WFMW: Free is a Good Color

When I was planning my wedding, I spoke to the florist about getting some rose petals for the flower girls to drop. She told me I'd have to buy them if I wanted a specific color (as she'd have to order the flowers especially for me), or I could have them for free if I was willing to just take whatever color petals were culled that week. When I told my sister about the conversation, she told me, "Free's a good color." Since then, the phrase has become something of a tagline for Adam and me for anything that's unexpectedly free.

The following restaurants and retail outlets offer freebies if you sign up. Many are birthday specials, some are just for being a part of the e-mail club.

• Free pretzels from Auntie Anne's
• Free birthday ice cream from Baskin-Robbins
• "Something special" (it was a free dinner last year) for your birthday from bd's mongolian barbeque
• Free food from Boston Market
• "Special birthday gifts" (I believe it's a free dessert) from Chevys Fresh Mex
• Free food from Chili's
• Free birthday ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery
• Free food from Houlihan's
• Free noodle dish on your birthday from Noodles and Company
• Free food from Qdoba
• Free movie rentals from Redbox
• Free birthday meal from Red Robin
• Free meals from Sweet Tomatoes

These are just some of the places I have personal experience with freebies. It definitely pays to check out your favorite places online or in person to see what deals they might offer. In addition to the freebies above, most of these places will send you coupons throughout the year. If you'll be shopping or eating there anyway, you may as well save some money!

For more tips, tricks, and techniques, check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.