Month: June 2024

6/30/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThe countertops were installed today- the appliances will be reinstalled tomorrow (fingers crossed).

That means I’ll be able to cook in the oven and on the stove top.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: With the kitchen renovation ending, I can cook from scratch again. I am looking forward to making pizza, cookies, roasted veggies, casseroles, and baked pasta dishes.

  • Sunday:  Fridge clean-out night aka leftovers

  • Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, fruit, sausage)

  • Wednesday: Dream Dinner, salad

  • Thursday: Snack trays (turkey, cheese and crackers, fruit, popcorn, cookies)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Baked pasta casserole (recipe will be forthcoming this week)

6/28/2024 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s the first week after my surgery and we have been having all sorts of adventures! We went to Lego Building Club at the La Mesa Library, the kids swam several times at our community pool (I sat on the pool deck and took pics), we hung out with friends, and I took a lot of naps.

We’re heading over to the Lakeside library today. With Independence Day next week, I’m sure there will be no shortage of adventures!

My 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break can be found here. It’s San Diego County specific, but there are lots of great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

If you are looking for free food resources, my comprehensive list can be found here. It is focused on San Diego County, but there are additional resources outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Daily Item at Wendy’s
Free Planet Fitness Summer Pass for Teens – Registration Now Open
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
2 Free Movie Tickets to A Sacrifice
Free Nutri-Vet Biscuits for Dogs Chatterbuy Kit
Free Sample of Immunovitals Tea
Free Sample of Aquarian Water Treatment
Free Blink Mini Camera from Barkbox
Free Subscription to LEGO Life Magazine
Free Sorion Cream or Soraresal Cream Sample
Free PURE LEAF Iced Tea After Rebate
Free Canister a2 Platinum Infant Formula After Rebate
Free Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse
Free DOGTV Channel Preview for DirecTV Subscribers
Free 55 Inch Dual Screen Smart TV from Telly
Free Ninja Sip Perfect Travel Mug
Free The Baffling Bowl Game Night Party Pack
Free Grilling Cooking Classes at Williams Sonoma
Free Basic Plus Car Wash at Zips Car Wash
Free Dig In! Poster Set
6 Free Wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
Firehouse Subs Name of the Day – Free Medium Sub

Deals:

Up to 70% Off Summer Clearance at Carter’s – Prices Starting at $2.99
Select General Mills Cereal ONLY $1.49 (Reg. $6.29)
Ozark Trail 10-Person Tent ONLY $99 (Reg. $170)
JCPenney 4th of July Sale Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
30% Off Slippers For the Whole Family at Target
Amazon Essentials Clothing up to 70% Off – Prices Starting at $3
Starbucks BOGO FREE Handcrafted Drinks – Today 6/28

Walmart: School Supplies starting at .25!

Abby H.

I know we just finished school and there is a vast ocean of time before we need to buy supplies, however- Walmart has already dropped the prices on classroom supplies.

Seriously, from Crayola markers, to pencils, Filler paper, spiral bound notebooks, highlighters, and crayons. I’ve already placed my order!

And if you aren’t sure what is going to be on your kids back to school list, here are a few things that classrooms always need:

  • Glue sticks
  • Erasers– the ones that go on the end of pencils are always a hit with my kids. The large pink ones usually end up getting stabbed with pencils and not used as erasers. I have no idea why.
  • Pencils- Ticonderoga are the best pencils. They cost a little more, but they last longer and don’t break as easily (in my experience).
  • Tissues
  • Disinfecting wipes- The first month back at school is peak illness time. We are all getting to know each other and new germs are popping up left and right.
  • Whiteboard markers– In most classrooms these days, the kids each have their own whiteboards (in place of scratch paper), so whiteboard markers are a must.

This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.

6/21/2024 Weekly Freebies & Deals

Abby H.

I’m recovering from surgery and trying to take it slow. As I recover, I’ll be posting more.

My 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break can be found here. It’s San Diego County specific, but there are lots of great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

If you are looking for free food resources, my comprehensive list can be found here. It is focused on San Diego County, but there are additional resources outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
4 Free Kids Meals at Cracker Barrel
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free Sample of AlaSkins Wild Alaska Salmon Skins Dog Treats
Free Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
Free Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream Sample from Sampler
Free Kroger Sample Box
Free Pampers Swaddlers 360° Sample Pack
Possible Free I and Love and You Interactive Cat Treats
Free Sample of Moroccanoil Night Body Serum
Free Purina SuperPet Smart ID Tag
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Free ZhuZhu Aquarium Party Pack
Free Box of Nature Valley, Mott’s or Fiber One Products After Rebate
Up to 4,000 Free Kroger Points Rewards Plus Rewards Points
Possible Free CRUNCH Candy
Firehouse Subs Name of the Day – Free Medium Sub

Deals

Women’s Sandals & Flip Flops Starting at $12.79 at JCPenney
Free Covergirl Eyeliner at CVS
BJ’s Membership Deals and Discounts 2024 | Get Promo Coupons and Exclusive Deals
Yoo-hoo Chocolate Drink 40-Pack ONLY $10 on Amazon
Free Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection Toothpaste
Ralph Lauren Pillow ONLY $8.99 at Macy’s (Reg $24)

6/20/2024 PRC Research Study Round-Up!

Abby H.

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always running studies and looking for more respondents. They email me once a week with online studies they are looking to fill. Here are the latest studies:

Gaming Devices
Pays $225 + $25 for HW (as applicable)
They are looking to speak to teens and adults 17 and older who would like to participate in a virtual interview from the comfort of your home or office regarding personal gaming devices.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: June 26 – July 9, 2024
Study Format: Virtual Individual Session, webcam required
Commitment: 2 hour
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Personal Finances
Pays $200
They are looking to speak to adults 18 and older who would like to participate in a virtual focus group from the comfort of your home or office regarding personal finances.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 8-10, 2024
Study Format: Virtual Focus Group, webcam required
Times: Between 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Commitment: 1 hour
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Mood Disorder
Pays $300
We are looking to speak to patients and caregivers who are 18 and older to participate in a virtual 3-part study from the comfort of your home or office regarding mood disorders.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 2024, various dates available
Study Format: 3-part study: Webcam Interviews and Photo Diary
Commitment: 1.5-hour webcam interview, followed by a 1-week photo diary (about 2 hours total participation in the 1-week diary), followed by a 30-minute webcam interview
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Students, 18+
Pays $100
They are looking to speak to high school and college students who are aged 18 and older to participate in a virtual webcam interview from the comfort of your home or office regarding students.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: June 2024, various dates available
Study Format: Virtual Webcam Interview, webcam required
Commitment: 45 minutes
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Feminine Products
Pays $120
We are looking to speak to Females Only aged 18-40 to participate in an online diary entries and questionnaire from the comfort of your home or office regarding feminine products.
Location: US Residents Nationwide
Dates: July 2024, various dates available
Study Format: Online Diary Entries and Questionnaire
Commitment: TBD
If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Tea Collection: Summer Fun Sale $15+!

Abby H.

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

I love Tea Collection– They have such cute patterns and designs for kids’ clothes, and they are so well made- perfect for hand-me-downs!

Now through 6/23/24, Tea Collection is having its Summer Fun Sale, with styles starting at just $15.00. Dresses, shorts, tops, and even bathing suits, are all on sale! With sizes newborn through 16 kids, there is something for every kiddo in your life.

 

New Offers from Social Nature!

Abby H.

Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the offers available now:

  • Gluten-Free Mexicali Dip by Rojos
  • Falafel Bowls by Afia Foods
  • Freeze Dried Herbs by Litehouse
  • Organic Nut Butter Bites by Sweet Nothings
  • Dairy-Free Fy Yogurt by Nature’s Fynd
  • Grass-Fed Butter by Vital Farms

I am picking up the Organic Nut Butter Bites and Grass Fed Butter on my weekly Sprouts trip this afternoon.

  • And Sample offers include:
    Interactive Cat Treats by “I and love and you” Pet (a coupon for a free product will be mailed to you).

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, and meat-free foods.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck! There are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!

FTC Disclosure: As with some offers I post, I receive payments for clicks, purchases, and/or registrations made through affiliate links in this post.

6/15/2024 Weekend Freebies!

Abby H.

School is over for the 2023-2024 school year! The kids have all sorts of exciting adventures planned, including sleeping in and lots of swimming.

My 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break can be found here. It’s San Diego County specific, but there are lots of great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

If you are looking for free food resources, my comprehensive list can be found here. It is focused on San Diego County, but there are additional resources outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Good Culture Probiotic Milk
Free 3-Piece Chicken Tenders at Hardee’s on June 13th & 18th
Free TevraPet Hemp Helpers Dog Collars or Topical Tubes
Free 60-Day Supply of Care/of Ashwagandha Supplement
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free Sample of Black Forest Gummy Bears
Free Revol Greens Salad Kits, Salad Blends or Head Lettuces After Rebate
Possible Free Vital Farms Grass-Fed Butter
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Free Father’s Day UTV Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Entree at Chipotle
Free Sacred Essentials CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Bag of Yummers After Rebate
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Babylist Registry Perks – 15% Off & Free Registry Box
2 Free Movie Tickets to Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Free Good Planet Foods Olive Oil Cheese After Rebate
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
Cigar Aficionado Plus Additional Magazines – No Credit Card Required

Deals:

Nike – 60% Off + Extra 25% Off Coupon
QVC 20% Off Entire Cart Coupon Code

2024 Summer Fun on A Budget!

Abby H.2 Comments

Today marks the first day of summer break for my kiddos. I am usually a lot more prepared and would have posted this on the blog already, but… Life happens.

I’ve got some stuff planned for summer, but not as much as I have during previous summers. I’m having surgery next week, so a lot of our activities will be more chill.

But we will be including:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside- is no shade trees.

If you are looking for free summer lunches, Feeding America has a great list on its website here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

Summer Movie Deals for 2024!

Abby H.

One of the kid’s favorite summer activities is to hit up the local theater for a showing of one of their favorite movies.

Big buckets of popcorn, snuck in candy (shhhh), and a drink and they are ready for 2 hours of fun in the Air Conditioning.

In my search for theater chains offering this fun this summer, several of our old friends are not participating as of the writing of this post.

Select Reading Cinemas will have the Reel Kids program, where throughout the summer (June-August) there will be kid-approved movies for the reduced price of $1/ticket!

And perhaps my kids’ favorite,Regal Summer Movie Express is back! Express tickets are just $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy. Availability varies by location. My kids are excited to see Puss in Boots, Across the Spider-verse, and Angry Birds 2.

AMC has nothing planned per their website, but they do offer discounts for students and the elderly.

Cinemark (No locations near us) has 8 weeks of Movie Fun planned. More Details can be found here.

Talk Back: What summer movies are you looking forward to seeing?