Y’all know I love Dollar Tree. If you are looking for a store to pick up inexpensive ingredients for your holiday meals, head over to Dollar Tree.
Not all of us live near an Aldi (click here to learn more about their Thanksgiving dinner deal), but there is at least one Dollar Tree in almost every town in the US.
And if you’ve never shopped for food at Dollar Tree, here is my Top Ten List.
Veterans Day is next week, and this year there are some pretty cool.
Some of these offers require proof of service either via a Military ID Card (active duty or retired) or a DD214.
Since I’m in So Cal, I choose to post offers that are available in my area; however, there are tons more offers available if you live elsewhere in the US. I suggest googling “Veterans Day 2025 and your location”.
As always, contact the local restaurant/store before heading out to confirm that your local locations are participating.
Chili’s: All veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations. Available in-restaurant only for select items.
Chipotle: On November 11, active-duty U.S. service members and veterans get free chips and their choice of guac, Queso Blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase. Guests can choose between Chipotle’s classic chips or new Chili Lime Chips. The offer is available all day on November 11 at participating locations. Show valid proof of military or veteran status at checkout.
In-n-Out Burger: On November 11, veterans, active duty military, Reserves, and National Guard get a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on In-N-Out Burger’s menu. All current and former members of the U.S. military will also receive a special-edition Veterans Day decal. Present proof of military service.
Sizzler: On November 11, from open until 4 p.m., veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a complimentary lunch and non-alcoholic beverage. Guests can choose between three dishes: 6oz Tri-Tip Sirloin Steak, Malibu Chicken or half dozen Crispy Shrimp.
Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.
Dave & Buster’s: Free unlimited game play all day and/or free dessert (with entree purchase). Available for veterans and active-duty military with valid ID. Dine-in only.
Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free Aussie 3-course meal (starter, select entrée, dessert), dine-in Nov 10–11 with military ID.
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only, not valid for online or to-go orders. The free meal also comes with an endless side of steak fries.
Smash Burger: Active-duty military members and veterans get a free All-American Smash on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available only for in-store purchases during regular business hours. Store hours may vary. Show your military or veteran ID.
Free Movie Tickets — Jimmy — The Veteran Tickets Foundation has announced the release of its first $1 million in complimentary movie tickets for JIMMY, opening nationwide on November 6, 2026. The film tells the story of actor and World War II veteran Jimmy Stewart. Eligibility: Active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and their families. Restrictions: Tickets must be requested through Vet Tix. Availability depends on donated ticket allocations and participating theaters. A second ticket release is anticipated in November.
Great Clips: Free haircut on November 11, or a card for a future free haircut. Cards expire December 4, 2026.
Seaworld: Don’t forget about the Waves of Honor tickets! To show their appreciation for those who have served our country, SeaWorld San Diego is offering FREE tickets to SeaWorld San Diego for U.S. Military Veterans and up to three friends or family members. You can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off.
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 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.
This month, there aren’t many free/100% Cashback offers available, but I’ve listed them below.
There are a lot more offers for BOGO or a percentage off, including brands like Daiyo, Ripple, Calafia Farms, SunButter, Back to Nature, and Javvy Coffee, to name a few.
If you are looking for other rebate sites, similar to Social Nature, check out Aisle, WeStock, or Peekage.
Coffee at home doesn’t have to be boring. With coffee shop prices rising (and let’s be fair, McDonald’s coffees are over $5.50 each these days), making fun, festive coffees at home matters more than ever.
We shouldn’t have to sacrifice a fun coffee or a little treat because of the economy. With a little creativity, you’ll be making yummy drinks at home in no time at all.
I’ve got an Amazon list here of my favorite Coffee bar items.
The Top Three:
Before you go out and buy anything, check for these supplies you probably have on hand: Coffee/k-Cups, Coffee maker (or French press or Keurig), creamer, milk, cream, sweetener, flavored syrups, chocolate syrup (if you like a mocha), double-walled tumblers with lids and straws for cold drinks, and insulated hot beverage cups with lids for hot drinks.
If you are looking for a few good recipes for coffee (not espresso) based drinks, check out my post here about my favorite French Press. It’s got a recipe for a Café Misto and a Quick and Easy Café Mocha.
I mix three shots of espresso into my Premier Protein Shake each morning along with a lot of ice.
Thanksgiving in the US is in four weeks, and it can be a very expensive endeavor. Here are some ways you can still throw a tasty feast for family and friends without going into the red.
The free Thanksgiving dinner items from Ibotta start 11/3/26, with a new item dropping weekly.
In the past, these free items have included: stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy mix, pie, instant mashed potatoes, and cornbread mix.
Many other cashback apps will partner with companies to offer cashback and discounts on traditional holiday meal ingredients as well. I recommend you check out my app page here to download a few of my favorites.
Aldi is doing their Thanksgiving meal deal again this year! This contains all of the ingredients for a dinner for 10 people for $39.00! It’s a really great way to save money and have a traditional feast menu.
Start by making your menu. Not all dinners are the same. Some Thanksgiving meals include foods from a family’s cultural background, while others stick to the traditional Thanksgiving foods. After your menu is made, shop your kitchen before you head to the store. You may already have some ingredients on hand. Instead of buying everything all at once, buy a few items on your weekly trip to the store. This spreads out the expense of the meal over several weeks.
Consider a potluck meal. Ask friends and family members to bring a side or dessert. Friends who are not culinarily inclined can be asked to bring drinks.
Forgo expensive dishes or dishes that are not very popular (looking at you, green bean casserole. I’m not a fan).
If you are having a small dinner or don’t want leftovers, consider a roasted chicken instead of a whole turkey, or a turkey breast. Both are smaller and more cost-effective.
Talk Back- How do you save money on traditional holiday dinners?
October is officially the longest month of the year. At least, it feels that way. I’m tired. And I’m glad it’s Friday!
Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!
For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.
Freebies:
Spooktacular Halloween Food Deals & Food Freebies You Can’t Miss in 2026: Pizza, Fast Food, and More
Free 2026 National Parks Entrance Days
FREE Sample of Edna Day Moisture Cream & Overnight Cream
FREE PhotoJoy Photo Postcard
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE $15 to Spend at CVS
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE 2027 Wall Calendars
Free Baby Samples & Full Sized Products from Amazon
FREE Holiday Engine Kit Workshop Event at Lowe’s
FREE 8×10 Zombie Print at CVS
FREE Sample of YSL Libre Santal Couture Fragrance
FREE Sample of Earth’s Care Eczema Lotion
FREE Playing Cards from Black & Mild
Here’s How to Score FREE or Cheap Photo Prints: 2026
Get Free Magazine Subscriptions: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Rare Beauty Hydrating Eye Patches at Ulta
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
FREE Actispot II Cat Flea Treatment
FREE Pokemon Trick or Trade BOOster Pack at GameStop on 10/31
FREE Lysol Sample Pouch at Target
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Nov. 2 – 8
FREE Sample of Soluvia Shield Dissolvable Mouth Comfort Patch
FREE $15 to Spend at Walmart
Unlock the Magic of Your Big Day: List Of The Best Free Wedding Samples & Freebies
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Beech-Nut Product
Get 5,000 FREE American Airlines Miles – First 65,000 People
FREE Injinji Socks
FREE $30 Purchase at UGG
FREE 2027 Unity Calendar
FREE Bag of Happy Candy at Target
FREE Cuddle Clones Custom Pet Pajamas
FREE Big Buford Burger at Checkers & Rally’s
FREE Box of Keebler Cookies at 12pm EST – Daily Through Oct. 31st
Deals:
CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron ONLY $38.49 (Reg $100)
Old Navy 50% Off Giftober Deals + Extra 10% Off
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2026
SKIMS Dupes That Will Flatter You, But Not Flatten Your Wallet
Sling TV Deals: Save Money With Affordable Live TV Packages
Valvoline $15 Off Instant Oil Change
Snag Your Krispy Kreme Deals Here + Ways to Save & Get Free Krispy Kreme Donuts
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Tide Detergent, Vicks VapoRub, Bounty & More
The Best Walmart Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2026 – Dates Released
Step2 My First Christmas Tree 12-Piece $44.99 Shipped (Reg $60)
Digital Calendar 10.1 Inch ONLY $59.99 (Reg $100)
How to Use Kohl’s Cash: Everything You Need to Know earn, use, and maximize
Coach Outlet Wristlet as low as $35 (Reg $88)
Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum ONLY $60 at Ulta (Reg $120) + FREE Beauty Break 6 Piece Gift Set
Regency Heights Queen Size Comforter Set 9-Piece ONLY $42.84 (Reg $130)
50 Dog Toys UNDER $5 on Amazon – Prices Start at Only $2.89 Shipped
Today is National Oatmeal Day, and oatmeal can be a forgotten ingredient in the kitchen.
In addition to a nutritious breakfast, it can also stand in place of breadcrumbs in Meatloaf and meatballs, or be ground in a food processor to be used in place of AP flour in baking recipes.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes using oatmeal:
October 29th is National Cat Day; however, if you own a cat (or are owned by a cat), you know EVERY DAY is Cat Day.
To help you celebrate your fierce feline, Fiona the cat helped me compile a list of her favorite treats, toys, and grooming essentials.
Treats:
Toys:
Grooming:
Just for fun, I made a kitty coloring packet. You can download the PDF for free here.
Talk Back: I want to hear about your kitties must haves!
October is National Pizza Month, so I thought I’d share with y’all some of our favorite pizza stuff: recipes, pizza swag, and even ways to save money on ordering pizza.
Goodness knows we have pizza about once a week (Friday take-out night is usually pizza), so I have all kinds of tips and tricks.
If you are new to making your own pizza at home, here is a list of my must-haves, including ingredients and kitchen tools!
Need a break from cooking and want to order takeout? Here are a few suggestions for saving money and/or earning cash back on your next pizza night:
October is officially the longest month of the year. At least, it feels that way. I’m tired. And I’m glad it’s Friday!
Here are some freebies and deals that are available year-round!
For free food resources, see my comprehensive list here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are available outside my area.
Freebies:
FREE Swag, Treats & More at PetSmart on October 25th
Seeing Clearly Without the Cost: A Guide to Free Contact Lenses
FREE Haircut for Veterans & Active Military at Great Clips
FREE ARM & HAMMER Platinum Cat Litter
FREE TevraPet Cat Flea & Tick Drops
200 FREE Photo Prints + FREE Shipping with Shutterfly
2 FREE Sets of Retro Mini Prints at Walgreens
500 FREE E-Tickets, FREE Candy & More at Chuck E Cheese
FREE Movie Tickets to Christmas at the Kringles
FREE Sample of Aveeno Positively Radiant Vitamin C Serum
FREE Donut at Krispy Kreme Through October 25th
FREE Wasa Crispbread Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Sample of Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
USPS Operation Santa – Possible FREE Gift or Send a Gift to a Child in Need
6 FREE 5×7 Photo Cards at Walgreens
FREE $15 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
FREE Fluval Aquatics Products
FREE Denny’s Triple Play Combo Meal
FREE $15 to Spend at Old Navy
FREE $5 Best Buy Rewards Certificate – 1st 200,000
FREE Roxley Radlands Game Night Party Pack
FREE Tiffwich Ice Cream Sandwich at Tiff’s Treats on October 24 & 25
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
FREE 2027 Hallmark Datebook
FREE LEGO Ghost Street Build Event
5 Legit Ways to Get Free Toys in 2026
Deals:
Home Expressions Bath Towels From $3.49 at JCPenney (Reg $12)
Women Denim Tote Bag Casual Trendy Crossbody ONLY $14.49 (Reg $29)
Disney Dash Stitch Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker ONLY $13.99 (Reg $40)
Halloween Light-Up Sherpa Ghost w/ Pumpkin ONLY $14.99 (Reg $35)
Up to 85% Off Kohl’s Women’s Tops – Prices as Low as $2.62
Turandoss Cross Necklace for Women ONLY $4.99 (Reg $10)
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up to 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
MEGA BLOKS Race Car Building Block Toy 26-Pieces ONLY $7.49 After Walmart Cash (Reg $15)
How Much is Amazon Prime for Seniors in 2026?
Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop ONLY $98 (Reg $150)
medicube Exosome Shot Zero Facial Serum ONLY $11.90 (Reg $39)
Save Big on Your Next Move with USPS Mover Coupons
Fall Gel Nail Polish Set ONLY $7 on Amazon (Reg $13)
UGG Women’s Classic Slippers ONLY $99.96 (Reg $130) + FREE Shipping
We Found the Best Air Fryer Deals: Up to 42% Off
Best Halloween Candy Deals Online and Instore: 2026
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Kit ONLY $24.50 (Reg $35)
32-Inch Small Computer Desk ONLY $19.99 on Amazon
These Are The Best 150 Student Discounts: Tech, Clothing, Streaming Services and More!
