frugal

3/26/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

This week was the first week of spring break. It was pretty busy: library, park, zoo, and lots of play time outside (weather permitting). This week there aren’t as many freebies, but there are some pretty good ones! Quality over quantity!

A new year means new birthday freebies. I put together a list for 2021. Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Eva NYC Mini Styler
Free Johnny Rockets Burger for Joining & On Your Birthday
Free Sample of Sasmar Personal Lubricant
Free Subscription to GQ Magazine
Free Cottonelle Down There Care Box
Free Sample of Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner
Free Sesame Street Fire Safety Color & Learn Activity Book
Free Gardening Gifts at Lowes in April
Free End Gun Violence Sticker
Free Lamination of COVID-19 Vaccine Card at Office Depot/Max
Free Subaru Drive & Drive Performance Magazine
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Subscription to Bon Appetit

Deals:

KidKraft Magnetic Dollhouse Set ONLY $59.79 (Reg $130)
Paint by Sticker Zoo Animals ONLY $5.01 (Reg. $10)
6 Pairs of Water Drop Flower Rhinestone Earrings ONLY $3 Shipped
Girls Dresses 2-Packs ONLY $6.79 Shipped at The Children’s Place
Comfy Buckled Cork Thong Sandals ONLY $21.99 (Reg $45)
Shark ION Robot Vacuum ONLY $149 (Reg $300)
MUK LUKS Women’s Camila Boots ONLY $34.99 (Reg. $65)
AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds ONLY $17.99 (Reg. $50)
Green Toys Shape Sorter Truck ONLY $14.00 (Reg. $30)
Peter Rabbit Book and Toy ONLY $9.98 (Reg. $17)
Peter Rabbit Blu-ray DVD ONLY $10.00 (Reg. $20)
WowWee Ploosh Kissimal Interactive Plush ONLY $5.43 (Reg. $13)
Green Toys Dune Buggy Pull ONLY $8.50 (Reg. $20)
8 x 10 Rugs up to 90% Off + Exclusive Extra 10% Off at Zulily
2 Scoops Plush Tie Dye Unicorn ONLY $7.50 (Reg $15)
MUK LUKS Men’s Moccasin Slippers ONLY $13.99 (Reg. $30)
Nike Kids Shoes ALL $34.99 (reg $80)
Fire HD 10 Tablet 64GB ONLY $107.99 (Reg $190)
Platform Perforated Sneakers ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60)
Portable Makeup Bag ONLY $9.99 Shipped (Reg $20)
WowWee Pixie Belles ONLY $4.79 (Reg. $15)
Twin Waterproof Mattress Protector ONLY $37.99 (Reg $64)
Conair Hot Curling Brush 2 for $6.43 on Amazon
MUK LUKS Men’s Camouflage Slippers ONLY $14.99 (Reg $40)
Bella Pro Series Touchscreen Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $24.99 (Reg $50)
Leggings by Marika All Styles ONLY $10.99 (Reg. $60)
Under Armour Adult Sackpack ONLY $10.99 (Reg $15)
6 Piece Travel Bags ONLY $12.99 Shipped (Reg $25)
Bella Egg Cooker ONLY $7.99 at Best Buy (Reg $15)
X Marks the Spot Dresses as Low as $4.99 on Zulily
Sheet Sets up to 70% Off + Score Free Shipping Through Sunday
LEGO Sale + Score Free Shipping Through Sunday

SheSpeaks: New Snack Shopping Program!

Abby H.

SheSpeaks has a  Snack Food Shopping Program! To participate, you’ll purchase a specific snack food at an approved Walmart store. The item will cost approximately $5. You’ll be reimbursed $10 for your purchase within two weeks of you submitting your receipt!

To qualify for this program, you will need to be able to shop at a Walmart store on this list. (Due to limited availability, this product is only available at certain stores in AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY.)

To get started, click here.

3/23/2021 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.
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I posted on Instagram on Sunday that our meal plan was going to be late this week, and I was right. Our CSA Box arrived yesterday and there are all sorts of goodies in our Jumbo box. You can see a picture here.  I made cookies and soup for this week on Sunday.

This week we’ve got a family friend in town, so lunches will be a lot of snacks/picnic style food. Dinners are going to be quick/easy to prepare as we’ll be on the go most of the week.

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 like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

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.  The kids are nuts about pancakes. The Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Lunch: This week and next it’s spring break, so the kids and I will be out having socially distanced adventures. I’m filling the backpack with snacks and our reusable water bottles each morning. This will help keep us on budget and keep us out of the drive thru- although we will still stop at Starbucks a few times. I’ve been saving my stars for some freebies.

Dinner: Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Sunday: Soup, Sourdough toast/avocado toast
  • Monday: It was going to be dinner out, but we had a late lunch and had snacks for dinner
  • Tuesday:  Spinach Salad (recipe this week), Roast Veg, Garlic flat bread
  • Wednesday: Nuggets/veggie burgers, Salad, noodles
  • Thursday: Tamales, beans and rice, Roasted Veg
  • Friday:  Pizza Night/Takeout
  • Saturday: Leftovers (probably soup)

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

March 2021: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 If you are into Organic/Natural/Healthy products, then Social Nature is 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.

There are a lot of really awesome products available to sample right now. From Broth to snacks, protein powder, meat alternatives- There is something for everyone to try.

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!

3/19/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.
bright boxes

Spring break starts on Monday. I am not ready. I’m hoping to take the kids to the zoo, Safari Park, and maybe the tidepools or the beach (but not go into the water because it’s still FREEEEZING cold). We’re keeping it frugal and socially distanced!

A new year means new birthday freebies. I put together a list for 2021. Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I am not encouraging anyone to go into stores or go out into public. Mask up, wash your paws, stay socially distanced!

Freebies:

Free Clinique Moisture Surge Sample
Free Sample of Ce de Peau Cleanser
Free Softsoap Gently Lavender
Free Freak Flag Organics Bone Broth
Free Timberland Products
Free Origins Checks & Balances Scrub
Possible Free $10 Gift Card
Free Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR Cat Food Package
2 Free Toners + $25 Amazon Gift Card
Free $5 Off $5 at Ace Hardware = Free Item
Free Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit at Wendy’s
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free Sample of Estee Lauder Futurist Primer
Free Midea Window Air Conditioner or WIFI Cube Dehumidifier
Win an Amazon Gift Card from MySavings Instagram
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Hayneedle Bed
Free Perfect Bar at Walmart
Free Copies of the Eagle Books Series
Possible Free $100 Canned & Frozen Foods Research Study
Free Mommy’s Bliss Baby Multivitamin + iron
Free Frozen Fruit Bars
Free Maxi-Cosi Or Safety 1st Baby Product
Free Infantino Narwhal Pat & Play Water Mat
Free Ink Cartridges
Free Baby’s Busy Day: Being One is So Much Fun! Book
Free Maison Margiela Replica Match a Méditation Travel Spray
Free Flourish Spatula, Pancake Mix, Amazon Gift Card & More
Free Bushmills Whiskey Pour or Cocktail

Deals:

How To Train Your Dragon 3-Movie Collection $14.99 (Reg. $40)
The Land Before Time Collection Box Set $16.99 (Reg. $36)
Free Felt Dog Toy Bin and Free Shipping from Super Chewer
Hape Doll Family Mansion ONLY $119.99 (Reg. $200)
Thomas & Friends Super Cruiser Train Track Set $15 (Reg. $40)
Pet Naturals of Vermont Cat Chews ONLY $2.85 (Reg. $6)
Funko POP 10-In Mandalorian ONLY $29.96 Shipped (Reg $40)
MUK LUKS Women’s Marl Pom Hat ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $22)
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Story Board Book ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $7)
Easter Books Under $5.00 on Amazon

Amelia Sunnies Sunglasses ONLY $12.99 (Reg $25)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes $3.66 on Amazon
Wireless Sound Bar ONLY $34.79 at Walmart (Reg $183)
Adidas Kid’s Shoes on Clearance at Kohl’s
Bella Pro Series Analog Air Fryer 2qt ONLY $17.99 (Reg $40)
Double Buckle Strap Slides ONLY $20.99 (Reg $50)
COVERGIRL So Lashy! blastPRO Mascara ONLY $3.61

Fetch Rewards: 4,000 Points Per Referral through 3/23/2021

Abby H.

There are thousands of referral bonus points just waiting to be claimed. If you want some, simply tell all your friends about Fetch. Through 3/23, you’ll get 4,000 points for anyone who signs up using your code.

There’s no limit to the Rewards you can earn, so tell everyone. It’s super easy, and each friend who signs up gets 2,000 points.

Referring friends is easy. Step one: share your referral code with friends. Step two: friends enter your code and snap a receipt. Step three: points are deposited into your account.

Let’s get started! If you are new to Fetch Rewards, you can learn more here. When you sign up, use my referral code ND2TB and share the love (and referral points!).

When you sign up, leave your referral code in the comments!

Save an Extra 30% off at JCPenney through 3/21/2021

Abby H.

I am a life long JCP shopper. I love their sales, deals, and they have great clothes and housewares.

Through 3/21, JCP is offering a 30% coupon that can be used in store or online (you can find it, and other coupons here).

I used the coupon a few days ago to pick up a hoodie for the big kid and a Wonder Woman dress for little miss. Both were on sale and I got the extra 30% off!

For those who love the ease of online shopping: You’ll score free shipping when you spend $75+ or have your items shipped to your closest JCP store for free.

Don’t forget to sign up for JCP Rewards if you already haven’t. It’s a great way to earn $10/$10+ coupons, plus additional rewards like secret sales and birthday coupons (usually a $10/$10+ coupon).

Santee School District Spring Break Meal Distribution

Abby H.

Like many other school districts, Santee School district will be handing out free lunches and breakfasts over the spring break.

On March 22, 2021 and March 29, 2021 at the district kitchen (9880 Riverwalk Drive, Santee, CA 92071) from 11:30-12:30, food for each week will be distributed. Please remember to mask up! The menu is listed below.

If you live outside Santee and know about other school districts distributing lunches/meals, please leave information or a link in the comments! Sharing is caring!

Easy Recipe: Homemade Pico De Gallo (Fresh Salsa)

Abby H.

Time to Salsa!!

With the massive amount of super tasty local veggies and fruit we’ve been getting, I decided to make Pico de Gallo (fresh salsa) since we had all the ingredients in this week’s box.

This recipe is super simple and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa)

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped and deseeded tomatoes
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds and white membrane removed, diced
  • 1/2 red/purple onion diced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, chiffonade (that means cut up into small ribbons)
  • Salt and Pepper

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Toss all ingredients until the lime juice coats all of the veggies.
  3. Transfer into a container with an airtight lid.
  4. Store in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This gives the flavors to meld, and the salsa to chill.
  5. This salsa stays good in the fridge for 4-6 days, but it won’t last that long.

I love this salsa with zucchini chips or tortilla chips. Or in an omlet.

 

 

Free Food Resources for March 2021 (San Diego County)

Abby H.

I’m sorry this is a little late coming for March. Fear not, you haven’t missed out! There are still many free Neighborhood Distributions for this month!

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

Neighborhood Distributions for March 2021:

These Distributions are primarily produce/fruits & veg, however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

Super Pantry Locations can be found here (this listing is countywide).

If you have a child attending public school in San Diego County, check to see if your school distributes free lunches daily.

In Eastern San Diego County, Grossmont Union High School District schools are distributing lunches to kids ages 2-18, Monday through Friday at various times  (Check your closest school to find out exact times and locations within each school). They also do Pizza Fridays, where each kid receives a pizza, drink, salad, plus food to be eaten over the weekend. It is definitely more than enough food to keep kids fed over the weekend.

Forgive the blurriness of this picture, but Grossmont Union High School District will be giving out two family meals over their Spring Break. Monday, March 15, 2021 and Monday March 22, 2021. The offers vary by week, but it’s a great chance to pick up some extra food to feed the kiddos. Yes, I know it says March 2020, but it is for this year.

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