In the urgent care, getting a tetanus shot after scraping my finger on a 1950s nail — that’s how I spent the afternoon of my 40th birthday. I’m a silver linings sort of gal. I guess I’ll know the exact date of my last tetanus shot for at least another decade, but beyond that I find it very difficult to see the bright side of my circumstances.
The nurse asked me, “Does it feel OK?” I thought she meant my finger and responded, “I’m fine.”
She clarified, “No, I mean turning 40. Are you depressed?” I answered honestly, “I’m not bothered by turning 40. I’m bothered by being here on my birthday.”
Did I mention that I scraped my finger because we had a plumbing problem and I thought it would be a good idea to get in the crawlspace for the first time in my life?
The good news is that I won’t have lockjaw anytime soon. The better news? After my shot, I spent the afternoon on a freebie crawl, picking up all sorts of goodies from my favorite restaurants and retailers. Even if your birthday is less than ideal, something for nothing always brings a smile to the birthday girl or boy’s face. If you’re celebrating your special day sometime soon, you won’t want to miss these great free items.
The Flying Cupcake
This Indy-based bakery offers delicious specialty cupcakes. You can score a free one on your birthday when you simply arrive at one of their locations with your ID on your birthday. Many other local restaurants have similar offerings. You simply need to ask if they offer anything special for your special day.
MyPanera
If sweet treats aren’t your thing, join MyPanera for a free birthday beverage. You’ll also be eligible for other great freebies when you use your card each time you dine at Panera. From a free cup of soup to free bagels, this free rewards program requires very little work on your part. Sign up in store or at PaneraBread.com.
DSW
Love a great pair of shoes? Join DSW Rewards to collect points for every purchase you make. You’ll also receive a coupon good for $10 off during the month of your birthday. With all of the great clearance available on shoes, socks and accessories, you may be able to spend pennies and leave with a birthday present.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s Yes 2 You Rewards program also offers a $10 off coupon for your birthday. I always challenge myself to spend as little as possible with coupons like these. Check the clearance jewelry, household goods and practical items such as socks. You do have to meet the $10 minimum. You’ll be rewarded for the purchases you make throughout the year, too.
ULTA and Sephora
Love makeup but don’t love paying high prices? Be sure to join ULTA and Sephora’s rewards programs. On your birthday you’ll receive a coupon via email good for a free product. I snagged some high end eye shadow at ULTA and chose a mascara/eye liner combo from Sephora this year.
McAlister’s Deli
A good glass of iced tea ranks high on my list of life’s little luxuries. When you’re a member of McAlister’s Deli’s Deligrams, you receive a coupon good for $5 off for your birthday. I like to either purchase a gallon of unsweetened tea to go or have a glass of tea and a cup of soup in store.
Baskin Robbins and Culver’s
A number of restaurants offer a free dessert with the purchase of an entree. But both Baskin Robbins and Culver’s send you birthday greetings along with a coupon for a frozen delight free of charge.These are just a few of my favorite birthday freebies that I picked up this year. When you sign up for any rewards program, remember to use an email address specially designated for freebies and coupons.
Choose an old account you rarely use or sign up for a free account where your offers will land. This simple practice keeps from clogging your work or personal account up with extra e-mail. Print your offers as soon as they come to your inbox and store them in one place so you can find them when you need them.
Here’s to hoping your birthday is less eventful than mine and also filled with plenty of free fun!
Greenwood resident Cherie Lowe and her husband paid off $127,000 in debt in four years and now live debt-free every day with their two kids. She is the author of “Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.” Send questions, column ideas and comments to [email protected]
