Now that the 2015-16 school year has begun and kids are outfitted from head to toe, with new computers and all the other necessary accouterments, it's time for parents, grandparents and teachers to take a step back and breathe.
After spending lots on school readiness, consumers are hungry for ways to get something for nothing - or almost nothing. Therefore, I dedicate this and next week's columns to all those whose wallets now hang limply, empty and in need of some TLC. Enjoy!
Ellen Phillips' Go to cvs.com/shop brand/healthy-skin-centers to see where a local CVS provides an in-house Healthy Skincare Center. Not only can you schedule a complimentary consult about your skin type and condition, but also about products to complement both. You also get free samples.
' Aveda stores often offer free facials and hair treatments. At the very most, it requires a donation, which you can apply toward a purchase. Check aveda.com/events/index.tmpl.
' Our local JC Penney affords shoppers their in-house Sephora. The latter's free Beauty Insider program boasts classes to learn makeup techniques, such as the glam way to create smoky eyes for evening, as well as the more basic method for everyday wear.
' For you folks who, like me, can polish off an entire box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, mark Sept. 19 on your calendar. Walk into a KK store, give your best pirate "Argh" and, in appreciation, they'll produce a free doughnut for you to savor. Even better, fellow greedy guts can join me in dressing in pirate attire and score a free dozen of this better-than-treasure booty.
Sept. 29 brings free coffee on National Coffee Break Day. Get yours at Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme, McDonalds and other coffee stops.
Former advice still holds true: All kinds of delicious benefits await you on your birthday but you must sign up well in advance of that special day. Individual websites allow you to sign up, and many restaurants even offer cards to fill out at the table. Also, sign up at heyitsfree.net/birthday-freebies and, additionally, at freebie-depot.com/birthday-freebie-list for offers, such as a gratis lunch at Au Bon Pain. Bennies other than food are available, too, including such offerings as free Redbox movie rentals.
Along with birthday meals, restaurant reward cards also afford us free eats. Check favorites like Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Panera, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Godiva, and Moe's Southwest Grill. (For a more complete list, see spoonuniversity.com.)
More next week
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@times freepress.com