Just a reminder that tonight is the Free Ice Cream Night benefit at area Cold Stone Creamery stores.

All month, the stores have sold stars for $1 that are displayed in the store. Tonight's promotion runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Customers will get a scoop of a Cold Stone Creation made by a Make a Wish Child in exchange for any donation (of course, larger donations are encouraged!). This year, the creation is sweet cream ice cream with brownies, sprinkles and caramel.

For those of you who like fancy soaps and body washes, there's a really good opportunity to score some deals on Thursday.

The Body Shop, which has its U.S. headquarters in Wake Forest, is hosting a big warehouse sale with discounts up to 90 percent off retail. (Can you say, "cheap holiday gifts?")

The sale begins at 8 a.m. and runs through Sunday, though I'd definitely go early if you want the best items. It will be at 9701 Capital Blvd. (on the left if you are headed north on Capital, before Burlington Mills Road). Cash and credit/debit only. No one under 16 years of age allowed. You can view the details here.

Progressive Music Center is planning big open house events at two of its area stores. Customers will be able to visit, eat food, enjoy music from instructors and students and partake in family activities. Those of you who are adventurous eaters can also enter the "Holy Moly That's Hot" pepper eating contest for a chance to win free music lessons and other prizes.

The first open house will be this weekend on Sept. 19 at the Raleigh store, 2720 Godley Lane (right near Frankie's Fun Park), from noon to 4 p.m.

The second will be next weekend on Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Wake Forest store, which is located at the Factory, 1839 S. Main St.

Tonight, you can help support the Clayton High School Band by dining at the Clayton Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q restaurant (10414 U.S. 70).

Between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m., 25 percent of all sales will be donated to the band. That's a really easy way to give back.

For those of you who are looking for kids' clothing, kids' gear or maternity items, you may want to check out the Kids EveryWear consignment sale at the Morrisville Outlet Mall this week. The sale has been going on for a few days already, but things are 50 percent off today and go to 75 percent tomorrow.

Pregnant moms and first-time moms even get some early shopping hours. View the Web site for the schedule and all the details.

This month, Cold Stone Creamery stores in our area will again show their support for the Make A Wish Foundation.

All month, the stores will sell stars for $1 that will be displayed in the store. And Free Ice Cream Night will be Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Customers will get a scoop of a Cold Stone Creation made by a Make a Wish Child in exchange for any donation (of course, larger donations are encouraged!). This year, the creation is sweet cream ice cream with brownies, sprinkles and caramel. (This is a photo of one of last year's creations...)

The big Replacements Ltd. sidewalk sale in Greensboro is coming next weekend. Replacements is a huge store that stocks thousands of pieces of china, silver and crystal to help people find replacements for their missing pieces.

The annual sidewalk sale is a huge event for bargain-hunters and collectors. This year it will run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 18 and 19, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 20.

Replacements, Ltd. is located just off I-40/I-85 (exit 132) at 1089 Knox Road, McLeansville, NC.

The Nearly New Clothing Exchange is coming up next week, from Sept. 16 through Sept. 20.

The Exchange is under new ownership, but the sale seems just as big as ever. There are clothes, shoes, toys, maternity items and baby items.

The sale will be held in Raleigh's Pleasant Valley Promenade. You can find all the details on the Web site here.

The Rush Hour Karting track down in Garner (the one with the super speedy go karts) is offering races at half-price to local heroes, including police, fire, EMS, military and their families.

The promotion is good on Patriot's Day, Sept. 11. (That would be Friday.)

With the Patriot's Day discount, the races will be $12.

The Chapel Hill Comics store is running a really creative sale this week. Here's how it works:

A large selection of graphic novels have been designated sale items. Buy any item in the sale and get it for 30 percent off. Buy five or more and get them at 40 percent off. Buy 10 or more and get them 50 percent off.

See the store Web site for more details...