family

May 2022: New Month, New Coupons!

Abby H.

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

The printable coupon market is slowly coming to an end. Smartsource no longer offers printable coupons, and you may notice that there are fewer coupon inserts in your Sunday newspaper. This is in favor of more offers available on apps. But if you love printable coupons….

  • Coupons.com (printable coupons, e-coupons, and a cashback app)

One of my favorite websites is the Sunday Coupon Review.  It helps me plot out scenarios in advance and I can email friends to ask for coupons in advance. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks! New offers are added on the Smartphone Savings Apps all the time!

May is the start of picnic season. Barbeque food, Hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, and condiments will all be on sale throughout the summer and will be until September. Some of the sale items include:

    • Auto Maintenance (tires, oil changes, tune-ups)
    • Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates for WYB beer or soda)
    • Bug repellents – Sprays and Candles

For a complete list of types of foods and items that will be on sale, check out this post on the cycle of sales.

Here are a few of my favorite new coupons:

Save $2.00 on ONE (1) Sonoma Gourmet Item (The Kale Pesto Sauce is great)
Save $0.75 on any ONE (1) Barilla® Chickpea or Red Lentil Pasta
Save $6.00 on any ONE (1) Culturelle® product
Save $0.50 on any ONE (1) pack of Energizer® Batteries up to 20 count
Save $2.00 on any (1) BENGAY® product (excludes trial & travel sizes). BenGay is life around here lately with my tendonitis.
Save $1.50 on ONE (1) 10 lb or larger package of TIDY CATS® Cat Clumping Litter (excluding LightWeight)

2022 Summer Reading Programs

Abby H.

Summer is just around the corner. And you know what that means- keeping kids occupied so we don’t have to hear choruses of, “I’M BORED!” And how do we do that?

Around these parts, both kids go to summer school, but we also take advantage of free and low-cost summer programs. One of my favorites is the Summer Reading Programs that are sponsored by both the City of San Diego Library system, but also the County of San Diego Library system.

The City of San Diego Summer Reading Program starts June 1st. You can find out more details here.

The County of Sa Diego Library system has not yet released their Summer Reading Program at the time of this post, but their website should be updated with information closer to June 1st, the usual start date.

If you want your family to experience a multi-cultural world through reading, I  recommend PJ Library.  PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.

My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.

Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish.

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program starting July 1st. More info here.

Dolly Parton has established the Imagination library, it is available in select regions (sadly not available in San Diego California), and those who live in areas that are participating can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.

Book It has a summer program called Camp Book it, where kids can read, and earn free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut! Book It is the FAVORITE reading program in my house.

And if you haven’t done it yet, don’t forget to sign your kids up for the 2022-2023 school year Book It program. Teachers can sign their classes up too!

 

Talk Back: If you know of any other reading programs in the San Diego/Southern California area, please leave a comment!

5/2/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI started this post yesterday but forgot to hit the Publish button.

This morning I chopped and prepped fruits and veggies. I’m roasting veggies, making a fruit salad, and making a big ol’ green salad. These will be part of our meal plan for the week.

Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $28. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

I will need to pick up milk this week, but other than that, we’ve got everything we need for this week, grocery-wise.

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.  The big kid still brings lunch from home.

Dinner: We’re working our way through our monthly Dream Dinners order, and I am making two this week. We’ve got our usual Monday Nuggets and Friday Pizza planned, but other than that I’m cooking a lot this week!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Carne Asada Taco Salad, Beans, Rice, and quesadillas (for the kids)
  • Wednesday: Waffles and Fruit Salad
  • Thursday:   Chicken Castoletta, Roasted veggies
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Soup (I’ve got a couple kinds in the freezer to choose from), Bagels, and fruit

What a Crock: Free Meal Bundles with Purchase!

Abby H.

Y’all know that I love my slow cooker. It’s the workhorse of my kitchen, especially when we are really busy.

If you want to start using your slow cooker, but are pressed for time and don’t have to meal plan, check out What a Crock! They have locations on the East Coast (so you can order online and pick up in-store), but for us out here in California, What a Crock ships!

I can’t wait to give What a Crock a try, I’ve heard so many great things about it from my friends in Pennsylvania.

Now through May 3rd, all customers can receive a bundle of meals worth up to $82 for FREE! To participate, they will simply need to reach a cart value of at least $99 (not counting the price of the bundle, which will be removed), then add the applicable bundle to their cart and enter the applicable promo code at checkout. More information can be found at this link!

What a Crock sells soup, casseroles, dips, and so much more! I love that What a Crock also sells gift cards- The gift of dinner is a great time saver! New parents, bereavement, illness, or “I’m thinking about you”- Any occasion is great to send meals or a gift card.

4/29/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I’m so excited for Friday! There are so many awesome freebies and deals this week, and the weather this weekend is supposed to be AWESOME here in San Diego.

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:

Free Bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Sauce
Free Core Bar at Walgreens
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Free Full-Size ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Select Stores
Free Ukraine Solidarity Sticker Pack
Free Koe Kombucha Watermelon, Tropical, and Strawberry Lemonade
Free Bath Bomb at Lush Stores on Saturday, April 30th
Free Jazz Appreciation Month Poster
Free Applegate Breaded Chicken
Free Toothpaste
Free JanaBanana Bars
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Bloomingdale’s Little Freebies Box
Free $4 or $2 at Hallmark
Free Clinique Happy Fragrance Sample
Free Token Bitters Samples, Gifts & More
Free Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser
Free Sample of Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Fragrance
Free GOOD PLANeT Foods Plant-Based Snackable Cheese Wedges
Free 128GB USB 3.1 Flash & a free 128GB Micro SD at Micro Center
Free Totino’s Family Game Night Sample Box
Free Kerastase Curl Manifesto Haircare Products
Free Bakery on Main Decadent Granola
Free Products with Highlight
Free Force Factor Product
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Free Mary’s Immaculate Poster with Your Name Inscribed
Free Tropicana Crunch Honey Almond Cereal Sample on May 4th (I am interested in this one)
Free Origins Lotion

Deals: 

Itzy Ritzy Sweetie Soother Pacifiers ONLY $5.89 (Reg. $10)
Microfiber Reversible Comforter Set ONLY $42.67 (Reg $130)
Farberware 15-Piece Cookware Set ONLY $79.50 (Reg $140)
MKF Kiltienne Crossbody Bag ONLY $29.85 (Reg $199)
Kate Spade Staci Large Carryall Wristlet ONLY $71.20 (Reg $239)
Vintage Kitchen Set ONLY $65.53 (Reg. $150) + Free Shipping
Pet Dogs Mouth Teethbrush Chew Toy ONLY $3.28 + Free Shipping
Last Day: Save on Motion Sensor Trash Cans at Wayfair
Perler Craft Bead Bucket Activity Kit ONLY $10.19 (Reg. $19)
Kate Spade Mini Leather Wristlet Wallet ONLY $28 + Free Shipping
e.l.f. Hydrating Coconut Mist ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $8)
Nutty Toys Squishy Cat Set ONLY $5.10 (Reg. $17)
Disney Minnie Mouse Bathtub for Babies ONLY $14.99 (Reg $27)
Discovery Kids 3-in-1 Tabletop Art Easel ONLY $20.96 (Reg $60)
Lavender and Sage 6-Piece Spa Bath Gift Set ONLY $21 (Reg $50)

Tryazon: Vitamin Friends is Back – Healthy Gummies for Kids

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Give your kids the nutrition they need with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Vitamin Friends. Vitamin Friends gummies come in delicious, kid-approved flavors with all the nutrients and natural ingredients parents love. All gummies are gelatin-free and without all the sugars found in most gummies and free of all 9 major allergens. Now featuring two new gummies: Kids Immunity with Elderberry and Kids Iron Mystery Flavor! Also, if your group can correctly guess the Mystery Flavor, you will have a chance to enter a contest on Instagram and win a year’s worth of Vitamin Friends!

Tryazon has 50 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack valued at $200+ with a variety of kids’ gummy vitamins to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/vitamin-friends-healthy-summer-party/

Free Admission to Sea World for Active Duty Military & Veterans!

Abby H.

Did you know that active-duty military and veterans can receive up to four free passes to Sea World? It’s true!

Screen Shot 2017-07-06 at 7.19.30 PM.pngSea World has a program called Waves of Honor. Waves of Honor permits any qualified active or former U.S. military service member to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three guests.

This isn’t available at the park, so you’ll have to sign up here and fill out all the forms before you go.

Parking isn’t included in this offer and starts at $17, depending on which level of parking you select.

Get your tickets by verifying your military status here. All tickets must be obtained by May 15 and used by July 10, 2022.

Feeding San Diego Together Tour: More Free Food In Your Neighborhood!

Abby H.1 Comment

Y’all know I post a list of free food resources monthly, but this one just came to my attention courtesy of Brooke from Saving in the 619.

Feeding San Diego has a Together Tour, where they work with local venues to host drive through food giveaways throughout the month all over San Diego County. No proof of need required!

Every registered attendee will receive about 50 lbs worth of dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen meat protein.

During the event, you will receive valuable resources on how to access other Feeding San Diego distributions close to your home. In addition, our team can provide information about CalFresh, and how to apply.

Visit the website here and find your next local event! From Chula Vista to San Marcos, there are events all over the county all month long, all year long!

4/25/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgIt’s that time again! I put a few Dream Dinners into the fridge to thaw for this week, and I’m plotting and scheming to make this weeks menu.

This afternoon once I’m home from work, I’ll get to work on this week’s CSA Box- Chopped and preparing!  Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $28. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

A quick trip to the store to pick up milk, coffee, cream, and a few other things and we’ll be good for the week!

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.  The big kid still brings lunch from home.

Dinner: I picked up our April Dream Dinners order on Friday afternoon and we’ve got meals for the next month or so.  When we have them, I serve 2 Dream Dinners a week. It’s perfect for those nights when we have lots going on, and it’s a great way for the kids to try new cuisines!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Sticky Ginger Turkey meatballs, rice, stir-fried veggies
  • Wednesday: Baked Pasta with veggies, salad
  • Thursday:  Honey Mustard glazed chicken, roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Veggie soup, garlic bread

4/22/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s time to celebrate Friday! It’s Spring and there are all sorts of great freebies and deals this 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:

Free McCormick Products
Free Eye Patches + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free Pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels
Free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich at Dickey’s
Free Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
Free Sample of Hit! Balm Extra Strength or Daily Relief
Free SmartPants Multivitamins at Select Stores
Free Alcatel Phone Cases & Protectors
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Perfect Bar at Walmart or Target
Free Dove Dry Spray, Dog Biscuit, Neuriva, Persil & More
Free Anti-Aging Oil Serum + $100 eGift Code
Free Dallas Cannabis Company Sticker
Free Cosmic Bliss Organic Grass-Fed Dairy Ice Cream
Free Apple AirTag Accessory
Free Ready Sports Drink at Walmart & Giant Eagle
Free Sample of Moroccanoil Treatment
Free Subscription to Harper’s Bazaar Magazine
Free Sweeter Juice Skin Products
Teachers – Free Neutrogena Sunscreen Sample
Free Bath Soak, Body Scrub or Body Spray
Free 5×7 Photo Print From Walgreens
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Kids AirTag Accessory
Free Mr. Bubbles Bath Time Fun Kit
Possible Free $200 Radio Research Study
Free Applegate Deli Meat
Free Popchips
Free Sensodyne Whitening Toothpaste
Hero Skin Squad – Free Beauty Products
Free Keys Soul Care Skincare Samples
Free Gatorade Zero with Protein at Walmart
Free Tablet Accessories
Possible Free $250 Low Income Study
Free Conair Water Flosser
25 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Sample of Vichy Mineral 89 Probiotic Concentrate
Free Wowables Paper Towels
Free EPIX Channels Preview – Starts Today

Deals:

Barbie Clearance as Low as $3.99 + Extra 25% Off at Target
Walgreens Custom Photo Poster $1.99 with Coupon (Reg. $12)
All Rocket Dog Shoes Under $35 + Extra 10% off at Checkout
Gold Plated XL Initial Necklace ONLY $19.97 (Reg $75)
2-Tier Countertop Fruit Basket Bowl ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $17)
Nexcare Max Hold Waterproof Bandages 60-Ct ONLY $5.64 (Reg. $11)
Burt’s Bees 6-Piece Set ONLY $8.91 (Reg $13)
60% Off NYDJ Denim + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Safari Animals ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $26)
.925 Sterling Silver Heart Crystal Earrings ONLY $6.99 (Reg $40)
Handheld Milk Frother ONLY $9.00 (Reg. $17)
Waterproof Curtain Panels ONLY $6.50 (Reg. $13)
Any Size Reversible Comforter Set ONLY $41.99 (Reg. $100)
Sunham Soft Spun Cotton Bath Towels ONLY $6.86 (Reg. $14)
T-Fal Excite Nonstick Cookware Set ONLY $59.49 (Reg. $200)
Roll up Dish Drying Rack ONLY $9.25 (Reg. $17)
Frigidaire Compact Refrigerator ONLY $159.99 (Reg $400)
Paw Patrol Elbow & Knee Pad Set ONLY $9 (Reg $15)
Green Toys Cupcake Set ONLY $13.80 (Reg. $30)
Ozark Trail Air Mattress Twin ONLY $7.97 at Walmart
Reebok Seamless Racerback Bra 2-Piece Set ONLY $6.99 (Reg $25)
Home Expressions Bath Rug ONLY $8.44 (Reg $22)
Personalized Pendant Necklace ONLY $16.99 (Reg $45)
Wonder Nation Toddler Girls Shoes ONLY $7.55 (Reg $28)