food

National Spaghetti Day Recipes!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Today is National Spaghetti Day, and what better way to celebrate than sharing some of my favorite recipes that feature the long, skinny pasta that almost everyone loves!

And if you are looking to try some different brands of spaghetti, here are a few of my favorites:

1/2/26 First Friday Freebies and Deals Post of 2026!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I’ve been working on my content calendar for this month, and I’m excited that January has 5 Fridays – that means 5 Freebie and Deal posts!

The littlest kid and I got back from visiting friends on Tuesday, and I was itching to get some posts up!

I’m currently working on my 2026 Birthday Freebies post, but in the meantime, check out the 2025 post here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: 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:

Score a Subscription to Real Simple Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE $13 to Spend on Any Doormat at Target After Cash Back
FREE Target In-Store Event | Starting January 3rd
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
Score a Subscription to Condé Nast Traveller Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE $25 to Spend at Columbia After Cash Back
FREE $10 Instant Bonus at Ace Hardware
FREE 8×10 Photo Prints at Walgreens
Score a Subscription to Elle Decor Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
Save Big on the Latest Titles with the 30-Day FREE Kindle Unlimited Trial (Lots of Titles! $12/mo Value)
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
18 Places to Find Free Moving Boxes Near You

Deals:

Coziest Pajama Coupons and Deals This Week from Macy’s, Kohl’s, Amazon, Walmart and More
Foot Locker End Off Season Sale: Up to 75% Off & Free Shipping!
Bogg Bag Original Bullseye Tote Bag ONLY $75 (Reg $100)
Score Big at the 2026 49 Cents Ross Sale – Your Ultimate Shopping Guide & Dates
Up to Extra 50% Off Clearance at Carter’s – Prices as low as $2.99
All The Best Walmart Photo Coupons and Promo Codes
Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Clearance Sale Up to 75% Off
12 of the Cheapest Fast-Food Chains + Get Coupons and Deals
Ulta Coupon: $3 Off $15
Get Sonic Deals and Specials + Money Saving Sonic Tips
Kate Spade Sadie Large Crossbody ONLY $59 (Reg $299)
Up to 80% Off Fragrances & Gift Sets at Macy’s
Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale: Up to 75% Off
Women’s Boots Up to 60% Off at Macy’s
Old Navy Clearance – Save up to 75% Off | Prices Start at $1.49
Ulta Beauty: Save 50% Off Clinique, Beekman 1802, Medicube & More
Bella PRO Perfect Grind ONLY $44.99 (Reg $150)
32 Degrees End of Year Sale – Everything Must Go | Up to 90% Off
Jumbo Love Event at Ulta – Up to 45% Off Kenra, Redken, Biolage & More
Publix Digital Coupons: Learn How to Use Publix Digital Coupons + Money Saving Tips
End of Season Clearance at Toms Up to 70% Off
Kate Spade Leila Mini Zip Crossbody ONLY $69 (Reg $329)
Our Favorite Places to Score Cheap Baby Clothes + Shop Great Deals Happening Now!
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale – Up to 60% Off | $3.99 Panties & More
Target 50% Off Clearance Sale has Begun

January 2026: New Healthy Freebies From Social Nature!

Abby H.Leave a comment

 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.

There are so many offers this month! Here are the Free/100% Cashback offers available now:

Zero Calorie Sweeteners by Whole Earth Brands
Organic Chocolates by VGAN
Chocolate Natilla Custard by Senor Rico
Protein Packed Feta by Athenos
Gluten-Free Whipped Feta by Athenos
Alpine Cheese Blend by Roth
Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas by Teeccino
Low Sodium Sauces by Tia Lupita
Zero Sugar Rice Pudding by Senor Rico
Protein Pasta by BRAMI
Fresh Microgreens by 80 Acres Farms
PAW Patrol Gel Cups by Winky Desserts
Non-GMO Crackers by Back to Nature
PURE Coconut Water by ZICO
Crisp + Clean Salad Kits by 80 Acres Farms
Bold & Rich Latin Coffee by Sello Rojo
Shots: Energy/Focus/Relax by RYDE
Premium Cold Brew Coffee by Cameron’s Coffee

Not all offers are available in all areas. 

Rubios- 2 Entrees for $16 Today & Tomorrow

Abby H.Leave a comment

If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive dinner option for tonight or tomorrow, Rubio’s has got you covered.

On 12/31 and 1/1/2025, use code NEWYEAR to receive two entrees for $16. There are a lot of great choices, and with a few extra sides, or even some chips and guac, this could be a meal for 4!

And don’t forget about their rewards program, where you can earn free food and discounts- plus they have a birthday freebie too!

Learn more about their rewards program here.

Does not include tax and gratuities. Offer not valid with other offers or discounts, including Taco Tuesday. Offer not valid on mix-n-match taco plates. Premium items available for an additional fee. Must use the code to get the offer. Additional restrictions may apply; see store for details. Manager reserves all rights.

12/20/2025 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

For most of us, yesterday was the last day our kids were in school for 2025. I personally am looking forward to 2 weeks of fun. The littlest one and I are visiting friends in Texas, while the big one stays home with dad.

I’m done shopping for holiday gifts, and I was able to keep it under my budget of $500, which covers 6 family members and a few co-workers. And Cat. Can’t forget her!

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: 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 LINKChef Immersion Blender Set After Cash Back
FREE Hot Dog Combo at Sam’s Club
FREE 20 oz. Coca-Cola for the 1st 120,000
FREE 12-Pack of Paulaner Sunset Orange Cola
FREE Frozen Drink at Casey’s Every Friday thru December
FREE Kohl’s Cash Every Saturday (and One Sunday) in December – Up to $100
FREE Sleigh Ride Toy Build Event for Kids at Lowe’s
BOGO FREE Entrees Every Saturday at Chipotle
FREE Parfums de Marly Valaya and Althair Fragrance Samples
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Moonpig Custom Holiday Postcard
5 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at Walgreens
FREE $20 Purchase at Macy’s After Cash Back
Ways To Get Free School Supplies for Students and Teachers in 2025

 

Deals:

WORX Electric Scissors ONLY $19.99 Shipped at Best Buy
Up to 50% Off Fragrances & Gift Sets at Macy’s
Tips On How To Use Kroger Digital Coupons + Ways to Coupon & Save at Kroger
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $8.98 Shipped – Now FULL Size Items Added
50% Off Select Toys at Kohl’s – Prices as low as $2.25
Amazon Super Saturday Sale is LIVE – Last Chance for Gifts in Time at Great Prices
Zappos Sale: Up to 80% Off Women’s Clothing & Shoes, Up to 75% Off Men’s Clothing & Shoes + Coupon
Top 43 Restaurants with Senior Discounts: Updated 2025
The Pizza Hut BOGO Hacks You Need to Know (Yes, You Can Score FREE Pizza!)
Disney Princess Playdate Rapunzel Vanity ONLY $30 at Walmart (Reg $59)
Buy 1 Get 2 Free Candles, Blankets & Throws at JCPenney
Victoria’s Secret Body Care $8 Each (Reg $20) – Limited Time Only!

12/7/2025: Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I spent yesterday with friends at an SCA event in northern San Diego County, so I wasn’t able to post this. But today- We Freebie!

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here. If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff in 2025: 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 Hair Samples: Discover Your Next Favorite Product for Free
FREE Holiday Cocoa Mug Workshop at Home Depot
We Rounded Up The Best Birthday Freebies That Are NOT Food
FREE Subway Footlong with Disney+ Perks
FREE Royal Canin Fussy Adult Dry Cat Food Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Febreze PLUG Scent Booster After Walmart Cash
FREE Edgard & Cooper Puppy & Dog Treats Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Full-Size Then I Met You Skincare Products
FREE Holiday Magic Events at Target
We’ve Done The Research, These Are The Best Companies That Send Out Free Samples
FREE Store Credit During GameStop Trade Anything Day – Today
FREE Pet Photo with Santa at Petco on December 6th
FREE $25 Purchase at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
BOGO FREE Entrees Every Saturday at Chipotle
FREE Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste After Walmart Cash
FREE Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus Coffee Maker at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE Bottle of Vetality Canine Aspirin
Free Kids Activities for Creative Family Fun (Games, Crafts & More)

Deals:

10% Off Target Gift Cards – Up to $500 w/ Target Circle GOOD THROUGH TODAY ONLY
Matching Family Pajamas Up to 70% Off at JCPenney
50% Off Christmas Trees at Target
Vera Bradley Belt Bag as Low as $16 – NOW 70% Off
Kohl’s Gifts under $25 + New Coupon Code & Free Store Pickup
Ralph Lauren Pillows ONLY $9.99 (reg $25)
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers 26 Piece Set ONLY $7.97 at Walmart
Liz Claiborne Event at JCPenney – Up to 55% Off Select Styles After Coupon

December 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:

  • George’s Farmers Market Humanely-Raised Chicken
  • ZICO PURE Coconut Water
  • Señor Rico Chocolate Natilla Custard
  • Tia Lupita Low Sodium Sauces
  • Rio Mare Wild Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Vgan Organic Chocolates
  • Truly Indian Indian Street Wraps

Earn More Fetch Points with the Fetch American Express Card!

Abby H.

Did you know that Fetch (my favorite cash back app of all time) has a co-branded American Express Card?

Those of us who know about rewards credit cards agree this is a great deal- BUT- only if you can use it responsibly. Credit cards like this are a tool.

The Fetch Card earns 10X points¹ on groceries—with no annual fee².

Apply now and get a 50,000-point bonus³ 
if you’re approved and spend $150 with the Fetch Card.  $150 on groceries isn’t hard to do these days.

As someone with an American Express Card, I see this opportunity as a great deal. 50,000 points is about a $50 Gift Card Reward in the Fetch App.

If you are new to Fetch, use my code ND2TB when you sign up, and you’ll earn Bonus Points (amounts vary from 1500 to 4000, depending on the current promotion).

And to learn more about how Fetch works, check out my post here.

$10 off Family Meals at Luna Grill (In-App)

Abby H.

This is a deal I can get behind.

I love Luna Grill; it replaced Daphne’s in our area as the fast casual Mediterranean restaurant.

App Exclusive: $10 off Family Meals

Redeem by 12/31 in the Luna Grill app for $10 off Family Meals portioned for 4 or 6.

I love these family meals. They are great for take-out night or for meal prep. Sometimes I want grilled chicken for lunch during the week, but I don’t want to fire up the grill. I pick up the Family Meal for 4 and portion it out in my lunchwear for the entire week. The meals for 4 (and 6) and super generous and can definately stretch a few more servings.  I usually get 6 lunches from a Family Meal for 4.

The family meals include your choice of kabobs served with seasonal veggies, rice, salad, pita, and a choice of hummus or sauce.

Discount applies to the base price of Family Meal for 4 or 6. Valid in the Luna Grill app through 12/31/2025. *Limit (1) offer per guest per visit. No cash value. Must be presented at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. No substitutions.

 

San Diego, CA Area- JFS Food Distributions!

Abby H.

Jewish Family Services is here to help those who have lost their benefits because of the government shutdown.

Emergency Nutrition Assistance

If you or someone you care about has been impacted by the government shutdown or the halting of SNAP benefits, please know that you’re not alone. Every Wednesday, JFS will provide supplemental groceries—including non-perishables, pantry staples, and fresh produce—until the shutdown ends.

 Pre-registration is not required.

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.

Jewish Family Service
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS CAMPUS
Turk Family Center
8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

 

If you are looking for other times and locations for free food distributions in San Diego County, check my page here.