Get food, freebies on your birthday Readers often ask for a list of the places that offer discounts or freebies on a birthday. An excellent resource is Free Birthday Treats (www. freebirthdaytreats.com). The site lists deals for kids, adults and even pets, including entertainment, retailer and restaurant discounts. Some offers have a requirement before redemption, such as signing up online. Check with the establishment to make sure the offer is still honored before heading out. Restaurants offering a free entree on a birthday include Benihana, Country Kitchen, Don Pablo's, Houlihan's and Tony Roma's. Check the site for details. Some places allow the offer to be redeemed the same week or month as a birthday.

Shabby chic in Uptown Shabby chic appears to have staying power. Even in a recession, Nadeau (2756 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls, 612-208-1540, www.furniturewithasoul.com) opened a new store. The "new" furniture from India and Indonesia is aged, distressed and showing deliberate signs of wear. Call it vintage, antique or an Ikea alternative -- it's inexpensive "statement" furniture. Most pieces cost $200 to $500, and hardly anything is over $1,000. Smaller pieces, such as end tables, are only $18. Larger pieces, such as sideboards, are $400 to $650.

They're not antiques, but once they're sold, they might never be restocked. One popular seller, a wine cabinet for $599, is sold out and might be back in mid-March. Manager Trevor Peterson said the collection is all solid wood, which mixes well in lodge, traditional and country French decor.

Prices are similar to Pier 1 Imports', although the monthly occasional sales (Feb. 3-5) at stores in Buffalo, Minn., are often more competitively priced.

Nadeau also has stores in the Southeast, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

50 percent off storewide Some shoppers complain about retailers that have too many sales. When a store has only one or two sales a year, it's a rare treat. Such is the case at Styled Life (Galleria, Edina, 952-928-8888, www.styledlife.com). All of the women's and men's accessories, except music and vintage items, are discounted 30 to 70 percent, including high-end brands such as Missoni, MZ Wallace and Dunhill. Styled Life owner Kevin Quinn said most items are discounted 50 percent, including the popular Missoni scarves and Dunhill bags. Men's accessories include hats (50 to 70 percent off), sunglasses (70 percent off) and jewelry.

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Missoni scarves will be discounted 50 percent at Styled Life.

The sale starts next Thursday, but items can be put aside now and picked up after Wednesday.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com.