by a T-Rex. So the team decides to investigate dinosaurs by going to see the stage show "Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular".

When I saw the preview for this week's CSI (entitled "Cold Blooded"), it made me remember when "Walking with Dinosaurs" came to Detroit last December.

So, before you watch CSI on Thursday night, go read my post about Walking with Dinosaurs and see the videos that I and my son took of the show. Then you will be all ready to help the CSI team solve the "murder by T-Rex"!

Enjoy!



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COUPON: BOGO Douglas J Aveda Institute Hair Services EXPIRES 11/20 ROYAL OAK

Fall into Pampering with Douglas J!

HAIR SERVICES Buy One, Get One for FREE

Some favorite combo picks are:

- Highlights with a FREE Haircut
- Color Accent with a FREE Malibu
- Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy™ with a FREE Haircut

Click here for a printable Douglas J BOGO Hair Service voucher.

This voucher can only be used at the following location:
Douglas J Aveda Institute • 409 S Center St • Royal Oak, MI 48067
248.336.5500 • douglasj.com

Offer expires November 20, 2010
Click here for a menu of Douglas J Institute hair services
**Services valid on same day only. Please book both services at the same time.** Lesser service is free.

Enjoy!


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GIVEAWAY: See Dee Dee Bridgewater at Orchestra Hall 11/5 8pm (CLOSED)

JAZZ VOCALIST DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER PLAYS DETROIT'S ORCHESTRA HALL ON NOVEMBER 5TH
Grammy and Tony Award-winning Bridgewater Evokes Legendary Billie Holiday in “To Billie With Love”

Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will be in concert at Orchestra Hall on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 8 p.m. in her tribute to jazz legend Billie Holiday: To Billie With Love.

This 2010-11 Jazz Series performance is sponsored by MGM Grand Detroit, and will feature selections from Bridgewater's 2010 album Eleanora Fagan: To Billie With Love From Dee Dee. The quartet backing Bridgewater includes saxophonist Craig Handy, pianist Edsel Gomez, drummer Greg Hutchinson, and bassist Ira Coleman. This concert is preceded by Civic Jazz Live, Featuring the Civic Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo A in the Music Box at 6:30 p.m.

DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER
As an ambassador of jazz, Dee Dee was familiar with its music before she could walk. Her mother played the greatest albums of Ella Fitzgerald, whose artistry provided an inspiration for Dee Dee throughout her career. Dee Dee’s other vocation as that of globetrotter began when she toured the Soviet Union in 1969 with the University of Illinois Big Band. Dee Dee made her New York debut in 1970 as the lead vocalist for the band led by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, one of the premier jazz orchestras of the time. These New York years marked an early career in concerts and on recordings with such giants as Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Max Roach and Roland Kirk, and rich experiences with Norman Connors, Stanley Clarke and Frank Foster’s "Loud Minority."

In 1974 she jumped at the chance to act and sing on Broadway where her voice, beauty and stage presence won her great success and a Tony Award for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz. This began a long line of awards and accolades as well as opportunities to work in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris and in London where she garnered the coveted “Laurence Olivier” Award nomination as Best Actress for her tour de force portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday in Stephen Stahl’s Lady Day. Performing the lead in equally demanding acting/singing roles as Sophisticated Ladies, Cosmopolitan Greetings, Black Ballad, Carmen Jazz and the musical Cabaret (the first black actress to star as Sally Bowles), she secured her reputation as a consummate entertainer.

Dee Dee Bridgewater: To Billie With Love
Sponsored by MGM Grand Detroit
Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocalist, leader
Craig Handy, saxophone
Edsel Gomez, piano
Greg Hutchinson, drums
Ira Coleman, Bass

Orchestra Hall
November 5, 2010 at 8 p.m.
Program to be announced from the stage.

Concert preceded by Civic Jazz Live! Featuring the Civic Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo A in The Music Box at 6:30 p.m.

GIVEAWAY
One FREEISMYLIFE reader will win 2 tickets to see Dee Dee Bridgewater: To Billie With Love on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 8pm at Orchestra Hall.

TO ENTER-

Fill out the information in the form below.

- One entry per person please.

- The contest ends on Monday, November 1st, 2010 at 11:59am EST.

- 1 winner will be selected by random number generation.

- The Winner will be able to pick up the tickets with (with photo id) at the DSO's Will Call Office the night of the performance.

Good Luck!

Click here if video is not shown


CONTEST IS CLOSED. 

There were 6 entries in this contest.  Random.org has picked #5.


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: Asha P. from Troy!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Hitting does not equal Loving -- End Domestic Violence Abuse by talking with your kids. It's FREE

Stop another generation of abusers...

With October being Domestic Violence Month, I have posted information on organizations that help Domestic Violence survivors like Verizon HopeLine® and also the SAFE program.  A year ago, I was fortunate to become friends with Kalyn Risker, the founder of Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE), an organization that helps domestic violence survivors earn a decent living by providing help with career mapping, resume writing, interviewing, employment rights, financial literacy, and entrepreneur skills.

Kalyn Risker is herself a domestic violence survivor. Kalyn was almost killed from a beating and had to undergo plastic surgery on her face. I know no one wants to hear about such ugly things in a blog post, but sometimes ugly just walks into your front door regardless of how hard you try to keep it out.

Two weeks ago, Kalyn's 15 year old daughter was attacked during an after school program at a vocational center. A boy she barely knew, who has been bullying her, came into a crowded classroom and hit her square in the face. When I learned about what happened, my spirit was vexed. We parents try so hard to keep our children safe. But we especially don't want something bad that happened to us to also happen to our kids. So when I learned what happened, I knew Kalyn had to be going through her own private anguish right along with her daughter.

The vocational center where this assault happened made Kalyn and her daughter meet with the alleged attacker and his father. The father supposedly indicated that his son hits girls as a way to express his interest. I will wait for you to reread that part again. Kalyn's daughter was allegedly hit because the boy was supposed to be interested in her. So what do you think the alleged attacker got as a punishment for this altercation? Would you believe a 2 day suspension from the vocational center? That's it folks.

I will now leave the matter with Kalyn's daughter alone since it will have to play itself out in our judicial system. But I will say that I was unaware that a punch in the face was the new and acceptable form of a love tap in our society.

Kalyn wanted her daughter's story to be told to educate us all that domestic violence is also a teen issue.

I started a long time ago teaching my son that girls and boys are different and that it is not acceptable to hit a girl. I am filling his head daily with the notion that women are to be treated with respect and kindness. It troubles me that some young men are thinking that love and violence are somehow connected. And it kills me to think that any girl or woman would think that being hit by a man is acceptable.

As Domestic Violence month draws to an end, it is apparent that more needs to be done. If you have a son, talk to him about this issue. Also talk about it with the friends of your kids. Let's do what we can to help put a stop to yet another generation of abusers.  Talking with our kids is FREE...

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