frugal life

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

I’m in the final stretch of BTS prep, which is why there was no Freebie Friday post yesterday. But there are some

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Air Wick Plug in Scented Oil Advanced Gadget
Free Sample of dermaFIT Muscle Retention Cream
Free Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Free Make Your Own Sloth Door Hanger Craft Kit at JCPenney
Free Sample of SUNSHIELD+ Tinted Mineral Sunscreen + Organic 3-in-1 Cream
Free Sample of Crave Me Cookies + Free Shipping
Free 2025 Rainin The Art of Pipetting Calendar
Free Mini-Treehouse Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
2 Free Bags of Undercover Snacks Chocolate Quinoa Crisps After Rebate
Free Sample of John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Creme
Free Green Valley Lactose Free Cheese After Rebate
Free 6-Pack of BUBBL’R Antioxidant Water
Free 4-Pack of ProGo Protein & Energy Bars
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Kleenex is Giving Away $500,000 to Schools
Free Kim Crawford Summer Club Party Kit
Free Stay at the Rice Krispies Re-Treat Suite
Free Marinela Sweet Snacks Chatterbuy Kit
Free e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Mascara
Free LEGO Creativity Workshops – Sign Up Now
Free Sample of Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats

 

Deals:

Target Kid Boots as low as $14
Kate Spade Jewelry as low as $12 (Reg $39+)
Free Crest Toothpaste
Kate Spade Wristlets From $29 (Reg $139) + Free Shipping
Purex Detergent ONLY $2.99 (Reg. $8.99)

Tryazon: Cake-N-Bake 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.

Introducing Cake-N-Bake Challenge a brand new game in this new Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, sponsored by Hey Buddy Hey Pal! Bring the excitement of baking shows into the game room with a fast-paced, color-matching, cake-building game!  With 3 different ways to play, the fun keeps going. Perfect for ages 4+ so it’s great for family and friend game nights.

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack with the brand new title Cake-N-Bake Challenge, and other fun extras to share with friends and family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/cake-n-bake-game-night-party/

Back to School Recipe Round Up: Casseroles and Hot Dishes!

Abby H.
Casseroles and Hot Dishes are a great way to add extra veggies to your family meals!

For some parents, the end of August and the beginning of September means Back to school time. With all of the moving parts, having an easy dinner that is tasty and comforting can be a welcome way to end the day.

Many casseroles and hot dishes can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge until it’s time to cook them in the oven, and some can be made in a crockpot!

Here are just a few of my favorite casseroles and hot dishes:

8/11/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpg10 days until school starts for us… Not that I’m counting.

I grocery shopped on Thursday and picked up a lot of staples for smoothies and mac n’ cheese- The two current food hyper focuses.

I’m trying hard to get the kids to increase their fiber and protein intake. I can tell the difference when they are filling up on both- if nothing else, it helps them sleep better.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites can be found here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most days, and I pack snacks and water for us when we are out having summer adventures.

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Sweet and Spicy Pork, Basmati Rice, Roasted Green Beans (any leftovers will be meal-prepped for lunches for the remainder of the week)
  • Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup, Smoothies, garlic bread

  • Tuesday: Mac n’ Cheese, Smoothies, chips

  • Wednesday: Chicken Fajita Veggie Skillet, tortilla chips or cheese quesadillas (kids choice)

  • Thursday: Breakfast egg bake (sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, veggies)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Back to School Amazon Coupon Codes- Save up to 50%!

Abby H.

I love good deals. I recently stumbled across a few great deals on Amazon on back-to-school essentials.

As someone who works in a school, this is my number one deal- 72 Pack Black Whiteboard Erasable Markers at 50% off with coupon code 50T375GI. (deal ends 8/9/2024 at 11:59PM PDT)

I have already ordered this one- The charging cables in my house are out of control. Electronics Organizer bag 9.45″x7.09″x3.94″. 50% off with coupon code 507ITYG2. (deal ends Aug 11, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)

Daily and Weekly Planners in various pastel colors 8.4’x6.4″ 40% off with coupon code 40Y873CB. (deal ends 8/13/2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)

Sticky Notes – 12 Pads, 3”x3” – Colorful Self-Stick Post Notes 50% off with coupon code 50IOUFN5. (deal ends Aug 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)

Acrylic Paint Markers– These are awesome for painting rocks among other things. Two varieties 50% off with coupon code 50Q1I3IN. (deal ends Aug 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)

Acrylic Magnetic Whiteboard Acrylic Calendar, Monthly and Weekly Calendar – 16″x12″ Size- includes 6 Color Dry Erase Markers.   50% off with coupon code 50N7O8VA. (deal ends 8/18/2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)

Talk Back: I love hunting for good deals- If you are looking for a deal, please let me know- I’d love to help!

8/9/2024 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

School has already started for a lot of kids, my kids have less than 2 weeks of summer break left.

The back-to-school freebies and deals are pretty sweet this week.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Freebies:

Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free TruRanch Collagen Sticks Dog Treats Dog Chews
Free Color Your Own Pencil Pouch Craft Kit at JCPenney
Score Free Full-Sized Product Coupons from Social Nature
Free IndestrucTable ECO Table Tryabox
Free 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
Free Pair of Underwear at Duluth Trading Co. Stores on August 10th (Midwestern friends only)
50 Free Bonus Box Tops with Box Tops for Education = Free $5
Free Winged Wellness Product After Rebate
Free Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Teachers – Possible Free Pets in the Classroom Grant
PINCHMme New Free Samples Every Day
Free Perfect Bar at Aldi
Free Amazon Prime for Students for 6 Months
Possible Free MONDAY Haircare Shampoo & Conditioner
50 Free Burger King Crowns Reward Points Daily
Free HunYule Skincare Samples

Deals:

Kate Spade Staci Dual Zip Crossbody ONLY $79 (Reg $259)
Galanz 3.3 Cu ft One Door Mini Fridge ONLY $118 at Walmart (Reg $190)
50% Off School Uniform Multipacks + Extra 20% Off 3 or More
Garnier Shampoo ONLY $1 (Reg $5.49)
Free Rind Dried Fruit Snacks & Mixes
$50 Off Converse Back to School Kit
Starbucks 50% Off Handcrafted Drinks – TODAY 8/9

 

AARP: Awesome Discounts!

Abby H.

Did you know you don’t have to be a senior citizen to join AARP?

Seriously. I’m 45 and I’ve been a member for 2 years.

Did you know that with an AARP membership, you can score discounts and deals on travel, car buying services, and even a lower price on your cell phone contract?

Perhaps my favorite deal is saving money at Denny’s. The cost of membership pays for itself when I take the kids to Denny’s twice in one year.

AARP provides many opportunities to save money, play, learn, and volunteer. And right now when you join here, you get a free gift. Your Choice-pick your FREE gift – Insulated Trunk Organizer or 6-Port Power and USB Charging Donut.

 

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

8/5/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week I’m starting the back to school prep. Littlest Kiddo’s Bestie is visiting for a few more days, and I’m trying to cram in as much summer fun as I can, while staying on budget.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature and Aisle, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Snack Trays and smoothies
  • Monday: Bean, Rice, and cheese burritos

  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad and smoothies

  • Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner (eggs, hashbrowns, fruit, toast)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week was busy, so we are having weekend freebies and deals instead of Friday. Littlest Kiddo’s Bestie is here for 6 days, and I’m finishing up some coursework for one of my jobs. My brain has been turned to jello.

If you are looking for stuff to do this summer, check out my 2024 guide to a fun, frugal Summer Break. It’s San Diego County-specific, but there are many great ideas if you aren’t local to me.

The 2024 Birthday Freebie post is here! Check this article out and sign up for birthday freebies at least 2-3 weeks before your birthday.

My comprehensive list can be found here if you are looking for free food resources. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

 

Freebies:

Free Can of Accelerator Active Energy After Rebate
Free Hallmark Card Every Month
Free Real Food From The Ground Up Snack Product After Rebate
Free Cookie at DoubleTree Hotels on Aug. 4th
Teachers – Free Queso at Abuelo’s for the Whole School Year
Free IHOP Syrup Chatterbuy Kit
Free Sample Of Pamprin Max Pain + Energy
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free Lil’ Gourmets Pouch After Rebate
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free Sample of Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats
Free Root Beer Float at A&W on August 6th
Free Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
Free Sour Punch Candy & T-Shirt
Free NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit or NasaFlo Neti Pot
Free 2024 National Parks Entrance Days
Free Whiteboard Workshop at Home Depot
3 Free MYBAR Protein Bars After Rebate
Free Bubly Burst Sparkling Water at Select Stores
Free Museum Admission for Bank of America/Merril Lynch Cardholders – This Weekend
Free Modelo Chelada Summer Fiesta Party Kit
Free Perfect Bar at Aldi
Free Movie Tickets to Longlegs
Free Monopoly GO! Game Night Party Pack
Free Teachings of Buddha Books
Teachers – Free Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Italian Favorites Classes at Williams Sonoma

 

Deals:

5-Piece Backpack Sets ONLY $21.99 (Reg $42)
Coach Outlet Sale – 70% Off Clearance
Nike Backpacks for School up to 40% Off + 25% Coupon
Scott Paper Products ONLY $2.75 (Reg. $5)
Nike School Backpacks & Lunch Boxes for $22 at Kohl’s
School Supplies UNDER $1 at Walgreens
Vitamins & Supplements BOGO Free on Amazon
Target has Bookbags NOW 30% Off – Prices start at $10
Nike – Up to 65% Off + Extra 25% Off Select Styles
Lauren Conrad Jewelry as low as $6

7/28/2024: Weekly Meal Plan!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI am trying hard to keep my grocery budget at $100 weekly for the foreseeable future. It’s super rough, but I’ll be cooking from scratch, and reaching into the freezer and pantry to use up what we’ve got and keep our out-of-pocket for groceries down.

I picked up a a few drinks and some smoothie ingredients courtesy of Aisle, and it’s been fun trying new beverages with my lunches.

Thanks to the great freebies from Social Nature, we’ve been trying new foods lately. It’s fun to try new foods.

If you 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 good inventory of the pantry, freezer, and fridge (I try to update it after every shopping trip), so I 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.

Breakfast: I’ve been really into protein coffee lately. It helps me hit my protein goals and keeps me full until lunch. I use premade protein shakes like these and these. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick, and is favorites can be found here. 

Lunch: I have a plastic tote full of self-serve snacks. I buy treats and snacks in bulk and fill up snack-sized zip-top bags. We eat lunch at home most of the time over the summer. Sometimes we take advantage of the kid’s free summer lunches (info here).

Dinner: It’s so hot here in Southern California, that I’m trying hard not to turn on the oven. We’re enjoying a lot of ready-to-eat sides (chips and fruit), so that time in the kitchen is minimized.

  • Sunday:  Quesadillas, rice, fruit
  • Monday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches (cheese of your choice), fruit, chips

  • Tuesday: Dream Dinner, fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Tamales,  beans & rice

  • Thursday: Turkey Sandwiches, chips, fruit

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza