The best things in life are free... on your birthday, anyway

Last week I decided to do a little experiment. I did a Google search for "Free stuff on your birthday" and spent a full 30 minutes signing up for "Birthday Club" programs with different restaurants and stores. To anybody with some time on your hands, I would definitely recommend taking the time to do this.

Here's what I've received so far:

- 1 free ice cream at Baskin Robbins

- 2 free ice creams from Ben & Jerry's

- 1 free ice cream from Cold Stone

- A free appetizer/side of ribs from Texas Roadhouse

- A free appetizer AND dessert from Beef O' Brady's

- A free dessert from Buffalo Wild Wings

- A free burger from Fuddrucker's

- A free burger from Ruby Tuesday's

... and it's not even my birthday yet. Who knew you could get so much free stuff just for turning a year older? No longer are birthdays depressing reminders of the unavoidable aging process. Instead, they're a time to celebrate that, every now and then, we really can get something for nothing. How great is that?