frugal life

1/28/2022 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

It’s Friday friends! We’ve got a busy weekend now that we are healthy, it’s time for freebies and fun!

I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.

2022 Birthday Freebies are here (and also they’ve started flooding my inbox).

Freebies

Watch Discovery+ for Free
Free Mab & Stoke Products
Free Simply Earth Essential Oil Box Subscription
Free Copy of Amazing Me It’s Busy Being 3! Book
Free Common Daily Body Cleanser Sample
Possible Free $125 Electronics Research Study
Free Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Collection
Free Old Sad Songs Postcard
Free Bakery on Main Grain Free Granola
Free Black Box Wines Magnet, Koozie & More
Free AYO Foods Hand-Crafted West African Bowls
Free Solid Gold Pet Product
Free Subscription to LEGO Life Magazine
Free $20 Amazon Gift Card
Free The Last Kids on Earth Keychain, Pin, Sticker & More
Free Nature’s Path Granola Products
Possible Free $150 Super Bowl Research Study
Free Urban Skin Rx Product
Free Doughnut at Krispy Kreme
Possible Free $125 Health Conditions Study
Possible Free $100 Car Multimedia Research Study
Free Adventure Force Crawling Cobra Snake Toy
Free Body Lotion
Free Chippin Silver Carp Dog Food Sample
Free Prostate Cancer Foundation Heart-Shaped Awareness Pin
Free Explore 131 North Postcard & Decal
Free MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic
Possible Free $195 Personal Care Products Research Study
Possible Free $125 Lifestyle Research Study
Free Carmex Products & Swag
Free Sample of Impossible Foods Products
Free Magnolia Network, ID & Science Channels Preview
Free Revive Coffee Sample
Free One by Poise Liner & Pads Sample Pack
Free N95 Masks
2 Free Cans of Nature’s Logic Cat Food
Free LaCréme Beauté Body Lotion, Facial Cleanser & Body Wash

 

Deals:

Mainstays Side Storage Desk ONLY $39 (Reg $64)
Disney The Happy Planner 2022 Planner Box Kit ONLY $10 (Reg $35)
Guess Women’s Fuzzy Slippers ONLY $14.93 (Reg $50)
Character Glitter Earrings ONLY $8.99 (Reg $18)
Coach Outlet Mini Camera Bag ONLY $75 Shipped (Reg $250)
Insignia 6-Quart Pressure Cooker ONLY $39.99 (Reg $60)
Silver Bangle 3-Piece Set ONLY $6.99 (Reg $70)
LUKEES by MUK LUKS Sigrid Nikki Too Boots ONLY $32.99 (Reg. $99)
Crayola Coloring and Sticker Books ONLY $1.99 on Amazon
Bruin 2 in 1 Playgym ONLY $17.58 (Reg. $40)
Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox Playset ONLY $34.99 (Reg $50)
Boys Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirts 2-Pack ONLY $4.74 (Reg $18)
MKF Collection Angelina Crossbody Bag ONLY $27.99 (Reg $169)
MUK LUKS Pitch Soprano Sandal ONLY $16.99 (Reg. $55)
Up to 50% Off Skechers Shoes + Extra 10% Off at Checkout
MOSSY OAK Multi-Tool ONLY $14.39 (Reg. $26)
EverBrite 2-in-1 Mini Lanterns ONLY $8.99 (Reg. $15)
WORKPRO 13-inch Tool Bag ONLY $15.59 (Reg. $26)
FREE Shipt Membership for Visa Credit Cardholders

Finding Clothing Swaps in your area!

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps. It’s a great way to keep stuff out of landfills! And with how fast kids grow, it’s nice to share clothes with other families.

Since the pandemic started, there have been almost no clothing swaps, but slowly they are starting to come back. If you are looking for some swaps in your area, here are a few recommendations:

Check out Meetup. I’m a member of Thread Bumpin’, a clothing swap group in San Diego.  They post swap opportunities (swapertunities?) as they become aware of them, and various members host swaps as well.

If you are feeling brave, this article is full of ideas for hosting your own swap (not just limited to clothes).

And as always, here are a few other clothing resources:

Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.

The Sonrise Church in Santee has a clothing swap too! One for kid’s clothes, and another for women’s clothing. Miss Charity’s Closet & Little Blessings Boutique 2nd Saturday of every month at 9:00 am Contact Charity Murphy for more info clmurphy71@gmail.com

And Finally, the Closet of 54th isn’t a clothing swap per se, but they do help those in need with new to them clothes. They are open once a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.

 

Talk Back:  I’d love to hear about other San Diego area clothing swaps that you know of! Favorite swaps and/or what your best score has been!

1/24/2022 Weekly Meal Plan

Abby H.

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Woo Hoo! I’m stoked about this week! I’ve got a Dream Dinners Pick up this afternoon.  I took advantage of the deal I posted last week, and I’ve got 9 meals taken care of – I’ll be spreading those meals over this week and next.

And the CSA Box will be delivered this morning too. Late last week I roasted 2 butternut squashes, and I’m turning the roasted squash into soup today (recipe here). I’m making it vegetarian, so the big kid can try it out too.

Veggies and fruit are delivered by Yasukochi Family Farms CSA. For $25, it’s a great deal. I don’t have to pick anything, go to the store, or carry it upstairs. I can’t go to the store and get the same amount we get weekly for $25. Seriously. It’s a deal. They email a preview of what will be in the boxes over the weekend, so I can start thinking about what I’d like to make.

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. I’m back to packing lunches again. However, school lunches are free this year- Little Bit has been buying her lunch and expanding her palate.

Dinner: This week we’ll start enjoying some Dream Dinners, and I’ll be posting pics and deets all over my social media!

Please stay safe you guys!

Tea Collection 3 Days Only: $12 Flash Sale

Abby H.

Now through Sunday, January 23, 2022, you can score some sweet deals on kid’s clothing when you visit the Tea Collection $12 Flash Sale. 

I love their kid’s rompers and dresses. They have lots of cool fabric patterns and designs. My kiddos are outgrowing Tea Collections Sizing, but I still have a niece and nephew to spoil!

1/21/2022 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

It’s Friday friends! We’ve got a busy weekend now that we are healthy, it’s time for freebies and fun!

I’m going to try and include links to free local events as well. Please remember to follow all local public health guidelines. In California, that means wearing masks inside businesses and public spaces.

I’m working on new birthday freebies for 2022 as well. If you know of any, please drop me an email!

Freebies

Free Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Beef Recipe Chatterbox
Free Harvest One Dream Water
Free Vitamin C Eye Cream
Free Dryer Sheets or Fabric Conditioner
Free Hometown Hero Delta 8 Gummies
Free N95 Masks at CVS & Walgreens
Free Tetley Luck of the Irish Tea Party Kit
Free Supergoop! Ounce by Ounce Starter Kit for Teachers
Free Origins Ginzing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
Free Sample of AdvantaClear Surface Disinfectant Wipes
Free Sample of Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pacs
Hero Skin Squad – Free Beauty Products
Free Llama Stickers
Free Programmable Coffee Maker
Free Hometown Hero Select Spectrum Gummies
Free Ceramic Cyclone Car Wash at Rainstorm Car Wash
Free Vaultz Lock Box
Free Water Guns
Free Water Guns, Water Slide, Balloons & More
Free Itty Bitty Prettys, Rainbocorns, Pets Alive Toys
Free Zuru 5 Surprise Toys
Free Zuru Max Building Toys
Free LED Fairy Lights
Free Medium Fries w/ Any $1 Purchase at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Bubble Wow Glove-A-Bubbles Toys
Free Remote Control Truck Toys
Free Dude Wipes at Walmart
Free Pizza, Chips, Cookies & More
FREE Trial Box of SkinnyMe Premium Chocolate
Possible Free Secret & Gillette Antiperspirant & Deodorants
Free Sexual Wellness Device
Free Childrens Hospitals Week Bandages
Free Brown Scapular

Deals:

Little Girls Puffer Jacket ONLY $37.50 (Reg $75)
Crayola Colossal Tub of Glitter Art Set ONLY $6.93 (Reg. $25)
Boom Ear Buds ONLY $13.95 Shipped (Reg. $60)
Multi Line Stack Bracelets ONLY $4.99 (Reg $14.99)
Kathy Ireland Women’s Dahlia Bootie Slipper ONLY $21.99
My Squishy Little Dumpling Interactive Doll ONLY $5.94 (Reg $10)
Calvin Klein Gabrianna Leather Mini Tote ONLY $59.97 (Reg $118)
Kate Spade Marti Large Bucket Bag ONLY $119 (Reg $399)
Lucky Brand 65% Off + Exclusive 10% Off at Checkout
Pro Impact Massager ONLY $34.99 (Reg $50)
MUK LUKS Women’s Braelyn Slide Slipper ONLY $16.99 (Reg. $34)
T-Fal Culinaire 16-Piece Cookware Set ONLY $59.49 (Reg $250)
Insignia 8-Quart Digital Multi Cooker ONLY $54.99 (Reg $120)
50% Off Your First Rocksbox: Perfect Valentine’s Gift
MUK LUKS Men’s Mark Bootie ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)
PowerXL Grill Air Fryer ONLY $69 (Reg $149)
Manhattan Toy Playdate Friends ONLY $10.64 (Reg. $29)
LOL Surprise Boys Arcade Heroes ONLY $6.35 (Reg. $15)
L.O.L. Surprise Ooh La La Baby Surprise ONLY $19.99 (Reg $40)

Hearty Green Goddess Salad

Abby H.

I love Green Goddess Salad Dressing. For those who aren’t familiar with Green Goddess Dressing, per wikipedia: Green goddess is a salad dressing, typically containing mayonnaise, sour cream, chervil, chives, anchovy, tarragon, lemon juice, and pepper.

A few months ago, I found some vegan Green Goddess Dressing– I like it because it gets its creaminess from avocado instead of mayo and sour cream, and it lasts a bit longer in the fridge.

I love making hearty salads that can withstand a few days in the fridge. It’s a great way to make sure you have yummy veggies on hand for a snack or to add to meal time.

Hearty Green Goddess Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 Persian cucumbers, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (I used a red one, but whatever color you have works)
  • 2 ribs of celery, diced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 cup Green Goddess Dressing (I like Gotham Greens)

Directions:

  • In a bowl, mix all ingredients.
  • Store in the fridge overnight to allow flavors to mingle.
  • Serve as is, or top a bed of green.

Serves 3-5.

Trying to Add Veggies to Your Meals?

Abby H.

Is one of your New Years Resolutions to eat better or increase your intake of fruits and veggies?

Since we have been getting CSA boxes from Yasukochi Family Farms we’ve been adding tons of fresh fruit and veg to our diet. It’s fun to get the kids involved in preparing and tasting new and different fruits and veggies.

I’ve made a round-up with some of my favorite fruit and veggie recipes to inspire you to add a little more “green” to your family’s meals!

New Ibotta Users: Score a Free Pizza and Snacks for The Big Game!

Abby H.

Ibotta is back with an amazing deal for new users (and don’t worry, us current users are getting something good too). Most of you know that “The Big Game” aka the Superb Owl is next month. For those who watch the game- It’s a time for snacks!

When you sign up for Ibotta between 1/19/2022-2/12/2022, you’ll score the following for free after Ibotta Rebate:

  • Bubly Sparkling Water 8 pack – 12 oz cans
  • Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 8oz
  • Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip & Spread – 15.5 fl oz
  • Mission Rounds Tortilla Chips – 13oz
  • Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – 16.5oz
  • Red Baron Brick Oven Pepperoni Frozen Pizza – 17.89oz

For those of us who already have Ibotta accounts, we get:

  • Red Baron Brick Oven Pepperoni Frozen Pizza – 17.89oz

And if you check your Ibotta app, you may find several more freebies unrelated to this promotion.

Don’t forget that you can stack your Ibotta rebates with other apps like Fetch Rewards, Makeena, Checkout51. 

 

East County Residents: Free kids books 12/21/22!

Abby H.

This came through my email earlier this week. Chet F. Harritt STEAM School in Santee (8120 Arlette Street, Santee, CA) is having their annual book giveaway!

  • Friday, January 21, 2022
  • Students, families, and community members are welcome.
  • All books will be displayed in front of the library from 1:00-2:30pm.

Please be aware that parking at the school and the adjacent Big Rock Park is limited. I encourage you to park along Mesa Road and use the path into the park to access the school.

Also- PLEASE follow current state masking/ face covering regulations.

Oh, and if you are looking for a way to motivate you kids to Read... Sign them up for Book It! 

Green Kids Crafts: 25% Off Select Boxes + New Numbers Lab!

Abby H.

Science & Craft Subscription Boxes for Kids ages 3-10+My kids love to get mail. They also love doing science experiments. With our winters looking kinda rainy, kinda gloomy, I’m trying to find something fun and indoorsy that’s not the usual. That leads me to Green Kids Crafts. 4-6 educator designed STEAM projects in every box. Millions choose us for our award-winning hands-on activities.

Right now, Green Kids Crafts is offering 25% off their favorite boxes!

Use code FAVORITE25 at checkout and save 25% off their select favorite monthly boxes through the end of the month.

I know that Henry will love the Volcano Kit. The Volcanoes Discovery Box contains FOUR award-winning Creativity and STEAM Science Kits! Your pint-sized volcanologists will have a blast (literally!) with these fun learning kits including Break Your Own Geode Kit, Volcano Splatter Art Kit, Exploding DIY Volcano, Crystal Making Kit, and more!

And I think Margaret will be interested in the New Numbers Box! The Numbers Lab Box contains FOUR award-winning art and science STEAM kits! Your young mathematician will learn counting, number recognition, and matching and patterns with this sensory box that contains the following fun learning kits: Playdough Kit, Telling Time, DIY Flashcards Kit, Counting Games, and more!

What I like about Green Kids Crafts is that you can buy individual boxes or do a subscription! We’ve gotten their boxes before (when Margaret was a baby) and Henry loved them. They are great for the naturally curious kiddo in your life.