frugal living

San Diego, CA Area Residents: FREE Produce! Tomorrow, July 31, 2020

Abby H.

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It’s Back!! Our friends over at Faith Chapel understand that with all that’s going on in the world that some of us still need help finding healthy food during this difficult time. And that’s it not always safe for us to go to the store or hit up a farmers market.

Distribution is happening this Friday, July 31st, beginning at 10:00am.

This is a drive-thru style event, so you don’t have to leave your vehicles. This week they are getting 1 truckload of produce delivered, so they will be only be given 1 box of produce to each vehicle.  BUT- Trust me- That’s plenty of quality produce for one family.

Here is an example of what was offered lin previous weeks: unnamedNavel Oranges, Grapefruit, Plumcots, Lemons, and nectarines. All free.

Faith Chapel is located at 9400 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977

7/24/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

bright boxesThis Friday’s freebies and deals are a scootch late today because we were busy busy busy today! Appointments, phone calls, and errands to run!

But it’s never too late for freebies!

Freebies:

Free Priddy Books Early Learning Collection

Free Alex’s Awesome Sourdough Pizza

Free #POSITIVITY Moshe Popack Sticker

Free Bowhunting World, Predator Xtreme & Whitetail Journal Mags

Free Medela Breastfeeding Product Sample Box

Mack’s Free Ear Plug’s Giveaway – Every Weekday at 11am EST

Free Sample of Breathe Right Extra Clear Nasal Strips

Free Coffee Wednesdays at Dunkin

Free Nike Products

Free Samples of SmartyPants Vitamins

Free American Express Open for Business Kit

Free Jockey Products for Bloggers

Free Carton of a2 Whole Milk

Free Antibiotic Ointment

Free Iced Tea at McAlister’s Deli – Today

Free Sample of Astroglide Lubricant

Free Drink at Blaze Pizza

Free Beverage with Peet’s Peetnik Rewards

Free Kingsford Flavored Charcoal

Free Peanuts Prize Pack

Free Sample of Enfagrow Neuropro

Free $20 If You Have a Fishing or Hunting License

Free Discover the World Classroom Posters

Free Subscription to Women’s Health Magazine

Free Smart ID Pet Tags

Free Disney Bedtime Character Calls

 

Deals:

Expo Dry Erase Fine Tip Markers 8-Count ONLY $6.49 (Reg. $14)

Mott’s Fruit Snacks 40-Count ONLY $5.25 shipped

Munchkin Ocean Squirts Bath Toy 8 Pack ONLY $5 (Reg $12)

The Big One Solid Bath Towels ONLY $2.44 Each (Reg. $10)

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens 12-Count ONLY $8.88 (Reg. $21)

Cra-Z-Art Washable Glue Sticks 2-Count ONLY $0.25 at Walmart

 

Earn Money for Staying Active with Achievement!

Abby H.

b0e5d5e05457e2c8a12dc87c9b6eafc7 (1)If you are like me, you are looking for a way to stay physically active while gyms and fitness outlets are closed. The kids and I have taken up Pokemon Go- It’s a great way for us to get out and remain active while having something that keeps the kiddos engaged.

I’ve worn a fitness tracker (I have a Fitbit right now) for almost 10 years. I’ve been using Achievement to earn extra cash for tracking my steps and exercise for about 3 years now.

It’s super easy to use: Connect your fitness tracker (see the list below) to Achievement and be rewarded when you exercise, sleep, and log calorie or water intake.

It is non-intrusive, and you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for cash via PayPal, gift cards, or you can donate your earnings to various charities.

I earn $10 in PayPal cash about 4-5 times a year. I usually use it to reload my Starbucks Card.  It’s a nice little perk for being active.

It’s super easy to get started. Click here to sign up! This is my referral link- If you sign up using my link, I earn an extra points.

Achievement is compatible with over 20+ Android and iOS apps (and counting!).

Health and Fitness Apps:

  • Apple Health
  • Daily Mile
  • Expresso
  • Fitbit
  • Garmin
  • Google Fit
  • MapMyFitness
  • MapMyHike
  • MapMyRide
  • MapMyRun
  • MapMyWalk
  • Misfit
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Record
  • RunDouble
  • RunKeeper
  • Samsung Health
  • Stop, Breathe & Think
  • Strava
  • Withings

Lifestyle Apps:

  • A&D Connect
  • Qardio

Social Media Apps:

  • Twitter

Link to research that is done with the information collected: https://www.myachievement.com/research

7/10/2020 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

bright boxesThis Friday’s freebies and deals are a scootch late today because we were busy busy busy today! Appointments, phone calls, and errands to run!

But it’s never too late for freebies!

Freebies:

Free Snickers Peanut Brownie
2 Free Tacos at Del Taco
Free Children’s Shampoo & Conditioner
Free Tony Hawk Be Tobacco Free Poster
Free Care Package for Female Deployed Soldiers
Free Trolls World Tour Event at JCPenney
Free Garnier Recycling Bin
Free Wooden Crucifix
Free Custom Return Address Labels
Free Darphin Paris Hydraskin Light Creme
Free Poise Impressa Sample Pack
Free Pasta at Buca di Beppo
Banfield Pet Hospital – Free Office Visit & Consultation
Free Taco at Rubio’s
Free ASPCA Pet Safety Magnet & Window Decal
Free $5 Gift Card for Xfinity Customers

 

Deals

The Tale of Peter Rabbit Story Board Book ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $7)
Highlights Jumbo Book of Hidden Pictures ONLY $5.01 (Reg. $13)
50-ct Medical Face Mask ONLY $14.99 (Reg $34.99)
Owl Diaries #9 Paperback Book ONLY $1.93 (Reg. $5)
Amazon Prime Day 2020 News – The Wait Just Got Longer
Paint by Sticker Kids: Unicorns & Magic ONLY $3.99 (Reg. $10)
Tombow Original Correction Tape 10-Pack ONLY $10.44 (Reg. $35)
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes IN STOCK at Walmart
$10 Off Carryout at Maggiano’s
New $5.00 Denny’s Coupon

San Diego, CA Area Residents: FREE Produce! This Friday, June 19th

Abby H.3 Comments

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Our friends over at Faith Chapel understand that with all that’s going on in the world that some of us still need help finding healthy food during this difficult time. And that’s it not always safe for us to go to the store or hit up a farmers market.

For the next NINE (9) weeks, Faith Chapel is offering FREE Fresh produce straight from the farmers to give to you! Distribution is happening this Friday, June 19th, beginning at 10:00am.

This is a drive-thru style event, so you don’t have to leave your vehicles. Take as much as you’d like! Tell your family and friends!

Here is an example of what was offered last week: unnamedNavel Oranges, Grapefruit, Plumcots, Lemons, and nectarines. All free.

Faith Chapel is located at 9400 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977

Turn Your Junk Mail into Rewards!

Abby H.

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I love sharing all the ways I earn extra money, especially when they are quick and easy. The Small Business Knowledge Center (SBKC) is my ace in the hole! I’ve been participating in their program for over 10 years, and I earn on average $120/year.

It’s simple. As a panelist, you will earn rewards by sending SBKC direct mail and email communications that you might otherwise disregard. SBKC mails you postage-paid envelopes, you stuff your junk mail into it and drop it into the mail. I send one envelope each week. The more you mail in, the more you earn!

The Small Business Knowledge Center (SBKC) studies marketing techniques and practices.  They securely dispose of your junk mail after they are done with it- no need to worry!

pngYou will receive points for your junk mail, and once you receive 2000 points, you will receive a $20 pre-paid Visa GiftCard!

You can also forward emails to SBKC as well.

They email you once a month to update you on the number of points you have and with any special projects they have going on. A few times a year they look for special types of mail, open enrollment solicitations, IRA, or other investment/retirement info. When they want those materials, they’ll email you and let you know- usually, there is a bounty of extra points available too!

Unlike many other programs, you can sign everyone in your home who is over the age of 18!

If you are interested in signing up, visit the SBKC page here and click on the JOIN NOW button. In the box next to: How did you hear about the SBKC Consumer Panel? Please type my name: Abby Hewes. I get points for referrals, and once you sign up and refer your friends, you will too!

 

Faith Chapel’s Meet The Need is Drive Through Today 4/5/2020

Abby H.

I’ve posted about Meet The Need at Faith Chapel before– It’s a great way to pick up some groceries if times are tough for you. Usually, there is a little fellowship and the chance to pick up second-hand household goods and clothing (and they usually have diapers too- you just have to ask). Paster Josiah and his helpers aren’t letting the current crisis stop them from helping those in need!

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This Sunday Meet The Need drive-thru. In an effort to abide by the safety health ordinances within San Diego County due to the COVID-19 crisis, they are changing how they serve the community but certainly will not stop serving it. They will be providing a ready to eat meal & groceries this Sunday from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

The food will be distributed through your car window, so no need to leave your car, at the flagpole, outside the main sanctuary in the upper parking lot. They’ll be taking above and beyond precautions for health safety and social distancing.

No need to sign up in advance- all sign ups will be done on site!

Weekly Meal Plan & How You Can Do It Too!

Abby H.

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgNow, more than ever, it’s important to plan meals and use what you have on hand. While the grocery store is still on “Ok to visit” list, it is important to limit our exposure to other people.

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 update it after every shopping trip), so I’m able to plan meals and use up what we’ve got with little waste. If you are looking for kitchen inventory printable, I like the kitchen inventories here. They are great printables.

I only post our dinner plans for the week, because our other meals are usually the same each day: Right now our local school district is serving lunch for a drive-through service for kids 18 and under M-F. It’s great because it helps stretch our budget and it gets the kids out of the house for a few minutes. They also include a cold lunch (usually cereal and milk and a piece of fruit) for the next morning. Often times, the cereal ends up being a snack for late afternoon. 

Breakfast: Coffee with 1/2 and 1/2  for me, and pancakes or something along those lines for the kids (they love the Kodiak Cakes Mix).  I also keep sandwich Ziploc bags of other frozen fruit on hand to make the kids smoothies when they request them (a few times per week). Berries, peaches, and mangos are pretty popular. recently the Big Kid has been on a protein shake kick in the AM.

Usually, I do a crockpot meal on Mondays, but now that we are home all the time, we’ve been having an odd combination of fully home-cooked, scratch meals, and frozen entrees and veggies. I have been posting our meal plans on Instagram too- As well as pics of stuff we are doing to keep busy.

  • Monday: Frozen Entrees & Veggies
  • Tuesday: Casserole (probably Chicken Tetrazzini)
  • Wednesday: Pasta with red sauce and garlic bread
  • Thursday: Frozen Entrees & Veggies
  • Friday: Breakfast for dinner: Bagels and cream cheese, smoothies, fruit
  • Saturday: Leftover fiesta!
  • Sunday:  Chicken Soup (from Scratch)

Please stay safe you guys! The sooner we flatten the curve, the sooner life can go back to normal- whatever that means.

Talk Back: What are you cooking for dinner this week?

1 Month of MyPanera+ Coffee FREE

Abby H.

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Thanks to Brooke from Crying Out Loud for the heads up on this sweet deal!

Weight Watchers and Panera are teaming up to give you one free month of MyPanera+ Coffee, a new monthly subscription for unlimited coffee.

Enter code WWCoffee at registration to redeem.

When you subscribe to MyPanera+ Coffee you get unlimited light roast, dark roast, hazelnut, iced coffee or hot tea for $8.99/month. ANY SIZE!

If you live near a Panera and drink a lot of coffee, this is a pretty good deal.  If you do a drip coffee or hot tea 4 times per month at most coffee shops, you could have paid for a month of MyPanera+.

If you are staying in the cafe, Redeem your subscription once up to every two hours with unlimited refills while you’re in the cafe.

Coffee House Copycat Recipes & Enter to French Roast K-Cup® Pods!

Abby H.

I love Cross Country Cafe! They always have great deals, contests, and recipes!

Barista Prima French Roast K-Cup® Pods box of 24Right now, they are running a contest for FOUR full-size boxes of French Roast K-Cup® coffee pods! Enter to win before March 30th, 2020.

One of the ways that we stay on budget is to limit how many coffee shop beverages we have each week.  I load $25 every two weeks onto my Starbucks card. Honestly, it’s usually used on treats for the kiddos.

I make a big pot of French Roast Coffee each morning and make our coffee shop style beverages with it as the base. Here are a few of our favorites:

Quick & Easy Misto (aka a Cafe au Lait)

Ingredients:

  • 20 ounces Hot Coffee (prepared however you like)
  • 1 cup milk (whatever kind you like, I prefer whole or 2%).
  • Sweetener, if desired
  • Ground Nutmeg or Cinnamon, if desired

Directions:

  1. In a heatproof cup, heat milk for approx. 30 seconds in the microwave.
  2. Froth milk in a Magic bullet, blender, or using a Milk Frother. This takes about 30 seconds. The more fat the milk contains, the foamer the milk gets. Fat-free milk (either dairy or non-dairy) does not get too frothy.
  3. Pour Hot Coffee into your serving cup. Add your sweetener and stir. This is a great time to try a new sweetened syrup!
  4. Using a spoon, Push frothed milk to the side and pour milk over the coffee.
  5. Top with Foam if desired.
  6. Get extra fancy and sprinkle the top of the foam with nutmeg or cinnamon!
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Hot, frothy milk!
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The finished product, time for breakfast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick & Easy Mocha: If you love a Cafe Mocha to start your day, simply add 2 T. of your favorite Chocolate milk mix or instant hot chocolate (I like this dark chocolate hot chocolate) to the milk before your heat and froth it. Follow the same directions as above.

Caramel Macchiato: Pour 1 cup, hot frothed milk into your mug, followed by 6 ounces of very strong hot coffee. Top with a little more foam, and drizzle caramel syrup over the top of the foam.

Cinnamon Dulce Latte: Pour Coffee into mug, add steamed milk and two pumps/Tablespoons of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cooled/leftover coffee makes GREAT iced coffee. Simply pour over ice, add any milk and sweetener/syrup you’d like and serve. YUM!

For an Iced Mocha, mix 2 T. of your favorite Chocolate milk mix to the milk before adding it to your ice and coffee.

I love the Torani Sugar Free syrups, they come in over 40 flavors and most of them are great in coffee. We like the following flavors:

  • Irish Coffee (it’s non-alcoholic)
  • Caramel
  • Hazelnut
  • French Vanilla
  • Brown Sugar Cinnamon
  • Almond
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • Coconut (it’s good in a mocha)

unnamed.pngAnd Cross Country Cafe has a new recipe on their blog: Almond Milk Honey Flat White. Yum!

If you start your morning with a protein shake, here are a couple recipes for coffee drinks that use protein powder in place of milk.