November 2023: 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 it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

Social Nature has rounded up available products 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:

  • Sunflower Nut Butter by Wild Friends
  • Kids’ Juice Drinks (4-Pack) by PLEZi (We tried these recently- they are really tasty)
  • Organic Mac & Cheese by Jovial Foods
  • Barley Milk by Golden Wing

And More!

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, and meat-free foods.

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

FTC Disclosure: As with some offers I post, I receive payments for clicks, purchases, and/or registrations made through affiliate links in this post.

11/19/2023 Weekly Freebies

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.

If you are looking for free food resources, my comprehensive list can be found here. It is focused on San Diego County, but there are additional resources for outside my area as well.

It’s Freebie time! There are all sorts of cool freebies this weekend.

Free Jar of Sauz Hot Honey Arrabbiata or Summer Lemon Marinara After Rebate
Free Coffee Every Friday at Xtra Mart Convenience Stores
Free Suavitel Cuddle Sweater With Pet + Fabric Conditioner
New Free Samples from Sampler
Free Moisturizer or Serum with Vitamin C + $60 eCode
Free Bottle of Koia Protein Shake After Rebate
Free No7 Beauty & Skincare Products
Free Ocean Spray Zero Sugar Juice Drink Chatterbox Kit
Free Bestway New Year’s Hot Tub Party Pack
Free Tom Ford Oud Wood Fragrance Sample
Free 20 oz Coke or Sprite with Alltown Neighborhood Perks
Possible Free Wild Friends Sunflower Nut Butter
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
Free Simple Mills Pop Crackers
Free Cartier Fragrance Sample
Possible Free GoodWheat Pancake & Waffle Mix
Free Can of Better Booch Kombucha After Rebate
Free Sample of L’Oreal Midnight Cream
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Possible Free Halo Top Light Ice-Cream
Free Gifts of Your Choice from Sleigh
Free Open Nature Entertaining Crackers at Select Stores
Free Tiny Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies at Publix
Free AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle Fragrance Sample
Possible Free True Story Foods Kurobuta Bacon
Free Can of Doctor D’s Sparkling Probiotic Drink After Rebate
Free Watercolor Stockings Craft Event at Michaels
2 Free Trolls Band Movie Tickets for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Thanksgiving Printable Activities, Games & More
Free Flashlight, Screwdriver Set or Parts Holder at Harbor Freight

 

Fall Recipe Round-Up!

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Thanksgiving in the US is just a few days away, and for most of us, it means cooking a HUGE feast to share with family or friends.

I wanted to share with you some of my family’s favorite fall recipes- They are all pretty tasty, and easy to make. Some are great for Thanksgiving dinner, and some are just tasty fall recipes.

11/5/2023 Weekend Freebies!

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.

It’s Freebie time! There are all sorts of cool freebies this weekend. 

Freebies:

Free Longbottom & Co Virgin Mary Bloody Mary Mix After Rebate
Free Doritos Locos Taco at Taco Bell
Free Box of Beekeeper’s Naturals Kid’s Throat Soothing Lollipops After Rebate
Free Sample of Pharma-C Triple Action Hemorrhoid Pads
Free 4-Pack of Nuby All Silicone Softees Pacifiers
Free Gucci Guilty Elixir de Parfum Fragrance Sample
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Kroger Sample Box
Free Genio Della Pizza After Rebate
Free Sample of Enfagrow Toddler Nutritional Drink
Free Grand Slam at Denny’s for Vets & Military Personnel
Free Monopoly Knockout Game Night Party Pack
Free Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
Free Jar of Brooklyn Delhi Sauce After Rebate
Free Samples at Ulta Beauty Kiosks
Free Creed Aventus Fragrance Sample
Free Sample of Twist + Lick Dog Dental Gel
Free Gucci Guilty Pour Femme Fragrance Sample
Sam’s Merry Express Event – Free Samples, Gifts & More
Free Ocean’s Halo Trayless Seaweed Snack
Free Sample of Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation
Free Simple Mills Pop Crackers
FREE Sample Mail Call for November
Free Sample of BIODERMA Atoderm Intensive Balm
Free Box of MingsBings After Rebate
Free Sample of EQUAZEN PRO Jelly Chews
Free MicroSculpt Microcurrent Facial Device
Free Bottle of ZEN Calm & Stress Relief Gummies After Rebate
Free Large Fries at McDonald’s
Free Real Food From The Ground Up Snack Product After Rebate
Free Bulgari Le Gemme Tygar Fragrance Sample
PlayStation Plus – Free Mafia ll, Dragon Ball, Aliens Fireteam Elite Games
Free Download of Jeff Bridges Sleeping Tapes
Free Kohl’s Game Card on Black Friday
Free Heroic Fire Truck Build Kit at Lowe’s
15 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
5 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free NFL RedZone Channel Preview for Select Providers
Free 2024 Rainin The Art of Pipetting Calendar
Free Photo with Santa & More at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s

Today is National Child Health Day!

The first Monday of October is National Child Health Day. I’m taking a little time today to share some ways you can keep your kiddos healthy while still staying on budget.

Here is my post about how to care for your children’s vision on a budget. If your kids are hard on glasses like my big kid is, contact the company/optometrist’s office if the glasses break within 6 months of receiving them. My kiddo gets 1 pair per year through insurance, and I make sure that if anything goes wrong, we contact the office and get them repaired or replaced ASAP.

Here in California vision and dental insurance is included under health insurance plans for kids 18 and under. To learn more, check the back of your kid’s health insurance card for phone numbers.

Studies have proven that poor dental health and hygiene can lead to other more severe health issues, so please take care of the kiddos chompers! My kids love the Toms of Maine Strawberry toothpaste (also available in fluoride free).  They are not bubblegum or mint fans. Whatever it takes to get them to brush their teeth!!

Another thing that is important to overall health is PROPER REST. The CDC recommendations can be found here. My littlest is hard to get settled for bed, so here are some of the ways we help get her ready to rest each night:

9/24/2023 Weekly Freebies

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.

I hope y’all are ready for some cooler temps and fall fun. I’m looking forward to wearing some of my favorite Halloween shirts and leggings!

Freebies:

Free Coffee Week at Circle K
Free Dannon Light & Fit Zero Sugar Smoothie or Cup at Publix
Free Perfect Bar at Select Retailers
Free Ardor Energy Organic Energy Sparkling Water
Free NABISCO Snacks & Candy Celebrate Halloween with CVS House Party Pack
Free Subscription to Vogue Magazine
Free Airwick Essential Mist Diffuser
Free Luki Lab – Pinxies Party Pack
Free Quantum Energy Square After Rebate
4 Free COVID Tests Starting Sept. 25th
Free Sample of L’Oreal Metal Detox Shampoo & Mask
Possible Free BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil
Free Yellowstone Coffee Arabica Coffee
Free Fabalish Mayo After Rebate
2 Free L’Oreal Samples
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
Free Sample of Tanologist Face + Body Drops
Free Cold Brew Frozen Coffee at Rita’s
Free Rituals Invigorating Treat Gift Set
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
Free Mother-in-Law’s Everyday Kimchi
10 Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Beekeeper’s Naturals Sample Pack
Free $10 ThredUP Credit = Free Womens & Children Items
Free Daiya Plant-Based Pizza
Free Member’s Mark Coffee Pods at Sam’s
Free ASPCA Pet Safety Magnet, Window & Door Decal
Free Green Valley Lactose-Free Cream Cheese
Free Blue Bunny Champion of Fun Chatterbox Kit
Free Rituals Renewing Routine Gift Set
Free Carolina Heat-and-Eat Rice Pouches at Walmart After Cashback
Free The Last Kids on Earth Welcome Kit
Free Early Screening to Gen V for Prime Members
Free 1 Month of Paramount+
Free 2023 National Parks Entrance Days
Free Drink at Dunkin’
4+ Free Disney Movie Insiders Points
Free Where is Bear Book
Best Free TV Apps to Download Now (Free TV Streaming Services)
The 16 Best Free Sample Boxes to Request

Low Cost Laptops and Desktops from C2K (San Diego County) October 2023

Does your school-age kiddo need a laptop or desktop for schoolwork?

Do you live in San Diego County?

If you answered yes to both of these, check out this awesome program from North County Regional Education Center in San Marcos.

Sign up here by October 5, 2023, to take advantage of this event, which takes place on October 7, 2023, from 9:00-11:30 AM.

There is and laptop or desktop to choose from, and the prices start at $100, which is a really great deal.

If you have any questions, please call 858-200-9788 or email programs@c2sdk.org.

9/15/2023 Weekly Freebies!

This week was long. I’m having some health issues that are making me really tired, so early bedtimes and rest have been my go-to after school each day.

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.

This week we are sticking only to the freebies, of which there are tons!

Freebies:

Free Box of Prime Bites Protein Brownies After Rebate
Free Sample of Santana Snacks
Free One and Done Game Night Party Pack
Free Fish or Chicken at Long John Silver’s on September 19th
Free Sample of AERIN Rose De Grasse Rouge Fragrance
Free Mananalu Purified Water After Rebate at Whole Foods
Free Pack of Once Again Cracker Sandwiches
Free Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Sample
Free Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Purées Chatterbox Kit
Free Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
Free $10 Fanatics Gift Card for Xfinity Rewards Members
Free Ninja Transfers Premium DTF Transfers Sample Pack
Free PetSafe Pet Products
Free Kroger Sample Box
Free Sorion Cream or Soraresal Cream Sample
Free Airpod Case
Free BobaBam Instant Boba Drink Kits
Free Member’s Mark Better Nut Bar at Sam’s
Free Gratsy Halloween Box
Free Coffee Every Day in September at Scooter’s Coffee
Free Konscious Foods Plant-Based Sushi Rolls
Free Bag of Stellar Snacks After Rebate
Free La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Lotion Kids Sunscreen
Free Mulay’s Italian Meatballs
Free Sample of Millie Moon Diapers
Free Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Machine – Apply to Try
Free Sample of CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Free Rishi Tea & Botanicals Organic Rishi Tea
Free Prepare with Pedro: Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
Free bareMinerals Beauty Product for Your Birthday
Free Sunsweet Growers Trail Mix Bites
Free Motorola Phone Cases & Protectors
Free Battery Powered Whitening Toothbrush
Free Nature Valley Savory Nut Crunch Bar
Free Jar of TBJ Gourmet Deep South Tomato Jam After Rebate
Free Queso Week at Moe’s Southwest Grill
Free Purple Ladybug Sparkling Crafts Party Pack
Free iPhone Phone Cases & Protectors

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

I posted about this soup earlier in the week on Instagram. It’s easy to make and is super filling. The best part is that you can make it as simple or elevated as you want, and as your budget allows

If you like to make everything from scratch, make your own meatballs and tomato soup. On a financial or time budget- use premade. I double-checked and all ingredients are available at Dollar Tree, so even the tightest budget can try it!

Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

  • 8-12 meatballs (I used these Smithfield Power Bites)
  • 1 can/jar Tomato Basil Soup (I used Rao)
  • 1 14.5oz can salt-free diced tomatoes
  • 6 Oz (half of a 12 oz. bag) frozen onion and pepper blend (I used my slap chopper to make the onions and peppers much smaller pieces)
  • 1T butter or oil
  • 1T minced garlic 
  • 2T chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1T of the oil 
  • 1c. pasta shape of your choice (I used medium shells)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. In a deep pot, warm oil and saute the frozen onion and pepper until the onions are translucent and fragrant about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add in garlic, and sundried tomatoes and it’s oil and stir frequently, until garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add in the soup, bay leaf, meatballs (mine were frozen), and canned tomatoes.
  4. Allow soup to cook covered on medium/low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour uncooked pasta into soup, turn to low, and cover again. cook on low for about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.
  6. Top each serving with parmesan cheese as desired.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings. It can be easily doubled or tripled.

Tips:

  • It freezes well also.
  • It can be made vegan or vegetarian. Use vegan/vegetarian meatballs and soup.
  • GLUTEN FREE: Substitute GF Meatballs and Pasta

9/4/2023 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis long holiday weekend has been chill. We swam, deep cleaned bedrooms, and did our weekly reset. We reset today, and the extra day off was really needed. Back to school hit us hard.

I made big batches of vegetarian chili and chicken noodle soup yesterday for this week and beyond. I put a quart of each in the freezer for later.

The freezer and fridge are organized and the meals are planned for the upcoming week and beyond.

Our Yasukochi Family Farms  CSA box is delivered on Mondays. It arrived about 2:30 today, and I was ready to dive in and get prepping!

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature too. It’s fun to try new foods.

For those of you who 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 a Cliff Bar, fruit, and bagels for the littlest kiddo. The big kid has 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 (The same thing 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. With the rising costs of meat, we get most of our protein from using meat as an addition to our meals, not the main component. I realize this may not work for all families, but it helps us immensely.

  • Sunday: Chicken noodle soup, green salad, cheese toast
  • Monday: Chef Salad or protein shakes (big kid isn’t a big salad fan), and fruit
  • Tuesday:  blistered tomatoes w/ pasta, garlic bread (recipe forthcoming)

  • Wednesday: Vegetarian Chili, cornbread, fruit salad

  • Thursday: Protein shakes and fruit trays

  • Friday: Takeout night
  • Saturday:  Leftover night