Wednesday, October 10, 2012

...They Say it's Your Birthday...

It's no surprise that I love freebies. I'm a couponer that started once I quit my full-time teaching gig to be a stay-at-home-mom to save us some cash. I wasn't willing to give up the vacations, so I decided we would live more frugally at home and still enjoy trips and travel. I actually don't physically cut many coupons, but utilize the amazing deals from our local Safeway affiliate that has them all online with a swipe of my card at the store. I love it most for produce deals because obviously coupons are most often for processed foods that we try not to eat all that often. And for other things, I just stalk what I want like prey until it's on sale and then scour the internet for the best deals and coupons to match my purchase. I then use affiliates like ShopatHome & Ebates to score cash back on purchases I make. It's down to a science, my friends. And I'll admit... in a geeky sort of way, deal hunting is sort of thrilling. I told you it was geeky.

In order to make my thirtieth birthday feel like less of a sting (and no, this is not a plea for regards and well-wishes), I've been receiving coupons like MAD in my email for about 2 weeks now. They really start hitting exactly one week before the actual day and then it's a mad dash to print out and head out to revel in all that is free. I cook less in October-- known fact. Why? Because we're eating out at 50% off and that's pretty good to me.

I thought I'd share the emails I receive (minus the links to sign up because I'm lazy) in case you want to sign up for the email flood once your birthday arrives. 

Jersey Mike's: free sub and fountain drink on actual b-day
Firehouse Sub's: free sub on actual b-day (no coupon required! Just ID)
Coldstone Creamery: BOGO ice cream
Steak 'n Shake: free double Steakburger and fries
On the Border: free dessert with meal purchase
Boston Market: free dessert with meal purchase
Fuddrucker's: free 1/3 lb burger 
Arby's: free shake
TCBY: $3 off any purchase
Baskin Robbins: free scoop or soft serve
Which Wich: free sandwich
Starbucks: free drink of any size
Panera Bread: free pastry/sweet
Noodles & Company: free meal
Qdoba: BOGO burrito/meal
Flat Top Grill: free stir fry
Red Robin: free burger + fries
Vera Bradley: free $20 on anything in the store (I actually don't get this one because I'm too lazy to sign up in-store.)
World Market: 15% off home decor or 10% off food items & non-alcoholic beverages

I most definitely do not use all of these... more likely only 30% of what I listed, but it's fun to have options. I'd use more, but they have short expiration dates and I can't always make it on time. Anyone know about any amazing birthday freebies that I didn't mention? 

9 comments:

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

The Catalina Express will give you a free trip to Catalina on your birthday. Happy Birthday, Brandy!

SuzyQpon said... [Reply to comment]

Victoria's Secret - $10 gift card
Dairy Queen - buy one Blizzard, get one free
Disney Movie Rewards - 100 points
Swagbucks - 50 points (you MUST use Swagbucks, you do, yes?!)
Kohls - $10 gift card
Applebees - free dessert
Boscia - $10/$40 coupon
Sephora - free lip duo
CVS - $3 off any purchase
Panera Bread - free "surprise" on Panera points card
The Melting Pot - complimentary chocolate covered strawberries
ING Direct Shop - 15% off
Old Navy - $10/$50 coupon
Wendy's - $1 off combo
Torrid - $10 off coupon
Pizza Hut - free dessert or side order with purchase
Mimi's Cafe - buy one get one free
Chili's - free brownie sundae
IHOP - free pancakes
Maggiano's - $10/$30 coupon
The Kona Grill - $15 gift card
Ruby Tuesday's - free burger
Silver Diner - free entree and dessert
Origins - $10/$25 coupon
Lone Star Steakhouse - free appetizer
O'Charleys - $5/$20 coupon
Moe's Southwest Grill - free entree

As you said, you can never use all of these but it's nice to pick and choose. Some of these might be regional since I am in VA but I thought you (and your readers) might be interested!

LookItsJessica said... [Reply to comment]

My favorite was the Sephora free gift. It was actually really great and I use it every single day. It was the only birthday thing I redeemed.

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said... [Reply to comment]

Nice! I always like getting my bday Starbucks drink!

Amy said... [Reply to comment]

Ulta- free brow arch (wax) on actual bday at the benefit brow bar.

Lj82 said... [Reply to comment]

I like the Sephora gift... I figure I deserve SOMETHING for spending way too much money on makeup... ;)

Natasha said... [Reply to comment]

Sephora always does great birthday gifts!

Emily said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Birthday Brandy...it's my 30th today too! Hope it's a good (and freebie filled) one!

AlliFerg said... [Reply to comment]

I am upset you don't sign up for the Vera deal! I'll use your coupon, haha. Happy 30 :)

Also, happy birthday to you -- you are due for a new blog header with B in the mix? Email me the photo you want to use and I'll get it set up for you!