frugal

4/15/2022 Freebies and Deals of the Week!

Abby H.

Like most things in post-pandemic life, we are still facing delays in the reconstruction of the kitchen. HOWEVER-I’m getting y’all some top-notch freebies and deals this week- Enjoy and stay safe!

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 Godiva Chocolate
Free Dior Addict Shine Lipstick Sample
Free Sample of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Free BrightParents Pregnancy Test & Calendar
Free Shameless Pets Premium Cat Treats
Free Sample of Aveda Smooth Infusion Perfect Blow Dry
Free Differin Gel After Rebate
Free Dave’s Killer Bread Product
SampleSource VIP – Free Boost Diabetic Nutritional Drink
Free Tresluce Beauty Palette
Free Lane Bryant Gift Card Giveaway
Free Healthy Heights KidzProtein and KidzProtein Vegan
Already Got the Covid Booster? Get Paid $325 for a Vaccine Study
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Free Shameless Pets Premium Dog Treats
Free Sample of Enfagrow Toddler Formula
Free Sample of Sakara Life Metabolism Super Powder
Free Ken’s Dressing & Marinade
Free Muscle & Joint Pain Relief Products
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Insurmountable PC Game
Free Benny the Farting Bunny Saves Easter eBook
Free Showtime Channels Preview – Starts Today
Free XCOM 2 PC Game

Deals:

Women’s 5-Pack Short Sleeve Tees ONLY $19.99 (Reg $33)
Foldable Fairytale Castle ONLY $15.23 (Reg $50)
Disney Mickey Mouse Toaster ONLY $22.49 (Reg $30)
Oakmont Custom Rutherford Whiskey Glass 4-Ct $21.99 (Reg. $86)
UGG Mini Shearling Boots ONLY $65.98 (Reg $155)
M3 Naturals Anti Cellulite Massage Oil ONLY $19.54 (Reg. $50)
OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat ONLY $24.93 (Reg. $45)
Sparkle Allure Heart Jewelry Set ONLY $13.99 (Reg $60)
Barbie’s 50% Off Prices Start at Only $3 with Coupons
Kids Adventure Race Track ONLY $21.49 (Reg. $40)

Echo Show 8 ONLY $59.99 (Reg. $110)
Buy 3 Save $5 Select Skincare on Amazon
Charter Club Denim Jacket ONLY $25.44 (Reg $80)
4 Disney Movies for $1 + Free Shipping
Steve Madden Dome Backpack ONLY $29.93 (Reg $75)
Free 16×20 Canvas from Canvas People Mother’s Day Gift
Bogs Women and Girl Boots as Low as $5.99 + 10% Off at Checkout
Chefman Electric Burr Coffee Grinder ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
Kate Spade Harlow Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $279)
Cooks 1.5-Liter Deep Fryer ONLY $29.99 (Reg $60)
Champion Women’s Pajama Shorts ONLY $14.99 (Reg $26)
MUK LUKS Fleece Lined Embossed Leggings ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $24)
MKF Collection Libby 3-Piece Tote Bag ONLY $48 (Reg $299)
Melissa & Doug Construction Building Set ONLY $11.24 (Reg. $23)
Baby Girls Tunic & Leggings Set ONLY $22.80 (Reg $38)
Baby Phat Women’s Puffer Jacket ONLY $37.93 (Reg $129)
FREE Jimmy Choo Bag w/ Large Fragrance Purchase at Macy’s
Flawless Beauty Fridge ONLY $44.99 (Reg $60)
4-Piece Mixing Bowl Set ONLY $9.99 at Macy’s (Reg $30)
Mario + Rabbids Nintendo Switch Game ONLY $14.88 (Reg. $60)
Hisense 40-Inch Roku TV ONLY $198 (Reg $224)
CoComelon Large Building Blocks ONLY $20.62 (Reg. $37)
Pajama and Robe Set 3-Piece ONLY $7 (Reg $20)
Too Faced 3-Piece Skincare Set ONLY $14.50 (Reg $29)
60% Off Lucky Brand + Exclusive 10% Off at Checkout
KidKraft Outdoor Picnic Table Set ONLY $74.49 (Reg $130)

Tea Collection: All Baby 25% Off

Abby H.

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

Whether you are gifting or shopping for your own bundle of joy, do not miss this sale—the softest fabrics, cutest prints and most thoughtful designs are all here. Tea Collection has so many cute pieces during this baby sale now through April 18, 2022 when you use coupon code TEABABY25.

Click here to check out the adorable baby clothes!

CarePass from CVS- Earn $10 Extra Care Bucks each month!

Abby H.

We’ve been members of CarePass from CVS for about 6 months. It’s awesome!

Try CarePass for FREE for one month then enjoy your member benefits for only $5 a month or $48 a year – a $12 savings.

CarePass is perfect for us frugal peeps. Here are just a few of the perks of CarePass:

 

  • Enjoy a $10 monthly promo reward as a thank you.
  • 20% off CVS Health Brand and Live Better Products every day with your CarePass Membership.
  • Receive a monthly promo reward to spend on something just for you.

I love that I get $10 in free Extra Care Bucks each month. I combine them with other in-app coupons (the CVS app is amazing) and deals where you earn Extra Care Bucks to keep saving. And the 20% off CVS Health Brand and Live Better Products comes in handy when I need OTC health stuff- Like the topical heat patches, those have been a lifesaver for my tendonitis pain.

And you can combine savings from paper coupons, the CVS app, and CarePass Extra Care Bucks to save tons of money. I used our CarePass Extra Care Bucks from November and December of 2021 to help buy stocking stuffers. I also took advantage of store coupons (in the CVS app) and deals and ended up only spending $30 out of pocket to fill 3 stockings.

I’m not a die-hard CVS shopper, but, I do take advantage of deals when they pop up. I follow couponers on TikTok and Instagram to keep up with the deals.

To get started, Create a CVS account and try CarePass for FREE for one month here.

Cents of Style: GRAB BAGS! Starting at $10!

Abby H.

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

I look forward to this Cents of Style sale every year!

These Grab bags are ALWAYS a great deal, and I love surprises!

The grab bags retail from $39.99-$139.99, but are marked down right now PLUS you can enter an EXTRA 50% OFF and get them for ONLY $10-$35!! That is up to 75% off of retail!

GRAB BAG options:
2 Accessories for $10
4 piece- makeup, accessories & hair for $15
2 Graphics Grab bag for $20
4 Items, 2 clothing & 2 accessories, for $20
6 Items, 4 clothing & 2 accessories, for $35

Grab bags can include tops, pants, kimonos, lightweight sweaters, skirts, dresses, or jackets! The accessories can be hats, shoes, jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, socks, and the list goes on!

The coupon code is SURPRISES and it makes the price just $10 for 2 accessory items, $15 for 4 Accessories & makeup, $20 for 2 Graphics, $20 for 4 items, and $35 for 6 items, and remember FREE Shipping over $40!

 

Ohm Connect: Now available in Texas and New York!

Abby H.

We’ve been using Ohm Connect for years. In addition to saving power during times of high demand on the power grid, we’ve saved money on our power bill and earned rewards from Ohm Connect.

I’m excited that Ohm Connect has decided to open its program to those living in Texas and New York as well.

Once you sign up, you will be alerted when the demand for energy increases (Either via text or email- your choice). If you cut down on power usage during those peak times, you will not only reduce your power bill but also receive points from Ohm Connect that can be redeemed for cash back via PayPal or gift cards (I usually get Target Gift cards).

And you can connect your smart home devices to help you save- the Ohm Connect App walks you through everything! It’s super simple.

We’ve earned $25 in rewards so far in 2022!

 

4/11/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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It’s back this week! Finally, the kitchen is a little more put back together and we can cook! I’m going to be doing some baking this week: Cookies, biscuits, or cheesy garlic bread, and a bar dessert.

I chopped, peeled, and prepped fruits and veggies this afternoon. Our veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $28, 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. This is week two of Spring Break and we’ve got some adventures planned, I’ve got a new snack box in the car, and it will be repacked and ready for some fun on the road.

Dinner: I’m leaning heavily on the CSA box this week, and what we’ve got in the house. I didn’t do a big shop this week, just milk and popsicles (always the first two items on our shopping list). I’m doing a Dream Dinners pick-up late this week, so next week we’ll be back to Dream Dinners 1-3 times per week.

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Roasted Veggies, Pasta & Red Pesto
  • Wednesday: Chicken and Veggie Soup, biscuits, or cheesy garlic bread
  • Thursday: Salad Bar Night- I did most of the prep work today!
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, fruit salad, yogurt)

Family Recipe: Baked Red Pesto and Roasted Veggie Pasta

Abby H.

This recipe is easy to make, and amazing. It uses Red Pesto, which has a tomato base. It’s warm, filling, and comforting.

The first thing you need to do is roast some veggies. Check my recipe here. I roast 5-ish lbs of veggies each week, so we usually have some in the fridge.

 

Baked Red Pesto and Roasted Veggie Pasta

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Boil salted water and cook pasta per package directions. As you drain, reserve some of the pasta water (about 1/2 cup).
  3. In a large baking dish (11×13) mix roasted veggies, pasta, red pesto, and add pasta water a little bit at a time, until all the pasta is coated. You may not need all 1/2 cup.
  4. Mix in 1/2 of the cheese.
  5. Smooth the mixture down into the baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes covered.
  6. After 20 minutes, top with the remaining cheese and continue to bake uncovered for 10-ish minutes until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
  7. Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.

Serves 6-8. This re-heats well, if there are any leftovers.

Notes:

  • This dish is vegetarian, but not vegan. This is a vegan red pesto, but I’ve not tried it. To make it vegan, use a vegan red pesto and vegan Italian Cheese blend.
  • Pesto is not a nut-free product! If you have a nut allergy, be careful!
  • Feel free to use your favorite pasta (high protein, gluten-free, made from soy, etc). I do not recommend shirataki noodles- They have a weird texture and smell (seriously).

 

Free Recipe Lion Fruit Recipes eCookbook!

Abby H.

Ok, so we get a lot of fruit in our CSA boxes each week. Thanks to this awesome (and FREE) Recipe Lion Fruit Recipes eCookbook, I’ve got all kinds of new recipes up my sleeve.

And it’s not just sweets/ desserts, there are some savory recipes too!

 

Here are a few of the recipes I am looking forward to trying:

  • Braised Pork with Pears
  • Crowd-Pleasing Roasted Potatoes
  • Pear and Cranberry Bread Pudding
  • Orange Cranberry Cookies

To check out this offer, and receive your FREE copy of this eCookbook, click here.

Want to Eat Out & Save? Check out Restaurant.com!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Restaurant.com for at least a decade.

Seriously! You purchase a discounted gift certificate (make sure to check the cert for restrictions, such as a minimum purchase amount or mandatory gratuity ) for a local restaurant.  You have a year from the date of purchase to use it.

  • $100 eGift Card for only $18.00
  • $200 eGift Card for only $36.00

Restaurant.com eGift Card can be redeemed at 62,000 restaurants and providers across the country. Available denominations vary by restaurant and certificates are subject to minimum spend requirements and other restrictions. You can split up the $100 or $200 amongst a few local restaurants.

Here is an example of how to use the certs to your advantage.

Cafe XYZ- Certificate for $15.00.  Terms of cert: $15 off the purchase of $30 or more.

  • The check comes to $30.00
  • Minus Cert amt. -$15.00
  • Total New Bill: $15.00
  • Gift Certificate Cost $6.00

The price for this complete meal is $21.00 (that includes the cost of the certificate).  The total amount saved $9.00.

ABC Cafe- Certificate for $25.00.   Terms of the cert: $25.00 off the purchase of $35.00 or more.

  • The check comes to $35.00
  • Minus Cert amt. -$25.00
  • Total New Bill: $10.00
  • Gift Certificate Cost $10.00

The price for this complete meal is $20.00 (that includes the cost of the certificate).  The total amount saved $15.00.

Don’t forget to tip your server!

Sweet Deals at JCPenney: Coupons, Deals, & More!

Abby H.

If you haven’t heard, JCPenney is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year. And what’s an anniversary without a sale?

Through 4/12/2022, you can save an extra 30% off when you use coupon code 120YEARS (you can find it, and other coupons here). This deal is also available in-store here, just click here and show the barcode in the store.

And it gets better- as a JCP Rewards member, you’ll earn a $10 Bonus Reward when you spend $50 (up to three per account) now through 4/12/2022.

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).

If you are looking for some cute matching swimsuits for the fam, check out these adorable suits for all ages and sizes!