- Stephanie P.
- Got a tip for your fellow cheapskates? Send it to hardtimesnewsletter@gmail.com!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
TGIM BOGO sundaes at Ben & Jerry's.
More birthday freebies.
Free sample of Aquafresh Extreme Clean.
< / justification >
Well, anyway, get yourself a free sample coupon (or two, apparently, if you hit the back button and redo it) and "take the feeling of clean to the extreme."
Free Nakano rice vinegar.
I mainly use rice vinegar for whipping up sushi rice, but apparently there's a whole recipe booklet's worth of other applications, including using it as a light salad dressing. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that one.
500GB Toshiba hard drive for $90.
I paid more than this for about half as much storage capacity about a year ago, so obviously the prices are getting better and better. By this time next year, they'll be throwing these things in with boxes of Cracker Jack.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Smell like Gwen Stefani, for free.
"Starting July 7, 2009, bring the August 2009 cover of Seventeen or a printout of the seventeen.com homepage to any Nordstrom fragrance counter to receive a deluxe sample of Harajuku Lovers Fragrance in all five scents: Baby, Music, Lil’ Angel, Love and G (approximate retail value: $0). Ten thousand (10,000) will be given away. One per person. Giveaway ends August 10, 2009. While supplies last. Once all fragrance samples are distributed, there will be no substitute product given away."
No word on how deluxe this sample is, so I wouldn't rush out and buy a copy of the magazine just to get it, but you can always print out the homepage and give 'er a try that way. I like that they're so brutally honest about the value of their perfume, too.
30% off a book, CD, and DVD at Borders.
Seattleites: Free summer concerts at City Hall.
Okay, I haven't actually heard of any of these groups, but when was the last time you got to hear tri-lingual psychedelic India grunge, a zany a capella quartet, or an 11-piece Cuban timba dance band?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Free Bare Escentuals 10-day sample & buki brush.
(Sorry, Seattleites, the closest location to us is Portland.)
They did a similar promotion a while ago but I was out of town or something and wasn't able to cash in on it, so hopefully I'll get to snag myself a free sample this time. I don't really wear foundation, but I do like mineral eyeshadow and blush, and more importantly, I like buying makeup.
Free Chocolate Friday for all!
I feel like I've already requested more than four coupons, but it just let me sign up again, so maybe they're not checking that carefully. On an unrelated note, I now weigh more than I ever have in my life. Maybe lifting the candy bars to my mouth will burn some extra calories.
Free Baja Fish Taco at Long John Silver's, July 14.
The taco is a mere 99 cents, but you can do better than that and get a free one on July 14, from store opening to 2:30 p.m., at participating stores. Try not to get sucked into the Sweet Buttery Hermit Handfuls while you're picking up your free fish taco, though. Now that's the LJS I remember.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Etsy special: mineral eyeshadow for $2!
You probably already know that mineral cosmetics are supposed to be much better for your skin than the usual chemical-laden ones you find in stores, and her products are vegan and do not use any artificial ingredients. No bismuth, no talc, no carmine, no silk powder, no d & c lake colors and no parabens.
But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice color or sparkle! Gold Dust is an intensely shimmery metallic gold eyeshadow, and Evening Orchid is a rich, glimmering purple. And they're a deal - 3 generous sample jars for $6, and mine came with 2 mini-brushes and a bunch of mini-samples of various products in tiny baggies.
Right now, she's having an "Independence Day" sale to celebrate independence from corporate America. Use code "Independence Day Savings" and save $5 off $30 or more; $10 off $55 or more; $15 off $90 or more; $20 off $110 or more; and free shipping on orders over $100. Oh, and did I mention that my order somehow made it from Massachusetts to Seattle in 3 days?
If you're looking to try out mineral makeup but don't want to spend a ton of money on the fancy kits, there are alternatives! Or if you just want a new eyeshadow to match every swimsuit. ;)
QFC sharpens your knives for free.
"The QFC on the north end of Broadway has always been particularly helpful, and Jeff, one of my favorite butchers, does most of the sharpening at that location. He says, 'All QFC stores provide knife sharpening as a free service, but we don't do bread knives or anything with a serrated edge. You can drop off your knives three at a time and pick them up the next day.'"
Not sure how I'd feel about blithely dropping off my $100 Global santoku and hoping it'll be there the next day, but if you're feeling adventurous (and dull), maybe give it a try...
(Thanks for the tip, Brian!)
BOGO smoothies at Jamba Juice.
30% off coupon at Borders, plus free 12-oz beverage.
Aaaand another coupon for a free 12-oz beverage (not just coffee!), in case you're thirsty again. This one starts June 26 and goes through July 2, so you can enjoy a treat starting tomorrow.
Ben and Jerry's brings free ice cream to Seattle in July.
Here are the dates:
- 7/11 - Sat. - Victor Steinbrueck Park
- 7/12 - Sun. - Seward Park
- 7/13 - Mon. - Westlake Park
Mark your calendars, or RSVP on Facebook via the link. YOU'RE WELCOME.
(Thanks to tipster Elaine!)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Free mini cupcake at Sugar Rush Baking Company.
Plus, if you should happen to accidentally purchase a dozen more mini cupcakes while you're there, they'll wrap them up adorably in an egg carton! Now that's what I call recycling.
Dollar Days and 25% coupon at Borders.
- books, book lights, tote bags for $1
- bath and body, CDs, journals for $3
- history, biography, fitness books for $4
- CDs and DVDs for $5
- toys and former bestsellers for $6
- gift books and games for $10
There's also a coupon for 25% off any one item, if you don't find what you're looking for in the bargain bins.
Free paint starting June 25.
I once saw an interesting home-decor project that involved buying a bunch of thrift-store frames in different patterns, painting over them with two or three complementary colors, and then creating a wall collage of art or favorite photos, so maybe I'll try that with my free paint. What are you thinking about using your paint for? Leave it in the comments!
Free menopause kit for the aging woman in your life.
Although, come to think of it, I'll be turning 30 in a couple of weeks... and I do like fiber. Maybe I should sign myself up. Fertility is overrated, anyway.
Free sample of Joico 'poo.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Join the HTN on Facebook!
$1.50 off Kashi cereal and TLC bars.
I hear they're on sale at Target for $2.58 this week, so after the coupon they'll be about $1 for a box of six bars, which is a really good deal! (You do need to download the lame coupon printer, but what's a spyware or two among friends?)
Free Colgate extreme toothpaste.
Anyway, if you're ready to embrace the future, get your sample of Colgate Maxfresh Peppermint Ice and feel the wintry blast of clean teeth.
Free Kiss My Face shower/bath gel.
I've never tried KMF bath stuff, but I have sampled their beauty products before and liked them, so this might be a gateway sample into a whole new world of toiletries!
Free baseball taco at Del Taco.
Good through June 25.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Free Redbox movie rental code.
If you're not familiar with what Redbox is or how it works, check out this quick guide from HeyItsFree.net.
50% off and free gifts at e.l.f.
Also, their current anniversary sale special is pretty good too - with an order of $10 or more, you can get 5 free $1 items using coupon code 5FOR5FREE. Plus, get a $5 gift card with any purchase. The savings just keep rolling in!
Free Pinkberry yogurt on June 26!
Froyolicious!
Mini-library book sale June 27-28.
This weekend, they're having a "mini-sale," which is not as big as the usual extravaganza, but still probably worth stopping by. This is part of the Best of the Northwest craft show, and admission is free, so why not pay it a visit?
Mini Book Sale: June 27-28, 2009
Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM- 6 PM
In Hangar 30, Warren G. Magnsuon Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115
The Friends will be having a mini book sale in conjunction with the Best of the Northwest event produced by the Northwest Arts Alliance on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28. Best of Northwest is one of the premier arts and crafts shows in the area. Admission is free. The Friends booth will have a varied and plentiful selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books, including some "Better Books." We hope you can join us for this special summer sale!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Free TCBY for Dad on June 21.
Free Chocolate Friday, once again.
I feel like a lab rat pushing the button with my little paw each Friday morning to get the treat... but I still keep doing it. And I don't even LIKE M&Ms! It's diabolical, I tell you.
Free Tropical Smoothie Cafe smoothie on June 19, National Flip Flop Day.
Sadly, even if it weren't overcast and rainy here in Seattle today, we can't cash in on this offer (or even wear flip-flops), as there are no WA locations. But our fellow savers in other states should definitely take advantage of the icy, blended fruit goodness on our behalf.
BOGO Bath & Body Works for dads and dudes.
Free "I Love Coffee" coin purse.
This is a promotion by Back Alley Coffee, so you'd think their logo would be somewhere on the coin purse, but... no? Well, I guess we'll find out in 4 to 6 weeks.
40% off one item at Borders.
BOGO breakfast at Denny's.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Free Scott TP and butt wipes.
I mocked this type of TP freebie before when Cottonelle did it... until a strange series of events led to me being out of toilet paper and actually needing the sample roll. It's not a very big roll, but it might be nice to stash in your purse or take camping in case of, uh, emergencies.
Free sample of Vaseline Aloe Fresh for Costco members.
Free Slurpee on 7-11 Day.
July 11 is 7-11 Day, and they're celebrating as usual by giving away free Slurpees! No coupon necessary, just show up and express your willingness to dye your tongue a color not found in nature with a drink called Ice Age 3 Glacial Extremeberry.
Free 12 oz blended coffee drink at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Just to be sassy, I voted for Instant Karma, the nutty creme caramel flavor. If karma actually worked, then I would start getting freebies from places that actually have locations in the state where I live.
BOGO coupon at Sweet Tomatoes.
Free Dove Hair Care samples.
Personally, I enjoy blasting my hair with a blow dryer each morning, then ironing it flat with white-hot ceramic bars, so I guess that would be... Heat Defense Therapy.
(Thanks for the tip, Irene!)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Return of Burt Day Celebration Bag.
6 Regular-Sized Products:
- Lip Shimmer Merlot
- Lip Shimmer Toffee
- Replenishing Lip Balm
- Beeswax Lip Balm
- Spearmint & Lime Body Wash (4 oz)
- Nourishing Body Lotion (3 oz)
12 Mini-size:
- Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath
- All-in-One Wash
- Lip Gloss Red
- Lip Gloss Nude
- Natural Skin Care for Men Soap
- Peppermint Soap
- Citrus Spice Soap
- Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap
- Orange Essence Facial Cleanser
- Peppermint Foot Lotion
- Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
- Therapeutic Bath Crystals
4 Special Gifts:
- Bamboo Poof
- Burt's Bees Gardener's Gloves
- Red Wristlet Bag
- Lip Balm Clip-On
Items may vary. All sales final. No returns or replacements.
Plus, you can use promo code BURTDAY to get free FedEx shipping on your order. Be prepared, it does take a while to get to you, but the honey-filled bee goodness will be worth it when it arrives!
Free Johnson's Naturals baby gift pack.
I think Mom needs this more than Baby does, but who am I to quibble?
BOGO 2-piece meal at El Pollo Loco.
Free samples of Emeril's Original Essence.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Free root beer float on June 19 at A&W.
Doesn't look like a coupon is necessary - just saunter in there and claim your free small float. Also, if that doesn't satisfy your urge for 1950s-esque food, you can return on Sunday, June 21, to get a Papa Burger for a mere 99 cents. Yep, that ought to adequately repay your dad for bringing you up for 18 years.
Free sample of Great Value cereal bars.
The minimalist packaging design makes me wonder, though: are these Walmart's own generic product? Remember when generic food had a plain white or yellow label and just said BEANS or CORN or ABJECT POVERTY in a grim, sans-serif font? Now they've taken all the shame out of buying generic, and that's why we're in this terrible economic climate.
Borders 6-in-1 super-coupon is back.
- $20 off of 1 Rosetta Stone Software
- $10 off of list price of 1 hard cover over $35
- $10 off of 1 tote bag
- $5 off list price of 1 or all of the following: 1 dvd, 1 cd, 1 game, 1 business book, 1 history book, 1 booklight, 1 lap desk
- $2 off list price of any or all of the following: 1 sports book, 1 humor book, 1 fiction book, 1 kid's book, 1 water bottle, 1 magazine
- Buy one pastry and get a free small beverage
$10 off a tote bag is pretty good, since they have some cute Paperchase designs for under $20. I liked the $2 off a magazine coupon from last time, too... this could be my excuse to indulge in Real Simple or In Style, two of the few magazines I don't already subscribe to.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Free summer mixtape from Nylon magazine.
Free Sundiwear stickers tell you when to reapply SPF.
They're normally $4.99 for a package of 20, and if you decide to buy a package, it will come with a promo code, which you can use to give them feedback online and get another package free. Two packages might be enough to keep you peel-free for the rest of the summer!
Free canvas tote with $10 purchase at Cost Plus.
Anyway, spend $10, get a free canvas tote at Cost Plus. Occasionally they just flat-out offer them for free in their weekly ad, too, so keep an eye peeled if you're assembling a set.
Free keychain flashlight.
Free Chocolate Friday, everyone!
Free 12 oz beverage at Borders with coupon.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
20% off everything at Borders.
Free Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream.
Click here to find a store near you; Washingtonians, you can find local stores here.
40% off Father's Day gifts at Barnes & Noble.
Yankee Candle clearance sale.
I've found some pretty good deals at these events, but the shipping is kind of painful because candles (especially the glass jars) are so heavy to ship. However, there is a store at Southcenter where you can score most of these same deals AND have the instant gratification of getting your smelly Rose Blossom Peachwood Island Kitchen fix right away.
Museum of Flight free on Father's Day.
The coupons are available at Bartell Drugs in the Seattle area; I saw them at the photo processing counter while picking up a 4GB flash drive for $10. The coupon doesn't appear to be a BOGO, either, so maybe dads flying solo can just head on down for a quiet afternoon at the museum. I went last year when they had the stewardess uniform exhibit and found it surprisingly awesome, though, so you might want to consider tagging along with your paw.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Free samples of Nescafe Tasters Choice instant coffee.
But in case you haven't gotten to try it and are curious, you can sign up for free samples of Nescafe's single-serve packets, which look hauntingly similar to the hated VIA packets. I tried the "gourmet roast" flavor, which looked like kitty litter and tasted like dishwater, and am not convinced. But, you know, maybe your grandma would like some, or you know a thirsty cat lady in your neighborhood.
Earn $$$ for searching with Swagbucks.
Signing up for an account gets you 3 Swagbucks, and using promo code FREECODE will get you another 3, for a total of 6. A $5 Amazon gift card costs 45 points, so you'd be well on your way to earning your first reward right there.
It seems this is on the up-and-up, so give it a try and report back in the comments if you like it.
99-cent iced coffee at 7-11 during June.
On the same page, you can sign up for their "cool deals" email list and they promise to send you coupons for... who knows what. I decided to give it a try, so I'll let you know if anything good comes shooting through the pipeline.
Free Minute Maid frozen novelties.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Free SubPop sampler and time machine back to 1996.
(Thanks, Irene and AJ!)
Free Nexcare bandages.
Weirdly, these say "GIVE" in big blue letters across the bandage. I think they're supposed to be applied to the arms of blood donors - kind of like that fluorescent-colored webbing they wrap around your arm to pop the vein out, so you can enjoy bragging rights and sympathy for the rest of the day. "Ooh, could you help me lift this bag? I would do it myself, but I just donated blood and I'm feeling a little weak..."
Anyway, you can look like a better person until your grubby free bandage peels off.
Free Havianas for the first 3,000.
Go here to enter, BUT REMEMBER to click where it says "No purchase is necessary to enter." By default, they'll sign you up for a trial subscription (which you can cancel, but that's just more hassle), so make sure to click the "click here" link to get a signup form that doesn't automatically subscribe you. Of course, you'll want to check "no" to the "can we contact you" boxes down at the bottom of the form, too.
When you submit, it doesn't say whether you made it, it just thanks you for signing up... so we'll see if I get a pair of flip-flops or a teen girl magazine in the mail.
Energizer Energi To Go® phone charger, $-0.01.
Click here for the offer page and a list of compatible phone types. Use coupon code: Energi2009 to get free shipping. Once you've received the item, there will be a keyword and serial number in the package, and you'll take a short survey and get a $10 rebate. The charger is $9.99, the rebate is $10, so you're actually making a penny on this deal.
This might be a handy thing to tuck into your glove box or your bag, in case you're traveling or on the road when your phone unexpectedly dies. The last time my phone died completely, I was stuck in a parking lot with a dead car battery, frantically trying to get AAA on the phone, and I would have been plenty thrilled to have a battery-operated power source on hand.
1-year Popular Science subscription, $5.
Of course, I get my dad a Goodwill gift card, because thriftiness runs in our blood. But he has gifted me with BOGO subscriptions before, so I know he'd appreciate this offer.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Free silent movie tonight at Seattle's Paramount Theatre.
Tonight's film is "Flesh and the Devil," starring Greta Garbo, and based on their summary, it sounds like a thrillingly polygamous menage-a-trois type deal. Plus, the movie may be silent but they have that Mighty Wurlitzer Organ to spice things up sonically. Tix are usually around $10-13 for these events, I believe, but tonight you can enjoy a century-old entertainment form for EVEN CHEAPER than it was back in the day! Save your nickel for the penny-candy counter.
Free bottle of Country Bob's sauce.
The only catch is that the free-bottle coupon offer is only good where Country Bob's magic elixir is sold, and since they're based in Illinois, that may mean it's not available out here on the West Coast. But you Midwesterners, feel free to sauce it on up.
Free hummus T-shirt.
I've bought Tribe hummus before and it's pretty darn good, I must say, though a little pricier than other brands in your deli case. Still, with a free T-shirt to sweeten the deal, this might change everything. Though I'd be more excited about a coupon for a free thing of hummus, really.
Advanced saveology with your Free Chocolate Friday.
Free downloads from Barsuk Records.
The offer is through Amazon, so you'll need to download their free MP3 widget in order to import them to your iTunes or what have you, but it's quick and simple and then you'll get free music!
Get a free Gatorade, lose 750 lbs.*
Still, on the bright side, if you've been looking to prune your Facebook list, handing out people's email addresses to corporate mailing lists is a quick way to lose yourself some unwanted weight, if you know what we mean.
*150 lbs. x 5 angry friends = 0 regrets!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Seattle Special: Free custard at Capitol Hill's Old School Frozen Custard.
I've never had frozen custard, but devotees claim it is the bee's knees and even better than plain ol' ice cream, so I guess I'll have to try it myself. Even better, the weather is supposed to be cold and crappy tomorrow, which should cut down on the long line of hot, sweaty hipsters.
Free Crystal Light On-the-go at Target.
I've been trying to drink more water in these hot summery months, but it gets old, and a little touch of fruity flavor is most welcome when trying to choke down those 64 oz per day. With these coupons, I can get three free packages in one trip! And you should too. Plus, as I just found out this week, Crystal Light is good more than two years after its expiration date, so you can basically keep it around forever.
Burt's Bees lip balm giveaway - now more random.
"The giveaway starts anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT but no one knows exactly when! To equal the odds and give you the fairest chance at a free balm, we've randomized the giveaway to start anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT. It could be anytime. For instance -- it may be 9:15 AM one day, 10:25 AM the next, or 11:51 AM the day after! We don't know either - and that's what makes it fun! And if you don't get it one day, you'll get your chance. The balm giveaway goes through June 20, 2009."
So now they're forcing you to keep checking back and refreshing your browser all morning until their "randomizer" starts the daily allotment. This has some sinister overtones to me, but I guess it's fairer than just screwing the West Coast every day. Anyway, you have about two more weeks to score a free lip balm, so go to it.
Free Sunsweet healthy snack samples.
- 1 oz. Jumbo Red Raisins
- 0.9 oz. Snack Pack Prune
- 0.9 oz. Snack Pack Cherry Prune
- 1 oz. Mediterranean Apricot
But go there first thing in the morning, because there are a limited number per day, and once they're gone, they're gone!
Free donuts at Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme for National Doughnut Day.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Free iced tea tasting at Peet's, June 6.
- Hibiscus Breeze Tea Cooler Caffeine-free Hibiscus C Blend herbal tea with all natural lemonade.
- Jasmine Lime Tea Cooler Jasmine Fancy green tea with all natural limeade.
- Summer House Iced Tea Mildly sweet and brisk with a smooth toasty finish.
*Some locations, apparently including Seattle's, are doing this today, June 4, from 1 to 2 pm, so it's worth contacting your local store if you really don't want to miss out.
Refreshing!
25% off any one item at Borders.
$100 for opening a Chase checking account.
Of course, there are a few caveats:
1) You have to deposit $100 into it.
2) The $100 can't come from another Chase account or an affiliate.
3) Within 60 days, you have to either make 5 debit card purchases, or set up direct deposit.
4) You have to keep the account open for 6 months or they take the $100 back.
5) If you don't set up direct deposit and you don't make at least 5 debits a month, you get hit with a fee.
6) Cash bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (i.e., you pay taxes on it next year).
That's a lot of trouble, especially remembering to make the debit purchase (because you probably already have direct deposit set up in your REAL checking, right?). Still, a hundred bucks is a hundred bucks.
Free Orange Julius smoothie, June 19.
I haven't had an Orange Julius in probably over 10 years, but this is actually for Light Smoothies, which come in three flavors: Tropical Sunlight, Berry-Pom Twilight, and Strawberry Delight. They all have "light" in the name, get it? Get it? No, but do you get it?
(Seattleites, the closest one is in the Seattle Center by the EMP...)
Free Juicy Juice sippy cup or water bottle.
I know a few accident-prone friends who might appreciate having their adult beverages served to them in a spill-proof, break-resistant cup, but surely everyone can use a water bottle, right? Even one with a little kids' juice logo on the side?
Free Glade Summer Scents candle tin.
"The unique candle melts into a pool of scented oil, quickly releasing fragrance into the room. When the oil is gone, the candle goes out, so there’s no mess. Each tin candle is portable and unbreakable, so now you can enjoy Glade® Scented Oil Candles fragrances any place you choose, from your living room to your kitchen and bathroom. And because the tins are refillable, you can choose from a variety of Glade® Scented Oil Candles fragrances."
I like non-messy candles, so if I'm one of the lucky 10,000, I'll let you know how it works. Nothing like an open flame indoors in summer to really make things cozy.
Today only, 8GB flash drive + PC game for $14.99.
There are four color choices, with associated games:
- Red: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown
- Camouflage: Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
- Black: Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
- Blue: Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Anyway, if you've been looking for super-tiny portable data storage or you frequently swap music and videos with friends, then these guys can't be beat.
BOGO meal at Sweet Tomatoes.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Massive list of free museums around the U.S.
But, you may notice, the list is incomplete! They need your help to make it even awesomer. So if you see that your state's listing is missing a museum, or has inaccurate information, do your part as a citizen of the free world and update it, won't you?
Free Worstercestershirster sauce and BBQ sauce.
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100803/
I've ordered quite a few samples from Walmart (boo) and I have to say, they're very quick and right on it - they usually tell you it will take about four weeks, but my samples always get here faster than that. So you won't need to wait too long to start saucing up your butt roast.
Free To Go Drinks samples and contest.
Looks like this is sponsored by a fancy-schmancy hippie health parenting magazine, so beware of the junk mail you might be signing up for with this offer... unless you like organic flax teething soy biscuits, I guess.
Free iced coffee at Au Bon Pain today, after 2:00 pm.
Find your closest location here, but don't bother looking if you're in Washington... no bon pains here. Je suis desolee.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
$5 off $25 at Borders.
Also, they apparently have a "buy 4, get the 5th book free" offer going on, which is not as good of a deal, but if you have a lot of June gifts to buy, it could be a deal.
Free Carefree pantyliners and carrying case.
Actually, the case is pretty cute. I could probably use that for lip gloss or pens or something. HOW WOULD THEY KNOW?
50% off coupon at Michaels.
In case you haven't been into a Michaels lately, they also have seasonal decor, candles, and junk like that, so just because you don't want to paint a birdhouse doesn't mean there's nothing there for you.
Free sample of Velvet Milk Aloe Butter Mask.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Prescription glasses for under $20? Thanks, China!
After hearing good word of mouth from a friend, I decided to try Zenni Optical, because unlike many online glasses sites, they actually had a frame that fit my special-needs face. My frame was $12.95, which included single-vision lenses and A/R coating, plus $4.95 shipping. That's it! I'm pretty pleased with my glasses, which came in a hard plastic case with a cleaning cloth and were less than 1/5 of the cheapest glasses I was considering from an optometrist. For this price, I'm thinking about ordering another pair with tinted lenses as spare sunglasses.
Be advised, this is not for the impatient. The website claims a two-week shipping time, but my glasses took about 3.5 weeks to get here. I wasn't in a hurry, but if you just sat on your only pair of glasses, this is not the speediest option. Also, most glasses will need a bit of adjustment just to fit your face correctly, so you'll have to go to an optometrist and sweet-talk them into doing that for you if need be. (Most are happy to do it for free, because they want you to come back, but it could be a bit awkward explaining that no, you're not their customer, but you want them to fix your cheapo made-in-China glasses free.)
I've heard that Goggles4U and Optical4Less are also good. 39DollarGlasses started it all, and they have an excellent FAQ page that will address your fears about ordering specs online, including a good page on measuring your PD (answer: have an eye doctor do it). If you're willing to put the work in and take a risk, you can save a lot of $$$ with online glasses!
Free coffee tumbler from Case.
Go to Case Construction's website, enter promo code CASETLC, and you can sign up to receive your free manly coffee tumbler. Feel your masculinity being enhanced as you gaze at the pictures of bulldozers and steamrollers while doing so.
Free jewelry from Park Lane.
When you complete the survey for Park Lane jewelry parties, they'll send you a "free sample" of their jewelry. Now, it would make sense for them to send you something you could wear IF you were planning on signing up as one of their sales-bots, but for Sally Saver off the street? I'm guessing they'll send you one clip-on earring, so you can see (but not wear) the quality. But don't take my cynical word for it - maybe they'll send you something awesome.
Get clean with $30 worth of free coupons.
Free movie rental Monday with Redbox code.
If you're new to Redbox, check out this handy guide from HeyItsFree.net. It's actually still a pretty good deal even without the free rental code, especially if you like minimizing human interaction, like me.
Free museum day this weekend, courtesy of B of A.
Seattleites, here are the participating locations in Washington:
- MOHAI
- Wing Luke Asian Museum (general admission is also free every first Thursday & third Saturday of the month)
- Northwest African American Museum
- Tacoma Art Museum
Free culture this weekend, courtesy of Big Banking - what will they think of next?
Free bar of handmade soap.
Free '09 Entertainment Book when you pre-order '10.
Remember, the Entertainment Book year starts in November, and they take their sweet time mailing them out, so you'll have less than five months to use the '09 version's coupons if you go with this offer. But it also pays for itself with just one BOGO museum ticket coupon (in Seattle, includes EMP/Sci-Fi, Burke, Pacific Science Center, Wing Luke, Museum of Flight, MOHAI, and the zoo, plus more), and then everything after that is pretty much delicious free icing. (The discounted movie tickets are pretty handy, too.)
Free entree and more from Pick Up Stix.
Find a location here, unless you live in Seattle, and then don't bother.
Free boozy tote bag from Pacific Rim.
Save water, drink Riesling! Save plastic, use cotton! It's FOR THE PLANET.
Possibly-free Kindle version of Cook's How-to-Cook Library.
Cook's Illustrated magazine has written this How-to-Cook Library, subtitled "An illustrated step-by-step guide to foolproof cooking," which sounds pretty useful (though I'm not sure I'd want to take my pricey Kindle into the kitchen to be doused in gravy and melted butter). Its Kindle price is $9.99, but as recently as 3 days ago, people were commenting about being able to review it for free. Did the freeness vanish on June 1?
Well, if you get it to work, whip up a rack of lamb with those little paper crowns to celebrate.