Today’s inbox contained a “happy birthday” message from MyCokeRewards. No bonus code or anything (which would’ve been nice). It’s always nice to hear “Happy Birthday” though. Additionally, I received birthday wishes from Couponers Wanted, the awesome couponing group I’ve mentioned here, and K-love, the fantastic positive, encouraging radio station you can listen to online at Klove.com or locally at 94.3FM.

I also got a coupon from Wendy’s for $1 off a premium combo meal. Probably won’t use that one unless I’m out that way for some reason. It is good for an entire month, so that helps.

As I have mentioned before, I earn free gift cards through MyPoints. As they did last year, I received a special birthday offer, which I took advantage of in the same way I did last year. I spent $5 on a Kohl’s gift card through the special birthday link (with birthday money from Mom– thanks Mom!). That earns me 510 points, which is a third of the way toward a lower-valued gift card. And I can stretch $5 at Kohl’s in the clearance section, no problem! I recently purchased a a very nice new purse from the Kohl’s clearance section for $8.60 (with tax). Awesome! If you’re interested in earning free gift cards too, read more about it here and email me for a referral link to join (so I can earn free points when you do too!) at bargainsrock@yahoo.com. Thanks! I’ll consider it your birthday present to me!

Other birthday freebies I have received recently:

• Comedy Sportz Chicago sent me a free ticket, good for a month. However, if I want to take my hubby (and I would), it’s gonna cost $21 for him to get in plus parking. Oh well.
• Betty Crocker sent me a link to a Birthday Parties digital magazine, 100 pages long with lots of good recipes like Key Lime Coconut Angel Cake and Pina Colada Cupcakes. It has ideas for kids cakes, appetizers, main dishes and more. Thank you!
• T.G.I.Friday’s sent me a coupon for a free dessert with the purchase of an entree during my birthday month.
• Chevys Fresh Mex sent me a coupon for a free entree, good for 2 weeks from my birthday. Dine-in only.
• Extra info on the Denny’s free Original Grand Slam on your birthday: Dine-in only. Offer valid only on your birthday for those 11 and older. One per guest. Must present valid photograph identification to server upon ordering. Valid ID required for those guests 18 and over. Guests between the ages of 11-18 will need a parent/guardian to verify birth date if no ID is presented. Bummer, I was hoping to pick it up and go since I’m not feeling so well today. I might just skip this one.
• Waffle House apparently has a birthday club, but there isn’t a location close enough to me.
• Steak and Shake sent a coupon for a free double steakburger with cheese and fries. It’s good til 3/1! That’ll give me some time to use it.
• Texas Roadhouse offers a free appetizer or sidekick of ribs with the purchase of one adult entree. It’s good for a little over a week.
• Applebee’s sent me a free dessert shooter, dine-in only. Good till the end of the month.
• NFL.com gave me 15% off my next purchase, encouraging me to “pick up that personalized jersey” I’ve “wished for.” However, my AWESOME sister found that Target currently has all Bears apparel on clearance for 75% off and picked up a Forte jersey for just under $7. She reports there are all sizes (including kids).