Author: Abby H.

November 2022: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

      • Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella
      • Notco Plant-Based Chicken Patties
      • Megafood Blood Builder Liquid Iron
      • Brainiac Foods Applesauce

And More!

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 frequently.

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

11/15/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgOur  Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box didn’t arrive yesterday (our main community gate was having functionality issues), so I didn’t meal prep or plan yesterday.

This week we’re leaning a lot on what we already had on-hand. My grocery trip was to pick up bagels and milk.

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:  Colonial Chowder, Garlic bread

  • Tuesday: Frozen entrees, roasted veggies, mashed sweet potatoes

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

  • Thursday:  Roasted brussels sprouts, riced cauliflower, bbq chicken breasts

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Hearty Veggie Soup 
  • Sunday:  Leftovers

New PinchMe Samples Drop 11/15/2022!

Abby H.

Sample Tuesday is Coming on 11/15/2022- Mark your calendars, and set an alarm on your phone!

Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.

PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.

Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.

Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.

I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is what arrived at the end of September for the September 2022 box. Fiona really dig the Delectables Squeeze up Cat Treats- It’s like a gravy Capri Sun for cats!

What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!

Deals This Week at Walgreens!

Abby H.

I love Walgreens. They have great deals and sales each week.

This week there are several deals that I think make warrant a visit. And you can order everything online and go pick it up in the store. Perfect for us busy folks.

First, you’ll need a Walgreens account. That’s easy. Go here to sign up. Then you are all ready to shop!

2/ $8 Garnier Hair Care or $4.49 each with myWalgreens, save $3/2 with a digital coupon (load to your card)
Earn $4 In-store rewards when you buy 2.

After coupons and rewards: $1 for 2! And yes, you can mix and match Shampoos and Conditioners.

These Vaseline lip balms make great stocking stuffers. Normally priced at $1.99, they are currently buy two get one free, and also have a $1.99 digital coupon! When you purchase three they will be $1.99 for all, or only $0.66 each!

And there are several varieties, so if Rosy Lips isn’t your bag, there are more to choose from.

The next few items are good deals, and I am definitely picking them up:

If you need toilet paper, this is for you.

Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, Big Rolls Big Roll187.0ea x 12 pack $5.00

$1.25 off from the Monthly Savings Book (digital coupon)

$1.00  Mfr.coupon (digital coupon)

Using both of those coupons leaves you paying $2.75 for 12 rolls of Toilet Paper!

And finally, a deal that I love, and I buy 5 of these detergents every time this sale comes along (about once a quarter). This is a great stock-up price.

This deal is good on all of the Arm & Hammer detergent varieties in this size.

What are you favorite deals from Walgreens this week?

 

 

2 Upcoming Q-Insights Studies!

Abby H.

QI-logoNOslogan.pngQ-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.

They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!

They are currently recruiting for 2 upcoming studies.

Study 1- Dental Care study

75 minutes online interview.  The study will run from Nov 21st and Dec 16th.  It will pay $125 as thank you for your time. Please note that this study has a homework assignment that pays an
additional $75 dollars. If you are interested in participating please fill out the survey
here. If you pre-qualify, someone from Q-Insights will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.

Study 2- Online Shopping
Q-Insights is currently recruiting for an In-Store Shop along that will range from 45-60 min of your time. The study will run from Dec 1st to Dec 21st and will pay $125.00 for your time.

If you are interested in participating please fill out the survey
here. If you pre-qualify, someone from Q-Insights will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.

11/11/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Happy Veterans Day to all the Veteran’s and their families. Thank you for your service. If you are looking specifically for Veteran’s Day Freebies, check my post here. 

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 Community Coffee Dark & Bold Coffee Pods at Select Stores
Free Melissa & Doug Product
Free Drinks at Panera
Free Motion Sickness Medication
Free 2023 Moorings Calendar
Free Lollipops or Taffy Candy
Free Wood Puzzle, Cinche Bag & Markers at JCPenney
Free Pool Toy
Earn $2 to $75 per Completed Survey – Ages 13+ can Apply
Free Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine
Possible Free Renovera Cooking Wash
Free Safety 1st Baby Product
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Bar at Sam’s
Free End Speciesism Protest Kit
Free Sample of Choice Organics Tea
Free Pop-up Christmas Tree Card at Michaels
Free Henri Heron Activity Book
Free Kroger Sample Box
Free Biore Daily Detox Moisturizer, Toner or Cleanser
Free $20 Off $20 Coupon at JCPenney
Veteran’s Day Freebies & Deals Round Up 2022
Free Lancome Teint Idole Care & Glow Serum Foundation Sample
Free Subscription to Elle Decor Magazine
Free #POSITIVITY Moshe Popack Sticker
Free Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste
Free Penzeys Hug Blanket
Free Sample of Covergirl Fresh Weightless Water Cream
Free Sample of LifeBoost Coffee
Free Miyoko’s Organic Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella
Free Dancing Turkey Kit at Lowe’s
Free 1/2 Cup Jar Spice of Your Choice at Penzeys
Free Ritual Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Free Member’s Mark French Roast Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free Sample of Clinique High Impact Mascara
Free Embrace Hope Pin at Penzeys
Free Slurpee for Your Birthday at 7-Eleven
Free LED Flashlight at Harbor Freight

Deals:

Cooks 12×12-Inch Skillet ONLY $19.99 After Rebate (Reg $60)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Barbie Doll Cutie Reveal ONLY $15.74 (Reg $25)
BlendJet 2 Portable Blender ONLY $22.74 (Reg $50)
Step2 All Around Canopy Wagon ONLY $99 + $25 Kohl’s Cash
Kids Uggs ONLY $67.49 (Reg. $130)
Kohl’s Men’s and Women’s Fleece ONLY $13.99 + Coupons
Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara ONLY $1.96 (Reg. $6.50)
Free Shipping Today at shopDisney Black Friday Sale
7ft King of Christmas Flocked Tree ONLY $99 (Reg $189)
Dearfoams Cozy Super Soft 7-Pc Bedding Set ONLY $44 at Walmart
Advanced Génifique Radiance Face Serum ONLY $39 (Reg. $78)
Too Faced Peach Eye Shadow Palette ONLY $24.50 (Reg. $49.99)
Mainstays Soft & Plush Cotton Bath Towel ONLY $2 at Walmart
Finish Line 40% off Select Styles

Recipe: Veggie Cheese Tortellini Soup

Abby H.

We’ve been doing a lot of meat-free nights around here lately. To be honest, meat is really expensive lately, and the kids and I don’t eat it often anyway.

I was craving soup over the weekend, so I rummaged through the cupboard and fridge and dug out some ingredients that made a super easy and filling soup.

Veggie Cheese Tortellini Soup (makes 4-6 servings)

  • 2 t. oil of your choice
  • 1 package TJ Farms Seasoning Blend (From Dollar Tree). Contains Onions, bell pepper, celery, and parsley
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced*
  • 1 cloves garlic, diced
  • 3 tomatoes*, deseeded and diced 0r 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes in juice
  • 6 cups of your favorite stock- I used veggie stock
  • 1 bag of washed spinach leaves*
  • 1 bag shelf stable cheese tortellini
  • 2 T Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. In a large stock pot, heat oil.
  2. Add bag of seasoning blend and carrots. Cook until onions are clear, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, cook over medium until fragrant.
  4. Add tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low, cover pot and simmer on low for 10-20 minutes.
  5. After soup has simmered and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add in spinach leaves and tortellini, cover, and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes. The pasta will swell as it cooks. Discard the bay leaf prior to serving.
  6. Serve topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and hot, crusty bread.

All ingredients that have an * next to them came from our Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box. I love these boxes- Farm Fresh produce is delivered to our door once a week, no traveling to the store, worrying that I am overpaying for produce, or that I am going to pick the wrong melon or corn.

If cheese tortellini isn’t your speed, here is a shelf-stable mushroom tortellini that sounds tasty! If you want another type of filled pasta, use the suggested cooking time on the package instead of the time in step 5.

This soup is even better on the second day, and freezes well!

November: 2 Dream Dinner Bundles!

Abby H.

Looking to simplify your meal planning this month? Dream Dinners has your back! This month Dream Dinners has 2 Special Bundle Deals this Month

8 Medium Meals for $199

  • Mini Chicken Pot Pies
  • Sherry Cream Chicken Over Rice
  • Cattleman’s Pie
  • Thanksgiving Burger w/ Rosemary Shoestring Fries
  • Layered Verde Chicken Enchiladas
  • Honey Pecan Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Applesauce
  • Layered Ravioli Bake
  • Chicken Paella

6 meals for $149 

  • Mini Chicken Pot Pies
  • Sherry Cream Chicken Over Rice
  • Cattleman’s Pie
  • Thanksgiving Burger w/ Rosemary Shoestring Fries
  • Layered Verde Chicken Enchiladas

This offer is not available on-line. To place your order call/text 619-460-6800 or email lamesaca@dreamdinners.com.
*This offer is only available for a limited time. Contact your store by Wednesday, November 16th at 5 pm to place your order. The bundle offer includes 1 of each entree listed. Any changes or substitutions will be subject to the current retail value of the entree.

 

 

Cents of Style Sweet Deal: Boyfriend Tees BOGO FREE Starting at ONLY $8 Each!

Abby H.

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

I love a good shirt sale, and Cents of Style has delivered. In sizes XS-3X and tons of colors, there is sure to be a style and color that you need.

I love that there are several plus size options, and most of these shirts are boxy and run a little large.

I have several of the Molly shirts, and I love the v-neck and sleeves.

This deal is great for holiday shopping or stocking up on wardrobe essentials for yourself.

Don’t forget to use coupon code BFBOGO at checkout. It makes the entire collection BUY ONE GET ONE FREE & FREE Shipping over $40!

The sale goes through 11/14/22 at midnight.

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!