How to get over $100 of FREE FOOD on your BIRTHDAY

Sadly, it has been so long since I have posted on my blog, I forgot where to find the 'New Post' button, little rusty eh.

I have always been a sucker for free stuff, and anyone that knows me, can attest to my sixth sense 'Free-dar'. I think it was my mother and sisters that helped instill this is me as a child as we spent hours combing clearance sections for new wardrobe pieces for under 5 dollars, but there apparently is something to the thrill of the hunt. That said I am not a grocery coupon-er, I get frustrated at clipping and playing the marketing game to make me feel I am getting a good deal on overpriced brand name stuff I don't need. Well, that is, unless it is completely free, then I'll try it!

By the way, free-dar, it's a real word, look it up:
free-dar definition

To save money on grocery shopping, I shop at stores like Winco & Aldi's because they rock! Winco is back west, but they offer TONS OF BULK foods which means you don't pay for the container, have less waste, lower price per unit, and fresher. Aldi's is my east coast fave, because they carry their own brands that are of similar quality to name brands at absurdly low prices and packaging size is smaller and ideal for my NY apartment.  I also shop the other stores when they have sales, and load up on meat when its is a good price, then portion it off for freezing. I make things myself that are simple like hummus and dressings, that don't need the price-tag or preservatives. 

I also have a love of creation and cooking, which sometimes makes it hard to desire a meal at a Restaurant when I feel like I can make it at home with fresh ingredients and so much love. 

BUT, I'm a total sucker for Restaurant coupons!!! Growing up we went out only occasionally because feeding a family of 10, 8 children and parents, is pretty pricey for my post-depression age parents. If us kids wanted some ice cream, Mom and Dad would happily load up in the big van, drive to Shop-rite, buy 1/2 gallon, some cones, then come home and enjoy our treat!

So this year, in honor of my birthday, I am going to share the gift I gave myself, finding over $100 in free FOOD for my birthday, I hope it makes the day (and Month - most you can redeem all Birthday month) you were born a little bit more special, because you are...

(Some are SLC, and some NYC)
1. Benihana's (SLC & NYC) - $30 
2. Haru Sushi (NYC & Boston) - $20 
3. Tucano's Brazilian Grill (UT, CO, VA) - Free Meal, with purchase of another
4. Temple Square Hospitality (SLC) - $25 with purchase of another
5. Christopher's Steak House (SLC) - Free Filet Mignon Steak Meal, and you can receive 25% off Anniversary Dinner.

and my favorite ICE CREAM (not a 1/2 gallon from the store and FREE!!!)

6. Baskin Robbins - Free scoop or soft serve
7. Ben & Jerry's - Free scoop, also you get another FREE scoop just for joining their Chunkmail, as well as a BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE. (So take a few friends with you!)

All of them you just have to go on their website and sign up for their Club/Birthday Club. Most send an email newsletter, but they aren't overly annoying, and the Free Meal makes up for it! Most you only need to sign up a few days before your birthday to receive the meal.

Happy Birthday to you!