** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Craftsy wants to share the love of crafts with all of their customers! To celebrate, take 65% off ALL classes with coupon code, THANKYOU65.
From cooking, knitting, embroidery, rug making- Craftsy has something for everyone!
If you are new to Craftsy and want to check it out, they also offer a lot of free classes. Here are just a few that I love:
It’s Friday friends! We’ve got a busy weekend now that we are healthy, it’s time for freebies and fun!
I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.
I’m working on new birthday freebies for 2022 as well. If you know of any, please drop me an email!
Freebies
Free Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Beef Recipe Chatterbox
Free Harvest One Dream Water
Free Vitamin C Eye Cream
Free Dryer Sheets or Fabric Conditioner
Free Hometown Hero Delta 8 Gummies
Free N95 Masks at CVS & Walgreens
Free Tetley Luck of the Irish Tea Party Kit
Free Supergoop! Ounce by Ounce Starter Kit for Teachers
Free Origins Ginzing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
Free Sample of AdvantaClear Surface Disinfectant Wipes
Free Sample of Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pacs
Hero Skin Squad – Free Beauty Products
Free Llama Stickers
Free Programmable Coffee Maker
Free Hometown Hero Select Spectrum Gummies
Free Ceramic Cyclone Car Wash at Rainstorm Car Wash
Free Vaultz Lock Box
Free Water Guns
Free Water Guns, Water Slide, Balloons & More
Free Itty Bitty Prettys, Rainbocorns, Pets Alive Toys
Free Zuru 5 Surprise Toys
Free Zuru Max Building Toys
Free LED Fairy Lights
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Bubble Wow Glove-A-Bubbles Toys
Free Remote Control Truck Toys
Free Dude Wipes at Walmart
Free Pizza, Chips, Cookies & More
FREE Trial Box of SkinnyMe Premium Chocolate
Possible Free Secret & Gillette Antiperspirant & Deodorants
Free Sexual Wellness Device
Free Childrens Hospitals Week Bandages
Free Brown Scapular
Deals:
Little Girls Puffer Jacket ONLY $37.50 (Reg $75)
Crayola Colossal Tub of Glitter Art Set ONLY $6.93 (Reg. $25)
Boom Ear Buds ONLY $13.95 Shipped (Reg. $60)
Multi Line Stack Bracelets ONLY $4.99 (Reg $14.99)
Kathy Ireland Women’s Dahlia Bootie Slipper ONLY $21.99
My Squishy Little Dumpling Interactive Doll ONLY $5.94 (Reg $10)
Calvin Klein Gabrianna Leather Mini Tote ONLY $59.97 (Reg $118)
Kate Spade Marti Large Bucket Bag ONLY $119 (Reg $399)
Lucky Brand 65% Off + Exclusive 10% Off at Checkout
Pro Impact Massager ONLY $34.99 (Reg $50)
MUK LUKS Women’s Braelyn Slide Slipper ONLY $16.99 (Reg. $34)
T-Fal Culinaire 16-Piece Cookware Set ONLY $59.49 (Reg $250)
Insignia 8-Quart Digital Multi Cooker ONLY $54.99 (Reg $120)
50% Off Your First Rocksbox: Perfect Valentine’s Gift
MUK LUKS Men’s Mark Bootie ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
PowerXL Grill Air Fryer ONLY $69 (Reg $149)
Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends ONLY $10.64 (Reg. $29)
LOL Surprise Boys Arcade Heroes ONLY $6.35 (Reg. $15)
L.O.L. Surprise Ooh La La Baby Surprise ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
Is one of your New Years Resolutions to eat better or increase your intake of fruits and veggies?
Since we have been getting CSA boxes from Yasukochi Family Farms we’ve been adding tons of fresh fruit and veg to our diet. It’s fun to get the kids involved in preparing and tasting new and different fruits and veggies.
I’ve made a round-up with some of my favorite fruit and veggie recipes to inspire you to add a little more “green” to your family’s meals!
Ibotta is back with an amazing deal for new users (and don’t worry, us current users are getting something good too). Most of you know that “The Big Game” aka the Superb Owl is next month. For those who watch the game- It’s a time for snacks!
When you sign up for Ibotta between 1/19/2022-2/12/2022, you’ll score the following for free after Ibotta Rebate:
For those of us who already have Ibotta accounts, we get:
And if you check your Ibotta app, you may find several more freebies unrelated to this promotion.
Don’t forget that you can stack your Ibotta rebates with other apps like Fetch Rewards, Makeena, Checkout51.
This came through my email earlier this week. Chet F. Harritt STEAM School in Santee (8120 Arlette Street, Santee, CA) is having their annual book giveaway!
Please be aware that parking at the school and the adjacent Big Rock Park is limited. I encourage you to park along Mesa Road and use the path into the park to access the school.
Also- PLEASE follow current state masking/ face covering regulations.
Oh, and if you are looking for a way to motivate you kids to Read... Sign them up for Book It!
As many of you know, Covid hit our house last week
and trying to find tests has been impossible. Thankfully here in our city, the school district has testing facilities for students and staff. We will be masking up and waiting in that line tomorrow morning bright and early to re-test the big kiddo and get him cleared to go back to school.
For the rest of us, starting on Wednesday, you can order Free at-home COVID-19 tests from Covidtests.org.
Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.
The website is up, but ordering capabilities will not be available until 1/19/2022.
In the meantime, a new federal law mandates that private insurance companies must reimburse covered individuals for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at up to $12 per test.
Consumers can either purchase the testing kits at no cost or submit receipts for reimbursement from the insurance company. For more information or specific details, contact your insurance company directly.
As always, if you are sick (with anything, not just COVID): Stay home, wash your hands frequently, throw away your used tissues, cover your nose and mouth if you must be around others, stay hydrated, and REST. I know it’s hard to give yourself permission to chill and do nothing, but sleep and rest give your body a chance to recover. Also- Chicken soup. My recipe is here. The more veggies, the better.
Sorry this has been so late today.
The big kid tested positive for ‘Rona, and so I’ve been dealing with a sick kiddo (he mostly has a headache and is “soooo bored” that he’s taking naps a lot), plus little sister had to quarantine because of close contact (she and I both tested negative on Tuesday). And I’m rocking my annual sore throat that culminates in losing my voice for a week. Other than that… We are doing great!
I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.
I’m working on new birthday freebies for 2022 as well. If you know of any, please drop me an email!
Freebies
Free Fire Ant Temporary Tattoo
Free Maddy’s Sweet Shop Shortbread Snaps
Free Soapbox Vitamin Complex Shampoo
Free Makebreak: Silver and Snow Paint Pour Art at Michael’s
Free CVS Health Baby Wipes
Free Wildlife Services Tick Remover
Free Just Crack An Egg Omelet Rounds at Walmart
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free At-Home COVID Test (Anthem Insurance holders only)
Free Veggiecraft Farms Veggie Pasta
Free Beauty Services at Aveda
Free OUI Juicy Couture Play Eau de Parfum Set
Free Sample of Hermes Paris Fragrance
Free SOS Hydration Kids Electrolyte Drink Mix at Walmart
Free Candle & Diffuser + $75 eGift Code
Free Emerald Ash Borer Temporary Tattoo
Free Sample of Enemeez Mini or Enemeez Plus Samples
Free Racecar Track Sets
Free NotCo Plant-Based Milk Alternative
Free Sample of Yes Life CBD Oil & Hemp CBD Pain Relief Cream
Free Coca-Cola with Coffee at Walmart
Free I Am Still Serving Decal
Free Mexican Fruit Fly Temporary Tattoo
Free Bestway Slide ‘n Glide Party Kit
Free Defend the Flock Magnet
Free Spotted Lantern Fly Stickers
Free Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide at Select Stores
Free Soapbox Vitamin Complex Conditioner
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Smart Battery Powered Toothbrush
Free Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Temporary Tattoo
Free Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer
Free Lintbells YuMOVE Joint Health Supplement for Dogs
Deals:
Dani Leopard Clutch ONLY $14.99 Shipped (Reg $29.99)
Pocket Collared Coat ONLY $14.97 (Reg $55)
Kate Spade Bailey Shoulder Bag ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
Divatex Quick Dry Hand Towel ONLY $2.93 (Reg $10)
Bella Pro Series 4.2-qt Analog Air Fryer ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60)
Hunter Women’s Tall Boots ONLY $79.97 (Reg $150)
Little Tikes Whale Teeter Totter ONLY $25 (Reg $75)
Champion Boys Basketball Shorts ONLY $9.59 (Reg $24)
Lancôme Eye Makeup Remover ONLY $16 (Reg $32)
Spider-Man Hat And Wallet ONLY $8.30 (Reg. $20)
Lenovo Smart Clock 2 ONLY $49.99 (Reg $70)
Philips Sonicare One Rechargeable Toothbrush $23.95 (Reg. $40)
Victoria’s Secret Classic Backpack ONLY $12.99 (Reg $30)
MUK LUKS Women’s Sarina Boots ONLY $27.99 (Reg. $60)
Ulta Love Your Skin Event: 50% Off Lancome, Murad and More
NuWave 15.5-Qt Air Fryer Oven $110 + $25 Kohl’s Cash
Chatties Fuchsia Glitter Clog for Girls ONLY $7.99 (Reg $20)
Brother P-Touch PT-M95 Label Maker ONLY $24.99 (Reg. $50)
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.
Slip ‘n slide right into spring with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, sponsored by Bestway. The H20GO! Triple Water Slide has three lanes so kids can race their friends down the slide and land in the cushioned splash pool! Simply inflate and connect your garden hose to get wet and stay cool all summer long. Let the H20GO! Triple Water Slide be your passport to fun! Plus, you will have three weeks to complete the party so you have the flexibility to pick the best weather day for your area.
Every month, Cross Country Cafe has a giveaway. This month, it’s hot cocoa time!
Enter to win FOUR full-size boxes of Hot Chocolate K-Cup® coffee pods! One random winner will be chosen on February 1st, 2022. Enter before January 30th, 2022 at midnight EDT.
If hot cocoa isn’t your jam, Cross Country Cafe has all kinds of great sales and deals on flavored coffees and more here.
Looking for more inspiration? Cross Country Cafe has an entire page dedicated to fun, easy recipes here.
I spent some time yesterday cooking. I made broccoli rice casserole (recipe later this week), soup, brownies, and mac n’ cheese. I also prepped the last of the veggies. I’ve got grown-up lunches covered for the week, and some of our sides for the week too.
Last week was busy and while we didn’t stick to our meal plan, we came pretty close… and that’s ok. I always have extra food on hand to make quick/easy meals for nights when.. stuff goes sideways. Canned soup, stuff for grilled cheese, quesadillas, beans and rice, frozen entrees, leftovers.
We are back on the CSA train- We need some fresh produce in our lives and I hate carrying more groceries upstairs!
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.
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. 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- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.
Dinner: This week we don’t have a lot planned after school/work, so I should be able to get some yummy dinners on the tables.
Please stay safe you guys!
Hewes Family Fun 