Amazon: Gamers' magazines for $5.

Amazon has some video game magazines on sale this week for just $5. I remember subscribing to Nintendo Power for many years as a kid, and it was actually pretty decent - lots of walkthroughs to the Mario games and cheat codes aplenty. Oh, and there was that Nester comic strip that was kind of weird.

Reading the Amazon reviewers, it sounds like the format has been updated considerably since those days. They now have a section exclusively for the Wii Channel online content, a dev chart showing where in the production process upcoming games are, lots of interviews with video-game people, and, evidently, biased video game reviews. BUT WHERE IS NESTER???

There's also deals for Xbox and Playstation and the like, so don't feel limited by my Nintendo-centrism.

Del Taco: 99-cent burrito deals.

I'm a bit late to the party on this one because I've been celebrating Memorial Day by lying around my apartment doing nothing, but better late than never, right? Here are some Del Taco coupons for a 99-cent Egg & Cheese Burrito and a Del Combo Burrito. Both are normally around $2, and the coupon is good through today only.

I know, that's kind of weak, but there actually isn't too much going on in the freebieverse this weekend - most of the attention is on Memorial Day Weekend sales. I'm hoping we'll get back to normal starting tomorrow.

Borders: 40% off coupon extended through Monday.

Didn't get to Borders in time to use that impressive 40% off coupon this week? No problem - they've extended it through Monday, May 31. My weekend plans involve a whole lot of Netflix and not a lot of leaving the house, but otherwise I would totally be on this one. Totally.

Happy holiday weekend, everybody!

Seattle: Free mini-cupcake & chance to win free SIFF tickets at Cupcake Royale.

Last one, everybody!

Cupcake Royale is sponsoring the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) this year, and wants to get everyone involved by posting SIFF Trivia questions on Facebook every day this week! Come into any Cupcake Royale store before 5:00 pm, answer that day's question correctly, and receive a FREE babycake AND a chance to win a free weekend of films at SIFF starting 5/28-5/31. Each store will have one winner per day that will be announced on Facebook at 5:00 p.m., so become a fan to make sure you get the winning updates and trivia questions this week!

Here's today's question: "Me and You and Everyone We Know", featured at SIFF's opening night in 2005, is directed by what Portland based performance artist?

Good luck!

Free sample of Olay Total Effects body wash.

Hooray for Olay! Get yourself a sample of their Total Effects body wash, which promises many exciting and dramatic results. I mean, who wouldn't like to fight aging in the shower and see softer, smoother skin after just one use?

If this stuff really works, I may have to order a dozen samples and slather my face with it after this holiday weekend. It's far too rainy for BBQs, so clearly the only way to pass the time will be to stay indoors and drink.

Borders: 40% off one item.

Borders is really excited about Memorial Day Weekend and wants you to have a 40% off coupon to celebrate!

If you live in Seattle, maybe you can use it to buy an umbrella, because that's all you'll be needing this holiday weekend.

Seattle: Free SIFF ticket at Starbucks, 2 pm today.

The Starbucks "We Love You" campaign rolls on, with another freebie today for Seattleites. Stop by any Seattle Starbucks starting at 2:00 pm and get your free SIFF ticket! The ticket voucher is good for selected showings through June 13, 2010.

Last week's Mariner tickets flew out of the stores by 2:20 pm, so if you want this freebie, you'd better be hovering at the counter at 1:59 and ready to shove people out of the way if need be.

Seattle: Free mini-cupcake & chance to win free SIFF tickets at Cupcake Royale.

Cupcake Royale is sponsoring the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) this year, and wants to get everyone involved by posting SIFF Trivia questions on Facebook every day this week! Come into any Cupcake Royale store before 5:00 pm, answer that day's question correctly, and receive a FREE babycake AND a chance to win a free weekend of films at SIFF starting 5/28-5/31. Each store will have one winner per day that will be announced on Facebook at 5:00 p.m., so become a fan to make sure you get the winning updates and trivia questions this week!

Here's today's question: Which mountain in the Bernese Alps did the climbers attempt to summit in the film 'The North Face' that won the 4th place audience award at SIFF in 2009?

Bon chance!

Amazon: Free 4AD sampler.

Amazon is offering a free 4AD MP3 sampler, featuring artists like Camera Obscura and the National. You have to have their MP3 downloading software, but it's free, works well, and automatically imports to iTunes when it's done.

This is part of the Indie and Alternative Music Sale, which includes lots of other free samplers:

• Dangerbird Records
• Hardly Art 2010 Sampler
• Frenchkiss Records Sampler
• Merge Records Sampler
• Matador Records Sampler
• Saddle Creek 2010 Sampler
• ROIR: So Indie It Hurts Sampler
• Sympathy for the Record Industry Sampler

That ought to make for a decent Memorial Day weekend BBQ playlist, right?

Free IKEA breakfast, May 29-31.

IKEA is celebrating Memorial Day with free breakfast in their cafes (scroll down). The freebie includes one small bacon-and-eggs breakfast as shown, plus a free small coffee.

Seattleites, our Renton store will be serving up free breakfast from 9:00 to 11:00 am each day. I've eaten in their cafe and it's actually pretty good, so I'm guessing free breakfast would be just fine too. It's up to you whether you want to reward them by buying some 99-cent FJELKSTORN flowerpots afterward.

Free Krispy Kreme donut for National Donut Day, June 4.

Looks like Krispy Kreme is jumping on the free-fried-dough-circle bandwagon for National Donut Day, June 4. Stop in to any Krispy Kreme and get a free donut of any variety! No purchase necessary, but donuts and coffee are BBFs.

In addition to all the usual flavors, they have a couple of special seasonal flavors each month. We don't know what June's will be yet, but this month's flavors are Chocolate Fudge Cake and S'mores, so I'm sure they'll be sufficiently sugary and fatty.

Free Tropicana juice with Juicy Rewards.

Juicy Rewards is one of those programs where you enter codes from product packages and earn points that you can spend on free stuff and coupons and the like. Today's deal is particularly good - if you register for a new account, you can get a free carton of Tropicana orange juice!

1. Sign up for Tropicana Juicy Rewards.
2. Enter these codes within 6 hours of registering to get 4 points: FBOOK-TROPI; MOMCE-NTRAL; TWMOM-READR; Blogg-Her11.
3. Click the "Deal of the Day" button on the homepage and fill out a form to have your coupon mailed to you!

I actually have some Tropicana juices at home, so I should probably check the screw-top thingies to see if I have more codes coming. Free orange juice is a good score!

Seattle: Free mini-cupcake & chance to win free SIFF tickets at Cupcake Royale.

Cupcake Royale is sponsoring the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) this year, and wants to get everyone involved by posting SIFF Trivia questions on Facebook every day this week! Come into any Cupcake Royale store before 5:00 pm, answer that day's question correctly, and receive a FREE babycake AND a chance to win a free weekend of films at SIFF starting 5/28-5/31. Each store will have one winner per day that will be announced on Facebook at 5:00 p.m., so become a fan to make sure you get the winning updates and trivia questions this week!

Here's today's question: Which Daniel Clowes graphic novel, turned major motion picture, was premiered at SIFF in 2001?

Good luck!

June 4 is Free Donut Day at Dunkin' Donuts.

Yes, this is quite a bit of advance notice, but free donuts are important and I want to make sure you have as much time as possible to plan accordingly. Friday, June 4 (that's the week after this coming Friday) is National Donut Day, and Dunkin' Donuts wants you to have a free donut with any beverage purchase. Coffee, tea, chocolate milk... whatever floats your donut boat.

Mark your calendars with a big greasy chocolate thumbprint!

Free Kraft mayo samples.

Sooo... are these like the little sample mayo packets that you get, you know, for free with your sub sandwiches at the deli? Because I've seen more impressive freebies in my time. Still, if you're a fan of such fanciness as olive oil mayonnaise or chipotle mayonnaise, you may want to score two free sample packets of Kraft mayo.

Maybe I'm just jaded* because I have a coupon for a free full-size jar of Kraft olive oil mayo, which came in the Kraft super-sample pack last week. Packets? I SPIT on your packets!

*If, on the other hand, you're simply unsure about what flavored mayonnaise can do for you, you can check out these helpful sandwich-makeover videos.

Free thong from American Apparel.

Well, this is one of the creepier freebies I've posted, I'll say that. American Apparel wants you to have a free thong, just for filling out the form and signing up for their e-newsletter.

Once you sign up, you'll get a confirmation email, which has a link that you click to choose your desired size. I picked "Go ahead and send me the biggest one you've got, because it probably won't fit me anyway." I can always use it as a wristband, right?

Seattle: Free mini-cupcake & chance to win free SIFF tickets at Cupcake Royale.

Cupcake Royale is sponsoring the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) this year, and wants to get everyone involved by posting SIFF Trivia questions on Facebook every day this week!

Come into any Cupcake Royale store before 5:00 pm, answer that day's question correctly, and receive a FREE babycake AND a chance to win a free weekend of films at SIFF starting 5/28-5/31. Each store will have one winner per day that will be announced on Facebook at 5:00 p.m., so become a fan to make sure you get the winning updates and trivia questions this week!

Here's today's question: What film, which stars Ewan McGregor, and takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, won the Golden Space Needle Audience Award at SIFF in 1996? (You might find some helpful info here.)

Free 25-sheet pack of Boscia Green Tea blotting linens.

Boscia wants you to have a free 25-sheet pack of their Green Tea Blotting Linens. If these are anything like those other oil-blotting paper sheet packs, I can't get enough of them in summer. My skin tends to be oily, and once you throw sunscreen into the mix, things just get... gross. I'm not sure what green tea has to do with it all, but if it helps scrape away the oil it's fine by me.

Free Become weekender sample kit.

I'm not sure exactly what's in this or who Become is, but you can sign up for the free "weekender sample kit" here. Whatever it is, it's sure making those ladies awfully happy, so you'll probably enjoy it too.

Facebook: Free Ritz Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Flavored Crackerfuls.

Oh man, these names just kill me. "Crackerfuls"? I guess that refers to this product being a "cracker" that's "full" of something, i.e., sandwiched with bacon-flavored cheez spread. Fine, fine, as long as I get my free sample.

Click at the bottom right of the page on Ritz's "Open For Fun" tab. Sign in to your Facebook account and fill out the form on the next page to get your sampleful.

Borders: 33% off one item.

Here's your Borders coupon, good for 33% off one item. I was thinking I might use it to pick up the current issue of Harper's, which has what appears to be a very interesting article on how you get screwed by cash-for-gold jewelers. Not that I had big plans to hock the silver anyway, but I do love to read behind-the-scenes exposes like this.

Au Bon Pain: Free iced coffee today!

These freebies for places that we don't have in Washington are very hard on me. I see the offer and get all excited - FREE ICED COFFEE! - only to read the fine print and realize I can't possibly take advantage of it. I try to console myself with the thought that you, dear reader, might be getting the freebie, but... it still hurts.

Like today's offer for a free iced coffee at Au Bon Pain from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. No purchase necessary; no coupon required. My favorite kind of freebie! So if you have an Au Bon Pain, do me a favor and go get one of these for me tonight...

Seattle: Free mini-cupcake & chance to win free SIFF tickets at Cupcake Royale.

Cupcake Royale is "super-excited" to be sponsoring the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) this year, and wants to get everyone involved by posting SIFF Trivia questions on Facebook every day this week!

Come into any Cupcake Royale store before 5:00 pm, answer that day's question correctly, and receive a FREE babycake AND a chance to win a free weekend of films at SIFF starting 5/28-5/31. Each store will have one winner per day that will be announced on Facebook at 5:00 p.m., so become a fan to make sure you get the winning updates and trivia questions this week!

Here's today's question: SIFF began in 1976 at what then-independent cinema, now a functioning concert venue in downtown Seattle? Stop in to win!

Free True Lemon, True Lime, True Orange samples.

I keep hearing about this True Lemon stuff, and apparently it has two friends named True Lime and True Orange. You can get free samples of all three by signing up here.

Apparently it's genuine fruit flavoring that you can use to add zip to your drinks, plus in cooking and baking and stuff. I have some umbrella drinks that will definitely need some citrusy splashes this summer, so I might as well give it a try...

Facebook: Free Popchips from Jamba Juice.

I know, this seems like a kind of roundabout freebie, and I'm not sure why Jamba Juice cares if you try Popchips or not. But whatever! Become a fan of Jamba Juice on Facebook and you can print a coupon for a free bag of Popchips from any JJ location (I'm thinking it's probably a small individual-size bag).

Maybe they're thinking that you'll feel compelled to buy a $4 smoothie out of guilty freebie shame. They don't know us very well, do they?

Target: 5 Pepsi 12-pks for $15, + $5 Target gift card.

I just happened to see this deal in the Target weekly ad - check your ad to see if you have it too. On the very last page (or wherever the food specials are), there's a sale on Pepsi sodas: get five 12-packs of cans for $15 ($3 each, already a good deal) and then get a $5 Target gift card on top of that!

Five 12-packs sounds like a lot, but that includes regular Pepsi, diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper (and diet), that weird Pepsi Max, and probably even more that I'm forgetting. If you plan on having just one BBQ or party this summer, you'll be totally covered with something for everyone! And you can keep that gift card all to yourself.

Free Starbucks Mariners tickets are good!

I just sauntered down to my nearest Starbucks and they are indeed handing out the free Mariners ticket vouchers. However, mine also came with a venti scornuccino: a dramatic pause to give me time to order something - anything - then rolled eyes and a dubious "MmmmKAAYYY" as she handed over the free ticket.

So much for Starbucks's Seattle love!

Join the HTN Facebook page!

Just a reminder - the Hard Times Newsletter is on Facebook! Stop by to see what's on the blog, find extra freebie offers posted by me and other members, and chat about your favorite freebies and deals.

If you like the HTN, join the group! We love to hear from you.

Free Aveeno Nourish Hair Care sample.

Yep, it's time for some more free 'poo! Just fill out the short survey and take your choice of four different flavors of damage-repairing hair stuff. Each sample includes 'poo and conditioner to "nourish damaged hair back to life in just three washes."

I really liked the Aveeno moisturizer that I got in the Sample Showcase a while back, so if their hair stuff is just as good, this sample is definitely worth checking out.

Free Chik-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

Are you lucky enough to live near a Chik-Fil-A? Then you can sign up to try out a free new Spicy Chicken Sandwich from May 31 to June 5. It's not going on the menu till June 7, so you're getting a spicy avian sneak preview!

You can find a location near you and make a "reservation" for your free sandwich here. Sorry Seattleites, it looks like this one isn't for us, but you can forward it to someone in a Chik-Fil-A-having place if you feel generous.

UPDATE: According to HeyIt'sFree, you actually do have to make a reservation for a day and time that you can use this freebie. I guess that's crowd management so they don't have a KFC-style disaster. Apparently the site is being bombarded, so keep trying till you get through.

(Thanks, Elisha!)

Sephora: Free Bare Escentuals foundation + buki brush.

The ever-popular Bare Escentuals foundation + brush sample is back! Print this page and take it to any Sephora inside JCPenney store, and you'll receive a 10-day sample of Bare Escentuals matte foundation and baby buki brush. Limit 1 sample per person, while supplies last.

It says if they run out, they'll give you a free custom sample of anything you'd like, so really, you can't lose...

Free Nine Inch Nails album download.

Wow, I can't believe Nine Inch Nails is still going strong. I was into them back in the days of my own black-nail-polish-wearing, art-supply-shoplifting misunderstood adolescence, but those days are long gone. For me, I mean. Not for Trent Reznor, clearly.

Download the new album for free in your choice of formats. What you do is you enter your email address and they email you a promo code, which you can then use to download the album in the format you wish. Easy, right? Downloads include a PDF with art and credits, so you could even make your own little pretend liner notes if you're into that.

Reminder: Free Mariners tix, 2 pm, at Starbucks.

Don't forget! Starbucks is showing its Seattle appreciation by offering you a special treat every Friday until June 18 at local participating Seattle Starbucks.

Today, May 21, come in to a participating Starbucks after 2:00 p.m. PST for free tickets to select Mariners games. Tickets are first come, first serve, so be sure to get there early! No purchase necessary.

$1 Old Navy flip-flops, May 22.

You can never have too many flip-flops during the summer... they're handy to stick in your car, keep in your suitcase, tuck in your beach bag, and anywhere else that might lead to outdoorsy fun. Stock up at Old Navy tomorrow, May 22, when flip-flops (normally $3.50) will be just $1.

I have a couple of pairs myself from a similar discount last year, and they're, you know, decent. They're not the most ergonomic things I've ever worn, but they'll get you to the pool and back, and for $1, that's all that matters.

Free ice cream sundae at Walmart, May 22.

Who's ready for some ice cream? Stop by a participating Walmart on Saturday, May 22 (that's tomorrow), and get yourself a free ice cream sundae from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Choose from a free ice cream sundae with Breyers' new and exclusive flavors, Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream, or new All Natural Frozen Yogurt topped with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Reddi-wip, and Fresh Strawberries.

Find a location near you and enjoy!

Borders: 33% off one item.

It's about time for another Borders coupon, don't you think? This one is 33% off and it's good through May 24. I haven't been using these too much lately, for some reason, but 33% is enough of a discount to make me ponder what I might need...

Free Clif Bar samples.

Do you like Clif bars? Want to hear the latest and most exciting news in energy bars, plus maybe get some free samples and mini-bars? Then sign on up for their e-newsletter.

If you want the free samples, you'll have to give your physical address too. I don't know exactly what freebies they might be sending out - has anyone tried this one and gotten good results?

Seattle: Free Mariners tix at Starbux May 21.

Seattleites, you're in luck! Starbucks thinks you are its very best customers, and it wants to show its appreciation by offering you a special treat every Friday until June 18 at local participating Seattle Starbucks.

This Friday, 5/21, come in to a participating Starbucks after 2:00 p.m. PST and you could pick up free tickets to select Mariners games. Tickets are first come, first serve, so be sure to get there early!

I have to admit, I've never been to a Mariners game (or, um, any other sporting event in Seattle unless you count roller derby), and free is definitely the right price, so maybe I'll consider it. I do like nachos and $8 beer, and I hear you can get those at ballgames.

Facebook: NIVEA happy hour giveaway today.

NIVEA's Happy Hour event is coming to Facebook today at 4:00 pm EDT (1:00 PDT). Become a fan and each Thursday, all summer long, they'll have discounts and giveaways good for one hour only.

Last week was a coupon - meh - but I'm hoping this week they'll have a free sample or something that's actually good. Stay tuned to find out!

Seattle: Local Yarn Store Tour = free patterns, sales, prizes.

Knittin' kittens of Seattle, take note: the Local Yarn Store Tour is happening now through May 23. FOUR DAYS OF FIBER FUN! At each one of the 25 participating shops (extended hours for all four days!), you'll get a different free one-skein pattern and 10% off that yarn. Plus, you can win $50 prize drawings: one per shop per day. That's a lot of prizes!

Visit every one of the 25 shops to fill your "passport," and you'll be eligible to win any one of eight gift certificates for grand prizes totaling $1,500. Or just see the map of participating locations to drop by one in your area.

This just might inspire me to return to my own huge, dust-coated stash...

Entertainment Books 2 for $20 today.

All right, I'm not going to talk your ear off again about the Entertainment Book and its many wonders, but I do want you to know that they're on sale today, 2 for $20. And apparently you don't need to buy two to get the discount, because the Seattle book is on sale for $10.

Their standard shipping is free but slow (it takes a couple of weeks), or you can opt to pay for expedited shipping. Order now and you'll have all summer to enjoy the discounts to zoos, museums, theme parks, festivals, plus all the usual restaurants, stores, and services in your area. You can preview the discounts in the book online if you want to see whether your favorite place is included, so check it out!

Amazon: Super Mario Bros Wii for $35 + $10 video game credit + $5 MP3 credit.

You know, I normally don't just post "deals" on here, because there are plenty of techie/gadget sites that track all that stuff better than I could, but I'm making an exception for this one because I think it really is a good deal and I'm probably going to get it myself.

When you buy Super Mario Bros. for Wii (very fun), not only is it on sale for $34.99, but you get $10 in credit toward a future video game purchase AND you get a $5 MP3 credit. Which is nice because they're also running a promotion with a bunch of MP3 albums for $5, including the new She & Him, the National, Pat Benetar, Blondie, and even that nice Justin Bieber everyone likes so much. So you're getting a good price on the game, a free MP3 album, and $10 toward a future video game. Not bad, right?

Well, only if you like fun, I guess.

Free download: Digital Bang Sub-Pop music sampler.

Sub Pop Records has released their 2010 free MP3 sampler, called Digital Bang, and you can download it for free through Amazon. It includes artists like Wolf Parade, Beach House, the Album Leaf, and David Cross. And it's free, so what do you have to lose?

You will have to download the Amazon MP3 downloader widget, but it works surprisingly well and will even import the songs into iTunes automatically, so it's no biggie.

Facebook: BOGO Athenos Hummus w/coupon.

Oh man, I can't get enough hummus. Not only is it delicious for personal snacking, it's like the easiest party food in the world - you just slap down a thing of hummus and a plate of veggies and you look hostessy and health-conscious.

If you go through as much hummus as I do, you may want this BOGO coupon for Athenos Hummus. Just become a fan on Facebook and you can print the coupon. There are other hummi in the world that are cheaper (I like Trader Joe's Mediterranean style), but Athenos has a lot of different flavors that you don't see too often - not just red pepper or roasted garlic, but stuff like Black Olive, Roasted Eggplant, or Scallion. The BOGO part makes me feel adventurous about trying some of those new flavors...

Looks like some users have reported problems printing the coupon with Firefox, so if you're having difficulty, try using another browser. You know, like Google.

Free sample of The Drops.

I can't decide whether this toilet-related product's name is sheer brilliance or the worst thing ever. It is called "The Drops," as in, "Add The Drops™ and the smell stops!" Here is a helpful and also kind of icky graphic that further illustrates. The company's name is Toilex, so you know they're serious about this.

I still think Poo-pourri wins for Best Toilet Product Name, but if you're curious, send away for your free sample. Your choice of Fresh Lavender or Citrus Bubble.

THE DROPS!

Taco Bell: Free Limeade Sparkler w/coupon.

I'm not really sure what a Limeade Sparkler is, but it looks fruity and refreshing in the picture. And you can get a free one by printing the coupon!

These are good through July 11, or until 500,000 coupons have been redeemed, so don't wait too long for your free blast of refreshing limey-ness.

Borders: 25% off one item.

Oh, and a 25% off coupon at Borders, of course. Good through May 20, if you don't like Barnes & Noble or Frappucinos...

Free Seattle's Best samples?

Perhaps you've heard that Starbucks off-brand Seattle's Best Coffee has proudly launched a new, somewhat crappy logo. To celebrate, they're having some kind of mystery promotion on their website. There's a free sample of something at Seattle's Best for the first 10,000 who sign up via email... but it doesn't say what it is. I guess we'll find out.

The new logo is a bit of a Rorschach test - they're playing coy about what it actually is, and it's ambiguous enough to be open to interpretation. To me it looks like a big open mouth with dangling uvula, but evidently it could also be a coffee cup or any number of things. Sign up to get on the mailing list and maybe we'll learn once and for all what it is...

Free Haagen-Dazs scoops today, May 18.

It's not exactly ice cream weather today in Seattle, but assuming you want a frozen treat anyway, swing by participating Haagen Dazs stores today from 4:00 to 8:00 pm to get your free scoop of ice cream. Your choices are chocolate, vanilla, and coffee, and I know which one I'd pick. Coffee ice cream is the king of flavors!

Sadly, I'll be at the dentist this afternoon, which is what happens when you love ice cream too much. Pray for me while you're slurping your free cones, everyone.

BOGO Frappucinos at Barnes & Noble Cafes.

Raise your hand if this has ever happened to you: you're in Barnes & Noble, you see their little in-store cafe full of baristas in green aprons serving Starbucks coffee, and you think, A-ha! I have a Starbucks gift card! You order your triple-shot venti Frappucino with extra sprinkles, and when it's time to pay, smugly whip out your gift card... only to be told that, despite appearances, it's not a REAL Starbucks and therefore your money is no good. Arrghh! There is no $4.59 as painful as the $4.59 you're forking over on something you thought was free.

Well, rest easy: Barnes & Noble has a slew of coupons this week, including one for its Starbucks-lookalike non-Starbucks cafe: buy one Frappucino, get one free! There are also some discounts for specific bestsellers, discounts off the "Glee" music collections, and some teen vampire book discounts too, so check it out while you're sipping on that second icy beverage.

Amazon: $5 subscription to Maxim.

Normally, my BF doesn't get too excited about my freebies, merely raising an eyebrow when I happily wave my latest fiber bar or BBQ sauce sample in his face. But this offer is more up his alley: $5 for a one-year subscription to Maxim magazine. He summed it up as "gadgets, infographics, and cheesecake girlie pictures," which just about covers most of the guys I know.

Thinking ahead: a Father's Day gift for the Cool Dad in your life?

BOGO Metromint w/coupon.

I like mint, and I like water, but I didn't really love them together when I tried Metromint a while back.* Still, there is no accounting for taste, so if you crave the taste of mint in your bottled water, why not print out a BOGO coupon for Metromint?

*Of course, I'm eating a pecan sticky bun as I write this, so I'm not exactly a leading health expert myself.

Free South Beach Living s'mores bar.

The South Beach Living s'mores bar sample is back! I'm not ashamed (okay, a little ashamed) to say that this was one of the samples that I tore into fresh from the mailbox, and I regret nothing. It was delicious! And I'll prove it by doing it again.

Facebook: Free Del Taco chicken taco w/purchase.

Del Taco wishes to become friends with you on Facebook. Become a fan and you can print out a coupon for a free chicken soft taco with any purchase.

My favorite thing about Del Taco, as I may have mentioned, is that you can get tacos AND crinkle-cut fries in the same place. All my fast food favorites in one! They should open a location in my office. No - in my cubicle.

Borders: 33% off one item.

Here's another 33% off coupon at Borders to kick off your weekend. It's good through May 17, so go nuts!

Free Queen of the Coast tuna & tuna salad.

Raphael is your new European lover, and he wants to enchant and seduce your senses as they did in the ancient days of Rome... with tuna salad. What, you don't think that's hot? Read on:

I, Raphael, represent a royal line of ambassadors from Portugal. We share the diplomacy of love and we carry the message for The Queen of the Coast gourmet seafood products to the world. I desire to share my affection for the tuna with all women. I cannot keep this a secret. Certainly, I suggest these tuna delicacies for their taste, but you must not forget they are also high in protein, low in fat, and contain almost NO mercury. Safe for even beautiful pregnant ladies. Indulge yourself in the glory of tuna. I offer you 2 free samples. I only wish I could deliver it to you personally, with my love.

Get a free can of tuna AND a free can of tuna salad to boot. This offer is good through May 15, so don't delay - Raphael is a man, after all, and he has his pride. He won't wait forever for you.

Facebook: NIVEA happy hour giveaways.

Beauty brand NIVEA is offering an interesting promotion on Facebook... it's a "happy hour" giveaway where they'll be doling out free samples each week for one hour only.

The first one starts today, so become a fan and stay tuned for updates on today's giveaway!

Amazon magazine sale, as low as $5.

Amazon's having another magazine sale, with an extra $5 taken off already low subscription prices. Mostly it's the same titles we've seen before, so that's good news if you're 17, pregnant, into yoga, and live in Chicago.

Oh, and there's also ESPN magazine for $5.

Facebook: Free Suave 'poo.

The Suave 'poo offer is here! Just like them on Facebook and fill out the form, and yours will be on its way.

100,000 free Suave Professional 'poos on May 13.

Apparently, Suave is giving away 100,000 free bottles of its Suave Professionals 'poo tomorrow, May 13. So mark your calendars! I don't know if these are travel-size or samples or what, but I'm sure we'll know more tomorrow.

(Courtesy of HeyIt'sFree)

Seattle: Ride your bike to Via Tribunali, get free pizza.

Love to ride your bike? Love free pizza? Seattleites, you can kill two birds with one delicious, cheesy, piping-hot stone: each Wednesday, starting today (May 12), bike to a different Via Tribunali location and get a free margherita pizza from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. You can also buy $3 Peroni beer, and proceeds from sales will go to the bike club that is being sponsored that week.

Today's stop is the Georgetown location, but the May 19 event will be in Capitol Hill, and there are also locations in Belltown, Fremont, and Queen Anne, so if you're an avid biker in the metro area, you should be able to get to at least one of these.

Free (after rebate) Touch of Gray for men.

I always found this name a bit confusing... shouldn't it be "Touch of Color"? I mean, it's not like this product is adding gray to your hair - quite the opposite. Well, anyway, if you have a touch of gray, get Touch of Gray for men and get a rebate up to $9.50!

This is a PDF form that's kind of big, so hang in there while it downloads. It appears to be legit. And no, I won't tell anyone you printed it.

Entertainment Books $12, today only!

I'm sure you know my feelings on Entertainment Books and what a great deal they can be if you like seeing movies, going to museums, zoos, fairs, plays, ballet, or the symphony, sightseeing, roller skating, go-karting, shopping, drinking, or eating. Any of those sound good to you?

Now, Entertainment Books are just $12 for the next 12 hours! These books start out at around $30 (the Seattle one is $35) and get progressively marked down through the year, but the 2010 one is still good through November, so you have the whole summer to try restaurants, coffee houses, museums and attractions, and more. Many of the discounts are 2-for-1 or BOGOs, but some are just for discounts off your total purchase or admission, too.

Just in the last month, I've snagged BOGO coffee and cupcakes at Cupcake Royale ($5), and BOGO admission to the Puyallup Spring Fair ($9), which is more than the $12 cost of the book right there. Some of my favorite coupons in this book are the discounted movie tickets, though, which give you several dollars off each ticket.

I don't get a kickback from Entertainment.com or anything, I just really think these are a great value and I want you to share in the savings! These also make excellent gifts for friends, or even travel savings for you, if you'll be visiting a city that has an Entertainment Book. You can even preview the discounts available online, so check it out while the sale's still going.

Seattle: Capitol Hill Garage Sale, June 5.

Seattleites, did you have fun at the 200-house West Seattle Garage Sale last weekend? Or did you miss out and wish you'd gone? Here's a second chance: on June 5, Capitol Hill is having its own neighborhood-wide community garage sale.

It's free to add your house to the official, downloadable map, and for a registration fee of $20 you can rent a table in the main parking-lot community sale at Pine & Belmont (space is limited). Bands, food vendors, and crafters will also be there. If you just want to donate some of your old junk to get rid of it, the Northwest Center will be accepting donations at the Pine & Belmont lot from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

My favorite part about this sale is that it doesn't start until 10:00 am. Apparently it's simply too much to ask hipsters to keep regular garage-sale hours.

Free iced coffee at Dunkin' Donuts today.

Is it National Free Iced Coffee Day today and nobody told me (or Starbucks)? Dunkin' Donuts is also offering a free 16 oz iced coffee today, at participating locations, which would be: Baltimore, MD; Charlottesville, VA; Cleveland, OH; Harrisonburg, VA; Norfolk, VA; Washington, DC; Youngstown, OH; pittsburgh, PA; Richmond, VA; Roanoke, VA; Salisbury, MD; Philadelphia, PA; and Phoenix, AZ.

It doesn't look to me like you have to print a coupon or buy anything, but I'm sure they would appreciate it if you bought a bear claw while you were there.

Free drink at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf today, 4-7 pm.

If you're lucky enough to have a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf location near you (i.e., California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, or Texas) you can get a free 12 oz. Ice Blended Drink today, May 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Offer applies to 12 oz. Ultimate Honey-Kissed, Ultimate Caramel, or Ultimate Dark Chocolate Ice Blended® drinks only. Those all look pretty good, though - I'm jealous.

2 free deodorant samples for women.

Smelly ladies, you didn't think I'd forget you, did you? No way. Check out these two free deodorant samples:

• Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Deodorant (scroll down)
• Secret Clinical Strength

I signed up for them both, and I expect to never be smelly again.

Borders: 33% off one item.

Well, we survived Mother's Day, so unless you're exceptionally committed to getting ready for Father's Day, this one's just for you. Go ahead, save 33% off any item you like at Borders. It's on me.

Free sample of Old Spice Odor Blocker body wash.

Smelly guys, this one's for you: a free sample of Old Spice Odor Blocker body wash. I don't like the word "odor" appearing in the names of my personal-care products - flowers, foods, and adjectives are much better - but that's just me. If you want to stare at the word "ODOR" each morning in the shower, well, sign yourself up.

Free Spa Translations pocket notebook.

The confusingly-named Spa Translations is offering you a free pocket notebook. I have a similar one myself and I really like it - the pen goes through the loops on the edge, keeping it shut, and the hard case gives you a surface to write on anywhere. This one looks like it has post-it flags and sticky notes inside, which is even better.

Looks like you'll be signing up for a world of junk mail and translation offers, though, so choose your email address accordingly.

$10 JetBlue nonstop flights, today and tomorrow.

Feeling crazy? Wanna call in sick tomorrow and fly somewhere for $10? Check out JetBlue's promotion, where they're selling off all nonstop flights May 11 and 12 for $10 each. Heck, for that price you could fly somewhere just to have lunch and come back.

Tickets will no doubt go fast, so hurry on over if you want to fly the cheapie skies!

Free margarita-themed gifts from Jose Cuervo.

Would you like a free gift from Jose Cuervo? I'm not sure what promotion this is part of, but you can choose from: Margarita Glasses, Margarita Pitchers, Margarita Balls, Margarita Shakers, Salt Rimmer, $5 Music Download, or a $5 Mail-in rebate on Jose Cuervo tequila.

I chose the "$5 music download," which apparently means 2 songs, so that's kind of lame. It gives you a code which you can use on a variety of artists on their website; check out the list of artists here. But now I'm curious about the margarita balls, so maybe I should have gone for those instead...

Mother's Day super-freebie-roundup.

HeyIt'sFree has posted a comprehensive list of all the Mother's Day freebies that will be going on this Sunday. Grab a free breakfast at IKEA, enjoy a cone at TCBY, receive free mystery gifts, and more! Thrifty moms will appreciate that you really were listening to all their money-saving tips all those years.

Seattle: West Seattle 200-house mega-garage-sale!

Are you ready for this? No. You are not ready. Tomorrow is the West Seattle Community Garage Sale, featuring TWO HUNDRED participating houses in one giant super-ultra bargain blowout! They will have maps available on Saturday at these locations, but they encourage you to print your own out at home (12-page PDF includes guide to each seller's wares) to reduce production costs.

The event goes from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the garage-sale nuts will be out in force from the crack of dawn, so set your alarms for DEAL O'CLOCK!

Seattle: Saturday Etsy craft sale at Intiman Theatre.

Looking for some last-minute handmade (but not by your hands) gifts for Mom? Or just want to check out what your fellow Seattle crafters are up to? Seattle’s Etsy collective, EtsyRain, is having a spring arts and crafts show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday in the lobby and fountain court of the Intiman Theatre, with a portion of the proceeds going to support Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

Admission is $1, which goes directly to the charity, and the first 50 people through the door get a swag bag filled with handcrafted items from EtsyRain artists. Vendors include I Make Cute Stuff by Marlo Miyashiro, Haute Goat recycled cashmere by Heidi Kappes-Belinsky, and It’s Made at Home by Meghan Harrington.

Shopping for a cause makes it MUCH easier to rationalize your purchases - take it from me.

Borders: 33% off one item.

Yep, it's another Borders coupon. Yep, it's 33% off one item, and it's good through May 10. Now you officially have no excuse to forget a Mother's Day gift. You could have bought her, like, six books by now!

USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is May 8!

The USPS "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive is this Saturday, May 8. Over the last 17 years, they've collected nearly a BILLION pounds of non-perishable food to donate to food banks across America, and they're hoping to pass the billion-pound mark this year.

While this may not be a freebie per se, it is a good thing to do, and you could consider it a free clutter-removal service. Just because you got eight cans of kidney beans on sale a year ago doesn't mean you're ever going to use them, and a streamlined pantry is a happy pantry. Take a look at your cabinets and see if you can't fill up a bag or two - then, just leave it next to your mailbox, and your postal worker will collect the food and take it back to the post office, where it will be sorted and delivered to a local food bank.

Remember, though, if you want to donate money to a food bank, it's better to give them cash directly than to buy food yourself at retail prices - they can get more for the $$$ buying in bulk than you can at the store. This is a great opportunity to unload food you already have and won't use, though!

Free Mario Badescu skin care samples.

I've never heard of Mario Badescu before this, but I'm willing to slather just about any old thing on my face, so bring on the samples, I say! Fill out the short skin questionnaire and they will send you an email within a few days about how to get some free samples of their products. Apparently they're quite nice, so it could be worth a little extra effort.

Have you tried this stuff before? What do you think of it? Leave it in the comments!

(Thanks, Irene!)

Free sample of Nivea body wash or lotion.

Ellen Degeneres wants you sexy ladies out there to have happy skin, and that can only happen if you sign up for this free sample of Nivea body wash or lotion. With a name like "Happy Sensation Body Lotion," it sounds like PG-rated Engrish, but evidently not. Or else Nivea needs to hire me as a proofreader.

I just went through the signup, and it doesn't seem to let you choose which product you want, and then it's very clear that you are signing up for some sort of Ellen Degeneres newsletter by registering, so definitely use your "secondary" email address for this one.

Starbucks: Half-price Frappucinos May 7-16.

Wow, it's been a long time since I had a Frappucino, but half-price drinks might just tempt me. From May 7 to May 16, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Frappucinos are half price at Starbucks!

We all know that Frappucinos are terrible sugar-laden calorie monsters, but the Mocha Light option doesn't look too bad - 140 calories in the 16-oz Grande, and 1g of fat. And the Caramel Light has 130 calories and 0g fat! Of course, once you start customizing your own as they encourage you to, all bets are off, so go easy on those chocolate syrups.

Facebook: Free can of Libby vegetables.

If it says Libby Libby Libby
On the label label label
Go to Facebook Facebook Facebook
For free veggies veggies veggies

OK, my career as a jingle writer may be in some trouble. But the point is, go to Facebook and become a fan of Libby vegetables, then fill out the form and they'll mail you a coupon for a free can of veggies! (You won't see anything until you click Like, but don't be alarmed.)

Looks like they're having a little problem with their online form, but the offer is good through May 15, so you can come back and try again if you're having trouble.

Clinique: Free 7-piece gift set w/$21.50 purchase + free shipping.

I don't know about you, but I'm rather fond of Clinique Bonus Time. I love the idea of getting a free makeup bag full of treats with my purchase, and I actually do use and enjoy Clinique's Dramatically Different facial lotion. But don't you hate it when you inevitably get some weird eyeshadow or a lipstick in a color you know you'll never use? Right now, Clinique is offering the Ultimate Choice Gift, wherein YOU get to customize your bag and its contents.

Free bag with $21.50 purchase, and free shipping with promo code FSEMAIL. It might be cutting it too close for a Mother's Day gift, but you could always show her a picture of it and tell her it's on its way... then distract her with mimosas.

Free Haagen-Dazs scoops on May 18?

The word on the street is that Haagen-Dazs will be giving away free scoops of ice cream on May 18, but I don't see anything to back that up on their website, so I can't totally vouch for this one. I'll see if I can find out more in the meantime.

Unfortunately, the only Haagen-Dazs I know of in Seattle is in the University District, and students have a lot more time than you do to wait aimlessly in line for free things. How bad do you want that ice cream?

Borders: 40% off CDs, 33% off one item.

Well, I can't even remember the last time I went to a bricks-and-mortar store and purchased a CD, but in case that's your bag, you can do so at Borders for 40% off with this coupon. It's good through May 6, so if you can't think of anything you want, maybe you can get your moms the latest Il Divo album for Mother's Day.

Or if that doesn't interest you at all, how about a 33% off coupon for whatever you please?

Facebook: Free Kraft sample packs.

Another Facebook offer... become a fan/like/whatever Kraft Foods, and choose one of four free sample packs! They have different themes, but include brands like Wheat Thins, Kraft Mac 'n' Cheese, General Foods International flavored coffees, Kraft olive oil mayo, and more. You get a combination of samples and coupons.

The offer is good through May 10 or until they run out, whichever comes first. Earlier, apparently, the site was kind of slammed, but it seems to be working fine right now, so check it out!

Free Earthbound Farms shopping tote.

This one looks like it's going right now, and it's only for the first 4,000 people, so if you want a free reusable shopping bag, jump on it! Click on the "win a free bag" link in the upper right-hand corner.

The answers are: 1-4th choice; 2-1st; 3-2nd; 4-3rd; 5-3rd; 6-1st; 7-3rd; 8-1st; 9-4th; 10-2nd.

(Courtesy of Free Stuff Times)

Free Ben & Jerry's Bonnaroo Buzz sample, May 4.

I'm a little confused about this sample offer, because I feel like you can walk into any ice cream shop normally and ask for a couple of free samples on those little mini-spoons. But maybe "free sample of Bonnaroo Buzz" means something else in this case, like a small cup or kiddie cone? That's just speculation on my part, but it is SCIENTIFIC FACT that tomorrow, May 4, Ben & Jerry's will be having a Bonnaroo Buzz Flavor Release Party from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with free ice cream samples, music by Bonnaroo artists, and free giveaways.

Find a participating location near you and get ready to rock out with your cones out.

Free sample of Bacon Salt + sticker.

You've heard of Bacon Salt, I presume - another product along the lines of Baconnaise, which exists on the theory that everything is better with bacon. What, you haven't tried Bacon Salt? Well, here is your chance. Sign up for a free sample and you'll also get a precious "public service announcement" sticker warning about the dangers of bacon salt addiction. Because it's so deelicious, you see.

It strikes me that bacon salt might be good with my morning hard-boiled egg - like a portable mini-breakfast with less lard. I'm still waiting for someone to offer a free sample of the bacon lip balm, though.

Information: The bread survey is for real!

Last week I posted about the survey you could get two loaves of bread for taking. I took the survey, and I'm pleased to say that I already received my free bread coupons! I also got a handwritten thank-you note from their marketing manager and her business card, which is shaped like a little loaf of bread and makes me want to be a baker so I can have cards like that.

Anyway, if you were dubious about this offer, let me assure you that it is real - now I just have to track down a place that carries this fancy hippie bread. The only catch is, they only send you coupons if you live in a state where they stock their products, i.e. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and northern California. If you're a lucky resident, though, go take the survey!

Amazon's Mother's Day magazine sale.

Amazon is jumping on the Mother's Day bandwagon with a slew of cheap magazine subscriptions that you can present your mom with. True, it will take 6-8 weeks for the issues to start arriving, but you can print out a gift card instantly that you can tuck into your glittery vellum Hallmark card with the butterflies and wistful kittens on the front.

Highlights include:

• Good Housekeeping - $5
• Oprah Magazine - $10
• Ladies Home Journal - $5
• Redbook - $5

Plus more!

Borders: 33% off one item for Mother's Day.

The coupons are flying thick and fast... this 33% off Borders coupon is good through May 3, and they encourage you to use it on a Mother's Day gift. Moms like books, CDs, DVDs, stationery, and games too, you know.

Seattle: Free Cupcake Royale cupcake w/drink purchase.

Want a free cupcake this weekend, Seattleites? Become a fan of Cupcake Royale on Facebook and you can print off a coupon for a free Cupcake o' the Month with drink purchase! (It says coffee purchase, but I tried it last month and non-coffee drinks were fine.)

This month's special is the Chocolate Scorcher... I'm not sure what that means, but I intend to find out. VERY SOON.