Summer, how do you disappear so quickly? Just as we welcome endless stretches of days spent lounging at the pool, sleeping in late — or okay, getting up early, donning more formal duds than you’d ever wear to class and heading to a job/internship — it all starts to evaporate like an ice cream cone in the middle of last week’s heat wave.
While there is a jolt of excitement that surges through me whenever big box stores begin crowding their shelves with back-to-school supplies (I’ll be honest: I can spend hours gawking at marbled composition books, wildly patterned XL twin sheet sets and cartoon character lunchboxes. It’s a geek thing.), the rush is tinged with the depressing realization that summer is nearly over.
Here are some deals to help you savor the final months of freedom:
Available now until supplies last:
- JCPenney — Get a free Smashbox high-shine lip gloss when you visit the Sephora inside select JCP locations. Check beforehand to make sure your store is participating — or risk total disappointment.
Wednesday, July 21:
- Moe’s — Free queso all day. Just call your store first to make sure it’s participating.
Sunday, July 25:
- AMC Theatres — Any size soda or popcorn for $1. The catch? You just need to download the coupon from the company’s Facebook page.
Now until July 27 at noon:
- Suck It, Wonder Woman by Olivia Munn — Win a free copy for commenting on this link (Shameless plug, I know. I prefer to consider it being “dedicated to informing you of all things free.”)
Thursday, July 29:
- McAlister’s Deli — Enjoy a free glass of iced tea when dining in the restaurant, all in honor of the chain’s “Free Tea Day.” No coupons are necessary, and according to the website, all locations should be participating.
All summer long:
- Cookies by Design — Score a free flip-flop cookie when you stop by one of the company’s stores this summer.
Tuesdays through Oct. 26:
- Orange Julius — Indulge in buy one, get one free fruit drinks all day every Tuesday at participating stores.