free

New TopCashback Members Score $15 to Spend at Sephora!

Abby H.

This deal is FIRE.

I saw it last night on TikTok, and after some research, it’s totally legit.

If you are not a TopCashback member, you are in luck. TopCashback is a rebate site that I’ve been using for years.

When you shop online, search for the retailer, click the link, and shop. You’ll receive cashback on your purchase. Amounts/percentages vary by retailer.   TopCashBack is free to join and can be used with over 4,000 stores!

For this $15 offer, follow these steps:

  • Create your NEW account with an email and password; then confirm your email address right away.
  • Click on the “Get Cashback” or “Get Offer Now” button and it’ll take you to Sephora so you can shop for all your favorite items (not valid on gift cards).

To get the most from this deal, I suggest checking out the “Beauty Under $20” and the “Sale & Clearance” sections. There are so many great choices.

It’ll take about 15 days or so for your TopCashBack account to be credited. Once your account has been credited, you can cash out your rebate.

I do most of my shopping online through TopCashBack and earn about $200/year. I cash out for PayPal or Target Giftcards.

To get started, click here. 

Tryazon: Mantis Game Night Party- APPLY NOW!

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

It’s addictive, it’s competitive, it’s a new Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, featuring Mantis from Exploding Kittens! In this colorfully cutthroat card game of Rainbows and Revenge, there are only two rules: Steal or Score! You collect matching sets of cards by stealing from your opponents. You feel good about things, then not so good about things as opponents steal your cards back. Repeat this emotional rollercoaster until somebody wins the game!
Tryazon has 250 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with a Mantis card game and other extras to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here.

8/23/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgYesterday was pretty busy, I didn’t get around to posting our meal plan for the week. We went to the beach and had in-home therapy.

I hit the grocery store last night but I forgot bagels, so I’ll be going back this morning.

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Pancakes and fruit

  • Tuesday: Chef Salad (It was popular last week!)

  • Wednesday:  Frittata, toast, fruit

  • Thursday:  Baked pasta, roasted veggies

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday:  Bean, rice, and cheese bowls

8/19/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week was a mix of shenanigans and staying home to beat the heat. Today the high is only 87, so we’ll see if we can leave the house and have some adventures.

We’ll be getting free backpacks tomorrow, Courtesy of SMOAC. You can learn more here.

Mask Mandates are changing constantly in California and can vary by city and county, so please do your part if you are going to any in-person freebies.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here!

Freebies

Free Ripple Plant-Based Dairy-Free Product Samples
Free L’Oreal Unbelievabrow Brow Gel Sample
Free Giorgio Armani My Way Fragrance Sample
Free Tasty Bite Entrees at Select Retailers
Free Life’s Grape Snack Pack at Whole Foods
Free Popcorn at Whole Foods
Free KOS Naturals Grass-Fed Protein Sample
Free Kat Von D Makeup
Free Sample of AloeMD Pain Relief & Recovery Cream
SampleSource – Free Full-Size Bag of Greenies Dental Treats
Free Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 70+
Free Dunham’s Gift Card Giveaway
Free Blue Stop Max Gel at Sam’s Club
Free Bag of Blue Buffalo Dog or Cat Treats
Free Far Out Toys Products
Free Bakery on Main Crunchy Cluster Granola
Free Air Wick Oil Warmer at Sam’s
Free Sample of Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Sam’s Club – 50 Free 4×6 Prints
Free Chickapea Organic Spirals
New Free Samples from Sampler
Lane Bryant Covert Client Program – Free Clothes, Points & More
Free SampleSource Fall Sample Boxes Coming Soon
Free Simple Mills Protein Pancake Mix
PrismPop – Free Beauty Products
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Tote Bag & More
Free Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
Free Lancome Idole Eau de Parfum Nectar Sample
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse or NasaFlo Neti Pot

 

Deals:

Wireless Charging Station ONLY $20 (Reg. $36.99)
Women’s Studded Gladiator Sandals ONLY $9.99 (Reg. $26)
Bathroom Countertop Organizer ONLY $15 (Reg. $30)
Women’s Biker Shorts ONLY $9.49 (Reg. $18.99)
Women’s Active Jacket With UPF 50+ ONLY $6.81 (Reg. $30.99)
Mickey Mouse Americana Backpack ONLY $18 (Reg $30)
Women’s Gold Invicta Watch ONLY $108.96 (Reg. $495)
VR Worlds – PlayStation VR ONLY $7.99 (Reg $20)
onn. 30-In Sound Bar ONLY $29 (Reg $59)
Beats Studio Buds ONLY $99.99 (Reg $150)
Adidas Cloudfoam Women’s Sneakers ONLY $35 (Reg $75)
Arctic King 7-Cu ft Chest Freezer ONLY $169 (Reg $227)

Enter to Win Hulafrog’s Family Vacation Giveaway

Abby H.

We could all use a vacation, right? Hulafrog contacted me with this contest, and I had to share. I’d love to take the kids to see some of our National Parks, and I think this trip is so amazing.

THE ULTIMATE NATIONAL PARKS FAMILY VACATION: A once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks guided by Austin Adventures, the family-owned Montana-based company that has been curating one-of-a-kind experiences for families for over 35 years.

TRIP DURATION: 6 Days, 5 Nights

VALUE: Up to $15,000

To learn more about this trip or to enter the giveaway, check out the Hulafrog website here.

Moms Meet: Hope Hummus Sampling Campaign Available!

Abby H.

I’ve been sampling and sharing products and services with Moms Meet since they started. Right now they have a really cool group program with Hope brand Hummus!

HOPE Hummus is made using fresh USDA Organic and Non-GMO Certified ingredients and with freshly blended extra virgin olive oil. It is made without any artificial preservatives. Available in a variety of yummy flavors, grab the pita and veggies and enjoy a delicious hummus while improving your gut health, immunity, and mental health.

How it works: Host an in-person sampling meeting to try and review this product with your mom/parent friends.

If selected, you will receive: HOPE Hummus to try and review with your group. As a thank you, you will receive a HOPE tote bag.

To learn more about Moms Meet, check out my post here.

Free Magazines from Mercury Magazines!

Abby H.

Most of the time when I post magazine freebies, they come from Mercury Magazines. I’ve got two offers to share today, and I’ll keep posting more as I find them.

If none of the free offers above appeal, visit Mercury Magazines directly and follow the steps below to see what other free publications are available to you.

You are just 4 quick (and I mean it) steps away from scoring free magazines:

  • Fill out a brief demographic profile
  • Your profile will determine the magazines presented.
  • Choose your magazines
  • Select up to three magazines of your choice from the list.
  • Complete subscription forms.

I receive 4 or 5 magazines each month that are 100% free. Once the subscription period is over, the magazines stop coming.

Tryazon: Host a VENN Game Night!

Abby H.

We’ve been participating in Tryazon events for three+ years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, and food.  You can learn more about Tryazon here.

Be one of the first to play VENN in this new Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, sponsored by The OP! From the creators of Telestrations and Blank Slate, VENN is a clever game where clues and art overlap. Race to find three secret words based on where a Clue Giver arranges unique Art Cards onto colored circles. Play in teams and outguess the others or set the timer and beat the clock together, and come to the right conclusions to win!
They have 200 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with two copies of VENN, one to enjoy and one to give out as a door prize! Learn more and apply here. 

8/15/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis is our last full week of Summer Break. We have zoo, beach, swimming with friends, and a few other things to do before we start school.

I went to the grocery store on Saturday and picked up milk and bread, other than that we should be good. I re-organized the freezer and found a few things I forgot we had (and were not on the freezer inventory).

No CSA boxes until the weather cools down and I can be home when the boxes are delivered. With the heat and the lack of shade on my patio, if we aren’t home when it’s delivered, some of the more delicate foods can spoil.

We’ve been trying a lot of new foods lately, thanks to the really great freebies from Social Nature lately too. It’s fun to try new foods. I received a few more coupons over the weekend, so I’ll visit Sprouts sometime this week to pick up the new foods. I’m focusing on snacks and treats from Social Nature.

For those of you that are new to meal planning, I’ve got an easy 101 style post here with super easy tips and steps. After you get that down, here is info about batch or freezer cooking.

I’ve gotten a pretty good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge done (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day.

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids. They are also into fruit and bagels for breakfast. Lately, the big kid has been digging protein shakes in the morning. This is his favorite kind. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote in the cupboard full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. This is really helpful for the summer when for some reason, kids are starving all the time.

Dinner: I’ve got a couple casseroles/freezer meals this week, and other than that we’re eating easy and quick stuff so I can spend time playing, coloring, building legos, and swimming, which is the plan for the week.

  • Monday: Chicken nuggets, Buttered noodles, fruit, cheese & crackers

  • Tuesday: pollo asada tacos, grilled veggies, rice, refried beans

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad, quesadillas

  • Thursday: Protein shakes and bagels

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday:  Leftovers
  • Sunday: Breakfast for dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, crescent rolls, fruit)

The Back To School Countdown has Begun!

Abby H.1 Comment

I know some of your kids have already started school for the 2022-2023 school year, but my kiddos don’t start for another few weeks.

The Back to School countdown has begun, and here is how we are saving money.

School Supplies: Most schools’ public supply lists by class on their website. Once you know who your child’s teacher is going to be, you can purchase supplies. Most teachers like trusted name-brand supplies like Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, Crayola washable markers, and Expo whiteboard markers.  Here are a few of the stores that have great prices on school supplies!

Target: School supplies starting at $0.25
Walmart: Up to 75% off select school supplies
Office Depot and Office Max: Up to 60% off bestselling school supplies. Save 25% off on backpacks excluding Jansport
Michaels: Teacher Must-Haves, Art Supplies, and more all under $10.00

There will be several backpack giveaways throughout August. There is one tomorrow in Lemon Grove. Information can be found here. 

There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 20, 2022 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.

Clothing/Shoes: If you are like me, you grab kids’ clothes at swaps all year, but there are some things that you need to buy new. Once you’ve set your budget for clothes/shoes/accessories, keep an eye out for BTS sales (which are in full swing right now).

Because Southern California doesn’t get chilly in the fall, a lot of the standard BTS clothing fare isn’t great for our kids- long pants, turtlenecks, sweaters, jean jackets- I’m sweating just thinking about those! Don’t forget to scope out the sale and clearance racks for shorts and short sleeve shirts!

I love shopping Kohl’s and JCPenney. They frequently have sales, coupon codes, and deals where you can earn Kohl’s Cash/JCP Rewards for future purchases. Earn even more cashback when you shop online and opt for in-store pickup. I like shopping through Mypoints or Ibotta (make sure to check out both of their browser extensions to help you earn points/cashback). This is also a hot tip for Target and Walmart shoppers!

If your budget is a little too tight, check out local clothing swaps! Porchlight is holding one on 8/27/2022 for womens’ and kids’ clothing. More information can be found here.

We also shop a lot at thrift stores- Amvets and DAV are two of my favorites here in San Diego.

Food: I know this might be weird to include, but kiddos have to have healthy food to function and grow. Thanks to the California Universal Meals program, all kids in k-12 education settings will receive free breakfast and lunch if wanted. And I will continue to post about free opportunities for food each month, and more often as they come across my desk. Feeding San Diego Tour is a great resource that has locations all over San Diego County!