Join AARP for only $9/Year (No- You Don’t Have to be a Senior!)

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

Seriously.

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.

Right now, in honor of Black Friday, Join AARP and pay just $9 per year with a 5-year membership and choose your FREE Gift: An insulated Trunk Organizer or Red and Gray Spider Splash Day Bag.

AARP provides you with a wealth of opportunities to save money, play, learn, and volunteer.

 

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$5 Black Friday Sale from Cents of Style!

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

Black Friday $5 CollectionI’m not usually a Black Friday shopping person, but this $5 sale at Cents of Style is pretty good. I love their shirts, so I checked out their sale offerings, and they got some cute shirts!

In addition to the cute graphic t-shirts, they have hoodies, accessories, tote bags, and baseball caps all for $5.00 each.

I’ve already loaded up my cart and checked out, checking off two people on my gift-giving list, and I picked up a shirt just for me!

My absolute favorite item that’s on sale for $5.00 is this super cute tote bag.

With a 13″ x 14.5″ body and  9″ Handle Drop, it’s great for all of my stuff for work- My Planner, lunch box (yes, I have one), bottle of water.

Cents of Style has limited supplies of these sale items, so get shopping! Don’t forget FREE shipping over $40! The collection is active NOW and expires on 11/30/23 at midnight.

 

It’s Soup Season! Southwestern Chowder Recipe

It’s Soup Season y’all! I recently made this soup for the first time after craving something full of veggies, but a little more comforting than a minestrone or Tuscan Sausage soup.

This soup is easy to make and is perfect with cornbread or garlic bread (which many of you know is a staple in my house). I served it with a variety of toppings as well.

Paired with a simple green salad, this is a great fall dinner.

Southwestern Chowder

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons butter or neutral oil (I like Avocado Oil)
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup peeled and diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces- I used red-skinned potatoes and left the skin on, but if you use russets or Yukon gold (basically any brown-skinned potato), peel them.
  • 1 15 oz. can of corn or 2 cups of frozen corn
  • 1 small can Ortega chilis
  • 2 cups chicken, cut up into bite-sized pieces (leftover rotisserie chicken is great for this or use leftover Turkey!)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock or Bone Broth
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • garlic powder, salt, pepper

Directions:

  1. In a large stock pot, saute onions, carrots, and celery in butter/oil over medium, until onions are translucent.
  2. Add in bay leaf, potatoes, corn, and stock/broth.
  3. Cook over medium/low, with the lid on the pot for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
  4. Add in all remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste/as needed throughout the simmering.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese crisps, tortilla strips, sour cream, chives, hot sauce (your choice)
  7. Serve with bread of your choice.

Serves 6-8.

Notes:

  • This soup freezes well, and is great for potlucks!
  • If you prefer your chowder thicc, add 1/2-3/4 cup of potato flakes to the soup and stir to combine about 5 minutes before serving.
  • This Soup is naturally gluten-free.
  • To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth, omit butter (sub in oil), use plant-based faux chicken, like this from Sweet Earth), and use plant-based milk or cream in place of evaporated milk. I’ve heard good things about Cashew Cream.

Here are a few of my favorite cheese crisps:
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Score a Free Dinner From Dream Dinners!

As you are all aware,  Dream Dinners is one of my favorite ways to save time and get tasty, healthy meals on the table in 45 minutes or less!

If you haven’t tried Dream Dinners yet, now is the perfect time! They have lowered their minimum orders to three meals, and new customers can score a free dinner. When you order 3 or more dinners, they get a free medium Cashew Chicken and Noodles with code SHARE at checkout.

There are over 70 Dream Dinners locations throughout the US, but if you don’t live close to one, fret not! There is a deal for you as well! New Guests can get free shipping on their first box of 4 medium dinners as a special offer just for you. Use this code at checkout: FREESHIP.

 

November 2023: 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 get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up available products 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:

  • Sunflower Nut Butter by Wild Friends
  • Kids’ Juice Drinks (4-Pack) by PLEZi (We tried these recently- they are really tasty)
  • Organic Mac & Cheese by Jovial Foods
  • Barley Milk by Golden Wing

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.

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.

11/19/2023 Weekly Freebies

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to 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 for outside my area as well.

It’s Freebie time! There are all sorts of cool freebies this weekend.

Free Jar of Sauz Hot Honey Arrabbiata or Summer Lemon Marinara After Rebate
Free Coffee Every Friday at Xtra Mart Convenience Stores
Free Suavitel Cuddle Sweater With Pet + Fabric Conditioner
New Free Samples from Sampler
Free Moisturizer or Serum with Vitamin C + $60 eCode
Free Bottle of Koia Protein Shake After Rebate
Free No7 Beauty & Skincare Products
Free Ocean Spray Zero Sugar Juice Drink Chatterbox Kit
Free Bestway New Year’s Hot Tub Party Pack
Free Tom Ford Oud Wood Fragrance Sample
Free 20 oz Coke or Sprite with Alltown Neighborhood Perks
Possible Free Wild Friends Sunflower Nut Butter
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
Free Simple Mills Pop Crackers
Free Cartier Fragrance Sample
Possible Free GoodWheat Pancake & Waffle Mix
Free Can of Better Booch Kombucha After Rebate
Free Sample of L’Oreal Midnight Cream
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Possible Free Halo Top Light Ice-Cream
Free Gifts of Your Choice from Sleigh
Free Open Nature Entertaining Crackers at Select Stores
Free Tiny Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies at Publix
Free AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle Fragrance Sample
Possible Free True Story Foods Kurobuta Bacon
Free Can of Doctor D’s Sparkling Probiotic Drink After Rebate
Free Watercolor Stockings Craft Event at Michaels
2 Free Trolls Band Movie Tickets for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Thanksgiving Printable Activities, Games & More
Free Flashlight, Screwdriver Set or Parts Holder at Harbor Freight

 

Fall Recipe Round-Up!

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Thanksgiving in the US is just a few days away, and for most of us, it means cooking a HUGE feast to share with family or friends.

I wanted to share with you some of my family’s favorite fall recipes- They are all pretty tasty, and easy to make. Some are great for Thanksgiving dinner, and some are just tasty fall recipes.

11/10/2023 Weekend Freebies

The 2023 Birthday Freebie post is here! Make sure to check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

It’s Freebie time! There are all sorts of cool freebies this weekend.

Veteran’s Day is this weekend, and in many other places, it is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, and a holiday to remember those soldiers who have been killed in battle.

Freebies:

Free Sample of Stem & Root Melatonin-Free Sleep Supplements
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = Free Item (I love using this along with store sales)
Free Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Free Pint of Holi Scoops Ice Cream After Rebate
Free Yankee Candle Birthday Candle
BelliWelli Probiotic Bars Free at Target
Free Bottle Natural Stacks Supplements After Rebate
Free Sample of Tanologist Face + Body Drops
Free Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
Free Against the Grain Pizza After Rebate
Free NatureMedic Fucoidan Immune Boosting Drink Mix Sample
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Hartz Chew ‘n Clean Ring Dog Toy
Free True Citrus Products
Free Can of Culture Pop After Rebate
Free Clinique 3-Step Skincare Sample Kit
Free Can of 8th Wonder Superfood Tea After Rebate
Free Sample of Gerber Grain & Grow Puffs Snacks
Free L’Oréal 12% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Serum Samples
Free Sample of LiveGood Energy & Sleep Patches
Free Sample of Stem & Root PMS Relief Supplements
Free Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir Fragrance Sample
Free Sample of Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation
Free Sample of SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
Free Pint of Eclipse Ice Cream After Rebate
Free 2024 Defend the Flock Chicken Calendar
Free Dozen Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on November 13th
Free Build Your Own LEGO Car or Train Craft Kit at JCP (NOVEMBER 11)
Free Penguin Ornament at Home Depot
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan – Free Photos with Santa, Gifts & More
Free AKC FIT DOG Magnet
5 Free Tickets to SeaQuest Aquarium with Coupon Codes
Veteran’s Day Freebies 2023 – Free Meals, Discounts, and More
Free Donut at Dunkin’ Every Wednesday
Free $15 Gift Card
Free Pet Supplies Plus Gift Card Giveaway

Fall Beauty Favorites Under $25 (& Amazon Gift Card Giveaway)

It’s fall, it’s finally not 90 degrees all day long in Southern California. I’ve been tweaking my self-care routine to incorporate everything I need to keep my body looking and feeling good. Some of these items are not 100% skincare/beauty-related, but remember that self-care is more than slapping a mask on and relaxing on the couch!

Here are some of my favorites that come in at $25 or less:

These Microfiber Facial Cloths are quick drying, wash up well (I wash mine in a large lingerie bag), and you get 12 for a little over a dollar a piece!

These Stella and Grace undereye patches are just one of my go-to eye patches. They are a cooling gel that infuses the under-eye area. Did you know that our undereye area has no oil glands? After you’ve enjoyed an eye mask, make sure to keep that area hydrated with an eye cream. I’m digging Global Beauty Care Smooth & Lift Collagen Eye Cream with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and squalane. You can buy it on Amazon, but I recently found it at Dollar Tree of all places (Shout out to Dollar Tree for having some pretty decent skincare lately- remember to read the ingredients and know what active ingredients you are looking for!).

If you are like me and take meds twice a day and HATE refilling the stupid little containers every week, here is my savior… A 28 day pill organizer that has a day and a night area for each day.

28 days is perfect- That way it reminds you to check with the pharmacy or your doctor to get another refill.

As the weather gets colder, our poor feet need love too. I’m all about compression socks to keep the fluid retention down. I also love doing Legs up the Wall in the evening to help with circulation. Slather some of O’Keefe’s Foot Cream, pull on a pair of compression socks and chill with my legs up the wall for 20 minutes.  I have chonky claves, so I need the wide calf socks, but Levsox sells compression socks for all-sized calves in tons of cute patterns.

My absolute favorite bubble bath and bath salts are from Dr. Teals. They have melatonin, lavender, and chamomile. Target frequently has these on sale or as part of a beauty gift card deal. Even the kids like it!

If you are looking for something to help with your sleep routine, I use ASUTRA Magnesium Body Butter Lotion Lavender Scent. It contains Shea Butter and Almond Oil, and the magnesium can help calm your body for rest. It really helped Bitty Bird when she was having problems turning her brain off to sleep.

And finally, I’ve really gotten into Gua Sha facial massage over the past few months. It’s really helped with the dark circles under my eyes, and increased the blood flow to my face (but honestly all massage does this). I have a tool like this one (I bought mine at Dollar Tree), and I use this Glide Oil, but you can use any serum or facial cream. Tina Enego has some great videos and follow alongs on You Tube.

I’d love to hear about your favorite fall self-care. Drop a comment and be entered to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. I’ll choose a winner on 11/20/2023 and notify you via email. The gift card will be delivered via email. 

Upcoming changes to IKEA Family benefits

If you are like me, you’ve been a member of the IKEA Family benefits program since its inception.

I received an email from them the other day and I had to share it since it’s a pretty big change:

Thank you for being a loyal IKEA Family member. We have an important update to your IKEA Family benefits. Effective 2/1/24, IKEA Family members will no longer receive 5% off in-store on all furniture and décor. All currently enrolled and new members can enjoy this benefit through January 31, 2024.

Stay tuned for new ways to save throughout the year with offers and perks as an IKEA Family member.

In the meantime, continue to use IKEA Family benefits like free coffee and tea in our Swedish Restaurant (every day!), 90-day price protection, previews of store events, exclusive access to IKEA Family member discounts, and more.

We aren’t huge Ikea shoppers, but the discount was nice. Will this change to their IKEA Familiy benefits program change your shopping habits?