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What brands can I buy at Dollar Tree?

Abby H.

Did you know that Dollar Tree accepts coupons? YUP! Here is their coupon policy.  While I was looking for zip ties today (for tie dying) at our local Dollar Tree, I was noticing all the great brands they have been stocking lately.

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Now, Not all Dollar Tree stores stock the same items, but here is a list of items and brands that I have found in many of our local stores.  I have only listed brands that I have seen/found coupons for:

  • Coca-Cola Brand Soda (There are usually a bunch of varieties)
  • Coffee-Mate Powdered Coffee Creamer Sticks
  • Nescafe Taster’s Choice Stick Pack
  • Nestle Purelife water
  • Pepsi Brand Soda
  • Sunny D
  • WestSoy Soymilk
  • Palmolive Dish Liquid
  • Farmer John Sausage Links (8 Oz.)
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Ice (4-Cups)
  • Ore-Ida Single Serve Baked Potatoes, or Steam n’ Mash Bags
  • SuperPretzel Bites
  • SuperPretzel Poppers
  • Bar-S Franks
  • Hormel Genoa Salami
  • Hormel Pepperoni
  • Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups
  • Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper
  • Betty Crocker Potatoes (Box)
  • Campbell’s Canned Soup
  • Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta
  • Fiber One chewy granola bars
  • Hunt’s Canned Tomatoes
  • Libby’s Canned Vegetables
  • Nature Valley Granola Bars
  • Nature Valley Granola Thins
  • Post Shredded Wheat Cereal
  • Progresso Recipe Starters
  • Stove Top Stuffing
  • Uncle Bens Rice
  • Comet Powder Cleaner
  • Gain Dryer Sheets
  • Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner
  • A&D Cream
  • Brut Deodorant
  • Carefree Liners
  • Colgate Adult Toothbrush
  • Colgate Toothpaste
  • Crest Toothpaste
  • Garnier Fructis Color Shield
  • Irish Spring Bar Soap
  • Lady Speed Stick Deodorant
  • Men Speed Stick Deodorant
  • Softsoap Bar Soap
  • VO5 Shampoo & Conditioners

Remember to check the size restrictions and coupon terms on the coupons you will be using!

Hiking with The Canyoneers & THE NAT!

Abby H.

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I love exploring nature with the kids. My dad took us on hikes a lot when we were kids and it was a great way to learn more about nature and the history of San Diego.

When THE NAT emailed me this morning to share their free, guided nature hikes, I knew I had to share it with my readers!

Canyoneers are citizen scientists and volunteers who have had comprehensive training by Museum scientists and local experts on the natural history of the region. Check out the full schedule of hikes between now and June 2020, and hit the trails with the Canyoneers! Look for the Canyoneer sign at the designated parking area. We are always hoping to see wildlife. Please leave dogs at home and come enjoy nature.

The Canyoneers offer free, guided hikes on trails throughout San Diego County from September through June. The new season kicks off this Saturday, September 8 with an easy, 1-mile hike on the Kumeyaay Lake Trail at Mission Trails Regional Park, perfect for children, seniors, and birdwatchers. 

In total, the Canyoneers are offering 80 hikes. Most are offered on weekends—with a few midday hikes being offered on select dates—and cover diverse terrain, ranging from the coast to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and from the Tijuana Estuary to Palomar Mountain.

  • New hikes in Cleveland National Forest, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and several other locations including Gremlin Way Trailhead in Dictionary Hill Open Space Preserve. 
  • Once a month, the Canyoneers will lead a mid-week hike to locations that are often crowded on weekends due to limited access. Examples include Equestrian Trail in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (November 13) and Luelf Pond Preserve in Ramona (May 12). 
  • The desert hikes that are scheduled on consecutive days allow for camping opportunities, reducing the amount of driving necessary to get to both hikes. The desert at night is a special treat. 
  • Some trails offer shorter hikes with little elevation change—good for younger hikers—and some very flat and paved hikes that are perfect for strollers and anyone with a disability. One example is the Batiquitos Lagoon Gabbiano Trailhead (September 14). 
  • If the weather cooperates, there’s a chance to see waterfalls on Cibbets Flat to Kitchen Creek Falls hike (February 9) and the Green Valley Falls Loop (June 28). Green Valley Falls is an amazing hike and has pools of water that are fun to play in!
  • Hikes in some of the most interesting geological areas in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including Fish Creek/Split Mountain (January 4) and Canyon Sin Nombre (February 8)—perfect for slot canyon fans. 

And if you have kids, there is a special program for students and classes too!

“Kids are most inspired by nature when they get outside and experience it for themselves—seeing a Monarch butterfly or a coast live oak in person helps bring to life what they’re learning in the classroom,” said Judy Gradwohl, president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum. 

The program is made possible with support from Subaru of America, who is generously supporting the Canyoneer hiking program for the fourth year in a row.

The Museum aims to serve approximately 550 students this year through the program. Space is limited on the hikes. For more information or to book a hike, visit sdnat.org/schoolnaturehikes or call 619.255.0349. 

If you are looking for books about hiking and exploring the many awesome trails and cool nature spots in San Diego County here are two books I completely recommend!

This is my personal favorite and has TON of kid and family-friendly hikes!

Earn Cash Back with Groupon+!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-08-31 at 4.44.48 PM.png The other day I wrote about Mogl, which is an appt that helps you earn cash back at restaurants. Today I’m going to tell you about another Awesome way to earn cash back when you eat out: Groupon+!

It’s as easy as 1, 2,3!

  1. Sign up for free to get cash back at participating restaurants.
  2. Nothing to print our or bring in!
  3. Get automatic cash back on your credit card statement. (You can also use debit cards too, and the money will be credited to the account)

Cash back amounts vary from 5% all the way to 30%! And here in San Diego, there are some pretty awesome choices:

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And these are just two of the great deals. There are tons of choices in various cuisines and locations!

And you can load multiple cards to Groupon+! I loaded all of our debit and credit cards, so regardless of what method we may with, we’ll be covered! And I know my data is secure because it’s Groupon and I’ve used their site to buy all kinds of deals in the past.

Free Credit Score and Monitoring with Credit Sesame!

Abby H.3 Comments

Just like your home, your finances need to be cleaned up regularly. If you haven’t taken a look at your credit report lately,  it’s time to give your finances a fresh look and get your credit in tip-top shape.

Did you know that the recent FTC study found that over 20% of Americans or 40 Million credit reports have reporting errors that are costing consumers money in credit card interest rates and loans?

Start by making sure that your credit report does not contain erroneous information that could be impacting your credit score. Keep tabs on your credit report activities and your score by signing up for free credit monitoring and score services like Credit Sesame, so that you can easily protect your financial good standing.

* Receive daily credit monitoring alerts
* Get your FREE Credit Score Monthly
* Limit ID Theft Damage
* Find Potential Errors Sooner
* Get Access to Better Loans and Save Money

What are you waiting for? Click here to register for free in under 2 minutes. You’ll get your free credit score and a complete view of your credit and loans. Plus, when you turn on the Credit Monitoring feature, you’ll be notified of changes to your credit profile, along with $50K identity theft insurance and live agents to help you restore your identity in case of theft. All for free. All in one place.

 

Earn Amazon Gift Cards with Up Voice!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-08-26 at 8.06.04 AM.pngDo you spend time on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Linkedin, and Amazon? If you do, consider joining UpVoice! UpVoice is BrandTotal’s user panel. We use the data that we collect from the UpVoice panel to build special insights for brands on their advertising activities and the ad campaigns of their competitors.

How does it work?

Screen Shot 2019-08-26 at 8.06.11 AM.pngAs you visit Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, or any other of the participating sites on your desktop computer, they anonymously collect the ads that you see and give you daily tokens that can later be redeemed for Amazon Gift Cards. Once you visit one of the participating sites, it may take a few minutes for your token balance to be updated.

They are a market research firm and therefore the data we collect is only used for providing brand marketers with advertising campaign insights.

If you’re qualified to become an UpVoice panelist, you will get a link to install the UpVoice Chrome extension. The UpVoice Chrome extension can only work on a Chrome browser (or other Chromium-based browsers) on your computer (and not your mobile device).

Screen Shot 2019-08-26 at 5.03.11 PM.pngI’ve been a member for a little over a month, and I cashed out for my first $10 Amazon Gift Card today!

To get started, click here.

NYC Area Moms- Baby Gear Reviewer Wanted!

Abby H.

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I received this in my email this morning and I thought I’d share! Please pass along to any moms you may know in the area!

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No Experience Necessary- You Just Have to Be a Mom!

Are you the next Baby Gear Reviewer for Toys, Tots, Pets, & More?

  • Do you (or someone you know) live in the New York City metropolitan area?
  • Are you looking to make some extra $$?
  • Would you like some free baby gear?
  • Be available for 2-5 reviews a week?

If you answered YES to all of the above then send an email to BrilliantMinds@BrilliantPRM.com and include 2-3 recent photos of yourself and if you have any videos of you reviewing/talking about products we would love to see those as well!

Want more info? Check out the video review below or check out even more reviews at TTPM.com. While you’re there join their website so you can be in the know about all the hottest products!

Applicants must live in the greater NYC area as filming is in the city. Each Review takes approximately 1 hour. Weekly quantity of reviews typically done at the same time.

New SavingStar Rebates!

Abby H.

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SavingStar has some awesome new rebates available.

If you are new to SavingStar, it’s different from traditional couponing!

What makes SavingStar different is that you don’t receive money off at the register.  The savings in held in your SavingStar account, and once you reach at least $20.00 in savings you can transfer it to your Paypal Account or donate your savings to charity!

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SavingStar is the first national, fully digital, grocery eCoupon service, available for free at www.savingstar.com and on iPhone and Android mobile apps. There’s nothing to clip, nothing to print. Chose offers, shop, and save! SavingStar is currently available at over 70,000 locations!

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Here are the latest offers:

Save $2.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream. Any Variety..Expires 10/16/2019.Save $2.00.

Save $0.50 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Del Monte Vegetable & Bean Blends. Any Variety..Expires 10/9/2019.Save $0.50.

Save $0.75 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) ORE-IDA Frozen Potatoes. Valid on 5 lb bags or larger..Expires 10/2/2019.Save $0.75.

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY TWO (2) Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Valid on 6-pack bars. Items must appear on the same receipt..Expires 9/25/2019.Save $1.00.

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Farm Rich Grilled Cheese Sticks. Any Variety..Expires 10/22/2019.Save $1.00.

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY TWO (2) hellowater. Any Variety. Valid At Walmart. Items must appear on the same receipt..Expires 10/16/2019.Save $1.00.(Only at Walmart)

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) CLR® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. Any Variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $1.00.

Save $0.75 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) TRISCUIT Wheatberry. Valid on 3.5 oz or larger, any variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $0.75.

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) CLR® Bath & Kitchen Cleaner. Any Variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $1.00.

Save $1.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) CLR® Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover. Any Variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $1.00.

SAVE $0.75 on ANY ONE (1) DOVE® Advanced Care Deodorant (2.6-2.7 oz). (Excludes Men Care, Clinical Protection Deodorants, multipacks, trial, & travel Sz)..Expires 8/31/2019.Save $0.75.

Save $2.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Natrol Products. Any Variety. Excludes Natrol Cognium products..Expires 9/26/2019.Save $2.00.

Save $5.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Natrol Cognium. Any Variety..Expires 9/26/2019.Save $5.00.

Save $0.75 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Bob’s Red Mill Muesli Cups. Any Variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $0.75.

Save $4.00 when you purchase ANY ONE (1) Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Boosters. Any Variety..Expires 9/18/2019.Save $4.00.

Save $3.00 when you spend $15.00 on Silk® Dairy Free Yogurt Alternative.Expires 12/31/2019.Save $3.00.

Save $5.00 when you spend $25.00 on Magnum® Ice Cream Products.Expires 11/30/2019.Save $5.00.

Save $3.50 when you spend $15.00 on SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Spreads.Expires 9/19/2019.Save $3.50.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Caltrate® product.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Advil® Sinus Congestion & Pain, Advil® Allergy & Congestion Relief, or Advil® Multi Symptom Cold & Flu.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $3.00 off ANY ThermaCare® product (excluding 1ct product).Expires 9/1/2019.Save $3.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Nexium® 24HR product.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Emergen-C® product 7ct or larger.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Infant’s Advil®, Children’s Advil®, Children’s Robitussin® or Dimetapp®.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Adult Robitussin®.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY PREPARATION H® product.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

SAVE $2.00 off ANY Advil® product 20ct or larger.Expires 9/1/2019.Save $2.00.

Porchlight Community Services

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-08-08 at 11.02.54 PM.pngFor those of you who have read my blog for a while, you know that food insecurity is a cause near and dear to my heart.

In San Diego County, one in seven families experience food insecurity. Food insecurity means you’re not sure where your next healthy, nutritious meal is coming from. It means you probably don’t have extra cans in your cupboard, or that you need to be more than just a little creative when it comes to cooking that a few days before payday.

Food insecurity is an issue that I feel very strongly about. No one should be hungry, and no one should have to eat mass-produced, poorly made, food devoid of nutritional just to fill their belly. Quality, nutritious food should be available to anyone and everyone at an affordable price.

That is one reason I am so excited to share with you today about an awesome organization in Linda Vista called Porchlight Community Services.

Porchlight Community Services is different from a lot of other food organizations in that they are a food rescue organization. They work with produce distributors, grocery stores, and bakery to rescue food that is otherwise destined for the dumpster.

Next time you’re at the grocery store take a look at all the fruit, all the produce, all the baked goods. The likelihood of all of those items will sell before their pull date is slim.

So when items are pulled off the shelf prior to their expiration date, they are frequently thrown in the trash. That trash heads to the landfill. Grocery store, bakeries, food distributors do not compost their unwanted food. Food rescue agencies like Porchlight Community Services pick up the food (that is still good, by the way, pull dates are usually arbitrary, and only affect the appearance of the food, not it’s quality or viability). They then take the food back to their offices where it is gone over to make sure that it is still quality, and edible. And it is been distributed to families who support Porchlight Community Services mission.

Screen Shot 2019-08-08 at 11.14.09 PM.pngProduce that can not be distributed (it’s leftover at the end of the event), is often donated to neighbors with animals, or local animal organizations. Once again, eliminating food waste and helping others,

Some of the companies that donate to Porchlight Community Services include Ralphs, Boudin Bakery, Wal-Mart, Starry Lane Bakery, and California Produce.

Porchlight Community Services is not your average food bank or pull date co-op. There is no minimum or maximum amount of money your family needs to make to participate. Some people who shop at Porchlight do so because they believe in the mission of keeping food out of landfills (like my family- it hurts my heart to see perfectly good food go to waste). Some people go to Porchlight Community Services because they are in need of wholesome nutritious groceries that fit a specialized diet (like Gluten-free or Dairy-free) but can’t afford to shell out money every week or two for the costly groceries at a mainstream grocery store.  Some people are in a tight spot and need to stretch what little money they have until payday.

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An example of past food items available

Distributions are usually held weekly. You can find out about upcoming events here on their website, or follow them on Facebook.

All funds that are raised go towards paying rent and utilities- to keep the Mission of feeding others going. 

If you are interested in helping Porchlight Community Services, they are always looking for volunteers to help unload food as it comes in on distribution days, organize and stock shelves, refrigerators, and freezers.

They also need help volunteering with event prep- setting up tables and bins.

This might be a good opportunity for girl scout troops or other civic organizations! Contact Porchlight Community Services here to find out about more volunteer opportunities.

 

 

8/9/19- Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

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It’s Friday- Time for Freebies and Deals! This week is pretty small, but everyone is a good one!

 

Deals:

Lodge Cast Iron Scrub Brush ONLY $4.56 on Amazon

Harry Potter Complete 8-Film Collection $39.99 (Reg. $100)

FREE Harrys Razor, Shaving Cream and Cover (just $3 to ship)

Eyeshadow Brush Set ONLY $5.50 (Reg. $13)SoBe LifeWater ONLY$ 0.90 Each on Amazon

Melissa & Doug Fill & Roll Grocery Basket ONLY $10.99 (Reg. $25)

 

Freebies:

Free Books, Journals, Stickers & More (I’ve done this one before- I scored a journal)

2 Free Chicken Tacos & Shake at Del Taco

Sprint Customers – Free $2 Amazon Gift Card

Free Pack of Baseball Cards on August 10th

National Bowling Day – 2 Free Game of Bowling on Aug. 10th

Free Sample Box Tuesday from PINCHme is Coming SOON

Free Fruitlove Spoonable Smoothie at Albertsons

Free Quest Protein Bar for Kroger & Affiliates

Fly for Free if Your Last Name is Green or Greene

Free Subscription to Fast Company

PayPal Users – $5 Off at Subway (I’m trying this today!)

Free Sejoyia Coco-Thins at Walmart & Kroger

Free 24-Count Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk at Target

Enter to Win 2 Tickets to Pickwick Players Production of Treasure Island!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-08-08 at 7.53.52 AM.pngI’m at it again! One of the reasons you haven’t seen me lurking around social media and the blog lately is that I’ve been really busy designing and making costumes for Pickwick Players upcoming production of Treasure Island by Ken Ludwig.

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Courtesy of Pickwick Players

Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island follows Young Jim Hawkins on a journey far from home to find treasure with a group that includes Captain John Silver, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack!

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Photo Courtesy of Tyler Hewes

I was really lucky to have a great team to make this show come to life. The set design really transforms the space, and the lighting and music are spot on!

To celebrate the opening weekend, you can score $10 tickets (Only for opening weekend)  Go to www.pickwickplayers.net and use the code “scurvy10”. Performances are on Friday, Saturday evenings (7:30pm) and Sunday matinees (2pm) – August 9 to 25.

I am giving away a pair of tickets to the show! To Enter, leave a comment below- Who would you take with you on your pirate adventure? I will choose a winner on 8/14/19.