Pineapple Strawberry Dole Whip Copycat Recipe!

Behold- Breakfast!

Thanks to Orgain for sending me a full-size container of their Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder in the Vanilla Bean flavor to facilitate this review!

I’m always on the lookout for new protein shakes, especially with our new early morning schedule to get the big kid to the bus stop in time. He’s been having a protein shake for breakfast for some time now, and I love mixing it up with new shake flavors.

Orgain uses plant-based protein: organic peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, to provide a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.  While we are not vegetarians, I do appreciate that there are brands that use various sources of protein.

For this breakfast, I used a recipe I saw on social media as a base, but made a couple of additions to make it more delicious and filling.

strawberries not shown in pic.

Pineapple Strawberry Dole Whip Copycat

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1/3 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup frozen strawberries (I used strawberries from my CSA box)
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • Splash of milk (a little bit less than an ounce)- You may need to add a bit more, depending on how thicc your shake is and your blender’s capabilities
  • 2 handfuls of ice cubes

Directions:

  1. In a blender or blender cup, add all ingredients.
  2. Blend until the mixture is thick and uniform in consistency (a little more liquid may be needed).
  3. Serve in a bowl or a cup. I put ours in blender bottles with boba straws so we could enjoy them on the go.

To make this vegan, swap yogurt and milk with your favorite vegan options. 

This was so filling and packed with protein! You can’t taste the greens at all! The best part is that it has over 20 grams of protein- that’s 1/3 of your needed protein intake for the day! Plus 2 servings of fruit- a perfect way to start your day!

If you want to try Organic Protein™ & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder or any of their other offerings, you can visit their website here and use the coupon code ABBYH15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

 

Merryfield- The app that rewards you for healthy eating!

Have you heard of Merryfield? It’s a cashback app that partners with healthy food brands (the complete list can be found here) to offer you cashback when you make purchases.

What I like about Merryfield is that it is not store-specific in most cases, but it does have a few store-specific deals.

The app also offers to automatically connect and scan your receipts from retailers, including Amazon, Instacart, Target, Walmart, Sprouts, Kroger, and Albertsons.

You can select specific offers to earn specific point values. See the picture with a few of the deals.

My favorite is that you can select from the list of brands here, make purchases, and receive points or cashback.

Points and cashback can be redeemed in the app for gift cards. Currently, there are 23 gift cards to choose from. Redemptions start at $5 (5000 points).

Here are just a few examples of the brands that Merryfield has partnered with and the value of their redemptions:

  • Alaffia 1 point per $1
  • Alice Mushrooms 5% cash back
  • Allagash 5% cash back
  • Amy’s Kitchen 1 point per $1
  • Applegate 5% cash back
  • Artisan Tropic 5% cash back
  • Athletic Brewing 1 point per $1
  • Barilla 5% cash back
  • Califia Farms 2.5% cash back
  • Canyon Bakehouse 1 point per $1
  • Caulipower 5% cash back
  • Cerebelly 1 point per $1
  • CLEAN Cause 5% cash back
  • Cleveland Kitchen 5% cash back

With over 80 brands partnering with Merryfield, there are sure to be brands that you regularly buy!

And as far as I know, you can combine offers on Merryfield with other apps and cash back rebates (such as  WeStockPeekageSocial Nature, and Aisle) to maximize your savings.

To get started, search for Merryfield wherever you get apps. There is no referral code needed!

8/15/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

It’s my last weekend before I head back to work, and the smaller kid heads back to school.

This week has been full of adjustments, including getting up at 5:45 each morning to get my big kid ready for high school.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:
FREE Sample of Kombat Klean Laundry Detergent
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Trust
FREE Sample of Zarbee’s Kids Triple Action Hydration Electrolyte Drink
FREE Valspar Paint or Stain Sample at Lowe’s
FREE Gillette Men’s Razor at CVS
FREE Pet Station Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
FREE Lancome La vie est belle Vanille Nude Fragrance Sample
FREE 20 oz. Starry or Starry Zero Sugar If It Hits 100°
FREE VCF Sample
FREE 16 oz. Monster Ultra at Pilot Flying J
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE Kerasal Nail and Foot Care Products
FREE Football Tic-Tac-Toe Board Craft Kit at JCPenney
FREE Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
FREE Brita Large Water Pitcher at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Café Tango Frozen Coffee Every Tuesday in August
FREE Jean Paul Gaultier Divine Elixir Fragrance Sample
FREE Gift from Target & ULTA Beauty – Fenty Beauty, Origins, BONDI BOOST or Divi
FREE Food & Beverage Products from the Nestle GoodNes Community
FREE 8-Pack of Post-It Notes at Staples
FREE Kraft Classic Ranch Dressing Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme on August 23rd
FREE Welch’s Juicefuls Fusions ReFUNd with Ripple Street
FREE $25 Purchase at Staples After Cash Back
FREE Movie Ticket to Eden
FREE Pumpkin Spice Latte Pup Cups at Petco on August 26th
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens – Last Day
FREE LYSOL Brand New Day Lavender & Cotton Blossom Disinfecting Wipes ReFUNd with Ripple Street
Chipotle IQ Test – Over $1 Million in FREE Chipotle
10 Ways to Save Big on Pet Food Delivery Services + Get Free Shipping
FREE Hartz Nature’s Shield Flea & Tick Cat Spray
FREE 4-Pack of OLIPOP Pineapple Paradise – 1st 500 at 3pm est Each Day
FREE 4-Pack of ProGo Protein & Energy Bars
FREE Hartz Delectables Kitten Treats
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Headband, Wallet & Finishers Medal

 

Deals:

23 Zara Fragrance Dupes that Smell Just Like Designer Perfumes
Cooks 30-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $50 (Reg $180)
Women’s Tees From $7.99 at Kohl’s
Two Days ONLY: 50% Off Women’s Sweatshirts at Old Navy
Save 20% on Walgreens Senior Day Each Month
Macy’s Jewelry up to 70% Off
JCPenney Scented Jar Candles ONLY $10 (Reg $26)
Step Into and Step Out In These Golden Goose Dupes
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
Papa Murphy’s Pizza Coupons and Promo Codes: 30% Off, $5 Off & More!
Up to 30% Off Select Shoes at Target
How to Save $100s with NEW brandSAVER Coupons Right From Your Phone
The Children’s Place: Up to 50% Off Entire Site + Extra 20% Off w/ Coupon
Kate Spade Madison Phone Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $199)
One Day Sale – Up to 60% Off Sitewide at Macy’s – Prices as Low as $4
Mainstays Albany Lane 6-Piece Outdoor Patio Dining Set ONLY $64 (Reg $109)
Dorm Move-In Essentials: 5 Must-Have Finds at Bed Bath & Beyond

SDG&E Customers: Get up to $4,000 towards a pre-owned EV

Interested in an electric car? SDG&E has an awesome program.

Driving electric just got more affordable with SDG&E®’s Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program that rewards customers with rebates of up to $4,000 when you buy or lease a used EV.

Have you already made the move to driving electric? Vehicles purchased within the last 180 days qualify for the program.

Don’t miss out on your chance to save on driving costs while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. Bonus tip: You may also qualify for a federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $4,000, which ends on September 30, 2025.* Now’s a great time to go electric!

*Eligibility requirements apply; see the program conditions for details.

Learn more on the SDG&E website here. 

Fetch Rewards: 4000 Points for Every Referral through Tonight!

Woo Hoo! Fetch Rewards is hooking us up with points out the wazoo! Earn an extra 4,000 points when you invite a friend to Fetch and they snap a receipt. Head to the app and share your referral code now through 08/10/2025.

I cash out my Fetch Rewards points for gift cards that help me stretch my budget- grocery stores, Amazon, even Bath and Body Works!

Signing up is quick and easy if you aren’t already using Fetch Rewards! You learn more when you check out my post here. Find the Fetch Rewards app in your app store, and when you download it and scan any receipt, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points. I scan all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it) and take advantage of extra point offers- the points really rack up!

Fine Print: In order for you to qualify for the increased referral bonus, your friends must enter your referral code and complete a valid receipt now through 11:59 PM CDT on 08/10/2025. After 11:59 PM CDT on 08/10/2025 the referral bonus will expire.

Your custom referral code can be found in the app under My Account.

Inexpensive Accessories for Back-to-School!

My youngest is a fashionista, and the current obsession is jewelry, specifically bracelets. While we usually make them together, sometimes it’s just easier to have a few on my “order later” list on Amazon and slip a few into the cart.

Here are some of the accessories that I’ve picked up for this year’s back-to-school.

Ornaland Heishi Stretch Bracelets for Women Surfer Stackable Stretch Bracelets 

This is my favorite stack- Right now it’s less than $5.00 for a stack of $8!

If you like wearing the Nazar (evil eye), this next stack is right up your alley.

 

It’s less than $5 for 14 bracelets- that’s a bargain.

 SUPERFINDINGS 14Pcs Heishi Stretch Bracelet Colorful Evil Eye Polymer Clay Stackable Charm Y2K Summer Bracelets

These multi-stack bracelet sets don’t have to be worn together.

We’ve got a bracelet display rack similar to this one, which is perfect for storing bracelets without getting them tangled up.

I also like to pick up bracelet sets for holidays. These are great in a pinch for spirit days, such as:

 

August and September 2025 Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity.

While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.

August:

8/9/25 11AM-12PM Decorate a back-to-school pencil pouch. The craft includes a pencil pouch with a zipper pull, markers, and a sticker sheet.

September:

9/13/25 11AM-12PM Make a wooden tic-tac-toe board. The Craft includes a wooden board and pieces with markers.

 

8/1/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Back-to-School is upon us! We’ve got 2 weeks, but that means 2 weeks of shenanigans between all the school prep.

Here are a few ways that we will be having fun and being frugal:

  • The Summer Library Reading Program post can be found here.
  • Fun Free Summer Activities for Tweens and Teens here.
  • The Summer Movie Deals can be found here.
  • Don’t forget about Cheap Stuff to do with Tweens and Teens here.
  • Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025- More info here.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE $35 Purchase at Nike After Cash Back
FREE Up & Up Writing Item, $5 Off HeyDay or $5 Off Brightroom Storage for Target Circle 360 Members
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday in May thru August
FREE SPAM Norimaki Roll or SPAM Musubi at Kroger
FREE Chocolate Chunk Cookie at Insomnia Cookies
Teachers – Possible FREE Pets in the Classroom Grant
FREE $15 to Spend on Books at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Passport to Italy Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Cheesecake On a Stick at White Castle
FREE Sample of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay 2-in-1 Daily Cleanser
FREE Eau Thermale Jonzac Skincare Sample + FREE Shipping
FREE Café Tango Frozen Coffee Every Tuesday in August
2 FREE 5×7 Photo Prints at Walgreens (App Only)
FREE Full-Size Wuffes Daily Probiotic for Dogs – $39 Value
FREE BtNPN Deep Relief Patches
FREE Patches, Charms & More at Target on August 2nd & 3rd
FREE Sample of Vetality Brush-Free Daily Dental Chews for Dogs

 

Deals

Target has School Backpacks From $5
5-Piece Character Backpacks ONLY $17.99 at JCPenney
Backpacks From $5 at Walmart
Victoria’s Secret Panties 7 For $35
Yankee Candles Buy 2 Get 2 Free: 3-Wick & Large Candles
Save Big on Your Next Move with USPS Mover Coupons
Great Clips Coupons: Get Your Next Haircut for Less with Great Clips Coupons and Promo Codes
Famous Footwear Promo Codes & Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Shoes From Nike, Crocs and More!

August 2025: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 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 usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, 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:

  • Meatless Breakfast Patties by Nature’s Fynd
  • Gluten-Free Pasta by GOODLES
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • PURE Coconut Water by ZICO
  • Deluxe Mac & Cheese by GOODLES
  • Mental Performance Shots by Magic Mind
  • Organic Kombucha by Humm Kombucha
  • Italian Protein Pasta by BRAMI
  • Gluten-Free Cookies by Schär

Back to School Shopping at Kohl’s!

I love shopping at Kohl’s. They have great deals on clothes and home goods.

Between their coupons and sales, their prices are comparable to JCP, and I find that most Kohl’s locations have a better shoe selection than JCP.

My tips for saving at Kohl’s:

  1. If you are a Kohl’s Rewards Member, log on to your account and check your wallet for any coupons before shopping.
  2. Kohl’s has a decent clearance section in-store and online. Usually, their clearance is included in coupons and sales.
  3. One thing I really like about Kohl’s is their buy online, ship to store feature. I also like their buy online, pick up in store.
  4. Most Kohl’s have Sephora locations in the middle of their stores. You can use your Sephora coupons and birthday freebie offers in those locations.
  5. Kohl’s has an incredible toy selection, and their coupons and Kohl’s Cash can be used on toys (restrictions apply, of course), and the Kohl’s Cash I earn with back-to-school shopping can help me offset the cost of holiday gifts/toys.