family

6/28/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis weekend, I am on the ball and getting the meal plan posted on Sunday!

My goal of not doing a big grocery shop was foiled last week. I ended up going grocery shopping at Walmart when I needed to order a few things for the house- like washcloths. I have no idea where they all went. It was only $40, still well below my usual weekly grocery bill.

In the summer, we get into a groove when it comes to dinners. Easy, quick foods that are tried and true.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: I’m doing lunch meal prep for the week today- Beans and Rice bowls for myself. And a batch of Mac n’ cheese for the youngest. The big kid usually doesn’t eat a big lunch. He’ll snack or have a bag of Quest Protein chips and a sandwich.  We’ll be escaping the house on some adventures. The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) while we are out and about.

Dinner: Because of the heat, I didn’t end up making meatloaf, so we may grill burgers instead, or make Salisbury steaks. I’m not sure which.

  • Sunday:  Gyro, Rice, Salad, Naan
  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Something with Ground Beef, salad, and mashed potatoes

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates (this has become a Wednesday special)

  • Thursday: Chicken Quesadillas, fruit, chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Have a Fun, Frugal Daycation with ResortPass!

Abby H.

Are you looking to try something new without packing the family up for the weekend and heading out of town or spending a ton of money?

I recently discovered ResortPass through a friend who was telling me about their “daycation”.

They got a Day Room, and for less than $250, the family got access to the pool (which included water slides!), a room to shower/relax in. It sounded amazing!

Whether you want to relax poolside, rent a cabana, or get a day room, there are all sorts of hotels and resorts worldwide that are part of ResortPass.

6/22/2026 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI took the weekend off from blogging to hang out with the kids and work on another project.

This week is less busy than last week, so I plan on hitting up the gym for yoga as often as I can.

I did a small grocery trip yesterday morning, mostly to get popsicles and a few things that were needed for a specific meal yesterday (Father’s Day breakfast for my ex and the kids). I’m going to try to go another week without a restock shop. We will have plenty of snacks, and I’ve got ingredients to make cookies and everything on the menu for this week.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is another use-it-up week. We’ve got a lot of stuff in the freezer, including ground beef, nuggets, and frozen fruit.

  • Sunday:  Butter Chicken, Rice, and naan
  • Monday: Italian Night
  • Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, & veg

  • Wednesday: Smoothies and Charcuterie plates

  • Thursday: Nuggets, fruit, and chips

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Tryazon- New Strategy Game Night Opportunity from Roxley!

Abby H.

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

 

Get ready to elevate your next game night with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity featuring Skyrise from Roxley Games – a stunning strategy game where players compete to build a breathtaking city in the clouds. Through clever bidding, tactical placement, and a little bluffing, you’ll shape the skyline while pursuing secret objectives and earning the favor of the city’s patrons.

If your group enjoys strategic decision-making, friendly competition, and gorgeous tabletop experiences, this is one opportunity you won’t want to miss!

They have 75 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected will receive a free Roxley Games party pack to sample and play with friends and family.

Learn more and apply here.

 

Freebies for Expecting Parents!

Abby H.

I think there is something in the water, because I know nine people who are having children in 2026.

That’s a lot of babies!

Kids cost a lot. And they go through a lot of food, clothes, hygiene products, you name it.

Here is a list of some pretty great freebies for babies (and their parents, too).

I wish this had been around when my kids were littler.

Sign up and claim your Baby Box Fee Unlimited Edition from Your Baby Club.

$80 worth of freebies is a pretty great start.

If you know someone who is planning on breastfeeding, this next offer is great!

Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Provide your insurance information to discover breast pump coverage.

2. Aeroflow verifies coverage and submits the required paperwork.

3. Pick a Top-of-the-Line Breast Pump.

Meal Planning in the Summer…

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI forgot to hit Publish on this post on Sunday night and just discovered it in my drafts. Oops.

This is my first full week of both kids being on summer break.

This week is the week of appointments for the whole family. Between the front bathroom shower being resurfaced, doctor’s appointments for me, small kid, and big kid, and the dishwasher repair guy coming- it’s a full week of running all over.

The big kid and I plan to hit the YMCA as much as possible between all of our appointments. The Small Kid will probably come with us and ride a stationary bike the whole time.

The kids will be taking advantage of the free summer lunches (find out more here) as often as we can this week.

Breakfast: The kids tend to eat cereal, a bagel, or an MBS (Mrs. Bear Special) each morning for breakfast. I usually have a proffee. I cashed in all of my points at Einstein Bros. Bagels to get a free dozen bagels. They are sliced and individually wrapped in the freezer. They are definately going to be a hit this week for breakfast.

Lunch: Between free summer lunches and the tons of snacks I’ve got in the cupboard, the kids will survive.  I have two plastic totes full of individually portioned self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. There are also preportioned fruits and veggies in the fridge.

Dinner: This week is a “use it up” week. I have a bunch of stuff leftover in the fridge from last week that didn’t get used, so this week we are leaning on what’s on hand.

  • Sunday:  Italian Night: Flatbread, Chicken Parm casserole (veggies included)
  • Monday: Breakfast for Dinner
  • Tuesday: Crockpot Meal (something with chicken)

  • Wednesday: Charcuterie Night

  • Thursday: Smoothies and Entrees

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Earn Money This Summer with Surveys!

Abby H.

Because I didn’t get selected for summer school this summer, I need a little extra cash to take the kids on fun adventures.  I try to spend 30-45 minutes a day doing surveys, usually early in the morning after the cat has demanded her breakfast, before the kids have woken up.  Here are some of my favorite survey companies:

Online Surveys with Mypoints– I consistently earn $5-$10/day in Amazon or Target Gift cards doing MyPoints surveys. Here is a post about how I earned Amazon Gift Cards with Mypoints surveys.

PaidViewPoint– They only send you surveys that you qualify for, so there is no wasted time. Payout is only $10.00, so I make a payout about 1-2 times a month. It’s not tons of work, and every little bit helps!

Pinecone Research: Get Paid $1-3 per survey!– My favorite survey company. $1-3 per survey you complete, and they only send you surveys that you are already pre-qualified for!

I’ve been a member of Swagbucks for years, and it’s an easy way to earn free gift cards and cash.

Members join for free and will have access to all of our earning verticals, including, but not limited to, watching videos, shopping for cash back, taking surveys, and redeeming special offers.

Swagbucks is the web’s leading rewards platform, dedicated to providing FREE gift cards to its 12+ million members.

Choose from top retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, PayPal, and tons more.

Join Inbox Dollars free and get paid to take surveys, shop online, try name-brand products, and play games online.

You do online activities: Take Surveys, Watch Videos, Shop, and More.

You earn real CASH!

Take Surveys and earn cash, sweepstakes, and prizes for your participation from SurveyClub.com.
Earn cash for participating in online surveys, private panels, focus groups, clinical trials, in-home usage tests, online bulletin boards, taste tests, and mystery shopping studies.

SurveyClub gives companies the unique opportunity to access its panelists by posting studies directly on its website.

Receive cash back from Kashkick when you read emails, complete surveys, take quizzes, refer your friend, and subscribe to special promotions.

Earnings are deposited into your Paypal account!

 

And I post market research and focus group invitations from PRC and AO Opinions at least once a week, so keep your eyes peeled for those opportunities as well.

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.1 Comment

Today is the last Monday of school for my little kid.

I know a lot of you have kids who are out of school already, and you may be wondering how you can keep them busy without going broke.

I’ve got some things planned- different from other years, now that my posse is older. Here are some of the ways we’re having fun and staying cool.

Kids Bowl Free (only my younger kid qualifies, but it’s still a great program).

Summer Reading Programs. Between the City and County libraries, and Bookit, it’s going to be awesome!

Discount Summer Movies– It’s all second-run movies, but some of these are my kids’ favorites. Plus movie theatre popcorn and AC!

Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park. If you or your kids have an EBT card, check out Museums for All. 

Both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego Library systems have fun events planned for kids and adults.  Some of the events my gang is looking forward to:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside is the lack of shade trees.

There are a bunch of municipal pools in San Diego that have open swim times, and a couple that have splash pads!

If you are looking for free summer food for kids and families, check out my post here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

6/7/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I’ve been really busy this week- Gearing up for the final week of school for my littlest kid, and I am costuming a play that starts in July, so I am knee deep in costume prep! I’ll post more about the play once the official notice and information is available.

I  updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

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

Freebies

Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Salonpas Lidocaine FLEX Patch Sample
FREE Car Wash for First Responders at GO Car Wash
FREE Full-Size Pack of WaterWipes Feminine Wipes
FREE Emergen-C Samples + Sticker Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Lipton Fusions Lemonade Iced Tea
FREE Box of Splenda
$1 Million in FREE Domino’s Emergency Pizzas
FREE Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Set at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE 22 oz. Iced Tea at Raising Cane’s
FREE Sample of Diptyque Eau des Sens Eau de Toilette
FREE Hallmark Card Every Month
FREE Is It a Stroke Magnet
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
We Found The Best Birthday Freebies For Kids
FREE innisfree Energy Sheet Mask
2 FREE Movie Tickets to The Furious
FREE The Forward Bar
FREE Vanilla Shake at Wayback Burgers on June 20th
FREE Fishing Days 2026
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
Join Ask Mom for Product Tests and Survey Cash
Chipotle Summer of Extras – FREE Chipotle, Points & More
100,000 FREE Pints of Kroger Ice Cream on June 19th
Get Free Nike Gear: How to Become a Nike Product Tester
10 Ways to Save Big on Pet Food Delivery Services + Get Free Shipping
FREE Svinka Hand-Drawn Art Postcard
FREE Bedsure Dog Bed
FREE Starbucks Coffee or Cookie for Target Circle Members on June 23rd
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Sample of SheaMoisture Silk Press in a Bottle
FREE Sample of SHEBA Perfect Portions Kitten Food
FREE Ello Flip & Fill Insulated Water Bottle at Walmart
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE Animal Creatine HMB+ Powder
53,000 FREE Chipotle Burritos After the NBA Finals
FREE Goalie Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Sample of Chomps Original Chicken

 

Deals:

Save With the Lululemon Military Discount: Get 15% Off
Kohl’s Clearance Sale is at 85% Off – Deals as low as $1.35 after Extra 50% Off
Kohl’s Sandals as Low as $8 – Lowest Price of the Season
Ann Taylor Coupons & Deals: 50% Off Coupon + Extra 40% Off Clearance
Amazon Hand Soap 6-Pack on Sale for ONLY $3.75 – That’s $0.62 Each
Womens Casual Dresses as low as $9 on Amazon

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for June & July!

Abby H.

I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) summer activities for kids. JCPenney has two events coming up that fit the bill! Check out these fun, free crafts from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on June 13, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create a Super Hero Plaque.

If you are busy that day, there is an event in July too!

On July 11, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a bug or safari animal magnet.

Kids aren’t the only ones who get something.  Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity.

While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult.