freebie

Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

School’s out for us next week and we are looking forward to summer break!

Looking for some frugal fun this summer? Check out my post here on frugal swim lessons, and my post here on summer reading programs.

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.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

Freebies:

Free 4-Pack of PLEZI Kids Juice Drink
Free Bowery Farming Zero Pesticide Salad Kits
Free Products & Swag with Chobani Fan Club
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Free Can of Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna
Free Kids’ Fishing Event at Cabelas & Bass Pro Shops
Free Redbox Movie Rental
Free 4-Pack Kemps Smooth Cottage Cheese at Walmart
Free Skittles Zero Sugar Singles-to-Go Powdered Drink Mix
Free 10ft Lightning to USB Charger for iPhone/iPad/iPod Products
Free Bottle of OPTI-FREE PureMoist Drops
Free Ithaca Hummus
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Mayawell Prebiotic Soda After Rebate
Free Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer Sample
Free 15-Day Riversol Skincare Kit
Free Aura Bora Sparkling Water After Rebate
Free Friendship Bracelets Craft Event at Michaels
Free Dude Wipes at Sam’s
Free Air Wick Scented Oil Warmer at Giant Eagle
Free Lawn Mower Photo Holder Build Kit at Lowe’s
Free Sample of Skinworks 30% Vitamin C Serum Capsules
Free Sample of Eve Lom Iconic 5-in-1 Cleanser
Old Orchard Fan Club – Earn Free Juice, Gifts & More
Free Smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
National Outlet Shopping Day – Free Gifts, Prizes & More
New Free Samples from Sampler
Free Stand Mixer
Free Pride Has a Story Sticker

Deals:

Fenty Beauty Longwear Liquid Foundation ONLY $13.65 (Reg $28)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Mophie Portable Battery Car Jump Starter ONLY $34.99 (Reg $100)
Mini Wallet Card Holder Coin Purse ONLY $11.99 (Reg $40)
Treasures of the Vault Disney Baloo Plush ONLY $13.44 (Reg $30)
Rainbow Pool Float Chair w/ 2 Cup Holders ONLY $13.99 (Reg $40)
Kate Spade Carson Convertible Crossbody ONLY $65 (Reg $299)
Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set ONLY $99 (Reg $207)
Sauder Furniture up to 75% Off
Nike 50% Off Sale + Extra 20% Off Coupon Code for Members
Coach NEW Clearance – $75 Purses, $20 Wristlets with 80% Savings
Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette ONLY $39.20 (Reg $95)
Old Navy up to 80% Off Clearance + Extra 30% Off Coupon
Father’s Day Gifts Under $25 at Kohl’s
Crocs Extra 50% off Clearance Sale
Mens Nike Slides as low as $24
Kohl’s Father’s Day Gift Sale – 50% Off Shoes, Clothes & More
Sneaker Sale – Under Armour, Adidas, New Balance & More
KidKraft Deluxe Wooden Workbench ONLY $33.19 (Reg $79.99)
Rolling Kitchen Island Microwave Cart ONLY $108 (Reg $150)
Coach Zip Wristlet With Coach Monogram Print ONLY $22 (Reg $88)
Target Toy Shopping Cart Only $19.99
Michael Kors Watch and Heart Bracelet ONLY $149 (Reg $350)
Febreze Odor-Eliminating Fade Defy Plug ONLY $0.99 (Reg $4.29)
Toyota Tacoma Ride on Car ONLY $179.99 (Reg $399.99)

2023 Summer Reading Programs (Free!)

Abby H.2 Comments

There are 6 days of school left for my kids, and maybe your’s too.  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 started June 1st. You can find out more details here.

The County of San Diego Library summer reading program started June 1st. They have all sorts of prizes for kids and adults.

If you want your family to experience a multicultural 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 have 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 participating areas 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. parents can enroll their kids for the summer!

And if you haven’t done it yet, don’t forget to sign your kids up for the 2023-2024 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!

San Diego, CA-Upcoming Dream Dinners Cooking Class!

Abby H.

This landed in my inbox last night, and I thought I’d share it. With Summer Break coming up, I’ll be leaning on Dream Dinners a few times a week to get us through the summer for those days we are busy.

I don’t get paid when school is out (surprise- teachers and school staff don’t draw a paycheck over the summer months unless they work summer school or opt to spread their paychecks out over 12 months- and some districts don’t offer this), so I really need to be cost-conscious over the summer. Dream Dinners is a great way to have restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of our home for 50% (or more) savings compared to restaurant prices.

And the June Dream Dinners Menu has a bunch of my family’s favorites- Mongolian Beef & Broccoli with White Rice (my fav), and Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake (The kids’ fav) were the top two on my list.

FREE* Dream Dinners Cooking Class

Thursday, June 8th at 5:30

Learn how easy it can be to make Dream Dinners at home. During the class learn how to prepare quick, easy healthy, and delicious meals. In this class, you will learn basic cooking skills you can use to make all types of different meals at home. Save time, save money, and have fun!!

This Month’s Featured Entrée will be the Nashville Chicken served with Summer Grilled Veggies.

Sign up for June 8th Class Here

Call/Text 619-460-6800 for more information. La Mesa Dream Dinners will begin offering a series of cooking classes each month. To stay up to date on our classes, go to lamesadreamdinners.com.

 

* No Fee for class, Minimum Purchase required – 3 meals.

Weekend Freebie Round-Up!

Abby H.

We’ve got less than 2 weeks until Summer Break.

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.

There are some pretty sweet freebies this week- Let’s Dive In!

 

Freebies:

Free Cool Beans Frozen Wrap
Sephora – Free Mini Set or Bonus Points for Your Birthday
Free Full-Size Pack of Saba Pads or Liners (Cali & Texas)
Free Sour Patch Kids at Select Stores
2 Free ILIA Skincare Products
Free Pride Month Painting Craft Event at Michaels
Free Haven’s Kitchen Sauces After Rebate
Possible Free Marlboro Gardening Work Gloves
Free 32 oz. ICEE at AMC Theatres
4 Free L’Oreal Samples
Free SimplyV Plant-Based Cream Cheese after Rebate
Free Pain Relief Patch
Free Lansinoh Soothies C-Section Recovery Pads
Free Custom Fido Alert Pet ID Tags
Free Partake Foods Gluten Free Vegan Cookies
Free Basket Air Fryer
Free THIS PKN Pecanmilk
Ulta – Free Lancome Advanced Night Cream for Your Birthday
Free Captain Carly’s Energy Shot
Free Convection Bread Maker
Free Kroger Pads Sample Pack
Free Colormates Lipstick & Lipliner Pencil
Free 4-Pack of BobaBam After Rebate
Free Kindleaf Maeng Da Green Kratom Sample
Free Orchard Valley Harvest Snacking Nuts at Jewel-Osco
Free Beyond Meat Fourth of July Party Pack
Free Custom Tabby Alert Pet ID Tags
Free Rise Brewing Co. Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
Free Back to the Roots Premium Organic Soil
Free Liquid Exfoliator
Free The Bear & The Rat Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats
Free Starburst Zero Sugar Singles-To-Go Powdered Drink Mix
Free Screening of The Flash – Select States
Free American Prairie Wildflower Seed Pack
Free Black Box Wines Hat, Wine Glasses & More
Free Haven’s Kitchen Fresh Sauce
Free Museum Admission – Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders
Free Eye Drops

Deals

Mayview 4pc Rattan Outdoor Patio Set ONLY $149 (Reg $227.68)
Bliss Hammocks Beach Tent ONLY $31.49 (Reg $125)
Toddler & Girls Fisherman Jelly Sandals ONLY $9.22 (Reg $18.99)
Karma’s World Toy Playset with Doll ONLY $12 (Reg $70)
Hart 20-Volt Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit ONLY $149 (Reg $298)
Fisher-Price Patient and Doctor Kit ONLY $10.50 (Reg $24.99)
KidKraft Deluxe Workbench Tools Play Set ONLY $33.19 (Reg $83)
KidKraft Toys up to 66% Off

5/7/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis weekend was so busy. Birthday Party, clothing swap, meal prep, making cookies, laundry, house cleaning, and yes… meal planning.

The freezer and fridge is organized and the meals are planned for the upcoming week and beyond.

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is usually delivered on Mondays, but we’re taking a break for the next month to eat up what we’ve got. I’ve been stashing the extra fruits and veggies in the freezer over the past 2 months. When I do veggie prep each week, I make up bags of vegetables to use at a later time.

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 (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. The big kid brings his lunch every day, and the little one buys her lunch about half the time.

Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. Now that I’m back in the gym and the kids are both in Martial Arts, we need to fuel our bodies properly.

  • Sunday: Chicken Strips, Mac and cheese, orange and apple slices
  • Monday: Breakfast sandwiches (eggs, cheese, onions and peppers, and sausage on ciabatta rolls), fruit salad

  • Tuesday:  Cauliflower & broccoli cheese soup and rolls

  • Wednesday: Split Pea and Ham Soup, fruit salad, cheese toast

  • Thursday: Protein shakes, fruit, cheese, and crackers

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftover night

Free Formula Offer from Kabrita!

Abby H.

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

When my littles were wee, they both had delicate tummies. It’s hard to know what kinds of formula to trust, so after lots of research, trying samples, and talking to other moms (really our pediatrician was ZERO help- she’s a nice lady, but formula wasn’t her wheelhouse), I stumbled upon Kabrita.

Our pediatrician is really big on making sure babies get prebiotics and probiotics, especially if they are formula fed. Kabrita has prebiotics, which is a natural digestive aid.

I like Kabrita because it doesn’t have any added white or processed sugar- just lactose, the sweetener from milk! Also, Kabrita formula smells like goat’s milk and tastes like goat’s milk. I will confess: after smelling some formulas I wouldn’t want to taste them, but I tried an ounce of Kabrita once just to see. It tastes like goat’s milk.

I’ve been telling moms about it for a few years now, and one thing I love is that they have a really great sample program.

Try Full-Sized $40 14oz Kabrita’s Gentle Goat Milk Formula FREE

All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. I’ve used Kabrita for both of my kids. This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

4/30/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThe first week of a new month and we are hitting the ground running.

I’m organizing the freezer today, and we’ve got tons of produce from last week’s jumbo CSA box we got last week.

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is usually delivered on Mondays, but we’re taking a break for the next month to eat up what we’ve got. I’ve been stashing the extra fruits and veggies in the freezer over the past 2 months. When I do veggie prep each week, I make up bags of vegetables to use at a later time.

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 (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. The big kid brings his lunch every day, and the little one buys her lunch about half the time.

Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. Now that I’m back in the gym and the kids are both in Martial Arts, we need to fuel our bodies properly.

  • Sunday: Meaty Pasta Bake, Garlic Bread
  • Monday: Chipotle Honey Chicken thighs (Recipe will be posted this week), Jasmine Rice, Spinach Salad

  • Tuesday:  Fritatta, Fruit Salad, toast

  • Wednesday: Veggie Tuscon Soup, Cheese Toast

  • Thursday:Nuggets, mac n’ cheese, fruit, cheese, and crackers

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftover night

Zero Sugar Vitaminwater® Chatterbox!

Abby H.

Check out this awesome party opportunity from Chatterbox!  Be one of the first to try vitaminwater®‘s two new delicious zero-sugar flavors: with love raspberry dark chocolate and forever you coconut lime. Whether you’re craving an indulgent pick-me-up or a refreshing tropical beverage break, vitaminwater® has you covered. Now made with monk fruit and stevia, plant-based sweetener.

Selected participants of this Chatterbox will receive a Walmart gift card to try both new flavors! In return, you’ll be asked to write reviews of each flavor and share photos of your experience.

To apply, click here!

4/17/2023 Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis past week was PACKED. I finally sat down to write up my meal plan yesterday, and forgot to hit submit until right now!

Spring break is over and we are all back to school and work. Out-of-town guests have gone home, and we are back to our regular routine!

I did a little meal prep yesterday, including testing out a new pizza dough recipe, but the real prep will be this afternoon!

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is delivered on Mondays, and that is a huge help when it comes to meal planning.

We’ve got a few Dream Dinners for the week, and I’m really looking forward to Somona Steaks!

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 (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. The big kid brings his lunch every day, and the little one buys her lunch about half the time. Dinner: I’m making sure to start our meals with lots of veggies. Now that I’m back in the gym and the kids are both in Martial Arts, we need to fuel our bodies properly.

  • Sunday: Clean out the Fridge Night!
  • Monday: Dream Dinner, Rice, Roasted Veggies

  • Tuesday:  Fritatta, Fruit Salad, toast

  • Wednesday: Nuggets, mac n’ cheese, fruit, cheese and crackers

  • Thursday: Dream Dinner (Steaks), Green Salad, Roasted Veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Homemade pizza, salad, veggie tray

Book It: Enrollment is Open for the 2023-24 School Year!

Abby H.

It’s that time of year!

Book It is still alive and well! Enrollment is now open for the 2023-24 BOOK IT! Program year. Parents can now enroll their homeschool children!

PreK students (age 4 by Sept. 1st, 2023) are now eligible for BOOK IT! Be sure to include those students in your enrollment!

Another awesome feature of the 2023-2024 school year is that your entire school doesn’t have to participate, teachers can sign up for their individual classes!

Please share this post with the parents and teachers in your life! More info about Book It and FAQ can be found here.