family

Dream Dinners: Now Booking In-Store Events!

Abby H.
This is some pretty cool news! Dream Dinners is launching its new Meal Prep Workshop program in August!
This is an exciting new twist on their in-store party and it’s a great opportunity for you to introduce your friends to Dream Dinners and earn fun rewards!
Here’s how it works:
As the host, you attend the workshop for free! This includes three pre-prepped medium-size meals, our grill marinade trio, and a private, in-store event with your friends. You also have the opportunity to earn up to $75 in host rewards! You can bring wine, Dream Dinners will make appetizers and you can enjoy your evening!

Your friends pay $50 to attend and learn about Dream Dinners. They’ll each receive three pre-prepped medium-size meals (Each meal feeds 2-3 people) and assemble a seasonal grill marinade trio, plus they’ll enjoy delicious samples of our food. We also have some exciting perks for them if they place an order at the workshop!

That’s $50 for three meals and 3 marinades!
One of the best parts of the new Meal Prep Workshops is that you and your friends get to share an experience with our exclusive seasonal workshop! Our theme for August Workshops is Summer Grilling and we’ll be making a grill marinade trio that Chef Laura created just for these events.

This is a great chance for you to get out of the house and have a fun night out with friends!
Space is limited, so if you are interested, contact your local Dream Dinners for more information and to book your Meal Prep Workshop.

Here in East County, it’s the La Mesa location.  Call or Text (619) 460-6800 or email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com

If you are located in East County and want to join a Meal Prep Workshop, I’ll be planning one in the coming weeks. Drop me a comment or PM via Facebook or Instagram and I’ll get you an invite once I get the event set up.

7/30/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Hey Gang! It’s Friday and that means it’s time for some freebies and deals.

This week has been busy, and you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been posting much. We had family in town, and the kids and I have been out having adventures with friends. We went to the zoo yesterday! Back to school is right around the corner, and I’ve got some great posts with deals and info coming up.

As usual, let’s start this off with some ways to keep the kiddos fed and entertained this summer:

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Sacred CBD Pain Balm Sample
Free Sample of Rituals Sakura Body Cream
3 Free CBD Tincture or Cream Samples
Free Prevent Motorcycle Theft Engraved VIN Sheatticker Sheet
FREE Chipotle Guacamole Saturday 7/31
Free Raising Cane’s Box Combo
Free Mtn Dew Frost Bite at Walmart
Free AC Pro Can Koozie
Free Slurpee at 7-Eleven in July
Free OHi Superfood Bar
Free Far Out Toys Products
Free Hand Held Vacuum
Free Sample of Gold Digger’s Delight Paydirt
Free Dr. Praeger’s Cauliflower Burgers
Free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich at Dickey’s
Free L’Oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Sample
Free CannazALL CBD Gummies Sample
Free Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Matrix
Free Crunchwrap Supreme at Taco Bell
Free Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum Sample
Free Force Factor LeanFire Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Free Happiness Digest by Ellen White Book
Possible Free Hasbro Toys
Possible Free Mattel Toys
6 Months of Disney+ for Free ($47.94 Value)
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday

Deals:

Hanes Seamless Sports Bra ONLY $7.99 (Reg $23)
Corningware 10-Piece Bakeware Set ONLY $39.99 (Reg $80)
MAC Award-Winning Lip Set ONLY $35 Shipped ($55 Value)
Camel Plush-Lined Fold Over Boot ONLY $14.99 (Reg $42)
LOL Surprise OMG Remix ONLY $18.44 (Reg. $50)
Makeup Brush Set 16-Piece ONLY $7.64 (Reg. $16)
Eureka MaxSwivel Vacuum ONLY $44.99 Shipped (Reg $79)
Galanz 1.5-Pound Bread Maker ONLY $34.99 (Reg $80)
Jumbo Tennis Ball ONLY $12.99 Shipped (Reg $25)
Kids Sherpa Zip Hoodie ONLY $4.80 at Kohl’s (Reg $40)
Cuisinart 10-Pc Animal Print Cutlery Set ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
Traveler’s Club Kid’s 5-Piece Luggage Set ONLY $69.99 (Reg $160)
Fleece Toggle Jackets ONLY $16.99 + Free Shipping Offer
Kate Spade Leila Medium Flap Shoulder Bag ONLY $99 (Reg $379
Disney Princess Holiday Cinderella ONLY $15.99 (Reg. $40)
MUK LUKS Women’s About Us Sandals ONLY $19.99 (Reg. $40)
Old Navy Women’s Tanks ONLY $3 (Reg $6)

8/14/2021 Back to School Backpack Giveaway (National City, CA)

Abby H.

If you aren’t able to make the other school supply/backpack giveaways I have posted about, this event, brought to you by San Diego Child Support.

  • August 14, 2021
  • 9am-1pm
  • 401 Mile of Cars Way National City, CA 91950

8/3/2021-8/5/2021 FREE Family End of Summer Palooza (La Mesa, CA)

Abby H.1 Comment

I’ve been looking for back-to-school freebies and backpack giveaways to post about, and I found this event, sponsored by Grossmont Healthcare District.

The event is FREE to attend and will include free back-to-school supplies, health activities, and fun prizes given away each day!

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Each day during the event, there will be a Food drive To help local community members in need. They will be collecting canned foods to give back to the East County community.

Tuesday, August 3rd, 10AM-2PM: Get ready for back to school The park will be filled with community partners and a back to school giveaways! A DJ will get the fun time going all day long.

Wednesday, August 4th, 10AM-2PM: Get crafty The fun continues with take-home crafts in the park, face-painting activities, and a story-time led by some furry friends, including free books to those that join!

Thursday, August 5th, 10AM-2PM: Get active For a family activity, we’ll have a fun group exercise for all ages and levels of activity to get you moving outdoors! A fresh food giveaway will be this day, as well as the big prize- a $120 Gift Card!

 

Community Partners:

  • Herrick Health Library
  • YMCA
  • Family Health Centers of San Diego
  • Neighborhood Healthcare
  • La Maestra
  • San Diego Food Bank
  • El Cajon Valley High School Community Center
  • Love on a Leash
  • Aetna
  • Blue Shield
  • San Ysidro Health
  • Molina

7/23/2021 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Hey Gang! It’s Friday and that means it’s time for some freebies and deals.

This week has been fun! We have relatives visiting from out of town. Additionally, The littlest kiddo finished up her literacy summer program, and the big kid had his first week without summer school. Lots of swimming this week! I hope you’ve had a good week and are ready got some freebies!

As usual, let’s start this off with some ways to keep the kiddos fed and entertained this summer:

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Food and School Supplies from Ibotta
Free Snacks, Candy, and Supplements from Try Products
Free Lancome Lash Idole Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Glycolic Acid Serum
Free Sample of Essence LIR Pet Food
Free Else Nutrition Plant-Powered Complete Nutrition Shake Mix
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Subscription to Cottages & Bungalows Magazine
Free Sample of Enfagrow Toddler Formula
Free Honey Stinger Waffle at Sprouts
Free Entenmann’s Little Bites Mini Tarts at Walmart
Free Macy’s Fragrances
Free Subscription to American Farmhouse Style Magazine
Free Starkist Tuna for Soldiers
Free American Golden Lager & Hard Seltzer House Party Kit
Free Pride Sticker
Free Baby’s Busy Day: Being One is So Much Fun! Book
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Free Mini Pineapple Plant
Free Pet Telemedicine Visit
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
Free Sample of L’Oreal Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
Free Eco Lips Lip Balm
2 Free Pints of Nightfood Ice Cream
Free The Little Potato Company Savory Herb Microwave Ready Kit

 

Deals:

75% Off Body Glove + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
70% Off Martha Stewart + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
65% Off prAna Apparel + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Biker Shorts ONLY $4.50 with Coupon Code
Hanging Hammock with 2 Pillows ONLY $34.99 (Reg $65)
Old Navy High-Waisted Elevate Leggings ONLY $11.99 (Reg $30)
Up to 44% Off on Swimming Goggles on Amazon
Lowest Price: Giggle Wiggle Game ONLY $7.77 on Amazon
Plackers Dental Floss Picks & Travel Case ONLY $0.99
MUK LUKS Women’s Groove Music Sandals ONLY $24.99 (Reg $60)
MUK LUKS Marsha Sandals ONLY $21.99 (Reg. $45)
Nylabone Power Chew ONLY $1.01 (Reg. $3.69)
LEGO BrickHeadz Valentine’s Bear ONLY $5 (Reg. $10)
Crayola My Little Pony Coloring Book ONLY $2.39 (Reg. $5)
14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set ONLY $19.27 (Reg $26)
Clinique 6-Piece Skincare Set ONLY $47 Shipped ($93.50 Value)
B. Toys Table Top Easel for Kids ONLY $10.43 (Reg. $25)
Bounty Essentials Paper Towel 6 Big Rolls ONLY $3.95 (Reg $8)
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Choo-Choo ONLY $9.98 (Reg. $20)
Crayola Peppa Pig Coloring Book ONLY $2.39 (Reg. $5)
Golden Girls ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas $5.99 (Reg. $13)

Recipe: Crispy Onion Chicken

Abby H.

This is a delicious, easy recipe. And kids love it too!

Crispy Onion Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (your choice, I like breasts or thighs)
  • 2 cups French Fried Onions, crushed
  • 2 T. flour
  • dash freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted (You can use coconut oil or margarine if you are dairy free)

 

Directions:

  1. Place onions in a Ziploc bag and crush onions with a rolling pin (or a bottle of wine, whichever is handy)
  2. Pour crushed onions, flour, and pepper in a flat dish, mix thoroughly.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken in melted butter, and rolleach buttery piece in onion/flour mixture.
  4. Place each piece in a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked throughout.

I like to serve these with mashed potatoes, and a green salad (I really like this one).

 

7/16/2021: Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

Hey Gang! It’s Friday and that means it’s time for some freebies and deals.

I’m going out of town this weekend with some of my girlfriends. We are renting a vacation house out in Borrego Springs. We are going to swim, hang out, and sleep. And drink adult cocktails. I don’t know about all y’all, but I haven’t been away from my house/kids/cat for over 2 years. This mama needs a break. also, I need to sleep without anyone touching me (this includes you, CAT). I’m scheduling posts today to go live over the weekend, so I’m working even while I’m enjoying a 7&7 from a Pineapple sippy cup (Thanks Dollar Tree!).

As usual, let’s start this off with some ways to keep the kiddos fed and entertained this summer:

If you are looking for birthday freebies, fret not! I put together a list new for 2021- Check it out here.

Most of these freebies and deals are online. I know y’all are vaxxed and ready to party, but I’m trying to keep you safe. Keep up the social distancing with strangers, wash and sanitize your hands, and cover your mouth and nose if you are going to be around strangers. The kids and I still mask up when we go out, and I’ve got hand sanitizer at the ready.

Freebies:

Free Food and School Supplies from Ibotta
Free Snacks, Candy, and Supplements from Try Products
Free Depend Sample Kits for Men & Women
Free Crystal Creamery Ice Cream
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Fix & Fogg Nut Butter
Free Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Shampoo & Conditioner Sample
Free Donut Wednesdays at Dunkin
Free Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto
Free Subscription to Cosmopolitan Magazine
Free Alpha Foods Breakfast Burrito
Free Sample of Limited Edition Astroglide X Gel Silicone Gel
Free Prebiotic Probiotic Supplements + $75 Amazon Gift Card
Free Eco Dent Oral Care Products
Free NYPL Summer Book Giveaway
Free Subscription to Bon Appetit
Free Domino’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream
Free Subscription to People Magazine
Free Original Grand Slam at Denny’s
Free Blake’s Seed-Based Snack Bar
Free Limited Edition Pack of Oreo Thins – 1st 1,500
Free Sample of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Fragrance
Free Lamination of COVID-19 Vaccine Card at Office Depot/Max
Free Spin Scooter Rides & Helmets for Healthcare Providers
Free Back to School Craft Events at JCPenney
Free Bird Bungalow Kit at Lowe’s
Free Sample of Delta 8 Gummies
Free Redken Quick Blowout or Big Blowout
Free Subscription to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
Free Sample of Essence Pet Food
Free Vitapod
Free Bubbies Gluten-Free Mochi Ice Cream
Free One by Poise Liner & Pads Sample Pack
Free Hartz Pet Products

Deals:

48-Foot Outdoor String Lights ONLY $28.04 (Reg. $50)
Charging Stand ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $33)
Men’s and Women’s Joggers ONLY $11.69 with Extra 10% Off
Early Learning Lights & Sounds Buggy Driver ONLY $9.16 (Reg $25)
Limited Time: Get Your First GLOSSYBOX for ONLY $1.00 (Reg. $18)
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Vet Set ONLY $7.97 (Reg. $15)
Room Essentials Dinnerware ONLY $0.50 at Target
Star Wars Hoth Battle Plush 4-Pack ONLY $16.80 (Reg. $37)
BergHOFF 4-Piece Scissors Set ONLY $14.99 (Reg $50)
Shampoo Massager Brush 2-Pack ONLY $5.01 (Reg. $13)
Nivea Winter Wonders Gift Set ONLY $10.16 (Reg. $21)
Up to 52% Off NURSAL Electric Massagers
Candylocks BFF 2 Pack ONLY $4.03 on Amazon
70% Off Backpacks ONLY $11.69 with Extra 10% Off at Checkout
70% Off Marika Workout Apparel + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
Early Learning Wooden Toddle Truck ONLY $12.53 (Reg. $35)
Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings ONLY $1.24 Shipped
Shark IONFlex DuoCleaner Vacuum ONLY $199.99 (Reg $300)

Get Some Party Inspiration at Dollar Tree!

Abby H.

Dollar Tree has some really great party supplies right now in some cool motifs:

 

 

 

 

I love Dollar Tree for Party supplies! They have some really great motifs, plus a variety of plain colored plates, bowls, napkins, table coverings, and plastic flatware to tie it all together!

Birthday party, Garden Party, Summer BBQ, whatever your theme or reason to gather, Dollar Tree has all sorts of party supplies, photo booth props, and goody bag filler to make your party a hit.

If you have a gathering this summer, check out the Dollar Tree blog here for party ideas and inspiration for crafts, themes, and decor.

Dream Dinners: Host an event, get rewarded!

Abby H.

Dream Dinners is one of my favorite ways to save time and get tasty, healthy meals on the table in 45 minutes or less! And now you can win a prize when you share Dream Dinners with family and friends!

Host an event with Dream Dinners this summer and be rewarded with an Exclusive Summer Essential Kit full of fun gifts and exclusive summer recipes (a $50 value). Plus, you will earn up to $75 in store credit to get more dinners for your family.

Interested in hosting an event and earning a Summer Essentials Kit? Spaces are limited, contact your local Dream Dinners today. For most of my readers, the La Mesa Dream Dinners is the closest.

Dream Dinners La Mesa Call: 619-460-6800 Email: lamesaca@dreamdinners.com

Save and Earn Money for College with Upromise!

Abby H.

I’ve had a Upromise account for 15+ years. It’s a great way to earn and save money for college. I used my earnings/savings to pay for my college textbooks and parking pass when I finished my AA’s a few years ago.

The Upromise savings tools and automatic transfers let you set goals and transfer your earned rewards into college savings plans.

Receive a $5.29 bonus when you sign up for a free Upromise account.

Receive a $30 Welcome Bonus when linked to a 529 account. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs.

Upromise® Mastercard® – Cardmembers earn 1.529% cash back rewards on purchases when their Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan, or 1.25% cash back rewards on purchases if their Upromise Program account is not linked. Apply today at upromisemastercard.com

There are a lot of ways to earn money with Upromise: Shop online through their portal or add their Chrome Shopping extension to earn extra money. Upromise also has a Dining program, where you can earn cash back for dining at specific restaurants and paying with linked cards.