Free Food Resources for October 2021 (San Diego County)

A new month means that it’s time for the monthly update of free food resources in San Diego.

You can still find resources here for Central and East County, and Here for North County.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website and it can point you in the right direction.

San Diego Food Bank Distributions for October 2021 can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code) and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such.

Neighbor distributions are intermixed with the San Diego Food Bank Distributions, however, they have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide). The San Diego Foodbank website also has resources for Diaper banks, free food resources for seniors, and more.

All kids in public school K-12 in the State of California are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school. More information can be found here

If you know of other resources, please leave a comment! And feel free to share this post with anyone you may know in need.

10/1/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

I started my new job this week, and it’s going great! You may have noticed less action on the blog this week, but I’ve got an awesome giveaway and recipe post here.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Freebies:

Free Magnetic Eyelashe Kit, Mascara, Tweezer & Mirror
Free Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches
Free Mossy Oak Cheese Straws
Free Hennessy Fight Night Viewing Party
Free Subscription to Martha Stewart Living Magazine!
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
Free Gatorade Zero with Protein at Walmart
Free Game Play for Kids in Costume at Chuck E Cheese
Free CHI-CHI’S Tortillas
Free Haven’s Kitchen Fresh Sauce
Free Dolce & Gabbana K Fragrance Samples
Free Key at a MinuteKEY Kiosk
Free Tablet
Free Degree Dry Spray Antiperspirant
Free Chicken & Cupcakes with Over 50% Off Sam’s Club Membership
Free Canon IVY CLIQ+2 Holiday Moments Party
Free Schar Gluten-Free Crackers
Free Cacti Agave Spiked Seltzer Chatterbox
Free Veggiecraft Farms Veggie Pasta
Free Funky Bath Life Product Sample
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer Chatterbox Kit
Free Box of APT Toys
Free Sample of StriVectin Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Free Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers
Free Earth Month Sticker Series
Free 2-Year Subscription to Women’s Health Magazine
Free Sample of Blue Waters Collagen
Free Sun-Maid Recipe Booklets
Free Sample of Glossier Cloud Blush Paint

Deals:

Keurig K Latte Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffeemaker ONLY $59.99
Halloween Inflatable on Sale for Only $14.97
Tommy Hilfiger Grid Plush Throw ONLY $10.93 (Reg $35)
MUK LUKS Carey Boots ONLY $39.99 (Reg. $65)
Womens Deer Riding Boots ONLY $27 (Reg $80)
Philips Bluetooth Party Speaker ONLY $79 (Reg $180)
3-Tier Beverage Dispenser ONLY $26.39 (Reg $48)
KKW Kardashian Lipstick on Sale for $4.50 (reg $18)
Buy 1 Get 2 FREE Graphic Tees at Aeropostale + FREE Shipping
Today Only: Free Shipping Offer on Zulily
10k Yellow Gold Earrings ONLY $13.99 (Reg $199)
Polly Pocket Un-Box-It Playset ONLY $11.99 (Reg $20)
Kate Spade Darcy Small Satchel ONLY $115 (Reg $359)
Pen + Gear 5-In Kids’ Scissors ONLY $0.24 (Reg $4)

 

Get Cookin with Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto (Review and Giveaway)!

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links. For more information about the use of affiliate links and partnerships, visit my disclosure page. 

Yesterday we had an amazing dinner! We’re still without a full-size fridge, so we’re without meat or a lot of our usual ingredients, thankfully Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto to the rescue! I paired the pesto with farfalle (bowtie pasta), and roasted veggies. It was tasting, filling, and a great way to get veggies into your kiddos.

I wrote down the recipe to share with you. The Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto sauce is so rich and creamy and pairs really well with the veggies I chose.

 

 

 

 

Roasted Veggies and Farfalle with Creamy Pesto

Ingredients:

  • 1 6.2 oz jar of Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto
  • 1 box of pasta (I used Barilla Farfalle)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into pieces
  • 1/2 sweet onion, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded, and cut into slices
  • 1 zucchini, cut into coins
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • parmesan to taste

Directions:

  1. Roast Veggies (complete directions can be found here)
  2. While veggies are roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil.
  3. Cook pasta per box directions.
  4. Reserve 3 T. of pasta water when draining cooked pasta.
  5. Mix a jar of Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto into the cooked pasta.
  6. Add roasted veggies to the pasta/sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
  7. Serve with a little extra parmesan cheese, as needed.

This is a great, easy dish that’s perfect for meat-free nights. This Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto is so versitile. In addition to using on pasta, it makes a great veggie dip (I might be guilty of dipping some of the raw veggies into the jar while I was cooking), a sandwich spread (in place of mayo or mustard), or for marinating meat. Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto does not need to be heated prior to eating, and it’s shelf-stable prior to opening. You can find it in the store near the jarred pasta sauces. I found it at Target, but you can also find it on Amazon.

Giveaway: I want to share Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto with you! I’ve got 2 coupons each for one free jar (up to $3.99) of Barilla Pesto (expiration 12/31/2021). I will choose 2 winners on 10/8/2021 and notify them via email. 

Entering is easy: Leave a comment on this blog post with how you would use Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto!

 

It’s Free Coffee Day!

So it’s National Coffee Day.

In the past, there have been tons of freebies, but now… not so much.

I’m only posting deals available in Southern CA that are easy and FREE.

And, AHEM… THERE ARE NO STARBUCKS FREE COFFEE OFFERS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS.

Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme rewards members get a free brewed coffee and doughnut of their choice Wednesday, no purchase necessary. Non-rewards members also can get a treat – a free brewed coffee with no required purchase.

Also, through Dec. 31, get a free glazed doughnut for showing a valid COVID-19 vaccination card.

If you have a Circle K nearby, this is a cool freebie: Text FREE to 31310 for a free cup of joe offer Wednesday.

There are free coffee WHEN YOU BUY offers or just straight deals. So if you are heading to Dunkin’, Coffee bean and Tea Leaf,  or Barnes and Noble, here are a few free with purchase offers.

Barnes & NobleGet a free hot or iced tall coffee Wednesday with the purchase of any item from the “bake case” at store cafes.

The Coffee Bean & Tea LeafWith any food or beverage purchase $2 or more, get a free regular size brewed coffee Wednesday.

Dunkin’: If you are a Dunkin’ Rewards member (download the app from wherever you get apps), you can score a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase today.

McDonald’s:  99-cent hot or iced coffee through the end of the year on its app.

 

La Mesa Dream Dinners: Restaurant Week Deal Special Offer!

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OH MY GOSH Y’ALL! Check out this amazing offer! La Mesa Dream Dinners is participating in 18th Annual Restaurant Week with a special offer for you. This is a great way to participate in Restaurant week without leaving home.

Special Offer Price $35 – Serves 3: For a limited time you can purchase 1 medium meal from the selection below. The Dinner package includes Garlic Bread and a 6 pack of Hope’s Chocolate chip cookies to bake at home.

The staff will assemble and freeze your meals for you to pick up and take home to cook.

Choose from the following menu:

Maple Glazed Pork RoastThai Coconut Shrimp over Jasmine RiceChicken and Pasta with Lemon & Artichoke Sauce
  • Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
  • Chicken & Artichoke Pasta
  • Thai Coconut Shrimp  over Jasmine Rice
This offer is not available online -please call/text 619-460-6800 or email lamesaca@Dreamdinners.com to place your order.

The staff will contact you for an appointment to pick up your meals at our curbside service.

I think we’ll be getting the Chicken and Artichoke Pasta- What option are you going to choose?

Great Deals on Spices and Seasonings from Penzey’s!

Penzey’s is having a great sale through the end of business today!

1/4 cup Northwoods AND 1/4 cup Arizona Dreaming (value $9.54) free with $5 purchase. No need to add any items here. Enter code Together in the Apply Code field at checkout. I love Arizona Dreaming- It’s a great spice blend that is perfect in Huevos Rancheros or a Southwestern Chicken Stew.

If you are looking for some solid additions to your spice rack, check out these sweet deals:

No coupons or codes are needed for the regularly $3.59 French Tarragon for $1 or the regularly $6.69 Sunny Paris for $2, those two deals are automatic for everyone. These deals do not expire until 10/3/2021.

For the free-with-$5-purchase $9.54 quarter-cups of Arizona Dreaming and Northwoods Seasoning, in stores show or print this coupon. When you order online at penzeys.com, once you have $5 in spending just enter Together in the apply code box at checkout.

9/26/2021 Weekly Meal Plan & Life Update

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgSo, we are still without a Fridge/freezer, so no real meal plan for this week at this point. After the fridge repair guy comes on Tuesday, we’ll know if/when the warranty is going to cover a replacement, or if Sears is going to continue to throw even more money at this lemon. At this point, they have paid over $1500 in lost food reimbursement and repairs for a refrigerator that cost $1100. So.. yeah.

We’ve been eating a lot of shelf-stable stuff (beans and rice, crockpot chili), and I’ve been hitting the store solo to pick up salad kits, and bananas, and apples. Last week we ended up having the share a lot of our CSA box as I wouldn’t store some of the items in the cooler without freezing/damaging the more delicate items.

The CSA box will be here tomorrow morning. I’ll do the prepping after I get home from work Monday afternoon.

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, 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 $25. Seriously. It’s a deal.

Oh yeah, I got a job out of the house. It’s working on-site at a local elementary school. I’m not going to go much more into it than that. I’ll still be blogging, and the kids and I will be having adventures, I’m working while they are in school.

And I’ve been getting a lot of 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. If you are looking for a kitchen inventory printable, I have made my own and you can find them for sale here on my Etsy Store.

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. The Ancient Grain bagels from Einstein Bros. are the current family favorite. I pick them up on Mondays when a dozen is only $7. I slice them and freeze them to keep them from going bad too quickly.

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, but so far, there is nothing on the menu that appeals to the kids.

Dinner: We’ve got a pretty good schedule down for dinners. We have nuggets (vegetarian for the boy child, chicken for the rest) on the nights that we have respite. It’s quick to prepare and clean up, and I can serve it on our cafeteria trays with other fingers foods (we have trays like these) like cut-up fruit, crackers, and cheese. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday:  Shakshuka, Rice We didn’t have this last week, and we have a lot of eggs in the cooler to eat.
  • Monday: Roasted Veggies, Salad, Quesadillas
  • Tuesday: unknown
  • Wednesday: unknown
  • Thursday:  unknown
  • Friday:  Takeout Night
  • Saturday: Leftovers (if we have any)

Please stay safe you guys!

9/24/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

This week has been NUTS. Our fridge died. Like DEAD. So I’m dealing with the Sears Warranty company, and we will be without a fridge for over a week. I’ll be posting a separate post about this saga today. It’s insane.

The freebies this week, ::chef’s kiss::. Lots of great stuff, and the deals are starting to pick up as we get closer to the holidays.

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Freebies:

Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Circle K Every Wednesday
Free Overnight Whitening Pen
Free Peet’s Blended Coffee Drink at Select Stores
Possible Free $125 Devices & Services Research Study
Free Nutricia Neocate Formula Sample
Free Oil Change & Car Cleaning for Healthcare Workers
Free Sample of Chanel Perfume
Free $5 Target Gift Card with COVID Vaccine
Free $5 Off $20 with Flu Shot at CVS
Free Sample of Derma E Crepey Skin Duo
Free PETA SOS Anti-Speciesism Starter Pack
Free Munk Pack Keto Nut & Seed Bar at The Fresh Market
Free Chicken & Cupcakes with Over 50% Off Sam’s Club Membership
Free Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bar at Select Stores
Free The Leveraged Business by Fabienne Fredrickson Book
Free Colgate Kids Toothpaste
Free Find That Pod Stickers
Free Genexa Cold Crush
Free Nestle Rallies Refrigerated Nut Butter Bar at Hy-Vee
Free Wink Condom
Free Lancome Lash Idole Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Huggies Rewards Free 3,500pts for an Amazon Gift Card
Free 4-pk of Seemore Meat & Veggies Natural Sausages
Free Cupcake at Sprinkles
Free Bowhunting World or Predator Xtreme Magazine
Free WholeBerry Passion Fruit Snack Rounds
Free St Pierre Chocolate & Hazelnut Rolled Crepes
Free Anastasia Beverly Hills Products
Free Sample of Cuties Diapers
Possible Free $250 Remote Workers Research Study
Free Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats
Free Eureka Vacuum

Deals:

Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine ONLY $14.99 (Reg. $30)
Men’s Slim-Fit Dress Shirt ONLY $5.44 (Reg $32)
Paint by Sticker Kids: Christmas ONLY $4.78 (Reg. $10)
MUK LUKS Novelty Heat Retainers ONLY $6.99 (Reg. $18)
Coach Wristlet w/ Horse And Carriage Dot Print ONLY $26.52
Buy 2, Get 1 Free Games, Puzzles & Activity Kits on Amazon
Martha Stewart Collection Containers 3-ct ONLY $21.99 (Reg $44)
Rhinestone Double Ball Stud Earrings ONLY $1.29 Shipped
Cuisinart 12-Piece Knife Set ONLY $12.99 at Best Buy (Reg $50)
Mouse Wallet w/ ID Credit Card Coin Holder ONLY $12.99 (Reg $36)
Conair Infinitipro Flat Iron ONLY $16.99 (Reg $28)
Coach Zak Flip Flops ONLY $17 Shipped (Reg $78) 
Throwback Hot Air Popcorn Popper ONLY $17.93 (Reg $38)
Koolaburra By UGG Women’s Fuzzn Sandal ONLY $29.99 (Reg $55)
Minnie Mouse Sound Book ONLY $7.99 (Reg. $14)
Melissa & Doug Wooden Coffee Maker Set $12.91 (Reg. $24)
OshKosh B’gosh Starting at $9.89 with Extra 10% Off at Checkout

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fetch Rewards: 50 pts on all restaurant receipts!

WOO HOO! This offer came at the right time. Our fridge died on Monday, so we’re eating a lot of shelf-stable foods and stuff that can be safely stored in a cooler.

That also means we are picking up some stuff to go a little more than I like, but Fetch Rewards has my back!

Fetch Rewards Restaurants & Rewards celebration starts today and lasts through September 26.

On the menu: all restaurant receipts earn at least 50 points! Plus pick up Special Offers for your favorite spots, and we’ll be giving away thousands of points in prizes. Fetch Rewards will be announcing other surprises throughout the week. Check it all out in the app and on their social media now!

If you haven’t signed up for Fetch Rewards yet, or want to learn more, 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’ve earned over $300 in rewards in 2021 alone, just by purchasing my regular groceries and scanning in all of my receipts (grocery, mass merchandiser, gas receipts, restaurants, you name it).

It is simple, takes minutes, and the points really rack up!

Rubio’s Hiring Event: All Locations September 29, 2021

If you are looking for a job, check out this opportunity!

Greet the team, meet the team and join the team. Rubio’s Coastal Grill, home of the Original Fish Taco, is planning a company-wide hiring event across California, Arizona and Nevada. On Wednesday September 29, applicants are invited to any Rubio’s location from 2–4 pm. No appointments or sign-ups are needed, just the goal of leaving with a job…and a free meal card for any Rubio’s entrée!

Rubio’s is looking to fill approximately 500 job openings, including:

·      Line Cooks
·      Cashiers
·      Shift Leaders
·      Assistant Managers

Applicants should apply at https://www.rubios.com/amazing-people, either at the event using a mobile device or in advance to expedite the process. Friendly and enthusiastic applicants should be prepared to answer questions during a short interview and to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures, such as wearing a mask and social distancing.

Managers at all Rubio’s locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada will be on hand to share details about each position, including:

·      Competitive wages (including tips averaging $3 per hour)
·      Flexible work schedules
·      50% off shift meals
·      Opportunities for advancement
·      Employee benefits packages – medical, dental, and vision plans
·      401K plan with company match

Plus, everyone who interviews will receive a complimentary Rubio’s meal card, good for any entrée on the menu. Rubio’s is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Rubio’s participates in E-Verify.