10/27/2024 Weekend Freebies and Deals

Hye friends- I’ve been battling a weeklong headache, so my posting has been nonexistent. I promise that there will be some posts coming up, starting with these freebies and deals.

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:

Score a Free Babylist Hello Baby Box Filled with Samples & Full Sized Products
Babylist Registry Perks – 15% Off & Free Registry Box
Free Vida Mate Yerba Mate at Select Stores
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
Free GOOD GOOD No Added Sugar Spreads
Free Knife Skills Classes at Williams Sonoma
Spooktacular Halloween Food Deals & Food Freebies You Can’t Miss in 2024: Pizza, Fast Food, and More
Free Valley Mist Pure Lip Balm
Free Gift When You Link Your Ulta Beauty Rewards & Target Circle Accounts
Free Coffee & Donut at Krispy Kreme for First Responders
Free Sample of Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel
Free Handcrafted Beverage at Capital One Cafe
Free Treat Buckets at Party City on October 31st
Free LOVO Chocolate Bar After Rebate
Free Candy of Your Choice
Free CLEAN RESERVE Fragrance
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
Free Order of Cheese Stick Stack at Dave & Buster’s
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free VCF Sample
Free SENSAI Beauty Extra Intensive Series Skincare Samples
Free Day of the Dead Face Painting Events at Stater Bros. Markets
We Found The Best Black Friday and Cyber Week Streaming Deals: 2024 Edition
Free Firecracker Farm Hot Salt Sample
Free Halloween Craft & Costume Party Event at Pottery Barn Kids
Free Oscar Mayer Stuffed Dogs Chatterbuy Kit
Free Belle Aroma Holiday Scented Ornament
Free Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Free Clean Age Natural Deodorant After Rebate

 

Deals:

Kate Spade Sadie Crossbody Set Two-in-One ONLY $49 (Reg $249)
Complete Home Sandwich Bags Buy One Get Two Free
Pajamas for the Family From $12 at Old Navy
Garnier Whole Blends ONLY $1 (Reg. $4.99)
Food Network 10-Piece Cookware Set $59.99 After Kohl’s Cash
Premier Comfort Heated Plush Throw ONLY $35 (Reg $100)
Free $20 Target Gift Card with Purchase of $100 of Baby Essentials
Free $10 Gift Card with Purchase of Three Household Products
ionvac SmartClean 2000 Robovac ONLY $79.99 (Reg. $129)
Kitchen Appliances up to 30% Off
Select General Mills Cereal ONLY $1.49 (Reg. $6.29)

Weekend Freebies and Deals!

I meant to get this post out earlier today, but I was busy making bracelets. Mom life is rough, y’all.

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 Sample of Moroccanoil Body Polishing Scrub
Free Food & Beverage Products from the Nestle GoodNes Community
Free Sample of IAMS Puppy or Kitten Food
Hidden Valley Ranchology Rewards – Free Samples, Socks, Hat, Tote Bag & More
Free Samples, Coupons & More from Gerber Insiders
Free Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme
Free Belle Aroma ScentWow Aromatherapy Car Fragrance Diffuser
Free M&M’s Delivered to Your Door on Halloween
Free Sample of Amazon Pepper Hot Sauces
Free GORGIE Energy Drinks
Free Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
Free Chicken Cantina Taco at Taco Bell
Free Rind Dried Fruit Snacks & Mixes
2 Free Outback Steakhouse Boo Baskets
Free Soapbox Skincare Infused Body Wash
Free Sample of Beggin’ Flavor Stix with Bacon & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Free Go Raw Organic Sprouted Seed Salad Toppers at Walmart After Rebate
Free BelGioioso Ricotta Chatterbuy Kit
Free Dish Soap
Free American Spirit Butt Pouches – Order Every Month
Free Winged Wellness Product at Walmart After Rebate
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free ZOA Energy Drink at Select Stores
Free 25.4 oz. Nutpods Creamer After Rebate
Free Belle Aroma Essential Breeze Portable Aromatherapy Fan Essential Oil Diffuser
Free Digital Postcard with Santa at Spirit Christmas
Free Ghostbusters: Spirit Unleashed Ecto Edition PC Game for Prime Members

 

Deals:

Apple iPad 9th Generation ONLY $199 (Reg $329) – Lowest Price Ever!
Renu Contact Solution ONLY $2.99 (Reg. $8.99)
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Free Covergirl Perfect Blend Pencil
Amazon Spend $50 Get $15 in Credit on Household Products
Target Store Themed Halloween Costumes as low as $10 & BOGO 50%
Walgreens Super Premium Toilet Paper ONLY $1.99 (Reg $4.99)
Barbie Clothes & Play Sets up to 70% off
Cooks 2-Slice Toaster ONLY $22.49 at JCPenney (Reg $50)
Walmart Beauty Box ONLY $6.98 Free Shipping
Free Covergirl Eye Enhancer Eyeshadow Palette

10/6/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week is going to be bonks. We’ve got appointments every day this week.  I did a bunch of meal prep today, and we’ll be having a lot of grab-and-go pre-prepped meals as a result.

I’ve also fallen off my more regimented eating plan, and I haven’t been able to get to the gym as much as I’d like lately, so I’m buckling down on my personal food intake and sticking to what I’ve planned only (for myself, we’ve got all kinds of back up meals if the kids aren’t feeling what I had planned).

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. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are 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. I have a post here about our lunches. School lunches are free for kids in California, but my kids usually bring lunch from home. I pre-plan my lunches for the week and take a weeks worth of lunches to work on Monday and stash them in the breakroom firdge.

Dinner: With everything going on this week, meal prepping has been a huge lifesaver.. Hopefully after this next hot spell, we’ll get some more typical fall weather and I can use my crockpot more often!

  • Sunday:  Soup, grilled cheese, fruit salad
  • Monday: Chicken Nuggets, Watermelon slices, chips
  • Tuesday: Fruit Smoothies, bagels with cream cheese

  • Wednesday: Soup, quesadillas, chips, fruit salad – We have a bunch of soups in the freezer!

  • Thursday: Hashbrown breakfast bake- I didn’t have time to do this one last week

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Time For Glasses? Deals and Glasses Freebies

It’s that time of year. Glasses time for the kids. Kids are rough on everything, including glasses. The big kid usually goes through 1-2 pairs a year, just in day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily I’ve found some ways to save money on glasses and I thought I’d share.

1- Take advantage of existing vision insurance. Look on the back of your kid’s health insurance card to find out which company handles the vision coverage, or give your child’s health insurance carrier a call. My kids receive one eye exam and 1 free pair of glasses per year. I’m not sure if it’s available in all states.

2-If you need help getting glasses or vision exams for your kids, check out Vision to Learn. They operate in 13 states and partner with the Boys and Girls Club, offering free eye exams and eyeglasses for kids. If you aren’t in a state where they operate, check out InfantSEE.  They offer Kids 6 months-1 year a free eye exam.

3- If you are in San Diego, the Shiley Eye clinic (part of UCSD) has the EyeMobile. They have frequent outreach events to help kids obtain needed eye exams and glasses. Check out their Facebook Page to keep up to date on their upcoming events.

If you are 65+, you can obtain a free eye exam from Eye Care America.

4- Onto the deals. Once you have your prescription in hand, check out online stores like Abbe glasses. They have great deals on frames and lenses. I scored two pairs of glasses for under $50 for the big kid with their BOGO sale. ILoveGlasses also has good deals as well. Both of these companies are great for budget-conscious families. If you are looking for something a little higher-end (or for grown-ups), I also like Warby Parker.

They have a great glasses try-on program, and they also sell Contacts. In fact, they have a free contact offer.

Having used Warby Parker before, their glasses are great, and their service is amazing! We bought glasses online, and later when they needed to be adjusted (helpful tip: Don’t roughhouse with kids when you are wearing glasses), we took them to our local Warby Parker store and they “tuned up” the glasses FOR FREE!

And if you are wondering what to do with all of the old eyeglasses in your house that are no longer your current prescription…. The Lions Club helps recycle eyeglasses and get them into the hands of the needy. You can find out more about how and where to recycle your unwanted eyeglasses here.  I also recommend checking with your local optometrist’s office. They frequently partner with local Lion’s Clubs to collect old glasses. You could help a person in need get the glasses they can’t afford!

What are your tips for saving on glasses and contacts?

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Positive Parenting: Free Online Parenting support!

This information was emailed to me by my kid’s school district.

The Santee School District and Jewish Family Services are presenting the Positive Parenting Program via Zoom.

Dates: Wednesdays: 10/9, 10/16 & 10/26, 2024
Time: 6-7:30pm (Register in advance)
Register Here

10/4/2024 Weekly Freebies and Deals

This week has been rough, but Freebies wait for no man.

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 Radicle Science Mental Clarity Supplements
Free Sky Valley Green Sriracha
Free Pulled Pork or Chicken Breast Sandwich Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Free Blink Mini Camera from Barkbox
Free Fire Rescue Truck Workshop at Home Depot
Calm and Cozy: Free Baby Sleep Music for Restful Nights
Free Big Mac at McDonald’s
Free Nurishh Animal Free Cream Cheese at Select Retailers
Free $10 for Signing up for JCPenney Rewards
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
Free Bulgari Le Gemme Tygar Fragrance Sample
Score a Subscription to Vanity Fair Magazine – No Credit Card Needed
Free Keys Soulcare It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint Sample
Free Sample of NYX BlurScreen SPF 30 Primer
Free $6 Bonus from Ibotta
Free Donut Holes at AMC Theatres
Free Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
Free Screwdriver, Cable Ties, or Magnetic Parts Holder at Harbor Freight
Free Sample Pack of PooPeePads Dog Training Pads
Free Sample of Zesty Paws Dog Supplements
Free Order of Mozzarella Sticks at Dave & Buster’s
30 Minutes of Free Play & Lifetime Membership at Topgolf
Free Sample of L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Free Private Selection Cinnamon Roll at Kroger & Affiliate Stores

Deals:

Victoria’s Secret Panties 10 For $40
Disney Store: 30% Off Costumes & Halloween Styles
Maybelline Baby Lips ONLY $1.11 (Reg $5.49)
10 Best Restaurant Family Meal Deals Under $20 + Coupons
Cuisinart Advantage 12-Piece Knife Set ONLY $29 (Reg $65)
Complete Home Sandwich Bags Buy One Get Two Free
Cooks 3-Piece Cast Iron Fry Pan Set ONLY $22.49 (Reg $50)
Cultured Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings ONLY $9.75 (Reg $33)
Kids Clothing Clearance at Walmart | Prices Start at ONLY $3.98
Barbie Clothes & Play Sets up to 70% off
Get $5 Walmart Cash with Pampers Easy Ups Purchase
Save 20% on Kids’ Clothing at Target

9/30/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgThis week’s meal plan is very loose. I try to meal prep and plan on Sunday’s, but we have a   Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box coming tomorrow, so I think I’ll be doing the bulk of the meal prep tomorrow. At least veggie-wise.

I’ll be roasting cauliflower, squash, and other veggies with some of these Urban Accents kits.  The Citrus pepper is my favorite.

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. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are 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. I have a post here about our lunches. School lunches are free for kids in California, but my kids usually bring lunch from home.

Dinner: I’m working on a couple new recipes this week, so meals may get swapped around based on my free time. We’ve got therapy every week, so that cuts into our time at home (and my time to cook). Meal prepping has been a huge lifesaver on those busy days. Hopefully after this next hot spell, we’ll get some more typical fall weather and I can use my crockpot more often!

  • Sunday:  Spaghetti with veggie/meat sauce, garlic bread (I have leftovers from last night)
  • Monday: Chicken Nuggets, Watermelon slices, chips
  • Tuesday: Italian Chicken (recipe coming up this week), fruit salad

  • Wednesday: Fruit Smoothies, bagels with cream cheese

  • Thursday: Hashbrown breakfast bake (new recipe coming up this week)

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza

Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Back to school season has kicked my butt! I’m not feeling too hot today, but I wanted to get some freebies and deals out there.

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 Products with Highlight
Free Pack of Baby Wipes
Free Sample of Sheba Gravy Indulgance Cat Food
Free Teeth-Whitening Pen and Toothpaste
Free Kinder Bueno Chocolate Bar
Free Mahatma Ready-to-Heat Rice Chatterbuy
Free Bloomingdale’s Little Fragrance Sample Box
Free PawPrint Magazine
Free Mentos Strawberry Paperboard Gum Chatterbox Kit
Free Love Corn Lunchbox Snack
USPS Operation Santa – Possible Free Gift or Send a Gift to a Child in Need
Free Medium Fries at McDonalds – Every Friday
Free 21 oz. Bottle of Electrolit Electrolyte Beverage
Free Neutrogena Moisturizer or Serum
Free Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Vitamin Cg Shampoo & Conditioner Samples
Free Sample of John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Creme
Free ACANA or ORIJEN Cat Food
Free Fries Every Friday at Wendy’s
2 Free Movie Tickets to White Bird
3 Free Cookies for the 1st 300 Each Day at Insomnia Cookies
Up to 4 Free COVID Tests
Possible Free DREO Space Heater

Deals:

Tools of the Trade 10-Piece Bakeware Set at Macy’s ONLY $26.93 (Reg $76)
Ugg Blankets & Shower Curtains up to 67% Off
Halloween Pajamas for All From $5 at Target
Purex Detergent Buy One Get Two Free
Amazon Basics Folders with 2 Pockets 2-Pack ONLY 49¢
Walmart Designer Fragrance Sale up to 70% Off
Cuisinart Advantage 12-Piece Knife Set ONLY $29 (Reg $65)
Free $15 Target Gift Card with Purchase of $75 of Baby Essentials
Designer Fragrances up to 88% Off
Summer Clearance at Walgreens – up to 90% Off
Garnier Shampoo ONLY $1 (Reg $5.49)

Celebrate National Baking Day!

I love baking- cookies, bread, even biscuits. To celebrate National Baking Day, here are a few of my favorite recipes:

Want cookies but don’t want to turn on the oven? Try these:

9/22/2024 Weekly Meal Plan

0a5e9dab796cea8a07eabe4eb4795b9e.jpgI’m back to posting Meal Plans. I took some time away to try and get back into the back-to-school/work swing of things.

I’m working on batch cooking to have soups/stews in the freezer. I made chicken noodle soup and chili from scratch this weekend. I split each batch into three: 1 for the fridge, one for the freezer, and one for my mom.

I add a lot of veggies to my soups and stews to increase the fiber content and help us get in our five a day.

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. The kids request bagels and fruit most mornings. The big kid is on a smoothie kick; his favorites are 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. I have a post here about our lunches. School lunches are free for kids in California, but my kids usually bring lunch from home.

Dinner: I reorganized the freezer over the weekend and discovered some spaghetti sauce, and a few other things that were buried under frozen fruit. Because we’ve got a busy week ahead (doctor’s appointments after school/work), we’ll be utilizing a lot of batch-prepped foods.

  • Sunday:  Spaghetti with veggie/meat sauce, garlic bread
  • Monday: Chicken noodle soup or smoothies with avocado toast
  • Tuesday: Chili, tortilla chips, fruit

  • Wednesday: Chef Salad, garlic bread

  • Thursday: Breakfast for dinner- Probably Quiche

  • Friday: Takeout night!
  • Saturday: Leftover Palooza