food

6/28/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis weekend, I am on the ball and getting the meal plan posted on Sunday!

My goal of not doing a big grocery shop was foiled last week. I ended up going grocery shopping at Walmart when I needed to order a few things for the house- like washcloths. I have no idea where they all went. It was only $40, still well below my usual weekly grocery bill.

In the summer, we get into a groove when it comes to dinners. Easy, quick foods that are tried and true.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: I’m doing lunch meal prep for the week today- Beans and Rice bowls for myself. And a batch of Mac n’ cheese for the youngest. The big kid usually doesn’t eat a big lunch. He’ll snack or have a bag of Quest Protein chips and a sandwich.  We’ll be escaping the house on some adventures. The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) while we are out and about.

Dinner: Because of the heat, I didn’t end up making meatloaf, so we may grill burgers instead, or make Salisbury steaks. I’m not sure which.

  • Sunday:  Gyro, Rice, Salad, Naan
  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Something with Ground Beef, salad, and mashed potatoes

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates (this has become a Wednesday special)

  • Thursday: Chicken Quesadillas, fruit, chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

6/26/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This week was incredibly busy for me. I delivered costumes for a play I partially costumed.

I also tie-dyed some cool stuff, worked through my alterations pile at home, and got back into using my weighted hula hoop.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies

FREE FIFA World Cup Scarf at Home Depot on June 27th
FREE Skin Checks for World Skin Health Day on July 8th
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE 2027 Limited-Edition American Diabetes Association Calendar
FREE Full-Size Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
FREE Beach Bucket Toy Giveaway at Lowe’s on July 4th
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE Sample of Zesty Paws Dog Supplements
FREE Coca-Cola or Levi’s Koozie Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Fourth of July Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Cold & Flu Medicine
FREE Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie at Great American Cookies for Military & Veterans on July 1st – 4th
FREE Grabie Craft & Create Party Pack
FREE EXIT: The Enchanted Forest Party Pack
FREE Creed Aventus Fragrance Sample
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
FREE $15 on Saltair Items at Target After Cash Back
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme on July 4th
FREE Sample of Peak Health Digestive Enzymes Supplements
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE $25 at CVS After Cash Back
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
FREE 6 Months of Amazon Prime for Young Adults Trial + Tons of Free Perks
4 FREE MiLB Tickets for Military, Veterans & USAA Members
FREE Olight Keychain Flashlight + FREE Shipping
FREE 15-Day Riversol Skincare Kit + FREE Shipping

Deals:

Get 50% Off an Annual Walmart+ Membership
Mario Badescu Lip Mask ONLY $7 (Reg $14)
Target Deal Days – Big Savings for Circle Members | Ends Tonight!
Wavytalk Dual Voltage Hair Dryer Brush ONLY $36.98 on Amazon (Reg $60)
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit ONLY $39.88 at Home Depot (Reg $139)
Walmart Deals & More – BIG Savings on Kitchen, Electronics and More!

June 23rd is National Hydration Day!

Abby H.

Did you know that today is National Hydration Day?

While our bodies are 70-ish% water, any sort of liquid that you consume is hydrating? That means milk, soda, juice, even coffee and tea are all hydrating.

That’s Per the Mayo Clinic. I’m not making it up.

Too much of a good thing? Yes, you can be overhydrated, and that can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to cloudy thinking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even muscle cramps. This isn’t gonna happen unless you’re drinking over 4 L of water an hour. Overhydration does not happen often, but it can occur.

If you’re looking for ways to add hydration to your day, here are a few ways:

  • Shaved Ice is a great hydrator! We have this machine to make shaved ice, and it gets used daily. With or without syrups, it’s really yummy.
  • Add high water, fruits, and vegetables to your diet. This includes melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries, and citrus.
  • If water is boring all by itself, try sugar-free powdered drink mixes or fruit-infused water. We have a pitcher similar to this.
  • We have a Soda Stream and have had one for over 10 years. It’s a great way to may carbonated water or DIY sodas. I love using the sugar-free powdered drink mixes to make fun, fruity sodas.
  • Carry and use a reusable water bottle or cup with a lid. Remember to wash it daily. Yes, even bottles containing water can still harbor bacteria. 

BOGO Free Bundlets at Nothing Bundt Cake!

Abby H.

This offer is back!

Buy 1 Bundtlet, Get 1 Free: Valid online and in bakery from Monday, June 22, 2026, through Sunday, June 28, 2026, while supplies last.

I love it when Nothing Bundt Cakes does a BOGO. Whether you order online and use online promo code: HELLOSUMMER26, or order in store and let them know about the Buy one, get one free offer, this is a deal that can’t be beat.

And did you know that Nothing Bundt Cake also has an app? You earn points on each purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or free items! It’s available wherever you download apps.

Oh, and don’t forget when you are in the store to ask about their Books and Bundts summer reading program. Your kids can earn free cake by reading this summer.

 

 

6/22/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI took the weekend off from blogging to hang out with the kids and work on another project.

This week is less busy than last week, so I plan on hitting up the gym for yoga as often as I can.

I did a small grocery trip yesterday morning, mostly to get popsicles and a few things that were needed for a specific meal yesterday (Father’s Day breakfast for my ex and the kids). I’m going to try to go another week without a restock shop. We will have plenty of snacks, and I’ve got ingredients to make cookies and everything on the menu for this week.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is another use-it-up week. We’ve got a lot of stuff in the freezer, including ground beef, nuggets, and frozen fruit.

  • Sunday:  Butter Chicken, Rice, and naan
  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, & veg

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates

  • Thursday: Nuggets, fruit, and chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Amazon and Little Caesar’s Make Prime Day taste good!

Abby H.

Are you an Amazon Prime Member?  If so, check out this deal!

Score a $5.00 Large Little Caesars Pizza daily with a code here every day through 6/26/2026.

Through 6/26/26 or while supplies last. Limited to Amazon Prime members located in 50 US/DC. Amazon Code required. Enter Code at checkout at a participating Little Caesars® store on an app or online order (excluding third-party sites) to get a Classic Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza for $5.00 (add’l taxes and fees may apply). For complete Terms, go to https://information.littlecaesars.com/en-us/promo-2026-primeday

Freebies for Expecting Parents!

Abby H.

I think there is something in the water, because I know nine people who are having children in 2026.

That’s a lot of babies!

Kids cost a lot. And they go through a lot of food, clothes, hygiene products, you name it.

Here is a list of some pretty great freebies for babies (and their parents, too).

I wish this had been around when my kids were littler.

Sign up and claim your Baby Box Fee Unlimited Edition from Your Baby Club.

$80 worth of freebies is a pretty great start.

If you know someone who is planning on breastfeeding, this next offer is great!

Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.

2. Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.

3. Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

Meal Planning in the Summer…

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI forgot to hit Publish on this post on Sunday night and just discovered it in my drafts. Oops.

This is my first full week of both kids being on summer break.

This week is the week of appointments for the whole family. Between the front bathroom shower being resurfaced, doctor’s appointments for me, small kid, and big kid, and the dishwasher repair guy coming- it’s a full week of running all over.

The big kid and I plan to hit the YMCA as much as possible between all of our appointments. The Small Kid will probably come with us and ride a stationary bike the whole time.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is a “use it up” week. I have a bunch of stuff leftover in the fridge from last week that didn’t get used, so this week we are leaning on what’s on hand.

  • Sunday:  Italian Night: Flatbread, Chicken Parm casserole (veggies included)
  • Monday: Breakfast for Dinner
  • Tuesday: Crockpot Meal (something with chicken)

  • Wednesday: Charcuterie Night

  • Thursday: Smoothies and Entrees

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

6/12/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

It’s officially summer break! WOO HOO!

Today is our “day of sloth”. I’m not doing much- just catching up on laundry, making cookies, and doing some blogging.

I  updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies

Free Frazil Slushies every Friday in June!
FREE Full-Size Pure & Cimple Serum, Night Oil or Moisturizer
FREE Go Kart Workshop at Home Depot
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Red Bull at Love’s Travel Stops – Today Only
FREE Sample of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Gentle Fluidity Fragrance
The Best Birthday Freebies and Free Stuff for Seniors
The Best Baby Registry Websites — Get Baby Freebies and Must-Haves
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
FREE Starbucks Sweet Cream Now At Home Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Tea at McAlister’s Deli on July 16th
Get The Top 17 Free Baby Boxes in 2026: Walmart, Target, Amazon
FREE Sample of Chomps Original Chicken
FREE Bottle of Oh Yuk Wall & Baseboard Cleaner
FREE Sample of TERPS PLUS Fertilizer Enhancer
Free Chick-fil-A Birthday Item Every Year
Get Started on Your Wellness Goals with Free Supplement Samples
FREE Clear Whey Protein Kits on June 17th & June 21st
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE $25 Purchase at Old Navy After Cash Back
FREE L’Occitane Amande Sublime Resurfacing Body Serum
How I Get Free Samples with Free Shipping
FREE Full-Size Pura Self Organic Hair Growth Oil
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Young Washington
FREE Limited Edition Tote Bag for National Outlet Shopping Day
Free Chick-fil-A: The Chick-fil-A Hacks You Need to Know – Yes, It Includes FREE Chicken!
FREE IMMORTAL Wellness Shot at Sprouts
FREE Sample of Cat Years Lickable Treats
FREE Sample of L’Oreal Age Perfect Le Duo Serum
FREE Heelys PR Box
FREE Pollinator Flower Seed Packet from National Geographic
FREE Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
FREE $30 on Select Categories at Target
FREE Lunar Lemonade at Planet Smoothie on June 21st
FREE Froyo for Dads at TCBY on June 21st
FREE LEGO Disney Sunglasses, Activity Booklet Giveaway & More at Target

Deals

How to Buy Unclaimed Packages for $1 From Amazon, Walmart and More (And Save Up to 80%)
Michaels Coupons: Our Favorite Coupons for 40% Off & More Deals
Babylist Universal Baby Registry: The Only Baby Registry You Need
Tzumi Puree Warming Coffee Mug ONLY $29.99 at Macy’s (Reg $58)
3-Speed Vinyl Record Player ONLY $37.99 on Amazon (Reg $60)
What Is a Raincheck at the Grocery Store & How To Use Them?
Women’s Sandals Starting at $16 at JCPenney
Nostalgia 32-Ounce Heated Electric Lunch Box ONLY $19.99 (Reg $35)
DEWALT 20V MAX 2-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit ONLY $169 (Reg $249)
Wonder Nation Backpacks ONLY $4.97 at Walmart
DAKIMOE Weekender Bag ONLY $10 at Walmart (Reg $19)
Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Upright Vacuum ONLY $98 at Walmart (Reg $179)
Urban Outfitters Satin Mini Dress ONLY $9.95 (Reg $69)
Carote 22-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set ONLY $39.99 (Reg $90)

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.1 Comment

Today is the last Monday of school for my little kid.

I know a lot of you have kids who are out of school already, and you may be wondering how you can keep them busy without going broke.

I’ve got some things planned- different from other years, now that my posse is older. Here are some of the ways we’re having fun and staying cool.

Kids Bowl Free (only my younger kid qualifies, but it’s still a great program).

Summer Reading Programs. Between the City and County libraries, and Bookit, it’s going to be awesome!

Discount Summer Movies– It’s all second-run movies, but some of these are my kids’ favorites. Plus movie theatre popcorn and AC!

Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park. If you or your kids have an EBT card, check out Museums for All. 

Both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego Library systems have fun events planned for kids and adults.  Some of the events my gang is looking forward to:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside is the lack of shade trees.

There are a bunch of municipal pools in San Diego that have open swim times, and a couple that have splash pads!

If you are looking for free summer food for kids and families, check out my post here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.