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 almost never wear makeup. I’m a bit on the low-maintenance side. But when I do feel like gussying up, I do like to use the magic of mascara. Why not? Especially when you can get a free tube, like this free Deluxe Sample of Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint mascara from any Sephora in a JC Penney. In New Hampshire, that means you’ll be trucking it over to Nashua or Salem. Sorry! You can’t use it online.

If you were looking for a different way to lash out, consider taking tomorrow’s women’s-only seminar on self-defense at the Langer Mill in Manchester (third floor, 55 South Commercial Street). The cost is $10 in advance or $20 at the door for this 90-minute seminar by Savvy Workshop.

After some amazing former co-workers of mine at my old paper were either laid off this week or are now ramping up their job search as a result of said layoffs, I’ve decided to devote another post to business. Entertainment stuff will resume soon enough.

Network for Work is a volunteer organization that supports professional networking and career development through networking forums — online and off. The group has scheduled a free seminar at the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, titled “From Employee to Entrepreneur.”

The session will basically help participants determine if they should try to start their own business and then give them the resources they need to do so successfully, including discussing format options, selecting business options and financing.

Maybe you’ve been considering breaking out on your own but you don’t know where to start. Or maybe your job circumstances, like so many people in this current economy, have suddenly changed. This could be an opportunity to go after your dream of being your own boss.

Sound good? Did I mention it’s free? Sound better?

I thought so. Check out the details here.

I saw Up in the Air last night and it was a pretty solid reminder of the uncertainty of both the current economy and life in general.

It’s difficult to find anyone who has been entirely insulated from the recession, and many excellent writers I know are trying their hand at freelancing to get by. But it can be difficult to get a freelance career off the ground from your own home — too many distractions.

That’s why I think it is incredibly awesome of Float Left Labs in Manchester to open Archimedes Space, which gives freelancers and small companies a space to work, connect and mentor students of Float Left Labs.

Freelancers can use the space for free until Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Membership after that is quite reasonable, but it’s a good opportunity to check out the space and see how well you can work in it.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so the song goes. But it can also be a stressful time, particularly if you’re on a budget.

I know how easy it is to get off track and start adding names to your list, but don’t get carried away. Make like an after-school special and resist the peer pressure.

That’s not to say you can’t have fun this holiday season. Free fun happens to be coming out the wazoo this time of year.

And first up is one of my favorite events: The Nashua Holiday Stroll.

It’s held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Nashua, and it’s free. First you take a candlelit stroll down to Railroad Square where the city lights its holiday tree. Then the evening gives way to a bevy of free musical and theatrical performances in venues downtown. It’s a wonderful community event that marks its 16th year.

My favorite aspect of the Stroll is its focus on charity. You can bring canned goods, disposable diapers, and new, unwrapped toys for local charitable organizations, and drop them off in front of Citizens Bank.

It is impossible to leave the Stroll without feeling touched by the true spirit of the holiday season. And if this warm weather keeps up, you won’t even have to bundle up to enjoy it.

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.

Oof. We turned the clocks back this weekend, so now it is getting dark ridiculously early. I have had to add an extra blanket to my bed. And I’ve already scraped frost off my car windshield in the morning.

But here’s a little something to warm you up: On Saturday, Nov. 7, Bikram Yoga Nashua is hosting an open house, with free classes all day. Additionally, they are adding two extra classes that day only at noon and 2 p.m.

Just think of how warm and loosey goosey you will feel. It will be like stepping back into summer. Or something like it. Whatever. It will be a great workout!

I don’t know about you, but I hate to have my picture taken. I always seem to have my eyes half closed and my mouth open. I end up thinking, “Oh no! Is that what I really look like?”

But there is a photographer in Nashua who I firmly believe is incapable of taking a bad picture. His name is Sid Ceaser and he owns Ceaser Photography.

Sid is an all-around cool guy. In his studio in Nashua’s Picker Building, he keeps action figures and a Kermit puppet and some of the most amazing portraits he’s shot. No smile looks forced and he has this way of capturing the essence of who a person really is.

You’re probably thinking, “I bet that costs a pretty penny.” Well, Sid is such an amazing guy that if you stop by his studio during Nashua’s ArtWalk on Oct. 3 and 4, he will take a headshot of you suitable for MySpace or Facebook use. And it costs you NOTHING.

So, say cheese, baby.

I recently saw the episode of Penn & Teller Bullshit! where the comedic duo examine Americans’ obsession with their lawns. Unsurprisingly, a loooot of money goes into creating the unnatural habitat known as the lawn, as well as keeping it green and weed-free.

I don’t personally have a lawn, but if I did, that episode would definitely be enough to send me to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s Twilight Meeting: “Great Lawns and Landscape on a Shoestring Budget.” The event takes place from 5:15-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Londonderry School District, 295 Mammoth Road in Londondery.

No registration is required and the meeting is free to attend. Among the presenters will be extension specialists on turf, plant health, entomology and agricultural resources.

For more information, visit www.extension.unh.edu.

It’s almost the end of the week, but not quite. Are you whining for some wine to unwind?

You’re in luck. The Wine Studio on Hooksett Road in Manchester will host a free wine sampling from 5-8 p.m. tonight. Because it’s Thursday and you’re thirsty. What more reason do you need?