kids

Free, Frugal, Fun Adventures for Kids

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s the first day of Summer Break here, and I’ve already got a list of the fun stuff we can do to get the kids off devices and out of the house. I do not want to hear about boredom at all!

This list is very San Diego County-centered, but with a little bit of googling, I’m sure you’ll be able to find fun freebies and adventures near you.

Check with your local shopping mall, many of them offer free events for kids and families during the summer. For those of us in San Diego, Parkway Plaza in El Cajon has a twice-monthly event.

Kids Night Out
  Jun 23rd, 2023
  05:00 pm – 06:30 pm
Kids Night Out is back and better than ever!  The party continues right outside of Ulta Beauty every 2nd and 4th Friday from 5pm-6:30pm, starting in February.
There will be free crafting for kids,  dancing,  games,  giveaways, and more!
Registered guests will be entered to win rotating prize packages. Register here.
In La Mesa, Grossmont Center Mall has events for the entire family from summer concerts to Free Lego Building events.

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)

Looking for Swim Lessons for the Kids- 2023 Edition

Abby H.2 Comments

Summer is here, or will be soon. The kids need to brush up on their skills-I can’t be the only parent looking for information on swim lessons and getting kids’ water ready.

My usual go-to is the swim lessons held at our local high school district, Grossmont Unified High School District. They have lessons for kids ages 3 and up. Schedules and pricing can be seen here.

The City of San Diego has private, semi-private, and group swim lessons at several of its pools. The prices are pretty decent. The prices and more info can be found here.

If you live in El Cajon, you’ve got some really excellent swim lesson options. Visit the Rec Center online here and take a look at all of the classes. Anyone can take classes, but El Cajon residents (of the incorporated city) can get killer discounts.

The Kroc Center offers swim lessons. Information can be found here.

The YMCA offers swim lessons at many of its facilities. Currently, they are offering private/semi-private lessons only. You do not need to be a YMCA member to take lessons there, however, the rate is cheaper if you are. The list of San Diego, CA area YMCAs that offer swim lessons can be found here.

I also did some digging for parents of kids on the Autism Spectrum. Aqua Pros offers classes specially designed for kids on the spectrum! More information and class prices can be found on their website.

These are just a few of the options available. There are of course private swim instructors and private companies that offer private or small group lessons. The ones listed above are for more of the price-conscious in mind.

Talk Back: If you or your kids have had great swim lessons, leave a comment and let us know where! The more options, the better!

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!

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

Family Recipe: Wet Burrito Casserole

Abby H.

This recipe is 100% Midwestern hotdish and 0% South of the Border. It is, however, pretty good. My brother recently texted me and asked for this recipe. It was a favorite of my dad.

Ingredients:

  • 1lb ground beef
  • 1 can of refried beans
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning 
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese
  • 8-10 taco-sized flour tortillas
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup 
  • 1 small tub sour cream

Directions:

  1. Cook ground beef per taco package directions, once cooked and seasoned, add beans and combine.
  2. Spread 1/4-1/2 cup of beans/beef inside the tortilla, top with a sprinkle of cheese, roll up and place seam side down in greased baking dish.
  3. Once the dish is full, top with a soup and sour cream mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  4. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Serve with Spanish Rice and a Salad Kit (I like the Avocado Ranch chopped salad kit from Taylor Ranch)

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

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising New on Netflix!

Abby H.
Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (L to R) Deven Mack as Arin and Brian Drummond as Ras in Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

We love Legos in this house, and the big kid LOVES Ninjago!

Joining Netflix’s extensive offering of kids’ favorite characters, we are excited to announce the new series, LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising, based on the beloved LEGO Ninjago franchise, which will debut on June 1. In the series, many legendary realms have suddenly combined into one, but their union is unstable. A Spinjitzu Ninja Master must train a new generation of heroes to help find Elemental Dragons who can save the planet before the forces of evil use the same dragon energy to destroy this new world.

Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. (L to R) Sabrina Pitre as Sora, Brian Drummond as Riyu and Deven Mack as Arin in Lego Ninjago: Dragons Rising. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

If your kiddos love Lego Ninjago too, check out this new show on Netflix!

We’ll build some new sets (this one and this one) while we watch this new show.