Berry Delicious

I'm on a no-candy-allowed kick, and let me tell you, for a lifelong candy addict, it isn't easy. I still get plenty of cravings for something sweet, but luckily, instead of finding my mouth watering for Skittles these days, berries are filling the void.

If you're looking for a berry-based gift for Valentine's Day or just because, check out Shari's Berries, which offers its signature chocolate-covered strawberries, plus cookies, cakes, cupcakes, caramel apples, and more. To get $10 off items over $35, use coupon code DVA9B. For 20 percent off items over $35, use coupon code DVA9A. Offer expires April 1, 2010.

Go Fish!

Growing up on the water, I've been fishing a time or two — and I can't remember ever catching anything. That's not an issue with Roger Morgan's Striper Guide Service. The professional guide guarantees you'll catch a fish, or you don't pay anything. All bait and tackle are provided, and the fish are filleted and packaged at the end of the trip.

If a spring fishing trip on Lake Texoma sounds fun to you, you'll definitely want to check out these stellar coupons — $100 off a trip with up to five people, and $200 off a six-person trip. Reel 'em in!

Pie in the Sky

I've only eaten pizza in Chicago once, but it was delicious. For a taste of that famous style here in Texas, head to Chicago's Gourmet Pizza in Las Colinas or Plano. The restaurant serves up gourmet pizzas with names like The O'Hare ("it's so light, it could fly away"), John Belushi ("John would never throw this one away in a food fight"), and Dennis Rodman ("a colorful pizza with big attitude").

Save $3 off any large or $2 off any medium pizza with these coupons.

Blizzard Mania

Sign up with Dairy Queen's Blizzard Fan Club and get a free Blizzard with the purchase of a Blizzard. I'm still mad at them for taking away the Nerds Blizzard 10-plus years ago, but I admit there are some other good flavors.

Farm Fresh

For handmade, artisinal products straight from a farm, Beekman 1802 has shoppers covered. They sell everything from chemical-free goat-milk soap and beauty products to craftsman-made decor and heirloom linens. Save 10 percent off your order by typing "valentines" into the coupon code at checkout.

Kick Some Butt

Looking for a gym experience with a little less elliptical action and a lot more punching? Guy Mezger's Combat Sports Club gives you just that, featuring kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, self-defense, freestyle martial arts, and more. The 7,000-square-foot Addison facility's programs are run under the watchful eye of five-time world champion Mezger and incorporate exercise, drills, safety tips, and a realistic approach to self-defense situations.

For the next six hours, you can get a one-month unlimited pass to the sports club for just $15 — that's a 90 percent discount! The gym welcomes kids (ages 5 and up) and adults, so go check it out for this low fee while you can.

Spreading Beauty

Follow a group of American hairdressers as they travel to post-Taliban Afghanistan to teach the locals cut, color, and perm techniques in The Beauty Academy of Kabul, a documentary being shown at UNT on Wednesday, starting at 5:30 (get the details here). Save yourself the $10 it would cost to go to a theater, and watch a movie that the LA Times said was "a profound reminder of the things that make us human."

Gadgets and Gizmos Galore

Whether you're in the market for a shiatsu foot massager, an electric scooter, or a five-day weather forecaster, The Sharper Image has all the gadgets a guy or gal could want. Save 10 percent off anything at site today with the code 10PCTFS.

An All-American Meal

Since 1951, Burger House has been serving up that all-American meal: juicy burgers, seasoned fries, and old-fashioned shakes and malts. Step back in time and get $1 off any burger combo meal with this coupon.

Burger House was the Editorial Winner for Best Fries in 2008 from Citysearch and named Best Hamburger by the Dallas Observer in 2007, so you know this food's the real deal.

Look Your Best

Want to face a clearer face? Get $2 off the Clean & Clear Morning Burst products, $5 off the Blackhead Eraser, and $5 off the Acne Control Kit by clicking here.

A Tat That's All That

For a tattoo minus the pain and with an added little something-something, head to Victoria's Secret for a free scented tattoo. That reminds me of those markers I used to play with at day care that smelled like different things based on their color. Blue (blueberry) and purple (grape) were my favorite. Anyway, no purchase necessary for the Love Rocks temporary tattoo, but supplies are limited.

Make an Impression

Looking for cool business cards? Try Moo.com — the high-quality cardstock makes a great impression, and there are tons of great designs to choose from (or upload your own). They've even got these nifty MiniCards that will stand out from the pack (you can use up to 100 different photos/designs). They've also got greeting cards and postcards. Until the end of the month, if you've never used Moo before, get 10 percent off your order with this code: YN2XTG.

Want to see what you'll get before taking the plunge and ordering? Get a sample pack of business cards for free. Even the shipping is thrown in!

Doggie Diet

Those with a furry friend should check out this offer from Hill's for Science Diet Simple Essentials samples. Choose either biscuits that support mobility, maintain healthy joints, and provide building blocks of healthy cartilage, or wafers that provide vital fatty acids and healthy antioxidants to support immunity. Your dogs will "woof" it up.

Make Me a Sammich

I go through phases with foods. My newest phase: sandwiches. So this coupon from Quiznos may come in handy. Save $1 off a regular sandwich or $2 off a large, and/or get a chopped salad and fountain drink for $5.99.

A Strike-ing Deal

One thing I've learned since moving to Texas is that bowling is expensive here compared with the places I grew up bowling at — fortunately, Main Event offers a great deal on Mondays: unlimited bowling, billiards, and laser tag for $9.95. Bowling and laser tag both bring out my competitive streak, so if you see me on the lanes or in the glow-in-the-dark area, you've been warned!

A Tootsies Treat

Good foot hygiene is important. Way too many people out there neglect their feet, letting their skin get all calloused and their toenails scraggly. Fortunately, it's winter now, so people generally have their feet in closed-toe shoes. I imparted my how-to-take-care-of-your-toenails lessons to my younger cousins a few years back, and they kindly presented me with a pedicure kit that Christmas.

If you, too, like to take care of your feet, you might like this free sample of Kerasal exfoliating foot ointment. It claims to use a dual-action formula that exfoliates and moisturizes, repairing and softening the toughest, driest feet out there.

Burn, Baby, Burn

I'd always found yoga a bit boring, but add a burning-hot room, and it suddenly makes it exciting (I mean, sweating buckets is exciting, no?). Sunstone Yoga has a great deal where you pay $10 and get unlimited yoga for 10 days. I tried this with a group of girls a few months ago, and we all had a fun time — but when they tell you to drink lots of water throughout the day and not eat a few hours beforehand, that's no joke. There are 10 locations throughout the Metroplex, with more on the way, and that pass is good at any of them. Happy sweating!

Less Is More

Want to explore what the city has to offer without breaking the bank? Over at ILiveInDallas.com, Neil Lemons has come up with 31 great year-round things to do in Dallas proper that are free or less than $15. Some I can vouch for (giant Jenga at Barcadia), some are on my list (taking the trolley through Uptown), and others are totally new to me (like No. 17, shooting a bow and arrow with the Texins Archery Club). There's definitely something for everyone; check out the entire post of fun things to do in Dallas.

A Taxing Time

It's almost that time of year again — tax time. I finally went out and got myself an accountant, but until my taxes got all kinds of complicated, I was totally happy with TurboTax, which is offering $10 off its Home & Business edition until Jan. 23 at Costco, Staples, Best Buy, Amazon.com, OfficeMax, and Fry's.

Here Comes the Bride

Being a bride is expensive. If you'd like a shot at getting a free bridal gown or up to five bridesmaids' dresses, register at David's Bridal. It takes just a minute and will be worth it if you snag the goods. Don't want to register? Then type or print your first and last name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and age on a 3"-by-5" piece of paper or note card, and place in the U.S. mail with proper postage addressed to:

David's Bridal Gown Sweepstakes - Marketing
1001 Washington Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428

Basket Case

Harry & David, known for its gourmet gift baskets and treats, especially its Royal Riviera Pears, is having a post-holiday sale. Get as much as 50 percent off of items like a "Thinking of You" Gift Basket, a Tower of Chocolates Gift Collection, and a Cinnamon Stick Candle, just to name a few.

Try Thai

Great deal on Groupon.com today if you're a Thai food fan — get $35 worth of delectables at Addison's Thai Orchard Restaurant for just $15 with this deal. Try everything from spring rolls and edamame to grilled chicken lemongrass and crispy duck, and if you're a vegetarian, no worries — there are plenty of dishes for you. Plus, they'll customize some of the meals based on how spicy you like it. The deal expires in two days and seven hours and is good through July 18.

The Write Stuff

I never much liked pencils, even as a wee one. Pens have always captured my heart. (And when coloring, I prefer markers to crayons, just in case you were wondering, which I'm sure you were.) And really, who doesn't love pens? Anyone? Especially a free pen. This Uni Super Ink pen from Uni-Ball can be yours if you're fast enough — they open up a giveway for them each day at noon Central time to a certain number of people. Quick-drying ink that helps resist smearing, a smooth ink flow, and fade- and water-resistant writing? Write on!

Foodie Freebie

At Central Market this week, buy a marinated pork tenderloin and get Alexia Roasted Potato & Vegetable Medley plus a 2-liter bottle of Ito En Teas Tea for free (a $9.68 value).

Hair Repair

Want to spice up the new year with a new look? Change your 'do at Carrollton Square Salon & Spa, which is offering $115 worth of hair-care services for just $49 through Groupon.com. If you're interested in this deal, though, act fast — it expires in six hours (a little before midnight, according to my clock).

The Olympic Spirit

I am something of an Olympics aficionado, spending untold hours every two years watching as much Olympics coverage as humanly possible while also functioning in the real world. This year, for the first time, I'm heading to the Games in person, and I'm pretty excited about it (less excited about having to wake up at 4 a.m. and then go stand in the snow for men's alpine skiing, but I'm not complaining). I've got memorabilia from the Beijing, Torino, Salt Lake City, and future Rio de Janeiro games (thanks, Ashley!), and now I can add to my collection with this free Vancouver 2010 Journal. If you're also heading to the Games (or just wish you were!), this will be a cool keepsake to have.

Baby Love

All the mamas (and papas) out there looking for cool gear for their tiny tots would do well to head over to online mag The Family Groove's giveaways page, which offers up a free prize every day. On this month's list: mini organic denim jeans, a full-body bib that comes in very handy at messy mealtimes, a wall calendar that you can write on with everything from crayons to Sharpies to dry-erase markers, and much more. It's all too cool for (pre)school!

Clothes Make the Woman

I used to work at Ann Taylor, and I'm not gonna lie, I miss the awesome discounts. A fairly sizable percentage of my paycheck each week went toward clothes, and while that probably wasn't the best tactic to earn a little extra money on the weekends, it did get me a pretty sweet work wardrobe. I still look at it fondly whenever I'm in my walk-in closet ... and then promptly proceed to put on sweats (I now work from home).

If you want to do a little Ann Taylor Loft shopping, you can save 25 percent for a limited time with the code SAVE25 online and in participating stores. (Read more about the offer here, which is valid only at Loft locations.)

Legend of the Pancakes

I was never much on an eater as a child. A few bites of anything filled me up. Breakfast was something I skipped, and although I loved dessert, I rarely had room for it.

So when I ate nine Swedish pancakes one summer morning at the age of 10, it went on the calendar.

The event became family lore. The day I ate nine pancakes. Now, years later, sometimes my grandma asks me if I remember it, and of course I still do. How could I forget such a momentous event?

If you'd like to try to put back as many pancakes as you can at $1.50 a pop, you're in luck — the popular Local Diner (located in Las Colinas and Coppell) has such a deal this week from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. You can also get $3 off one of the Blue Plate Specials at lunchtime, or take 15 percent off your ticket no matter what time of day. Just print out this coupon and go!

Chill Out

One of the newest nightspots around, Chill in Grapevine offers a slightly more, um, chill atmosphere than other clubs, but with the same dancing, drinks, and DJs you're accustomed to. With this coupon, buy one entree, get one free; get a free appetizer with the purchase of two alcoholic beverages; and get 25 percent off your entire ticket.

For more info, check out a story I wrote about Chill for VacationPlanning.net.

Dress for Less

New York & Company always has great deals for women's wardrobe staples, but if you're in the military, a police officer, a teacher, a nurse, an EMT, or a firefighter, you can save even more — an extra 20 percent off any in-store purchase between now and Sunday, Jan. 31. (Can't make it before the end of the month? Don't worry — if you've got a job listed above, you can save 15 percent year-round.) All you have to do is show ID at the counter when checking out. Find the location nearest to you here.

Fro Yo Is Cold, Yo

Last night, I was craving something cold to eat. Given the Arctic-like temps outside, this made no sense to me — shouldn't I be jonesing for hot cocoa or something else warm? I set aside ration and got some popsicles at a nearby store, but if it hadn't been so late, I would've dropped by Yogurt Zone, a new natural frozen yogurt shop in Las Colinas. They've got flavors ranging from Dreamy Dark Chocolate and Tahitian Vanilla to Wild Strawberry and Green Apple Tart to Birthday Cake and Cheesecake. Now through Feb. 10, save 15 percent off any size yogurt with this coupon.

I had to bundle up just to eat my popsicle in comfort — we're talking sweatpants, a T-shirt, a hoodie, a bathrobe, and slippers. But it was worth it!

Wash and Dry

I dread doing laundry. I'm not really sure why, since it doesn't involve much work the way scrubbing a shower does, and the time commitment is minimal. Still, for those who, like me, want household chores to be as simple as possible, Purex offers an all-in-one laundry sheet that you drop in the washer and then transfer to the dryer. (Get a two-pack free here.) Marvel as it acts as a detergent, softener, and anti-static warrior. What will they think of next?

Tag, You're It

I used to work for an airline and still travel quite a bit, so I've got the whole packing-just-a-carry-on thing down to a science. In fact, I somehow managed to pack everything I needed for a 10-day trip to Europe in one rolling duffel bag. I was pretty proud of that. But then Christmas came around, and try as I did, I could not fit everyone's presents into my trusty carry-on bag. I had to bring out the big gun, a suitcase that, when empty, weighs about half of what I do (my family kindly poached all of my smaller suitcases).

What I really could've used to distinguish my rarely used case from the pack when at the carousel was a luggage tag. And thanks to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, that won't be a problem anymore. Check out their free customizable luggage tags, complete with a picture of your choice. I'm hoping to keep everything to one bag as often as I can (who wants to pay the extra fee, anyway?!), but should I need a checked bag, this is going on it.

Get It While You Can

Starting today, all inventory at home furnishings, accessories, and gift store Needless Necessities will be marked down 40 percent, including all Vera Bradley items. Everything previously reduced will go for an extra 10 percent off, and custom orders on furniture will be at 35 percent off (this is the last week to custom-order, so do it now). Sadly, these great deals come as a result of the Henderson neighborhood outpost deciding to shut its doors after nearly five years, so go support a local store while you still have the chance.

Feet Warmers

Has anyone been outside today? I haven't. Word on the street is that it's 15 or 20 degrees, and that's just wrong. But when I inevitably do have to go outside to live life and stuff, it'd be nice if I owned some cozy boots. No such luck. I could win a $100 Shopbop.com gift card from StyleandInspiration.blogspot.com to buy some, though, and so could you, by going here. Just find your favorite pair of Ugg boots on the site and leave a comment about why you like them, where you'd wear them, and what you'd pair them with. The most creative comment wins! (Entries are due by Jan. 14.)

Ups and Downs

I've hit many theme parks in my day — in Texas, Washington, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and England. Phew. That's a lot of loop-de-loops. My all-time favorite is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, but right here in town, we've got a great park: Six Flags Over Texas. If you love coasters as much as I do, consider buying a season pass that's good for 14 Six Flags across the country and beyond. The Play Pass is new for 2010 and at just $49.99, you only need to go a couple of times to make it worth it. (There's also the standard Season Pass for $10 more, which gets you a few extras.)

See you at Mr. Freeze!

Keep It Together

Anyone who's ever worked in an office with me knows that I love to stay organized (within a framework of messiness, that is). Color-coding files is one of my favorite things to do, and thus I'm pretty excited about these free Post-It Durable Tabs.

Sadly, there's no one to appreciate my organizational abilities since I don't work in an office anymore. But I appreciate it — and that's all that matters, right?

That Summer Smell

There's not a lot of large bodies of water in Texas, but you can at least evoke the warmth and fun of a summer boat party with this free sample of Escada's Marine Groove fragrance. It's got all kinds of good stuff: passion fruit, grapefruit, peony, cyclamen, white cedarwood, and amber, just to name a few. I've been fighting the urge to book a cruise, and this is not helping...

Lose Big

The Biggest Loser's new season premiered on Tuesday, and I was glued to the TV as I have been for the past few seasons. A while back, I asked my sister to gain 125 pounds so that we could go on the show together, but it looks like we'd each have to gain about 200 to be on the current season. Probably not worth it just for a little face time with the trainers (who I became a bit disenchanted with after last season, anyway). Instead, we (and you) can download for free a Biggest Loser workout mix. Ah, that's a much better plan.

Eating in the A.M.

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast — between waffles, pancakes, omelets, and French toast, what's not to love? Local chain Le Peep Grill is known for its great breakfast, and the Frisco location is offering a coupon to buy one entree, get the second free here (it's got a few restrictions, so read the fine print).

Mmm ... makes me want to have breakfast for dinner!

Stop Smoking

Need to kick a cigarette habit? Get a free Nicoderm CQ patch by filling out the form here.

Want to learn more about the different ways to quit smoking? Check out an article I wrote for health2you magazine on just that topic (scroll to page 18).

Work It Out

The holidays are over, and that means (for me, at least) that it's time to get back to the gym. If you live in or near Coppell, Euless, Allen, or Plano and are looking for a gym, Express Fitness always has deals going on — now at the Coppell location, you can sign up for just $12 a month. I belong here, and it's a good value for the money — there are classes, weight machines, free weights, and plenty of cardio machines. (My one complaint: They never seem to be able to accurately measure body fat composition, but maybe that's for the best!)

Click here to try one of the gyms for free for seven days to see if you like it.

Read and Get Fit

Make a New Year's resolution to be healthier? Join the club! You can get one step closer to your goals by ordering one of five fitness-related magazines (choose from EatingWell, Fitness, Vegetarian Times, Backpacker, and Yoga Journal) for just $5 a year from Amazon.com. Click here to take advantage of the offer, which expires Jan. 9.

Cereal of Champions

While home for Christmas, I discovered that my mom has turned into an organic cereal convert, eating it with — what else? — organic milk. The taste turned me off at first, but after a few bites, I was sold (although I'm back to my standard of Special K with strawberries now that I'm home).

Want to try a box of organic cereal for yourself? Barbara's Bakery, a company that's been in the organic game since 1971, makes all kinds of healthy cereals, snack bars, crackers, and more, all free of artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils, and refined white sugar.

Click here to try it yourself for free!

JFK's Legacy

I still remember being 10 years old and absolutely mesmerized when I visited Dallas and made a stop at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. It has that effect on people of all ages and is a great place to take those out-of-town visitors who are history buffs. Save $2 off a ticket (for up to four people) when you visit with this coupon.

Visit www.jfk.org for more info on the museum.

About This Blog

I love a good deal. I once saved up 100 or so Snapple caps so that I could get a free Saved By the Bell T-shirt. It was totally worth it. The only problem was that I got an XXL, and I needed a small. But I loved that sparkly shirt anyway, because I worked hard for it — and because I just really heart things that are free.

And so Dallas on a Dime brings you the best deals around the Metroplex to help you live better on less. The blog features local and national discounts on everything from food to travel to events, as well as giveaways for readers.

Want to let me know about a great deal? E-mail haley@haleyshapley.com.