Author: Abby H.

7/22-7/23 OOLY Warehouse Sale in Carlsbad, CA!

Abby H.

This sale has been on my calendar for weeks and I has to share it.

I love Ooly. Never heard of them? Ooly, the whimsical and colorful arts, crafts, and school supply brand, will host its annual warehouse sale at OOLY Headquarters in Carlsbad July 22-23, 2022.

The woman-owned, San Diego-based company, will invite the community to its headquarters to take advantage of deeply discounted products ahead of the back-to-school season. With a portion of the profits benefiting ArtReach and Casa de Amparo charities, the annual event will also feature a craft activity area complete with OOLY favorites for visitors to enjoy. 

Where: OOLY Headquarters 5607 Palmer Way Carlsbad, CA 92010

When: Friday, July 22 from 12:00pm-6:00pm & Saturday, July 23 from 9:00am-3:00pm

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the following local charities. Both will be in attendance to highlight their work in the San Diego community.

ArtReach With a commitment to bringing art alive for children and classrooms, ArtReach empowers children with creative play and uniqueness. www.artreachsandiego.org

Casa de Amparo  supports those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect, through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships. www.casadeamparo.org

ABOUT OOLY: OOLY is a whimsical and colorful arts, crafts, and school supply brand inclusive of an array of expressive and creative items for kids, adults, and everyone in between. Known for fun and trend-forward products, OOLY sparks imagination and inspires self-expression, inviting you to CREATE YOUR HAPPY. OOLY is a woman-owned, San Diego-based company that launched in 2005. For more information, visit ooly.com.

7/11/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgSummer break is here! We’ve got all sorts of adventures planned, you can check out some of our adventures here.

Summer school started, and I’m back on campus helping teachers and kiddos for the next two weeks. Then the big kid is going to equestrian camp for a week- he’s stoked.

This weekend we delved deep into our summer to-do list. I cleaned the garage, and pictures were posted on Instagram.  We also washed, dried, and put away ALL of the laundry, it was an insane undertaking.

The kids and I went to Costco late last week for our quarterly stock-up trip- Trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, and of course we got a rotisserie chicken. It’s featured a bit in this week’s meal planning.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

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. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

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. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time. The kids get free lunch at summer school too!

Dinner: We finished our last Dream Dinner last week! I’ll be ordering more next month once the new menu comes out. I’m trying to get us to eat together as a family more often and get the kids into eating more fruits and veg, so you’ll notice that our meals are pretty simple this week.

  • Monday: Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: Beef kebabs (from Costco), rice, salad, pita bread

  • Wednesday: Chicken broccoli casserole 

  • Thursday: homemade chicken soup, grilled cheese

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Breakfast for dinner, I’m hoping for waffles or omlettes.

Saving this summer with Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

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

Y’all know I love Dollar tree for crafts, party planning, and even stocking up on snacks. 

Recently, I made this cute Welcome sign for our front door with Dollar Tree Supplies.

But did you know you can order online from Dollar Tree? It’s perfect for parties or weddings! Cases of craft supplies, wedding decor, or even your kiddos’ favorite snacks. 

$5.99 Flat Rate Shipping is back for a limited time! From Sunday, July 10th through Saturday, July 16th, Dollar Tree is offering $5.99 Flat Rate Shipping with exclusive code: SAVENOW.

If you are looking for some inspiration from Dollar Tree, check out their website here!

7/14/2022 Kung Fu Panda Day at the San Diego Zoo!

Abby H.

To Celebrate the new Kung Fu Panda Series coming to Netflix, head on down to check out the fun at the San Diego Zoo on July 14, 2022.

Celebrate with:

  • face painting
  • photo booth
  • giveaways and more!

And once you get home from the fun, check out the new series on Netflix, launching the same day!

Kung Fu Panda: Dragon Knight

SYNOPSIS: Jack Black returns to KUNG FU PANDA in the new series KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT. When a mysterious pair of weasels set their sights on a collection of four powerful weapons, Po must leave his home to embark on a globe-trotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English knight named Wandering Blade. Together, these two mismatched warriors set out on an epic adventure to find the magical weapons first and save the world from destruction — and they may even learn a thing or two from each other along the way.

Notable Voice Cast:  Jack Black as Po, Rita Ora as Wandering Blade, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Chris Geere as Klaus Dumont, Della Saba as Veruca Dumont, Rahnuma Panthaky as Rukhmini, Ed Weeks as Colin and Amy Hill as Pei Pei

Executive Producer: Peter Hastings (Captain Underpants TV; Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness) and Shaunt Nigoghossian (Blood of Zeus)

Co-Executive Producers: Chris Amick and Ben Mekler (Kipo)

Animation Studio: DreamWorks Animation

Based on: The popular Kung Fu Panda Film Series

Q-Insights Online Focus Group pays $150

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!

Q-Insights is currently recruiting for an online focus group on the topic of consumer products.  Interviews are 2 hours and are held during the week of August 1.  Compensation for completing the interview is a $150 gift card redeemable from Visa, Amazon, or 93 other retailers.

If you are interested in participating in any upcoming market research studies pertaining to these products, please fill out the survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.

Stay healthy This Summer and Save $5 with Mucinex!

Abby H.

Feeling stuffy? Illness comes all year round, and if you are feeling cruddy remember to give yourself time to heal. 

Here are my tips for recovering from the summer cold:

  • Hydrate! Push water, electrolyte drinks (I like this one LINK), teas, and even 100% fruit/veggie juice. 
  • Wash your paws. Especially if you will be in shared spaces. Use hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to running water and soap. 
  • Stay home! Or if you can’t, mask up! Protect others from your germs by covering your nose and mouth with a mask. We all probably still have masks at home. 
  • Rest! Don’t push yourself to work, exercise, or complete chores. Take care of your body with naps, and go to bed early. No Doomscrolling on social media. 
  • Get your 5 a day! Remember fruits and veggies while you are sick. Whole produce is best because it contains fiber as well as other nutrients, but in a pinch, 100% fruit or veggie juice will suffice. 

And if you need some OTC meds to get you through it, check out this offer from Mucinex!

Join Mucus Fighters+ and get an exclusive $5 off Mucinex® coupon today, plus other kick-sick offers and tips.

7/8/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

We spent time at the pool this week and eating popsicles. If you are looking for some frugal adventures for this summer, check out this post.

There are so many awesome freebies and deals this week, and thankfully the weather is set to cool down through the weekend and into next week!

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = Free Item
Free Sample of Garnier Miracle Nectar Leave-In Treatment
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
Free Sample of Xyzal Allergy 24H
Free Sun-Maid Recipe Booklets
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Orijen & ACANA Single Protein Dog Food
Free Item of Your Choice at Micro Center
Free Magical Herbal Soap Sample
Free Sample of Carol’s Daughter Shampoo & Conditioner
Free VTech Tag You’re It Party Kit
Free $10 ThredUP Credit = Free Womens & Children Items
Free Beaded Glass Jars Craft Event
Free Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels Samples
Free Dippin’ Dots on July 17
Free Sample of Sorion Herbal Cream
Free Access to MyHeritage Ancestry Tools for 2 Weeks
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Sam’s
Free Biosteel Sports Drink at QuikTrip
Free Gain Fireworks Scent Boosters at Select Stores
Prime Members Score GrubHub+ FREE for a Year ($119.88 Value)
Free Perricone MD Acne Relief Treatment
Free Sample of CLIF Kid ZBar
Free $10 Every Friday with Samuel Adams
Free Goody Bag at buybuy BABY Stores
Free Amazon Smart Thermostat After Rebate
Free Nutpods French Vanilla Almond + Coconut Creamer at Walmart
Free Daily Crunch Sprouted Nut Medley
Free I Heart Equality Sticker
Free Sub at Jersey Mikes
Free Freestyle Snacks Natural Greek Olive Snacks
Free PRIDEFUL Bath & Body Bundle
Free Body Lotion
Free Gatsby Chocolate Bar
Free Cirque du Soleil 60 Minute Specials
Free Killing Floor 2 PC Game
FREE 12 Easy Weeknight Dinners eCookbook
Free Geneforge 1: Mutagen PC Game
Free Ancient Enemy PC Game

Deals:

Marble 15 pc Makeup Brush Set ONLY $8.49 (Reg. $17.99)
Women’s Notch Collar and Pants Sleep Set ONLY $9.99 (Reg $20)
40% OFF Select Faux Greenery at Target
Amazon Prime Day 2022 Deals & Freebies
Michael Kors Bedford Leather Pocket Tote ONLY $99 (Reg $198)
Free So Delicious Ice Cream at Select Retailers
Morphe 18A Blue Ya Away Palette ONLY $5.40 (Reg $20)
Kate Spade Spencer Kisses Crossbody ONLY $75.60 (Reg $168)
Traveler’s Club Kids 5-Piece Luggage Set ONLY $69.99 (Reg $180)
Today ONLY: $8 Kids and Toddler Jeans at Old Navy
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Bella Pro Series 4.2-qt Analog Air Fryer ONLY $24.99 (Reg $60)
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner Spray ONLY $2.34 (Reg $7)

AO Opinions: Upcoming PTSD Project $75

Abby H.

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study on the subject of PTSD.

To be considered for this study, complete the pre-screener here.

Not everyone who completes the pre-screener will qualify.

  • Compensation: $75 (if chosen)
  • Open to: PTSD Sufferers
  • Week of July 11th 2022 – 10:00AM-4:00PM ET (60-mins)

Frugal Fun at the Zoo!

Abby H.

We are big zoo go-er’s and have been for decades! We’re always looking to live on the frugal side, and for us having zoo memberships is a great way to support our local zoological society, their conservation efforts, and see the cool animals whenever we want.

Here are a few ways to save money and get the most out of your visit when you visit the San Diego Zoo:

  • If you plan on visiting more than twice in 12 months, consider getting a membership. Memberships for aduts start at just $95/year, whereas a 1 day ticket is $69.00. Membership has it’s perks including discounts on concessions and merch.
  • Don’t forget your snacks and water bottles! There are tons of water fountains to refill your bottles throughout the day. And if you have a refillable Zoo cup, you can get unlimited refills of fountain beverages each day for $5 per day. We have a zoo cup, but usually we just stick to our water bottles. We also bring our Snack backpack with us, stocked and ready to go!
  • Take advantage of all of the perks of buying a ticket or pass. Animal Encounters, Skyfari, free shows, the bus tour, the Kangaroo bus, all of these and so many other cool things come free with your ticket/pass.
  • Seasonal Events. There are a lot of cool events that happen throughout the year- Night time zoo happens all summer, there are fall/halloween/harvest events, and Junglebells in the winter. And these are all included with your ticket/pass.

And with the new Children’s Zoo area, there is a fun water feature for kids to play in- so if you anticipate your kiddos wanting to play, bring extra clothes and/or a towel.

The San Diego Zoo is an awesome zoo full of animals and plants of all kinds! It is definately a must visit for Southern California.

Talk Back- How do you and your family enjoy your favorite places on a budget?

$20 Bonus for Trade-in + More at Gazelle!

Abby H.

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

Now through Monday 7/18, the Trade-in store is offering a $20 Bonus on all products valued at a minimum of $200!

Additionally starting today, Gazelle is offering the opportunity to save 10% on all AT&T phones with code SAVE10ATT!

You can sell your unwanted smartphones and laptops to Gazelle to earn money! I’ve sold a couple of our old phones and iPads to Gazelle. It’s a great way to earn some cash and keep electronics out of the landfill.