Going for Not Broke

I've been a little behind on a handful of home tasks, including clipping coupons. On Saturday, I took the time to get caught up. While thumbing through one of the circulars, I came across an add for a Loreal rewards program , which awards registrants with a free box of hair color after they've purchased five. I love free stuff. According to the website, registrants can also get other perks. I just signed up, so I'm not sure what those are yet, but I'm looking forward to them. According to the info in the circular, participants may receive only two free products during the duration of the program, but the program ends Dec. 31. No more often than I color my hair, I probably will get only one free box, but hey, I'll take it.

Back in 2008, I attempted to color my graying hair myself, but it was a fiasco. I had the dye everywhere, and very little of it was actually in my hair. So I rinsed it out before it had a chance to set, then had a friend who is a beautician to do it for me. I paid her $25 each time afterward I had my hair done. Well, my friend is moving and I can no longer afford $25 a pop, so I bought a home coloring kit again and gave it another go. This time, it went a lot smoother. I think it helped seeing what my friend had done to keep my hair from going everywhere and getting dye on everything. I have a few stray grays, but the bulk is covered, which suits me just fine. Cost to do it myself -- $7. Not bad.