I’ve been a bit fascinated by the shtick behind Edible Arrangements, which creates fruit baskets in artful arrangements. I like the idea of sending flowers, but the fact that you can snack on these does make it a bit more practical than a pretty bunch of flowers that will just wither and die. But I’ve always been just a wee bit skeptical of the value.

If you’re like me, you have a chance to check out the goods at your local shop on Sunday, March 14, during operating hours. Get a free sample of the franchise’s dipped fruit and decide for yourself.

There are shops in Concord, Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem. I don’t think I’ve missed any NH shops, but you can check for yourself on the Edible Arrangements site.

Let me know what you think.

I know this blog is supposed to be about New Hampshire, but it’s also for people in New Hampshire, and some of us can get to Massachusetts lickity-split.

Soooooo, I just had to tell you about the Tyngsboro Elizabeth Grady Salon’s special tomorrow. The staff will be doing manicures and makeup at Smokey Bones on Daniel Webster Highway from 8-10 p.m. For just $12.49, you get a martini and a manicure or makeup application. You also get free appetizers and a chance to win some pretty nifty raffle prizes.

How awesome is that? It’s less than $20, and it’s not that far over the state line. Smokey Bones is practically in New Hampshire. It’s not like you need to pack a wagon train or ford a river.

I’m bummed that I’ve already got plans tomorrow, but you should totally go. And tell Liz, the owner, that I sent you.

Elm Street just got a little sweeter — at least for tonight.

Do you like chocolate? How about wine and chocolate?

I thought so.

Van Otis on Elm Street in Manchester is hosting a Thanksgiving wine and chocolate event tonight (Thursday, Nov. 5), from 5-8 p.m.

And it’s free. We like free here.

A representative will be on hand to provide wine education and answer questions about pairings, like what wine goes with a Snickers bar. (OK, that’s my question.)

There will be live music and a drawing for a gourmet gift basket, as well as special savings for participants.

R.S.V.P. by calling 627.1611.

Get a totally free sample!

Summer isn’t summer without ice cream. (And lately, let’s face it. It has been a weird summer weather-wise with all this rain.)

So, if you’ve been feeling under the weather, consider the latest offer from the American Red Cross. Blood supplies tend to dip in the summer, so in July and August they are offering donors a coupon for a free carton of ice cream, redeemable at participating Friendly’s restaurants.

The Upper Valley this week is host to three days of drives, beginning Wednesday, July 29. Donors also have a chance to win a gift certificate from local merchants, such as lunch for two at the Norwich Inn in Vermont and coffee from the Dirt Cowboy Cafe. Organizers do ask that you bring a nonperishable food item for the Upper Valley Haven when you come to make your donation.

If you’re closer to Keene, consider participating in the Monadnock Radio Group’s latest drive at the Best Western on Thursday, July 30. Participants in the Summer Chill ‘09 Blood Drive will receive a special T-shirt in addition to their coupon for a free carton of Friendly’s ice cream. Other giveaways Dunkin Donuts coffee, Wendy’s gift card, discount New Hampshire State Inspection coupon and more. Donors will also be treated to sundae cups from Friendly’s.

You can also make donations at St. John Neumann Church on Milford Road in Merrimack on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month (that’s today!); at the Elks Lodge on D.W. Highway in Nashua on the first and third Thursday; at Nashua Harley Davidson on Route 101A in Merrimack on the first Tuesday of the month; and at the Casey Function Center on Lafayette Road in Portsmouth on the third Tuesday of every month. And don’t forget about the Manchester center, which always has hours to drop by and give.

Mmm… Ice cream makes the donation process just a little bit sweeter, doesn’t it? Not that doing good isn’t its own reward. Getting ice cream for doing good is sort of the proverbial cherry on top of the satisfaction of helping out.

What are you waiting for? For more information on making a donation, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

OK, so I am going to make a confession here… I sorta love free stuff. I mean, I don’t spend hours scanning the Internet for it, but when I find out about it, I definitely like to share.

Some of this post will be old news to some of you, and it isn’t terribly New Hampshire-centric, but I’m going to go ahead and share anyway.

Every Monday through Aug. 3, you can get a free McCafe Mocha at participating McDonald’s restaurants from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. I know you’re probably thinking, “It’s Tuesday. Why are you telling me this now?” I’ve debated posting about it, because I’ve tried the McCafe as an experiment and could not in good faith recommend it. It was kind of a disgusting charred-tasting sludge. But you should be free to indulge in your own private Idaho of sludge without my judgment. So mark your calendars now, go forth and sip at your own risk.

Speaking of coffee, today until 10:30 a.m., Starbucks is giving away a free pastry with the purchase of any beverage. There are Starbucks all over New Hampshire and even one at my local Target, so I don’t think you necessarily need a list to find one. Be sure to print out and bring the invitation with you.

If your birthday is coming up, consider signing up for the Famous Dave’s P.I.G. Club. When you join, they send you an e-mail coupon for a free dessert and then on your birthday, you get another free dessert. Again, who’s going to argue with free? I much prefer KC’s Rib Shack in Manchester or Muddy River Smokehouse in Portsmouth, but I’m not going to turn down free. I’m not made of stone. I didn’t sign up for the e-mail club until after my birthday, and they still sent me a coupon good for a month. There is only one franchise in New Hampshire, and it’s in Manchester. I have to admit that I’ve never been disappointed there. Stuffed silly, yes, but never disappointed. I just prefer KC’s. (By the way, I’m all ears for suggestions on barbecue joints. My sweetie is a big fan of getting his ribs on.)

My last freebie of the day isn’t New Hampshire-centric at all. Please don’t think less of me now. But I believe in the goodness of chocolate, so I couldn’t keep this to myself. Every Friday, through the Chocolate Relief Act on the Mars Web site, you can register for a coupon for a free chocolate bar. The offer is good through September. About six weeks after you enter your information on a Friday, you’ll get a coupon. It may not be instant gratification, but good things come to those who wait.

Pretty sweet, huh?

Frederick’s Pastries on Route 101A in Amherst joins forces with Bare Bonz Butcher Shop for a Summer Sampling Party from noon-2 p.m. July 18 and then again on Aug. 15.

Frank FM will be broadcasting live. There will be raffles for gift certificates to both Frederick’s Pastries and Bare Bonz.

Meat and pastries? Have you marked your calendar yet? What are you, made of stone?

Wish your local 7-11 a happy 82nd birthday today. And, if it’s among the stores participating nationwide, pick up your free Slurpee to boot.

It’s a beautiful day here in ManchVegas, and I am thinking a cool, slushy treat would go well with the sunshine.

So, I like to use this blog, in part, to announce when there is free food to be had at national chains, but only if they have a location in the Granite State.

Usually, all you need to do is show up to collect. Sometimes there is a coupon involved.

But Chik-fil-A just had to be different.

Tomorrow (Friday, July 10) is their annual Cow Appreciation Day. If you come to a Chik-fil-A dressed as a cow, you get a free meal.

Don’t happen to have a cow costume just lying around somewhere? They even provide a costume starter kit, complete with an “Eat Mor Chikin” sign.

The only Chik-fil-A in the state is at the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua. You might want to moooove it over there pretty early to avoid the rush of other cattle.

Unless you don’t plan to dress up. What — are you too chicken?

Ate Doors Down, located at the site of the former Gala Cafe on Elm Street, is offering a free lunch today — starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until the food is gone. You can enjoy hot dogs, sausage, corn on the cob, watermelon and drinks. It’s a great summertime menu to ring in your Fourth of July weekend.

Get there quick before the food is gone.