Dream Dinners Flash Sale! April Dinner Bundle!

Abby H.

Y’all know I love Dream Dinners. Check out this amazing deal- It’s only good through tomorrow, and it’s the perfect way to start the year off with easy, healthy meals.

Get nine delicious, healthy medium meals for just $165!
Order before Friday, April 22, 2022 at 9am to get eight medium-size family-friendly meals from our April menu for just $165. Fill your freezer and check grocery shopping and meal prep off your to-do list so you have more time to savor spring.
The Bundle Includes:

A Medium Meal feeds 2-3 adults (honestly, it’s usually 3+ in our house), so you’ll be getting 18-27 restaurant-quality meals for $185!

Our local store here in East County is La Mesa, run by Marsi and her friendly staff! Store Email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com  Store Phone Number: 619-460-6800

2022 Earth Day Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Earth Day is April 22, 2022. Unlike in past years, there aren’t a lot of cool freebies for those of us in Southern CA. There are freebies in other parts of the country, but I won’t focus on those because, well, I’m in Southern CA, and freebies in the midwest don’t do me any good.

Freebies:

Deals:

There are a lot of free shipping deals, or free samples when you purchase deals for Earth Day, but I’m not really about those. One deal that I do love that is available all year round, but really ties into Earth Day is the the H&M clothing recycling offer. You’ll recieve a 15% off voucher when you take in a bag of clothes to be recycled, up to 4 vouchers for a large trash bag. More info and details can be found here. 

If you have a little kid, Target is running it’s carseat trade-in April 18-30, 2022. During that time, guests will have the opportunity to recycle an old, expired or damaged car seat and redeem a coupon on their Target app or Target.com/circle for 20% off one car seat, stroller or select baby gear. The coupon can be redeemed through May 14, 2022.

And if you are looking to recycle or sell your old technology, check out Gazelle. 

You can sell or recycle your old technology (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) and earn cash or a discount on a new/new to you device. Help Mother Earth and yourself!

Despite what you read online there are NO Origin Freebies, Disney Store Freebies, Free milkshakes on the west coast, Mac Freebies, Sephora Freebies, Ice Cream Freebies, or free coffee from Starbucks. 

And don’t forget, there will be more Freebies and Deals on Friday morning!

Costco Membership Deal!

Abby H.

Costco is one of my favorite places to stock up on essentials. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to mask up and head over!

Right now there is a great deal for new memberships! Purchase a Costco Membership Activation Certificate to join as a new member and receive a  Costco Shop Card.

  • Gold Star Members receive a $10 Costco Shop Card.
  • Gold Star Executive Members receive a $20 Costco Shop Card.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3!

  1. Purchase your Costco Membership Activation Certificate here.
  2. Receive your Costco Membership Activation Certificate by email.
  3. Bring your Costco Membership Activation Certificate to any U.S. or Puerto Rico Costco location to join as a new member.

Here are my top five Costco Bargains:

  1. Rotisserie Chicken
  2. Butter
  3. PBFit
  4. Kodiak Cake Flapjack Mix
  5. Krusteaz Pancake Mix
  6. Bananas
  7. (Bonus) Their Gas Stations frequently are .20-.30/gallon cheaper than the “discount” stations.

4/18/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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I got to cook over the weekend and go some meal prep- it was awesome. I roasted veggies using some seasoning blends from Urban Accents. Citrus Pepper on Cauliflower, and Balsamic and Roasted Onion on baby Brussels Sprouts. I also made a huge pot of Veggie Loaded Tuscan Soup (Zuppa Toscana) to use up the rest of our CSA veggies from last week.

This afternoon once I’m home from work, I’ll get to work on this weeks CSA Box- Chopped and preparing!  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 $28. 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.

A quick trip to the store to pick up milk, cheese, bananas, and a few other things and we’ll be good for the week!

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.  The big kid still brings lunch from home.

Dinner: I picked up our April Dream Dinners order on Friday afternoon and we’ve got meals for the next month or so.  When we have them, I serve 2 Dream Dinners a week. It’s perfect for those nights when we have lots going on, and it’s a great way for the kids to try new cuisines!

  • Monday: Nug night- crinkle fries, apple slices & strawberries
  • Tuesday: Carne asada salad with beans and rice
  • Wednesday: Sandwiches and roasted veggies
  • Thursday: Spiced Chickpea and Cauliflower with Pita Bread, salad
  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Soup, salad, cheesy garlic bread

Get 20% Off Mabel’s Labels Best-Selling Camp Labels #sponsored

Abby H.

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

I love Mabel’s Labels. Each kid has a set, I have a set (unicorns if you had to know), and we have a family set for our bigger pool toys and camping equipment.

If you’ve got campers or really busy kids, this sale is what you need!

Mabel’s Labels best-selling camp labels will be 20% off until May 31, 2022. Shop the early access sale here!

Products include:

  • Sleepaway Camp Label Pack
  • Day Camp Label Pack
  • Mini Custom Clothing Stamp
  • Iron On Labels
  • Duffle Bag Labels
  • Contact Info Labels
  • Washaway Lunch Box Notes

And until April 30, 2022, you can use code CAMP10 at check out for 10% off the Starter Label Pack!

Features of any of Mabel’s Labels Camp Starter Label Packs:

  • Laundry proof (Washer and dryer safe)
  • Waterproof & Weatherproof
  • Durable
  • Easy to Apply
  • Personalized & Custom Designs


Note: coupons cannot be stacked on top of the products discounted at 20% off.

Don’t forget, Mabel’s Labels also offers free standard shipping on all orders!

AO Opinions: Upcoming Rare Disease Sufferers Project $75

Abby H.

AO Opinions is another Market Research company that I get information from. Right now they are recruiting for an upcoming research study for Upcoming Rare Disease Sufferers. They are looking for those people who have been diagnosed by a medical physician with a rare condition or rare disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the US?

  • To be considered please complete the pre-screener survey here. 
  • Compensation: $75 (if chosen)
  • Open to: Upcoming Rare Disease Sufferers.
  • Wednesday, April 20th – Friday, April 22nd 2022
  • Various Times Available

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is back!

Abby H.

After a two-year hiatus, the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering is back in action and better than ever! Events include two block parties, interactive classroom learning, a movie night, a recycled art competition, weekly podcasts, a group hike, and much more! “We are so excited to be back this year! This next month is packed with both in-person and virtual events for families in our community,” said Sara Pagano, Managing Director of the Festival. “After a two-year hiatus, more than ever, our annual celebration of all things STEAM is so needed to inspire the next generation to a love of science and art.”

Starting tomorrow, there are tons of fun events for kids of all ages to enjoy through mid-May!

Barrio Logan Science and Art Expo Mercado Del Barrio: 1900 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113 

  • April 16th 2022, 10:00AM-2:00PM

  • Combining culture, science, and art, the day will include a mix of student competitions, art displays, live exhibits, hands-on STEAM booths, and more!

  • This is a family-friendly environment where curiosity and exploration intersect creativity and culture.

Live Stage Event at Fleet Science Center 10am-2pm

  • Thursday, April 28th, 2022

  • Live stage performances featuring all things STEAM: rockets, reptiles, robotics, and more! Lineup to be announced soon.

North County STEAM Block Party 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014

  • May 1st 2022, 12:00PM-3:00PM, San Dieguito County Park

  • Join other industry partners and community organizations for a scavenger hunt with a twist.

  • Attendees will receive park maps for a scavenger hunt through the park’s nature trails, along with passport books to visit the booths to win prizes.

  • The day will include a family-friendly band and BYOP (bring your own picnic) if you choose!

STEAM Movie Night Waterfront Park: 1600  Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

  • May 7th, 2022, 5:30PM-7:30PM. The movie starts at 7:30pm

  • The theme of the night will be “building community with STEAM.”

  • Before the movie starts, attendees will be able to engage with different booths, each with hands-on STEAM activities.

Live Well Trails Challenge Ranger-led hike starts at 10:00AM, at the Birdwatching on the Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

  •  May 7th, 2022 9:00AM

  • Participants will adventure to some of the most popular and picturesque parks in San Diego with the first one being at Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

Classroom Connections  

  • March 15th-May 15th

  • This year the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will match classrooms at various grade levels with local STEAM industries to cultivate STEAM excitement and provide resources that many classrooms go without.

Stump a Steam Pro Saburo Muraoka Elementary School: 1644 Santa Alexia Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913

  • Wednesday, May 4th 1-2:30pm

  • Science speed round discussion for 3rd graders to introduce them to a dozen STEAM professionals from different industries.

  • Students will have the opportunity to “stump” the pros to win points for their class.

Weekly “Women Who Inspire” Podcast Through May 10th (All new this year!)

  • Episodes will cover successful women in the science, engineering, and art fields. They will dive into their backgrounds and find out what influenced their career trajectory.

For more information, visit lovestemsd.org or call 858-455-0300 ext. 4152. Connect on Facebook (facebook.com/loveSTEMsd), Instagram (@lovestemsd), and Twitter (@LoveSTEMsd).

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!

Chatterbox Opportunity: Stone Brewing’s NEW Live Buena Party Pack

Abby H.


Be the host with the most when you offer friends and family the option between seltzer AND cerveza with Stone Brewing’s NEW Live Buena Party Pack. Whether you’re sipping on their Salt & Lime Lager, or refreshing hard seltzer – with flavors like Mango, Mandarin, Watermelon Lime, and Black Cherry – this pack is sure to please.

If you are selected, you will receive:

  • 1 $20 prepaid card
  • 1 Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager sticker
  • 1 Stone Live Buena sticker
  • 1 postcard

You must apply and complete the required activities by May 9th to be considered.
To get started, click here.