2/25/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

This week has been a crazy one: Between helping my mom with life insurance and pension stuff, trying to get our taxes done, and her, and now my water heater is dying… I’m up to my armpits in stuff.

Never fear friends- I can’t leave y’all high and dry without the freebies and deals of the 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 Dr. Barbara Sturm Better B Niacinamide Serum Sample
Free Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Sample
Free Medium Cold Brew at Dunkin
Free Vamos Instant Coffee Sample
Free Museum Admission – Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders
Free Sample of Zignature Dog Food
Free Lucky Charms The Magic Inside Book
Free Lemonade, Quick Chick & Trio Upgrade at Chicken Salad Chick
Free LED Portable Worklight at Harbor Freight
Free Sample of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Free Costa Brazil Face Serum Sample
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Tea at DAVIDsTEA
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Original Chick Meal at Chicken Salad Chick
Free Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics
Free Owala Reusable Water Bottle on 3/16
Free Abstract Art Craft Kit at Michael’s
Free It Cosmetics Products
Free Bookmarks, Posters, Activity Sheets & More
Free EPA Activity Books
Free Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn at Target
Free Sample of Kona Red Mountain Coffee
Free Racial Justice Poster
Free Treat at Applebee’s

 

Deals:

Disney Mickey Mouse Backpack ONLY $27.99 (Reg $70)
Up to 70% Off ZOOGS Kids Boots + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Paw Patrol Chase Rescue Track Set ONLY $9.40 (Reg. $20)
70% Off Bally Total Fitness + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Alyx Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
Tek Gear Boys Fleece Hoodie ONLY $14.39 (Reg $30)
Fashion Crossbody Cell Phone Wallet ONLY $21.99 (Reg $45)
Insignia 70-Inch Fire TV ONLY $549.99 (Reg $650)
Stainless Steel Manicure Set 7-Pieces ONLY $12.99 (Reg $36)
St. John’s Bay Men’s Fleece Sweater ONLY $8.99 (Reg $30)
Women’s Pajama Pants 2-Pack ONLY $7.88 (Reg $16)
MKF Collection Victoria Weekender ONLY $53.82 (Reg $299)
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard ONLY $32.99 (Reg $60)
Timberland Big Boys Tree Zip Hoodie ONLY $17.83 (Reg $60)
FREE Apple AirTag With Your First Super Chewer Box
Skechers Toddler Boys Razor Flex Shoes ONLY $22.50 (Reg $45)
Disney Booster Car Seat ONLY $54.83 (Reg $85)
MUK LUKS Women’s Leigh Bootie Slippers ONLY $19.99 (Reg. $40)
MKF Collection Small Wallet ONLY $19.62 (Reg $109)

 

Vegetarian Recipe Round Up

It’s time for some yummy veggie meals!

Most of these are vegetarian, not vegan. These are recipes that I feed my family, so they are kid-approved and don’t require any weird, expensive ingredients.

And as a bonus, many of the ingredients for these ingredients are frequently given out in Neighborhood Distributions.

Inflation Sucks: Stretching your Grocery Budget

Inflation is taking its toll across the board. Wherever you look, prices are going up, up, up.

It’s horrible because Cost of Living increases are not keeping up, so we are working as hard as ever, and our money is buying less.

Depressing to say the least. Here are some ways to stretch your money further and keep your family fed. And this is all practical stuff, I’m not going to tell you to grow a garden or dumpster dive. If you want to do those things, by all means, go ahead.

  • Take advantage of local food distributions. I post information about them each month for locations in San Diego County. Here is the list for February 2022.
  • Inventory your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer. Knowing what you already have is a good first step. Here is a link to my Inventory Sheets on Canva.
  • Go Meatless 1-3 times a week. Meat is getting crazy expensive, and there are so many tasty, meatless meals out there. I’ll be doing a meatless recipe round-up later this week.
  • When cooking meat, add additional protein to your meals by incorporating lentils or beans into your recipes. I love adding in a can of drained/rinsed kidney or black beans when I make ground beef tacos. I use 1 15-ish ounce can per 1/2 lb of ground meat.
  • If beans and lentils aren’t your jam, bulk up meals with rice, noodles (I love the protein noodles), or a grain like quinoa (which is also high in protein).
  • Bulk up meals with fruits and veggies. Canned, frozen, or fresh- whichever is in your budget. Stores like 99 cents only and Grocery Outlet have great deals on fresh and frozen produce.
  • If you have kids in school, take advantage of free breakfasts and lunches. In California, there will be free lunches for school-aged children permanently. Other states have similar programs.

 

3 Months Free with Panera Unlimited Sip Club!

It’s baaaack! This is a pretty good deal, especially if you live near (or work near) a Panera.

If you redeem your Panera Unlimited Sip Club daily during your monthly subscription, that works out to about 30¢ per day. Subscribe now and get your first 3 months free. After that, it’s just $8.99/month (plus tax).

Any Size, Any Flavor-Includes unlimited hot coffee, iced coffee, and hot tea.

Get any size, any flavor once up to every 2 hours, with unlimited refills while you’re in the cafe. That means plenty of coffee to pair with your favorite bagel, breakfast sandwich, or sweet treat. YUM!

Fine Print:
*For new subscribers that sign up for an Unlimited Sip Club Subscription (formerly known as the MyPanera+ Coffee Subscription) (“Coffee Subscription”), from 2/14/2022 through 3/29/2022, will receive three (3) free months of Coffee Subscription. The Coffee Subscription is available in participating U.S. Panera Bread bakery-cafes. Must be a MyPanera member and at least 18 years of age or older to register. Registration is available online only including the Kiosk. You may cancel at any time. If you do not cancel either before your renewal date or after the expiration of any free trial or discounted offer, your credit card will automatically be charged $8.99 plus tax for the monthly subscription and will be charged on a recurring monthly basis every thirty (30) days thereafter until you cancel your subscription. To cancel your subscription online, visit the Cancellation section at http://www.panerabread.com/UnlimitedSipClub or on the Panera Bread app. The Coffee Subscription is limited to hot coffee, hot tea, and iced coffee once every two hours plus unlimited refills. Excludes all other beverages, including without limitation, cold brew iced coffee and espresso, and cappuccino beverages. Customizations including but not limited to added Espresso and added Syrups (Vanilla and Caramel) are not included in the Coffee Subscription monthly price. Upcharges apply. Other additions such as Milk, Skim Milk, Almond Milk, Half & Half, Sweeteners are included in the monthly subscription price. The Coffee Subscription program registration and redemption are available at participating U.S. bakery-cafes only. The Coffee Subscription is not available in: Atlanta and Macon, GA; Raleigh and Charlotte, NC; Memphis, TN; Mississippi; and Wisconsin Panera Bread bakery-cafes. Excludes orders placed on third-party delivery sites and catering orders. One subscription per person. Visit here for complete Terms and Conditions. No cash back unless required by law. Not valid with any other coupon or offer. Offer may expire without notice due to error, fraud or other unforeseen circumstances. Cannot be combined with other promotions.

Cents of Style: SEMI-ANNUAL CLEARANCE EVENT!

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

Favorite Tops

It’s that time of year! The Cents of Style SEMI-ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE!

Now through 2/21/2022, you have the opportunity to snag from 300 of their favorite and best-selling items an ADDITIONAL 50% off some already killer prices!! There are TONS of different items to choose from with sizes ranging from S-3XL.

There are so many items on sale, shirts, sweaters, pants, skirts, shorts, tanks, graphic tees, accessories, jewelry, and basically a little bit of everything! Don’t pass this up, because these prices are INSANE with items starting UNDER $5!

To take advantage of this deal, use coupon code BYEBYEBYE to take an EXTRA 50% OFF! Don’t forget FREE Shipping over $40! This deal ends 2/20 at midnight.

2/18/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals

Sorry that this post is later in the day: today was busy. We have out-of-town guests, I had an IEP meeting, I’ve been dealing with Life insurance claims, and combined with helping my mom, it’s been a 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 Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Sub & Drink at Jersey Mikes
Free AYO Foods Hand-Crafted West African Bowls
Free Lovely Day Bars Sample
Free WholeBerry Passion Fruit Snack Rounds
Free Sample of Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum
Free Samples of ZURU Edge Dietary Supplements
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Soft Drink at Sonic
POPSUGAR Dabble – Free Beauty Products
Free Cuervo Lime Kit – 1st 1,000
Free ClarityRX, E’shee and Simply Venom Serum
Free Coda Movie Screening
Free Nuttzo Organic Power Fuel at Walmart
Free Vicks PureZzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies
Possible Free O’Go Yarn Products
Free Sample of StriVectin Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Spicy Breakfast Sausage Patties
Free Tim Hortons K-Cups at Select Stores
Free Softsoap Hand Soap
Free Fody Gluten Free Pasta Sauce
Free Planet Oat Oatmilk at Kroger & Affiliates
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Walmart
Free Pederson’s Natural Farms Breakfast Sausage Links

Deals:

Juniors Deep V-Neck Sweatshirt ONLY $5.50 (Reg $14)
Maplewood Casual Duck Boots ONLY $29.93 (Reg $70)
Barbie Dreamtopia Unicorn Doctor ONLY $17.99 (Reg $30)
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator ONLY $14.97 (Reg. $30)
Kate Spade Harper Satchel ONLY $89 (Reg $359)
MUK LUKS Amira Slippers ONLY $19.99 Shipped (Reg. $40)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss $2.28 (Reg. $9)
Funko Games Disney You Can Fly ONLY $7.50 (Reg. $17)
Save 40% on Outdoor Toys + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
75% Off Sports Bras + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Classic Cuisine Portable Food Storage Set ONLY $10 (Reg. $24)
40% Off Puma + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MUK LUKS Women’s Jean Boots ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $60)
40% Off Champion + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Wooden Magnetic Play $10.99 (Reg. $21)
80% Off Sheet Sets + Extra 10% Off at Checkout

Fetch Rewards: 5,000 Point Reward for shopping at Family Dollar!

There are four Family Dollar stores in San Diego, but none are super close to us, so I’ve never shopped there. And some of my favorite Deal Tik Tokers shop there, so I’ve been the deals, and man… they are good.

Here is another deal for Family Dollar.

Spend at least $20 on your favorite Unilever brands at Family Dollar and earn 5,000 points! Get big rewards on things you already buy from brands like Dove, Hellmann’s®, and Suave®.

Don’t forget to download the Family Dollar Tree app too. There are coupons and in-app deals that will help you save even more!

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 earned $295 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!

2/14/12022 Weekly Meal Plan!

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The kids and I have the day off school/work, so we’re spending v-day together! I’m thinking about heart-shaped pizza for lunch!

I did a little bit of meal prep Saturday night and Sunday morning. I also updated the fridge, freezer, and pantry inventories. I didn’t watch “The Big Game”, I had other stuff to do.

We are skipping our CSA box this week- I still have a lot from last week, and that’s after sharing it with my mom and a family friend!

Most other weeks, 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. 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.

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.

Dinner: We’ve got a few Dream Dinner left, and I’ll be making those along with some other stuff in the freezer (looking at you lasagna). We’ve got out-of-town guests this week, so I planned dinners that are appropriate for company, filling and budget-friendly.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Chicken with Peanut Sauce (It’s a Dream Dinner, but I’m using rice instead of the Penne that comes with it), Rice, Salad
  • Wednesday: Waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit
  • Thursday:  Kentucky Pork Chops, taters, roasted Veg (We didn’t end up having this last week- I forgot to take it out of the freezer!)
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Lasagna, Garlic Bread, roasted veggies or salad

I’ll be hosting two Dream Dinners events, one virtual, and one in person at the La Mesa store later this month- It’s a great way for those of you who want to check it out for yourselves!

2/11/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

It’s Friday friends- This weekend is busy, as always, but let’s start off with some freebies and deals!

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.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies:

Free Acne Dark Spot Treatment Pads + $75 eGift Card
Free Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
35 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Magellan Sticker Sheet
Free Lasio Keratin Pro Kit
Free Hometown Hero Delta 8 Gummies
Free Copy of Amazing Me It’s Busy Being 3! Book
Free Hometown Hero Select Spectrum Delta 9 Gummies
Free Conair Hair Dryer, Hot Rollers or Epilator
Free 16 oz. Smoothie or Juice at Nekter Juice
Free Annapolis Pride Car Magnet
10 Free Custom 3D Flamcard Photo Card at Walgreens
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Atoria’s Family Bakery Flatbread Product Coupon
Free Hi-Chew Gummies Candy
Free Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up & Delectables Lickable Treats
Free Origins Ginzing Oil Free Energy Boosting Moisturizer Sample
Free 2022 Sand Scripts’ Magnetic Calendar
Free Dude Wipes at Walmart
Free Pizza, Chips, Cookies & More
Free Amala Beauty Skincare Product Sample
Free Bibigo GOTCHU Korean Hot Sauce Samples
Free Truly Grass Fed Natural Creamy Butter
Free I Read Banned Books Sticker & Bookmark
2 Free Hartz UltraGuard PROMAX Flea & Tick Cat Collars
Free Valentine’s Photo Box Craft from Home Depot
Free Disney, Barbie, Peppa Pig or Spiderman Toy
Free Macy’s Fragrances

Deals:

Martha Stewart 3-Pc Mixing Bowl & Utensils Set ONLY $13.93
Martha Stewart Love 3-Pc Container Set ONLY $17.93 (Reg $50)
PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti ONLY $8.99 (Reg. $18)
70% Off Everything for Home at Wayfair + 10% Off Coupon
Sterling Silver Heart Pendant Necklace ONLY $22.98 (Reg $125)
25-Pound Pet Food Container ONLY $12.99 (Reg $29)
Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Bundle ONLY $45 (Reg $128)
MUK LUKS Women’s Boardwalk Stroll Sneaker $19.99 (Reg. $55)
The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs $2.39 (Reg. $5)
Meal Prep Containers 20-Pack ONLY $12.99 (Reg $30)
50% Off Champion + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Free VDay Robe Bundle from Super Chewer with Your First Box
Revlon Crystal C + Ceramic Curling Iron ONLY $12.59 (Reg. $25) 
Free Queso Blanco at Chipotle
Lace Up Sandals ONLY $14.99 (Reg $40)
Gemstone Bar Necklaces ONLY $5.99 (Reg $25)
Sushi Go Card Game ONLY $6.29 (Reg. $15)

 

February 2022: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is right up your alley. Sign up and apply to sample products that you are interested in. I get probably 1-2 products to sample each month. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up products that are available to try at a local grocery store or mass merchandiser near you.  Apply to Try the products that interest you to see if you’re a match here.

Here are some of the new sampling opportunities:

  • Primal Kitchen Mayo
  • Primal Kitchen Dips
  • Primal Kitchen Plant Based Queso
  • Brainiac Kids Applesauce
  • Ocean’s Halo Seaweed Snacks
  • Parmesan Crisps by Joyfull Bakery
  • Maxine’s Heavenly Soft Bakes Cookies
  • Seal the Seasons Frozen Fruit
  • Hand-Crafted West African Bowls by AYO Foods

And one of the things I love about Social Nature is that they don’t leave our friends with food allergies out.

There are sampling offers for Gluten-free, nut-free, meat-free foods frequently.

Canadian Friends- You are in luck, there are sampling opportunities for you too! So if you love trying new products, check out Social Nature!