Freebies and Deals- 9/29/2025 is National Coffee Day!

Abby H.1 Comment

Next Monday, 9/29/2025, is National Coffee Day. In the past, this meant free coffee flowing like water.

This year, there are a few fewer offers, but the available offers are pretty good.

I’ve separated the list into two categories: the first is offers that are available in the San Diego/Southern CA area (where I am), and the second is the rest of the country.

I am unable to confirm these beyond finding them online, so if you go into a store and it’s not an available deal, please let me know.

FYI- Many of these deals require a purchase.

If you are unsure if a local coffee shop or coffee chain in your area is participating, check the app or ask in your local store.

Deals available in San Diego/Southern CA:

  • 7Eleven –  FREE hot coffee with purchase for 7Rewards loyalty members in the 7Now app
  • 85°C Bakery Cafe – FREE coffee in the app
  • Circle K – FREE hot or iced coffee in the app
  • Bruegger’s or Einstein Bros Bagels – FREE coffee with any purchase in the app
  • Burger King – FREE medium iced coffee for Royal Perks members with a $1+ online or in-app purchase
  • IKEA – FREE coffee or tea with IKEA Family
  • Wendy’s – Watch for a Hot, Cold Brew, or Frosty Cream Cold Brew for only 99 cents offer
  • Paris Baguette – FREE medium hot or iced coffee for Rewards members with any purchase from 27-29th

Deals available throughout the US:

  • Kwik Trip – FREE 12 oz Coffee with the app
  • Lamar’s – FREE small coffee
  • GetGo – FREE coffee when you scan your Giant Eagle Advantage Card
  • QuickChek – FREE hot or iced coffee with a purchase for rewards members
  • QuikTrip – FREE small coffee with the app
  • RaceTrac – FREE medium coffee via the app with the promo code: COFFEEDAY25
  • Wawa – FREE coffee for Rewards Members. Offer may vary by location, so check with yours
  • Shipley – FREE Cold Brew Donut or Original Glazed for loyalty members with the purchase of any coffee

Free Educational Resources for Teachers and Home Schoolers!

Abby H.

I’ve been doing some research to find some fun resources for my day job, and I wanted to share because sharing is caring!

Here are just a few of the educational resources available from Canva.

First up is my personal favorite: Canva.  It’s a website where you can make all sorts of media- both print and digital! They have a lot of free worksheet templates for all grades.

I recently learned about Free Book Marketplace, which sells low-cost books to educators. Their Free Resource section is expansive. Their Free Resource section can be found here.

This resource won’t go live until next month, but I’m mentioning it now: Book It. For both home schools and traditional schools, this program is a great way to celebrate reading with tasty rewards for grades TK/pre-K up to 6th grade!

If Pizza isn’t on the menu, Panda Express has a program called Read with Me that is for TK/pre-K through 5th grade (ages 5-11).

Education.com has a plethora of lessons, worksheets, and educational supports in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language.

And don’t forget Teachers Pay Teachers. This site has a lot of free resources. Everyone who sells on this site must provide at least 1 free resource. I have a lot of free resources in my store. TPT frequently has sales and discount codes. I do my best to post these coupon codes and sales as they become available.

And not strictly educational, but… LEGO® Life Magazine offers free subscriptions.  Perfect for kids aged 5-9, this printed magazine is packed full of cool activities, fun comics, creative builds, posters, and so much more. We get it at my house, and I try to bring it to school to share with the kids after mine are done pouring over it.

Did you know that Michaels offers a Teacher Discount? Once you verify yourself as a teacher, you’ll receive 15% off everything (even sale merchandise!).

Weekly Meal Plan Posts are Back!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI tried y’all.

After seven months, it’s time to bring back the weekly meal plan post. And it’s to hold myself accountable. Everyone’s been fed, so that’s not the problem. The problem lies in that unless I have something staring me in the face saying, “Hey, this is what you’re eating tonight!!” I will just ignore that and graze like a raccoon. Everybody’s fed. The kids always have a nutritious dinner, but I will just stand in front of an open cupboard and eat crackers out of a box. Or I will eat a cheese stick and handfuls of greens like it’s dinosaur time.

So my hope is that when I  write out this whiteboard weekly meal plan, I will hold myself to it.

The whiteboard has been repurposed yet again, and it’s ready for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Breakfast: We tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee and a bagel.

Lunch: M-F I pack myself and the kids’ lunches. I bring 5 lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the fridge. I pack the kids lunches each night before bed, except for the cold stuff and ice pack- those I put in when I get up in the morning.

Dinner: This week, for dinner, I chose some easier options to ease back into meal planning.

Now that it is fall and it is officially soup time (even though it’s like 90° outside most of the time) I will be making a big batch of soup once a week, so I will have soup for lunches and for dinner at least one to two nights during the week. This week’s soup is Zuppa Toscana. I also have a casserole planned for this week.

I love me a good old-fashioned casserole, and so does the little one. The big one not so much, but he’ll drink a smoothie any day of the week, so I’m not terribly concerned about him not getting something nutritious in his belly.

  • Sunday:  Soup and fruit salad
  • Monday: Pizza, Pasta, and Salad

  • Tuesday: Chicken, Rice, & Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Toast

  • Wednesday:  Sandwiches or Smoothies

  • Thursday: Quesadillas, Beans & Rice

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza and fruit salad

BrightLife Kids: Free Behavioral Health Coaching for Kids 0-12 in California!

Abby H.

This information was sent home with my littlest kid, and it is an amazing resource for California Families.

Brightlife Kids is fully paid for by the State of California. Working to ensure all California families can find the behavioral health support they need when they need it. You qualify if you have a California zip code and a child ages 0–12.

Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for the following issues:

  • Tough transitions like divorce, moving, new classroom/school, new sibling.
  • Tantrums and big emotions (anxiety, anger)
  • Focus and Organizational Skills
  • And more

Check out their website for more information and to see if Brightlife is a good fit for your family.

9/13/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

Abby H.

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

Topic: Household Products
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: September 16 & 17, 2025
Format: Online Webcam
Duration: 1 hour
Incentive: $125

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Personal Care
Who: African American Females aged 25-39.
Dates: September 16 & 17, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group from the comfort of your home
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Parents of Young Children
Who: Parents with kids aged 2-6 years old.
Dates: September 18 – October 1, 2025
Format Part 1: Online Discussion Board
Duration Part 1: 11 Days
Incentive Part 1: $200
Format Part 2: Online Focus Group (if chosen)
Duration Part 2: 90 minutes
Incentive Part 2: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Adolescent Diabetics & Adolescent Pre-Diabetics
Who: Adolescents 10-17 & adults aged 18 and older who are parents of adolescent diabetics. Please note that the parent must complete the survey.
Dates: September 18 – October 15, 2025
Format: Online Interview
Duration: 1 hour for adolescents / 90 minutes for Caregivers
Incentive: $105 for adolescents / $175 for Adult Caregiver
The parent must complete the survey.

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Adult (Diabetics, Pre-Diabetics / Diabetic Caregivers)
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: September 18 – October 15, 2025
Format: Online Interview
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $175

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

Topic: Skin Care
Who: Males and females aged 18-65 who use sunscreen.
Dates Part 1: September 24 – October 7, 2025
Format Part 1: At-home Product Testing & Online Board
Duration Part 1: 2 weeks
Incentive Part 1: $225
Dates Part 2: October 14 & 15, 2025 (if chosen)
Format Part 2: Online Focus Group
Duration Part 2: 90 minutes
Incentive Part 2: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Active-Duty Military/Spouses-October 2025
Who: Active-duty military, recently separated, or those who’ve returned from overseas in the past 4 years (or their spouse).
Dates: October 6-10, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group from the comfort of your home
Duration: 1.5 hours (plus 15-minute early check-in)
Incentive: $150

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

 

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Our surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.
Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.

9/13/2025 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

What I learned this week: One can still contract Pertussis despite being vaccinated against it. How do I know? Both my kids got it. I took yesterday off from work, and the littlest one and I saw the pediatrician, who confirmed that both kids had it (The big one saw a doctor the day before).

My house has turned into a medication dispensary. My kitchen counter is cluttered with medications, schedules, hand sanitizer, and Lysol spray.  The horrors persist, and so do I.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

 

Freebies:

FREE Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
FREE Febreze PLUG Warmer at Costco – Today (9/13)
FREE GORGIE Energy Drinks
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Afterburn
FREE $20 Purchase at Walgreens After Cash Back
FREE ALDI Big Bag on September 16th
FREE Zelmin’s Mint Breath Freshening Capsules
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Socks, Hat, Tote Bag & More
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Betty Buzz Sparkling Soda
FREE Sample of Stem & Root Melatonin-Free Sleep Support Supplements
FREE Queso Day at Moe’s Southwest Grill on September 20th
FREE Single Smashed Burger Deluxe at Huddle House
FREE Sample of WOWBUTTER Creamy Peanut Free Toasted Spread
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = FREE Item
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick
FREE Sample of AESTHETIC TURBULENCE Fragrance
2 FREE Movie Tickets to In Whose Name?
FREE Sample of Care-e-on Layover Lip Mask
FREE Dart Blasters and Target Sets
FREE Haunted Candy Box Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Sample of CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
FREE Rhode Peptide Lip Tint at Sephora After Cash Back

 

Deals:

Arched Full Length Mirror ONLY $34 (Reg $60) at Amazon
KitchenAid Kitchen Towel 4-Pack ONLY $9 (Reg $30) at Amazon
Lenovo IdeaPad 14-Inches Laptop ONLY $175.98 at Walmart

September 2025: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.

 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 usually receive 4-6 offers/freebies per month, sometimes more if I have time to shop. And most of the time it’s full-size products, not just a tiny sample.

In addition to the offers where they mail you a coupon for a free product, Social Nature has started offering 100% cash-back, similar to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. I love this because I can select exactly what I want, Social Nature tells me which local stores have it, and I can add it to my next shopping list.

And it’s just as easy as Ibotta and Fetch Rewards. Snap a pic and upload it. You can select Venmo, Paypal, or an Amazon Gift Card for your rebate.

Here are just a few of the Free/100% Cashback offers available now:

  • Dairy-Free Cheese by Daiya Foods
  • Gluten-Free Snack Foods by Feel Good Foods
  • Mental Performance Shots by Magic Mind
  • High Protein Pasta Case by BRAMI
  • Soft Baked Fibre Snacks by Good to Go
  • Shots: Energy/Focus/Relax by RYDE
  • Premium Cold Brew Coffee by Cameron’s Coffee
  • Gorgie Sparkling Energy Drinks
  • Wild Tuna in Olive Oil by Rio Mare
  • Gluten-Free Cookies by Schär
  • Crumbled Tajín Feta Cheese by Athenos
  • Meatless Breakfast Patties by Nature’s Fynd

JCPenney: Buy 1, Get 2 Free Towels!!

Abby H.

This sale is amazing and comes at a great time. This weekend only, through 9/14/25, all towels (kitchen and bath) and bath rugs are buy 1, get 2 free.

This is a great deal, and if you have JCP rewards cash to spend, pick up some free/cheap towels!

I got three bath sheets (30×60) for $2.16 after the sale and $20 in JCP Rewards cash.

I like the Home Expressions Quick Dri® Benzoyl Peroxide Friendly Bath Towel because certain people in my house use oxy pads (yes those still exist) and other face products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, and that can bleach out other towels. I also like white towels because you can bleach them.

So if you need to refresh your linen closet this weekend, JCP is a great place to start!

9/7/2025 PRC Research Study Round Up!

Abby H.

PRC aka iOpinion is a nationwide research study company. They are always conducting studies and seeking additional respondents. They email me once a week about the online studies they are looking to fill. Research studies are a great way to earn a little extra money, and most of them can be completed from the comfort of your own home, using your computer or laptop.

Topic: Grocery Purchases
Who: Adults aged 18 and older.
Dates: September 15-19, 2025
Format: Online + in-store grocery trip
Duration: 3 hours total
Incentive: $350 Digital Incentive (must complete all requirements)

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Restaurant Habits
Who: Adults aged 18 and older
Dates: September 17-19, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group + homework assignment
Duration: 90 minutes + 15 minutes for homework assignment
Incentive: $175 Digital Incentive

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

Topic: Food Allergies September/October 2025
Who: consumers or caretakers of people with food allergies nationwide for this research study. The groups will take place in September and October. You will receive a $75 token of appreciation that can be redeemed via PayPal account or as an online gift card.
Dates: September 23 – October 14, 2025
Format: Online Focus Group
Duration: 90 minutes
Incentive: $75 Digital Incentive

If you are interested in participating, complete the intake survey here. If you pre-qualify, a recruiter from PRC will contact you via phone.

A few notes about PRC:

It is recommended to use the web browsers Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the pre-qualification survey.
Only one participant per household.
Our surveys are open to U.S. Residents.
Incentives are paid via Digital Incentive unless otherwise stated.
To participate in any study that requires a webcam, please use a laptop or desktop computer ONLY—No smartphones or tablets.
If you use ChatGPT or any other AI assistance for your responses/feedback during any of the research projects, please keep in mind that you will not receive compensation and will be removed from the database.
If you pre-qualify, a PRC Global Market Research recruiter will contact you via phone.
Due to the many survey responses, PRC can only contact those who seem to fit well.

Weekend Freebie and Deal Round up!

Abby H.

This week has been so busy. Between work, appointments, and overall shenanigans, I am finally able to sit down and post these freebies and deals. And some of these are fire as the kids say.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

 

Freebies:

FREE Hill’s Pet Nutrition Cat Food
FREE Ninja Blast Portable Blender
FREE Kool-Aid Jammers Cherry Pack ReFUNd with Ripple Street
FREE Chips, Guac or Queso Reward at Chipotle
Possible FREE Crunch White Chocolate Candy Bar
FREE $30 Purchase at GAP After Cash Back
FREE Vitafusion Women’s Gummy Multivitamins Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Sample of Four Sigmatic Products
FREE Products with Fur Buddies – New Mission
FREE NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher After Walmart Cash
FREE Sample of Giorgio Armani My Way Fragrance
FREE Iron-On Embroidered Patch + FREE Shipping
FREE ACANA Jerky Bites Dog Treats
FREE 3-pk of Aqulius Safety Glasses
FREE Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE PhytoGen Hat
FREE Sample of Korua Batana Oil Spray
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
FREE Sample of Conch Coffee
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King

Deals:

Bella Pro 2 Slice Toaster ONLY $24.99 at Best Buy (Reg $50)
Top 10 Most Purchased Amazon Finds Under $50
Kate Spade Lucy Small Card Holder Wristlet ONLY $39 (Reg $129)
Up to 75% Off Men’s Suits, Blazers and More at Macy’s Friends & Family Sale
Alberto VO5 Extra Body Volumizing Shampoo 15oz ONLY $1 on Amazon
21 Days of Beauty Event at Ulta – Save 50% Off Your Favorite Products!
JCPenney Scented Jar Candles ONLY $11 (Reg $26)