Month: November 2022

Veteran’s Day 2022 Freebies

Abby H.1 Comment

Veteran’s Day is next week, and this year there are some pretty cool.

Some of these offers require proof of service either via a Military ID Card (active duty or retired) or a DD214.

Since I’m in So Cal, I choose to post offers that are available in my area, however, there are tons more offers available if you live elsewhere in the US. I suggest googling, “Veteran’s Day 2022 and your location”.

As always, contact the local restaurant/store before heading out to confirm that your local locations are participating.

Non-food freebies

  • Grace For Vets – Free Car Wash
  • Great Clips – Free Haircut or Haircut Card
  • Sports Clips – Free haircuts for active-duty military and veterans
  • National Parks All U.S. National Parks will be offering free admission to the public on Veteran’s Day.
  • SeaWorld Parks offer free admission to the active and retired military (plus up to 3 dependents) through their Waves of Honor program.
  •  True REST Float Spa: On Nov. 11, True REST Float Spa will close every location to the public and invite retired military to float for 60-minutes, free of charge. True REST Float Spa recommends veterans who would like to float on Nov. 11 make an appointment soon by visiting TrueRest.com/free-floats-for-military-veterans. Individuals must bring a form of military identification to their appointment, such as a D.D. Form 214. True REST has a total of 37 open locations across 22 states, with some locations having up to six float pods equipped with showers, changing rooms, an oxygen bar and an oasis room to elevate the spa-like experience.

Care Packages for those deployed:

Thank you to all service members who have served and continue to serve. And thank you to the family members of those who have served and continue to serve.

 

Talk Back: If you know of any Freebies for Veterans, please leave a comment below!

11/7/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThankfully I was able to spend a few hours yesterday doing meal prep for this week, and I’ll be doing produce prep when our  Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box arrives, which will be delivered this afternoon.

I went to the grocery store on Friday night and picked up some meat and black bean burgers, which I haven’t bought in a while, due to rising costs, but there were a few meals I wanted to make that we haven’t had in a while.

Most of the meal prep used ingredients that we already had on-hand.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. The big kid brings his lunch from home every day and the littlest buys her lunch at school about half the time. In California, all public schools provide breakfast and lunch for free.

Dinner: This week is packed as far as appointments, so I’m leaning on stuff that’s easy and tasty. I prepped fruits and veg over the weekend and made up the last Dream Dinner and portioned it into lunch-sized servings.

  • Monday:  Veggie Tortellini Soup (The recipe will be posted this week), Cheese Toast, green salad

  • Tuesday: Black Bean Burger enchiladas, roasted veggies

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, fruit, crackers, and cheese (the typical Wednesday night dinner)

  • Thursday:  Roasted Veggies, Meatballs, Rice or Noodles

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:    Crockpot chili, biscuits
  • Sunday:  Leftovers

Penzeys Sale: $35 for $50 Gift Cards!

Abby H.

This deal is back, but only until tomorrow!

Penzeys is offering $50 Gift Cards for just $35.  Limit TEN Penzeys Choose Love Gift Cards per household during the run of the promotion. Cannot be used on the date of purchase. Cannot be used to purchase other gift cards. Not available for Curbside Pick-up. Not applicable to prior sales, not valid with other offers. Not for resale. While supplies last. Standard shipping rates apply. The offer ends at midnight Monday, November 7, 2022.

This is one of my favorite deals. It makes a great gift for the home cook, baker, or foodie in your life. It can be used in-store or online.

Tryazon Exploding Kittens Holiday Game Night – Dec 9-10, 2022

Abby H.


We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

I’m A Little Crabby is a game of secret hand signals, suspicious friends, and hidden identities. Pick a partner and establish a secret signal, then collect a set of four matching cards. Hide everything and suspect everyone in this game of secret signals.

Poetry for Neanderthals is a family-friendly party game similar to Taboo where players earn points by getting their teammates to guess words and phrases. The catch is that the “Neanderthal Poets” are only allowed to use single syllable words. If they use any words with more than one syllable, the other team gets to bop them with a 2-foot inflatable club!

Tryazon has a combined total of 750 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive one of the two party packs from Exploding kittens with games and other extras to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

20 Years Of Tea Collection= $20 Styles

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Tea Collection is celebrating their 20th Anniversary with a great sale. Select items (found here) are just $20 each! Dresses, rompers, shirts, and more. There are so many cute styles to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites:


 

 

 

 

This sale is the perfect chance to start holiday shopping, or pick up some clothes for the next season!

Most items included in this sale are over 50% off of their original prices!

Cold Weather Means Soup! Soup Recipe Round-Up

Abby H.

It’s been chilly here the past few days, and that means sweaters and soup!

I love making soup, it’s easy, inexpensive per serving, and there are always leftovers.

Here are a few of my family’s favorite soups:

Veggie Soup 
Chicken Fajitas Soup 
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Potato Cheese Soup
Hearty Veggie Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Veggie Tuscan Soup
Homemade Chicken Soup
Zuppa Tuscana Soup CopyCat Recipe
Chicken Corn Chowder
Roasted Onion and Caramelized Onion Bisque
Butternut Squash Bisque
Beef Stew
Harvest Veggie Ravioli Soup

10/4/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

It’s so cold this morning! I’m wearing two sweaters while I type this. I’ve got a fun busy weekend planned, and I’m surer there will be all sorts of pics on my Instagram.

I’ve got some great freebies and deals for you this week, and today should be chock full of posts too!

Don’t forget all of the 2022 Birthday Freebies! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

Freebies:

Free Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Dry Food Chatterbox
Free Coca-Cola Activity Booklet at Select Stores
Free Soda, Energy Drink, Turkey Sub & Fries at Sheetz
Free So Good So You Product
Free Mother Raw Organic Plant-Based Dips
Free Nativity Christmas Cards
Free Glytone Skincare Product
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Beauty Products & More with Topbox Circle
Free Downy Unstopables & Tide Pods at Sam’s
Free Corona Refresca House Party Pack
Free Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Milk Butter
Free Pretzel with the Wetzel’s Pretzel App
Free Subscription to GQ Magazine
Target Baby Registry – Free Welcome Kit In-Stores
Free L’Oreal Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Sample
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Subscription to Fortune Magazine
Free Subscription to Esquire Magazine
Free Health Supplements
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Toleriane UV SPF Moisturizer
Free NotCo Plant-Based Chicken Patties

Deals: 

Timberland Boots & Shoes are 60% Off + EXTRA 15% Off
Here is How to NEVER Miss a Black Friday Deal or Freebie
Kate Spade Ivy Street Amy Crossbody ONLY $49 (Reg $198)
Wet n Wild Highlighting Powder ONLY $2.99 (Reg $6)
Paw Patrol Little Red Rescue Box ONLY $5.34 (Reg $15)
Our Table 16-Piece Turkey Carving Board Set ONLY $40 (Reg $80)
One Day Sale – 40-60% OFF at Macy’s
70-Piece Boxed Christmas Ornaments ONLY $20.99 (Reg $54)
Sun Zero Single Curtain Panel ONLY $6.35 (Reg $25)

Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Abby H.

This recipe is slightly more involved than previous recipes I’ve posted, but I guarantee you excellent results, and there will be no leftovers.

It’s perfect for a family dinner or dinner party where there are a lot of people with diverse tastes.

Ingredients: 

  • 10 to 12 small yellow-skinned potatoes- I like Yukon Gold
  • One stick of butter
  • Herbs of your choice (I like this Penzeys mix. Or use any of the following together: rosemary, tarragon, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and thyme) 
  • Spray release 
  •  1 cup of grated cheese, your choice (I prefer sharp cheddar, but I’ve also tried it with an Italian blend also and it’s quite delicious).

 

Directions: 

  1.  Clean the potatoes thoroughly. DO NOT PEEL. 
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot with water, cook on the stove for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate dish combine spices of your choice, and the stick of butter. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until butter is melted.
  4. Drain potatoes, do not rinse.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°. 
  6. Either line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and coat with spray release, or use a nonstick cookie sheet, your choice. 
  7. Place potatoes approximately 1 inch apart. 
  8. Gently press down on the potatoes with the backside of a fork (or the bottom of a coffee mug if your potatoes are bigger) until they are slightly smashed.
  9. Pour a little of the butter/herb mixture over the slightly smashed potatoes (less than a tablespoon).
  10. Bake potatoes in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they appear to have crisp/browned.
  11. Top each potato with a small amount of cheese (1 to 2 tablespoons).
  12. Serve potatoes with sour cream, real bacon bits (I like the ones from Costco), or whatever toppings you and your family prefer.

As a side dish that serves 4 to 6 as a main dish serves 2 to 3. These smashed potatoes are also great with chili or a hearty salad.

2022 Holiday Resources

Abby H.

I will be updating this post as more information becomes available.  This year is very light on programs that are open to anyone, so I recommend that you lean on your community resources:

  • If you receive WIC or SNAP benefits, check in with your social worker to see if they have any information on holiday help programs. Events like Toys for Joy are being held on a referral basis only. You have to receive an invitation from the event to attend. These are being given out by social workers and those with connections to the group.
  • If you attend church/synagogue/mosque, check with your religious leader or the secretary/office staff. They may have referrals to programs offering holiday help.
  • Check with your kids’ school. Talk to the school counselor, resource teacher, or school secretary.
  • If you frequent local food charities or co-op’s, they may have some resources on holiday events or toy giveaways.

Here is my monthly list of free food opportunities within San Diego County. Many of the food pantries also have special holiday distributions, so it is worth a call to find out of any additional food or gift distributions will be done.

As of now, I am not aware of any free Christmas tree giveaways, however, as I gather more information, I will update this post.

  • The Salvation Army does an Angel Tree program to gather gifts for children in need. For more information about this program, contact your local Salvation Army location.
  • 211 San Diego has a listing of all sorts of holiday assistance from food to toys, and events- all free. Some programs/events require proof of need, but not all.

santeesantas.pngIf you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. You can download and print forms, check into eligibility (it is income-based and they are very strict from what I’ve been told), and see what forms you need in addition to the application here.

The window to apply for Santee Santas is closing in a few weeks, so if you want to apply, I recommend checking their website TODAY and apply ASAP.

Talk Back: If you know of any CONFIRMED free local holiday events in 2022, please leave a comment. 

 

Holiday Crafts at Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

Y’all know how much I love crafting, and that I am a frugal person too. Dollar Tree has really upped their game in the craft department. They have tons of wooden paintable items, wreath supplies, and kids craft kits (I love their ornament kits for kids).

If you have holiday events coming up where you will be crafting, this is the perfect time to take advantage of their $5.99 flat rate shipping deal!

Order supplies online in bulk for your upcoming crafty events (perfect for classroom or club holiday parties), and have them delivered to your door!

One less “thing” to do- No stores to visit, and less holiday stress!