family

California Residents: Free Behavioral Health Coaching for Kids 0-12

Abby H.

Brightlife is a great, free resource for California families. They offer free behavior coaching for parents of children ages 0-12 years.

Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.

Brightlife Kids is fully paid for by the State of California. Together, we are working to ensure all California families can find the behavioral health support they need when they need it. You qualify if you have a California zip code and a child ages 0–12.

Check out their website for more information and to see if Brightlife is a good fit for your family.

AARP: Awesome Discounts!

Abby H.

Did you know you don’t have to be a senior citizen to join AARP?

Seriously. I’m 45 and I’ve been a member for 2 years.

Did you know that with an AARP membership, you can score discounts and deals on travel, car buying services, and even a lower price on your cell phone contract?

Perhaps my favorite deal is saving money at Denny’s. The cost of membership pays for itself when I take the kids to Denny’s twice in one year.

AARP provides many opportunities to save money, play, learn, and volunteer. And right now when you join here, you get a free gift. Your Choice-pick your FREE gift – Insulated Trunk Organizer or 6-Port Power and USB Charging Donut.

 

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

8/5/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week I’m starting the back to school prep. Littlest Kiddo’s Bestie is visiting for a few more days, and I’m trying to cram in as much summer fun as I can, while staying on budget.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, 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. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found here. 

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: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Snack Trays and smoothies
  • Monday: Bean, Rice, and cheese burritos

  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad and smoothies

  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, fruit, toast)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Free Fun at JCPenney’s Kid Zone (8/10/2024 & 9/14/2024)

Abby H.1 Comment

Y’all know I love JCP. They have great sales, an incredible loyalty program, and the Kids Zone!

The Kids Zone is an in-store program where kids can make and take a free craft in-store once a month.

Parents receive a 10% off in-store coupon. The best part is that the 10% off coupon can be stacked with other JCP coupons.

August’s craft is a cute pencil pouch and notebook!

Find your closest JCP location here.

And if you are a teacher, JCP is offering a 35% off coupon. You can learn more and sign up here. 

 

Free Backpack Giveaway- 8/3/2024

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s back for 2024!

This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.

A  backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 3, 2024 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!

7/28/2024: Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI am trying hard to keep my grocery budget at $100 weekly for the foreseeable future. It’s super rough, but I’ll be cooking from scratch, and reaching into the freezer and pantry to use up what we’ve got and keep our out-of-pocket for groceries down.

I picked up a a few drinks and some smoothie ingredients courtesy of Aisle, and it’s been fun trying new beverages with my lunches.

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. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found here. 

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: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Quesadillas, rice, fruit
  • Monday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Tamales,  beans & rice

  • Thursday: Turkey Sandwiches, chips, fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

7/26/2024 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week was a lot- Half Price games at Dave & Buster’s on Wednesday, Playing with friends at the park, swimming, and of course, trying to stay cool while we have some hot (and moist) summer weather.

If you are looking for stuff to do this summer, check out my 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many 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.

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

This week the freebies are a bit light, but with school starting soon, I think the freebies will start ramping up.

Freebies:

Free Cinnamon Sugar or Original Pretzel at Auntie Anne’s – Today
Free Burger Every Friday at Burger King
Free Pulled Pork Sandwich Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Today Only
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens – Last Day
Free Sample of Beggin Dog Treats, EverRoot Soft Chews, Fancy Feast Broths & NEW Purina ONE Wet Food Coupon
Free Sample of Avatara Kombucha The Wake-Up Call Eye Cream
Free Donut Every Tuesday & Free Iced Coffee Every Friday in July at Krispy Kreme
Free Sample of Organifi Green Juice 15
Free Air-Dry Clay Rings Craft Event at Michaels
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Can of Doctor D’s Sparkling Probiotic Drink After Coupon Rebate
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Score a Subscription to Real Simple Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s

Deals:

Free Axe Body Wash
Up to 60% Off Outdoor Furniture + Free Shipping
Kate Spade Kristi Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $249)
Wet n Wild Makeup & Brushes as low as $0.60 Shipped on Amazon
Target Kid Boots as low as $14
Style & Co Women’s Boots as low as $9.93 at Macy’s
Melissa and Doug Toys up to 70% Off
Flash Sale: 60% Off Swimwear for the Family
Wayfair: Up to 80% Off Area Rugs + Free Shipping
Arm and Hammer Detergent Buy 1 Get 2 Free
Doorbusters Sale at JCPenney: Save up to 60% Off Select Styles

It’s Dinner Time: Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

This week;s dinner are going to slap. I think that’s what the kids say.

I picked up a bunch of free drinks courtesy of Aisle, and it’s been fun trying new beverages with my lunches.

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: I’m back in the kitchen again and the CSA boxes are coming weekly. I’ve got all kinds of plans for batch-cooking soups and stews over the coming weeks.

  • Sunday:  Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit
  • Monday: Breakfast for dinner: eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, apples slices

  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner

  • Wednesday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Thursday: Ravioli with red sauce and salad or fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Natural Disasters: What to do in the Aftermath

Abby H.

For information about how to prepare for evacuating in an emergency, check out my post here. It is specifically aimed at Southern California natural disasters (wildfires being chief among them), but the information is pretty solid for anyone having to leave home in an emergency situation.

After the disaster, there is so much to do. It is extremely overwhelming.

 Use your Insurance coverage: Renters, homeowners, condo unit owners depending on your living situation. There are coverages for personal property and loss of use (pays for food and housing when your home is uninhabitable, up to a dollar amount specified in your insurance policy). These may be subject to your deductible.

Paying the Bills: Contact your creditors and let them know you have been affected by a natural disaster. Many times they can defer your payments.

Power: Contact your Gas and electric utility provider for information on payment assistance programs.

There are a lot of government entities that can assist you:

The IRS can also help with disaster assistance/ emergency relief. This website has more information. 

Feeding your family: SNAP benefits (food stamps) may be available to you after natural disasters.

Homeowners, business owners, and even renters may qualify for a Small Business Administration loan after a disaster. These loans have low interest rates. More info can be found at SBA.gov.

Per the FEMA website for those in immediate need after an emergency: Check with your local emergency management officials, and voluntary agencies or call your local 2-1-1. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

If there is a natural disaster and you want to help from afar, contact your local blood bank to donate. Blood is in short supply after most natural disasters and it’s a great way to help if you can’t afford to donate time or money. 

Donations of used household goods are frequently not helpful. Getting trucks full of used goods into disaster zones can be hard. Local nonprofits and agencies local to the disaster zones have access to low-cost goods directly from distributors.

 

Piquant Post- Deals on Spices!

Abby H.

This is a new website to me, but I looked it over, placed an order, and decided to share. Have y’all heard of Piquant Post? It’s a spice website that sells individual spices, herbs, and blends, but it also offers subscriptions. Go month by month, 6 months at a time, or annually. Each month you’ll receive a package.

Piquant Posts has in-house chefs who curate the selection of spice blends and develop recipes around a new theme each month. In addition, 4 printed recipe cards to use the spice blends each month (1 for each blend).

And don’t worry about repeats: They currently have enough spices in their catalog to never repeat spice blends for 21 consecutive months.

I have a lot of cooks in my life and this subscription is going to make a great gift for a few of them!

But if you are looking for a single spice or herb to refresh your spice rack, or want to try something new, check out all of their offerings here.